Cultural Journeys Lighter on archaeology, but packed with cultural insight, iconic attractions & memorable experiences
From £2,795 • Save up to £200pp • 9 brand new tours • Small groups
JOURNEYS OF A LIFETIME
INTRODUCING A BRAND NEW RANGE OF TOURS It’s a big world out there and with so much to explore in every destination, where do you start? At Andante Travels, we have created a range of culturally rich tours, which include iconic archaeological sites and also introduce you to the authentic heart of a destination – through encounters with local people, a chance to sample local food and drink, opportunities to observe wildlife, and time to explore many off-the-beaten-track gems. Creating memorable moments are at the heart of these tours; sunrise over the Himalayas? Sharing a drink and conversation with locals? Walking in the footsteps of kings and queens, dynasties, warriors, and travellers before you? Come and join us to experience yours.
To delight, intrigue and inspire you, on each tour you’ll experience most or even all of the following: Sightseeing and orientation tours, visits to villages, towns and cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and selected museums Travelling in a variety of transport, seeing unique landscapes from different perspectives and observing endemic wildlife
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Spending time and interacting with local people, your Tour Host and local experts Exploring markets, and tasting local food and drink Learning about history and culture through engaging visits and activities
Machu Picchu
SAVE UP TO £200 OFF TOURS FOR BLACK FRIDAY In celebration of our Black Friday sale, we have an exciting early booking offer for you. Save up to £200 on our new range of tours, offer ends 2nd December 2019.
Contents Israel..................................................................... pg 8 Jordan..................................................................pg 12 India..................................................................... pg 16 Nepal................................................................... pg 20 China................................................................... pg 24 Costa Rica........................................................... pg 28 Brazil................................................................... pg 32 Peru..................................................................... pg 36 Agra, India
Greenland & Iceland......................................... pg 40
For more information or to book a tour, just visit our website andantetravels.com or call a member of our team today on 01722 395445 01722 395445 | 3
Explore more of the culture and heritage behind a destination These are not tours for the mere observer. These are tours designed to immerse guests in their chosen destination authentically and responsibly, through cultural encounters, hands-on experiences and through visits to sites both iconic and lesser-known. Broaden your horizons and make memories that will last a lifetime on a tour with Andante.
Orientation tours of villages, town and cities Getting a real sense of the place you’re in while on your travels is important, and understanding your surroundings gives you a window into local culture, a first-hand insight into the lifestyle of the people, and can help place the destination into a wider historical context.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Coming face-to-face with iconic landmarks that have been given UNESCO World Heritage status is, for many of us, a true bucket-list experience. From the world-famous to the lesser-known, the UNESCO-listed sites included on our tours are bound to leave a lasting impression.
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Northern lights, Greenland
Local people Something that you’ll experience on a tour that you wouldn’t necessarily be able to facilitate on your own is the meaningful encounters we can offer you with local people. Learn about their lives, culture and traditions through personal meetings. In Greenland, local families invite you into their homes for coffee, cake and conversation. In Costa Rica, chat with an ancestor of one of the first settlers in Tortuguero. In Nepal, there will be a visit to Gurung’s village school and the local coffee farm.
Tour Hosts and Local Experts Wadi Rum desert
Travelling in a variety of transport We may be used to travelling in air-conditioned coaches, but taking different forms of transport can not only make for a more exciting journey, but it allows us to reach places considered to be a bit more off-the-beaten-track and offers a dimension of authenticity we would otherwise miss. Cruise out to the Eqi glacier in Greenland, take a cable car down the side of Sugar Loaf Mountain in Brazil – stopping only to get out for a refreshing cocktail as you take in the panorama – or enjoy a 4x4 sunset safari through Jordan’s lunar-like Wadi Rum desert.
Each of our tours will be led by a Tour Host and, on occasion, may be joined in part by a local expert. Your Tour Host is on hand to bring all aspects of your destination to life, from the history and culture, to putting the sites visited into context from a range of interesting perspectives.
Unique landscapes We have designed our tours to showcase the landscape in every kind of light – from the dizzying heights of a cable car and locations on land where a glimpse of the elusive aurora borealis may be possible, to a national park that houses a volcano. Soak in geothermal hot springs, sail right up to glaciers and watch the sun rise over legendary mountains with us. A tea vendor in India
Viewing endemic wildlife Visiting a far-flung destination can, for many of us, be a once in a lifetime experience. However, with the privilege of exploring the world comes a sense of duty to do so responsibly. Our animal encounters are safe, respectful and ethical, meaning you can observe wildlife among nature and in natural habitats without feeling conflicted or guilty.
Explore local markets Getting to ‘live like a local’ can give you a much greater insight into a culture. This can be an enlightening, rewarding and enjoyable part of any trip, which is why we will take you to local markets along the way. Here, you’ll get to see what kind of goods are on offer, how handicrafts are made in traditional ways, and you’ll be able to witness the diverse exchanges between buyers and sellers at different types of markets.
Taste local food and drink The flavours of a destination can tell as much of a story as its buildings and monuments. This is why we’ve ensured that each of our itineraries feature the chance to sample local drinks and indulge in regional foods.
History and culture through engaging visits and activities Instead of just wandering around museums and art galleries, we will bring history and culture to life through a variety of immersive visits. Along with the chance to observe, we will also offer you the chance to participate, allowing traditions and rituals to come to life right before your eyes – in the most memorable of settings.
For more information to book a tour visit our website andantetravels.com or call a member of the team today 01722 395445 Peruvian weaver
01722 395445 | 5
FESTIVALS & EVENTS Part of really experiencing a destination is getting involved with the local culture. This is why we have included a selection of traditional festivals throughout our collection of tours, which will acquaint you with the folklore, rituals and values upheld by the people who live in the places you’ll visit.
INTI RAYMI FESTIVAL
DASHAIN FESTIVAL
DIWALI FESTIVAL
24th June 2020
25th October 2020
14th November 2020
To mark the Winter Solstice, Inti – the Incan Sun God – is honoured. A day full of ancient customs, traditional music and dance, and lively celebrations await. During our Peru tour, page 40
This annual event is celebrated at the end of Navaratri every year and marks the victory of Ramayan over the demon king Ravana, honouring the triumph of good over evil. During our Nepal tour, page 20
A major festival, where houses and shops decorated with candles and lights, and music, food and firework displays all make up the colourful and lively festivities. During our India tour, page 36
India’s Holi festival
RIO CARNIVAL
SAN JOSÉ PATRON DAY
INDIA’S HOLI FESTIVAL
20th February 2021
19th March 2021
29th March 2021
Held the Saturday after the carnival, the Champion’s Parade reunites the carnival’s champion and five runners-up, closing the Rio Carnival Samba Parades. During our Brazil tour, page 28
The patron saint of San José is recognised and celebrated on this day, with parades, Costa Rican bullfights, and blessings performed by priests all over the city. During our Costa Rica tour, page 24
A revered and celebrated Hindu festival, sometimes called the “festival of love or colours”, Holi is a day spent embracing positivity and rejoicing. During our India tour, page 36
CHINA’S MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL 21st September 2021 Also known as the Moon Festival, mooncakes are enjoyed and parks are lit with special displays and lanterns. Cultural shows and parades also take place. During our China tour, page 16
Rio Carnival
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THE ANDANTE DIFFERENCE A deeper appreciation of ancient history If you are familiar with Andante Travels, you’ll know that all of our tours are led by experts. The local Tour Hosts, who lead our tours, bring all aspects of your destination to life – from the history and culture, to putting the sites visited into context from a range of perspectives. Not only will they be incredibly knowledgeable about the places you visit, they will also be personable and engaging. In addition, local experts may also join you on tour as they will have extensive knowledge or experience of a particular place we visit.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR? • Like-minded travellers Enjoy a tour in the company of others who share your passion. Andante travellers are interesting, intelligent people who lead all manner of different lives. We aim to create an easy and informal atmosphere so you feel that you are travelling with friends. Places available for solo travellers on our tours are limited, so we recommend booking as soon as possible. • Group size Several of our tours would not be fully appreciated if you were travelling as part of a large group. Therefore, to make the most of the experiences on tour, the maximum group size will always be 18. • Transport In addition to air-conditioned coaches, we will also utilise different modes of transport to enhance the enjoyment of a particular part of a tour, such as travel by Jeep, canoe or even cable car. • Accommodation During all of our tours, we stay in a variety of carefully chosen accommodation. By selecting accommodation that is best-suited to each individual tour, we ensure the perfect location to make the most of each destination. Our choices also showcase the best of the local style, atmosphere and ambience, so in addition to the many fabulous hotels, we also stay in different styles of lodges – from the luxurious to unpretentious, to eco-friendly and even a Bedouin camp. • Meals & drinks We usually include breakfast, lunch and dinner during your tour, but we do leave the occasional meal free for you to explore on your own or with fellow travellers. On occasions where we have an independent meal, your Tour Host will be able to offer suggestions and will still be on hand so that you never have to eat alone. We include water with all included meals, as well as throughout the day, and also include either wine, beer or soft drinks and tea or coffee with included dinners on most of our tours. Some trips also include the opportunity to learn how to make local dishes and sample unique regional beverages. • Local Tour Hosts All of our tours are led by a specially selected Tour Host, who will be with you from start to finish throughout the tour. For more information about each host, please see the relevant tour page. • All sites and visits All entrances to museums, sites and other venues are included in the tour price. For specific details, please see the individual day-by-day itineraries. • Free time to explore On all of our tours, we have ensured there is some free time for you to explore further on your own or that you have the option to simply relax and enjoy the facilities in your accommodation. • Porterage Where it is useful and convenient to have porterage during a particular tour, we have included it.
Toucan in Costa Rica
Holiday enhancements & flexibility Upgrade your room Would you like a room with a view or a luxurious suite? If the accommodation we are staying at offers upgraded rooms at a supplement, we will do our very best to help secure your perfect upgrade. Upgrade your flights If you’d like to upgrade your flights, just give our customer care team a call and they will be happy to arrange this for you. Door-to-door transfers It can sometimes be stressful getting to and from the airport, so to take the pressure off before and after you have enjoyed your tour, why not treat yourself to a door-to-door transfer? With someone else in the driving seat, you can just sit back and relax. Extra nights pre- or post-tour If you would like to do some independent sightseeing or simply have time to do as you choose prior to the start of a tour or afterwards, our expert team will be happy to assist. Simply give us a call to discuss your travel needs and budget, and we will tailor your trip to your personal requirements.
How to book When you’ve found a tour that enchants you, the next step is to give us a call. A member of our friendly team will be on hand to take your booking and help with any further questions you may have. Alternatively, you can also book directly through our website, which features all the latest information about all of our tours.
Call 01722 395445 or visit andantetravels.com 01722 395445 | 7
Cable car over the Masada Fortress
ISRAEL
A unique blend of the ancient & modern 10 Days
From £3,345pp
Departing November 2020 & March 2021
Activity Level
Israel is a country of immense natural beauty and unbeatable history, with a culture that is a unique blend of the ancient and modern. From the lively city of Tel Aviv and the holy city of Jerusalem, to the lowest place on earth – the Dead Sea – spending time in this country will be truly memorable. Let the culinary delights of this country enchant you with a wine-tasting experience and a cookery class where a popular brunch dish is on the menu. Take a cable car to King Herod’s desert fortresspalace and accept an invitation from a local family to join them for an authentic Shabbat dinner, where stories of this special event will be shared. Join us here to see what the true heart of Israel is all about. 8 | andantetravels.com
Shrine of the Bab, Bahá’í Gardens
Tour Highlights • Travel right across Israel, exploring many of the country’s cultural icons, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, Acre, Nazareth, Jerusalem and Bethlehem • Discover the ancient fortress of King Herod in Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site • See the architecture of several ancient sites and, in contrast, observe modern Israeli street art and graffiti
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
16th - 25th Nov 2020
£3,495 £3,345
£830
22nd - 31st Mar 2021
£3,595 £3,445
£830
• Spend time both with the Druze community and with a Jewish family to learn more about their way of life, culture and traditions • Relax with a float in the Dead Sea – a completely unique experience that must be tried at least once in your lifetime • Explore Ein Gedi Nature Reserve with its varied landscapes, botanical gardens and endemic wildlife • Sample excellent wines at the Golan Winery, enjoy a culinary tour in Nazareth and try your hand at making the delicious dish known as shakshuka • Visit modern Sarona Market, the ancient Cardo in Jerusalem and the Mahane Yehuda market
Tour Host: Shai Nahon Leading unique tours in Israel is the perfect opportunity for Shai Nahon to share his love for this remarkable country. From its contrasting landscapes, between the world of the Bible and modernity, between different minorities who share the country and the links between the three major religions; Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Shai’s aim is to present all of this and more during these tours.
Price Includes • A Tour Host throughout • Return flights from London and all other transport a s detailed • Accommodation at the Tal Hotel, the Bay Club Haifa and the Harmony Hotel • 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 6 dinners, plus a light supper in the hotel room on arrival day • Water with all meals, either two glasses of wine, two beers, or two soft drinks & tea or coffee with included dinners • All activities, and entries to all sites and museums • Gratuities for all waiters for included dinners and hotel porters • All accommodation and transport taxes
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/isl 01722 395445 | 9
Day One | London - Tel Aviv Upon arrival in the Israel capital of Tel Aviv, we meet our Tour Host who will be with us throughout our time in Israel. We will have a light supper when we get to our hotel and then a good night’s sleep before we start our tour tomorrow morning. Day Two | Tel Aviv & Old Jaffa We begin our tour in Tel Aviv with a visit to Old Jaffa, the first Jewish city of the modern era, and we take a walking tour to view examples of the intriguing Bauhausstyle architecture from the 1930s. The local proliferation of the style won Tel Aviv recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the nickname of the ‘White City’. After lunch, we enjoy a special street art and graffiti tour. Tel Aviv is becoming one of the most culturally rich cities in the Middle East in several aspects – including in alternative contemporary art. Here, we see the best works of street art and graffiti, and we uncover the history, philosophy and different meanings of the art around us. This evening we visit Sarona Market, a lively, modern and urban market that offers both an excellent and wide range of contemporary Israeli cuisine. Day Three | Tel Aviv - Haifa After breakfast, we head north along the Mediterranean coast, stopping to see the impressive remains of Caesarea, built by Herod the Great and once the seat of Roman rule. We continue on to Haifa, the largest harbour city of Israel, for a panoramic view of Haifa Bay and of the beautiful Bahá’í Gardens with its impressive temple. Next, we enjoy a special lunch at a Druze village, where we learn about the Druze community and its importance in Israel’s history. Heading northwest, we reach the ancient crusader port city of Acre, a fascinating town with an excavation site over 1,000 years old. Here, we’ll visit the Crusader Halls and see the underground tunnels and pathways, as well as the ancient port and fortifications that were still strong enough to allow the inhabitants of the town to hold out against the invading armies of Napoleon. Day Four | Sea of Galilee & Golan Heights Our day starts with a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee, before paying a visit to Capernaum, where a 2nd century synagogue was discovered and which threw new light on the life of the community of that era. We also visit Safed, centre of Jewish mysticism for hundreds of years, which has recently developed into a contemporary artists’ colony. Israel has also become well-known for the quality of its wines, and after lunch we visit the Golan Winery, where we have the chance to sample some of their vintages. We finish the day with a 4x4 Jeep tour of the Golan Heights, which offers views over the Sea of Galilee. 10 | andantetravels.com
Day Five | Haifa - Jerusalem It may be wise not to eat too much breakfast today because our first stop is in Nazareth, where we enjoy a culinary tour of the local specialities – including ancient spices, confectionery, tehina from the Galilee, local coffee, and what is considered to be the best hummus in all of Israel. With our stomachs considerably fuller, we make our way south through the Jordan Valley towards Jerusalem, stopping on the way to visit Beit She’an – with spectacular ruins of the ancient Roman and Byzantine city. Arriving into Jerusalem, we take part in a truly authentic experience as we join a local family for a Shabbat dinner. This is a perfect opportunity to learn about Shabbat and its traditions, as well as enjoy an excellent meal. Day Six | Jerusalem We spend a full day today exploring many of the highlights of the old city of Jerusalem, starting with a stop at the Mount of Olives, which offers a panoramic view across the old city, then we make our way through the Christian Quarter. Continuing to the Arab Bazaar, where haggling has been raised to an art form, our walk takes us along a portion of the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After lunch we enter Palestine for a visit to Bethlehem, where we take a short tour that includes a stop at the Church of the Nativity and the Shepherd’s Field. We finish our day trying our hand at creating a popular Israeli dish – shakshuka – at an immersive workshop. Day Seven | Jerusalem Today we venture into the City of David and tour its fascinating tunnels as well as see the newest excavations of Jerusalem during the time of the 1st Temple period. We continue our exploration with a walk-through the Jewish Quarter and we visit some of the renowned sites, including the Western Wall and
Old city and port of Jaffa
Dead Sea
the Cardo, an ancient commercial street where you can still shop today. After lunch, we visit Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and Museum, a powerful remembrance to the Holocaust situated atop Har Hazikaron, literally the “Hill of Memory.” Our morning finishes with some free time at Mahane Yehuda Market, established in 1887. Upon our return to Jerusalem this evening there will also be an opportunity to see the spectacular Sound & Light Show at the Tower of David museum.
Day Eight | Dead Sea & Ein Gedi Nature Reserve A refreshing start to the day is ours as we enjoy leisure time to relax and float on the waters of the Dead Sea – a truly bizarre, but relaxing experience, which must be tried to be understood! Afterwards, we take a picturesque drive out to the site of Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in a series of caves between 1946 and 1956. The rest of our day is spent hiking in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.
Haifa Bethlehem Masada
The largest oasis in Israel, it is home to a variety of landscapes, botanical gardens, springs, and small waterfalls. If we are lucky, we may even be able to spot Nubian ibexes and rock hyraxes.
Day Nine | Masada This morning we ascend by cable car to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Masada, where we marvel at King Herod’s desert fortress-palace and last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots against Roman domination in 73 CE. The afternoon is free to spend as we wish before we regroup in the evening to enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Here, we can reflect and share memories of all that we have learnt and enjoyed during this trip. Day Ten | Jerusalem – Tel Aviv – London After breakfast, we make our return to Tel Aviv where we say our goodbyes to our Tour Host and board our return flight back to London.
Tel Aviv
Jerusalem
Dead Sea
Spices at a market in Jerusalem
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/isl 01722 395445 | 11
The Monastery at Petra
JORDAN
Centuries-old sites & desert landscapes 10 Days
From £2,845pp
Departing September 2020 - April 2021
Activity Level
Jordan appears on most people’s bucket lists, with Petra getting most of the attention. However, there is much more to this fabulous part of the Middle East. Jordanian people are some of the friendliest around and very proud of all their country has to offer. The experiences available here to the intrepid traveller are diverse and plentiful. Discover what it feels like to float in the legendary Dead Sea and enjoy the benefits of its hyper-saline waters. Traverse the lunar-like Wadi Rum desert and see for yourself why many movies, from “Lawrence of Arabia” to “Prometheus”, chose to film their scenes here. Let the landscape surprise you with a visit to a nature reserve, where endemic animals can be seen. This is Jordan, but not as you may know it. 12 | andantetravels.com
Little Rock Bridge, Wadi Rum
Tour Highlights • Travel the length of Jordan, with visits to some truly special places including Jerash, Madaba, Wadi Rum, Petra, Dana, Wadi Mujib, and the Dead Sea • Walk through the main Siq at Petra and marvel at the famous Treasury, which appears majestically before us through a crack in the canyon
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
11th - 20th Sep 2020
£2,995 £2,845
£475
• Trek through the diverse Dana Biosphere Reserve, with the chance to see many different animals – maybe we’ll catch a glimpse of the elusive sand cat!
23rd Oct - 1st Nov 2020
£2,995 £2,845
£475
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, the Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” and enjoy a memorable night under canvas in the spectacular surroundings of Wadi Rum
15th - 24th Mar 2021
£2,995 £2,845
£475
2nd - 11th Apr 2021
£2,995 £2,845
£475
• Mingle with locals in the Abdali mall in Amman, have lunch with a local family at their house in Dana village and spend time at the Dana Children’s Centre • Enjoy a Jordanian wine-tasting experience, learn to cook traditional Jordanian dishes, and let us treat you to a sunset cocktail reception in the desert with canapés by candlelight in Wadi Rum
Tour Host: Ashraf Hanini Ashraf has led tours across Jordan for a number of specialist tour operators over the last 10 years. His extensive experience ensures that his tours are executed efficiently and his knowledge of the country’s archaeology, history and religion is extraordinary.
Tour Host: Salah Abu Naffa Working as a professional tour guide since 2010, Salah is very proud of his cultural heritage and relishes the opportunity to share this with his groups. He has experience leading a variety of themed tours, including cultural and adventure trips, all of which he delivers with enthusiasm.
Price Includes • A Tour Host throughout • Return flights from London & all other transport as detailed • Accommodation at the Sun City Camp, the Dana Guest House, the Dead Sea Spa Hotel, the Old Village Resort and the San Rock Hotel • 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 7 dinners, plus a light supper in the hotel room on arrival day • Water with all meals, either two glasses of wine, two beers, or two soft drinks & tea or coffee with included dinners • All activities, and entries to all sites and museums • Gratuities for all waiters for included dinners and hotel porters • All accommodation and transport taxes
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/jod 01722 395445 | 13
Day One | London - Amman Flying from London, we arrive and meet our Tour Host. After a light bite to eat, we then relax in the hotel so that we can start our tour reinvigorated the next morning. Day Two | Amman Our day begins with a city tour of Amman, starting at Citadel Hill. The hill has been a focus for human settlement since the Palaeolithic Age, but unfortunately, when the Romans moved in to occupy the area, they cleared away whatever they found – including the remains of the Ammonite city of Rabbath Ammon, which they literally threw over the side of the hill. Fortunately, the huge Umayyad Palace complex on the upper terrace of the citadel still remains. We also make a visit to the Roman amphitheatre before heading downtown to the newer part of Amman. After lunch, we mingle with locals at the Abdali mall and visit the King Abdallah Mosque, before enjoying a Jordanian wine-tasting experience. Dinner will follow later on. Day Three | Jerash Today, we head north from Amman to visit Jerash. Conquered by General Pompey in 63 BC, the city’s golden age came under Roman rule and the site is now generally acknowledged to be one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. We then make our way to Ajloun Nature Reserve, where we will take a nature trek through the woodlands filled with oak, pistachio, and oriental strawberry trees. If we’re lucky, we might spot a striped hyena, crested porcupine or even a stone marten. After a short rest at our hotel, we head out again this evening for a local dinner and to enjoy traditional live music at Kan Zaman village. Day Four | Amman - Wadi Rum After passing through a string of ancient sites on our way south, we reach the city of Madaba, known as the “City of Mosaics.” We visit St George’s church before continuing south, with stops at Mount Nebo and then a local women’s centre, where traditional crafts, ceramics and hand embroidery are produced. Here, we have a chance to get involved in some of the processes. On arrival in Wadi Rum, we’re treated to a sunset cocktail reception in the desert with canapés by candlelight, and our night comes to an end under canvas in our deluxe Bedouin tents. Day Five | Wadi Rum - Petra This morning we take a safari by Jeep through Wadi Rum, stopping to admire the amazing rock formations and to take tea with some of the Bedouins, who will teach us more about their culture. We finish the morning with a visit to Petra Kitchen. Here, a local instructor will show us how to make some classic Jordanian dishes, 14 | andantetravels.com
which we will eat for lunch. We have an opportunity to visit Little Petra afterwards. Less famous than its grander namesake, this site is still very much worth a visit and is usually much less crowded than its big brother! Later this evening, we have the chance to enter Petra at night. Walking through the famous Siq for the first time by candlelight can be a very magical and memorable experience.
Day Six | Petra - Dana Today is all about Petra itself. The giant red mountains and vast mausoleums of a departed race must be one of the greatest wonders ever wrought by man. Although much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for this amazing place. It has to be seen to be believed. We spend a full day exploring its many highlights, including the option (for the energetic) to climb to the Monastery – similar in design to the Treasury at the entrance of the site, but much larger. Exhausted but happy, we make our way back out of the site and drive to the Dana Biosphere, where our guest house is situated. Day Seven | Dana - Dead Sea After breakfast today, we take a trek through the Dana Biosphere Reserve, an area of staggering beauty, history and biodiversity. The only reserve in Jordan that encompasses the four different biogeographical zones of the country (Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian, and Sudanian), it is a melting pot of species from Europe, Africa and Asia. The 449 identified animal species found in the reserve include 25 that are known to be endangered, including the sand cat, Syrian wolf, lesser kestrel, and the spinytailed lizard. Our walk is followed by lunch with a family at their house in the Dana village, where there will be opportunities to talk and mingle with other locals. For those who wish, there is a chance to visit the Dana
Hammamat Mai’n hot springs
Children’s Centre and to take part in the community functions, such as planting trees, painting and teaching English before we drive to our hotel, which is situated on the banks of the Dead Sea. Day Eight | Wadi Mujib Today we travel to Wadi Mujib, where we take a walk through the canyon. Depending on the weather, we can either walk along the mountainside or through the stream at the bottom of the canyon, with the opportunity to swim in the natural pools. After our walk, we make our way to a farm in the Jordan valley area to see the different produce that is grown here as well as the different traditional techniques used, before sitting down to lunch at the farm. We then return to our hotel on the Dead Sea, where an opportunity to float in its saline waters or take a mud bath awaits us!
Camels in the Wadi Rum desert
Day Nine | Mai’in Hot Springs & Jordan River We have some free time this morning to rest after a busy few days and then we drive to the Ma’in hot springs. Popular with both locals and tourists alike, the springs are located 264m below sea level in one of the most breathtaking desert oases in the world. After lunch at the springs, we travel to the site of the Baptism of Christ. This site has now been identified on the east bank of the Jordan River and is being systematically surveyed, excavated and restored. We have the opportunity to bathe in the waters here before we return to our hotel for a farewell dinner. Day Ten | Dead Sea - Amman - London It’s time to say our goodbyes as we make our way to the airport in Amman for our return flight to London.
Jordan River Jerash Amman Ma’in Hot Springs Dead Sea
Dana
Wadi Mujib
Jordan
Petra
Amman citadel
Wadi Rum Village
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/jod 01722 395445 | 15
The Taj Mahal
INDIA
A true indulgence for all the five senses 11 Days
From ÂŁ3,095pp
Departing October 2020 - March 2021
Activity Level
India is a multi-faceted and diverse country with a wide range of landscapes, cultural groups, cuisines, and ideas. It can be as chaotic as it is peaceful, and as exuberant as it is serene. The heterogeneity in cultures, language, food habits, and lifestyles together make for an incredible adventure. Along with a magical sunrise visit to the legendary Taj Mahal, which no visitor to this destination should miss, there will also be a chance to glimpse tigers at a fantastic conservation project, a trip by boat to Elephanta Island where ancient cave temples dedicated to Shiva await discovery, and many opportunities to indulge in the regional cuisine that has put India firmly on the foodie map. 16 | andantetravels.com
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agra
Take part in the lively Diwali Festival in November 2020 or the colourful Holi Festival in March 2021
Tour Highlights • A journey of contrasts stretching from the north to south, starting in Delhi and moving on to Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra, and finally to Mumbai • Visits to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Qutub Minar, Hawa Mahal, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, the Elephanta Caves, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Dates & prices per person
• Gain an insight to local life at a village in Ranthambore and wander around the bustling fish market at the Sassoon Docks in Mumbai
Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
13th - 23rd Oct 2020
£3,245 £3,095
£740
• Admire a plethora of architectural styles as reflected in buildings, temples, caves home to sculptures, religious art, carvings, and shrines in abundance
10th - 20th Nov 2020
£3,245 £3,095
£740
25th Mar - 4th Apr 2021
£3,295 £3,145
£740
• Grasp the opportunity to travel by a variety of transport from air, train, Jeep, boat, and even rickshaw
Price Includes Tour Host: Manish Nagar is a graduate from the University of Delhi and also holds a diploma in French. He has been leading groups from English speaking countries for over 10 years now. A native from the capital city Delhi and an avid nature fan, he has work closely with numerous arts, culture and nature orientated tours over the years. He has travelled extensively across the sub-continent and brings in his years of knowledge and understanding to the customers who delight in travelling with him.
Tour Host: Shakeel Chauhan obtained a Master’s in History and then went on to study Mass Communications and Linguistics. With over two decades of experience in leading groups for several British tour operators he fully understands the needs of the customer. Born and brought up in the city of the Taj Mahal, his passion for culture and the arts make him the perfect person to showcase India from a unique perspective. He enjoys travel and being with people – has lots of interesting stories and anecdotes to make the journey most interesting and fulfilling.
• A Tour Host throughout • Return flights from London and all other transport as detailed • Accommodation at the Le Meridien, Trident in Jaipur, Sawai Vilas, Trident in Agra and the Taj President • 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 9 dinners • Water with all meals, either two glasses of wine, two beers, or two soft drinks & tea or coffee with included dinners • All activities, and entries to all sites and museums • Gratuities for all waiters for included dinners and hotel porters • All accommodation and transport taxes
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/ind 01722 395445 | 17
Days One & Two | London - Delhi After an overnight flight, we’ll start our adventure in India’s capital territory at a leisurely pace with lunch and a talk about the wide variety of Indian cuisine. Afterwards, we visit the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb and the UNESCO site of Qutub Minar, then we drive past the India Gate and Presidents’ House to complete our first insight into this fascinating city.
the intricately carved marble Old City Palace, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1728. Next, we visit Jantar Mantar, one of five astronomical observatories built in north India between 1724 and 1730. This truly is a striking geometrical structure. Afterwards, we can enjoy a walk in the local bazaar.
Day Three | Delhi Our sightseeing of Old Delhi starts at Jama Masjid and then we’re dropped off at the Chandni Chowk, one of the busiest, oldest and somewhat chaotic markets in Old Delhi. After a short walk in the market, we hop aboard rickshaws and wind our way through the labyrinth of narrow streets. By coach we drive past the magnificent Red Fort and our final stop is at Raj Ghat, the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi. Our morning ends with a visit to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (a Sikh temple), where we can see the afternoon langar – or, ‘free kitchen’. The concept of the langar is to uphold the principle of equality between all people regardless of religion, caste, colour or creed, and it serves thousands of people each day. Everyone sits together on the floor to eat the meal, which is cooked and served by volunteers. In the afternoon, we walk to Connaught Place to spend time in the local market, where a variety of handicrafts are on sale from different parts of India.
Day Six | Jaipur - Ranthambore National Park Formerly the hunting grounds for the Maharajahs of Jaipur before Indian independence, this park is one of the finest tiger conservation programmes in the country under Project Tiger. These majestic predators, assured of protection here, roam freely during the daytime and can be seen up close. Ranthambore Sanctuary has a lot of fauna, but the star of the show is, of course, the King of the Jungle the great Indian tiger. We drive to Ranthambore in the morning and then take part in a late-afternoon safari in the park. We’ll close the day with a presentation on the tigers of Ranthambore, which is followed by an enlightening lecture from a wildlife expert.
Day Four | Delhi - Jaipur After breakfast, we drive to Jaipur and check into our hotel upon arrival. After some free time, we regroup later in the afternoon to take part in a Patangbazi (kite-flying) session from the terrace of a heritage hotel, accompanied by an Indian high tea. On arrival at the venue, we are welcomed by the retainers of the erstwhile royalty, who will assist women in putting on the traditional sarees, while men gain a royal aura with instruction in tying Rajasthani turbans and scarves. The art of kite-flying and the competitive spirit that goes with it is a colourful experience. Day Five | Jaipur After a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds – a short drive brings us to Amber and the magnificent fort that nestles on the rocky hill rising above Maota Lake, a symbol of power and perseverance. Close to the fort and located in a magnificently restored haveli (or mansion) is the Anokhi Textile Museum. On display are a varied selection of block-printed textiles alongside images, tools and related objects – all chosen to provide an in-depth look into the complexity of this ancient tradition. We return to Jaipur or the ‘Pink City’ to explore
Dried fruits in Chandni Chowk
18 | andantetravels.com
Elephanta Caves in Mumbai
Tigers in Ranthambore National Park
Day Seven | Ranthambore National Park Our day starts with an early morning safari, another chance to try and spot tigers along with other endemic wildlife. We return to the hotel for breakfast and enjoy some free time. In the afternoon, we visit Dastkar – a local endeavour that works with craftspeople for the promotion and revival of traditional Indian crafts. The Dastkar Ranthambore has identified local craft traditions and helps local women to come forward and use their skills. Our day ends in a nearby local village, where we have tea and conversation with a local family, a chance to learn more about life here. Day Eight | Ranthambore - Bharatpur - Agra No trip to India would be complete without a journey by train, and ours will take us to Bharatpur. On arrival at the station, we drive to Agra where we visit the Fort. This walled palatial city was built from red sandstone in the 11th century, an era
Delhi Bharatpur Jaipur
Agra
Ranthambore National Park
marked by invasions and battles, and this red stonefortified castle was the site of the India Rebellion of 1857 – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest Mughal forts in all of India.
Day Nine | Agra - Mumbai What better way to start the day then with a sunrise visit to the legendary Taj Mahal. An immense white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we have some free time before we drive to Delhi airport to fly to Mumbai. Day Ten | Mumbai At Sassoon Docks we’ll see the first catch of the day at one of the largest fish markets in the city before visiting a Koli fishing village and the local dhobi wallas in the community laundry – a truly fascinating local industry which you are not likely to have ever seen before. Our morning continues as we travel by motorboat to Elephanta Island. Here, we discover the ancient cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. We then return to Mumbai to gain an understanding of its transformation from being part of a colony to a modern city. After lunch, a walking tour showcases the city’s impressive architecture and it includes the magnificent UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in contrast with other beautiful Art Deco-inspired buildings. At the end of our walk, we’ll stop at a local café to enjoy a light snack and a refreshing local Indian beer. Day Eleven | Mumbai – London This morning, we bid a fond farewell to India and make our way back to London.
Mumbai
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/ind 01722 395445 | 19
Stupa of the Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu
NEPAL
Unparalleled natural beauty 12 Days
From ÂŁ2,795pp
Departing October 2020 - April 2021
Activity Level
Nepal has an unparalleled reputation for its natural beauty, which includes the iconic Himalayas that run across the northern and western part of the country. It is without question a country of highly diverse and rich geography, culture and religions, but it has also continued to retain an agrarian society. Delve into the fascinating, intricate art of old Tibetan Thangka painting, experience a yoga class with a master instructor in the very country that has been developing this practice for at least 28,000 years, and observe local and migratory aquatic birds at the Royal Chitwan National Park. There will also be visits to spiritual centres, which will add a new dimension of understanding to this enlightening and beautiful tour. 20 | andantetravels.com
Durbar Square in Bhaktapur
Tour Highlights
Dashain Festival – an important event in the Nepalese calendar, experience this festival during our October 2020 tour
• Discover an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas • Opportunities throughout to mix and mingle with locals in villages and towns alike as we travel through destinations such as Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, and the Chandragiri Hills
Dates & prices per person
• Considered the birthplace of yoga, there is no better place to take a class
Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
• Learn more about local life during a visit to a Tharu village, and take a hike to the Gurung Village in Kalabang
22nd Oct - 2nd Nov 2020
£2,945 £2,795
£545
24th Nov - 5th Dec 2020
£2,945 £2,795
£545
• Explore Royal Chitwan National Park on a jungle safari by Jeep and a canoe through this natural World Heritage Site, which showcases nature at its best
3rd - 14th Apr 2021
£2,995 £2,845
£545
Price Includes
Tour Host: Bipin Chandra Banepal Over 12 years leading groups on tours has enabled Bipin to share his love of Nepal and introduce its unique culture to them. He has a particular interest in ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Tour Host: Ajaya Manandhar Ajaya’s studies in Nepalese history, culture and archaeology combined with his passion for trekking and photography have been ideal for escorting groups on tours through Nepal for over 13 years. He strives to provide an enriching experience on every tour that he leads.
• A Tour Host throughout • Return flights from London, one internal flight and all other transport as detailed • Accommodation at Hotel Shangri-La, the Machan Country Villa, the Temple Tree Resort & Spa and the Chandragiri Hills Resort • 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 8 dinners • Water with all meals, either two glasses of wine, two beers, or two soft drinks & tea or coffee with included dinners • All activities, and entries to all sites and museums • Gratuities for all waiters for included dinners and hotel porters • All accommodation and transport taxes
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/nep 01722 395445 | 21
Days One & Two | London - Kathmandu After an overnight flight to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, our Tour Host will accompany us to the hotel and will give us an introduction to Nepal. Tonight, we enjoy our first dinner as a group. Day Three | Kathmandu Where better to start our orientation today than at Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, which is swarming with life. After viewing several of the square’s monuments, we visit the great medieval town square of Basantpur and the Ason Bazaar, which is the heart of the city for locals and where they shop for all manner of goods. After lunch, it’s on to Swayambhunath Stupa, located atop a hill in Kathmandu Valley. The steep stone stairs are worth the climb as surrounding this temple are multiple other temples and chaityas, which reflect an early impression of the mixture of Hindu and Buddhist religions as well as cultures that co-exist. Afterwards, we drive to Budhanilkantha Temple, which is located at the foot of the Shivpuri Hills and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Day Four | Kathmandu Pashupatinath is Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine and one of the subcontinent’s great Shiva sites, a fitting start to our day. Afterwards, we visit Boudhanath, one of Nepal’s most distinctive monuments and one of the most important Buddhist sites in Nepal. Our day continues with an introduction to the art of old Tibetan Thangka painting and a visit to the academy. This style of painting usually depicts a Buddhist deity or mandala. Aside from their beauty, they are used as teaching tools. After a late lunch, the rest of the afternoon is spent at leisure. Day Five | Kathmandu - Chitwan Next to Chitwan, and after our flight and transfer to our hotel in the morning, it’s time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Royal Chitwan National Park. By Jeep and canoe, our jungle safari along the Narayani River allows ample opportunity to spot local and migratory aquatic birds. Along the banks of the river, we’ll enjoy a cocktail as we take in the magnificent sunset views. In addition to a BBQ dinner at our hotel this evening, we’ll enjoy a performance of a typical Tharu cultural dance.
Day Seven | Chitwan - Pokhara On to Pokhara next, a city on Phewa Lake. The beautiful lakes and the Himalayan peaks rising behind them combine to make this a place of remarkable natural beauty. A truly idyllic place to enjoy a free afternoon before taking an evening walk with our Tour Host and sitting down to dinner at a local restaurant. Day Eight | Pokhara After an early morning excursion to Sarangkot to view the sunrise over the Himalayas, we head to a Kalabang village. Situated approximately 1500m above sea level, the location offers amazing views of the Pokhara valley. After a short hike, we arrive at Gurung village where the locals extend a warm welcome accompanied by locally prepared raksi – their homemade rice wine. Our time here gives us a wonderful insight into village life, including a visit to the community school and their income-generating coffee farm. Next, it’s on to the impressive Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda), whose vantage point offers spectacular views over the Annapurna Himalayan range. The remainder of our day is spent visiting the extensive International Mountain Museum and then, in contrast, the Gurkha Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the renowned regiments.
Day Six | Chitwan A second day of exploration in the park starts with an early morning nature walk, the perfect time of day to see and hear the dawn chorus of several species of bird, which will be pointed out to us by our expert guide. After some time at leisure and then lunch, we visit a local Tharu village. Here, we have the chance to meet some of the locals who are indigenous people of the Terai region and we will also see some of their traditional skills. In addition to dinner at our hotel this evening there will be a presentation by an expert on the jungle to reveal more about the National Park. Countryside home in Chitlang
22 | andantetravels.com
Pashupatinath
Nepalese Sadhu man
Day Nine | Pokhara Today is free to spend as you wish, perhaps making the most of the hotel’s facilities or exploring more at your own pace. Many consider Nepal as the birthplace of yoga, tantra and meditation – with yoga being practiced as far back as 28,000 years ago. With this in mind, we reconvene at our hotel in the afternoon for a special class with a master yoga instructor. Day Ten | Pokhara - Chandragiri Hills We have a long, but necessary journey ahead of us today to reach Chandragiri Hills. With this in mind, we enjoy a long break at the Riverside Springs Resort with the opportunity to swim, have lunch or just relax before continuing with our journey. Upon arrival at our destination, we travel by cable car to the hilltop, where we view the magnificent Himalayan range – a great start to our visit here in the stunning Kathmandu Valley.
Day Eleven | Chandragiri Hills After an early breakfast, we take a scenic trek downhill towards Chitlang, a Newari village quite unchanged since medieval times. The Newar – or Nepami – are a community whose ancestral home is in the Kathmandu Valley. During our visit, we will gain an understanding of their ancestral heritage and learn about the old traditions, cultures and lifestyles of the villagers. After a free afternoon, we meet up as a group in the evening for dinner. Day Twelve | Chandragiri Hills – Kathmandu We say our farewells to Nepal and take our return flights back to London.
Pokhara
Kathmandu Chitwan Chandragiri Hills
Buddhist Thangka
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/nep 01722 395445 | 23
Temple of Heaven in Beijing
CHINA
Iconic monuments & cultural legacies 15 Days
From £4,095pp
Departing October 2020 - September 2021
Activity Level
Overflowing with history that spans back over 10,000 years, and with rich culture, visual arts and crafts, diverse landscapes, and incredible cuisine, China should be a ‘must-visit’ on every discerning traveller’s list. On this immersive tour, you’ll experience both the ancient and the modern as they combine to offer up a truly authentic and memorable adventure. Gaze upon the amazing architecture found within the country’s temple sites, explore the bamboo forest in the Mukeng Village and see the locations immortalised on film in the Oscar-winning “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, and after ascending to the Great Wall by cable car there’s a toboggan ride waiting to take you back down. After all, there’s no one way to explore China! 24 | andantetravels.com
The Great Wall of China
Tour Highlights • An epic journey through China, which starts in Beijing then moves on to Chengdu, Xi’an, Huangshan, Shanghai, and finishes in Suzhou • View the underground army of the life-sized Terracotta Warriors – arguably one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world – and learn how they can be reproduced • Discover Huangshan, a remarkable scenic area famous for its “four wonders”: dramatic rocky peaks, wind-carved pines, seas of clouds, and crystal-clear hot springs • Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Mount Huangshan, Terracotta Warriors, the Suzhou section of the Grand Canal, and more • Explore markets and be introduced to the arts of tai chi, ink brush painting, calligraphy, and Sichuan and Kunqu opera • See Giant Pandas at the Chengdu research base, hike in the Behai scenic area and take an atmospheric walk through the bamboo forest at Mukeng Village • Travel by rickshaw in Beijing, take a cable car up to the Great Wall and travel by boat on the “Golden Waterway” of Suzhou
Tour Host: Ariel Cao Ariel has been leading tours in China for several years. Her experience combined with the knowledge and passion she has for her country make her an ideal Tour Host. Her enthusiasm and humour make for a memorable and enjoyable tour.
Tour Host: Francis Yang Francis has been working as a Tour Leader for over 20 years, during which he has shared his invaluable knowledge and extensive experience on the tours he has led. His passion for his job guarantees that anyone travelling with him has an enjoyable time.
Mid-Autumn Festival – also known as the Moon Festival, experience this during our September 2021 tour Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
12th - 27th Oct 2020
£4,295 £4,095
£575
10th - 25th May 2021
£4,495 £4,295
£615
8th - 23rd Sep 2021
£4,495 £4,295
£615
Price Includes • A Tour Host throughout • Return flights from London, two internal flights and all other transport as detailed • Accommodation at Novotel Xinqiao in Beijing, Tibet Hotel in Chengdu, Grand Noble Hotel in Xi’an, Huashan Huiyan Hotel in Huangshan, Equatorial Hotel in Shanghai and the Pan Pacific Hotel in Suzhou • 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches & 10 dinners • Water with all meals, either two glasses of wine, two beers, or two soft drinks & tea or coffee with included dinners • All activities, and entries to all sites and museums • Gratuities for all waiters for included dinners and hotel porters • All accommodation and transport taxes
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/chn 01722 395445 | 25
Days One & Two | London – Beijing After an overnight flight, we are met by our Tour Host who will brief us on the adventure that lies ahead. Later, we head straight to the Forbidden City — or Palace Museum — China’s biggest and most beautifully preserved collection of imperial buildings. Afterwards, we visit Tiananmen Square and touch on the recent history of this location. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional Beijing duck dinner.
Day Three | Beijing
A wonderful way to start our second day in China awaits as we take part in a tai chi lesson with a local master at the Temple of Heaven. Later, we’ll travel by rickshaw to visit the Hutong Museum and then we are dropped off at the house of a local family. Here, we have the opportunity to find out more about their way of life in contrast to our own. Before returning to our hotel, we’ll pop into the Sanyuanli Market. This evening includes a spectacular kung fu show.
Day Four | Beijing We start our day at the iconic Great Wall, an unparalleled feat of Chinese engineering. We visit the Mutianyu section of the wall, one of the less crowded yet most beautiful and well-preserved. Taking a cable car up and then a toboggan slide down makes for a more interesting experience! Our discovery of Beijing continues as we wander the expansive lakes and gardens of the glorious Summer Palace. Day Five | Beijing – Chengdu Leaving Beijing behind we fly to Chengdu, the capital of south-western China’s Sichuan province. Later in the afternoon, we enjoy a cup of green tea in Wangjiang Pavilion Park, which allows us to experience the relaxing life of the locals at the end of the day. Day Six | Chengdu We visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding this morning, which is a non-profit research and breeding facility for giant pandas and other rare animals, and then we head to Jinli Street. This is modelled on the architectural style of a traditional old town in the western Sichuan Province, Shu. Embroidery, handicrafts, souvenirs, and more can be seen on a stroll here, all accompanied by the delicious aroma of street food – a real feast for the eyes and nose! We meet up this evening to see a performance of Sichuan opera.
Day Eight | Xi’an A unique experience awaits today as we have lined up a private visit to the Xi’an Antiques Research and Protection Institute, under the guidance of an expert. The jewel in Xi’an’s crown is next: the 2,200-year-old Terracotta Army. We view the assembled ranks and other elements of the monumental tomb complex here. Afterwards, we have an opportunity to learn how to reproduce terracotta warriors as pottery art. Day Nine | Xi’an – Huangshan We fly to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) next, a range of more than 70 jagged peaks in eastern China’s Anhui province. After checking in to our hotel, we have the afternoon at leisure before heading out to a local restaurant for dinner this evening. Day Ten | Huangshan After breakfast, we transfer to Mukeng village for a trek in the bamboo forest, which is well-known for being the location of scenes shot for the Oscarwinning movie, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. We visit Xidi, declared part of the “Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui” World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2000, before heading to Tunxi. It’s time to get creative this afternoon with an ink brush workshop that includes tuition from a master, followed by a short calligraphy lesson. Our day comes to a close with a stroll along Tunxi Old Street, where we’ll find curious ornaments and other souvenirs.
Day Seven | Chengdu – Xi’an Travelling by bullet train, we arrive in Xi’an for lunch. Home to the largest and bestpreserved ancient city wall in China, we’ll learn about its history and functions as well as enjoy the views it affords over the city of Xi’an. An evening of Tang Dynasty music and performance makes for a colourful and entertaining event while we enjoy a traditional dumpling dinner.
26 | andantetravels.com
Panda bears in Chengdu
Wangjiang Pavilion Park in Chengdu
Sichuan opera
Day Eleven | Huangshan A full day of exploring around Mount Huangshan awaits. We take the Yungu cable car up to the mountain, visit the Begin-to-Believe Peak, hike in the Beihai scenic area, visit the Flower Grown out of a Writing Brush Rock, the Lion Peak, and then we take a further hike in the Xihai Scenic Area. The impressive landscapes are the star of the show, but we should keep our eyes peeled during the hike for endemic birds and possibly even the odd monkey. We return back down the mountain by cable car, an experience that brings this truly adventurous day to an end. Day Twelve | Huangshan - Shanghai Consumed in China for over 4,000 years, green tea reputedly has a number of health benefits. Today we visit a core production area of Chinese green tea. Joining the local tea farmers, we’ll spend time picking tea with them and then we can enjoy a tea ceremony itself. After lunch, we travel by high speed train to Shanghai. Day Thirteen | Shanghai Our full day in Shanghai includes a visit to Yuyuan Garden, a fine example of a classical Chinese garden, and then we head to the leafy boulevards of the French Concession. After time in the arts and crafts enclave at Tianzi Fang, we finish our
exploration at the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre – a thought-provoking insight into life under Chairman Mao. This evening, we’ll take a cruise on the Huangru River.
Day Fourteen | Shanghai – Suzhou A visit to Suzhou allows us the opportunity to learn about one of the oldest extant forms of Chinese opera, Kunqu. Next, we’ll enjoy a boat ride on the Grand Canal or “Golden Waterway”. Suzhou embroidery is a perfect combination of embroidery techniques and art. During our visit to the Embroidery Research Institute we’ll see some elaborate pieces made of silk thread. For our last evening, we visit the Garden of the Masters of Nets and here we will enjoy a Pingtan performance. Day Fifteen | Suzhou – Shanghai – London This morning we say a fond farewell to the east and head back west to the UK.
Beijing
Xi’an
Suzhou
Shanghai
Chengdu Huangshan
Terracotta Warrior
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/chn 01722 395445 | 27
Arenal Volcano
COSTA RICA
Parks teeming with wildlife & rich biodiversity 11 Days
From £3,945pp
Departing July 2020 - March 2021
Activity Level
Spanning from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is a destination that Mother Nature can be proud of. Aside from its national parks, which are teeming with fauna, flora and rich biodiversity, it is also known for being a peace-loving nation of warm-hearted people. Pay a remarkable visit to one of the world’s five Blue Zones – designated areas of heightened longevity among residents – and unlock the secrets to a long life. Spend a few hours sampling amazing craft beers at a local brewery, where a talk from the master brewer will shed light on the processes behind the product. Take a walk around Tortuguero National Park and spot endemic animals such as monkeys and toucans.
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National theatre
Tour Highlights • An expedition from the Central Valley to Tortuguero on the Caribbean Coast to La Fortuna, and then from the Gulf of Papagayo on the North Pacific coast returning back to Central Valley • Engage with the spirited and friendly Costa Ricans (Ticos) through visits to markets and with communities, and also during activities
San José Patron Day – a religious holy day which you can experience during our March 2021 tour Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
• A treat for the senses – cast your eye over goldware, enjoy a sensory chocolate tasting, and observe an abundance of wildlife and birdlife
4th - 14th July 2020
£4,145 £3,945
£955
11th - 21st Dec 2020
£4,295 £4,095
£955
• Visit one of the world’s five Blue Zones to learn how the Nicoyan people follow practices that appear to unlock the secrets to longevity
10th - 20th Mar 2021
£4,595 £4,395
£995
• A nature lover’s delight awaits with visits to Tortuguero National Park – best-discovered via its network of canals – and the incredible Arenal Volcano National Park, a wealth of life zones and protected reserves are on offer here
Tour Host: Johnny Villalobos Winner of Wanderlust’s Top Conservation Guide prize at the 2019 Wanderlust World Guide Awards, Johnny grew up in Guapiles, a small community on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. An expert tour guide since 1995, his specialist subjects are natural history, naturalism and archaeology.
Tour Host: Kattia Valverde Kattia has been a naturalist guide for over 25 years. She relays the passion she has for her country when leading groups through the cities, while sharing its history, and discovering its nature, local culture and people.
Price Includes • A Tour Host throughout • Return flights from London & all other transport as detailed • Accommodation at the Bougainvillea Hotel, Laguna Lodge, the Arenal Manoa Hotel & the El Mangroove Hotel • 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 8 dinners • Water with all meals, either two glasses of wine, two beers, or two soft drinks & tea or coffee with included dinners • All activities, & entries to all sites and museums • Gratuities for all waiters for included dinners & hotel porters • All accommodation & transport taxes
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/csr 01722 395445 | 29
Day One | London - San José On arrival in San José, the capital city of Costa Rica, we are greeted by our Tour Host who will escort us to our hotel and brief us about our plans for the following day. Day Two | San José Considered to be both a traditional Central American city and a cosmopolitan urban centre, we’ll learn more about San José during our orientation this morning. On foot, we’ll see the National Theatre, Metropolitan Cathedral and Central Park, and we will visit the Central Market for a quick browse. We also visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, home to a collection that boasts 1,600 pieces of gold work that date from 500 AD to 1500 AD. Meeting one of the museum’s curators, we’ll learn some behind-the-scenes aspects of this unique collection. Travelling out of the city to the small community of San Isidro de Heredia, at Sibú we’ll be guided through a historical and sensorial experience of one of the world’s favourite foods – chocolate. Our journey of the senses starts with a sampling of fresh cacao fruit and roasted cocoa beans. We’ll then try an indigenous hot chocolate recipe from the 1500s before savouring dark chocolate squares and classic European-style bonbons. Day Three | San José - Tortuguero San José’s central location in the heart of the country provides direct access to the most popular places to visit in Costa Rica, ideal for our first visit today to Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast. Our drive takes us across the astonishing Braulio Carrillo National Park, a scenic journey that will see us pass by large banana plantations. We switch to travelling by boat and journey down La Suerte river as well as the local canals. There is ample time for wildlife spotting. After lunch at our lodge, we enjoy a visit to Tortuguero town, where we will meet one of the descendants of its first two settlers, who arrived there back in the 1940s. Day Four | Tortuguero National Park A glorious early start to the day awaits with a forest awakening tour. The north to south waterways that we travel on were engineered to connect the meandering rivers and the lagoons of the area. Early morning is the perfect time for wildlife spotting, especially for bird-watching. After breakfast, we travel along a different canal in the National Park and explore. The park is one of the most important nesting sites of chelonia midas – the green sea turtle – whereas its forests and waterways are home to endangered mammals such as sloths, monkeys, agoutis, coatis, and manatees. It also boasts abundant bird species, such as toucans, trogons, egrets, and herons. The wildlife spotting opportunities here are endless. After lunch back at our lodge, you can choose to have a free afternoon there or 30 | andantetravels.com
visit the SINEM School for Musical Education. After a talk by the director, who explains the importance and objectives of the project, we can enjoy a musical presentation from some of the children.
Day Five | Tortuguero – La Fortuna Today we head to the Northern Plains, where the iconic Arenal Volcano is located. We have a free afternoon at leisure. Rest, unwind or simply indulge yourself with a spa treatment. Instead, you could join the hotel’s visit to a local dairy farm – the choice is yours. Day Six | Arenal Located in the northern part of the Alajuela province, close to the Nicaraguan border, the Arenal region possesses beautiful and varied scenery. The Arenal National Park boasts incredible hiking, panoramic views, abundant wildlife, lush vegetation, and the country’s most active volcano. Encompassing several thousand acres of protected land, it includes eight different life zones that boast a staggering biodiversity. After we have been led through some of the park trails, our afternoon is free to relax. Why not explore the town or choose from an optional activity? Day Seven | La Fortuna – Playa Panama A scenic drive transfers us from the San Carlos Plains towards the North Pacific Coast. En route, we stop to visit Liberia City with a chance to visit the local market. Lunch is at Posada Real Café, where we will be met by the owners who explain the history behind the unique style of the house and the food we’ll enjoy. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Hidden Garden Art Gallery and then it’s on to our hotel. There is an optional visit this afternoon to CEPIA in the town of Huacas, a Costa Rican nationally accredited non-profit organisation that aims to promote culture, health, sports, and education for families from poor backgrounds in Guanacaste.
Sunset over the Nicoya Peninsula
Tortuguero National Park
Day Eight | Santa Rosa National Park Our first visit today is to the UNESCO Site of Santa Rosa National Park, home to the largest remaining section of tropical dry forest in Central America, whose beaches are the preferred nesting site for sea turtles. Including a natural history walk on the Indio Desnudo Trail, our visit features La Cason Historic Museum and the Monument to Heroes. After lunch, it’s time for some light refreshments at the Maderos Brewery, where a talk from the master brewer and a tasting await us. Day Nine | Playa Panama We grab the chance to recharge our batteries today. You can take advantage of the hotel’s great beachfront location and enjoy a dip in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Here, snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding are all readily available. Alternatively, you may choose to join a whale and dolphin expedition, or perhaps take a fishing trip.
Day Eleven | San José - London We say our goodbye to our Tour Host and leave from San José for our return journey to London.
Santa Rosa National Park
Playa Panama
Day Ten | Playa Panama – Central Valley Before we head back to where our adventure began, we first visit the Chorotega Pottery Workshop for a demonstration and a chance to try this craft ourselves. Next, we visit a Blue Zone. There are only five in the world that have been discovered and researched, with the others being located in Italy, Japan, California, and Greece. People who have lived beyond the average life span are concentrated in these areas because of resources and the communal way of life. The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica holds the record for the lowest rates of middle-age mortality, and it has the second highest concentration of men who are over the age of 100. We’ll find out more about the nine practices of a Blue Zone during our visit, where we meet with an elder from the community. A quick stop in Puntarenas for a “Churchill” (a local blend of ice, fruit, milk and sugar) ends our day on a sweet note.
Arenal
Tortuguero La Fortuna
San José
Traditional pottery making
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/csr 01722 395445 | 31
Christ the Redeemer
BRAZIL
Endless attractions in one enchanting country 13 Days
From ÂŁ4,795pp
Departing August 2020 - February 2021
Activity Level
A vast South American country, Brazil’s attractions are endless. Imagine white-sand beaches, lush rainforests and dramatic waterfalls with small colonial towns that contrast with large cities full of energy and rhythm. Its history, culture, religion, and passion for food all intertwine, and we relish the opportunity to unravel it. Stand before one of the New Seven Wonders of the World at the Christ the Redeemer statue, feel the spray from the powerful Iguazu Falls and let us treat you to an authentic cookery class that offers a taste of regional cuisine. Alongside martial arts and dance workshops, and visits to villages where local ways of life can be observed, this tour is an all-encompassing introduction to the many highlights of vibrant Brazil. 32 | andantetravels.com
Sugarloaf Mountain
Tour Highlights
Champion’s Parade – an event to celebrate the Rio Carnival Samba Parades which you can experience during our February 2021 tour
• Embark upon a journey through Brazil, which starts in Rio de Janeiro and takes in Iguazu Falls, has a brief stop in Argentina and finishes in Salvador, travelling by plane, boat, jeep, and even cable car • Visit UNESCO-listed sites that include Christ the Redeemer – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – and the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls • Explore Tijuca National Park, considered the largest urban forest in the world and boasting an incredibly rich biodiversity
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
• Take some free time to discover the glorious and very lively beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema
13th - 25th Aug 2020
£4,995 £4,795
£745
15th - 27th Oct 2020
£4,995 £4,795
£745
• Cachaça and caipirinha tastings, learn to cook the dish moqueca, take a samba workshop, and be introduced to the Brazilian martial art of capoeira
18th Feb - 2nd Mar 2021
£5,695 £5,495
£745
Price Includes
Tour Host: Heidi Immerman
• A Tour Host throughout • Return flights from London & all other transport as detailed • Accommodation at the Arena Copacabana Hotel, the Recanto Park Hotel & the Wish Hotel de Bahia • 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 9 dinners • Water with all meals, either two glasses of wine, two beers, or two soft drinks & tea or coffee with included dinners • All activities, and entries to all sites & museums • Gratuities for all waiters for included dinners and hotel porters • All accommodation & transport taxes
Born in South Africa, Heidi has lived in Brazil for almost 30 years. A tour leader for over 18 years, her dynamic style, professionalism, knowledge and insight into the country’s sites, local culture, music and food ensure each tour is an unforgettable experience.
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/brz
Tour Host: Marcella Granatiere Born in Rio, Marcella has led many groups on tours around Brazil. For over 20 years, her role has enabled her to share her passion for the country’s different cultures, architecture and history.
01722 395445 | 33
Day One | London – Rio de Janeiro On arrival in Rio we’ll be met by our Tour Host, who will escort us to our hotel and join us for dinner on our first night in this vibrant seaside city. Day Two | Rio de Janeiro We start our day with gusto travelling by convertible Jeep, perfect for taking in all the sights and sounds as we head to Corcovado. Passing by lush vegetation, birdlife and maybe even some sloths along the way, we arrive at the statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We continue on our journey, entering the Tijuca National Park, which is considered to be the largest urban forest in the world. Amazing indeed to discover that this forest is, in fact, in the middle of a large cosmopolitan city such as Rio. “Cariocas”, the locals of Rio, are known for their carefree spirit and charm, which we’ll become more familiar with as we engage with them during several activities that follow during our tour. Lunch and a visit to the charming bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, which is full of artists, is followed by a cachaça tasting. Similar to rum, it can be enjoyed on its own or used to prepare a caipirinha – a delightful drink that is famous all over Brazil – which we learn how to make and will then enjoy. Day Three | Rio de Janeiro This morning we take part in a cookery class, where we learn how to prepare moqueca. A traditional dish of the Bahian and African culinary heritage, it was brought over by the slaves in the 17th and 18th centuries. Next, it’s on to a different tradition – carnival. The one in Rio is well-known and the biggest in the world, so this afternoon we enjoy a hands-on carnival experience at a samba school, where we gain an understanding of the dance’s history and music, and we learn how the parades became a trademark of Rio itself. The February 2021 tour includes tickets to the Champion’s Parade, which starts in the evening and finishes in the early hours. Day Four | Rio de Janeiro After a morning relaxing on Copacabana beach, we head to the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, a peak at the mouth of Guanabara Bay. We travel to the top of the mountain by cable car, the perfect place for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio. Descending down and stopping off at Morro da Urca, there is time to enjoy a refreshing cocktail as we watch the sun setting and the city preparing itself for another night of fun. Day Five | Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro – or River of January in English – is one of the most important cultural and economic cities in Brazil. On an orientation tour this morning, we’ll visit 34 | andantetravels.com
downtown Rio, the Olympic Boulevard and the port area, all the while gaining an insight into the city’s history and architectural influences. We also visit two museums, the Rio Art Museum and, in contrast, the Museum of Tomorrow. Lunch is a real treat today in one of the city’s gourmet landmarks, Confeitaria Colombo – a living portrait of the Belle Époque.
Day Six | Rio de Janeiro - Iguazu Falls It’s time to leave Rio behind and fly to Iguazu Falls. After settling in to our hotel, we visit the Bird Park, which is situated in four hectares of native sub-tropical forest and home to over 500 birds, both indigenous and from other continents. Day Seven | Iguazu Falls Following a trail through the lush vegetation of the Atlantic Forest, we arrive at what is the spectacle of more than 240 falls that form the horseshoe-shaped Iguazu Falls. A glass elevator moves us slowly up the cliff-face for an exquisite view from the upper deck. When the water is high, the volume is staggering – without question a truly unique and spectacular sight. A tough act to follow, but by Jeep we are taken to the Macuco Trail in the Iguazu National Park. Different species of sub-tropical plants are in abundance here and we may even spot endemic wildlife. After the Jeep ride, we have a short trek on foot to jump on board a twin-engine boat and cruise up into the Iguazu Canyon, arriving at the base of the majestic waterfalls – be prepared to get wet! Day Eight | Iguazu Falls The Tancredo Neves bridge takes us over the border to Argentina. After a scenic drive to the Argentine Iguazu Park we visit the falls and then, by train and on foot, we come to the famous devil’s throat. Itaipu Dam, which we visit afterwards, may be controversial, but is without question a true engineering feat. This evening’s barbecue dinner is followed by a Latin music
Iguazu waterfalls
Escadaria Selaron, famous public steps
show, where we have the chance to test out the fantastic samba techniques we picked up earlier in the tour.
Day Nine | Iguazu Falls – Salvador Our adventure continues as we fly onwards to Salvador. After a traditional “Senhor do Bonfim” welcome at the airport, we will allow for some time to relax at our hotel before meeting up again for dinner later this evening. Day Ten | Salvador As we explore Salvador this morning, we’ll encounter Portuguese colonial architecture and Afro-Brazilian culture as reflected in the city’s historical buildings, museums and in some of its many churches. We learn about the Brazilian martial art called capoeira, which incorporates several elements of the African culture – fighting, acrobatics and dance – and we are invited to have a go at it ourselves.
Salvador
Rio de Janeiro
Iguazu Falls
After lunch, we take time to browse the stalls at the Mercado Modelo, a handicrafts market housed in the old Customs House. We have a chance to mix with the locals, who are open to a spot of bartering if you have your eye on some souvenirs. Before dinner, we enjoy a Brazilian show that features dances from historical right through to contemporary in style.
Day Eleven | Salvador Our scenic journey today takes us to Praia do Forte. Aside from being one of Brazil’s most attractive beaches, it is a haven that preserves the nesting grounds of sea turtles, protected by a barrier reef. The TAMAR Project here is an eco-museum, allowing visitors to observe sea turtles and sharks in large outdoor tanks. It is one of the first centres to protect a number of endangered species of sea turtle, including the leatherback turtle. Before returning to Salvador, we also visit the local village. Tonight is our farewell dinner, where we will have the chance to reflect on the diversity of this tour and share our own personal highlights with fellow travellers. Day Twelve | Salvador - London Our morning is free to spend at leisure. After we check out of our hotel, we enjoy a late lunch in a restaurant with views across Baía de Todos os Santos, a large bay that surrounds part of the city of Salvador. Afterwards, we make our way back to the airport and depart for our flights back to London. Day Thirteen | London After an overnight flight we arrive back in London.
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/brz 01722 395445 | 35
Sacred Valley of the Incas
PERU
An abundance of natural, cultural & historical treasures 11 Days
From £4,695pp
Departing June 2020 - May 2021
Activity Level
Due to the diversity of its landscape, Peru offers the adventurous traveller a truly astonishing range of scenery. On this 11-day tour, we will take in some of Peru’s many natural, cultural and historical treasures, but we will also get closer to the people and the unique character of this very special part of the world. Pay a heart-warming visit to the Inkaterra Spectacled Bear Project, where bears negatively impacted by human interaction are rehabilitated and later reintroduced into their natural habitat. Take a boat across Lake Titicaca to the incredible Uros floating islands – made from natural reeds – where locals will be waiting to meet you. Follow in the footsteps of the Incas in Ollantaytambo. Awe-inspiring experiences await. 36 | andantetravels.com
The historic colonial church, Andahuaylillas
Dates & prices per person Tour Highlights
Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
• Travel from Lima to Puno, taking in the best of southern Peru, from the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu, to the likes of Ollantaytambo, Cusco and Lake Titicaca – several of which are also UNESCO-listed sites
21st Jun - 1st Jul 2020
£4,895 £4,695
£750
23rd Sep - 3rd Oct 2020
£4,895 £4,695
£750
• Experience some of the most captivating scenery and rich biodiversity that South America has to offer
26th May - 5th Jun 2021
£4,995 £4,795
£780
• Enjoy a rare chance to meet the real-life Paddington at the Inkaterra Spectacled Bear Project in “deepest, darkest Peru” • Discover centuries-old cultures, art and colonial architecture through engaging visits with local experts throughout this tour • Learn the traditional process of tea-making, see a demonstration of authentic Peruvian weaving, enjoy a corn beer in a local Chichería and grasp the chance to barter with sellers at Cusco’s bustling street market
Tour Host: Karim Ruiz Rosell Karim’s specialisms include Pre-Columbian art, archaeology and history, with an emphasis on the Mochica culture. In addition to leading a number of specialist tours in Peru, he has experience in teaching and research, as well as in planning and developing academic programs, archaeological curatorship, and historical and archaeological research.
Price Includes • A Tour Host throughout • Return flights from London and all other transport as detailed • Accommodation at the Mercure Ariosto, Valle Sagrado, Casa Andina Premium Valle, the Inkaterra Hotel, the Palacio del Inka and the Casa Andina Premium Puno. • 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 9 dinners, plus a light supper in the hotel room on arrival day • Water with all meals, either two glasses of wine, two beers, or two soft drinks & tea or coffee with included dinners • All activities, and entries to all sites and museums • Gratuities for all waiters for included dinners and hotel porters • All accommodation and transport taxes
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/per 01722 395445 | 37
Day One | London - Lima Arriving into Lima from London, we’ll enjoy dinner together with our Tour Host before taking the opportunity to rest so that we are refreshed and ready to start our adventure the next morning. Day Two | Lima We explore the past and present of Lima on a tour through the city’s historic centre today, with locations including the artistic barrio of Barranco, the ancient site of Huaca Huallamarca and the Plaza de Armas, which is lined with monumental buildings. We will also enjoy a cocktail at the famous Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that has been continually inhabited since the 16th century. After lunch, we head to the Pueblo Libre District and visit the Larco Museum, an 18th century Viceregal mansion that houses more than 3,000 years of Peru’s pre-Columbian history. We are also lucky enough to be joined here by the curator of the museum. Day Three | Lima – Sacred Valley From Lima, we fly south to Cusco and we’ll be welcomed to the Sarapampa Hacienda. The Sumar family, who have owned the Hacienda for three generations, have opened the doors to their home in order to transmit their passion for farming Cusco’s giant white corn, a unique species that only grows in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After lunch, we continue on towards Chinchero village, famous for the extraordinary beauty and quality of its textiles. We walk through its traditional alleyways and visit the weavers’ workshop of Nilda Callañaupa. Day Four | Sacred Valley This morning, we cross the Urubamba River to visit the Salt Pans of Maras. The sight of this still-operating salt mine, in use since the Inca times, is really spectacular. Next, it’s on to the archaeological site of Moray. The site’s extraordinary circular terrace system descends 490 feet from where we stand, serving as a perfect testament to the level of advancement achieved by the Incas. With the Peruvian Andes as the backdrop, we’ll enjoy a gourmet picnic in this beautiful setting. Tearing ourselves away from the views, we visit a “Chichería” and learn about village life over a locally produced corn beer.
Day Five | Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu Today we begin our explorations with a visit to one of the last remaining Inca towns, Ollantaytambo, which was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. We discover the archaeological complex here with its walls and towers, which were used to protect the citadel from possible invasions. We then travel to Aguas Calientes 38 | andantetravels.com
and take the scenic train up to Machu Picchu. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural landscapes and the energy held in its enigmatic structures are bound to inspire awe. A significant legacy of the Inca Empire, it truly deserves its recognition as one of the New7Wonders of the World. To celebrate our visit, we will have a special opportunity before dinner to observe an ancient ritual performed by a local shaman that thanks the Andean gods.
Day Six | Machu Picchu - Cusco This morning we travel to the Inkaterra Spectacled Bear Project. Once common throughout the Andes, the spectacled bear is now critically endangered. This project was designed to rescue bears that have been negatively affected by human impact and then reintroduces them back into their natural habitat. We will also visit an organic tea (Camellia Sinensis) plantation and tea house to discover the wonders of the traditional tea-making process. We get involved in the last part of this process, when the freshly picked leaves are pressed over wooden blocks, and we then seal our own teabags. For those who still have the energy, we have the opportunity to return to Machu Picchu before continuing on to our hotel in Cusco. Day Seven | Cusco Our explorations of Cusco continue with a visit to the nearby Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an astounding sample of Inca military architecture. We take in views over the city of Cusco from Cerro Pukamoqo (Red Peak), and then, on our way back into the city, we will stop off at the San Pedro Market. The city’s main street market, this visit will give us an opportunity to engage with local sellers and get to know the products of Cusco. Enjoy the sights, aromas, tastes, and colours of the region. Next, we discover one of the most impressive buildings of Incan Cusco – the Qoricancha
Machu Picchu
Totora boat on the Lake Titicaca
(the Golden Temple), whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. In the afternoon we visit San Blas, a quaint neighbourhood that is home to many renowned artists. Stroll along its cobblestone alleys as we make our way towards its church, which features a beautiful pulpit carved from a single block of wood. Our day concludes with a pisco sour tasting, a refreshing end to a full day of exploration.
architecture. We have a chance to see vicuñas and llamas at La Raya Pass, some 14,222 feet above sea level, before making our last stop in the town of Pucará, which is known as the place where the Toritos (little bulls) of Pucará are made.
Day Eight | Cusco - Puno It’s an early start for us this morning as we make our way to Puno, our journey presenting us with beautiful views of the Andes as we go. En route, we make a brief stop at Andahuaylillas, a friendly, warm-weather town that is home to one of the most unique churches in the Andes, known as Peru’s Sistine Chapel and which features beautifully decorated murals and frescoes. Our next stop is Racchi, one of the most important constructions of the Inca Empire, known for its extraordinary
Day Nine | Puno We wake today in Puno, on the shores of the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. We take a boat out across the lake to the extraordinary floating islands of Uros. This peculiar grouping of around 40 small islands is made entirely from totora, a natural reed that grows around the lake. We have a special opportunity here to meet with the inhabitants of these islands and get to know their traditional lifestyle and customs. From here, we continue across the lake to the picturesque Taquile Island, where old Quechua traditions live in perfect balance with modernity. The unbelievable hospitality of the islanders is well-known, and we will share lunch at a local home before making our way back to Puno this evening. Tonight, we come together for our final group dinner. Day Ten & Eleven | Puno - Lima - London Filled with memories of our adventure, it’s time to say our farewells to our Tour Host. Today we start our journey homeward, flying from Puno back to Lima and then on to London, arriving home on day Eleven.
Lima
Machu Picchu
Sacred Valey Cusco
Puno
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/per 01722 395445 | 39
Eruption at the Strokkur geyser, Iceland
GREENLAND & ICELAND
Mystical landscapes in the land of fire and ice 12 Days
From £7,995pp
11th - 22nd September 2020
Activity Level
Iceland has become a popular destination in recent years, but few travellers ever make it to Greenland in spite of the lure of its myriad natural wonders. On this multi-centre trip, we will introduce you to local people and you’ll get to experience the real culture of these fabulous countries – don’t expect to find just your typical tourist highlights on this itinerary. On this tour there’s a chance to hunt the elusive northern lights – the choice is yours. With special cookery demonstrations, time to soak in geothermal hot springs and perhaps the most otherworldly landscapes on offer, don’t miss your chance to explore these magical countries. 40 | andantetravels.com
Colourful houses of Rodebay, Greenland
Tour Highlights • Travel further and explore deeper on a wide-ranging trip that includes stops in Reykjavik, Ilulissat, the Eqi glacier, Haukadalur, Eyjafjallajökull, and Þingvellir National Park, which is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site • Bathe in natural hot springs and geothermal pools surrounded by beautiful volcanic scenery • Learn about traditional ways of life from local people living in incredibly isolated locations, and sample food and drink unique to both countries • During our September tour, there will be several opportunities to seek out the astonishing wonder of the northern lights
Tour Host: Eyrún Björnsdóttir Eyrún has been working as a professional guide since 1990 and has extensive experience guiding people around the island of fire and ice. As a member of ICESAR, the Icelandic Search and Rescue team, she has great knowledge about local forces of nature and is also a certified Wilderness First Responder. Eyrún is people-minded, and is enthusiastic in sharing her knowledge as well as in the love she has for her country.
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
11th - 22nd Sep 2020
£8,195 £7,995
£1,500
Price Includes • A Tour Host throughout • Return flights from London to Iceland, Iceland to Greenland and all other transport as detailed • Accommodation at the Hotel Arctic, the Centerhotel Miðgarður, the Landhotel and Hotel Vestmannaeyjar • 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 10 dinners, • Water with all meals, two soft drinks and tea or coffee with included dinners • All activities, and entries to all sites and museums • Gratuities for all waiters for included dinners and hotel porters • All accommodation and transport taxes
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/gic 01722 395445 | 41
Day One | London - Iceland Today we fly from London to Iceland, where we meet our Tour Host. From here, we take a short drive through the striking volcanic landscape on the way to our hotel in the vibrant capital of Reykjavík. Day Two | Iceland - Greenland It’s back to the airport this morning for our flight to Ilulissat in Greenland. On arrival, a guided city walk teaches us about the interesting local history. We visit the old town and see buildings from the very start of the Danish trading station, the busy fishing harbour, the old church, and the museum. We also enjoy a sunset cruise to the famous Ilulissat Icefjord, the world’s largest ice sculpture park. Day Three | Eqi, Oqaatsut & Rodebay We set off early this morning for a full-day boat trip to Eqi. We get close to the edge of the glacier by boat and, if we are lucky, we may see the calving process as icebergs break away. The sound of the active glacier is quite remarkable while the sight of icebergs toppling into the water is both breathtaking and sobering. This area is excellent for spotting whales and hopefully the gentle giants of the sea will put in an appearance. Afterwards, we continue on to the small settlement of Rodebay, which is an entirely different world compared to the relative ‘metropolis’ of Ilulissat. We take a walk through the village before enjoying a local meal at the old trading station. Day Four | Sermermiut Today we travel by coach as far as the road goes, and then on foot beyond! We begin with a guided walking tour of the ancient settlement of Sermermiut, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list back in 2004. Surrounded by beautiful icebergs, various Inuit cultures have lived here over the past 4,000 years and remains from ancient times can still be observed. In the afternoon, we accept an invitation for refreshments with a local family. Greenlanders are famous for welcoming visitors into their homes, inviting everyone over for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake! The latest gossip is shared, and it will also be possible to see the national costume and to learn about life so very isolated from the rest of the world. Day Five | Greenland - Iceland Free time awaits us this morning for one last chance to explore Ilulissat before we make our return to Iceland. If we have time this evening, we are hoping to see a performance at the Harpa Theatre, which is an architectural marvel in its own right.
42 | andantetravels.com
Day Six | Reykjavík We have a full day to explore Reykjavík. The city centre is a maze of narrow alleys framed with old timber houses of many colours. We’ll learn about life in the city from the very beginning of settlement in Iceland to the present day, and we’ll pay visits to the church of Hallgrímskirkja as well as the Nordic Cultural Centre and the National Museum. We also stop by the City Hall, which juts into the small lake of Tjörnin. On the lake are many birds, including whooper swans and Arctic terns. Our final visit of the morning is to Búrið, a Cheese & Skyr School where we learn about Icelandic cheese and the unique dairy product skyr over a lovely lunch in the cheese school’s buttery. After lunch, we have the chance to visit one of the local swimming pools – a very popular pastime for Icelanders. Day Seven | Reykjadalur Bathing in a secret hot spring with no one else around you is an amazing experience and one that we will take advantage of today. We travel by Jeep to the starting point in the south of Iceland and then hike through a beautiful landscape surrounded by hot springs. After the chance to bathe in the warm waters, our guide will show us how they are used to cook food. We cook ourselves a delicious lunch, which includes hot springbaked bread that is cooked in the ground for 24 hours. Day Eight | Friðheimar, Geysir & Gullfoss Our first stop today is at Friðheimar, a local horse farm and greenhouse. Here, we meet Icelandic horses and gain an insight into the story of this remarkable breed. We see a display followed by a visit to the stable, where we can enjoy a hot drink and meet the riders and their steeds. We then have a cooking demonstration before sitting down together for a lunch of the popular tomato soup and freshly baked bread. From Friðheimar, we drive to the geothermal
Glaciers in Greenland
Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland
area of Haukadalur, which contains the geysers named Geysir and Strokkur. Most active nowadays is Strokkur, erupting hot water and steam to elevation of 25 metres roughly every five or so minutes. We continue on to the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss, the ‘Golden Falls’. On a sunny day, a rainbow is very likely to be seen emerging from this waterfall’s colossal spray.
Day Nine | South Shore Today we travel through a beautiful area of fields, farms and villages towards the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers in south Iceland. We visit Seljalandsfoss, a graceful ribbon-like waterfall, which drops from an overhanging lava cliff, and we also visit the tiny settlement of Skógar, home to one of Iceland’s best Folk Museums. At Vík í Mýrdal, the southernmost village in Iceland, we feel the heat from actual flowing lava in a safe environment during an Icelandic lava show. It is
Eqi
Þingvellir National Park Oqaatsut
Reykjavik Keflavik
Sermermiut
Geysir Friðheimar
Reykjadalur
Ilulissat Heimaey
a unique opportunity to see the lava flowing, hear it sizzling and to feel the heat that radiates from it. On the way back to our hotel, we stop at the volcanic black sand beach of Reynisfjara as well as at a local market, where we have the opportunity to see some of the country’s traditional hand-made crafts on display.
Day Ten | Westman Islands A short ferry ride brings us to the Westman Islands, where we explore both the town of Heimaey and this extraordinary island by foot and bus alike. We explore bird cliffs, walk up a volcano crater and visit the “Pompeii of the North” – a volcanic excavation project. The Westman Islands are also ideal for bird-watching. In the afternoon, we visit the Aquarium & Natural History Museum, with its assortment of various life forms that live in the surrounding ocean. Day Eleven | Þingvellir National Park We sail back to the mainland this morning and visit the Laugarvatnshellar caves, where the last cave people in Iceland lived – only a century ago. On the way back to Reykjavík, we visit Þingvellir National Park (anglicised as Thingvellir), which is UNESCO-listed. We stroll around the country’s most sacred site, home to the oldest existing national parliament in the world – the Alþingi. The Mid-Atlantic rift is clearly visible here – a rift that is forming as Iceland is being pulled apart by tectonic forces at the rate of 19mm per year. Day Twelve | Iceland - London Our trip has come to an end, so we drive back to Keflavik airport in the morning, enjoying our final glimpses of the volcanic landscape as we go. Later, we catch our flight back to London.
For full tour details, please visit andantetravels.com/gic 01722 395445 | 43
EXPERIENCE THE ONCE-PER-DECADE OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY WITH ANDANTE TRAVELS Prices from £995 | Dates throughout 2020
The unmissable, once-a-decade
OBERAMMERGAU Passion Play 2020 A collection of tours featuring OBERAMMERGAU with: Austrian Tyrol Villas of the Veneto Historic Germany Ancient Hallstatt Roman Italy Munich & Salzburg Dream Castles of Bavaria
PLUS - Unique 2-night Oberammergau breaks from only £995 per person
5009
oct19 ATL-153 AB
Contact our team today or request a brochure andantetravels.com | 01722 569 415