ASIA 2018 AUTHENTIC 22 HAND-CRAFTED TRIPS SHOWCASING THE SPIRIT OF INDIA, SRI LANKA, JAPAN, CHINA, HONG KONG, BURMA, THAILAND, CAMBODIA, LAOS, VIETNAM, MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEYS THAT TAKE YOU DEEPER INTO EACH DESTINATION TO REVEAL THEIR TRUE ESSENCE ENJOY MEASURE YOUR JOURNEY IN SMILES WITHOUT A WORRY IN THE WORLD
$20 MILLION CUSTOMER PROTECTION PLAN
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I’M ALWAYS INTRIGUED BY THE CONTRAST THAT CAN BE FOUND ACROSS THE ASIAN CONTINENT; WHERE OLD MEETS NEW WHILE EFFORTLESSLY EXISTING SIDE-BY-SIDE. This is reflected in a number of ways; through the profound respect held for the elderly by the young who also have a great desire to evolve within modern society yet listen intently to learn age-old traditions handed down through generations. Another example can be found in Japan, where we held our annual conference last year. While traveling on high-speed state-of-the-art bullet trains you’ll come within meters of old buildings. Within the bustling metropolis of Tokyo ancient structures are a contrast to nearby neon signs, yet despite the obvious differences, everything exists in symmetry and with great harmony. There is a certain purity of life that is truly spiritual and quite often touching in this part of the world; it makes me feel incredibly privileged to spend time here. Today, we make traveling to this culturally rich and enormously diverse continent both simple and accessible. Join us as we take you on a captivating journey across Asia where you’ll witness a blend of customs.
GAVIN TOLLMAN Trafalgar CEO
DISCOVERING AUTHENTIC DESTINATIONS SINCE 1947
Over 5 million HAPPY GUESTS
66
COUNTRIES
230
ITINERARIES
97%
SATISFACTION
Infinite MEMORIES
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CONTENTS 22 HAND-CRAFTED ITINERARIES THAT HIGHLIGHT ASIA’S DIVERSITY
Experience Exotic Charm 5 Ways to Travel Thank You
4
JAPAN
5
Style
Days
Pages
Splendors of Japan
m
9
22 - 23
6-7
Splendors of Japan with Hiroshima
m
13
24 - 25
8-9
Spiritual Japan NEW
m
9
26 - 27
Meet – Enchanting Encounters
10 - 11
Spiritual Japan with Tokyo NEW
m
12
28
Taste – Vietnamese food ticks all the boxes
12 - 13
Hokkaido Discovery NEW
5
29
Days
Pages
Unwind – A Journey through Time
Enjoy – Impossibly Pretty Patterns
14
TTC Family of Brands
15 16 - 17
Our Promise
INDIA AND SRI LANKA
Style
Treasures of Northern India with Mumbai
m
14
30 - 31
About ME to WE
18
India’s Golden Triangle with Varanasi NEW
m
8
32 - 33
Join Trafalgar
19
Wonders of Sri Lanka
m
9
34 - 35
Days
Pages
Your Savings
20 - 21
Extend Your Stay
54 - 55
Travel Essentials: Airport Transfers, My Trafalgar, Groups, Travel Protection
56 - 57
Booking Conditions
58 - 59
CHINA
Style
Classic China
m
10
36 - 37
Classic China with Yangtze Cruise and Chengdu
j
17
38 - 39
Days
Pages
12
40 - 41
SOUTH EAST ASIA Colonial Singapore and Malaysia with Beach Stay NEW
g
9
42 - 43
Highlights of Vietnam
m
12
44 - 45
Treasures of Thailand with Cambodia
m
11
46 - 47
Treasures of Thailand with the Golden Triangle m
14
48
Highlights of Vietnam with Cambodia
15
49
Mini Stays
h Regional Explorer
h
Secrets of Cambodia
g
7
50 - 51
Secrets of Cambodia with Laos
g
11
52
Days
Pages
Hong Kong and Macau Experience
4
53
Singapore Explorer
4
53
TRIP STYLE KEY m Country Explorer
h
Spiritual Burma
MINI STAYS
g Hidden Journey
Style
j Cruise, Rail and Combos
Style
PROUDLY USING 100% RECYCLED PAPER*
Trafalgar, as part of The Travel Corporation, is proud to be using 100% recycled LEIPA paper for the body of our brochures.
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EXPERIENCE EXOTIC CHARM UNEARTH THE TRUE SPIRIT OF ASIA
Sapporo
JAPAN
Tokyo Kyoto
Beijing
Hiroshima
CHINA
JAMMU & KASHMIR
Osaka
j
m
CLASSIC CHINA WITH YANGTZE CRUISE AND CHENGDU
SPLENDORS OF JAPAN WITH HIROSHIMA
Zhengzhou Xi’an
17 Days
Shanghai
13 Days
Hangzhou Chengdu
Delhi Jaipur Udaipur
Mumbai
HONG KONG AND MACAU EXPERIENCE
Agra
4 Days
m
Varanasi
INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE WITH VARANASI 8 Days
INDIA
Hong Kong Macau
Mandalay
Hanoi Luang Prabang
MYANMAR
Vientiane
Chiang Mai
Yangon
Halong Bay
SECRETS
LAOS OF CAMBODIA
WITH LAOS
THAILAND Bangkok
Bangalore
g
11 Days
CAMBODIA Phnom Penh
VIETNAM
Ho Chi Minh City SRI LANKA Colombo
h COLONIAL SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA 12 Days
Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
SINGAPORE Singapore
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5 WAYS TO TRAVEL ALL TRIPS MAXIMUM 26 GUESTS WE’LL GUIDE YOU ACROSS THIS FASCINATING CONTINENT WITH 5 TRIP STYLES IN SMALL INTIMATE GROUPS
COUNTRY EXPLORER
REGIONAL EXPLORER
Single country
Two or more countries
Explore one country in depth as you taste the flavors, enjoy rich cultural experiences and discover its very essence and uniqueness.
Visiting two or more countries, discover the stories of the people through engaging in local experiences.
HIDDEN JOURNEYS
CRUISE, RAIL & COMBOS
MINI STAY
Off the beaten track
Multi-transport travel
Extended trip
Go off the beaten track and explore in a way that allows you to truly absorb your surroundings while delving deeper into each destination to discover the spirit of every location.
Travel over land, upon water, by coach or train and explore the beauty of Asia across varied landscapes chosen to navigate the terrain.
Customize your trip to spend more time in some of Asia’s most fascinating locations. Add a Mini Stay to another Trafalgar itinerary or book them independently.
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THANK YOU YOU’VE MADE US… SIMPLY THE BEST
TRUE 97% GUEST SATISFACTION We believe so much in what we do that we invite all past guests to post completely transparent reviews on an independent website. We’ve established a genuine 97% guest rating.
From Australia to Canada, the United Kingdom to the United States, we continue to win the most awards, including: 2017 Best Escorted Tour Operator, Overall
EXPERIENCE THE EXTRAORDINARY
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BEYOND
ANYTHING I HAD EVER
IMAGINED Over 70 years, we have been guided by our love of travel and our desire to continuously discover new destinations and fascinating cultures. Our unwavering passion has driven us to refine how our guests love to travel and to create real lifestyle experiences that are effortless, authentic and fun. We delight in sharing our deep local knowledge and expertize and creating hassle-free experiences at unrivaled value. Our commitment to creating life-changing experiences is the reason our guests and agents have voted us:
GENUINE GUEST PHOTOS: Real photographs from real guests reflect outstanding memories made. Thank you for sharing your happy Trafalgar moments with us: Anita, Calvin, Chihhan, Douglas, Lauren, Lesleyanne, Linda Mady, Maynard, Roberta and Vivian. 7
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A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME Welcome to one of the world’s most dynamic regions where we will guide you, without a care in the world, through this melting pot of cultural diversity. We’ll take you to the heart of Singapore and reveal Malaysia’s true colors as we lead you on a fascinating journey exploring each nation’s rich cultural heritage and luscious landscapes. In Singapore you’ll discover Gardens by the Bay; an awardwinning waterside nature park spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. We’ll guide you through Singapore’s architectural, culinary, cultural and spiritual attractions and showcase the contrast visible across various neighborhoods, such as Chinatown and Little India, while also revealing the republic’s undeniable tropical beauty. Crossing the border into Malaysia, you’ll discover Malacca’s colonial history seen in its buildings before reaching the vibrant capital and moving further north to the picturesque landscape that can be found in the Cameron Highlands. We journey up to Penang where one of our Local Specialists will share with you the art of roasting ‘kopi’, Malaysia’s iconic white coffee. Trip: Colonial Singapore and Malaysia
TRANSFERS & ACCOMMODATIONS ALL TAKEN CARE OF
GET TO THE HEART OF EACH DESTINATION
FRIENDSHIPS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
BEST TRAVEL DIRECTORS
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“ Organization and care for our well-being was paramount with our Travel Director. Hotels and buses were great and knowledge of the sites we were seeing was excellent.� ROBIN, FROM NEW ZEALAND, 2016 Read more of our reviews: www.trafalgar.com/reviews
A RESIDENCE DESIGNED FOR ROYALS You will stay in the Rawla Narlai; a 17th century property that was once the hunting lodge of the Jodphur Royal Family, located deep in the Aravalli Hills within a small village. Today its lavish rooms interspersed by picturesque courtyards and beautiful terraces accommodate you on a two night stay where an intricate candlelit dinner overlooking an ancient step well is a highlight of this awe-inspiring trip. Trip: Treasures of Northern India with Mumbai
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ENCHANTING ENCOUNTERS Travel is magical and some places touch you more profoundly than others; Burma is one of them. We’ll show you what makes this Asian nation, officially known as Myanmar, and until recently shrouded in mystery, so distinctive and unique. Observe and take part in the ancient tradition of an oil lamp lighting ceremony at Shwedagon Pagoda; dating back 2,500 years, it is the most sacred Buddhist site in the country. Meet merchants from the hill tribes that surround the township of Nyaungshwe who sell their wares aboard colorful wooden longtail boats. And look out for Intha fishermen on Inle Lake, who stand with one leg firmly placed on their boat, while the other gracefully paddles as they fish for carp; a balancing act that is more than impressive. With insightful and touching moments experienced through its people, you’ll understand Burma’s rich history, culture and uniqueness in the world. Trip: Spiritual Burma
UNIQUE BE MY GUEST EXPERIENCES
CULINARY ADVENTURES
LOCAL CHARACTERS
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
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MEET OUR PASSIONATE PEOPLE
JANICE FARNUM
ANU PROMKUM
Director of Asian Product
Travel Director
17 years with Trafalgar
4 years with Trafalgar
Languages: English, Spanish & Italian
Languages: Thai & English
WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY JOB Asia has been a passion of mine ever since I spent a year living and working in Hong Kong some years ago. During my career with Trafalgar, first working in European Operations, including some time as a Travel Director in Italy, the opportunity arose to work for the Asia product; I jumped at the chance. I am very lucky that I am doing my dream job!
MY FAVORITE THAI DISH Som Tam is one of Thailand’s most famous dishes, made from freshly grated green papaya and a host of other sweet, salty, sour, savory and spicy ingredients. Artfully combined in a mortar and pestle, it can be found across the country from street side trolleys to luxury hotels. Eat it with Thai-style grilled chicken (gai yang) and sticky rice (khao niau) to combat the spiciness.
MY TOP TRAVEL TIPS Carry some small, portable luggage scales when traveling and check that the weight of your suitcases and hand luggage is acceptable for each flight before going to the airport. It’s also generally cheaper to pay excess baggage fees on an airline’s website as opposed to at the airport.
ONE SITE THAT EVERY TRAVELER SHOULD SEE IN THAILAND Wat Pho in the evening; it is a Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok situated to the south of the Grand Palace. As you stroll through the four great Stupas and light reflects off of the colorful mosaics, you’ll feel a sense of calm and balance.
“ Exceptional organization and coordination of all activities. Our travel guide ensured we had continual advice on the culture and noteworthy points along the way.” GRAHAM, FROM AUSTRALIA, 2017 Read more of our reviews: www.trafalgar.com/reviews
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VIETNAMESE FOOD TICKS ALL THE BOXES Genuine Vietnamese food is not only extremely flavorful but is some of the most healthy and well-balanced food in the world. You’ll discover how sharing is caring when you savor Vietnamese meals while engaging in the social element of local dining. You’ll also get to indulge in mouth-watering flavors that allow you to experience the richness of the culinary creations Vietnam has to offer. Make sure to sample the nation’s national dish, pho. This hearty noodle soup is not only full of flavor but is said to possess magical healing powers. Another well-known Vietnamese favorite is the Báhn Mì sandwich made with chicken and pickled vegetables and a must-try dish for fish lovers is, Cha Ca. Delicately sautéed in oil, white fish is then sprinkled with fresh dill and spring onion before being served with silky rice noodles and crunchy peanuts; simply delicious. In Vietnam you’ll discover a diversity of foods that will bring you back time and time again. Trip: Highlights of Vietnam with Cambodia
50% DINNERS & ALL BREAKFASTS
LOCAL CULINARY DISCOVERIES
EXCELLENT BE MY GUEST EXPERIENCES
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SICHUAN STYLE In your local cooking class we’ll introduce you to Chinese food, authentic Sichuan cuisine to be precise, which can only really be experienced in its homeland. Within the city of Chengdu we’ll take you to the Museum of Sichuan Cuisine to learn all about traditional cooking methods, which combine bold flavors quite different to the rest of the country’s practices. Using a pestle and mortar from the days of the Qing Dynasty, you’ll get to crush chillies into a fine powder, observe what an ancient kitchen looked like and view old manuscripts from over 3,000 years ago that contain the secrets to the creation of Sichuan dishes. Trip: Classic China with Yangtze Cruise & Chengdu
“ Splendors of Japan was our second Trafalgar experience and it far exceeded our expectations; our local Tour Director was fantastic.” CHRISTOPHER, FROM AUSTRALIA, 2017 Read more of our reviews: www.trafalgar.com/reviews
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IMPOSSIBLY PRETTY PATTERNS Japan is famed for its creativity, particularly in pieces of intricate detail, such as the patterns found upon handmade Washi paper; a tradition that dates back centuries. Made from the inner bark of three plants; Gampi, Kozo and Mitsumata, this ancient art-form still exists today and we’ll take you on an insightful experience where you get to try your hand at making your own. The picturesque area of Gokayama, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site has kept the tradition of Washi paper production alive for centuries, passing it down from generation to generation. You’ll meet the artisans who make this delightful paper and learn about the ways in which it is used. The area is also well-known for thatched roof houses called, Gassho-zukuri, which were designed to resist heavy snowfall. These rooftops resemble palms placed together with fingers facing upwards as if in prayer; a thought-provoking setting to observe one of the most labor intensive processes on the planet. Trip: Splendors of Japan with
CRAFTED ITINERARIES
LOCAL
DISCOVERIES MUST-DO
SIGHTSEEING FREE
TIME
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A FAMILY OF BRANDS DEDICATED TO DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL The Travel Corporation (TTC) is a family-owned business spanning four generations with unrivaled expertize and an undeniable passion for travel. Our guests are at the heart of everything we do and we are dedicated to consistently provide an impeccable service with richer, deeper experiences on every trip we create. Due to our size, the access we have to some of the world’s greatest destinations and our ability to negotiate the best rates, we ensure that we can provide you with a vacation of a lifetime. TTC’s 25 award-winning, international travel and tourism brands offer industry-leading travel experiences for all lifestyles, budgets and dreams. Below you’ll find a few of our brands. Go to TTC.com for more information.
a f a m i ly o f br a n d s
ttc.com 15
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OUR PROMISE GUIDING YOU ON A JOURNEY FILLED WITH DIVERSITY
We’ll show you why Asia is one of our favorite continents as we showcase its incredible depth; visible through vibrant cultures, diverse cuisines, ancient traditions and deep spirituality. We know where to take you on intimate journeys across Asia that reveal the true essence of lands steeped in history.
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STRESS-FREE TRAVEL EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY AND SERVICE It’s so easy. We are with you all the way, taking care of every detail so you can enjoy the journey fully. Thanks to our local knowledge, you enjoy every nuance of the destination. Every trip is tailored to offer the best possible service, experience and value for our guests.
VIP TREATMENT
THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
TRAVEL IN COMFORT
Get straight to the heart of your destination with free airport transfers on the first and last day of your trip, as well as in conjunction with pre/post nights booked through Trafalgar.
All of our selected hotels are hand-picked to fit seamlessly with your itinerary and to showcase the destination.
Enjoy luxury air-conditioned coaches, ample legroom, reclining seats. Some itineraries include travel by train or boat and include all internal flights. Forget about map-reading, tolls and navigation.
UNRIVALED VALUE VALUE FOR MONEY
VALUE FOR TIME
NEW FRIENDSHIPS
The savings we make get passed on to you.
Maximizing what you can cover, on a smooth and seamless vacation.
Make new, like-minded English-speaking friends, meet warm-hearted locals and join our family of travelers.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE UNMATCHED ITINERARIES Every itinerary is designed to showcase the must-see sights and take you deeper into the destination with Local Specialists, Hidden Treasures and Be My Guest experiences, all bringing locations to life.
LOCAL EXPERTS IN CULINARY ALL LOCATIONS Your Travel Director DISCOVERIES Food is core to exploring and appreciating different cultures, meeting locals and eating together, discovering new and exciting flavors and recipes.
is the key to your trip and, without a doubt, we have the best in the business. They hone their skills through bespoke training. With an unwavering passion for travel and discovery, they make your journey unforgettable.
WAYS TO TRAVEL
INSIDER EXPERIENCES
We create trip styles designed as the ultimate way to discover a given destination. Choose from five trips styles around Asia. Whether you like to see it all and hop borders, focus on one destination or take your time exploring at leisure, select a trip style to suit you.
We’ll give you a more tactile, enriching journey; a mosaic of exceptional experiences. Let us unveil sights and offer discoveries you’d never access alone, so you can feel the very heartbeat of the destination.
TRAVEL TODAY, SUSTAIN TOMORROW At Trafalgar, we want to lead the way in sustainable tourism. That’s why on each trip, we’re working to ensure that every place you visit – its people, natural beauty, cultures and traditions – is preserved for future generations to enjoy. Find out more about Join Trafalgar on page 19.
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TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE IF YOU HAVE EVER THOUGHT ABOUT MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD, THEN THIS MAY BE THE OPPORTUNITY YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR. Whether it’s by building a school or collecting water with a local, our exciting new partnership with ME to WE is a chance to make your trip to rural India count for something extraordinary.
WHO IS ME TO WE?
WHAT YOU GET
ME to WE is an innovative social enterprise that provides products and experiences that make an impact, empowering people to change the world. ME to WE is a recognized leader in volunteer travel and partner of an awardwinning international charity with a 21-year history of sustainable development. Travelers make an impact by working side-by-side with local communities on a development project like building a school or water wells, ensuring brighter futures for generations to come.
As well as volunteering, you get to enjoy some of our standard extras:
HOW DO YOU PARTICIPATE? Gain hands-on volunteer experience as you help improve a community’s access to clean water, food, security, education, health or sustainable income. While making meaningful connections with local community members and immersing yourself in their culture and traditions, you help dig wells or build schools, helping to improve livelihoods. Your trip will continue to make an impact, long after you return home.
• En-suite accommodations at Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp • All meals and drinks at Araveli (including purified water, sodas, beer and wine) • All activities at Araveli • An experienced and professional ME to WE guide • Airfare: One way from Mumbai or Jaipur to Udaipur • Your ground transportation to and from Araveli Enjoy this experience after our ‘Treasures of Northern India with Mumbai’ or ‘India’s Golden Triangle with Varanasi’ itineraries.
FIND OUT MORE For more about ME to WE trips, departure dates and pricing, visit www.metowe.com/trafalgar
To find out more about Join Trafalgar’s partnership with ME to WE visit: www.trafalgar.com/partnership
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T R AV E L T O D AY, S U S TA I N T O M O R R O W OUR VISION Leading the way in sustainable tourism with our partners – safeguarding the natural beauty, cultures and traditions of the people and places we visit.
WHY? To help make traveling a force for good
HOW ARE WE MAKING A DIFFERENCE? Working with TreadRight, our parent foundation:
W H AT A R E WE DOING? Enabling our guests to explore globally and sustain locally:
...for today’s travelers.
...for tomorrow’s generations.
...for a more sustainable world.
INVESTING IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
PA RT N E R I N G FOR A BETTER FUTURE
• Enabling livelihoods
• Protecting wildlife
• Supporting crafts
• Conserving nature
• Working for the greater good with stakeholders
• Preserving cultural heritage
• Minimizing the footprint of our trips
• Building a sustainable tourism sector
L E T ’ S T R AV E L F U RT H E R TOGETHER
LET’S T R AV E L S M A RT E R
L E T ’ S T R AV E L F O R T H E G R E AT E R GOOD
Experiencing and supporting cultural heritage to keep traditions alive.
Visiting places of beauty and supporting the natural world.
Providing adventures and volunteering opportunities to help communities develop and thrive.
# J O I N T R A FA L G A R
www.trafalgar.com
C O A C H T R A N S P O R T I S A G R E E N E R WAY T O T R AV E L ≈ 85% less CO2 per passenger kilometre than car and air travel ≈ 40% less CO2 per passenger kilometre than rail travel. 19
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YOUR SAVINGS EXPERIENCE THE BEST VACATIONS, SPECTACULAR SAVINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL PROTECTION WITH TRAFALGAR.
BOOK EARLY AND SAVE
EXCLUSIVE AIR DEALS
SAVE UP TO $693* PAY IN FULL BY JANUARY 11, 2018 AND SAVE 10%
SAVE UP TO $519* PAY IN FULL BY FEBRUARY 28, 2018 AND SAVE 7.5%
SAVE UP TO $346* PAY IN FULL BY APRIL 26, 2018 AND SAVE 5%
THE BENEFITS OF BOOKING AIR WITH TRAFALGAR 1. Your choice of airlines and schedules, all at low, competitive airfares 2. Bundle land and air for the greatest ease and peace of mind 3. Lock in airfare with a deposit only, and avoid high cancelation or change penalties Plus, we’re always looking out for deals for you. Visit www.trafalgar.com/airdeals now for the best available
Pay In Full Conditions: *Per person. These Book and Pay Early Discounts apply to the land portion of selected vacations and departures. See itinerary pages. Can be combined with other discounts, where applicable. Pay your deposit when booking and the balance by the date shown. Offer is subject to availability, exclusions may apply and the offer may be withdrawn without notice. See page 58 for full conditions. General Conditions: Discounts only apply to the land portion of your vacation and are not applicable on any cruise portion of a vacation, mini-stays, extra nights’ accommodations, optional extensions, airfares, taxes and fees, flight supplements, surcharges, solo rooming discount and airport transfers. Sometimes more than one discount can apply. Past guest savings are available after your initial trip is completed. Savings limited to one per trip and applied to the higher priced of two trips if you book two at once. Book two or more trips applies to vacations booked simultaneously, savings are applied to the shortest trips. Groups are on request as they are limited to one group per coach. The discount is not available on vacations with internal flights, Hidden Journeys or combinable with the Special-Rate Solo Rooming discount and must be booked on the same booking number. Triple reduction is based on three guests sharing one room and will often feature one double bed, plus one foldaway bed. Rooms are more suitable for two adults and one child (three adults may find rooms too small with limited suitcase space). Triple rooms are limited on cruises and not available on all trips. Vacations have a limited number of single rooms and are restricted to certain cabin categories on board cruises. Shared Rooming is not available in Asia. Deposit protection, travel credits can only be redeemed once per person and a limit of one trip credit applies. Does not apply if you previously received a full refund. We reserve the right to validate past booking status. If for any reason you do not travel, this credit remains for future use for five years.
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.
WELCOMING BACK PAST GUESTS
BOOK TWO OR MORE TRIPS
Our guests are core to who we are. To thank you for your loyalty, we offer 5% off your next vacation. Let us take you to your destination of choice or visit our sister brands for inspiration: ttc.com/loyalty
How about booking two or more trips and saving up to 2.5%? The more trips you book, the more you save. If they’re seven days or longer and you book multiple trips for one vacation period, we offer you greater savings.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
TRAVEL PROTECTION TRIPLE SHARE
YOUNG TRAVELER
Save when three of you travel together. If you book a triple room, enjoy discounts for all three guests.
Share the spirit of wanderlust with younger members of the family. On many trips, young travelers (5 -11 years old) enjoy up to 5% off when accompanying an adult.
Trafalgar’s Travel Protection provides benefits for trip cancelation (prior to travel) for any reason, plus benefits while traveling for interruptions, trip and baggage delays and more. For more infomation, see our Protection Plan on page 57.
DEPOSIT PROTECTION TRAVEL WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS More friends? In a group of 5 - 9, g et 5% off per person, which may be combined with other discounts. More than 10 of you? Contact us to ask about even bigger discount savings and our free trip policy.
SOLO TRAVELER Some travelers have different needs. We keep it simple by providing the privacy of your own room. See single room prices on the itinerary pages.
Life happens. If you are forced to cancel your booking, instead of losing your deposit, we will keep it as a credit. We’ll honor this amount on any future trip, for up to five years.
DEFINITE DEPARTURES
We guarantee our trips will depart (weather and other conditions dependent, of course) as soon as enough guests are booked. Look out for the green check when browsing prices and dates on www.trafalgar.com
SPECIAL-RATE SOLO ROOMING Part of our drive is to make it easier to travel solo. On certain departures, the standard single supplement is discounted: up to 50% off. To find such a trip, look out for ✚ against departures on itinerary pages.
WE’RE WITH YOU ALL THE WAY. 21
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TRAVEL STYLE
Q
SPLENDORS OF JAPAN
9 days - 1 country
$3595 PP*
FROM
Code: JPNL
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
Pay your respects to the Fox Spirit at Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, climbing the extraordinary path lined with thousands of orange torii gates that snake through the forest up into the mountains above the City of 10,000 Shrines. Indulge in a delicious kaiseki lunch at a traditional ryokan and gain insight into Japanese customs.
YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
a b c SMALLER GROUPS
8 nights Hotel accommodations 15 meals 8 buffet breakfasts 3 lunches (including Be My Guest) 4 dinners On-trip transport All transport shown (including express train) All transfers shown Maximum 26 Guests
YOUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES BE MY GUEST A kaiseki lunch at a traditional Japanese ryokan home near Kyoto where you will learn about local customs
CULTURAL INSIGHT Sample Japanese Sake during a walking tour in the Edo-style streets of Takayama Old Town. Learn how local artisans make Japanese washi paper in the UNESCO village of Gokayama
LOCAL SPECIALIST in Tokyo and Kanazawa
HIDDEN TREASURE Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
d
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS City Tour of Tokyo ▶ Kyoto
JAPAN KANAZAWA 1
View Mt. Fuji
Gokayama 2
TAKAYAMA EXPRESS TRAIN
KYOTO 2
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Geisha
JPNL.indd 1
Visit the Edo Tokyo Museum ▶ the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo ▶ Mt. Fuji 5th Station ▶ the Kinkakuji Temple ▶ Sanjusangen-do Hall ▶ Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto
LAKE 2 TOKYO YAMANAKAKO Mt. Fuji
1
See the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama ▶ the beautiful gardens of Kenrokuen in Kanazawa
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the unique Gassho-zukuri wooden houses; the steeply sloped thatched roofs resemble two hands together in prayer. Visit one of the houses and meet the family. Later observe local artisans making washi paper and try your hand at making your own, a Cultural Insight. Lunch today is a Regional Meal of Japanese Hida beef at a local restaurant. Hida beef (Hida-gyu) is the specific name given to beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, it is known as one of the finest quality varieties of beef. This afternoon begin your walking tour in the Edo style streets of the Old Town, shopping en route to sample Japanese sake, a Cultural Insight. (BB, RM)
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1
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Tokyo Sightseeing e This morning your City Tour begins with a stop in Asakusa and a visit to the Sensoji Buddhist temple. It is one of Tokyo’s most colorful and popular temples and has been rebuilt countless times since it was founded in 628, making it Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Visit Nakamise, a shopping street over 200 meters long that stretches from the outer gate to the temple’s second interior gate. Visit the Tokyo Skytree, the world’s highest free-standing broadcasting tower. Later choose to either return to the hotel at leisure or take part in an Optional Experience. (BB)
Tokyo ▶ Lake Yamanakako d Start the day by heading to the Imperial Palace Plaza, a large park area in the center of Tokyo from where the two bridges that form the entrance to the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace can be viewed. It is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan and built on the former site of Edo Castle. Take a stroll around the Imperial Palace East Gardens before 7 continuing your City Tour with a visit to the Edo-Tokyo Museum. This fascinating museum displays artifacts and architecture that tell a tale of Tokyo’s history and culture during the Edo period. Next head to the famous Ginza district for a hands-on cooking class. Learn how to make sushi with a Local Specialist and afterwards enjoy your sushi creations for lunch. Then depart Tokyo for the Five Lakes District, dominated by majestic UNESCO listed Mt. Fuji. At 3,776 meters it is Japan’s highest mountain and most recognisable icon. (BB, L, D) Hotel: Fuji Marriott Yamanakako Lake Yamanakako ▶ Mt. Fuji ▶ Takayama (2 Nights) After breakfast visit Oshino Hakkai, a small rural village in the Fuji Five Lakes district; a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Oshino Village boasts a beautiful park with 8 natural spring water ponds that are fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji. The reflections of the sky and landscapes on the clear and pure water provide picturesque scenes which make stunning photographs. Then ascend Mt. Fuji by road to 2,300 meters at the 5th station before taking a ride on the Kachikachiyama Ropeway, (both weather permitting) a cable car ride offering spectacular views on a clear day of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Later travel through the breath-taking Japanese Alps to the beautiful hillside town of Takayama before enjoying dinner at the hotel. (BB, D) Hotel: Associa Takayama Resort Takayama ▶ Gokayama ▶ Takayama d This morning take a step back in time during a visit to the peaceful mountain village and UNESCO designated site of Gokayama. See
EARLY BIRD SAVINGS P. TO $385 P. SAVE UP
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Takayama ▶ Kanazawa d This morning travel to Kanazawa and discover the secrets of gold leaf painting during a visit with a Local Specialist. The production of gold leaf started at the end of the 16th century and now 99% of Japan’s high quality gold leaf is produced in the area. Next visit the gardens of Kenrokuen, rated as one of the top three most beautiful gardens in Japan and a great place to see Cherry Blossom in the springtime. Take your time to relax and explore the ornate landscapes, temples and ponds. Afterwards take a short walk through the Omicho market to see the local fish catch and enjoy an insiders view of everyday life in a busy coastal town. Later visit the Nagamachi District with its old and beautifully preserved samurai houses. Visit the Nomura house, an elegant samurai mansion with beautiful small gardens belonging to a high-ranked samurai family. (BB) Hotel: Kanazawa Tokyu Kanazawa ▶ Kyoto (2 Nights) d This morning leave Kanazawa for Kyoto by Express train. On arrival enjoy a special Be My Guest lunch at a traditional ryokan nestled in the peace and quiet of Mt. Yoshida. The ryokan was built in 1932 by master craftsmen to serve as the second residence of the uncle of the current Japanese Emperor, Akihito. Learn more about local Japanese customs as your hosts welcome you into their beautiful home. After lunch visit Kinkakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Golden Pavilion. The Kinkakuji history dates back to 1397, when the villa was purchased by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. When Yoshimitsu died, the building was converted into a Zen temple by his son. Later check in to your hotel for a relaxing evening. (BB, BG) Hotel: Nikko Princess Kyoto
8
Kyoto Sightseeing This morning visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine and see the tunnel of thousands of bright orange torii gates that snake through the forest up into the mountains. Then head to the Sanjusangendo Hall, a temple famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy and afterwards enjoy a walking tour of the Gion area. Choose to remain in Gion to explore further or return to the hotel. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Farewell Dinner at the Ninja Kyoto restaurant. Venture into the mysterious labyrinth and secret fortress of the Ninjas, the traditional Japanese heroes and enjoy the creative Ninja-style food. (BB, FD)
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Depart Kyoto/Osaka Transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, continue to Hiroshima by choosing the 13 day itinerary on page 24. (BB)
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$770 p.p. $850 p.p. $850 p.p.
; SAVE up to $193
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: SAVE $100
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Triple room discount:
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
JAPAN
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Arrive Tokyo (2 Nights) Welcome to Japan. Upon arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda International Airport, transfer by airport shuttle service to your centrally located hotel. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetizers. (WR) Hotel: New Otani
TRIP PLANNER
SAVE up to $96 SAVE $180 p.p.
7 Gion Festival: Takes place annually in Kyoto for the entire month of July. 1 Takayama Festival is considered one of Japans best festivals to see the traditional floats in the streets of Takayama. 4 Important Information: The Imperial Palace East Gardens are closed on Fridays so trips starting in Tokyo on Wednesdays will visit the Hamarikyu Japanese Garden instead.
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Visas are generally not required for Japan but please contact your travel agent for more information. Cherry Blossom season varies between different regions of Japan and is dependent on weather conditions. Late March to mid April are the most likely times to experience it on this trip but this is not guaranteed. Important Information: The Edo Tokyo Museum will be closed for renovation until 31 March 2018. During this time the National Museum will be visited instead. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All prices are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55.
OPTIONAL TRADITIONAL RYOKAN STAY Extend your stay in Kyoto and take the opportunity to absorb genuine Japanese hospitality whilst staying in Authentic Accommodation in a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn). The ryokan features traditional rooms with tatami mats, communal segregated gender bathing areas and provides guests with a yukata (cotton kimono) to wear. See page 55 for prices.
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YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
SPLENDORS OF JAPAN WITH HIROSHIMA
13 days - 1 country
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Code: JPHO
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
SMALLER GROUPS
Embrace the timeless tradition and modern spirit of Japan’s iconic sites, from the neon skyline of Tokyo to the foodie hotspot of Osaka. Relax in the soothing hot springs of Kotohira, spend the night in a traditional ryokan and contemplate world peace at the final remnants of Hiroshima’s atomic blast.
12 nights Hotel accommodations 23 meals 12 buffet breakfasts 4 lunches (including Be My Guest) 7 dinners On-trip transport All transport shown (including express train and bullet train) All transfers shown Maximum 26 Guests
YOUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES As per Splendors of Japan itinerary plus:
AUTHENTIC ACCOMMODATION Stay at a traditional ryokan in the mountain hot springs village of Kotohira
CULTURAL INSIGHT Sample the famous Hiroshima style okonomiyaki
HIDDEN TREASURE Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
d
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS As per Splendors of Japan itinerary plus: City Tour of Hiroshima Visit the Water Temple on Awaji Island ▶ the Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima ▶ the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island
WHY ARE WE THE BEST? KANAZAWA 1
Gokayama
JAPAN
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TOKYO 2
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Miyajima KOTOHIRA Island Shikoku Island
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12 Hiroshima ▶ Osaka Take the high-speed bullet train to Osaka and on arrival have some free time for lunch and shopping in the Dotonbori Street area. Then stop for a visit to Osaka Castle; one of Japan’s most famous landmarks which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. Later checkin at your hotel and this evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant with your Travel Director and fellow guests. (BB, FD) Hotel: Sheraton Miyako Osaka
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1-8 Tokyo ▶ Kyoto These days will operate as per days 1-8 of the Splendors of Japan itinerary on pages 22-23. 9
10 Kotohira ▶ Hiroshima (2 Nights) This morning visit the Zentsuji Temple, birthplace of one of the most revered figures of Japanese Buddhism, the high priest Kobo Daishi. It is the 75th temple on the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, which covers approximately 1,200 kilometers and was traditionally done on foot taking up to 60 days to complete. It is still done by many people today although modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. Continue to Omishima Island and make a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Drive to Hiroshima via the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, a 60-kilometer highway that links the islands of the Seto Inland Sea with nine individual bridges. (BB, L) Hotel: Rihga Royal
WH Y EXP NOT L FUR ORE TH E R?
HOKKAIDO DISCOVERY
Extend your stay in Japan and visit Hokkaido; the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan’s four main islands. With its unspoiled nature, Hokkaido attracts many lovers of the outdoors. Stay in Sapporo, the largest city on Hokkaido Island and in Furano, with its beautiful lavender and flower fields. Please see page 29 for full details. The trip can be booked to follow on seamlessly from our Splendors of Japan with Hiroshima and Splendors of Japan trips on many departure dates.
11 Hiroshima Sightseeing d This morning catch a ferry over to Miyajima Island. On arrival visit the Itsukushima Shrine and admire the elaborate torii gate rising majestically out of the sea. Have some free time for lunch and strolling around this peaceful island. Return to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. See the UNESCO listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing in the area when the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945. Through the efforts of many people, this ruin has been preserved in the same state as immediately after the bombing as an expression of hope for world peace. This evening experience the famous Hiroshima style okonomiyaki, a Cultural Insight. Okonamiyaki is similar to a savoury pancake and is made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat, seafood or cheese and grilled in layers on a hot plate in front of you. (BB, RM)
EARLY BIRD SAVINGS P. TO $595 P. SAVE UP
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Single Supplement (add to price above): Exceptions 25-Mar to 22-Apr-18: 16-Sep to 11-Nov-18:
$1030 p.p. $1120 p.p. $1120 p.p.
; SAVE up to $298
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Multiple trip discount:
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Triple room discount:
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
JAPAN
Kyoto ▶ Kotohira d This morning leave Japan’s main island Honshu behind as you cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge, over the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island. Later have 13 Depart Osaka some free time for lunch and take a walk around Transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai Yumebutai, a complex of buildings built on the International Airport, or Osaka Itami Airport for side of the mountain. One of the most striking your onward flight. (BB) features is the ‘100 Stepped Garden’ — a group of 100 flowerbeds in small square gardens on an incline and arranged in grids spread over several AUTHENTIC ACCOMMODATION levels. Visit the Water Temple, designed by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando to be a sensory experience. See how the mountains, sky, rice Kotohira Grand Sakuranosho (ryokan) paddies and bamboo groves are reflected in the Enjoy genuine Japanese hospitality whilst stillness of the water as you descend the steps to staying in Authentic Accommodation in a the Buddhist Temple below the water. Continue traditional ryokan (Japanese inn). Get the best to the small mountain hot springs village of of both worlds with the Japanese style rooms Kotohira for your overnight stay in your Authentic which have the added comfort of western style Accommodation, a Japanese ryokan. Before beds (rooms with tatami mats instead of beds dinner, if you wish, climb the steps adjacent to the can be requested at the time of booking if hotel to visit Kotohira-gu Shrine and be rewarded preferred). The ryokan features communal hot with breathtaking views of the surrounding spring (onsen) baths and guests are provided countryside. This evening perhaps have a relaxing with a yukata (cotton kimono) to wear. soak in the hot spring (onsen) bath at the hotel. (BB, D) Hotel: Kotohira Grand Sakuranosho (ryokan) Authentic Accommodation
TRIP PLANNER
SAVE up to $149 SAVE $250 p.p.
7 Gion Festival: Takes place annually in Kyoto and is one of the most famous festivals in Japan. Events and parades are held for the entire month of July. 1 Takayama Festival is considered one of Japans best festivals to see the traditional floats in the streets of Takayama. 4 Important Information: The Imperial Palace East Gardens are closed on Fridays so trips starting in Tokyo on Wednesdays will visit the Hamarikyu Japanese Garden instead
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Visas are generally not required for Japan but please contact your travel agent for more information. Cherry Blossom season varies between different regions of Japan and is dependent on weather conditions so can also vary slightly each year. Late March to mid April are the most likely times to experience it on this trip but this is not guaranteed. Important Information: The Edo Tokyo Museum will be closed for renovation until 31 March 2018. During this time the National Museum will be visited instead. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All prices are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55. Visit www.trafalgar.com for availability, up-to-date itineraries and Optional Experiences.
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SPIRITUAL JAPAN
9 days - 1 country
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$4475 PP*
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Code: JPSJ
YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
Retrace the steps of the ancients – a spiritual interlude with some of Japan’s most sacred places and the extraordinary rituals performed throughout millennia. Visit the birthplace of Shingon Buddism, the elegantly painted sliding doors of Kongobuji Temple and delight in vegetarian dishes served by local monks at their monastery lodgings.
SMALLER GROUPS
8 nights Hotel accommodations 15 meals 8 buffet breakfasts 3 lunches (including Be My Guest) 4 dinners On-trip transport All transport shown All transfers shown Maximum 26 Guests
YOUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES BE MY GUEST Lunch with a monk at Shorenji Temple in Nabari
CULTURAL INSIGHT Enjoy a Japanese style vegetarian lunch at a monastery inn. Learn about the ‘Ama’, professional women shellfish divers.
HIDDEN TREASURE Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
d
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS City Tour of Osaka ▶ Kyoto Visit Osaka Castle ▶ the Abeno Harukas Observatory in Osaka ▶ the Kongobuji Temple ▶ the Danjo Garan Temple in Mt. Koya ▶ the Ise Jingu Shrine ▶ Mikimoto Pearl Island in Shima ▶ the Ninja Museum ▶ Ueno Castle in Iga ▶ Bamboo Forest ▶ Kinkakuji Temple ▶ Sanjusangendo Hall in Kyoto View the Nachi waterfall in Kumano
JAPAN
WHY ARE WE THE BEST? SPIRITUAL JAPAN WITH TOKYO See page 28 for details
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Pagoda and sakura cherry blossom
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5
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1
2
4
Osaka e After breakfast start your city tour with a visit to Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. Although the present structure is a 1931 reconstruction, it’s nonetheless quite a sight, looming dramatically over the surrounding park, which has the bonus of being a great place to view cherry blossom in the springtime. Next 6 visit the Abeno Harukas Observatory which standing at 300 meters is the tallest skyscraper in Japan. The observation deck with large floor-to-ceiling glass panels all around offers 360 degree panoramic views of Osaka. Later enjoy some free time for shopping in the Umeda district before returning to the hotel. This afternoon is yours at leisure or choose to join an Optional Experience. (BB) Osaka ▶ Mt Koya ▶ Shirahama d This morning travel to Mt. Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and where the Shingon Buddhism sect was introduced in 805 by the priest Kukai, who posthumously became known as Kobo Daishi. Here visit the Kongobuji Temple with its elegantly painted sliding doors and the Danjo Garan Temple, one of the first complexes built by Kobo Daishi in Mt. Koya. Later enjoy a Japanese style vegetarian lunch 7 at a delightful monastery inn (shukubo) served by local monks, a Cultural Insight. Continue to Okunoin, Japan’s largest cemetery and the site of Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, set in an enchanted forest of towering ancient cedar trees. Travel to Shirahama and later enjoy dinner in a local authentic Japanese ‘Izakaya’. (BB, L, D) Hotel: Nanki Shirahama Marriott Shirahama ▶ Kumano ▶ Shima (2 Nights) Today visit the Kumano area, the spiritual heartland of Japan and discover the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Choose to ascend Daimonzaka Hill either on foot or by coach to admire the 8 Nachi Taisha Shrine, Seiganotoji Temple and the impressive Nachi waterfall which at approximately 130 meters high is the tallest waterfall in Japan. Continue your journey by visiting Hayatama Taisha one of Kumano’s most important shrines that holds an important place in Japanese mythology. The collection housed in this small museum is impressive, with more national treasures than some major museums. Continue to your hotel which for the next two nights is the Shima Kanko The Classic; famous for hosting the 42nd G7 summit in 2016 which was attended by many top politicians including 9 the US president at the time, Barack Obama. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel. (BB, D) Hotel: Shima Kanko The Classic
EARLY BIRD SAVINGS P. TO $455 P. SAVE UP
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Shima ▶ Iga ▶ Nabari ▶ Kyoto (3 nights) d Travel to Iga and start the day with a visit to the Ninja Museum, dedicated to the history of ninja and ninjutsu, an original form of warfare developed mainly in the region. The museum’s collection includes very old ninjutsu writings analyzed scientifically along with ancient weapons. Continue by exploring Ueno Castle constructed in the late 16th century served as the seat of the local lords during the Edo Period. The castle tower was destroyed in a storm less than 50 years later and not rebuilt until 1935 when a local resident provided funding for the tower’s reconstruction. Then enjoy a special Be My Guest lunch with a monk at Shorenji Temple in Nabari whilst learning about the history and traditions of the region. After lunch continue to Kyoto for your overnight stay. (BB, BG) Hotel: New Miyako Kyoto Enjoy a late start this morning followed by a visit to Kinkakuji Temple; a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Golden Pavilion reflecting beautifully in the water of the adjoining pond. Lunch today is okonomiyaki; similar to a savoury pancake and made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat, seafood or cheese and grilled in layers on a hot plate in front of you. This afternoon visit Arashiyama and the breath-taking Bamboo Forest for a walk through the bamboo groves. Continue on with a visit to Tenryuji Temple which has one of the finest gardens in Kyoto and scenic mountain views. (BB, L) Kyoto e This morning visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple; a buzzing hive of activity perched on a hill overlooking the city. It is one of Kyoto’s most popular and most enjoyable temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then head to Sanjusangendo Hall, a temple famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Return to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon or choose to take part in an Optional Experience. This evening have a delightful Farewell dinner with your fellow companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant. (BB, FD) Depart Kyoto Transfer by airport shuttle to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight. (BB)
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PRICE PP Start Osaka
Double Share
18 MAR MO 26 MAR 4550 25 MAR MO 02 APR 4550
SU SU
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Single Supplement (add to price above): Exceptions 03-Jun to 17-Jun-18:
$930 p.p. $760 p.p.
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Multiple trip discount:
: SAVE $125
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Triple room discount:
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
SAVE up to $114 SAVE $95p.p.
JAPAN
3
Arrive Osaka (2 Nights) Welcome to Japan. Upon arrival at Osaka Itami or Kansai International Airport, transfer by pre-booked airport shuttle service to your hotel. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception drink with appetizers. (WR) Hotel: Rihga Royal Osaka
Shima ▶ Ise ▶ Shima d Enjoy a later start this morning before traveling to Ise to visit the Ise Jingu Shrine the most revered Shinto sanctuary of great spiritual and historical significance. It consists of an inner and outer shrine and both are rebuilt from scratch every 20 years according to ancient Shinto tradition. Later meet some traditional free divers known as ‘Ama’, as seen in the James Bond movie ‘You Only Live Twice’. They are working women of the region who dressed all in white, dive into the sea without any diving equipment to catch shellfish and seaweed. Enjoy the fine flavor of the chargrilled local fresh seafood whilst listening to the stories told by the friendly and cheerful divers, a Cultural Insight. Later visit Mikimoto Pearl Island which is the place where, for the first time in the world, pearls were successfully cultured. Then enjoy some free time at a local mall for shopping and dinner at one of the many local and international restaurants. (BB)
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Visas are generally not required for Japan but please contact your travel agent for more information. Cherry Blossom season varies between different regions of Japan and is dependent on weather conditions so can also vary slightly each year. Late March to mid April are the most likely times to experience it on this trip but this is not guaranteed. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All prices are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55. Visit www.trafalgar.com for availability, up-to-date itineraries and Optional Experiences.
JOIN TRAFALGAR
TRAVEL TODAY, SUSTAIN TOMORROW
Amagoya Experience, Shima An ‘Ama’ is a professional female shellfish diver who dives into the sea without an oxygen tank or any other equipment to catch shellfish and seaweed. ‘Amagoya’ literally means the hut where the Ama divers take a rest with their colleagues after diving. Take the opportunity to enjoy the flavor of char-grilled local fresh seafood whilst listening to their animated stories.
SPIRITUAL JAPAN WITH TOKYO
WH Y EXP NOT L FUR ORE TH E R?
Extend your stay and travel by high-speed bullet train to Tokyo. Stay for three nights and enjoy a City Tour and a visit to Mt. Fuji; Japan’s highest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See page 28 for details.
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TRAVEL STYLE
SPIRITUAL JAPAN WITH TOKYO
Q
12 days - 1 country
$6825 PP*
FROM
Code: JPST
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
a b c SMALLER GROUPS
11 nights Hotel accommodations 18 meals 11 buffet breakfasts 3 lunches (including Be My Guest) 4 dinners On-trip transport All transport shown (including bullet train) All transfers shown Maximum 26 Guests
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS As per Spiritual Japan itinerary plus: City Tour of Tokyo Visit the Tokyo Tower, Sensoji Buddhist Temple, the Imperial Palace Plaza, the 5th station at Mt. Fuji View Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi
WHY ARE WE THE BEST?
Tokyo
Centuries-old tradition lives in harmony with the verve of a futuristic city – one where imperial palaces and tranquil temples co-exist with the quirky youth culture for which Tokyo is so famous. Delve into the city’s pulsating energy, honor its rituals and celebrate cultural treasures, from the ancient temple town of Asakusa to Akihabara’s electric hub. ITINERARY Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1-8 Osaka ▶ Kyoto These days will operate as per days 1-8 of the SpiritualJ apani tinerary on pages2 6-27. 9
was founded in 628, making it Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Visit Nakamise, a shopping street over 200 meters long that stretches from the outer gate to the temple’s second interior gate. Next drive through Akihabara which began its evolution into ‘Electric Town’ post WWII when the area became a black market for radio parts. Later make a stop at Ginza and take some free time for shopping and lunch. (BB)
Kyoto ▶ Tokyo (3 Nights) This morning travel to Tokyo by high speed bullet train. On arrival check in to your centrally 11 Mt. Fuji After breakfast depart Tokyo for the Five Lakes located hotel. (BB) Hotel: Keio Plaza District, dominated by majestic UNESCO listed 10 Tokyo Sightseeing Mt. Fuji. At 3,776 meters it is Japan’s highest On your City Tour this morning visit the mountain and most recognisable icon. Ascend observation deck at the Tokyo Tower which by road to 2,300 meters at the 5th Station opened in 1958 as a broadcasting mast and before taking a ride on the Kachikachiyama at the time was the tallest building in Tokyo. Ropeway, (both weather permitting) a cable car Make a stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza, a ride offering spectacular views on a clear day large park area in the center of Tokyo from of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. Later return to where the two bridges that form the entrance your hotel for a relaxing evening. (BB) to the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace 12 Depart Tokyo can be viewed. Continue to Asakusa and Transfer by airport shuttle service to Tokyo visit the Sensoji Buddhist temple. It is one of Narita or Haneda International Airport for your Tokyo’s most colorful and popular temples onward flight. (BB) and has been rebuilt countless times since it
EARLY BIRD SAVINGS
SAVE $693 UP TO
P. P.
More great savings on page 21
d Insider Experience WR Welcome Reception e Free time
F BB Buffet Breakfast L Lunch RM Regional Meal
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G
Read honest and unedited reviews from our guests at: www.trafalgar.com/reviews
TRIP PLANNER PRICE PP Start Osaka
End Tokyo
Double Share
SU SU
18 MAR TH 29 MAR 6925 25 MAR TH 05 APR 6925
SU SU
01 APR TH 12 APR 6925 08 APR TH 19 APR 6925
SU
06 MAY TH 17 MAY 6925
SU
03 JUN TH 14 JUN 6825
PRICE PP Start Osaka
End Tokyo
Double Share
6825
SU
17 JUN TH 28 JUN
SU
01 JUL TH 12 JUL
6925
SU SU
02 SEP TH 13 SEP 30 SEP TH 11 OCT
6925 6925
SU SU
07 OCT TH 18 OCT 14 OCT TH 25 OCT
6925 6925
Single Supplement (add to price above): Exceptions 03-Jun to 17-Jun-18:
$1380 p.p. $1300 p.p.
; SAVE up to $346
r
Multiple trip discount:
: SAVE $160
s
Triple room discount:
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
SAVE up to $173 SAVE $130 p.p.
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Visas are generally not required for Japan but please contact your travel agent for more information. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All prices are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55. Visit www.trafalgar.com for availability, up-to-date itineraries and Optional Experiences.
BMG Be My Guest Dining D Dinner FD Farewell Dinner
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TRAVEL STYLE
!
HOKKAIDO DISCOVERY
5 days - 1 country
$2975 PP*
FROM
Code: HOKK
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
a b c SMALLER GROUPS
4 nights Hotel accommodations 7 meals 4 buffet breakfasts 1 lunch 2 dinners On-trip transport All transport shown (including domestic flight) All transfers shown Maximum 26 Guests JAPAN
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS City Tour of Sapporo Visit the Otaru Canal ▶ the herring mansion in Otaru ▶ an ‘Eco Farm’ in Furano ▶ the Sapporo Beer Museum See the colorful flowers in Furano 3995
TRIP PLANNER PRICE PP Start End Kyoto/Osaka Sapporo
Blue Pond Biei
ITINERARY 1
2
28-29.indd 2
Kyoto/Osaka ▶ Sapporo (2 Nights) This morning transfer to Osaka Itami Airport for your flight to Shin Chitose, the gateway to Hokkaido. Upon arrival meet your Travel 3 Director and transfer to your centrally located hotel in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and Japan’s fifth largest city. Later join your Travel Director for a walk around Susukino which is the largest entertainment district in Northern Japan and is packed with stores, bars and restaurants. Enjoy an Izakaya (a typical Japanese gastro-pub) dining experience with a taste of Hokkaido’s famous fresh seafood. (D) Hotel: Keio Plaza Sapporo Sapporo Sightseeing ▶ Otaru ▶ Sapporo d Start your city tour of Sapporo with views of the Clock Tower; built in 1878 the clock has not missed tolling the hour for nearly 140 years and is considered to be the symbol of the city. In the eastern side of Odori Park, see the 147 meter high Sapporo TV Tower, similar in design to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Continue your drive to the west of the city to visit Otaru, the old harbor city of Hokkaido with its beautifully preserved canal area and old buildings that date back to its glory days as a major herring center. At Otaru Canal take a walk with a Local Specialist beneath the old Victorian style gas lamps that line this historic canal and learn all about Otaru before enjoying some free time for shopping and lunch. Stop at the Kitaichi Glass Factory to admire the beautiful and colorful glassware and later visit a large preserved herring mansion dating back to the end of the 19 th century where fishermen’s tools and living conditions are displayed. During the heyday of herring fishing, large herring mansions were built by wealthy fishermen to process the fish and as a residence for themselves and their employees. The herring fishing industry played a major role in the history of the city and large fortunes were made by the leading
4
5
fishing enterprises until the 1950s, when the herring stocks dramatically declined and the industry collapsed. Later return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. (BB) Sapporo ▶ Biei ▶ Furano (2 Nights) d e Today leave Sapporo behind and head for central Hokkaido and the town of Biei. With the dramatic mountains of the Daisetsuzan National Park as a backdrop, Biei is an artists and nature lover’s paradise. Visit the ‘Hokusei-no-oka Observatory’ with its pyramid-shaped structure and enjoy the views of the splendid landscape. Continue your journey and head to the city of Furano. It has a somewhat surprisingly continental climate which fosters a burgeoning wine industry, producing award winning cheeses and enabling sprawling fields of lavender to spring to life. In Furano take some free time for shopping and lunch and later visit a local government certified organic ‘Eco Farm’ which produces wine, juices and various vegetables. Meet the farm owner and take a walk around with him to learn about the work they do whilst sampling some of their produce, a Cultural Insight. Later make a stop at a lavender farm to see the colorful display of flowers usually in bloom around June/July time. Continue to your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay. (BB, D) Hotel: New Furano Prince Furano ▶ Sapporo d e This morning travel back to Sapporo and visit the Sapporo Beer Museum for a Cultural Insight . After the tour of the museum enjoy a beer tasting followed by lunch. Later check in to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure and make the most of your last day in Hokkaido perhaps with some shopping or further exploration of the city. (BB, L) Depart Sapporo Transfer by airport shuttle service to Shin Chitose airport for your onward flight. (BB)
Double Share
PRICE PP Start End Kyoto/Osaka Sapporo
Double Share
MO 26 MAR FR FR 30 MAR TU
30 MAR 2975 03 APR 2975
MO 25 JUN FR FR 29 JUN TU
29 JUN 03 JUL
MO 09 APR FR 13 APR MO 16 APR FR 20 APR MO 23 APR FR 27 APR MO 30 APR
FR TU FR TU FR TU FR
13 APR 17 APR 20 APR 24 APR 27 APR 01 MAY 04 MAY
2975 2975 2975 2975 2975 3650 3650
MO 09 JUL FR FR 13 JUL TU
13 JUL 17 JUL
3650 3650
MO 27 AUG FR FR 31 AUG TU
31 AUG 04 SEP
3450 3450
FR 04 MAY MO 14 MAY MO 21 MAY FR 25 MAY
TU FR FR TU
08 MAY 18 MAY 25 MAY 29 MAY
3650 3325 3325 3325
MO 10 SEP FR 14 SEP MO 24 SEP FR 28 SEP
FR TU FR TU
14 SEP 18 SEP 28 SEP 02 OCT
3325 3325 3325 3325
MO 08 OCT FR FR 12 OCT TU MO 15 OCT FR
12 OCT 16 OCT 19 OCT
3225 3225 3225
MO 11 JUN FR FR 15 JUN TU
15 JUN 3450 19 JUN 3450
Single Supplement (add to price above): Exceptions 26-Mar to 23-Apr-18: 08-Oct to 15-Oct-18: 27-Apr to 04-May-18: 29-Jun to 13-Jul-18: Young traveler discount:
: SAVE $100
s
3450 3650
$670 p.p. $500 p.p. $500 p.p. $840 p.p. $840 p.p.
Triple room discount:
SAVE $60 p.p.
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Flights: Prices include airfare and taxes for the flight from Osaka to Shin Chitose and are accurate as of 1st June 2017. Flights: Onward departure flight from Shin Chitose at the end of the trip is not included. Cherry Blossom season varies between different regions of Japan and late April to early May are the most likely times to experience it on this trip but this is not guaranteed. Airport transfers included. See page 56 *All prices are per person, double share.
TRIP COMBINATION Combine the Hokkaido Discovery with Splendors of Japan or Splendors of Japan with Hiroshima for the ultimate Japan experience.
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Q
TREASURES OF NORTHERN INDIA a b WITH MUMBAI
14 days - 1 country Code: RAMU
YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
$3850 PP*
FROM
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
Ignite all your senses on this journey through the colorful, crowded bazaars, exquisite architecture and culinary splendor of India. Meet its vibrant people, see the beauty of the Taj Mahal and stay at a heritage resort with royal roots as you trace this magical land’s ancient traditions, unforgettable flavors and beautiful landscapes.
c SMALLER GROUPS
13 nights Hotel accommodations 23 meals 13 buffet breakfasts 4 lunches 6 dinners (including Be My Guest) On-trip transport All transport shown (including domestic flight) All transfers shown Maximum 26 Guests
YOUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES BE MY GUEST Enjoy dinner with a local family at their home in Jaipur
AUTHENTIC ACCOMMODATION Stay in a beautifully maintained heritage resort in Narlai, which was once a hunting lodge of Jodhpur’s Royal Family
CULTURAL INSIGHT Take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Learn about the daily lives of the street children of Delhi and share their life stories. Choose between learning the art of Rajasthani Turban Tying or Kite Flying, a very popular pastime in Jaipur. Interact with the head of a noble family in Narlai and visit a Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai
LOCAL SPECIALIST Local Specialist in Jaipur
d
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
3 DELHI
JAIPUR 3
1 AGRA
2 NARLAI
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS City Tours of Old and New Delhi ▶ Jaipur ▶ Udaipur ▶ Mumbai Visit Humayun’s Tomb ▶ Qutub Minar in Delhi ▶ Agra Fort ▶ the Taj Mahal in Agra ▶ City Palace ▶ Amber Fort in Jaipur ▶ the Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai Cruise across Mumbai Harbor to Elephanta Island
2 UDAIPUR
INDIA
View the Palace of the Winds in Jaipur
WHY ARE WE THE BEST? 2 MUMBAI
30
Taj Mahal, Agra
RAMU.indd 1
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Start
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Overnight stays
Sightseeing stops
22/06/2017 15:34
ITINERARY
1
2
4
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Delhi d e This morning begin your City Tour with a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi for a Cultural Insight . View the Red Fort before riding through the colorful Chandni Chowk market. See it come alive in the morning as the day’s trading begins. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan at a cost of 1 million rupees. Return to your hotel and enjoy some free time this afternoon. (BB) Delhi d After a late start this morning take a guided walking tour and discover the work done by the Salaam Baalak Trust, a non-profit organization that aims to provide a caring environment for street children, a Cultural Insight . Later walk through the bazaar of Paharganj where the locals do their daily shopping and after lunch in a local restaurant visit New Delhi which was designed and built by the British starting in the 1920’s. Visit two monuments from Delhi’s past - Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Later drive past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. (BB, L) Delhi ▶ Agra Travel to Agra which in the 16th and 17th centuries was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. Visit the impressive Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and walk through the chambers of this royal residence. On the drive through the city, witness the hustle and bustle of everyday India. (BB, D) Hotel: Double Tree by Hilton Agra ▶ Jaipur (3 Nights) Visit the spectacular Taj Mahal at sunrise when its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints. It was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then depart for Jaipur, stopping for lunch en-route. Jaipur is known as the “Pink City” and is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. (BB, L) Hotel: Hilton Jaipur Sightseeing d This morning visit the City Palace and the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make a brief stop at the Palace of Winds, a spectacular five storied wonder constructed to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch city life unseen from the outside. This afternoon your choice of activities offers the opportunity to learn about ancient customs and pastimes in a Cultural Insight . Choose between Turban Tying or Kite Flying or, perhaps have a go at both! (BB) Jaipur d Visit the Amber Fort; a marvelous example of Rajput architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later learn about the tradition of hand block printing from a Local Specialist . The block-printed cottons of Jaipur have been renowned for their exquisite patterns and natural coloring for at least 250 years. Also visit a workshop where a Local Specialist demonstrates how the famous blue and green
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RAMU.indd 2
8
9
Jaipur ▶ Narlai (2 Nights) d Travel to Narlai and on arrival check-in to your Authentic Accommodation; the Rawla Narlai, a beautifully maintained heritage resort which lies hidden away in a small picturesque village in the heart of the Aravalli Hills. It is a relaxing place to unwind with plenty of outdoor space and shaded nooks and crannies. (BB, L, D) Hotel: Rawla Narlai Authentic Accommodation Narlai d e Take part in a Jeep safari into the nearby countryside and perhaps see some deer and leopards in their natural habitat. Later take a walk around the village and get a glimpse of the traditional way people live there. Enjoy some free time during the afternoon and later meet one of the family members for some fascinating stories and history about the hotel and the locals, a Cultural Insight . At dinner this evening taste the flavor of true Rajasthani royal hospitality at a 16th century old Stepwell. (BB, D)
10 Narlai ▶ Udaipur (2 Nights) This morning travel to Udaipur; set amongst rolling hills and shimmering lakes with fairy-tale palaces, it is considered by many to be the most beautiful and romantic city in Rajasthan. This evening enjoy a scenic boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. (BB) Hotel: Trident by Oberoi 11 Udaipur e Visit the City Palace complex which consists of several palaces, forming a single breathtaking façade overlooking Lake Pichola. Later wander through the markets and bazaars to get a feel for the city. Visit the Jagdish Temple built in 1651, ornamented with excellent carvings and a bronze figure of the Garuda. Proceed to the Garden of the Maids of the Honour constructed in the early 18th century and was used as a venue for royal parties. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy some free time or take part in an Optional Experienc e. (BB, L) 12 Udaipur ▶ Mumbai (2 Nights) d This morning fly to Mumbai and on arrival visit Dhobi Ghat, a unique feature of Mumbai and a Cultural Insight . The ‘dhobi’ is a traditional laundryman, who will collect dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed. See the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a historic railway station listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and later this afternoon take in views of Mumbai’s principal landmark, the Gateway of India, a huge archway on the water’s edge. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum and afterwards enjoy a walk through the famous Crawford Market. (BB) Hotel: JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu 13 Mumbai e This morning take a boat trip across Mumbai Harbor to see the rock-cut temples on Elephanta Island; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The labyrinth of cave temples represents some of India’s most impressive temple carvings. This afternoon have some free time or take part in an Optional Experience. This evening join your fellow guests and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner. (BB, FD) 14 Depart Mumbai Transfer to Mumbai Airport for your onward flight. (BB)
EZJZIZG
PRICE PP Start Delhi
End Mumbai
PRICE PP Start Delhi
Double Share
✚
SU
21 JAN SA 03 FEB 4275
✚
SU SU
04 FEB SA 17 FEB 4275 ✚ 18 FEB SA 03 MAR 4275
✚
SU SU
04 MAR SA 17 MAR 4275 ✚ 18 MAR SA 31 MAR 4275
✚
SU SU
08 APR SA 21 APR 3850 ▲ 22 APR SA 05 MAY 3850
SU SU
06 MAY SA 19 MAY 3850 20 MAY SA 02 JUN 3850 ●
SU
19 AUG SA 01 SEP 3850
Double Share
SU SU
14 OCT SA 27 OCT 28 OCT SA 10 NOV
4275 4275
SU SU
11 NOV SA 24 NOV 25 NOV SA 08 DEC
4275 4275
09 DEC SA 22 DEC 16 DEC SA 29 DEC 2019 SU 20 JAN SA 02 FEB
4275 4595 4295
03 FEB SA 16 FEB 17 FEB SA 02 MAR
4295 4295
● SU 03 MAR SA 16 MAR 16 SEP SA 29 SEP 3850 ✚● SU 17 MAR SA 30 MAR 30 SEP SA 13 OCT 4275 ● SU 31 MAR SA 13 APR
4295 4295 4295
●
✚●
SU SU
End Mumbai
SU SU
SU SU
Single Supplement (add to price above): Exceptions 08-Apr to 16-Sep-18: 16-Dec-18 :
$1460 p.p. $1040 p.p. $1560 p.p.
; SAVE up to $219
r
Multiple trip discount:
: SAVE $190
s
Triple room discount:
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
SAVE up to $109 SAVE $30 p.p.
INDIA AND SRI LANKA
3
Arrive Delhi (3 Nights) Welcome to India. Upon arrival at Delhi Airport transfer to your hotel. This evening meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetizers. (WR) Hotel: Sheraton New Delhi
TRIP PLANNER
pottery of Jaipur is made. This evening enjoy a Be My Guest dining experience with a local family. (BB, BG)
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1
9 Special Rate Solo Rooming: These departures include a 11% discount on our standard single supplement. 3 2019 departures are subject to change of itinerary, price, discount and hotels. These will be confirmed in June 2018. x Important information: Gala Dinner
included at the hotel on 24 December.
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Visas are required for India, please contact your travel agent for more information and advice. Flights: Prices include internal airfare and taxes for flight: Udaipur to Mumbai and are accurate as of 1st June 2017. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All pric es are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55. Visit www.trafalgar.com for availability, up-to-date itineraries and Optional Experiences.
JOIN TRAFALGAR
TRAVEL TODAY, SUSTAIN TOMORROW
Salaam Baalak Trust, Delhi You’ll learn about the work being done by the Salaam Baalak Trust in the rehabilitation of street children and how your visit helps to support this.
Join ME to WE and extend your Trafalgar trip with the perfect, hands-on sustainable experience. The vibrant culture and traditions of rural India are featured on this transformative experience. See page 18 to learn more and visit www.metowe.com/trafalgar for the trip overview.
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TRAVEL STYLE
Q
INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE WITH VARANASI
8 days - 1 country
$2375 PP*
FROM
Code: INGTV
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
Embark on a spiritual interlude with India. Candle-lit rituals on the River Ganges, palaces, forts and tombs, a riot of color and vibrancy around every corner – your exploration of India’s Golden Triangle and centuries-old heritage takes you through the sandstone and marble halls of the Amber Fort, the pyramidal Palace of Winds and the exquisite Taj Mahal.
YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
a b c SMALLER GROUPS
7 nights Hotel accommodations 14 meals 7 buffets breakfast 2 lunches 5 dinners (Including Be My Guest) On-trip transport All transport shown (including domestic flights) All transfers shown Maximum 26 Guests
YOUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES BE MY GUEST Enjoy dinner with a local family at their home in Jaipur
CULTURAL INSIGHT Take a rickshaw tour around the Old Delhi. In Varanasi, visit the rural life and observe the locals taking a morning bath in the holy water at the River Ganges
HIDDEN TREASURE Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
d
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS City Tours of Delhi ▶ Varanasi ▶ Jaipur Visit the Jama Masjid ▶ the Humayun’s Tomb ▶ the Qutub Minar in Delhi ▶ the Sarnath in Varanasi ▶ the Agra Fort ▶ the Taj Mahal in Agra ▶ the Amber Fort ▶ City Palace Museum in Jaipur
2 DELHI
2
JAIPUR
1
View the Palace of Winds in Jaipur
AGRA 2
VARANASI
INDIA
32
Sadhu (Holy man), Varanasi
INGTV.indd 1
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Start
End
Overnight stays
Sightseeing stops
22/06/2017 15:34
ITINERARY
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1
2
4
Delhi d Start the day with a unique tour by rickshaw around Old Delhi for a Cultural Insight . Drive past the impressive Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered to be the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. Visit Jama Masjid the largest mosque in India and then stop at Chandni Chowk to discover the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Continue along the ceremonial avenue Rajpath and past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. After lunch in a local restaurant venture into New Delhi and admire the architectural design of 6 the buildings. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites from Delhi’s past. Humayun’s Tomb Fort is one of the most magnificent Persian style tombs built in Delhi during the Mughal rule constructed out of red sandstone standing in the center of gardens complete with pools linked by channels. Later visit Qutub Minar, a tower with five distinct storeys and which at approximately 75 meters is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (BB, L) Delhi ▶ Varanasi (2 Nights) d This morning fly to the city of Varanasi; situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges, it is one of the most colorful places on earth and the center of Hindu religion. Later escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a glimpse of rural life in India, a Cultural Insight . Walk through the village of Rameshwar where all activities are aimed at sustainable livelihood and community 7 empowerment whilst ensuring the economic growth of the under-privileged. Observe local women making papad and pickles, doing embroidery or making saris which they sell to the local markets. Visit the village school and the Shanti Dham Ashram, a catholic prayer center for the Christian society living in Varanasi. This evening enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges to witness an Aarti ceremony, a very powerful and uplifting spiritual ritual that uses fire as an offering. It’s made in the form of a small ‘diya’ with a candle and flowers and a large number of these are floated down the river, a truly magical sight. Later return to your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay. (BB, D) Hotel: Radisson Varanasi Sightseeing d e Early this morning enjoy a scenic sunrise boat trip on the holy River Ganges and see Varanasi slowly coming alive along the banks of the river. Observe the locals taking a morning bath in the holy water whilst worshipping the rising sun, a Cultural Insight . Return to your hotel for breakfast followed by a visit to Sarnath, one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. The Archaeological Museum at Sarnath is amongst the most important in India and contains more than 6,800 sculptures and artifacts from the
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d Insider Experience WR Welcome Reception e Free time
INGTV.indd 2
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Varanasi ▶ Agra After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the short domestic flight to Agra. This splendid city played a significant role in shaping India’s history. Discover the heritage of architectural and cultural splendor of the Golden Age. This afternoon visit the impressive Agra Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site which encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Although largely overshadowed by the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort is one of the finest Mughal forts in India and at one time the country was governed from within this powerful walled palatial city. As you drive through the city witness the local life, markets and hustle and bustle of everyday India. This evening dinner is at the hotel and perhaps choose to take part in an Optional Experience. (BB, D) Hotel: Double Tree by Hilton Agra ▶ Jaipur (2 Nights) d Make an early start with a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the marble exterior reflecting rose and golden tints at sunrise which then turn to dazzling white. The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and it took 18 years and over 20,000 craft smen to complete this monument in memory by an emperor for his beloved queen. Legend has it that once construction was completed, the emperor had the architects hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure anywhere else. After the visit return to your hotel for breakfast and later this morning depart for Jaipur, the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. This evening enjoy a Be My Guest dinner with a local family in their home. (BB, L, BG) Hotel: Hilton Jaipur This morning visit the inspiring Amber Fort with its marvelous Rajput architecture listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. En route back to the hotel make a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. This afternoon continue your city tour with a visit to the City Palace Museum to see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. Across the road from the palace is the famous Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of five observatories in India. This astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century continues to provide accurate information to this day. Later this evening join your fellow guests and Travel Director for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (BB, FD) Depart Jaipur Transfer to Jaipur airport for your onward flight or choose to travel to Delhi by coach, departing at 10:00 and arriving to Delhi at approximately 16:30. The coach will drop off at Delhi International Airport and the Trafalgar post night airport hotel; the Pride Plaza. (BB)
FZGZEZJ
BB Buffet Breakfast L Lunch RM Regional Meal
BG Be My Guest Dining D Dinner FD Farewell Dinner
PRICE PP Start Delhi ✚
SA SA
End Jaipur
06 JAN SA 13 JAN 2675 27 JAN SA 03 FEB 2675
✚
SA SA
10 FEB SA 17 FEB 2675 24 FEB SA 03 MAR 2675
✚
SA SA
10 MAR SA 17 MAR 2675 24 MAR SA 31 MAR 2675
✚
SA SA
PRICE PP Start Delhi
Double Share
End Jaipur
Double Share
✚
SA SA
06 OCT SA 13 OCT 20 OCT SA 27 OCT
2675 2675
✚
SA SA
03 NOV SA 10 NOV 17 NOV SA 24 NOV
2675 2675
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SA SA
01 DEC SA 08 DEC 22 DEC SA 29 DEC 2019 SA 05 JAN SA 12 JAN SA 26 JAN SA 02 FEB
2675 2825
14 APR SA 21 APR 2375 28 APR SA 05 MAY 2375 ● ●
SA
12 MAY SA 19 MAY 2375 ● SA 09 FEB SA 16 FEB 02 JUN SA 09 JUN 2375 ✚● SA 23 FEB SA 02 MAR
SA
25 AUG SA 01 SEP 2375 ●
SA
22 SEP SA 29 SEP 2375
SA
✚●
SA SA
09 MAR SA 16 MAR 23 MAR SA 30 MAR
Single Supplement (add to price above): Exceptions 14-Apr to 22-Sep-18:
2675 2675 2675 2675 2675 2675
$770 p.p. $520 p.p.
; SAVE up to $122
r
Multiple trip discount:
: SAVE $100
s
Triple room discount:
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
SAVE up to $61 SAVE $30 p.p.
INDIA AND SRI LANKA
3
Arrive Delhi (2 Nights) Welcome to India. Upon arrival at Delhi airport, transfer to your hotel. This evening meet your fellow guests and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception with drinks and appetizers. (WR) Hotel: Sheraton New Delhi
TRIP PLANNER
3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. Return to your hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure. (BB)
9 Special Rate Solo Rooming: These departures include a 13% discount on our standard single supplement. ● 2019 departures are subject to change of itinerary, price, discount and hotels. These will be confirmed in June 2018. 5 Important Information: Gala Dinner included at the hotel on 24 December.
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Visas are required for India, please contact your travel agent for more information. Flights: Prices include internal airfare and taxes for flights from Delhi to Varanasi and Varanasi to Agra and are accurate as of 1st June 2017. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All pric es are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55.
JOIN TRAFALGAR
TRAVEL TODAY, SUSTAIN TOMORROW
Rameshwar Village, Varanasi You’ll discover the ‘Learn and Earn’ program which helps to raise the economic and social status of local rural women.
COMPLIMENTARY DEPARTURE TRANSFER TO DELHI Airport transfers are available to Jaipur Airport on the last day of the trip or choose to take a complimentary coach transfer to Delhi.
Join ME to WE and extend your Trafalgar trip with the perfect, hands-on sustainable experience. The vibrant culture and traditions of rural India are featured on this transformative experience. See page 18 to learn more and visit www.metowe.com/trafalgar for the trip overview. 33
22/06/2017 15:34
TRAVEL STYLE
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WONDERS OF SRI LANKA
9 days - 1 country
$2325 PP*
FROM
Code: SRLA
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
From a rock fortress to a royal city, experience the flavors of Ceylon – a spicy sojourn crisscrossing the Cultural Triangle, tropical rainforests, tea plantations and centuries-old spiritual sites to the beat of the Beraya and surrounded by the warm hospitality of the Sri Lankan people.
YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
a b c SMALLER GROUPS
8 nights Hotel accommodations 15 meals 8 buffet breakfasts 3 lunches (including Be My Guest) 4 dinners On-trip transport All transport shown All transfers shown Maximum 26 Guests
YOUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES BE MY GUEST Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch with Ganga Akka at her family home in the village of Katugastota and learn about her lifestyle
AUTHENTIC ACCOMMODATION Stay at one of the oldest hotels in Sri Lanka, once a Dutch villa and meeting place for gentlemen of the colonial era, today restored back to its former glory in the heart of Colombo
CULTURAL INSIGHT Sample local snacks and experience the flavors and spices of Ceylon in Colombo. Meet a local villager and assist in preparing lunch. Learn the art of meditation with a Buddhist monk or take part in a traditional folklore dance lesson in the village of Habarana. Learn to become a tea taster at a local estate
LOCAL SPECIALIST in the villages of Habarana and Katugastota
HIDDEN TREASURE Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
d
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
SRI LANKA 2 SIGIRIYA
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS City Tour of Colombo
KANDY 2 Gampola 2 COLOMBO 1 MT. LAVINIA
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Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya
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Visit the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya Temple in Colombo ▶ the Lion Rock at Sigiriya ▶ the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy TRAIN
1 NUWARA ELIYA
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Start
End
Overnight stays
Sightseeing stops
22/06/2017 15:34
ITINERARY
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1
2
4
5
Colombo Sightseeing d e Begin your City Tour this morning at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya; one of the most sacred Buddhist worshipping places in Sri Lanka. Marvel at its eastern architecture, remarkable frescoes and learn of the many legends that surround this religious site. See the Old Parliament House, the Town Hall and Independence Square before making a stop at the oldest Hindu Kovil in Colombo, Sri Kailawasanthan Swami Devasthanam. This afternoon enjoy some free time to relax, explore further or take part in an Optional Experience. Later see a different and more charming side of Colombo as you drive around the city by ‘tuk tuk’. Make a stop to sample some local snacks and experience the 7 flavors and spices of Ceylon, a Cultural Insight, before returning to your hotel. (BB) Colombo ▶ Sigiriya (2 Nights) d This morning get a deeper insight into a rather simpler lifestyle as you leave the city behind and head for the village of Horakelle. Take a walk around a tranquil garden surrounded by a coconut plantation, spices and fruit trees. A bit later meet a local villager and assist in preparing lunch, a Cultural Insight. Then continue on to your next destination the Cultural Triangle and enroute visit the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple. It is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country and renowned for its unique sculptures and large mural paintings (BB, L, D) Hotel: Aliya Resort and Spa Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa Sightseeing This morning make an early start to avoid the heat of the day and visit the famous UNESCO World 8 Heritage Site of Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress from the 5th Century which dominates the jungle from all sides. Choose to climb to the top of ‘Lion Rock’ or just go up halfway to the ‘Lions Paw’. Alternatively for anyone not feeling energetic take a stroll around the gardens at the base and admire the scenery. A bit later enjoy breakfast before continuing to Polonnaruwa which was once the site of Sri Lanka’s second medieval capital. The landscape is studded with sites of well-preserved archaeological importance. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening or choose to take part in an Optional Experience. (BB) Sigiriya ▶ Kandy (2 Nights) d e This morning your choice of activities gives you two Cultural Insight experiences in the village of Habarana. Choose between taking part in a traditional folklore dance lesson with a Local Specialist or visit a forest hermitage to see the dwelling of a Buddhist monk and learn about the art of meditation. Continue your journey on to Kandy and on arrival check in to your hotel. Enjoy some free time this afternoon and this evening visit the Temple of the Tooth
EARLY BIRD SAVINGS P. TO $278 P. SAVE UP
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Kandy d e This morning depart the hotel by tuk-tuk and travel to the village of Katugastota to meet a Local Specialist, a senior from the village who will demonstrate how to play a beat or two on the ‘Beraya’ (a traditional drum). Ancient sources reveal that these drums were used for special occasions and have become an integral part of life in Buddhist Temples. Next take a walk through the village to the home of a local family for a special Be My Guest lunch. The family lives in a small traditional house built in the late 1950’s with a Kandyan style garden which has many spice trees planted for their own personal use. The staple food of Sri Lanka is rice and this is eaten for lunch with a combination of spicy curries. Engage in conversation with the family to learn all about local life in the village before returning to Kandy for some free time. This evening travel to a rural village and see a performance by a group of local school children, a Cultural Insight. (BB, BG)
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Kandy ▶ Gampola ▶ Nuwara Eliya d This morning travel by train through Sri Lanka’s tea country to Gampola, a fabulous way to see the hill villages and to observe the daily lives of the local people. See how Ceylon tea is made and gain an insight into becoming a discerning tea taster on a Tea Factory tour, a Cultural Insight. Learn the art of picking the tender tea shoots which is generally referred to as ‘plucking’. Take part in a tea plucking competition; it is not as easy as it looks but is great fun! For lunch enjoy a Regional Meal of ‘lamprais’, rice boiled in stock accompanied by curry and baked in a banana leaf in the oven. Continue to Nuwara Eliya, dubbed the ‘Little England of Sri Lanka’ and located in the misty hills of the island. The colonial atmosphere remains preserved and it resembles a British countryside complete with rose gardens, hedges and red-roofed bungalows. (BB, RM, D) Hotel: Grand Nuwara Eliya ▶ Mt. Lavinia d e This morning drive to the West Coast of Sri Lanka for your overnight stay at the Mt. Lavinia, Authentic Accommodation, a premier colonial heritage hotel situated on a picturesque rocky peninsula alongside a sandy beach. The story of the Mt. Lavinia hotel began in the year 1805 when Sir Thomas Maitland arrived on the island to assume duties as the second British Governor and decided to build a grand country mansion for himself. He apparently fell in love with a local girl, a dancer called Lavinia and they became involved in a clandestine romance away from the disapproving eyes of the English society on the island. Lavinia’s name is remembered as providing the inspiration for the name of the Governor’s house and it is believed that her descendants still live in the vicinity today. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before your Farewell Dinner this evening with your Travel Director and fellow guests. (BB, FD) Hotel: Mt. Lavinia Authentic Accommodation
PRICE PP Start Colombo
End Colombo
Double Share
PRICE PP Start Colombo
End Colombo
Single Supplement (add to price above): Exceptions 01-Sep to 13-Oct-18: 22-Dec-18:
Double Share
$820 p.p. $790 p.p. $930 p.p.
; SAVE up to $139
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: SAVE $120
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SAVE up to $69 SAVE $125p.p.
INDIA AND SRI LANKA
3
Arrive Colombo (2 Nights) Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at Colombo Airport transfer to your hotel. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetizers. (WR) Hotel: Galle Face Authentic Accommodation
where a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined. At dusk observe a religious service (pooja) accompanied by traditional music and drumming. (BB) Hotel: Mahaweli Reach
9 Special Rate Solo Rooming: These departures include a discount up to 10% on our standard single supplement.
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Visas are required for Sri Lanka, please contact your travel agent for more information and advice. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All prices are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55. Visit www.trafalgar.com for availability, up-to-date itineraries and Optional Experiences.
JOIN TRAFALGAR
TRAVEL TODAY, SUSTAIN TOMORROW
Oruthota Village In a rural village near Kandy you’ll get to meet a group of local school children who will put on a cultural performance along with some of their teachers. Find out how your visit helps support the school and the children’s education.
RELAX ON THE BEACH!
WH Y EXP NOT L FUR ORE TH E R?
Extend your stay and enjoy a relaxing day or two on the sandy beach at the Mt. Lavinia hotel, Authentic Accommodation, or perhaps do some further exploration of the island. See page 55 for prices
Depart Colombo Transfer to Colombo Airport for your onward flight. (BB)
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BG Be My Guest Dining D Dinner FD Farewell Dinner
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CLASSIC CHINA
10 days - 1 country
$3350 PP*
FROM
Code: CLC
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
Follow in the footsteps of the ancients – up the ornate steps of the Forbidden City and to the ramparts of the Great Wall, snaking its way across the rolling countryside, and through the winding ancient alleys of Beijing’s hutongs to learn about Chinese traditions over a home-cooked lunch.
YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
a b c SMALLER GROUPS
9 nights Hotel accommodations 17 meals 9 buffet breakfasts 5 lunches (including Be My Guest) 3 dinners On-trip transport All transport shown (including domestic flights) All transfers shown Maximum 26 Guests
YOUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES BE MY GUEST Visit a Chinese family in their home in one of the Hutong areas of Beijing to gain a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lifestyle
CULTURAL INSIGHT Indulge in a foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Center and discover the traditions and techniques of dumpling making, after which you’ll get to taste them
LOCAL SPECIALIST in Xi’an and Shanghai.
HIDDEN TREASURE Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
d
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS
Great Wall Excursion
City Tour of Beijing ▶ Xi’an ▶ Shanghai
4 BEIJING
The Great Wall
Visit Tiananmen Square ▶ Forbidden City ▶ Temple of Heaven ▶ the Sacred Way in Beijing ▶ the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an ▶ the Jinmao Tower in Shanghai ▶ the Great Wall of China See local people practicing T’ai Chi in the morning ▶ the Shanghai Acrobats
CHINA
2 XI’AN
WHY ARE WE THE BEST? Read honest and unedited reviews from our guests at: www.trafalgar.com/reviews
Three Gorges Area
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SHANGHAI 3
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ITINERARY
7
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1
2
4
5
6
Beijing Sightseeing Begin your visit to this great capital city by exploring one of the world’s largest public areas, Tiananmen Square, home to the National Museum of China, the mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the Great Monument to the People’s Heroes. Pass through the south gate to the 8 magnificent Forbidden City, a 180 acre complex of courtyards, palaces, pavilions and gardens. It served as the imperial palace for emperors and their households for more than 500 years and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch continue to another UNESCO Heritage Site - the stunning Temple of Heaven, visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven. This evening, enjoy a succulent Peking Duck Regional Meal - a must during any visit to Beijing. (BB, L, RM) Beijing and the Great Wall Travel outside the city and look down upon the Chinese countryside from your perch on top of the Great Wall, which is actually a collection of fortifications built and rebuilt from the 5th century B.C. to the 16th century, to defend against 9 nomadic invaders like the Mongols. Walk the Sacred Way to the remnants of the Ming Tombs, the once-lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Both places are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. (BB, L)
Shanghai e Today is yours to explore Shanghai further, do some last minute shopping or take an Optional Experience to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town founded more than 1,700 years ago. In its heyday, Zhujiajiao was a bustling market town well known throughout the country. Today, old historical buildings such as rice shops, banks, spice stores and even a Qing Dynasty post office can still be found when strolling down the ancient streets and exploring the many bridges that crisscross its canals. In the afternoon enjoy some free time back in Shanghai before joining your travel companions for a Farewell Dinner. (BB, FD)
Beijing Sightseeing d e Spend the morning at leisure, before embarking on a unique tour by rickshaw around the ancient alleyways of the courtyard Hutong residences. Stop at the home of a local family for a delicious Be My Guest lunch of traditional Chinese cuisine followed by a visit to a charming tea house, where a Local Specialist prepares and serves 10 Depart Shanghai tea, whilst explaining the historic tea making Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (BB) ritual. This afternoon indulge in a relaxing foot massage, a Cultural Insight, at the Foot Reflexology Center. (BB, BG) Beijing ▶ Xi’an (2 Nights) This morning fly to the city of Xi’an. Later visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the city’s most distinctive and outstanding landmarks and one of the Silk Road UNESCO listed sites. (BB) Hotel: Wyndham Grand Xi’an South
TO $280 SAVE UP
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Single Supplement (add to price above):
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Multiple trip discount:
: SAVE $140
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Triple room discount:
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
SAVE up to $70 SAVE $25p.p.
9 Special Rate Solo Rooming: These departures include a 26% discount on our standard single supplement.
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Visas are required for China, please contact your travel agent for more information and advice. Flights: Prices include internal airfares and taxes for flights: Beijing to Xi’an and Xi’an to Shanghai and are accurate as of 1st June 2017. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All prices are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55. Visit www.trafalgar.com for availability, up-to-date itineraries and Optional Experiences.
JOIN TRAFALGAR
TRAVEL TODAY, SUSTAIN TOMORROW
Primary school visit, Xi’an You’ll get to know the students and teachers at this little school and find out how your visit helps support their education in the local community.
WH Y EXP NOT L FUR ORE TH E R?
Make the most of your trip to China. Choose our exciting Classic China with Yangtze Cruise and Chengdu itinerary (featured on page 38) which follows on seamlessly from this sensational Classic China journey.
HONG KONG AND MACAU EXPERIENCE
E Z J Z G
BB Buffet Breakfast L Lunch RM Regional Meal
PRICE PP Start Beijing
YANGTZE CRUISE AND CHENGDU
Xi’an Sightseeing During term-time, meet the children and teachers at a local primary school. Perhaps learn a few words of Chinese from the children who in turn will be happy to practice their English. Afterwards, visit the legendary army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s subterranean tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For lunch enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Chinese noodles and later continue with a visit to a Jade factory. (BB, L)
EARLY BIRD SAVINGS
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Shanghai Sightseeing d With a Local Specialist, take a stroll along Shanghai’s famous ‘Bund’, the city’s renowned waterfront, lined with former colonial buildings and modern sky-scrapers. Learn how marshland was turned into one of the most important trading hubs in the modern world. Continue to Old Shanghai, a little known treasure trove of winding streets and vibrant markets. Despite the rapid pace of development in the rest of the city, the established customs and lifestyle of this area have remained relatively unaltered. Enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in the Old Town before continuing to visit a silk museum, a Cultural Insight. This evening enjoy a performance by the world-renowned Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe. (BB)
TRIP PLANNER
CHINA
3
Arrive Beijing (4 Nights) Welcome to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in before meeting your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetizers. (WR) Hotel: Novotel Peace
Xi’an ▶ Shanghai (3 Nights) d This morning your choice of activities gives you the chance to participate in a T’ai Chi Class, with a skilled Local Specialist, or take a cycle tour around part of the ancient City Wall of Xi’an. Continue on to a local restaurant for a Cultural Insight; watch a demonstration in the art of making dumplings, and afterwards enjoy sampling these for lunch. There are 21 different kinds of dumplings with a variety of fillings and different ways of cooking them. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Then, visit the impressive 88 story Jinmao Tower which at approximately 420 meters high is the eleventh tallest building in Asia and offers great views over the city. (BB, L) Hotel: Hyatt on the Bund
BG Be My Guest Dining D Dinner FD Farewell Dinner
Extend your stay and take a trip to Hong Kong which also includes a visit to the former Portuguese colony, Macau (featured on page 53).
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YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
CLASSIC CHINA WITH a YANGTZE CRUISE AND CHENGDU b
17 days - 1 country
$5450 PP*
FROM
Code: CLCY
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
China’s exquisite natural splendor takes center stage on this epic journey from the cityscapes of Beijing to Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, Shanghai to the meandering Yangtze River along whose bamboo and lotus blossom-clad gorges we sail through en route to an unforgettable encounter with the rare giant pandas of Chengdu.
16 nights Hotel accommodations 33 meals 16 buffet breakfasts 10 lunches (including Be My Guest) 7 dinners On-trip transport All transport shown (including bullet train and domestic flights) All transfers shown
c SMALLER GROUPS
Maximum 26 Guests
YOUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES As per Classic China itinerary plus:
LOCAL SPECIALIST
in Chengdu
CULTURAL INSIGHT
Learn about Sichuan cuisine at a cooking class in Chengdu and afterwards get to taste your creations
HIDDEN TREASURE Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
d
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS As per Classic China itinerary plus: City Tour of Chengdu
Great Wall Excursion
Cruise the Yangtze River
4 BEIJING
The Great Wall
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CHINA XI’AN 2
Three Gorges Area Yichang Yangtze River
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Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1-9 Beijing ▶ Shanghai These days will operate as per days 1-9 of the Classic China itinerary on pages 36-37. 10 Shanghai ▶ Yichang ▶ Yangtze River Cruise (4 Nights) Today leave Shanghai behind as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Yichang. On arrival have dinner in a local restaurant before transferring to the port to embark on your Yangtze River cruise. (BB, D) Hotel: Victoria Selina (cruise ship)
16 Chengdu Sightseeing d e Today visit the Museum of Sichuan Cuisine and learn about traditional Sichuan cooking practices for a Cultural Insight. Have a go at crushing chilies into powder using a Qing Dynasty pestle and mortar, view ancient kitchenware, books and manuscripts faithfully recording the history of Sichuan culinary 12 Yangtze River Cruise cultures dating back more than 3,000 years. After breakfast board a sampan to see a tributary Visit Restaurant Alley to catch a glimpse into of the Yangtze River, the Shennv Stream, up close the dining experiences of the past. Also see the and personal. Return to the ship for lunch and shrine of the Kitchen God to perhaps leave an for the long awaited breathtaking scenery of offering before trying your hand at cooking a the most revered part of the Yangtze River - the few of the dishes under the guidance of the chef. 120km. known as the Three Gorges. (BB, L, D) Enjoy eating your creations for lunch before 13 Yangtze River Cruise returning to your centrally located hotel. The This morning take a shore excursion to visit afternoon is yours to relax, explore further or do Shibaozhai with its wooden temple on the top some last minute shopping. (BB, L) of a 200 meter tall cliff. Take the opportunity 17 Depart Chengdu to have a bit of exercise by climbing up to the Transfer to Chengdu Airport for your onward temple via the red pavilion which leans against flight. (BB) the cliff and serves as a pathway. Return to the ship to continue enjoying the stunning scenery and your last day on board. Spend a peaceful night docked at Chongqing where the cruise YOUR RIVER CRUISE SHIP finishes, ready for an early disembarkation the next day. (BB, L, D) Explore the Yangtze River in style on board 14 Chongqing ▶ Chengdu (3 Nights) d the Victoria Selina and stay in well-appointed After breakfast disembark the cruise in outside cabins with private balconies for Chongqing and take the high speed bullet train viewing the spectacular scenery of the gorges. to Chengdu - the hometown of the giant panda The ship is fully air conditioned with facilities and a city famous in China for its leisurely that include reading room, fitness area, gift pace of living. Later visit People’s Park (also shop, mini spa, copying and printing services, known as Renmin Park) for a stroll around and international cable television and internet some people watching, a Cultural Insight. and Wi-Fi access. Shipboard entertainment See how the locals spend their leisure time includes a range of activities linked to the playing mahjong, dancing, napping in a teaculture of China such as T’ai Chi lessons, house, practicing calligraphy with water on the calligraphy demonstrations and lectures sidewalk, enjoying a neck massage and even on Chinese history. Sail in comfort as you having their ears cleaned. The park features experience the scenery, natural history and several Chinese gardens, a beautiful lake, the culture of the Yangtze and at the end of the Railway Protection Movement Monument, and cruise enjoy the Captain’s farewell banquet. local tea houses. This evening perhaps choose to take part in an Optional Experience. (BB) Hotel: Crowne Plaza
TRIP PLANNER PRICE PP Start Beijing ✚
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Double Share
PRICE PP Start Beijing
End Chengdu
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Single Supplement (add to price above): Exceptions 22-Jun to 06-Jul-18:
$2000 p.p. $ 1920 p.p.
; SAVE up to $246
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Multiple trip discount:
: SAVE $240
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Triple room discount:
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
SAVE up to $123 SAVE $0 p.p.
CHINA
11 Yangtze River Cruise Start your morning with a leisurely cruise towards the world’s largest hydroelectric project, the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark for a tour around the colossal dam, which is designed to both generate power to fuel China’s economic growth and to control flooding on the Yangtze. Later observe this amazing feat of modern engineering, as you pass through its’ five level double lock system from the comfort of your ship. Witness the beautiful scenery passing on both shores as you sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest and the deepest of the Three Gorges. (BB, L, D)
breeding facility for giant pandas and other rare animals which was established in 1987. It’s mission is to rescue and protect the endangered giant panda species which currently have a population of less than 2000. After lunch return to the city center and visit the Wide and Narrow Alleys; two parallel pedestrian streets with 45 courtyards along them. One of Chengdu’s historical and cultural areas which dates from the Qing Dynasty, and is today a beautifully restored upscale entertainment and nightlife area with restaurants, teahouses, and stores selling local handicrafts and other keepsakes. Later continue to Jinli Old Street to be immersed in the lively local atmosphere. The buildings are modeled on the architectural style of a traditional old town in western Sichuan Province and exhibit an ancient charm. Stroll along the narrow street to find old-world stores, each with their own unique style, selling Shu Embroidery, lacquer products, handicrafts, calligraphies and paintings of celebrities. (BB, L)
9 Special Rate Solo Rooming: This departure includes a 15% discount on our standard single supplement.
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Visas are required for China, please contact your travel agent for more information and advice. Flights: Prices include internal airfares and taxes for flights: Beijing to Xi’an, Xi’an to Shanghai, Shanghai to Yichang and are accurate as of 1st June 2017. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All prices are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55. Visit www.trafalgar.com for availability, up-to-date itineraries and Optional Experiences.
HONG KONG AND MACAU EXPERIENCE
WH Y EXP NOT L FUR ORE TH E R?
Make the most of your trip to China and add on a stay in Hong Kong which also includes a visit to the former Portuguese colony, Macau (featured on page 53).
15 Chengdu Sightseeing d This morning join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding; a non-profit research and
EARLY BIRD SAVINGS P. TO $492 P. SAVE UP
More great savings on page 21
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COLONIAL SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA
12 days - 2 countries
$2975 PP*
FROM
Code: HSMY
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
A melting pot of religion and cultures assembled over millennia, from Buddhism to Catholicism, the Dutch to the Chinese. Explore the colonial heritage of Singapore through the bustling streets of Chinatown and Little India, wander along the river to Malacca’s Dutch Square and visit the cornerstone of the Malay-Chinese community represented by the seven-story Pagoda of Rama VI.
YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
a b c SMALLER GROUPS
11 nights Hotel accommodations 18 meals 11 buffets breakfast 2 lunches (including Be My Guest) 5 dinners On-trip transport All transport shown All transfers shown Maximum 26 Guests
YOUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES BE MY GUEST Enjoy lunch with a local family in the village of Kampung Cantik, Malacca
AUTHENTIC ACCOMMODATION In Georgetown stay in a stunning heritage hotel that was built in the 1920’s and originally housed traditional shophouses
CULTURAL INSIGHT In Singapore, visit Chinatown to learn about the Chinese immigrants and Little India for an insight into Indian culture and traditions. Enjoy some typical Peranakan tea time treats with a family in their home. In Malaysia, learn about rubber tapping and bamboo basket making. Visit a village inhabited by the ethic group ‘Orang Asli’
LOCAL SPECIALIST in Singapore, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands and Georgetown
Penang 3 GEORGETOWN
d
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
TANAH RATA 1
Cameron Highlands
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS City Tour of Singapore ▶ Malacca ▶ Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
Visit the Botanic Gardens in Singapore ▶ the Sultan Abdul Samad Building ▶ the Twin Tower Sky Bridge ▶ the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur ▶ the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple in Ipoh ▶ the Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang
2 KUALA LUMPUR
Cruise along the Malacca River View the Ubudiah Mosque ▶ the Iskandariah Palace in Kuala Kangsar
MALACCA RIVER CRUISE
2 MALACCA
WHY ARE WE THE BEST? 4 SINGAPORE 40
Lord Murugan Statue and Batu Caves
HSMY.indd 1
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Start
End
Overnight stays
Sightseeing stops
22/06/2017 15:33
ITINERARY
7
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1
2
4
5
6
Singapore d e Start your city tour from where it all began for colonial Singapore at the Raffles Landing Site; where Sir Stamford Raffles is believed to have first stepped ashore in 1819. Continue with a walk 8 through the Colonial District and later see the former Parliament House, the Victoria Theater and the Old Supreme Court Building. Discover the contrasts of Singapore with visits to Chinatown and Little India, a Cultural Insight. Chinatown has evolved since 1821 and was the area many Chinese immigrants headed for on arrival to the then British colony. Continue with a visit to Little India to discover a district deeply rooted in the traditions of the Indian community. Later visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and take a walk through the National Orchid Garden. The afternoon is yours at leisure. (BB) Singapore d Visit a typical Peranakan home and admire the many antiques and treasures worthy of any museum collection. The Peranakans are straits-born Chinese who are descendants of Chinese immigrants many of who married the local Malays in the region. Chat with the hosts to learn about their heritage and culture whilst enjoying some typical Peranakan tea time treats, a Cultural Insight. This evening see a demonstration on Chinese Calligraphy by a Local Specialist in Chinatown. Enjoy dinner at a local Chinese restaurant before walking through the narrow lanes of the Night Market. Later take a trishaw ride back to your hotel. (BB, D) Singapore ▶ Malacca (2 Nights) e Say goodbye to Singapore as you head for the border with Malaysia and then on to your hotel in Malacca. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before taking a boat cruise along the Malacca River. Sail past historic buildings, old warehouses (godowns), churches and villages. (BB, D) Hotel: Casa del Rio
Cameron Highlands ▶ Georgetown (Penang) (3 Nights) d Today explore the Cameron Highlands which at 1542 meters above sea level is Malaysia’s most extensive hill station. Make a photo stop at a tea plantation before visiting a tea factory and meet a Local Specialist to gain an insight into how the tea leaves are processed to make the perfect cup of tea. En route to Penang visit the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple in Ipoh, a famous Chinese Buddhist Temple considered to be the largest cave temple in the country. Next make a stop at the majestic Ubudiah Mosque with its golden dome and also at the Iskandariah Palace, the official residence of the Sultan of Perak. Later drive over to Penang across the fourth longest bridge in Southeast Asia. (BB) Hotel: Penaga Authentic Accommodation
10 Georgetown d e This morning’s historical tour of Georgetown starts with a photo stop at Fort Cornwallis, where Captain Francis Light, the founder of the British colony in Penang, first landed in 1786. Continue to a local coffee shop where a Local Specialist will explain the traditional process of roasting the perfect coffee bean. Next visit Khoo Kongsi, a Chinese clan house before enjoying a trishaw ride around the town to view the many colonial buildings. Visit Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion with a Local Specialist before returning to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. (BB)
Malacca d Start the day with a walking tour of the historical city of Malacca with a Local Specialist. See Dutch Square which is surrounded by red painted buildings and reflects the history of Malacca; the Dutch administration, the British colonisation and the Chinese settlers. Proceed to the top of Malacca Hill and then onwards along the river to Kampung Kuli to discover some traditional crafts. 11 Georgetown ▶ Ayer Itam ▶ Penang Hill ▶ Georgetown e Later visit a local family home in Kampung Cantik This morning visit the Kek Lok Si Temple in Ayer to enjoy your Be My Guest lunch followed by a Itam, a majestic Buddhist Taoist temple with its walk around the village, with a Local Specialist. striking seven-story Pagoda of Rama VI. Later Learn about rubber tapping, pass by quaint ascend Penang Hill on a Swiss funicular railway Malacca kampong stilt houses and discover for breathtaking views, passing through hill various exotic seasonal fruits before taking part in farms and the lush tropical jungle. The afternoon some fun activities with the locals. (BB, BG) is free at leisure and this evening celebrate a Malacca ▶ Kuala Lumpur (2 Nights) e wonderful trip with your travel companions at a Travel to the capital, Kuala Lumpur and on Farewell Dinner. (BB, FD) arrival visit the National Mosque, Independent 12 Depart Georgetown Square, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building Transfer to Penang International Airport for your and the impressive Sky Bridge at the 88 story onward flight. (BB) high Petronas Twin Towers. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. (BB) Hotel: Melia Kuala Lumpur
EARLY BIRD SAVINGS P. TO $298 P. SAVE UP
More great savings on page 21
HSMY.indd 2
9
Kuala Lumpur ▶ Batu Caves ▶ Cameron Highlands d e Drive into the countryside and make a short stop at the Selangor Pewter factory before continuing to the Batu Caves; one of Malaysia’s most iconic sights. En route to the Cameron Highlands visit a cottage industry to observe a Local Specialist making bamboo baskets followed by a photo stop at the Lata Iskandar Waterfall before continuing to Tanah Rata to check in at your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure followed by dinner at the hotel. (BB, D) Hotel: Strawberry Resort Park
F
Z
G
TRIP PLANNER PRICE PP
PRICE PP
Start End Double Singapore Georgetown Share
Start End Double Singapore Georgetown Share
SA
24 FEB WE 07 MAR 2975
SA
30 JUN WE 11 JUL
2975
SA
17 MAR WE 28 MAR 2975
SA
21 JUL WE 01 AUG
2975
SA SA
07 APR WE 18 APR 2975 28 APR WE 09 MAY 2975
SA
11 AUG WE 22 AUG
2975
SA
01 SEP WE 12 SEP
2975
SA
13 OCT WE 24 OCT
2975
SA
19 MAY WE 30 MAY 2975
SA
02 JUN WE 13 JUN 2975
Single Supplement (add to price above):
$1150 p.p.
; SAVE up to $149
r
Multiple trip discount:
: SAVE $140
s
Triple room discount:
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
SAVE up to $74 SAVE $105p.p.
SOUTHEAST ASIA
3
Arrive Singapore (3 Nights) Welcome to Singapore. Upon arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel. This evening meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception. (WR) Hotel: Novotel Clarke Quay
Kuala Lumpur d Leave behind the modern high-rise skyscrapers and wander the streets of a typical Malay village ‘Kampung Baru’. Try some Malaysian style sweets and cakes at local food stalls before venturing through the wet Chow Kit market. Later this morning travel outside the city to visit a village inhabited by the ‘Orang Asli’, an ethnic group which is widely regarded as being Malaysia’s original inhabitants, a Cultural Insight. Take a walk around the village with a Local Specialist and observe the local people weaving various handicrafts. Enjoy a local style lunch all cooked in bamboo before returning to Kuala Lumpur for an evening at leisure. (BB, L)
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Visas are generally not required for Singapore and Malaysia but please contact your travel agent for more information. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All prices are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55. Visit www.trafalgar.com for availability, up-to-date itineraries and Optional Experiences.
JOIN TRAFALGAR
TRAVEL TODAY, SUSTAIN TOMORROW
Visit the Orang Asli, Kuala Lumpur You’ll meet the villagers in a local Orang Asli community who will demonstrate how to cook in bamboo and invite you to take part in a popular Aboriginal game known as ‘Jah re Noi’. Learn how your visit helps to sustain the community.
COLONIAL SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA WITH BEACH STAY CODE: HSMP
WH Y EXP NOT L FUR ORE TH E R?
Extend your trip to 14 days and stay for two nights at the stunning beach-side hotel, the Golden Sands Resort Penang by Shangri-La. The hotel features three outdoor pools in beautifully landscaped gardens and is within walking distance of the local night market. Price from $3250 per person in a double share based on the following 14 day itinerary: Days 1-11: As per Colonial Singapore with Malaysia Day 12: Transfer from Georgetown to the beach resort of Batu Ferringhi. Day 13: At Leisure in Batu Ferringhi Day 14: Transfer to Penang International Airport for your onward flight. Additional nights also available, please see page 55 for details.
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TRAVEL STYLE
SPIRITUAL BURMA
L 8 nights Hotel accommodations 18 meals 8 buffet breakfasts 5 lunches 5 dinners (including Be My Guest)
a b
The ornate beauty of Shwedagon Pagoda’s glistening golden spire lures you into a Hidden Journey through Burma, a fairy-tale land of sacred stupas, ancient traditions and spiritual reverence, which you will explore in some of the world’s holiest Buddhist sanctuaries as you delve into the depths of the rich culture and story of the country now known officially as Myanmar.
On-trip transport All transport shown (including domestic fl ights) Allt ransfers shown
9 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY Code: SBUR
$2775 PP*
FROM
c
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
SMALLER GROUPS
YO UR INSID ER E XPERIENCES BE MY GUEST Join a local family in their home in New Bagan and gain insights into their day-to-day lives before sharing a family style meal and enjoying a traditional guitar performance
Sagaing
MANDALAY 2
Amarapura Mingun Kyaukgu Umin
RIVER CUISE RIVER CUISE
2
BAGAN
Heho
2
INLE LAKE
MYANMAR
CULTURAL INSIGHT Visit a Buddhist nunnery in the hills of Sagaing for lunch with the nuns who live there. Visit a local vineyard for wine tasting or take a guided walk to see locals making rice crackers and fishing nets. Visit a local market offering insight into the life of the ethnic Pa-O, Danu and Intha people
LOCALS PECIALIST in Bagan, Inle Lake and Mandalay.
HIDDEN TREASURE Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
d
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
YANGON 2
YO UR INCLU DED SIGHTS City Tour of Yangon Visit Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon ▶ Ananda Temple in Bagan ▶ a Local Market at Inle Lake Two cruises along the Ayeyarwady River See Mingun Pagoda in Mingun, ‘leg rowers’ the Intha fishermen at Inle Lake
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Buddhist monk, Mingun
SBUR.indd 1
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Overnight stays
Sightseeing stops
22/06/2017 15:33
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1
2
3
4
5
a e
6
Arrive Yangon (2 Nights) Welcome to Rangoon (Yangon). Upon arrival at the airport transfer to your hotel and this evening meet your fellow guests and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception drink with local appetizers. (WR) Hotel: Sule Shangri-La Yangon Sightseeing d This morning, begin your walking tour in the colonial heart of the city. See the City Hall, the former Immigration Department, the High Court and the red brick General Post Office before continuing to the luxurious Strand Hotel, built in 1901, for a well-earned refreshment. Later take the opportunity to try ‘Mohinga’ for lunch at one of the city’s latest Tea Houses. It is considered to be the country’s national dish; a fish broth with noodles served with various accompaniments. In the afternoon meet the students and teachers at a local monastic school, a Cultural Insight before visiting the nearby Ngar Htat Gyi Pagoda with its huge sitting Buddha. Return to the hotel to relax before an evening visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda. Take part in an oil lamp lighting ceremony before enjoying the sunset over the glisteningp agoda. (BB, L)
7
Yangon ▶ Bagan (2 Nights) d e Fly to Bagan (formerly known as Pagan) where we visit the golden Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century. Continue to the Ananda Temple, a whitewashed masterpiece of Mon architecture with four standing Buddhas. Later a hands-on interaction with a Local Specialist sees us discover how lacquerware is produced in one of Bagan’s famous workshops. We return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure and later, we’ll watch the sun set at Bu Paya Pagoda before enjoying a Be My Guest dining experience with a local family in their home. (BB, BG) Hotel: Aureum Palace Bagan ▶ Set Set Yo Village ▶ Ayeyarwady Cruise ▶ Bagan d 8 We set forth through the picturesque rural countryside to Sel Village where we will enjoy a Cultural Insight into how the villagers make soya paste and traditional wooden slippers. Our trip continues to Nga Thayouk where we’ll see how local families make their traditional cooking pots, before arriving in Set Set Yo village, famous for the centuries-old traditional top-knot hairstyle worn by its local children. We enjoy a picnic lunch in the picturesque village and proceed to Kyauk Gu U Min Temple, famous for its incredible, gigantic Buddha statues and fine-square frescoes. We board a boat and enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Ayeyarwady river back to Bagan. (BB, L) Bagan ▶ Heho ▶ Inle Lake (2 Nights) This morning, we fly to Heho, the gateway to beautiful Inle Lake, whose waters we explore on board our own private long-tail boats. We’ll pass the busy village of Ywama with its tall teak houses on stilts and cruise to Indein, home to a peaceful pagoda hill. Venturing along the covered walkway lined with handicraft sellers, we walk up to Shwe Inn Thein Paya, a complex of weatherbeaten 17th-18th century zedi, some of which have been newly reconstructed. Later we travel by boat downstream to our hotel for dinner and an 9 overnights tay. (BB, D) Hotel: Novotel Inle Lake
Inle Lake ▶ Heho ▶ Mandalay ▶ Ayeyarwady cruise to Mingun ▶ Mandalay (2 Nights) We transfer by boat to Nyaung Shwe and proceed to Heho Airport for our flight to Mandalay before boarding your own private boat to cruise up the Ayeyarwady River and in to the heart of the country to Mingun. This is a rare opportunity to witness first-hand local life along this mighty river – watch children cooling off in its waters and swinging from the hanging vines of trees, and see fishermen indulging in an afternoon snooze on their overturned long boats back from a busy morning’s activities on the water. Dodge the bamboo rafts and ferries weaving their way up and down the river, its banks lined by beautiful golden stupas that emerge from the dense riverfront forest. We enjoy lunch on board before arriving to Mingun where visit the Mingun Bell, which at 87 tonnes is the world’s largest ringing bronze bell. Continue to the exquisite white Hsinbyume Paya on the banks of river, which rises in seven terraces representing the seven mountain ranges around Mt. Meru. See the unfinished, but mighty Mingun Pagoda, which was built to be the world’s largest pagoda, but was never completed due to local superstitions. Later, we board our boat to venture back downriver to Mandalay and check in to our hotel. (BB, L) Hotel: Mandalay Hill Resort Mandalay ▶ Amarapura ▶ Sagaing ▶ Mandalay d This morning our first stop is a visit to Amarapura, the City of Immortality, where we take a leisurely stroll along the U Bein Bridge, believed to be the longest teak bridge in the world. We continue to the hidden hilltop gem of Sagaing, once an ancient capital and today home to one of the greatest concentrations of monasticism in the world – the hillside dotted with white, silver and gold pagodas and monasteries. We enjoy a Cultural Insight into the lives of the Buddhist nuns who live in Sagaing and enjoy lunch in their company before making a stop at local workshops to witness the intricate creation of Kalaga tapestries and gold leaf being beaten into paper-thin pieces by Local Specialists. Gold leaf remains a feature on our journey through the hidden treasures of Mandalay as we visit the Mahamuni Pagoda, one of the most spiritual sites in the country and observe local male devotees adding gold leaf to the already thick layers of gold adorning the spectacular Buddha image. Our in-depth, intimate encounter with an undiscovered treasure has come to an end. Enjoy the last evening of your trip at a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant with new friends. (BB, L, FD)
TRIP PL AN NER PRICE PP Start Yangon SA
PRICE PP
End Double Mandalay Share
13 JAN SU 21 JAN 3150
Start Yangon ✚
WE 14 MAR TH SA 31 MAR SU
22 MAR 3150 ✚ 08 APR 3150
✚ ✚
SA 12 MAY SU WE 30 MAY TH
20 MAY 2775 07 JUN 2775
✚
WE 27 JUN TH
05 JUL 2775
SA
End Mandalay
04 AUG SU 12 AUG
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
: SAVE $130
2775
WE 26 SEP TH
04 OCT
2775
SA 06 OCT SU WE 24 OCT TH
14 OCT 01 NOV
3150 3150
WE 28 NOV TH
06 DEC
3150
22 DEC SU 30 DEC
3150
SA
Single Supplement (add to price above):
; SAVE up to $142
Double Share
$920p.p.
r
Multiple trip discount:
s
Triple room discount:
SAVE up to $71
HIDDEN JOURNEY: SOUTHEAST ASIA
enjoy a Cultural Insight at a local market and observe the local Pa-O, Danu and Intha people who visit the market to buy and sell goods. Traversing the tranquil waters of the lake we journey to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in the area. Witness first-hand the extraordinary fishing prowess of the lake’s Intha fishermen, who row standing up with one leg wrapped around a single oar, leaving their hands free to manipulate their conical fishing nets. Then we participate in a hands-on cooking class with a Local Specialist where we prepare various traditional dishes and afterwards enjoy them together for lunch. This afternoon, your choice of activities gives you two Cultural Insight opportunities: Visit a local vineyard for wine-tasting or take a guided village walk. (BB, L, D)
ITINER ARY
SAVE $10 p.p.
9 Special Rate Solo Rooming: These departures include a 50% discount on our standard single supplement.
f MORE ABO UT YO UR TRIP Visas are required for Burma (Myanmar), please contact your travel agent for more information and advice. Flights: Prices include internal airfares and taxes for flights: Yangon to Bagan, Bagan to Heho and Heho to Mandalay and are accurate as of 1st June 2017. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All prices are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55. Visit www.trafalgar.com for availability, up-to-date itineraries and Optional Experiences.
J O IN TR AFALGAR
TR AVEL TO DAY, SUS TA I N TO M O RROW
Oil Lamp Ceremony, Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon You’ll take part in a traditional oil lamp lighting ceremony with the locals at sunset and learn how your participation helps fund the pagoda’s upkeep. Monastic School Visit, Yangon You’ll visit a monastic school in Yangon where young monks and nuns study alongside the local children. Discover how your visit helps to support the school.
Depart Mandalay Transfert o thea irportf ory our onward flight. (BB)
Inle Lake d As the sun rises over the waters of Inle Lake, we
EARLY BIRD SAVINGS UP P. TO $283 P. SAVE More great savings on page 21
E Z J Z C
d WR e BB L RM
Insider Experience Welcome Reception Free time Buffet Breakfast Lunch Regional Meal
BMG Be My Guest Dining D Dinner FD Farewell Dinner
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TRAVEL STYLE
Q
HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM
12 days - 1 country
$3075 PP*
FROM
Code: CTVA
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
Float on the sparkling emerald waters of Halong Bay on a traditional Vietnamese Junk. Glide past hidden islets, giant limestone karsts and colorful fishing villages, stopping only to gain insight into the lives of the local fishermen at Cua Van and to practice T’ai Chi in exquisite surroundings.
YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
a b c SMALLER GROUPS
11 nights Hotel accommodations 22 meals 11 buffet breakfasts 8 lunches (including Be My Guest) 3 dinners On-trip transport All transport shown (including domestic flights) All transfers shown Maximum 26 Guests
YOUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES BE MY GUEST Enjoy lunch at one of the great remaining garden houses of Hue where you will gain insight into the lives of a local family and admire their fascinating collection of artifacts and mementos from the days of the former Royal Empire
AUTHENTIC ACCOMMODATION Stay on a traditional style Vietnamese Junk boat for an overnight cruise in Halong Bay
CULTURAL INSIGHT
HANOI 2
Visit Ho Chi Minh’s house. Visit the Cham museum to learn about the ancient Champa civilization. Visit the colorful market of Hoi An. Visit the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s. Join a Lantern Making Workshop or a Fishing Life Tour to learn about the lives of the local fishermen and have a go at casting your own fishing net
HALONG BAY 1
HALONG BAY CRUISE
LOCAL SPECIALIST in Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta.
d
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
HUE 2
Danang 3 HOI AN
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS City Tour of Hanoi ▶ Hoi An ▶ Hue ▶ Ho Chi Minh City
CAMBODIA
3 SIEM REAP Mekong
River
HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM WITH CAMBODIA See page 49 for details
My Tho
44
Street seller, Vietnam
CTVA.indd 1
VIETNAM
3 HO CHI MINH CITY
Mekong Delta
Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ▶ the Temple of Literature in Hanoi ▶ the Imperial Citadel in Hue ▶ the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City See Red Beach in Danang
WHY ARE WE THE BEST? Read honest and unedited reviews from our guests at: www.trafalgar.com/reviews
Start
End
Overnight stays
Sightseeing stops
22/06/2017 15:33
ITINERARY
7
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1
2
4
5
6
Hanoi Sightseeing d Start the day with a visit to the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument where 8 the preserved body of ‘Uncle Ho’ resides. A short walk from here is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, a Cultural Insight, where he lived intermittently between 1958 and 1969. Continue to the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of Mandarins, for an overview of Hanoian culture. After lunch enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarter to embrace the bustling local life. This evening is yours at leisure or choose to take part in an Optional Experience. (BB, L) Hanoi ▶ Halong Bay Cruise d This morning, drive through green rice paddy 9 fields to Halong Bay to board your Authentic Accommodation, a traditional style Vietnamese junk boat. Cruise among the hundreds of islets of Halong Bay, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage listed site. After lunch on board travel by small boat to visit the Tien Ong Cave and Cua Van Fishing Village, where the people live in floating houses. Head back to the boat and participate in a cooking demonstration with the chef or enjoy sunset on the top deck before dinner and a peaceful overnight stay. (BB, L, D) Hotel: Jasmine Cruise Authentic Accommodation Halong Bay ▶ Hanoi ▶ Danang ▶ Hoi An (3 Nights) d Begin your day as the locals do during a morning T’ai Chi class with a Local Specialist, on the deck of the traditional Junk boat. Then it is time for an early morning swim at a natural white sandy beach. If you are feeling energetic, perhaps take an uphill walk to have one last view of scenic Halong Bay before your drive to Hanoi Airport to catch your flight to Danang. On arrival transfer to your hotel in Hoi An. (BB) Hotel: Royal Hoi An
Hue ▶ Ho Chi Minh City (3 Nights) This morning, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon and upon arrival enjoy some free time before lunch at KOTO restaurant; a non-profit social enterprise that provides training to disadvantaged young people in the hospitality industry. Next transfer to Dong Khoi Street for the start of a walking tour. See the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville. Wander up to Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustave Eiffel. Continue to visit the War Remnants Museum for a vivid glimpse of the war through the eyes of the locals. Conclude the day at Ben Thanh market before arriving to your hotel. (BB, L) Hotel: Sofitel Saigon Plaza
10 Mekong Delta d Today take a day trip to My Tho situated in the Delta of the Mekong River. Transfer to a small sampan boat and discover the maze of small canals before stopping for a Regional Meal of delicious Mekong Delta specialties. Take a short walk along village roads to visit the house of a former soldier, a Local Specialist who survived fighting the Khmer Rouge. Now he and his wife live on making rice paper and have some fascinating stories to tell. Later return to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure. (BB, RM)
Hoi An Sightseeing d e This morning enjoy a walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An. Today this ancient UNESCO World Heritage designated town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets, 11 Ho Chi Minh City d e Today travel by private speedboat to visit the Cu narrow lanes and a colorful market, a Cultural Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting Insight. See the old merchants houses and the underground tunnels started in 1948 to protect the 400 year old Japanese Covered Bridge. Later visit Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground Tra Que Organic Village for a Cultural Insight. sweeps. The tunnels also served as living quarters Spend some time helping local farmers and and housed hospitals, food and weapons caches. learning about their daily working routines, Tour the underground compounds and gain an before indulging in a relaxing foot massage. After understanding of the history of the tunnels. Return lunch return to Hoi An for the rest of the day and to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy some free time this evening at leisure. (BB, L) afternoon. Later join your fellow travelers for a visit Hoi An d e to the home of the former American Ambassador This morning enjoy some free time to relax at the to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot hotel or explore Hoi An further. In the afternoon Lodge, a Cultural Insight followed by your Farewell your choice of activities gives you two Cultural Dinner. (BB, L, FD) Insight opportunities: to join a Lantern Making 12 Depart Ho Chi Minh City Workshop or a Fishing Life Tour (subject to Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (BB) weather conditions) to learn about the lives of the local fishermen and have a go at casting your own fishing net. (BB)
EARLY BIRD SAVINGS P. TO $283 P. SAVE UP
More great savings on page 21
d Insider Experience WR Welcome Reception e Free time
CTVA.indd 2
Hue Sightseeing d e Start from your hotel with a cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage designated site. From here drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument before taking a local dragon boat trip along the Perfume River to the house of the former Princess Ngoc Son for a Be My Guest lunch. Chat with a family member to get a glimpse of their life in this historic house and enjoy lunch prepared by the family. This afternoon enjoy some free time or take part in an Optional Experience. (BB, BG)
EZJZCZG
BB Buffet Breakfast L Lunch RM Regional Meal
BG Be My Guest Dining D Dinner FD Farewell Dinner
TRIP PLANNER PRICE PP Start Hanoi
End Ho Chi Minh City
PRICE PP Start Hanoi
Double Share
End Ho Chi Minh City
Double Share
SA
20 JAN WE 31 JAN 3150 ✚
SA
14 JUL WE 25 JUL
3075
SA SA
03 MAR WE 14 MAR 3150 24 MAR WE 04 APR 3150
✚
SA
11 AUG WE 22 AUG
3075
✚
SA SA
15 SEP WE 26 SEP 29 SEP WE 10 OCT
3075 3150
SA
13 OCT WE 24 OCT
3150
SA
17 NOV WE 28 NOV
3150
SA SA
08 DEC WE 19 DEC 15 DEC WE 26 DEC
3150 3150
SA SA
07 APR WE 18 APR 3150 21 APR WE 02 MAY 3150
✚ ✚
SA SA
05 MAY WE 16 MAY 3075 19 MAY WE 30 MAY 3075
✚
SA
16 JUN WE 27 JUN 3075
Single Supplement (add to price above):
$1050 p.p.
; SAVE up to $141
r
Multiple trip discount:
: SAVE $140
s
Triple room discount:
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
SAVE up to $71 SAVE $0 p.p.
9 Special Rate Solo Rooming: These departures include a 18% discount on our standard single supplement.
SOUTHEAST ASIA
3
Arrive Hanoi (2 Nights) Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetizers. (WR) Hotel: Melia Hanoi
Hoi An ▶ Hue (2 Nights) This morning depart Hoi An by boat to the Red Bridge Cooking School to learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. Then savor the dishes you have prepared before returning to Hoi An. This afternoon, drive over the picturesque Hai Van Pass stopping en-route at Red Beach where the American Marines first landed in Vietnam during the war. Continue to Danang for a visit to the Cham Museum before arriving in Hue for your overnight stay. (BB, L) Hotel: Imperial
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Visas are generally required for Vietnam but please contact your travel agent for more information. Flights: Prices include internal airfares and taxes for flights: Hanoi to Danang and Hue to Ho Chi Minh City and are accurate as of 1st June 2017. Important Information: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum closed September to mid November. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All prices are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55. Visit www.trafalgar.com for availability, up-to-date itineraries and Optional Experiences.
AUTHENTIC ACCOMMODATION Jasmine Luxury Junk boat Stay and dine onboard Jasmine Cruises’ traditionally built Authentic Accommodation, as you float among the magnificent limestone islands of Halong Bay. The original junk boats were developed during the Han Dynasty and were used as seagoing vessels as early as the 2nd century AD.
HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM WITH CAMBODIA
WH Y EXP NOT L FUR ORE TH E R?
Delve deeper into the culture of this region by extending your trip to see the unmissable sights of Cambodia. Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Angkor Wat supported with the knowledge of a renowned Khmer scholar, a Local Specialist. See details on page 49.
45
26/06/2017 17:40
TRAVEL STYLE
Q
TREASURES OF THAILAND
11 days - 1 country
$2895 PP*
FROM
Code: CSOT
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
Capture the spiritual soul of Old Siam – a journey from the colorful streets of Bangkok to the sacred spaces of Chiang Mai. You’ll visit the terracotta-colored ancient ruins of Ayutthaya and enjoy a northern Thai-style lunch with the Saiwangjit family in their wooden Thai stilt house to learn about the traditions of their Tai Lue tribe.
YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
a b c SMALLER GROUPS
10 nights Hotel accommodations 23 meals 10 buffet breakfasts 8 lunches (including Be My Guest) 5 dinners On-trip transport All transport shown (including domestic flight) All transfers shown Maximum 26 Guests
YOUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES BE MY GUEST Join the Saiwangjit family who live in a wooden Thai stilt house for a traditional northern Thaistyle meal
AUTHENTIC ACCOMMODATION Relax at your charming hotel with its exotic Lanna style architecture, perfectly positioned across from Tha Pae Gate in Chiang Mai’s Old Town
CULTURAL INSIGHT
CHIANG RAI 3
Learn the secrets of Thai cooking and visit a local market to buy fresh ingredients. Stop at a coconut palm sugar plantation and discover how the farmer extracts the sap from the palm trees to be turned into sugar. Take a thrilling ride across wooden viaducts offering fantastic scenery along the River Kwai. Visit Lumpini Park in Bangkok and join the locals in their daily T’ai Chi practice. Enjoy a traditional Thai massage in the grounds of Wat Pho, a center for traditional Thai massage
TREASURES OF THAILAND WITH GOLDEN TRIANGLE See page 48 for details
LOCAL SPECIALIST
CHIANG MAI 3
in Bangkok
Lampang
d 2 SUKHOTHAI
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
THAILAND
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS City Tour of Bangkok ▶ Chiang Mai
Ayutthaya KANCHANABURI 2 Damnoen Saduak
3 BANGKOK
SIEM REAP 3
TREASURES OF THAILAND WITH CAMBODIA See opposite page for details
CAMBODIA
Visit Wat Pho Temple ▶ the Grand Palace in Bangkok ▶ Damnoen Saduak floating market ▶ the ancient city of Ayutthaya ▶ Sukhothai Heritage Park See the Bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi
WHY ARE WE THE BEST? Read honest and unedited reviews from our guests at: www.trafalgar.com/reviews
46
Floating market
CSOT.indd 1
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ITINERARY
6
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1
2
4
5
Bangkok Sightseeing d For the early risers, start your day with a visit to Lumpini Park to join the locals and learn the basic principles of T’ai Chi, a Cultural Insight. 7 Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely start to the day before joining your fellow travelers on your City Tour, starting with a visit to Bangkok’s most well-known fruit and flower market, Pak Klong Talad before continuing to the Grand Palace. The most famous building in the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Afterwards visit Wat Pho, Bangkok’s oldest temple, which features the largest reclining Buddha in Thailand. While there enjoy a traditional Thai massage, a Cultural Insight, in the temple’s massage center. (BB, L) Bangkok d e Today learn the secrets of traditional Thai recipes in a cooking class with a Local Specialist located in a charming colonial style house. Before the start of the class visit a local market to buy fresh ingredients. Discover the exotic fruits and vegetables found in Thailand that will be used to prepare the meal, a Cultural Insight. Later enjoy the various exciting dishes you have prepared. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure or opt to join an Optional Experience. (BB, L) Bangkok ▶ Damnoen Saduak ▶ Kanchanaburi (2 Nights) d Make an early start this morning to travel to the famous floating market at Damnoen Saduak where the colorfully clad merchants paddle along the congested canals in sturdy canoes, laden with fresh fruit and vegetables to sell to shoppers on the banks. En route make a short stop at a coconut palm sugar plantation and discover how the farmer extracts the sap from the palm trees to eventually be turned into sugar, a Cultural Insight. After lunch in a local restaurant discover the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum, a facility dedicated to presenting the history of the famous railway line. It was built during WWII by the Imperial Japanese army, using Allied prisoners of war alongside Asian labourers. Continue with a visit to the War Cemetery, the final resting place for over 6,000 allied prisoners of war. (BB, L, D) Hotel: Dheva Mantra
9
Sukhothai ▶ Chiang Mai (3 Nights) d Depart early this morning and travel to the village of Natonchan where the community started an eco-tourism project. Interact with the local people, meet one of the villagers to learn about gymnastic doll making and the typical ‘mud soaked clothes’ worn by the villagers, a Cultural Insight. The local woven cotton clothes are soaked in mud to protect them from fading. Continue the journey north and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant followed by a stop in Lampang and a visit to the unique temple of Wat Prathat Lampang Luang. Later visit the ‘Friends of the Asian Elephant’ Hospital a foundation that cares for wounded elephants before continuing on to Chiang Mai. (BB, L) Hotel: De Naga Authentic Accommodation Chiang Mai Sightseeing d This morning visit the temple of Wat Suan Dok and take part in a talk with a local monk about Buddhism, a Cultural Insight. Meet the children and teachers at a local school before continuing to a small village nearby for your Be My Guest experience. The family will welcome you to their typical stilt house for a northern Thai style lunch. Later visit the handicraft villages in the Sankamphaeng district of Chiang Mai where all the traditional crafts such as the famous umbrella and fan making can be found. (BB, BG)
10 Chiang Mai e Spend the morning at leisure or choose to join Kanchanaburi Sightseeing d an Optional Experience. Later enjoy a visit at This morning visit the famous Hellfire Pass, a Wat Doi Suthep one of Thailand’s most sacred section of the Thailand-Burma Railway. It was built temples and observe the chanting of the monks during WWII under very difficult conditions and at sunset; a magical experience. This evening join said to have resembled hell on earth. After lunch your fellow companions and Travel Director for board the train for your Cultural Insight, a thrilling a delightful Farewell Dinner at a traditional Thai ride across wooden viaducts offering fantastic restaurant located next to the river. (BB, FD) scenery along the Kwai River before experiencing a walk over the wooden viaduct. Dinner this evening 11 Depart Chiang Mai is at a local restaurant. (BB, L, D) Transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport for your onward flight. (BB)
EARLY BIRD SAVINGS P. TO $288 P. SAVE UP
More great savings on page 21
d Insider Experience WR Welcome Reception e Free time
CSOT.indd 2
8
Sukhothai Sightseeing Start the day with a visit to the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the other, much larger ancient capital of Thailand founded in 1238. See thousands of years of history in this extensive and elaborate park and find the temple with the 15 meter seated Buddha secreted away amongst the trees. Your choice of exploring the large area by bicycle or on the internal tram which services the historical park. This afternoon go off the beaten track with a visit to the home of a local family. Learn how to make amulets which are important to many Thais and thought to protect the owner from harm. (BB, L)
TRIP PLANNER PRICE PP Start Bangkok
PRICE PP
End Double Chiang Mai Share
SU
21 JAN WE 31 JAN 2950
SU
04 MAR WE 14 MAR 2950
SU
08 APR WE 18 APR 2895
Start Bangkok
✚
✚
SU
20 MAY WE 30 MAY 2895
✚
SU
17 JUN WE 27 JUN 2895
SU
15 JUL WE 25 JUL 2895
End Chiang Mai
Double Share
SU
12 AUG WE 22 AUG
2895
SU
30 SEP WE 10 OCT
2895
SU
14 OCT WE 24 OCT
2895
SU
18 NOV WE 28 NOV
2975
SU
16 DEC WE 26 DEC
3050
Single Supplement (add to price above): Exceptions 21-Jan to 04-Mar-18: Sun-16-Dec-18:
$850 p.p. $900 p.p. $950 p.p.
; SAVE up to $144
r
Multiple trip discount:
: SAVE $130
s
Triple room discount:
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
SAVE up to $70 SAVE $25p.p.
9 Special Rate Solo Rooming: These departures include a 15% discount on our standard single supplement.
SOUTHEAST ASIA
3
Arrive Bangkok (3 Nights) Welcome to Bangkok. Transfer to your centrally located riverside hotel and relax before meeting your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Reception drink with local appetizers. (WR) Hotel: Royal Orchid Sheraton
Kanchanaburi ▶ Ayutthaya ▶ Sukhothai (2 Nights) After breakfast leave Kanchanaburi and travel to Ayutthaya to visit the remains of this historic city which was once the 2nd most important ancient capital of Old Siam, built after the fall of Sukhothai. It was founded in 1350 and was one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then travel back to Bangkok for your flight to Sukhothai. This evening during dinner experience an authentic Thai cultural dance in an open-air theater at the hotel. (BB, L, D) Hotel: Legendha Sukhothai Resort
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Visas are generally not required for Thailand but please contact your travel agent for more information and advice. Flights: Prices include internal airfare and taxes for flight: Bangkok to Sukhothai and are accurate as of 1st June 2017. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All prices are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55. Visit www.trafalgar.com for availability, up-to-date itineraries and Optional Experiences.
WH
Y TREASURES OF EXP NOT L THAILAND WITH FUR ORE TH E CAMBODIA CODE: CSOC R? Discover more about Khmer history and culture whilst exploring Angkor Wat. See page 49 for details of our three night program in Siem Reap, Cambodia which can be booked to follow on seamlessly from our Thailand itinerary. Price from $3850 per person in a double share based on the following 14 day itinerary: Days 1-10: As per Treasures of Thailand Day 11: Fly from Chiang Mai to Siem Reap Days 12/13: Sightseeing as per days 13/14, page 49 Day 14: Transfer to Siem Reap International Airport
EZIZGZJ
BB Buffet Breakfast L Lunch RM Regional Meal
BG Be My Guest Dining D Dinner FD Farewell Dinner
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TRAVEL STYLE
Q
YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
TREASURES OF THAILAND WITH THE a GOLDEN TRIANGLE b
14 days - 1 country
$3895 PP*
c
FROM
Code: CSOG
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
SMALLER GROUPS
13 nights Hotel accommodations 29 meals 13 buffet breakfasts 11 lunches (including Be My Guest) 5 dinners On-trip transport All transport shown (including domestic flight) All transfers shown Maximum 26 Guests
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS As per the Treasures of Thailand itinerary plus: City Tour of Chiang Rai Visit the unique white temple of Wat Rong Khun ▶ the village of Banyafu ▶ Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai ▶ the Don Sao Island Market in Laos See the Clock Tower in Chiang Rai
YOUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES
Akha Women
ITINERARY
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1-10 Bangkok ▶ Chiang Mai These days will operate as per days 1-10 of the Treasures of Thailand itinerary on pages 46-47.
Travel by boat on the Mekong River towards the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Burma (Myanmar) and Laos converge. Stop in Laos and visit the Don Sao Island Markets, which have an abundance of local handicraft s. After lunch visit the Hall of Opium, situated in the heart of the Golden Triangle, which provides an excellent Cultural Insight into the opium trade, so prevalent in this area over the past century. Later return to your hotel in Chiang Rai. (BB, L)
11 Chiang Mai ▶ Chiang Rai (3 Nights) d Depart this morning for Chiang Rai and en route visit an Ahka village, a Cultural Insight . The Akha are known for their bright 14 Depart Chiang Rai headdresses and are among the poorest of Transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for your onward Thailand’s ethnic minorities. Visit Doi Tung flight. (BB) a pilgrimage site for Thai, Shan and Chinese Buddhists and once a cultivating site for opium. The Doi Tung Development Project was initiated by the late Princess Mother of f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Thailand to help the struggling local people to educate and empower themselves to be Visas are generally not required for Thailand economically self-reliant. Take a stroll through but please contact your travel agent for the beautifully landscaped flower garden at more information and advice. the villa. Make a brief stop at the unique white temple of Wat Rong Khun before continuing Flights: Prices include internal airfare and to Chiang Rai and your hotel for a relaxing taxes for flight: Bangkok to Sukhothai and are evening. (BB, L) Hotel: The Legend accurate as of 1st June 2017. 12 Chiang Rai d Today start the day with a City Tour of Chiang Rai visiting some of its amazing sights like the Clock Tower and Wat Phra Kaew. Afterwards visit the little known village of Banyafu where the houses are made of wood and bamboo and the Lahu hilltribe people live their lives according to their traditions, a Cultural Insight . (BB, L)
Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All pric es are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55. Visit www.trafalgar.com for availability, up-to-date itineraries and Optional Experiences.
13 Chiang Rai d This morning visit Chiang Saen, the former capital of the first Thai Lanna Kingdom. d Insider Experience WR Welcome Reception e Free time
BB Buffet Breakfast L Lunch RM Regional Meal
As per the Treasures of Thailand itinerary plus:
CULTURAL INSIGHT See the Akha, Lahu hilltribe people, visit the Doi Tung Development Project, the Hall of Opium
d
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
TRIP PLANNER PRICE PP Start Bangkok
PRICE PP
End Double Chiang Rai Share
SU
21 JAN SA 03 FEB 3995
SU
04 MAR SA 17 MAR 3995
Start Bangkok
✚
✚ ✚
SU
08 APR SA 21 APR 3895
SU
20 MAY SA 02 JUN 3895
SU
17 JUN SA 30 JUN 3895
SU
15 JUL SA 28 JUL 3895
End Chiang Rai
Double Share
SU
12 AUG SA 25 AUG
3895
SU
30 SEP SA 13 OCT
3895
SU
14 OCT SA 27 OCT
3895
SU
18 NOV SA 01 DEC
4025
SU
16 DEC SA 29 DEC
4175
Single Supplement (add to price above): Exceptions 21-Jan to 04-Mar-18: 16-Dec-18:
$1120 p.p. $1190 p.p. $1350 p.p.
; SAVE up to $200
r
Multiple trip discount:
: SAVE $180
s
Triple room discount:
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
SAVE up to $100 SAVE $45p.p.
9 Special Rate Solo Rooming: These departures include a 12% discount on our standard single supplement. BG Be My Guest Dining D Dinner FD Farewell Dinner
48
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TRAVEL STYLE
K
YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE
HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM WITH CAMBODIA
15 days - 2 countries
a b
$3895 PP*
c
FROM
Code: CTVC
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
SMALLER GROUPS
14 nights Hotel accommodations 27 meals 14 buffet breakfasts 9 lunches (including Be My Guest) 4 dinners On-trip transport All transport shown (including internal flights) All transfers shown Maximum 26 Guests SOUTHEAST ASIA
YOUR INCLUDED SIGHTS As per the Highlights of Vietnam itinerary plus: Visit Angkor Wat ▶ Angkor Thom ▶ Terrace of the Elephants ▶ Siem Reap Old Town ▶ Artisans d’Angkor ▶ Wat Damnak ▶ the temples of Ta Prohm ▶ Banteay Srei
YOUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES As per Highlights of Vietnam plus: Rice Fields
ITINERARY
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1-11 Hanoi ▶ Ho Chi Minh These days will operate as per days 1-11 of the Highlights of Vietnam itinerary on pages4 4-45.
CULTURAL INSIGHT Witness the revival of traditional Khmer craft smanship at the Artisans D’Angkor training school
undercover stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and household goods, as well as an array of local handicraft s and souvenirs. In the evening perhaps take an Optional Experience sunset cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to see Siem Reap’s famous floating village and to observe the lifestyle of the people living on the lake. (BB, L)
14 Angkor Sightseeing e Start the day with a visit to two other UNESCO listed sites - Angkor Thom the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire and its centrepiece, the Bayon Temple. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his 13 Angkor Wat and Siem Reap victorious army. Next head to the picturesque Sightseeing d temple of Ta Prohm which was used as the This morning, visit Angkor Wat, a UNESCO location for the film ‘Tomb Raider’. The World Heritage Site and one of the most magnificent tree roots have merged with the important religious monuments in the world, temple remains over the years, giving the with a renowned Khmer Scholar, a Local feeling of a forgotten city. Return to Siem Specialist . Take a stroll through the elaborate Reap and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. carved hallways of Angkor Wat, as the Khmer This evening complete your trip in style with Empire is brought to life through the scholar’s a Farewell Dinner accompanied by traditional explanations, of the various stories contained Apsara Dancing. (BB, FD) in each of the bas reliefs and murals. Next 15 Depart Siem Reap head to Banteay Srei temple which is one of Transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for Angkor’s most significant structures. Made of your onward flight. (BB) red sand-stone, its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings and it is in an amazing state of preservation. Make a stop for lunch JOIN TRAFALGAR at a local Khmer restaurant, before taking a TRAVEL TODAY, SUSTAIN TOMORROW guided walk around the fascinating corners of the Old Town of Siem Reap. Visit Artisans Artisans D’Angkor, Siem Reap d’Angkor, for a Cultural Insight into the You’ll explore the workshops and discover training school and shop which creates job how your visit helps the artisans preserve opportunities for young people living in Khmer craft s and create jobs for young people rural areas, whilst at the same time reviving in rural areas. traditional Khmer craft smanship. Cross the
TRIP PLANNER PRICE PP Start Hanoi
12 Ho Chi Minh City ▶ Siem Reap (3 Nights) Transfer to the airport for the short international flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. On arrival check in to your hotel. (BB) Hotel: Le Meridien
picturesque Siem Reap River to Wat Damnak, a living temple, and receive a special blessing from one of the monks, which includes the tying of a blessed string around the wrist. Walk back across the Pedestrian Bridge to the Old Market and be lead through the maze of
PRICE PP
End Double Siem Reap Share
SA
20 JAN SA 03 FEB 4025 ✚
SA SA
03 MAR SA 17 MAR 4025 ✚ 24 MAR SA 07 APR 3995 ✚
SA SA
07 APR SA 21 APR 3995 21 APR SA 05 MAY 3995
✚ ✚
SA SA
05 MAY SA 19 MAY 3895 19 MAY SA 02 JUN 3895
✚
SA
16 JUN SA 30 JUN 3895
Start Hanoi
End Siem Reap
Double Share
3895
SA
14 JUL SA 28 JUL
SA
11 AUG SA 25 AUG
3895
SA SA
15 SEP SA 29 SEP 29 SEP SA 13 OCT
3895 4025
SA
13 OCT SA 27 OCT
4025
SA
17 NOV SA 01 DEC
4025
SA SA
08 DEC SA 22 DEC 15 DEC SA 29 DEC
4025 4075
Single Supplement (add to price above): Exceptions 15-Dec-18:
$1200 p.p. $1250 p.p.
; SAVE up to $171
r
Multiple trip discount:
: SAVE $160
s
Triple room discount:
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
SAVE up to $85 SAVE $0 p.p.
9 Special Rate Solo Rooming: These departures include a 19% discount on our standard single supplement.
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Visas are required for Vietnam and Cambodia, please contact your travel agent for more information and advice. Flights: Prices include internal airfares and taxes for flights: Hanoi to Danang, Hue to Ho Chi Minh City and Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap and are accurate as of 1st June 2017. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. 49
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TRAVEL STYLE
L 6 nights Hotel accommodations 10 meals 6 buffet breakfasts 1 lunch (including Be My Guest) 3d inners
SECRETS OF CAMBODIA Embrace the timeless charm and generous spirit of Cambodia on this Hidden Journey through ancient lost capitals, remote rural villages and extraordinary natural wonders, peeling back the layers of centuries-old culture and heritage through beautiful choreographed performances and traditional cooking customs and superstitions.
On-tript ransport All transport shown (including domestic flight). Allt ransfers shown
7 days - 1 country Code: SOCA
$1475 PP*
FROM
SMALLER GROUPS
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
YO UR INSID ER E XPERIENCES BE MY GUEST Catch a rare glimpse into traditional Khmer life and cuisine, enjoying lunch with a local family in their traditional 80-year-old wooden house on their dragon fruit farm
CULTURAL INSIGHT
LUANG PRABANG 4
SECRETS OF CAMBODIA WITH LAOS See page 52 for more details
LAOS
Participate in a Khmer cooking class, visiting the market to find ingredients and learning about local food superstitions before learning how to prepare Khmer specialties
LOCALS PECIALIST in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat.
HIDDEN TREASURE Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
d
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
SIEM REAP 4
CAMBODIA 2
PHNOM PENH
YO UR INCLU DED SIGHTS City Tour of Phnom Penh ▶ Siem Reap Old Town Visit Wat Phnom ▶ the Royal Palace ▶ Cheung Ek Killing Fields in Phnom Penh ▶ Angkor Wat ▶ Terrace of the Elephants ▶ Ta Prohm ▶ Banteay Srei
WHY ARE WE THE BEST? Read honest and unedited reviews from our guests at: www.trafalgar.com/reviews 50
Cambodian Khmer Dancers
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ITINER ARY
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Arrive Phnom Penh (2 Nights) A riot of colors, smells and swarm of scooters on Phnom Penh’s busy streets signal the start of our Hidden Journey – an Indochina gateway to the spiritual heart of Cambodia. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and this evening meet your Travel Director and fellow adventurers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and appetizers. (WR) Hotel: Sokha Phnom Penh
5
Phnom Penh Sightseeing d Exotic flavors are yours to explore this morning on an in-depth City Tour with a Local Specialist which begins with a visit to Wat Phnom temple from which the city takes its name. Delve into the legend of Lady Penh who discovered the four statues of Buddha deposited on this tree-covered hill. The golden spires of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda with its bountiful national treasures are our next stop on this exploration of Cambodia’s capital, which includes a visit to the National Museum, where we gain a unique insight into Khmer art and sculptures from different periods throughout Khmer history. Delving deep into the turbulent, terrifying history of the Khmer Rouge years, we travel along a dusty road to the outskirts of the city to visit the former school turned torture, interrogation and execution center of Tuol Sleng. The history of that time is depicted in the thousands of S-21 portraits of victims that are on display at the Museum of Genocide, providing an insight into the horrors of Cambodia under Pol Pot’s rule. Our journey back in time continues on 6 to the Cheung Ek Killing Fields, a memorial built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died under the reign of the Khmer Rouge. Spend the evening atl eisure. (BB) Phnom Penh ▶ Siem Reap (4 Nights) A leisurely start to your morning gives you an opportunity to soak up the sights and sounds of the city before transferring to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent temples of the lost city of Angkor. Spend the afternoon exploring Siem Reap’s busy streets on a walking tour, including a visit to the labyrinthine Old Market where the locals spend their early mornings shopping for fresh fruit, vegetables and spices. Wander past the busy stalls and sample authentic Khmer soups and freshly baked baguettes, a remnant of the country’s French heritage. Tonight, we watch enthralled by the energy, emotion and enthusiasm of the talented Phare performers who use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories. (BB) Hotel: Le Meridien Angkor Wat and Siem Reap Sightseeing d e Venturing deep into the Cambodian jungle and through a pyramid-shaped gateway into an ancient world, serene stone faces watch over us as we cross the stone causeway suspended over a moat into the spiritual heart of the ancient lost city of Angkor. Enjoy a rare opportunity to gain in-depth insight into the fascinating ancient empire of the Khmer, as we join a renowned scholar and Local Specialist who will bring to life the stories behind the intricate carvings and murals of celestial nymphs and mythical serpents along the abandoned hallways of Angkor Wat. We leave the mystical lotus-shaped temple towers behind us for your choice of activities, visiting the National Museum to explore the history, art and culture of
EARLY BIRD SAVINGS UP P. TO $141P. SAVE More great savings on page 21
7
Angkor and Siem Reap d Our intimate encounter with a lost empire continues today, as we uncover other iconic sites of the ancient abandoned city of Angkor that have been devoured by the Cambodian jungle. We explore its ancient ruins in the company of saffron-clad monks and mischievous monkeys that clamber up and over the roots of centuriesold trees that have carved their way deep into the Great City’s walls. We begin our day with a visit to the fortified Angkor Thom, seeing such iconic sites as the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Enclosure and the Temple of Bayon with its giant smiling faces of Buddha that have watched over the heart of the lost city for centuries. We venture underneath the dense tree canopy to the crumbling, moss-covered ruins of the Buddhist temple of Ta Prohm, which featured as the location for the film ‘Tomb Raider’, exploring its towers courtyards and corridors to uncover the intricate stone reliefs that are shielded by the surrounding foliage. The fresh flavors of Khmer cuisine are explored during a Cultural Insightc ooking class in Siem Reap, where we amble through the vibrant local market and learn about cooking customs, ingredients and food superstitions, before joining a local chef at his restaurant to learn how to craft and cook various peppery Khmer specialties. After the class, share your creation with your travel companions over dinner. (BB, D) Angkor and Peak Sneng village The terracotta-hued walls of Banteay Srei Temple are our first stop today – a red sandstone temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, whose 10th century delicate carvings of women with lotus flowers are said to have been too delicate to have been carved by a man, hence its name, “Citadel of the Women”. Deep in the heart of the Cambodian countryside, we come face-to-face with the rich Khmer culture, joining a local family in their 80-year-old wooden house on their dragon fruit farm for a Be My Guest lunch of traditional dishes freshly cooked with locally grown produce. Our interaction with the local Khmer villagers continues as we visit their local school and chat to some of the children who join us on our rambling through the village to see how they spend their day-to-day lives. Enjoy a unique opportunity to learn some of the time-honored craft traditions such as weaving Cambodia’s national hats made from palm leaves, or folding Lotus flowers into delicate works of art, a Cultural Insight. Our in-depth interaction with Cambodia has sadly come to an end. We return to our hotel later and join our Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for a Farewell dinner. (BB, BG, FD) Depart Siem Reap Transfer to thea irportf ory our onward flight. (BB)
PRICE PP
PRICE PP
Start End Double Phnom Penh Siem Reap Share WE 14 MAR TU 20 MAR
Start End Phnom Penh Siem Reap
1575 ✚
✚
WE 18 APR TU
24 APR 1475
✚
WE 16 MAY TU
22 MAY 1475
✚
WE 27 JUN TU
03 JUL 1475
✚
WE 25 JUL TU
31 JUL 1475
WE 22 AUG TU
28 AUG
1475
WE 26 SEP TU
02 OCT
1575
WE 24 OCT TU
30 OCT
1575
WE 28 NOV TU
04 DEC
1575
Single Supplement (add to price above): Past guest discount:
; SAVE up to $70
Young traveler discount:
: SAVE $60
Double Share
$380p.p.
r
Multiple trip discount:
s
Triple room discount:
SAVE up to $35 SAVE $20 p.p.
HIDDEN JOURNEY: SOUTHEAST ASIA
1
TRIP PL AN NER
the Khmer civilization, with collections dating as far back as the 9th century, or learning about the delicate traditions of silk making at a local silk farm. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure or join an Optional Experience. (BB)
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1
9 Special Rate Solo Rooming: These departures include a 24% discount on our standard single supplement.
f MORE ABO UT YO UR TRIP Visas are required for Cambodia, please contact your travel agent for more information and advice. Flights: Prices include internal airfares and taxes for flights: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (and Siem Riep to Luang Prabang if extending to Laos) and are accurate as of 1st June 2017. Airport transfers included. See page 56 for details. Wi Fi: See page 58 for details. *All prices are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation page 55. Visit www.trafalgar.com for availability, up-to-date itineraries and Optional Experiences.
J O IN TR AFALGAR
TR AVEL TO DAY, SUS TA I N TO M O RROW
Peak Sneng village, Siem Reap You’ll meet the local villagers, visit the school and discover some traditional Cambodian crafts. Learn how your visit helps to sustain the local community. Phare Circus, Siem Reap You’ll watch a spectacular show at the Phare Circus; a social project for young disadvantaged Cambodians who are given the opportunity to train in visual arts and circus skills. Your visit helps to support the project.
SECRE TS OF C A MBO D IA WITH L AOS
WHY N E X P L OT ORE FURT H ER?
Explore more of South East Asia by extending your trip to stay in the magical town of Luang Prabang, Laos. Nestling in a slim valley shaped by lofty, green mountains the peaceful town is endowed with a legacy of ancient red-roofed temples and French-Indochinese architecture. See details on page 52.
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TRAVEL STYLE
L
TRA
SECRETS OF CAMBODIA WITH LAOS
!
11 days - 2 countries
17 meals 10b uffet breakfasts 2 lunches (including Be My Guest) 5d inners
Code: SOCL
$2825 PP*
FROM
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
On-trip transport Allt ransport shown (including internal flights). All transfers shown
YO UR INSID ER E XPERIENCES As per Secrets of Cambodia itinerary plus:
AUTHENTICA CCOMMODATION
Hong K
Stay at a historical house built by the royal family in 1938.
SMALLER GROUPS
C$
d
PER PER
For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol
Travel t or befor
YO UR INCLU DED SIGHTS ITINER ARY
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 1-6 Phnom Penh ▶ Siem Reap These days will operate as per 1-6 of Secrets of Cambodiai tineraryo np ages5 0-51. 7
8
9
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As per Secrets of Cambodia itinerary plus: of saffron-robed monks and then follow their journey down to the bustling morning market. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the winding steps up Mount Phousi for panoramic views of the countryside before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely start to the day before joining your fellow travelers for a visit to the Friends Visitor Center, a local non-profit community project, to learn about the work done at the Friends Lao Hospital for Children. Return to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon or take part in an Optional Experience. (BB)
Siem Reap ▶ Luang Prabang (4 Nights) d e Your morning visit to Wat Damnak will give you a rare opportunity to take part in a private blessing ceremony where a sacred thread will be tied around your wrist to protect against evil spirits. Later, we visit Artisans d’Angkor for a Cultural 10 Luang Prabang Sightseeing e Insight into the exciting revival of Khmer arts This morning, we drive south towards one of and crafts at a training school, which creates job Luang Prabang’s most spectacular natural sites, opportunities for young people living in rural areas. the Kuang Si Waterfall. En route, we stop at Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before your flight Phou Si market to watch the local Laotians trade to Luang Prabang. On arrival, meet your Travel their fresh produce and at the Ock Pop Tok Director and continue to our hotel where we share Weaving Center for a demonstration by local a traditional Lao dinner. (BB, D) Hotel: Villa Maly craftswomen, a Cultural Insight. On arrival Authentic Accommodation at Kuang Si National Park witness rescued Asian Luang Prabang Sightseeing d bears playing and feeding at the Asian Bear This morning, we embark on a walking tour around Rescue Center. We then enjoy a leisurely walk the ancient royal capital of Luang Prabang, a and see the main fall which has a 60-meter UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Royal cascade that collects in turquoise blue pools as Palace Museum to uncover the history and culture it flows downstream. This evening we join our of Laos, and Wat Xiengthong, the so-called Travel Director and new friends for a Lao-inspired ‘Temple of the Golden City’, whose tree of life Farewell Dinner. (BB, FD) mosaic and rare Buddhist deities make it one of the 11 Depart Luang Prabang most beautiful temples in Laos. Later we board a Transfert ot hea irport fory our onwardfl ight. (BB) traditional long-tail boat bound for the mystical Pak Ou Caves. We pass Laotian villages and wooden canoes bobbing by the shore attached to bamboo J O IN TR AFALGAR poles before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant TR AVEL TO DAY, SUS TA I N TO M O RROW and then coming face to face with thousands of Buddha icons that fill the limestone caves. Boarding Friends Visitor Center, Luang Prabang our long-tail boat, we cruise back to Luang You’ll learn how your visit helps support the Prabang stopping en route at Ban Muang Keo work being done at the Friends Lao Hospital village for a Cultural Insight into the tradition of for Children. lao-lao brewing in the dark earthenware jars that seem to flood the tiny village. (BB, L) Ock Pop Tok, Luang Prabang Luang Prabang Sightseeing d e You’ll learn about the mission of this social Before the city comes to life, join the locals who enterprise to elevate the profile of locally rise before dawn to pay their alms to hundreds produced textiles and to increase economic opportunities for the artisans. Pak Ou Caves, Laos
1
Visit Wat Damnak ▶ Artisans D’Angkor in Siem Reap ▶ the Royal Palace Museum ▶ Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang
TRIP PL AN NER PRICE PP Start Phnom Penh
End Luang Prabang
PRICE PP Start Phnom Penh
Double Share
WE 14 MAR SA
24 MAR 3025
✚
WE 18 APR SA
28 APR 2825
✚
WE 16 MAY SA
26 MAY 2825
✚
WE 27 JUN SA
07 JUL 2825
WE 25 JUL SA
04 AUG 2825
✚
✚
End Luang Prabang
WE 22 AUG SA
01 SEP
2825
WE 26 SEP SA
06 OCT
3025
WE 24 OCT SA
03 NOV
3025
WE 28 NOV SA
08 DEC
3025
Single Supplement (add to price above): Exceptions 14 Mar 18: 26 Sep to 28 Nov 18:
; SAVE up to $130
Past guest discount:
: SAVE $120
Young traveler discount:
Double Share
$790p.p. $990p.p. $990p.p.
r
Multiple trip discount:
s
Triple room discount:
SAVE up to $65 SAVE $120 p.p.
TRIP
Daily depa
9 Special Rate Solo Rooming: These departures include a 20% discount on our standard single supplement.
Departure
02 Jan to 0
06 Jan to 0
f MORE ABO UT YO UR TRIP Visas are required for Cambodia and Laos, please contact your Travel Agent for more information. Flights: Prices include internal airfares and taxes for flights: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Siem Reap to Luang Prabang and are accurate as of 1st June 2017. *All prices are per person, double share.
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29 Sep to 3
Hon and be b any T
TRAVEL STYLE
!
HONG KONG AND MACAU EXPERIENCE
TRAVEL STYLE
!
SINGAPORE EXPLORER
4 days Merlion Park
Hong Kong Skyline FROM
$1725
Code: HONGA
a
b
3 nights
5 meals
FROM
$1150
a
b
YOUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES
Code: SINGA HIDDEN TREASURE 3 nights
Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1
3 meals Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure Travel to Asia often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1
1
Hong Kong (3 Nights) A warm welcome to Hong Kong. On arrival transfer to your hotel located in the heart of Kowloon’s shopping, dining and commercial district. This evening perhaps take part in an Optional Experience. Hotel: Regal Kowloon
1
2
Hong Kong Sightseeing d This morning’s City Tour starts with an exciting funicular railway ride to the top of Victoria Peak. Reach the 373 meter summit by the iconic Peak Tram, which has been in operation since 1888. Take in the breathtaking views over the city and the harbor. Next stop is Aberdeen Fishing Village for a sampan ride and a close view of the fishermen who live and work on their boats, a Cultural Insight . Enjoy a Dim Sum Regional Meal onboard the famous Jumbo Floating Restaurant. After lunch take a short drive to the famous Stanley Market – one of Hong Kong’s oldest settlements. Stanley is a picturesque fishing village on the southeast of Hong Kong Island. A century ago it was notorious for its pirates and smuggling activities but nowadays the village is best known for its market. This evening is at leisure for you to enjoy the wide choice of local restaurants and bars near your hotel. (BB, RM)
Arrive Singapore (3 Nights) For more Insider Experiences, look for this symbol Welcome to Singapore. On arrival at Singapore Changi Airport you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel, situated on the banks of the Singapore River close to the restaurants and shops of Clarke Quay. Hotel: Novotel Clarke Quay
2
Singapore Sightseeing d e This morning start your city tour from where it all began for colonial Singapore at the Raff les Landing Site. This is where Sir Stamford Raff les is believed to have Indulge in a melting pot of British, Portuguese and first stepped ashore in 1819 in search of a new trading port for the British East flavours thisthrough shortthehop through Kong IndiaChinese Company. Continue withon a walk Colonial District Hong which forms the very of Singapore. See the former Parliament House, the Victoria andheart Macau – dramatic skyscrapers, tranquil hilltop Theater which was originally built as the Town Hall in 1862 and across the road sanctuaries retail therapy in contrasts bustling street markets the Old Supreme Courtand Building. Later discover the of Singapore with malls are yours toa explore, made even more visitsand to Chinatown and Little India, Cultural Insight . Chinatown has evolved sincememorable 1821 and was theaft area Chinese immigrants headed for on arrival ermany indulging in delicious Dim Sum onto the the then British colony. Continue with a visit to Little India to discover a district waters of Aberdeen Harbor. rich in culture and deeply rooted in the traditions of the Indian community. Later visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and talk a walk through the National Orchid Garden which boasts a sprawling display of 60,000 orchids. The afternoon is yours at leisure. (BB)
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
3
4
Hong Kong ▶ Macau ▶ Hong Kong d This morning take the high-speed ferry to Macau and on arrival meet a Local Specialist who will accompany you throughout the day. Macau is well known for its casinos and because it was colonised by the Portuguese for 400 years before reverting to Chinese rule in 1999, it has a lovely Mediterranean atmosphere and charm. Drive along the Guia Circuit (Grand Prix Race Track) and see the 20 meter tall statue of Kun Lam, the Goddess of Mercy. Visit the A-Ma Temple, which is one of the best examples of a Taoist temple. Legend has it that the Portuguese named the enclave A-Ma-Gao after the young and beautiful Sea Goddess who saved their ship in a storm. Go up to the Observation Deck of the Macau Tower, soaring 338 meters above the city it is the 10th highest freestanding tower in the world. After lunch visit the ruins of St. Paul’s. Dating from the 17th century all that is left of the once spectacular cathedral is the intricate stone façade at the top of a grand flight of steps. Walk through the historic Senado Square towards the crumbling Monte Fort and visit one of Macau’s top casinos before returning to Hong Kong by ferry. (BB, L) Depart Hong Kong Transfer to Hong Kong International Airport for your onward flight. (BB)
TRIP PLANNER
Daily departures 03 January - 27 December 2018 Departures on or between
Price per person Double Share
Triple Share
Single Supp
02 Jan to 05 Jan, 04 Feb to 28 Sep, 01 Nov -19 Dec 2018
1725
1715
250
06 Jan to 03 Feb 2018
1825
1815
320
29 Sep to 30 Oct 2018
1850
1840
350
PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARE
d
3
Singapore Sightseeing d Start your with a visit to a typical Peranakan home and admire the many TRIP YOUR ABOUT MORE fday antiques and treasures worthy of any museum collection. The Peranakans are straits-born Chinese who are descendants of Chinese immigrants many of who Fi: See page 58 for details. marriedWi the local Malays in the region. Meet and chat with the hosts to learn for details. page 56some . Seeenjoying included transfers Airport about their heritage and culture whilst typical Peranakan tea time treats, a Cultural Insight . The evening is yours at leisure or choose to join share. double person, are per *All prices an Optional Experience. (BB) Book early for great savings - see pages 20-21. Extra nights’ accommodation 55. page 4 Depart Singapore TransferFlights to the :airport your onward ight. (BB) included. not Kongflare Hong from to and for Visas are generally not required for Hong Kong and Macau but please contact TRIP PLANNER your travel agent for more information. Daily departures 06 January - 18 December 2018 Price per person and Optional itineraries up-to-date availability, www.trafalgar.com forDouble Visit Departures on or between Share Triple Share Single Supp Experiences. 06 Jan to 24 Jan 2018 1150 1075 500 20 Feb to 18 Dec 2018
1150
1075
500
Please note: This trip is not available for departures from 25 January to 19 February 2018 inclusive
TRIP COMBINATIONS
TRIP COMBINATIONS
Hong Kong is a convenient gateway to many destinations in South East Asia and it is also a convenient stopover when traveling to Europe. This trip can be booked on its own or in conjunction with the itinerary of your choice from any Trafalgar brochure.
Singapore is a convenient gateway to many destinations in South East Asia and it is also a convenient stopover when traveling to Europe. This trip can be booked on its own or in conjunction with the itinerary of your choice from any Trafalgar brochure. 53
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EXTEND YOUR STAY...
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Each itinerary shows the city where your vacation starts and ends. Choose how many nights you wish to extend your stay before or after your vacation and ask your Travel Agent to make the reservations when you book. Transfers are included when you extend your stay with this offer.
Ya
C
Ph
Si
Prices are per person, per night, based on double room accommodations with private facilities. Triple rooms are available in most hotels and these are generally double rooms with an extra bed. These rooms are suitable for guests traveling with children. All prices include applicable taxes and full buffet breakfast. Check with your Travel Agent for availability.
C
Be
Ch
Ho
Conditions: Extra hotel nights should be booked at the time of your vacation reservation; they are subject to availability and offered only in conjunction with the vacation you are booking. Space is limited and blackout dates may apply. Hotels may be subject to change.
Sh
IN
De
Ja
M
JA
Ky
O
Sa
To
LA
Lu
M
Ba
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SI
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SR
Co M
TH
Ba
Ch Ch
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Ha Ho *R
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Per person price ($) City
Hotel
Season
Mandalay
Mandalay Hill Resort
Yangon (Rangoon)
Sule Shangri-La
Jan 10 - Apr 30, Jul 01 - Jul 31, May 01 - Jun 30, Aug 01 - Sep Jan 10 - Apr 30, Jul 01 - Jul 31, May 01 - Jun 30, Aug 01 - Sep
Single Double
Triple
BURMA Oct 01 - Dec 31 30 Oct 01 - Dec 22 30
272 225 232 209
151 128 140 128
146 126 133 125
Jan 01 - Mar 31, Oct 01 - Nov 30 Apr 01 - Sep 30 Jan 01 - Mar 31, Oct 01 - Dec 25 Apr 01 - Sep 30 Dec 26 - Dec 31
210 179 141 119 185
120 105 86 75 108
111 101 80 72 95
Mar 01 - Aug 31 Sep 01 - Oct 31 Jun 01 - Aug 31 Mar 01 - May 31, Sep 01 - Oct 31 Jan 01 - Jan 05, Feb 04 - Sep 28, Nov 01 - Dec 19 Jan 06 - Feb 03 Sep 29 - Oct 31, Dec 20 - Dec 31 Jul 01 - Aug 31 Mar 01 - Jun 30, Sep 01 - Oct 31
198 220 186 207 230 282 302 318 361
114 125 108 119 143 169 179 174 196
112 119 107 115 142 159 166 161 175
Jan 03 - Mar 31, Oct 01 - Apr 15 '19 Apr 01 - Sep 30 Jan 13 - Mar 31 Apr 01 - Sep 30 Oct 01 - Apr 15 '19 Jan 10 - Mar 31, Oct 01 - Apr 15 '19 Apr 01 - Sep 30 Jan 10 - Mar 31, Oct 01 - Apr 15 '19 Apr 01 - Sep 30
281 213 225 213 242 207 148 354 263
156 122 128 122 137 119 90 193 147
115 93 126 116 134 90 70 169 119
Jan 11 - Dec 20 Jan 11 - Dec 20 Mar 01 - Oct 31 Jan 11 - Feb 28, Jun 01 - Aug 31, Dec 01 - Dec 20 May 01 - May 31, Sep 01 - Sep 30 Mar 01 - Apr 30, Oct 01 - Nov 30 Jan 11 - Dec 20 Jan 11 - Feb 28, Jun 01 - Aug 31, Dec 01 - Dec 20 May 01 - May 31, Sep 01 - Sep 30 Mar 01 - Apr 30, Oct 01 - Nov 30 Mar 01 - Oct 31 30 Mar - Apr 30 Oct 12 - Oct 20
510 497 350 365 408 484 396 239 270 308 308 305 366
409 409 214 232 258 289 371 182 201 239 225 174 205
346 371 201 188 157 232 346 182 201 239 214 162 192
May 18 - May 31, Sep 14 - Oct 11
426
235
222
Jun 01 - Jun 30, Aug 01 - Sep 13
442
242
224
May 01 - May 17, Jul 01 - Jul 31 Mar 01 - Oct 31 Jan 01 - Dec 09
457
250
231
413 408
258 308
245 245
Villa Maly
Apr 01 - Sep 30 Mar 01 - Mar 31, Oct 01 - Dec 12
206 328
118 179
107 148
Batu Ferringhi
Golden Sands Resort
Georgetown
Penaga Hotel
Mar 01 - Jun 30, Sep 01 - Oct 31 Jul 01 - Aug 31 Mar 01 - Oct 31
243 269 180
137 150 106
126 136 96
Novotel Clarke Quay
Jan 06 - Jan 26, Feb 20 - Dec 21
370
200
174
Galle Face Hotel Mt. Lavinia Hotel
Feb 01 - Dec 31 Feb 01 - Dec 31
263 259
159 154
136 128
Bangkok
Royal Orchid Sheraton
Chiang Mai Chiang Rai
De Naga The Legend Chiang Rai
Jan 19 - Mar 31, Nov 01 - Dec 15 Apr 01 - Oct 31 Jan 20 - Dec 27 Feb 01 - Mar 31, Nov 01 - Dec 20 Apr 01 - Oct 31 Dec 21 - Dec 31
240 207 204 201 181 254
135 119 118 116 106 143
127 114 109 103 95 121
Jan 15 - Dec 28 Jan 15 - Dec 28
234 248
132 140
120 122
CAMBODIA Phnom Penh
Sokha Phnom Penh
Siem Reap
Le Meridien
CHINA Beijing
Novotel Peace Hotel
Chengdu
Crowne Plaza
Hong Kong
Regal Kowloon
Shanghai
Hyatt on the Bund
INDIA Delhi
Sheraton New Delhi Pride Plaza Hotel
Jaipur
Hilton
Mumbai
JW Marriott Juhu
JAPAN Kyoto
Gion Yoshiima (ryokan)*# Ikumatsu (ryokan)*# New Miyako Nikko Princess
Osaka
Nisshokan Shoshintei (ryokan)*# Sheraton Miyako
Sapporo
Rihga Royal Keio Plaza Sapporo Hotel
Tokyo
Keio Plaza Tokyo Hotel New Otani
LAOS Luang Prabang
MALAYSIA
SINGAPORE Singapore
SRI LANKA Colombo Mt. Lavinia
THAILAND
VIETNAM Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City *Rate includes breakfast and dinner
Melia Hanoi Sofitel Saigon Plaza # An additional seasonal supplement may apply
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R
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS AIRPORT TRANSFERS
With Trafalgar you will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers on all vacations by shuttlebus, car or minibus, between designated airports and hotels on the start and end day of your vacation. Trafalgar is also pleased to offer complimentary airport transfers on other days in conjunction with pre and post trip accommodations when booked through Trafalgar. Flight timings must be provided to Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to the start of the trip. In the event of missed transfers due to flight delays outside of Trafalgar’s control or guests not using this service, no refund is available.
W
E d t t e
GROUP TRAVEL
GROUPS ON SCHEDULED DEPARTURES Get great savings with every booking of ten or more guests on one of our brochure vacations – the more guests, the greater your discount. Contact us today to find out about our generous free-trip policy and obtain a quote for your group.
CUSTOM GROUPS Trafalgar can customize a trip exclusively for your group, to any of our worldwide destinations. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, or in a group sharing a special interest in the arts, food, architecture, history or even gardening, our global team has the experience and local knowledge to help you discover the essence of any destination on your terms. Tell us where you wish to travel, the standard of hotels you prefer, along with any sightseeing you want included, and we can create genuine “insider” experiences that will exceed your expectations and deliver exceptional value. We take care of all the details to ensure your group journey of discovery is effortless and secure, with the knowledge that you have entrusted your travel in the hands of an award-winning global company with an impeccable reputation. For more information contact your Travel Agent who will work with our dedicated groups team, or contact Trafalgar Groups at 800-626-6603 or email groupsales@trafalgartours.com Note: Minimum numbers for custom groups vary based on your chosen destination.
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BROCHURE TERMINOLOGY Here is a description of some of the specific terms used in the itinerary pages of this brochure: Visit – In-depth sightseeing with a Local Specialist or Travel Director. View – A brief stop to enjoy the sights and take photos. See – See the sights while driving by on your coach, or from your cruise or train.
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READY, STEADY…GO
TRAFALGAR’S
WITH MYTRAFALGAR
TRAVEL PROTECTION
Every moment matters. To ensure that your trip runs smoothly and we deliver the very best, personalized experience, we require all our guests to register on our new travel portal, MyTrafalgar, before they depart for their vacation. This ensures that we have the information we need to make every moment of your journey special and hassle free.
Providing you with “any reason” cancellation flexibility Trafalgar Travel Protection Plan – designed exclusively with the following: Priced at: Trips up to $2,000: $149 per person Priced at: Trips $2,001 to $3,500: $209 per person Priced at: Trips $3,500 to $5,000: $259 per person Priced at: Trips $5,001 or greater: $299 per person
• We’ll personalize your trip and accommodate dietary or rooming requirements • Make your vacation hassle free, from hotel check-ins to passport and security checks • Register your emergency contact details, in the unlikely event they’re required • Simply log in and activate your registration on MyTrafalgar. www.trafalgar.com/mytrafalgar
PASSPORTS AND VISAS Each guest is responsible for ensuring their passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that all necessary visas and permits have been acquired. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your vacations. Each guest must comply with entry, health and other requirements of the countries visited during your trip. Contact your Travel Agent, airline or relevant government authorities to obtain the necessary travel information. The Operators and/or their employees and their agents are not responsible for passport, visa, entry, health and other requirements of the countries visited, or for any loss sustained by you for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
ONCE ACTIVATED, YOU’RE READY TO TRAVEL! • Before you go: You’ll receive all of your itinerary details and travel documents. You can then choose to meet your Travel Director and connect with your travel companions, explore your itinerary and receive pre-trip updates • While traveling: Always stay in the know, with updates from your Travel Director. Chat to your companions in real time and share your pictures with friends and loved ones • Back home: Reminisce about your journey, stay in touch and get inspired for future trips • MyTrafalgar: Your easy to use travel portal for the perfect Trafalgar vacation To activate simply log in and activate your registration on MyTrafalgar. www.trafalgar.com/mytrafalgar
Note: Prices are subject to change without notice.
SECTION I: TRIP CANCELLATION WAIVER Provided by Trafalgar * The Trip Cancellation Waiver offers guests the opportunity to receive a refund from Trafalgar for the otherwise non-refundable trip costs prepaid to Trafalgar if you need to cancel due to illness, injury, death, subpoena, jury duty, job transfer and more. * For New York residents, Trip Cancellation benefits are underwritten by Transamerica Casualty Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio; NAIC #10952 under Policy/Certificate Form series TAHC500.
Trafalgar “Any Reason” Cancellation Waiver If you purchase Travel Protection within two days of deposit, the Trafalgar “Any Reason” Cancellation Waiver allows you to cancel your trip 48 hours or more before your scheduled departure for any reason that is not eligible under the Trip Cancellation Waiver provisions. When a cancellation that is not eligible under the Trip Cancellation Waiver provisions occurs during a penalty period, your cancellation penalty will be refunded in Trafalgar Travel Certificates, with the balance of the refund made either in cash or by credit card credit. Notice to New York residents: The “Any Reason” Cancellation Waiver may be purchased separately from the Travel Insurance Benefits. Contact 1-888-722-2195 for details.
SECTION II: TRAVEL INSURANCE BENEFITS Underwritten by Transamerica Casualty Insurance Company** Trip Interruption: Up to Total Trip Cost Trip Delay: Up to $1,000 ($150/day) Baggage Protection: Up to $2,500 Baggage Delay: Up to $500 Medical Expense: Up to $50,000 Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation: Up to $50,000
SECTION III: WORLDWIDE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Services provided by On Call International. CareFree™ Travel Assistance, Medical Assistance, Emergency Services – services available 24/7 This plan provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. The above information is a summary – a plan description detailing the terms, conditions and exclusions will be sent to you – we have highlighted just a few of the plan benefits. If you have any Travel Protection questions, please call our plan administrator at 1-866-580-4869. You may also view the plan at www.Trafalgar.com
**Section II Travel Insurance Benefits, Policy Number MZ0911062H0002A are underwritten by Transamerica Casualty Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio: NAIC #10952 (all states except as otherwise noted) under Policy/ Certificate Form series TAHC5000. In CA, HI, NE, PA, TN and TX Policy/Certificate Form series TAHC5100 and TAHC5200. In IL, IN, KS, LA, OH, OR, VT, WA and WY Policy Forms TAHC5100IPS and TAHC5200IPS. Certain coverages are under series TAHC6000 and TAHC7000.
CAN WE HELP YOU?
Call Toll-free at 1-866-544-4434 Travel Agents: please call 1-800-854-0103 or visit the agent section of our website For a Trafalgar expert: travel advice, bookings, information or a helping hand (Pacific Standard time): Monday to Thursday: 5:30am – 11:00pm Friday: 5:30am – 6:00pm Saturday: 6:00am – 4:00pm Sunday: 6:00am – 9:00pm Online 24/7 at www.trafalgar.com for information, bookings, online payments and frequently asked questions 57
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BOOKING CONDITIONS BOOKING CONDITIONS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION Large print version is available at: www.trafalgar.com
PAYMENT & CANCELATION FEES SUMMARY INFORMATION GUIDED VACATIONS INCLUDING VIETNAM DOMESTIC FLIGHTS Deposit required $200 Final Payment 80 days No of Days Penalty 80 days and over Deposit
ALL OTHER ASIA GUIDED VACATIONS
AIR TICKETS
Deposit required Final Payment No of Days 45 days and over
$200 45 days Penalty Deposit
Deposit required Final Payment No of Days 45 days and over
As per airline policy As per airline policy Penalty $75 plus airline charges
79 - 45 days
50%
44-15 days
50%
44-15 days
$75 plus airline charges
44-15 days
50%
14-8 days
75%
14-8 days
$75 plus airline charges
14-8 days 7-1 days Departure Day/No show
75% 100% 100%
7-1 days Departure Day/No show
100% 100%
7-1 days Departure Day/ No show
$75 plus airline charges $75 plus airline charges
YOUR GUIDED VACATION BOOKING Trafalgar Tours West Inc is the ‘Sales Company’; Trafalgar Tours Limited is the ‘Operator’; collectively these companies are referred to as ‘Trafalgar’. Your agreement is with Trafalgar and a contract is formed when you make a reservation with us that we accept. Enrollment in and payment for a guided vacation shall constitute acceptance by the guest of the terms and conditions in this brochure. These cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company. The invalidity of any provisions herein shall not affect the validity of any other provisions. The agreement shall be construed as though the invalid provision was not contained herein and was replaced with an enforceable provision as similar as possible to the original provision. Disclaimer Travel is personal and each individual’s goals and experiences may differ. Trafalgar will not be bound by, or liable for, any description, photograph, representation or warranty made by or provided by any independent third party sales representative, Travel Agent, or other person or entity relating to any vacation offered by Trafalgar. Departure Date The departure date is the date indicated on the Trafalgar confirmation. Security Security is a major concern to all of us and the situation globally is constantly changing. Events around the world, coupled with the “Travel Advisories” put out by various governments, may at times necessitate changes to the accommodations and itinerary or even trip cancellation. You must accept these risks involved in travel to any country that may experience security difficulties and accept responsibility for your own travel decisions. WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE GUIDED VACATION PRICE Air Transportation Within Asia, airfares are included in the “Land & Internal Air” and “Land, Cruise & Internal Air” prices. These included flights are outlined in each itinerary page price panel. Please be advised that due to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight rules, airlines must collect required information from guests. For more information regarding TSA’s Secure Flight rules, please visit www.tsa.gov. Guests traveling on any Internal Asia flight must provide their full name (as appears on passport), date of birth and gender. Incomplete or inaccurate information may result in additional charges payable directly to the airline or in a worst-case scenario, be denied boarding. Guided Vacation By air-conditioned luxury motorcoaches with reclining seats. Please note on some regional vacations smaller motorcoaches are used. Hotel Accommodations Prices are per person, based on two persons sharing with private bath or shower. Triple rooms may be available on selected vacations in limited numbers. Triple occupancy is based on twin bedded accommodations with one extra bed which may be a rollaway or folding bed. Three adults may find these rooms small and they are generally more suitable for two adults and one child. Every effort has been made to reserve two-bed rooms; however, on some occasions, rooms with one double bed may be the only choice available. These rooms will be allocated to single travelers and couples first; other rooms may feature a single bed and rollaway bed, murphy bed or sleeper sofa. Special room requests (adjacent, connecting or lower-floor rooms, as examples) must be made at time of booking. Special room requests are not guaranteed and are based on availability at time of check-in. Accommodations outside of the USA may not be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and may not have wheelchair accessibility. Substitute hotels may be used sometimes. We try to use hotels of similar standard. Hotel Frequent Traveler program points are not earned with hotels on Trafalgar vacations. Note hotel room sizes, standards, facilities and services provided may vary from country to country and region to region and are often local in style. Cruises Per person prices are based on two persons sharing a cabin with two berths, private shower and toilet. A limited number of single cabins are available at an extra cost.
Free WiFi Internet Service Complimentary WiFi service is available in many Trafalgar hotel guestrooms and/or the public areas of most hotels. In Vietnam WiFi is also provided on-board the motorcoaches except in remote locations. The WiFi on the motorcoaches uses the cellular phone network and as a result the connection will be slower than standard broadband and at times may not be available. Audio and Video streaming is not available using motorcoach WiFi. Please note that it is not available when the main Trafalgar motorcoach is not being used, such as on transfer motorcoaches and other local services. For further information on which countries WiFi is offered in as well as daily data allowances please refer to the Trafalgar website www.trafalgar.com/wifi. Travel Director Guided vacations are conducted in English by a professional Travel Director. In the unlikely event that there are ten guests or less traveling on a departure, Trafalgar reserves the right to operate this departure on an individual basis with private transfers and individual arrangements. Itinerary extensions are operated on a locally hosted basis using regular Englishspeaking Local Host services. Meals Meals are included as detailed on itineraries. Sightseeing Experiences, entrance fees and an Englishspeaking Local Specialist (when required) are included as detailed in the itinerary pages. Transfers Between airports, hotels, railway stations and piers are included as indicated on each guided vacation itinerary. There will be no refund for missed or unused transfers. If you did not purchase your flights from Trafalgar, you will need to provide your arrival and departure flight information to Trafalgar at the time of booking. It is your responsibility to update Trafalgar with any changes to your flight schedule to ensure that you receive your transfers. Failure to do so may result in missing these services and no refund shall be due for missed arrival transfers resulting from missing or outdated flight information. Porterage Baggage handling of one suitcase per person, at each guided vacation hotel is included in the guided vacation price. Due to limited motorcoach capacity, a single bag is allowed with dimensions not exceeding 30”x18”x10” (76x46x25cm) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs. (23kg). Airlines may impose stricter weight and size limits for luggage and may also charge fees for checked baggage, including the first checked bag. Please check with your airline(s) directly for their most current baggage regulations and related fees. Trafalgar is not responsible for additional fees imposed by air carriers regarding baggage. For internal air flights within Asia, only one suitcase per person can be checked-in, and it must weigh no more than 44 lbs. (20kg). You may be asked by the airline to pay fees of approximately US$3.00 per kg for extra weight limit. Carry-on/hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 12”x11”x6” (30x28x14 cm) to fit under your motorcoach seat or in the small overhead compartment and the weight must not exceed 18lbs (7kgs). Carry-on/ hand luggage handling is the responsibility of each guest and must be taken on and off the motorcoach by you each day of the guided vacation. Carry-ons with telescopic handles and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartments or under seats and, therefore, cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage. Trafalgar and Trafalgar’s affiliated entities shall not be liable for loss or damage to baggage or any guest’s belongings. Guests should immediately report lost items to the Travel Director who will assist in completing a lost property form that can be used for an insurance claim. Trafalgar cannot assist in locating lost items after the guest disembarks or completes the Trafalgar vacation. Tips/Gratuities Tips/gratuities are included for services on the guided vacation, except to your Motorcoach Driver, Local Host, Local Specialists and Travel Director whose tips/ gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis at the end of your vacation. Included tips/gratuities cover all services provided by dining-room waiters, housekeeping staff and porters at hotels. On the Yangtze River Cruise there is a flat service charge of RMB 150 per person which is payable locally and not included in the Trafalgar package price. This
covers services provided by waiters, housekeeping staff and porters. This service charge does not include a gratuity for the Cruise Director, for any Local Experts or for any additional special services and can be offered at the guest’s discretion. NOT INCLUDED IN GUIDED VACATION PRICE Any items and matters not referred to above, including, airfares to and from your destination, air-related taxes and fees (except where specified); additional fees charged by airlines such as checked and/or excess baggage, seat selections and any other services; passport and visa fees; insurances of all kinds; tips/gratuities to Travel Directors, Local Host, Local Specialists and Motorcoach Drivers; laundry; phone calls; minibar; beverages and meals not detailed in the itinerary; Optional Experiences; and all items of a personal nature. Additional taxes and surcharges may be collected by foreign governmental and non-governmental entities. The price does not cover costs and expenses, including your return home, if you leave the guided vacation whether of your own volition, our decision based on behavior that disrupts the trip, due to illness, action by any government or other reason. This list is illustrative and not a complete list of every item not included. RESERVATIONS & PAYMENTS 1. Your guided vacation will be confirmed after receipt of a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit as detailed in the Summary Information table. We reserve the right to refuse a booking without giving any reason and shall in that event return any deposit received. If not received within 3 calendar days of booking, the reservation will automatically be canceled. On certain departures, deposits may be required at time of booking to hold seats. 2. Air-inclusive bookings may require an additional nonrefundable deposit or payment in full at the time of booking, see Air Arrangements section below. 3. Final payment for your land reservation will be due prior to departure no later than as detailed in the Summary Information table. Payment in full will be required at time of booking for reservations made less than 45/80 days (as detailed in the Summary Information table) prior to the departure date. 4. Trafalgar reserves the right to cancel the reservation and impose cancellation charges if any payment is not received as detailed within the Summary Information table above. Trafalgar will not be responsible for lost land and/or air reservations. 5. Credit Card Bookings: Trafalgar should be advised of your credit card number when making your reservation directly with us. For security purposes, we are required to collect the guest’s credit card billing address, card expiration date and the customer verification code every time a payment is applied. 6. Any special meal requirements, including allergies, must be provided at time of booking and are received on a REQUEST basis only. Trafalgar cannot assure special meal requests will be fulfilled and does not assume responsibility or liability if requests are not fulfilled. 7. Your Travel Agent shall hold all monies for each and every person named in the booking until the booking is confirmed at which time your Travel Agent shall provide those monies promptly to us. You consent to us depositing monies received by us as required by law. We will be entitled to keep interest earned on monies. You consent that all monies paid to us whether through your Travel Agent, by deposit or otherwise, may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit. Book & Pay Early Discounts Discounts are applied at the time of booking, apply to the LAND-only portion of vacations featuring the “Book & Pay Early Discount” in the price panel, and require full payment by the applicable discount deadline dates (see Your Savings section), but no later than 45/80 days (as detailed in the Summary Information table) prior to departure for land-only vacations (80 days for Guided Vacation featuring Vietnam domestic flights). If full payment is not received by the correct date - as stated on the invoice - the discount will be removed and the booking will be re-priced. These discounts are not valid on all itineraries or departure dates; do not apply to optional extensions, airfares, government taxes and fees, air flight supplements, extra nights’ accommodations, transfers
EXTRA ACCOMMODATIONSS Deposit required No additional deposit required Final Payment In accordance with guided vacation No of Days Penalty 45 days and over $35 Higher of $35 or 44-15 days 25% of accommodations price Higher of $35 or 14-8 days 30% of accommodations price 7-1 days 100% of accommodations price Departure Day/ 100% of accommodations price No show or any cruise portion of a vacation. Normal cancellation penalties apply. This offer is subject to availability, applies to new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Travel Documents Provided full payment has been received travel documents will be sent in electronic format no later than 21 days prior to departure. You may opt to receive hard copy documents in which case these will be sent to you approximately 21 days prior to the departure date. A documents shipment fee of $10 per address will be charged for each additional delivery address. If final payment is not received when due, costs to courier documents will be your or your Travel Agent’s responsibility. If you are leaving home earlier, please request your travel documents well in advance. If travel documents are required the next day or earlier than 21 days prior to departure date a fee of $35 per mailing address will apply. Any documents delivered outside the USA will incur a minimum fee of $50. Actual cost will be advised at time of booking. Passports, Visas and other Entry/Exit Requirements All guests including children must be in possession of a machine-readable passport valid for 6 months after their trip return date along with applicable visas. Please refer to “Travel Essentials” section. Due to government imposed security/ immigration measures, passport and emergency contact information is required for all guests prior to the release of travel documents. For entry to China, India, Sri Lanka, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia visas are required for all passport holders. Visas may also be required for Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan for some passport holders and you should check with your Travel Agent or Consulate Service for information regarding necessary travel documentation. For some countries an invitation letter is required from the Ground Handler to send along with the visa application. It is the guest’s sole responsibility to secure and/or pay for any and all visas, reciprocity fees, affidavits, immunizations, etc. that are required to be permitted entry into each destination. In some countries you may be subject to entry (reciprocity) fees and/or departure taxes/ exit fees which will be collected at the airports upon entry/departure by local government authorities. Please note that entry to any country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete. Trafalgar will require full passport information (full name, date of birth, passport number, issue and expiry dates) prior to final payment. For up-to-date detailed information on travel documents and visas, entry/exit taxes and further information on entry and exit requirements please check with your Travel Agent or local consular services. Obtaining and carrying these documents is your sole responsibility. Trafalgar bears no responsibility for such information and will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any guest, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses including missed portions of your vacation related to improper documentation or government decisions about entry. BOOKING CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS Booking Changes A fee of $35 or more per person, per change plus any further cost we incur, will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Costs and charges may increase closer to the departure date that changes are made. We will try to make your requested change but it may not be possible. A change of guided vacation date or itinerary within 45/80 days (as detailed in the Summary Information table) of departure date will be treated as a cancellation. Cancellation fees will apply except when the change is to an earlier departure date and the guided vacation price is equivalent or greater, in which case a $35 (or more) per person amendment fee will be charged. You must also pay any charges imposed by airlines for any changes, including name and date changes. This can be up to 100% of the value of the ticket. Names Changes A fee of $50 per person will be charged for name changes or name corrections together with any airline penalties and other charges incurred.
CANCELLATIONS AND CANCELLATION FEES Travel arrangements for any member of the party may be canceled at any time by written notice by the person who made the booking. Please note the following: • If notice of cancellation is received by Trafalgar more than 45/80 days (as detailed in the Summary Information table) prior to the guided vacation departure date, deposit will be retained along with the Travel Protection payment. • If full payment is not received 45/80 days (as detailed in the Summary Information table) prior to departure date, Trafalgar has the right to cancel your reservation. Trafalgar will not be responsible for lost reservations. • Notice of cancellation must be made in writing directly to Trafalgar or through your Travel Agent. Please also refer to Trafalgar’s Travel Protection. • If a person in a party cancels and there is a room change caused by this cancellation (such as a Twin/Double to Single, or Triple to Twin/Double), charges for the new room type will be the responsibility of the remaining party. The charges detailed in the Summary Information table will apply when notice of cancellation is given after the booking is confirmed. • If a guest fails to join the guided vacation on the day of departure, cancellation fees will be 100% (unless the guest notifies us of the delay and joins the guided vacation later at their own expense). • Cancellation fees as per the Summary Table apply to additional accommodations and/or chargeable transfers prior to and after the guided vacation or cruise reserved through Trafalgar and are additional to any cancellation fees or other charges that may be levied by your Travel Agent. • Airline Flights/Tickets: After deposit has been received, any change prior to airline ticketing incurs a $35 service fee per person or if after ticketing a $75 service fee per person. This is in addition to any airfare rate increase and any additional change fees imposed by the Airline. Some airfares including published fares booked by Trafalgar are non-changeable and non-refundable. See Air Cancellation Section. • Trafalgar is not responsible for other travel arrangements that you or your party has made outside Trafalgar and which are affected by our cancellations. If the reason for your cancellation is covered under your insurance, you may be able to reclaim these charges from your insurer. You or your Travel Agent are responsible to make the claim to your insurer. Illness or Absence Early return expenses are the guest’s responsibility. There is no refund for absence or early departure from a guided vacation, including but not limited to missed hotels, transfers, meals or sightseeing. Trafalgar urges you to purchase travel insurance to cover such circumstances. Trafalgar makes no representation or guarantees concerning reimbursement, scope of coverage, or other aspects of any travel insurance policy or claim. AIR ARRANGEMENTS Reservations/Ticketing Air-inclusive bookings require an additional non-refundable deposit at time of booking. Upon receipt of air deposit, your airfare, taxes and surcharges are final. This will be regardless of future price fluctuations up or down. When booking a guided vacation including flights, you will be required at the time of booking to provide us the full name as detailed on the passport, date of birth, passport number, date and place of issue and expiration date for each guest. For published airfare bookings, a $75 per person processing fee will be charged. Changes to flight itineraries and name changes and/or corrections may either not be allowed or may result in penalties charged by the airline. These are the guest’s responsibility. Airlines (and other travel providers including Trafalgar) change prices and routes from time to time. All air routings are in the sole control of the airline and are subject to change at any time. Air Cancellation Cancellations incur a service fee of $75 per person, reduced to $35 if air ticket has not been issued prior to cancellation, plus any airline penalties. Airline imposed penalties may be up to 100% of the air ticket price. Published Fares, Priced Match Fares, Promo Fares and some other airfares booked are non-refundable. Airline Availability Seats are limited in our contracted class of service and may not be available on every flight. Trafalgar does not hold block space on any airline and does not assure seat availability for every single guided vacation departure date. Airline Seating Not all airlines offer pre-assigned seats. Some may charge for pre-assigned seats. Any additional charge imposed by airlines will be at guests’ expense. Where pre-assigned seats are not offered or different seats are desired, guests must contact airline(s) directly to arrange seating assignments. Seating is solely under the airline’s control, as are itinerary changes due to flight delays and schedule changes. Trafalgar reserves the right to offer alternative schedules for itineraries affected by airline schedule changes and equipment. Flight delays, flight cancellation and schedule changes are the responsibility of the airline. Trafalgar will not be responsible or liable for such delays or rescheduling.
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Airline Fuel Surcharges and Air-related Taxes, Fees and Restrictions Airfares will be provided at time of booking, will be based on roundtrip purchase, and will include air-related taxes, fees and fuel surcharges imposed by the airlines. Any additional fees charged by the airlines such as baggage handling (visit www.trafalgar.com/baggage), seat selections and/or any other services are the sole responsibility of the guest(s). Airline Special Requests Seat assignment and special meal requests can be requested at time of booking. Trafalgar does not assure the request will be granted. Frequent Flyer miles can be accrued on most air carriers. Upgrades using mileage are not permitted. Many airlines do not automatically add frequent flyer numbers to records for flights booked and ticketed by Trafalgar. It is the guest’s responsibility to request frequent flyer credit from the airline. Trafalgar shall not be responsible for matters concerning frequent flyer miles. GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS Guided Vacation Prices Are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies, exchange rates and other considerations as of the production date of this brochure (see back cover). All are subject to change. For up-to-date pricing contact your Travel Agent or visit www.trafalgar.com. No surcharges regarding cost or currency fluctuations will be made to the LAND only price once the deposit is received. No refund will be made on account of reduction of any of the above. If the total guided vacation price increases by more than 10%, guests will have the option to cancel the guided vacation within 7 days of notification of the surcharge without penalty. All prices are in US Dollars unless specified. Other Fees and Taxes Taxes and fees are subject to change without notice and will be confirmed at time of booking. Any additional fees charged by the airlines such as baggage handling, seat selections, and/or any other services are the sole responsibility of the guest(s). Additional air-related restrictions apply. Guided Vacation Participation On all guided vacations children under 5 years of age are not eligible to travel. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, who will be responsible for their welfare and supervision. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to guests under the legal age for alcohol consumption in the country being visited. Minors under age 18 traveling to certain foreign countries must be accompanied by both parents or have a notarized letter of consent signed by the parent(s) not traveling. Trafalgar is not responsible for any losses if you fail to have appropriate documentation. If the other parent is deceased or the child has only one legal parent, a notarized statement must be obtained as proof. Trafalgar seeks to provide a safe, enjoyable and memorable travel experience for all guests. Trafalgar welcomes guests with special needs or disabilities. Please note the following: - Guests must advise Trafalgar, at time of booking, of any physical, medical or other special needs that require accommodating. Trafalgar will make reasonable modifications to its policies, practices and procedures when necessary, unless doing so will fundamentally alter the nature of the services provided. - Guests must ensure they are medically and physically able to travel. - Trafalgar may impose safety requirements. Trafalgar may exclude an individual from participating in a guided vacation or an activity if the individual’s participation poses a threat to the health or safety of others. This decision, made solely by Trafalgar, to exclude an individual will be based on an individualized assessment based on reasonable judgment that relies on current medical evidence or on the best available objective evidence to determine the nature, duration and severity of the risk, the probability that potential injury will occur and whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices or procedures will mitigate the risk. No refunds will be given if the decision is made to exclude a guest. - Trafalgar does not provide personal devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as eating, toileting or dressing). A traveler who requires services of a personal nature (eating, toileting or dressing, as examples) should strongly consider bringing a companion to provide such assistance and must understand that other travelers, Travel Directors and Trafalgar Staff will not be available for such purposes. - Regrettably, motorized scooters are not allowed on guided vacations. - Trafalgar does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention must be sought at a local facility, if available, at the guest’s expense. Trafalgar is not responsible or liable for losses or costs incurred due to unavailability of medical services, or medical services obtained while on vacation, or for the quality of the care or services received. Medical care in other countries is not always comparable to care that you may receive in your local area. You are encouraged to purchase medical insurance that will cover you while on vacation. Your regular health insurance benefits may not apply abroad. - In purchasing your vacation, you attest that you are physically fit for it. If you have concerns please request additional details about your journey from your Travel Agent or Trafalgar. - Some guided vacations include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, steps and/or locations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. During the guided vacation, Trafalgar may make arrangements with carriers, hotels and other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities which Trafalgar does not control. Accommodations on international guided vacations may differ from those in the United States. Trafalgar cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for guests traveling on international guided vacations. Many Optional Experiences are operated by independent third party suppliers, not Trafalgar. These are not part of the
vacation package provided by us. Your contract will be with the operator of the experience. We are not responsible for providing of the experience, or anything that happens during the experience. Some experiences involve outdoor activities and/or can be physically demanding. You must make your own decisions about experiences and participate only in activities that suit your physical ability: we suggest that you speak with your medical provider if you have questions about your abilities. We recommend you check whether any insurance you have also includes your participation in adventure activities you may undertake. Trafalgar may, in its sole discretion, decline booking any guest or remove any guest who cannot comply or refuses to comply with Trafalgar’s terms and conditions. If this occurs, you are responsible for the cost of travel back to your hometown and Trafalgar shall not be liable for your losses and no refund shall be provided. Behavior We are here to provide the best services possible but in doing so we will not tolerate abusive or aggressive behavior from our guests. We will refuse to deal with and may terminate the vacation of guests who assault our Company Representatives or who are abusive or aggressive. When you make a booking, you accept responsibility for the proper conduct of all members of your party during your stay. We reserve the right at any time to terminate the travel arrangements and/or cease to deal with any party member(s) whose behavior, in the reasonable opinion of us or our suppliers, may cause danger, upset, disruption or distress to anyone else or damage to property. Full cancellation charges will apply and no refund will be made. We shall have no obligation to pay compensation or meet any costs or expenses (including but not limited to alternative accommodations and return transportation arrangements) guest may incur as a result of the travel arrangements being terminated. If you damage the accommodations in which you are staying or any property, you must reimburse the accommodations provider or property owner concerned for the cost of the damage before the end of your stay if the cost has been established by then or as soon as it has been established if later. You must indemnify us for the full amount of any claim (also including legal costs) made against us. Criminal proceedings may be instigated. Trafalgar is not responsible for any costs incurred concerning a guest removed from a guided vacation or aircraft, ship or train. Guests agree not to hold Trafalgar or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms and conditions. Young Traveler Discount The Young Traveler must be aged 11 or under on the departure date to be eligible for the discount, and must be accompanied by an adult, sharing a ‘double room’ (triple) room. Only one Young Traveler discount per room is permitted. This discount does not apply to extra night accommodations, optional extensions, airfares, taxes & fees, flight supplements, airport transfers or any cruise portion of a vacation. Please see ‘Your Savings’ for details. Itinerary Variations Trafalgar strives to improve guided vacation itineraries, services and features. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods multiple departures may operate, sometimes in reverse order; hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages. On guided vacations which include cruises, the ship may be changed for operational reasons. Departures in early and late season are potentially operated in cool weather conditions. As a result, itinerary variations may occur. Certain activities may not be precisely as described or may not be available due to seasonality or weather conditions. We will try to notify you or your Travel Agent of changes. If your enjoyment may be diminished by such limitations, please check with us or your Travel Agent before making a reservation. Trafalgar’s ‘Be My Guest’ experiences are unique and take place in singular locations. In the unlikely event that our local hosts are unable to welcome Trafalgar guests, Trafalgar will attempt to find an alternate experience or a highlight meal will be provided in place of the ‘Be My Guest’ experience. Holidays & Changes During local or national holidays, certain facilities such as museums, sightseeing trips and shopping may be limited or unavailable. In such instances itinerary changes are made by Trafalgar seeking to reduce inconvenience to guests. Such changes are deemed not to be a major change to the itinerary, and no compensation will be payable to guests. Holidays, closing days and other circumstances may necessitate a change of the day of the week for scheduled regional meals, sightseeing or other activities. If, you feel your enjoyment might be diminished by any of these circumstances please check with the respective national tourist office before selecting a specific departure date. Extended stays If you arranged with us to remain at a destination before or after your guided vacation, your stay will be at your sole expense as is the transfer to either the hotel or airport. Your transfer between the hotel and the airport or vice versa is included providing you booked the pre/post trip hotel through Trafalgar. Please see the ‘Extend Your Stay’ section for a list of pre- and post-guided vacation accommodations. Space is limited and if available can only be booked for the nights before and/or after each guided vacation. Breakfast and luggage handling is not included unless otherwise noted. If your extra night accommodations is not the hotel where your guided vacation begins or ends, you will be responsible for your transfer arrangements at your own expense. For your comfort Trafalgar operates a daily seat rotation system and enforces a strict no smoking (including e-cigarettes) and no alcohol policy on board motorcoaches. Regular comfort stops are made on traveling days. Many hotels, restaurants, trains, cruises and other venues are 100% smoke free. Guided Vacation Cancellation Trafalgar reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any guided vacation departure in any circumstances, including in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made by Trafalgar any time prior to departure date of the guided vacation except when you failed to pay the final balance on time, Trafalgar will either refund the amount received for the guided vacation booking, or offer
a comparable vacation if available. Trafalgar will refund any difference in price if the alternative is of a lower price however, the Guest will be responsible for additional costs if the alternative is priced higher. Trafalgar is not responsible for other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations and is not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on other travel arrangements including air tickets. Travel Insurance Trafalgar recommends that all guests purchase comprehensive Travel Insurance. Certain countries have a requirement for foreign visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry. Trafalgar cannot be held responsible for denied entry if a guest is unable to provide details to authorities of insurance or denial of entry for any reason. Disclaimer of Warranties The Operator warrants only that the services shall be generally, though in view of the vagaries of travel, not necessarily precisely, as described, and subject to changes and the other terms and conditions herein. All other warranties, express and implied, including warranties of fitness for a specific purpose and merchantability are expressly excluded. There is no warranty that extends beyond the description of the face hereof. Airport Transfers Making Your Own Flight Arrangements Should you elect to make your own flight arrangements between your gateway city and your vacation destination, Trafalgar will provide complimentary transfers to/from the hotel as long as your flights arrive/depart in the cruise/vacation starting/ending cities in accordance with the dates shown in this brochure. Trafalgar will not be responsible for late arrivals or missed transfers due to delayed or canceled flights, for missed trip days, or for extra costs resulting from the foregoing. To qualify for transfers, it is required that flight information and pre-trip arrangements for all passengers making their own flight arrangements be given to Trafalgar no later than 21 days prior to departure. RESPONSIBILITY Complete Agreement These booking conditions, together with the other terms incorporated into this contract referred to below, represent the entire agreement between the parties. Changes The Operator shall be responsible to the guest for supplying the services and accommodations described in this brochure, except where they cannot be supplied or the itinerary is changed due to delays or other causes of whatever kind or nature beyond the Operator’s control. In such circumstances, the Operator will seek to supply comparable services, accommodations and itineraries and there shall be no refund in these circumstances. Disclaimer of Liability Neither Trafalgar nor the Operator nor its agents or affiliated entities (“released parties”) shall be responsible or liable for cancellations, acts of other service providers, diversions or substitution of equipment or any act, variation, postponement, omission or default by air carriers, land carriers, hoteliers or hotels, transportation companies, or any other persons providing services or accommodations to guests including any results thereof, such as changes in services, accommodations or facilities. Nor shall they be liable for loss or damage to baggage or property, or for injury, illness or death, or for any damages or claims whatsoever arising from loss, negligence or delay from the act, error, omission default or negligence of any person not its direct employee or under its exclusive control, including any act, error, omission, default, or negligence of any country, government or governmental authority, officer or employee. The released parties shall not be liable for indirect, special or consequential damages. All baggage and personal effects are at all times and in all circumstances at the risk of the guided vacation participant. Trafalgar recommends that guest obtain baggage insurance. After return at the end of the guided vacation, if lost articles are found and returned to the owner, a service fee will be charged. The Travel Directors, carriers, hotels and other suppliers who provide services on guided vacation are independent contractors; they are not agents, employees or servants of the Operator or its associated companies. All certificates and other travel documents for services issued by the Operator are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the carriers and suppliers and to the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied. Carriage by sea is subject to the Carrier’s Conditions of Carriage which are expressly incorporated into this contract, copies of which are available upon request. The released parties are not responsible for any criminal or other conduct by third parties, whether criminal, intentional, grossly negligent, negligent or otherwise. Additional Risks Additional risks and dangers may arise including, but not limited to, hazards of traveling in undeveloped areas, hazards of travel by boat, train, automobile, aircraft and other means of conveyance, animal interactions, forces of nature, political unrest, other unrest, hazardous local customs and practices, differing levels of sanitation, differing standards of safety, risks associated with water, food, plants, insects and differing animal regulation, accident or illness in areas lacking means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities, and acts of national and local governments and unrest and acts of others against governments. These risks are not an exhaustive list but are examples of many kinds of risks. You are voluntarily participating in these activities with the knowledge that there are significant dangers involved, and you hereby agree to accept any and all risks. As lawful consideration for the agreement with Trafalgar to participate in such trips and activities you agree you will not make a claim against Trafalgar, its related companies or its personnel or sue for bodily injury, emotional trauma, death, property loss or damage or other loss, cost or expense, however caused, as a result of or related to your contracting for, traveling to or from, or in any and every other way participating in the trip. You release Trafalgar, its related companies and its personnel from any and all claims, known or unknown, arising from contracting for, traveling to or from, and in any and every way participating in a trip. This release of liability and assumption of risk agreement is entered into on behalf of you and all members of your family and party, also including minors accompanying you. This agreement also binds your heirs, legal representatives and assigns. Safety Where the guest occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither Trafalgar nor the Operator nor its
agents or co-operating organizations or service providers will be liable for any injury, illness or death or for any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of such an accident or incident. This exclusion and limitation of liability shall not be used to imply that the Operator or its agents or affiliated entities are liable in other circumstances. International Treaties Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time guests are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all the benefits of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to guests and luggage. Trafalgar Tours West Inc’s Limited Role Trafalgar Tours West, Inc., a California corporation, serves only as sales representative, and is not responsible for any activity beyond its limited role in arranging reservations and ticketing. Trafalgar Tours West, Inc. shall not be responsible or liable for any act, omission or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of any other entity whether or not affiliated with the operator. Choice of Law and Venue Selection This Agreement is deemed to be entered into in Orange County, California. The exclusive venue for any action concerning the interpretation, enforcement, or breach of any term, obligation, or duty as contained or related to these Terms and Conditions shall be solely in the Superior Court of California in or for Orange County or the United States District Court for the Central District of California. This Agreement shall be construed according to the internal laws of California without regard to conflicts of law principles. All guest claims must be submitted in writing and received by Trafalgar no later than 60 days after completion of the Trafalgar vacation. Guest claims not submitted and received within this time shall be deemed to be waived and barred. Errors and Omissions In the case of computer or human billing errors, we reserve the right to re-invoice participants with correct billing. Every effort is made to ensure brochure accuracy at the time of going to press; however Trafalgar cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances. Moreover, photographs and descriptions of locations or attractions are merely representative of conditions that existed at time of brochure printing and conditions may not be the same at the time of your journey. The airline(s) featured or nominated in this brochure do not by virtue of their endorsement of this brochure commit or represent themselves either as contracting with any purchaser of a vacation from Trafalgar group or as having any other legal relationship with them. All bookings made with any provider of any transport, facilities, meals, other goods or of any services are subject to terms and conditions and exclusions and/or limitations of liability imposed by them in relation to matters not covered particularly and expressly by our agreement with Trafalgar. If you decide that you do not want to visit a country or part of a country you intended to visit because of any law, condition or requirement of any government or governmental authority, official, servant or agent, you are responsible for any costs, expenses, charges, fees, losses or damage incurred as a consequence and any cancellation or amendment fees. None of the companies in the Trafalgar group of companies, or any of their staff or agents, accept any responsibility or liability for your acts, omissions, defaults, conduct, state of health, condition or circumstances. COMPLAINT PROCEDURES & CONSUMER PROTECTION Complaint Procedure If you have a problem during your vacation please inform Trafalgar’s Travel Director/Local Representative immediately, who will try to make things right. If the matter was not resolved locally, please write to Trafalgar’s Guest Relations Department at the address below within sixty (60) days of the end of the Trafalgar vacation, as it is important that you provide us the information quickly. Please quote your booking reference number and all relevant information. Failure to follow this procedure may delay or deny us the opportunity to investigate and rectify the problem, which may affect the way your complaint is dealt with and your rights under this contract. Accordingly, any claim not received in writing within this time is waived and barred. Guests who purchase from within California Transactions entered into with Trafalgar are covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRF) if the guest is located in California at the time of payment. Eligible guests may file a claim with TCRF if the guest is owed a refund of more than $50 for transportation or travel services which the seller of travel failed to forward to a proper provider or such money was not refunded when required. The maximum amount which may be paid by the TCRF to any one guest is the total amount paid on behalf of the guest to the seller of travel, not to exceed $15,000. A claim must be submitted to the TCRF within 12 months after the scheduled completion date of the travel. A claim must include sufficient documentation to prove your claim and a $35 processing fee. Claimants must agree to waive their right to other civil remedies against a registered participating seller of travel for matters arising out of a sale for which you file a TCRF claim. You may request a claim form by writing to: Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation, P.O. Box 6001, Larkspur, CA 949776001; or by faxing a request to: (213) 897-8846 Guests purchasing from outside of California Transactions entered into with Trafalgar are not covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund.
Data Protection To process your guided vacation booking, Trafalgar will need to use personal information for you and guests in your booking. Personal information may include each guest’s name, address, phone number, email address, passport number, and sensitive information such as health, medical, dietary, mobility, religious or other special requirements. This personal information may be passed on to other suppliers of your travel arrangements in addition to public authorities (such as customs and immigration), security and credit checking organizations, and otherwise as required by law. We may need to provide personal information to contractors who provide services to or for us (e.g. sending mail, providing marketing assistance, etc). This may involve sending personal information (including sensitive information) to other countries that may not afford the same level of protection of personal information. In making your booking, you consent to your personal data being passed to relevant third parties as set out above. We may also use personal information you provide us to review and improve the guided vacations and services we offer, and to contact you (by post, email, telephone or other means) about other guided vacations and services offered by Trafalgar that may interest you. If you don’t want to receive this information, or if you want a copy of the personal information we hold about you, write to us at TRAFALGAR TOURS WEST INC., 801 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim, California 92805. Trafalgar may charge a fee for supplying you this information as permitted by law. OTHER CONDITIONS Each guest is required to comply with the terms, conditions, requirements, laws, rules and/or regulations of any service provider, or any country or governmental authority, and shall be liable for any such non-compliance. Booking Arrangements Your booking arrangements can be made through your Travel Agent or with us directly. When you make a booking you must be at least 18 years of age at the time of booking. You are guaranteeing that you understand and have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of yourself and all members of your party the terms of these booking conditions. We will deal only with the lead booking name in all subsequent correspondence and dealings. You are responsible for making all payments due, ensuring the accuracy of all personal details and other information supplied in respect of yourself and your party, notifying us of any changes or cancellations and for receiving correspondence and keeping your party informed. Additional Optional Experiences With Trafalgar, you will enjoy many famous highlights as included features on your guided vacation, at no extra cost. An exciting array of additional Optional Experiences and Activities may be made available to further enhance your experience. These Experiences and Activities are optional, and are offered at special preferential prices. They can be booked only after you start your guided vacation, as many of them are carefully programmed to coincide with highlights available at the time of your visit. A detailed list and cost of these will be included in your travel documentation as well as available on the Trafalgar website. You can book and pay for them through your Travel Director, by cash or credit card. Optional Experiences may vary due to seasonal conditions and require minimum guest participation. Prices are subject to change without notice. Please also see the relevant section of “Guided Vacation Participation” regarding limitation (exclusion) of our liability for Optional Experiences operated by independent third party suppliers. Financial Protection US$20 MILLION your peace of mind guarantee The traveling public has always been concerned about protection of advanced bookings. As part of Trafalgar’s commitment to providing our customers with peace of mind in all dealings with Trafalgar, TravCorp Financial Services Ltd has provided a letter of credit to Trafalgar of US$20 Million in respect of all customers traveling with Trafalgar. United States Tour Operator Association $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program Trafalgar Tours Ltd shares the coverage available under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program with affiliates of The Travel Corporation who, as an Active Member of the USTOA is required to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, according to the terms and conditions of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of Trafalgar Tours Ltd customers in the unlikely event of The Travel Corporation bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business. Further, you should understand that the $1 Million posted by The Travel Corporation may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery of the advance payments received by Trafalgar Tours Limited. Complete details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program and a list of affiliates may be obtained by writing to USTOA at 275 Madison Avenue, Suite 2014, New York, New York 10016, or by email to information@ustoa.com or by visiting their website at www.USTOA.com TRAFALGAR TOURS WEST INC 801 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim, California 92805 Tour Operators: Trafalgar Tours Limited, Travel House, Rue du Manoir, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH, Channel Islands The Trafalgar group of companies has Marketing/Sales/ Administrative offices/agents in: Australia, Canada, China, Guernsey, Hong Kong, India, Israel, United Kingdom, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand and the USA. For further information visit our website at: www.trafalgar.com This brochure supersedes any other prior brochure on the market. See back cover for brochure version and print date. Major Credit Cards Accepted
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Europe • Britain • Hawaii • North & Latin America • South Pacific
A GREAT PHOTO FROM OUR TRAVEL DIRECTOR Mary Lee, USA
Download or order your free brochure: www.trafalgar.com Have you visited our sister brand website? www.costsaver.trafalgar.com
Connect with us and fellow travelers: trafalgar.com/guestreviews facebook.com/TrafalgarTravel twitter.com/TrafalgarTalk instagram.com/TrafalgarTravel
For travel advice, information and reservations, or if you just need a helping hand, call us at 1-866-544-4434 Travel Agents please call 1-800-854-0103 (Pacific Standard Time) Monday to Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday: Online 24/7:
Trafalgar 801 E. Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805
5:30am – 11:00pm 5:30am – 6:00pm 6:00am – 4:00pm 6:00am – 9:00pm www.trafalgar.com
To book or discover more, get in touch with your expert Travel Agent
CST No: 2077132-20
a f a m i ly of br a n d s
ttc.com
Trafalgar is a member of the family-owned The Travel Corporation (TTC) and is renowned and trusted for its outstanding quality, service, value, reliability and financial stability.
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Printed in USA
1st Edition US, 44932, Jun 23, 2017
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