Regent - Small Group Tours

Small Group Tours 2019

S

ince our first ever group tour to Albania in 1970 (where our male clients had to be clean shaven to enter the country and flared trousers were banned) Regent Holidays’ group tours have always been designed with a pioneering spirit and 2019 is no exception. Inside this booklet, you’ll find brand new tours to remote independent Nakhchivan, the far-flung Solomon Islands, rarely-visited Lebanon and an adventurous journey across the wilds of Greenland.

Our small group tours are carefully designed by our team of Travel Experts here in Bristol to include elements which are more off-the-beaten-track, alternative or unusual than your run-of-the-mill tour. We’ve made sure that some of our group tours for 2019 have been created without a single supplement, perfect for solo travellers. As we typically only run one – or in some instances two – departures per year, places are limited and often sell out quickly. Please contact us to register your interest as early as possible.

Andrea Godfrey General Manager

@RegentHolidays

@Regent_Holidays

@RegentHolidays

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 1

Explore the Azores DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

3 Jun & 9 Sep 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£1995 per person*

£495

Discover the highlights of this incredible archipelago on this popular group tour. Situated in the North Atlantic, more than 1,800 kilometres from mainland Portugal, the nine islands of the Azores offer countless opportunities to explore landscapes designed by volcanic activity. See lakes formed in crater valleys, discover deep caverns created by lava flows and feel the healing benefit of geothermal hot springs.

DAY 1 Fly to São Miguel Island Fly, via Lisbon, to São Miguel Island, check in to the hotel and in the evening enjoy a welcome meal at a local restaurant. (D) DAY 2 São Miguel Island Enjoy a full-day tour of the ‘Green Island’.

Visit Vila Franca do Campo, former capital of the island. Continue to the valley of Furnas, an extraordinary area of volcanic activity with steaming fumaroles and more than 20 thermal springs. After lunch, visit the Botanical Gardens where it is possible to swim in the natural hot-water swimming pool. Cross to the north coast and stop at a tea plantation before discovering Lagoa do Fogo – the Fire Lake – located in the crater of an extinct volcano. (B,L) DAY 3 São Miguel Island Continue the exploration of São Miguel’s natural wonders. Travel to the valley of Sete Cidades where two beautiful lakes can be found at the centre of a volcanic crater.

Continue north to the Ethnographic Museum in Capelas, and on to Fajã de Baixo to learn about the hothouse pineapple plantation. (B,L) DAY 4 Terceira Island Take a short flight to Terceira Island for a fullday tour. Travel to Praia da Vitória and stop for a short walk in the island’s second city.

Explore the Algar do Carvão – an ancient lava tube – before visiting the winegrowing area of Biscoitos where natural swimming pools have been formed by the volcanic rock. End the day in historic Angra do Heroísmo. (B,L) DAY 5 Angra do Heroísmo Enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed town of Angra do Heroísmo. Visit the main church, Se Catedral, and the City Museum before a stroll through the shopping district and the botanical garden. End the day tasting delicious local calorie-laden pastries. (B)

DAY 6 Terceira to Pico Island Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Pico.

Transfer to Hotel Caravelas in the tiny capital of Madalena. Drive to the picturesque fishing village of Lajes do Pico for a talk on marine conservation before embarking on a whale watching tour. More than 20 species of cetaceans inhabit the waters surrounding Pico Island or pass by along their migratory routes. (B) DAY 7 Pico Island Travel through the island’s many vineyards to the village of Cachorro to try some of the local produce. Continue to Sao Roque and visit the old whale factory – a poignant reminder of the country’s whaling history – and on to the village of Lajes to visit the Whalers Museum.

Return to Madalena for an overnight stay. (B,L) DAY 8 Pico Island to Faial Island Take a boat transfer to the quaint island of Faial, and arrive in Horta Harbour. The rest of the day is free to explore at leisure. Perhaps visit St Saviour’s Mother Church or simply watch the world go by at the busy marina. (B,L) DAY 9 Faial Island Visit Capelinhos, the site of the Azores’ last volcanic eruption in 1957, which created the area’s unique landscape. In the afternoon, visit the Caldeira Nature Reserve, a 2-kilometre wide and 400-metre deep volcanic cone which is now home to rare endemic species of flora. (B,L) DAY 10 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK via Lisbon. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to an Azores Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 3

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

4 May 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£1785 per person*

£350

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DE PART URE

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Whales & Walking in the Azores The Azores are a walker’s paradise. Craters, streams, waterfalls, lakes and rugged coastlines dot the landscape and history and culture is mingled among them. In between these gentle walks, give your legs a rest and embark on whale watching excursions to get close to the whales and dolphins that frequent the surrounding waters.

DAY 1 Fly to São Miguel Island Arrive on São Miguel Island and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 2 São Miguel to Pico Island After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Pico Island. Transfer to the hotel in the tiny capital of Madalena and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Lace up your walking boots for your first hike in the Criação Velha region, an area protected for its vine culture. Start in Madalena and follow the seven-kilometre (2 hours) trail which is rich in wine-making history, passing the “rola pipas” – the carved slopes that enabled the sliding of wine barrels to the boats, the “relheiras” – the tracks left by the wheels of the ox carts, the shelter houses, tide wells and many other historical sites. Enjoy views over Madalena and head towards the coast passing the Laja das Rosas bathing area and Pico’s typical vineyards.

Follow the trail along the coast past Solar dos Limas and Solar dos Salemas and end the walk at Porto da Areia Larga. Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B,L) DAY 3 Pico Island In the morning, enjoy a three-hour RIB whale and dolphin watching tour with a professional team of skippers, lookouts and biologists. The Azores offer year-round whale watching opportunities and there are 24 types of cetaceans you can spot in the waters surrounding the islands. After lunch at a local restaurant, embark on an eightkilometre (3 hours) walk along the Mistérios dos Sul do Pico trail. Pass the lava fields (Mistérios) at São João and Silveira and finish the walk at Capela do Espírito Santo chapel which was built in 1723. (B,L) DAY 4 Pico Island After breakfast, embark on the Caminho dos burros walking tour. This trail starts next to the lane of Caminho das Lagoas in the central highlands of Pico Island. Hike past dense vegetation and choose to head to São Miguel Arcanjo or to the Bay of Canas. This hike is approximately nine kilometres long (3 ½ hours).

Stop for a picnic lunch, return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B,L) DAY 5 Pico Island Transfer to Lajes do Pico for a three-hour whale and dolphin watching tour. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and embark on a tour of Pico Island visiting the Whaler’s museum, São Roque and the old whale factory. Drive along the north coast to reach Cachorro village which is surrounded by vineyards and here, wine production is the main economic activity. In the village, enjoy tasting local drinks including blackberry liqueur and honey rum. Make your way back to the hotel, stopping at the wine museum in Madalena. (B,L) DAY 6 Pico To São Miguel Island Transfer to the airport for a short flight to São Miguel Island. Transfer to the hotel and after lunch begin a seven-kilometre (2 hours) hike to Sete Cidades twin lake. Stop at Vista do Rei viewpoint for stunning views over the lakes and learn about the geological formation of the caldera of Sete Cidades. Follow a dirt path to the rim of the crater with views to the right of the caldera and the twin lakes and to the left, the coast. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B,L) DAY 7 São Miguel Island Spend a full day exploring the valley of Furnas.

Walk to Pico do Ferro viewpoint where you can enjoy views over Furnas crater and continue along the crater rim. Descend down to a hot springs area where meals are cooked in the ground by the volcanic steam, this is also called Cozida das Furnas. The walk is approximately nine kilometres (3 hours). After a cozido lunch, visit the botanical gardens for a dip in the natural hot water swimming pool, the geysers and mineral water springs. Stop at a tea plantation and the tea factory before returning to the hotel. (B,L) DAY 8 Fly to the UK After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Azores Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 5

Faroe Islands in Depth DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

8 Jul & 26 Aug 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£2685 per person*

£305

Hidden between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are jam-packed with stunning scenery, walking trails and a quirky architectural heritage. The cliffs act like a magnet for migratory birds; puffins, storm petrels and guillemots nest there in their thousands. Visit the pretty capital, Tórshavn, a harbour town of cobbled streets and grass-roofed cottages, before exploring the surrounding islands.

DAY 1 Fly to Vágar Arrive in Vágar, located on the westerly island home to the country’s two largest lakes, before transferring to the capital, Tórshavn. (D) DAY 2 Sandoy Travel by ferry to Sandoy for the opportunity to experience traditional Faroese lifestyle on this unspoilt island. Enjoy lunch in a remote cottage and visit the art gallery in Sandur, which is home to the largest art collection in the Faroe Islands. Return to Tórshavn for the night. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Tórshavn to Suðuroy Board the modern Smyril Line ferry at Tórshavn Harbour and sail to Suðuroy. Visit Akraberg, the southernmost point in the Faroe Islands, and take a stroll to the lighthouse, built in 1909. In the evening, dine in Seglloftið, a cultural centre and restaurant in Tvøroyri, and sample Faroese beer. Overnight on board the ferry. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Suðuroy to Gjógv The Faroe Islands are known for their world-class birdwatching opportunities, so today take a boat trip to Vestmanna where countless puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes and razorbills nest in the 1,500-feet-high vertical cliffs during the summer months. Back on land, the route then skirts around the coast of Streymoy to reach the island of Eysturoy. Pass the famous rock formations, known as the Giant and the Witch, and admire the highest mountain in the country, Slættarartindur.

Continue to the pretty village of Gjógv. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Norðoyggjar From Leirvík, today reach another island via the impressive subsea tunnel decorated by Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson, – the island of Borðoy. Visit the Christian Church before continuing on to Kunoy, an island in the north east, to enjoy a walk through the small forest.

Travel back to Gjógv, stopping en route at

the new church in Gøta – also decorated by the artist Tróndur Patursson. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Gjógv to Streymoy Visit the pretty village of Saksun on the island of Streymoy. Surrounded by high mountains, Saksun lies at the bottom of what used to be an inlet of the sea and is one of the most distinctive villages in the Faroe Islands. Visit the old farmhouse, Dúvugarðar, before heading back to Tórshavn via the mountain road. Once in Tórshavn , take the afternoon ferry to the island of Nolsoy, just 20 minutes away. Embark on a tour around the village, visiting the museum and the boat that local celebrity, Mt Ove rowed from Nolsoy to Copenhagen 30 years ago. Return to Tórshavn and spend the evening at leisure. (B,L) DAY 7 Tórshavn Located on the east coast of Streymoy, Tórshavn (meaning Thor’s Harbour, named after the god of thunder and lightning in Norse mythology) was founded in the 10th century and is one of the oldest capitals in Northern Europe. Get to grips with the history and culture of the Faroe Islands on a guided walking tour around the lanes and narrow passages of the capital.

Visit the Art Museum, the Faroese Museum of History and the Nordic House. Enjoy lunch at leisure and in the afternoon, continue to Kirkjubour, home to the ruined St. Magnus Cathedral and St. Olaf’s Church. Have dinner in the house of the Patturson family, a family who have farmed the land for 17 generations. (B,D) DAY 8 Fly to the UK Spend the morning at leisure in Tórshavn. In the afternoon, transfer to Vágar airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Faroe Islands Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 7

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

Min 2 - Max 8

£3595 per person*

£315

ur To

DE PART URE

26 Feb, 5 Mar, 12 Mar, 19 Mar, 2 Apr, 9 Apr, 16 Apr 2019

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East Greenland Husky Adventure

East Greenland is truly remote, frontier country. On this group tour, travel by dog sled through the interior of Ammassalik Island and be prepared for incredible landscapes, remote adventure and relatively basic accommodation – a true Greenlandic experience. Your experienced guides and mushers will also be able to talk with you about Greenlandic culture and traditions.

DAY 1 Fly to Reykjavík Arrive in Reykjavík and transfer to your hotel. The evening is free to explore this cosmopolitan city.

DAY 2 Reykjavik to Tasiilaq Make your way to the airport for your flight to Kulusuk. Arrive and transfer by helicopter (please note that this is weather-dependent, and you may travel by boat) for the short flight to Tasiilaq on the island of Ammassalik, in remote east Greenland. Transfer to your guesthouse and if the conditions are right, search for the northern lights outside. (B,D) DAY 3 Dog Sledding After breakfast, meet your dog team and musher and head to King Oscar’s fjord, via the Qordlortoq Lake. Head through the mountain valleys and relax at a remote mountain hut, Kaffebaren. Climb to reach views across the Sermilik Ice Fjord, before descending and spending the night in a hut close to the shores of the fjord. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Sermilik Ice Fjord Today is free to explore at leisure. From the edge of the fjord you can sit and watch the icebergs float past, blanketed by the silence of a true wilderness. If you are feeling energetic the experienced guide can lead you on a snow-shoeing expedition through the area’s local fells and lower mountains. In the evening, search for the aurora. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Dog Sledding to Tiniteqilaq Head to the settlement of Tiniteqilaq. Enroute be rewarded with views across the iceberg filled fjord. On arrival, depending on the weather conditions, there may be an opportunity to join one of the locals for a boat ride in the fjord and a dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 Dog Sledding to Qernetivartivit Leave Tiniteqilaq and travel up the 10 kilometres of the Kugarmit valley, passing large glaciers, crossing lakes and descending the steep slope to the Imaila fjord. Reach the settlement of Qernetivartivit where you will spend the night, if time allows you can fish for Greenlandic halibut and redfish. (B,L,D) DAY 7 Qernetivartivit to Tasiilaq Today, return to Tasiilaq and check in to your guesthouse. Enjoy a hearty dinner with your travelling companions whilst reflecting on your adventure. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Tasiilaq Enjoy a day free to explore Tasiilaq. There are walking trails leading from the settlement and you can visit the town museum to learn about local culture, as well as a craft workshop and church. (B,D) DAY 9 Fly to Reykjavík Transfer to the heliport for the short trip to Kulusuk where you will meet the flight to Reykjavík. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps embark on a Superjeep excursion to discover the Golden Circle, a trio of natural wonders that lie just outside Reykjavík. Wander through Þingvellir National Park, marvel at Gullfoss waterfall and watch the bubbling hot springs of the Geysir geothermal area. In the evening, embark on a northern lights hunt. If you would like to book optional excursions in Iceland, please contact one of our specialists. (B) DAY 10 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price Includes flights from the UK, transfers, accommodation, meals as specified and excursions Talk to a Greenland Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 9

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Finland Husky Experience DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

20 Jan, 3, 10 Feb, 17, 24 Mar 2019

Min 2 - Max 10

£1475 per person*

£280

This is an Arctic adventure like no other. Spend five days exploring the Finnish wilderness by dogsled.

From your base in Vuokatti, spend your days and evenings taking husky safaris into the surrounding forests with experienced guides. Search for the northern lights from your sled and feast on delicious food cooked over an open campfire to experience the very best of the wild Finnish winters.

DAY 1 Fly to Kajaani via Helsinki Arrive in Kajaani and transfer to the Hotel Vuokatti & Suites. Facilities here include a gym, a spacious sauna and an à la carte restaurant with magnificent views over the lake.

DAY 2 Dog Sledding This morning, transfer to the husky kennels in Vuokatti, home to around 80 huskies, where you’ll get suited in your warm winter clothes.

Meet and harness your sled dogs and team up in pairs of two (traditionally named Björkis) to learn how to mush your dogs along a 12km trail through the snowy winter forest. One of the most iconic yet relaxing sounds of winter in Lapland is the rhythmic padding of the huskies’ paws on the snow. Stop for some hot drinks and photo opportunities before returning to your accommodation, where you are free to spend the rest of the day how you wish. Perhaps make use of the complimentary sleds in your apartments and go sledding.

DAY 3 Northern Lights Husky Adventure Spend the morning at leisure. If you’re brave enough, perhaps go ice swimming in Lake Nuas or make a campfire to keep warm as you enjoy the wilderness. In the late afternoon, transfer to the husky kennel for an evening adventure searching for the northern lights by dogsled.

Sit back, wrap yourself in blankets and relax as your personal guide drives your sled through the winter landscape to an open frozen lake. Here, if the skies are clear, sightings of the northern lights are common and spectacular. Warm up by an open fire in a traditional Mongolian yurt and feast on a delicious picnic dinner, washed down with some hot drinks. Here, to see the northern lights dance, all you need to do is step outside the yurt and look up, before returning to the kennel and onwards to your accommodation.

DAY 4 Dog Sledding Put what you have learnt over the past two days to good use and spend the day driving your own team of huskies along a 30km winter trail. Venture deep into the forest to reach another yurt camp where you will stop and relax by an open fire for some hot food and drinks with your guide. Mush your huskies back to the kennels and transfer back to your accommodation, and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 5 Vuokatti After breakfast, you’ve a free day to spend either relaxing and appreciating the scenic countryside or choosing to partake in some optional excursions. The resort offers a fantastic range of winter activities to help guests make the most of the winter. Perhaps opt to embark on an exhilarating snowmobile safari through the white forest or don some snowshoes to try a snowshoe hike. If you are looking for something more relaxing, you can spend the day at the nearby Katinkulta Spa pampering yourself with a massage or treatment.

DAY 6 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price Includes flights, transfers, accommodation, meals as specified and excursions Talk to a Finland Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 11

Polar Nights in Svalbard DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

25 Jan 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£1695 per person*

No single supplement

Travel far above the Arctic Circle to Spitsbergen, the largest island of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Stay in the world’s most northerly town, Longyearbyen, and experience the incredible period of darkness when the sun remains at more than six degrees below the horizon.

In this polar night period, aurora appearances are possible both night and day.

DAY 1 Fly to Longyearbyen Arrive in Longyearbyen, transfer to the hotel and check in for a four-night stay. This evening, set off to search for the aurora borealis by travelling far from the light pollution of the town. Head out into the polar night on a huge snowcat: a fully-tracked, enclosed vehicle designed for tackling icy conditions. Stop at an abandoned settlement, Hiorthhamn, in the frozen Advent Valley, to admire spectacular views looking back towards Longyearbyen.

DAY 2 Longyearbyen & Brewery Tour This morning, meet your local guide for a journey through the history of Longyearbyen.

Visit the Svalbard Museum. Here, exhibits explain the discovery of Spitsbergen, and you can explore the region’s native wildlife and aspects of its mining and hunting history. The museum is also known for its huge stuffed polar bear specimen, allowing you to get up close with a fascinating creature that you don’t want to encounter in a group in the wild.

Sample the world’s most northerly brewed beer at the Svalbard Brewery, made with 2,000-yearold glacial water from the Boge Glacier. While you’re here, learn how the founder, Robert Johansen, battled to get a 1928 law changed to manufacture beer on Svalbard. (B,L) DAY 3 Husky Safari & Taste of Svalbard Tour Today, embark on an exhilarating husky safari adventure, crossing sparkling frozen landscapes underneath a starry early-morning sky. Get to know the huskies and, after helping your guide harness the dogs, sit back in the sled and enjoy the scenery as the impatient dogs dash out of the yard, rushing across the wilderness.

After some instruction, try your hand at mushing the dogs yourself, alternating between driving

and watching out for the northern lights as you ride in the sled. Weather permitting, the route takes you across icy plains, with Svalbard’s mountain ranges caressing the horizon.

After lunch at the Nansen Restaurant, head out on a Taste of Svalbard Bus Tour. Sample local tapas dishes, enjoy a glass of champagne at the Art Gallery and discover the fascinating science behind food production in a permafrost environment by visiting the dome at the Polar Permaculture. There’s also the opportunity to learn about the drinking culture and rules for alcohol consumption on Svalbard – over a glass of wine, of course. This tour ends with a hot drink and chocolate sampling at the Fruene Café. (B,L) DAY 4 Coal Mine & Camp Barentz This morning, opt for a three-hour northern lights snowmobiling excursion (additional cost of £199pp), travelling 40 kilometres across the wilderness under the polar night. Look out for wild reindeer and polar foxes as they search for food in the snow, and stay warm by stopping for hot drinks along the way. The chances of seeing the northern lights are particularly strong during this polar night period.

In the afternoon, travel out of Longyearbyen, passing by the Global Seed Vault to reach Mine Number 3, where you’ll learn all about traditional mining lifestyle in Svalbard. Don a helmet and walk into the mountain, experiencing the pitch black of a coal mine for yourself. Head to remote Camp Barentz this evening to enjoy a hearty dinner, sitting next to the roaring fire in the cosy wooden hut. If the northern lights appear, simply dash outside for a spectacular view. (B,D) DAY 5 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Norway Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 13

September on Svalbard DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

9 Sep 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£1950 per person*

£295

Based in the world’s most northerly town, Longyearbyen, this tour embarks on several excursions to explore Svalbard, including a boat trip to the abandoned Soviet mining town of Pyramiden and a hike in the Endalen Valley. The September sun hangs low in the sky over Svalbard, bathing the autumnal hues of Arctic tundra in an atmospheric soft light, perfect for photography.

DAY 1 Fly to Longyearbyen Arrive in Longyearbyen, transfer to the hotel and check in for a four-night stay.

DAY 2 Arctic Hike & Beer Tasting Today, explore the history of Longyearbyen with the local guide; learn about the discovery of Spitsbergen and understand the roles that mining and hunting have played in the region’s past at the fascinating Svalbard Museum. The exhibits on display here also cover aspects of native wildlife, and the museum is famous for the huge stuffed polar bear that greets visitors in the centre of the museum.

After lunch, embark on a hike through Endalen Valley, located just a few kilometres away from Longyearbyen.

This is an easy to moderate, off-road walking route with some areas of uneven terrain that typically takes around two hours to complete.

On the walk, keep your eyes peeled for some of the fantastic flora and fauna; polar foxes may even be spotted in the mountains.

Settle down with a well-earned beer at the Svalbard Brewery – the world’s most northerly brewery. Learn how the founder, Robert Johansen, battled to get a 1928 law changed to manufacture beer on Svalbard.

Here, visitors can sample several types of beer made with 2,000-year-old glacial water from the Boge Glacier. (B,L) DAY 3 Dog Sledding, Coal Mines & Arctic Wilderness In Svalbard, locals have created a way to use dog sleds as a mode of transport, even though the ground isn’t carpeted in the thick winter snow: sleds are modified with hardy wheels.

You’ll be provided with an exposure suit, boots and mittens, and, after an introduction to how the dogs and sleds work, you’ll help to harness the dogs. Trying your hand at driving

the summer sleds, follow the road towards the old northern lights research station.

As you travel, watch out for reindeer, foxes and flocks of migratory birds that inhabit the valley during the summer. Several scheduled stops give the dogs a chance to drink and provide great photo opportunities of the impressive scenery.

Travel out of Longyearbyen, passing the Global Seed Vault to reach Mine Number 3 to learn about the history surrounding mining culture in Svalbard. Experience the intense darkness of a coal mine for yourself by trying on a helmet and taking a walk into the mountain mine shafts. In the evening, settle down for a hearty dinner around an open fire in the cosy wooden hut of Camp Barentz, and enjoy the staggering views of the Arctic tundra as the evening light sets on the mountainsides. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Pyramiden Boat Trip Take a boat to Pyramiden, a fascinating Russian mining town that was abandoned in 1998. Everything here remains intact but the streets are deserted. Learn about the geography, history and wildlife from the local guide as the boat heads through the Isfjord. Continue north, into the Billefjord, and approach the striking Nordenskiöld Glacier.

This immense wall of ice provides the backdrop for lunch, before you arrive at the ghost town, Pyramiden. Here, a Russian guide will lead a tour of the fascinating Soviet-era buildings. The presence of sea ice offers the opportunity to see wildlife that is otherwise not often spotted during the summer, including bearded seals, ring seals, Arctic foxes, and perhaps even polar bears, which need the ice to hunt. (B,L) DAY 5 Fly to the UK After a leisurely breakfast, perhaps opt for a spot of souvenir shopping in Longyearbyen’s tax-free shops. Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Norway Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 15

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Highlights of Albania DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

9 Sep 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£1095 per person*

£165

Albania has natural beauty in abundance. Discover the country’s highlights on this small group tour which journeys from Tirana to Roman archaeological sites and UNESCO World Heritage cities, and along the Albanian Riviera where the landscape changes from Adriatic to Ionian. Stay in boutique-style hotels, enjoy delicious food and uncover a beautiful land of unspoilt countryside and off-the-beaten-track historical gems.

DAY 1 Fly to Tirana Arrive in Tirana, meet your local guide and transfer to the charming UNESCOlisted town of Berat, also known as ‘the town of a thousand windows’. (B) DAY 2 Berat, Apollonia & Vlora After breakfast, embark on a city tour of the upper and lower quarters of the town.

Visit the Kalaja Fortress, the icons museum and the ethnographic museum. In the afternoon, visit the archaeological site of Apollonia, a vital Roman stronghold, and embark on a guided walking tour. Continue to Vlora and enjoy a tour of the city. (B,D) DAY 3 Vlora, Butrint & Saranda Drive along the stunning Albanian Riviera towards Saranda with stops in the National Park of Llogara and Porto Palermo castle, built

by Ali Pasha of Ioannina in the early 19thcentury. In the afternoon visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. The Greek and Roman ruins of Butrint are some of Albania’s most important archaeological sites.

Continue the drive to coastal Saranda. (B,D) DAY 4 Saranda to Gjirokastër Today, drive to the UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokastër. En route, visit the Blue Eye water spring, a hypnotic pool of deep blue water surrounded by electric-blue edges where turtles, water lilies, dragonflies and kingfishers can be found. In the afternoon, arrive in Gjirokastër. Known by many as the City of Stone, it comprises hundreds of Ottomanstyle tower houses with distinctive stone roofs, wooden balconies and whitewashed stone walls. A visit to the vast 13th-century castle brings the adventurous tales of medieval rulers and communist atrocities alive. (B,D)

DAY 5 Gjirokastër to Tirana After breakfast leave Gjirokastër and drive towards the Albanian capital, Tirana. Stop en route at Durres, the country’s most ancient city which has been an important trading hub ever since the first ships docked in the 7thcentury BC. Though little of its rich history remains on display today, the Archaeological Museum houses a superb collection of Illyrian, Greek and Roman artefacts. Continue to Tirana and spend the afternoon at leisure. (B,D) DAY 6 Tirana Tirana is located on the site of a Byzantine fortress and has been the capital of Albania since 1920. Enjoy a city tour including visits to the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower, the National Museum, National Art Gallery and various government buildings. (B,D) DAY 7 Tirana, Shkodra & Kruja After breakfast, leave Tirana and head north to reach Shkodra. Set on the banks of a sparkling lake with a backdrop of mountains, Shkodra is the cradle of northern Albanian culture.

Embark on a city tour of the town visiting the ruins of Rozafa’s Castle, the city centre with its monuments and Marubi Museum. Continue to Kruja, perched atop a hill and famous for its fortress and enjoy a city tour visiting the Ethnographic museum, the castle ruins, the Scanderbeg museum and the Kruja Bazaar, great for those last minute souvenirs. (B,D) DAY 8 Fly to the UK Free time in Tirana before transferring to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Balkans Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 17

Albania & the Balkans DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

7 May & 17 Sep 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£1870 per person*

£290

This exclusive tour combines the historic cities and stunning landscapes of Albania with forays into Kosovo and Macedonia to visit the unmissable Balkan treasures of Prizren and Lake Ohrid. Travel in a small group with a local guide, discovering Albania’s national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites and enjoying many delicious local meals along the way.

DAY 1 Fly to Tirana Arrive in Tirana and transfer to Shkodra. (D) DAY 2 Shkodra Tour Shkodra, set on the banks of a sparkling lake and at the foot of rugged mountains. Discover Rozafa’s Castle and Marubi Museum before visiting the village of Fishta for lunch at one of the country’s most famous restaurants, Mrizi i Zanave. (B,L) DAY 3 Shkodra to Valbona Board the Komani ferry and sail along the Koman Lake, past remote hillside settlements to reach the Valbona Valley in the heart of the Albanian Alps.

The village of Valbona is tucked underneath Mount Jezerca, the highest mountain in Albania. Overnight at a guesthouse in Valbona. (B,D) DAY 4 Valbona to Prizren Visit the remote Gheg community in the Valbona Valley before having lunch in a ‘stan’ – a traditional shepherds’ summer house. Continue to Kosovo and see the famous UNESCO-listed Decani Monastery – the largest medieval church in the Balkans. Continue to Prizren. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Prizren to Skopje Take a walking tour of the pretty Ottoman town of Prizren. Highlights include the Sinia Pasha Mosque and the Museum of the Prizren League. Visit the National Library, Monument of Skanderbeg and the Grand Mosque. Continue to Macedonia’s capital, Skopje and explore the Old Bazaar. (B,D) DAY 6 Skopje To Ohrid This morning, walk up to Kale Fortress, and visit Tetovo, famous for its Painted Mosque. Continue to the lakeside town of Ohrid. (B,D) DAY 7 Ohrid Tour Ohrid on foot, from the square of St.Clement to the Old Town, stopping at the Lower Gate and the archaeological museum. Explore the church of St Sophia, the 2nd-century BC Roman theatre, Plaoshnik and the 13th-century Church of St Jovan at Kaneo. Return to the town by boat across the lake.

(B,L) DAY 8 Ohrid to Korce Visit the Monastery of Sveti Naum before travelling back to Albania through Prespa Lake and Galicia National Park. Embark on a walking tour of Korce

visiting the Orthodox Cathedral, the Old Bazaar, the Museum of Medieval Arts and Albanian school museum. (B,D) DAY 9 Korce to Gjirokastër Drive to Albania’s highest town, Erseka, and stop for lunch in Permet on the Vjosa river. Continue to UNESCO-listed Gjirokastër. (B,D) DAY 10 Gjirokastër To Saranda Take a walking tour around Gjirokastër. A visit to the vast 13th-century Castle brings the adventurous tales of medieval rulers and communist atrocities alive. In the afternoon, stop at ‘Labova of the Cross Church’ and the Blue Eye Spring before reaching the coastal town of Saranda. (B,L) DAY 11 Saranda Visit Butrint – a national park that includes a wellpreserved Roman archaeological area, and a lake surrounded by wetlands. Enjoy lunch in Ksamil and an afternoon at leisure in Saranda. (B,L) DAY 12 Saranda To Berat Set off along the beautiful Albanian Riviera. Stop at Porto Palermo bay. Enjoy dramatic coastal views and drive over the Llogara Pass to enjoy a walk through Llogara National Park. Continue to Vlore to visit Independence Square where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Overnight in Berat. (B,D) DAY 13 Berat To Tirana The UNESCO-listed town of Berat is known as ‘The town of a Thousand windows’ due to the large windows that decorate the houses of the Old Town. Explore beautifully decorated mosques and Byzantine Orthodox churches and visit the Onufri Museum before driving to Durres – Albania’s main port. Continue to Tirana. (B,D) DAY 14 Tirana Today tour Tirana. Visit the memorials to the British and American mission in Albania and the National Martyrs Cemetery of Albania. Visit the National Museum, the National Art Gallery and the Et’hem Beg Mosque. (B,D) DAY 15 Fly to the UK Visit the Castle and Citadel at Kruja, the Skanderbeg Museum and shop in Kruja’s old bazaar. Transfer to Tirana airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

*Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Balkans Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 19

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Kosovo Anniversary Tour DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

29 Apr 2019

Min 8 - Max 16

£950 per person*

£80

Landlocked Kosovo, ringed by mountains, is perfect for travellers keen to discover Europe’s newest country which only declared independence in 2008. This group tour celebrates 10 years since our first group tour to Kosovo and uses the beautiful Ottoman town of Prizren as a base. Marvel at ancient monasteries, explore the world’s newest official capital city, and enjoy delicious local food and wine.

DAY 1 Fly to Tirana Arrive in Tirana. Meet your guide and transfer to Prizren. Stop for dinner en-route and late check-in to the hotel. (D) DAY 2 Prizren & Rahoveci This morning, explore Prizren, Kosovo’s second city. Savvy-travellers in the know consider Prizren to be the jewel in Kosovo’s crown. On the banks of the River Bistrica this beautiful Ottoman town is nestled in a picturesque valley with the impressive Sharri Mountains on one side and a hilltop citadel on the other. It is packed full of pretty mosques, tekkes and local artisan shops, and quaint town houses line the narrow, cobbled streets. Spend today exploring the central part of Prizren including the Sinan Pacha Mosque, the iconic 16th-century Stone Bridges, the Old Hammam, Halveti Tekke, our Lady of Ljevis Church and the Catholic Cathedral. In the afternoon, head over to the nearby town of Rahoveci, where the surrounding countryside of gently sloping hills, covered in vineyards, causes many visitors to coin a likeness to Tuscany. Here visit a private family-run vineyard for lunch and enjoy an afternoon wine tasting session. Evening free at lesiure. (B,L)

at leisure in Prizren. Perhaps choose to take some time to relax before setting out to enjoy dinner at one of the many outdoor cafes. (B,L) DAY 4 Gjakova & Peja Today’s first stop will be Gjakova, where you will enjoy a short walk through the old bazaar.

Continue to the nearby UNESCO-listed Decani Monastery, located at the start of stunning Decani Gorge, alongside the crystal-clear River Lumbardhi. Commissioned by St. Stephen of Decani in 1327, the monastery is often thought of as being the best preserved and largest church in the Balkans. Although the buildings suffered damage during the Turkish occupation, the beautiful 14th-century frescoes have been completely preserved. Today a young brotherhood of 30 brethren live in the monastery, continuing to live their lives by the centuriesold-traditions. In the afternoon, drive north-west to Peja, located on the edge of the Accursed Mountains. Visit the Patriarchal Monastery which consists of four churches. Return to Prizren for a farewell dinner. (B,D) DAY 5 Fly to the UK After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

DAY 3 Pristina After breakfast, drive to Pristina, the capital and largest city in Kosovo. Pristina is the world’s newest capital and is a cosmopolitan city with historic landmarks. Embark on a sightseeing city tour which takes in some of the city’s key highlights, and visit the Emin Gjiku Ethnographic museum, filled with ancient clothing, tools, weapons and handicrafts, to understand what life was like in Kosovo during the Ottoman period.

After lunch, visit the ‘Marble Cave’ in nearby Gadime – an impressive karst limestone cave system only discovered in 1966 and much of which is still unexplored. Travel back to Prizren via Sharri Mountain, one of the highest mountains on the Balkan Peninsula and spend the evening * Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Balkans Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 21

Bosnia in Depth DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

6 Jun 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£1595 per person*

£180

Combine the stunning landscapes of this Balkan gem with a journey through history from the 4th century BC to the modern day. Pay your respects at the WWII Sutjeska battlefield, soak up Sarajevo’s captivating atmosphere, discover the history behind Mostar’s famous bridge and travel into the Bjelasnica Mountains to experience local life in Bosnia’s most isolated village.

DAY 1 Fly to Dubrovnik Arrive in Dubrovnik and transfer to the pretty town of Trebinje in Bosnia-Herzegovina for a welcome dinner. An 18th-century trading centre, the town is famed for its enormous old mills. (D) DAY 2 Trebinje to Sarajevo Visit Sutjeska National Park, home of the highest mountain peak in the country and site of the WWII Battle of Sutjeska – one of the toughest battles fought by the Yugoslav partisans. Visit the Tito WWII Heritage Monument before travelling to Sarajevo for three nights in the nation’s capital. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Sarajevo Explore Bosnia’s multi-cultural capital on a sightseeing tour. Visit the Museum of Sarajevo, built on the site of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, as well as the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, which offers an intriguing insight into life during the Bosnian conflict.

In the afternoon, travel to Vrelo Bosne, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Stroll past bubbling streams and waterfalls and discover the Austro-Hungarian buildings, which hint at the country’s opulent past. (B,L) DAY 4 Lukomir Journey into the Bjelasnica Mountains to Lukomir, Bosnia’s highest and most isolated village, where the inhabitants still wear traditional costume.

For those who wish to, take a breathtaking walk along the Rakitnica Canyon, with alpine green hills on one side and the deep craggy expanse of the canyon on the other. Return to Sarajevo and enjoy free time to explore at leisure. (B,L) DAY 5 Sarajevo to Jajce Step back in time in the tiny town of Kraljeva Sutjeska. Explore the Franciscan church and monastery with its rich library, and stop at one of the oldest mosques in Bosnia.

Drive to Travnik, picturesquely located in the Lavsa river valley. Former capital of the

Ottoman Empire, this historic town was once known as the European Istanbul. Continue to Jajce for an overnight stay. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Jajce to Mostar Discover the highlights of Jajce on a sightseeing tour, including the beautiful waterfall and ruins of St Luke’s Church. Continue to the village of Prusac, the largest Muslim gathering site in Europe, where highlights include the Handanija Mosque and the medieval castle of Biograd, situated on a rock overlooking the valley. After lunch, depart for Mostar for three nights. (B,L) DAY 7 Mostar Embark on a guided city tour of Herzegovina’s cultural capital. View the famous bridge and visit a farmers’ co-operative to sample delicious local delicacies such as prosciutto and livno cheese.

In the afternoon, travel to Blagaj, a beautiful village at the source of the River Buna, to discover the impressive tekke, a 15th-century Dervish monastery at the foot of a 200-metre cliff. (B,L) DAY 8 Herzegovina Visit the old Ottoman town of Pocitelj and wander through its narrow lanes. Continue to Mogorjelo, the ruins of a Roman villa rustica, and stop at the Herceg Ethno Village to gain an insight into traditional ways of life.

See the impressive 120-metre-wide Kravice waterfalls, before returning to Mostar. (B,L) DAY 9 Mostar to Trebinje Explore Radimlja, a stećak necropolis, and Vjetrenica Cave, famed for its cave drawings estimated to be more than 10,000 years old. Finally, discover the medieval orthodox monastery of Zavala, built into the rock face, with its interior covered in 17th-century frescoes.

Return to the Trebinje area for the final night. (B,L) DAY 10 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Balkans Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 23

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Ohrid Short Break DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

2 Oct 2019

Min 8 - Max 16

£920 per person*

£65

Macedonia, known as ‘The Land of Lakes’, is truly one of the best kept secrets in the Balkans.

With a history spanning the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Yugoslav empires, a fascinating mix of architectural heritage and distinctive cultures awaits. Explore the beautiful lakeside town of Ohrid and travel further afield to reach Skopje, Bitola and the wine region.

DAY 1 Fly to Ohrid Arrive in Ohrid and transfer to the hotel.

Spend the evening at leisure. Ohrid, with its atmospheric old quarter, beautiful churches and of course its lake, is one of Macedonia’s most charming destinations.

DAY 2 Ohrid Spend the day touring Lake Ohrid, one of the world’s oldest lakes. Visit a reconstruction of the Bronze Age stilt village or the ‘Bay of Bones’ and the St Naum Monastery – one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia; its grounds containing the source of Lake Ohrid’s water.

Cross over to Pogradec on the Albanian side of the lake for lunch, before heading back to Ohrid via the town of Struga. Spend the evening at leisure. Perhaps explore its old quarter, crammed full of shops and restaurants, or walk up to St Jovan Kaneo Church before dinner for an unforgettable sunset across the lake. (B,L) DAY 3 Skopje Depart Ohrid and spend the day exploring the capital, Skopje, a city where Ottoman influences are still strong. Embark on a walking tour of the new and old parts of the city and stop for a delicious lunch at a traditional restaurant. Visit historic Kale Fortress, Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the Church of Holy Salvation and explore the Old Town with the Chifte Hammam and the Suli Inn. Situated at the heart of the old bazaar, in the immediate vicinity of the Chifte Hammam, the Suli Inn represents an important work of Ottoman architecture. Cross the 15th-century stone bridge which links the bazaar to the modern town and marvel at the grand fountain of Alexander the Great, the main square, the Macedonia Gate, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa and the Old Railway Station, which is the Museum of Skopje.

Return to Ohrid and spend the evening at leisure.

Perhaps relax at an outdoor café and watch the world go by or enjoy a hearty meal of skara – grilled pork or chicken – and stuffed peppers at one of the city’s many traditional restaurants. (B,L) DAY 4 Bitola & Wine Region This morning drive to Bitola, known during the Ottoman period as ‘the city of Consuls’, an extraordinary mixture of old and new, and a melting pot of cultures and civilisations. Embark on a walking tour of Bitola before continuing to Macedonia’s wine region. Macedonia’s wine producing reputation is growing rapidly. Visit one of Demir Kapija’s wineries where you will learn about the wine making process and visit the wine cellars as well as enjoy some lunch with wine tasting. Drive back to the peaceful town of Ohrid through Galicica National Park, and stop at a viewpoint with panoramic views across both Ohrid and Prespa lakes.

Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Fly to the UK Spend your last day at leisure exploring Ohrid. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Balkans Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 25

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

29 May 2019

Min 8 - Max 16

£1095 per person*

£140

ur To

DE PART URE

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Discover Autonomous Vojvodina

Introducing something a little different for 2019, this short group tour focuses on the Autonomous province of Vojvodina, located in the north-west of Serbia. The only autonomous region in the Balkans, Vojvodina is a melting pot of 25 different ethnicities predominately from Serbia and the bordering countries of Hungary, Croatia and Slovakia. Spend time in the region’s largest city, Novi Sad, and find out why it is set to become the European Capital of Culture in 2020.

DAY 1 Fly to Belgrade Arrive in Belgrade, meet your guide and transfer to Novi Sad, the main city in Vojvodina, located on the banks of the Danube River and presided over by the imposing Petrovaradin Fortress. Take a short walk through the city before enjoying a welcome dinner at a restaurant with views over the Danube. (D) DAY 2 Subotica – Palic Lake – Backi Petrovac After breakfast, drive towards the Hungarian border to visit Subotica, a quaint town boasting some lavish examples of art-nouveau architecture. Embark on a tour of this picturesque town visiting the City Hall, Raichle Palace and the National Theatre. Continue to the Palic Lake wine region and visit the famous Zvonko Bogdan Winery, surrounded by beautiful vineyards. Learn about the wine making technology, visit the old wine cellar and taste the ‘wines of the sands’ – a selection of white and red wines specially selected from the Vojvodina region. On the way back to Novi Sad stop at Backi Petrovac and visit the Ahoj Gallery and some old craft workshops where it is possible to sample some famous smoked sausage. (B,L) DAY 3 Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve Spend the day exploring the Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve, a large protected area of wetland in Vojvodina province. Be greeted by locals dressed in colourful traditional costumes before taking a boat ride through the marshes of the reserve. Enjoy freshly caught fish for lunch and visit the workshops of local producers of honey, wooden shoes and fishing boats. Return to Novi Sad and spend the evening at leisure.

(B,L)

DAY 4 Novi Sad to Belgrade After breakfast, drive to nearby Sremski Karlovci, a pretty town featuring many Baroque and NeoClassical buildings. Enjoy a walking tour of its beautiful baroque centre including the Patriarch’s Palace, Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, Gymnasium and the Four Lions Fountain. Visit the Sremski Karlovci winery to taste an Italian Riesling and a special ‘Bermet’ dessert wine.

Continue along the beautiful slopes of Fruska Gora National Park to visit a rustic farmhouse and tuck into an organic homemade lunch. Continue to the capital, Belgrade, and spend the evening at leisure. (B,L) DAY 5 Belgrade This morning, embark on a half-day city tour of Belgrade, one of the most lively and vibrant capitals in Europe. Visit the impressive St Sava Orthodox Cathedral, Kalemegdan Fortress and the city’s main shopping area along Knez Mihailova Street, where many impressive historical buildings stand beside buzzing cafes and cultural institutions. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at leisure. You could make the most of the afternoon and visit the Museum of Yugoslavia which as well as chronicling the history of the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia is also the resting place of the former President Tito.

Alternatively, while away the hours on a river boat in the Savamala district. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner with some live music. (B,D) DAY 6 Fly to the UK After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Balkans Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 27

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Bulgaria Short Break DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

18 May 2019

Min 8 - Max 16

£980 per person*

£177

Often overlooked in favour of the bustling cities of their Western-European neighbours, the Balkan capitals make fantastic destinations for a short break without the crowds or high price tags. Discover two of Bulgaria’s most charming and dynamic cities, Sofia and Plovidv, each heaving with character and rich history.

DAY 1 Fly to Sofia Arrive in Sofia and transfer to the hotel in the heart of the city.

DAY 2 Sofia Enjoy a half day city tour of Sofia. Visit the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Church of St. Sophia, which gave the name to the city, the Round Church of St. George dating back to the 4th century, the Russian church of St. Nicholas, the impressive buildings of the National Theatre and the Parliament Drive to Rila Monastery – one of the greatest centres of scholarship and religion in Bulgaria during the National Revival Period.

Founded in the middle of the 10th century it played a key role in preserving Bulgarian culture and language over the centuries, and is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the monastery church with its amazing frescoes and the monastery museum. (B,L) DAY 3 Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo Today, set off for Veliko Tarnovo. Stop en route to visit Koprivshtitsa, an historic town, known for its authentic Bulgarian architecture, still preserving the atmosphere of the Bulgarian National revival period of the 19th century. Continue to Veliko Tranov and check in to your hotel. In the evening, visit the oldest merchant street in the town, Samovodska Charshia, where you can see masters who pursue their crafts according to old traditions. (B) DAY 4 Veliko Tarnovo to Plovdiv Enjoy a morning walking tour of Veliko Tarnovo.

Start on Tsarevets Hill, where the Bulgarian kings once lived and continue to Arbanassi, a small Bulgarian village situated 4 km from Veliko Tarnovo to visit the Konstancalieva Ethnographical House and the Church of Nativity, whose mural-paintings are considered a real

masterpiece. Leaving behind Arbanassi, visit Etara open air museum, which proudly displays the architecture, lifestyle and economic history of the Gabrovo region during the Revival period.

Cross the Balkan Mountains through the Shipka Pass and stop in Kazanlak, where you will see the UNESCO listed Thracian Tomb with its Hellenistic frescoes from the 3rd century BC. Proceed through the famous Valley of Roses arriving in Plovdiv – the second largest city in Bulgaria. (B) DAY 5 Plovdiv Plovdiv is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Bulgaria. It is Europe’s oldest continuously-habited city and voted the European Capital of Culture for 2019. Wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town and take in the beautiful architecture preserved from the Bulgarian Revival period. Visit the Amphitheatre, which dates back to Roman times, the Ethnographic museum and the Church of St. Konstantine and Elena. Stop for lunch in the nearby village of Brestovitsa where you can enjoy wine tasting and gourmet dishes prepared by a local Chef. In the afternoon, proceed to Bachkovo monastery dating back to the 11th century and visit the monastery church and refectory. Drive back to Plovdiv stopping en route to see the medieval Asenova fortress. (B,L) DAY 6 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Bulgaria Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 29

Halloween in Transylvania DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

29 Oct 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£1050 per person*

£169

Delve into the history surrounding Romania’s best-known historical figure, Vlad the Impaler (aka Count Dracula), on this 6-day tour of Transylvania. Explore the town of Medias, where he was kept prisoner by the Hungarian king, enjoy a walking tour of the fabulously preserved town of Sighisoara, where he was born, and, of course, visit Bran Castle, made famous by Bram Stoker’s novel as the residence of the vampire count.

DAY 1 Fly to Bucharest Arrive in Bucharest and take an evening walk of the Old Town before enjoying a dinner at the ornate Caru’ cu Bere, one of the city’s most famous restaurants. (D) DAY 2 Bucharest to Sibiu This morning, leave Romania’s busy capital behind for Targoviste, which was the royal capital of Wallachia from 1418 until 1659, when it was moved to Bucharest. The former royal court was known as Vlad Tepes’ (Dracula) real palace. He lived here for seven years as the ruler of Wallachia, and allegedly committed many atrocities here. Much of the palace now lies in ruins although the watchtower and church are completely unscathed.

Travel to Curtea de Arges, a former capital of Wallachia during the 14th century, visit the ruins of the Old Princely Court, built by Vlad’s ancestors, and Manole’s Monastery, an architectural jewel from the 16th century. Journey through the beautiful Olt Valley to Sibiu, stopping to visit Cozia Monastery, built by Dracula’s grandfather. (B) DAY 3 Sibiu to Sighisoara Explore the city of Sibiu and see the huge gothic Evangelic Cathedral, where Vlad’s son, Mihnea, was buried after his assassination. Continue to Medias, the town where Vlad was kept prisoner by the Hungarian king, and step back in time in the Saxon village of Biertan with its UNESCO-listed fortress church. A walking tour of Sighisoara, a medieval walled city, reveals the famous clock tower museum, the Armour Room, the Torture Room, and the house where Vlad the Impaler was born in 1431. Dine in the house where Dracula was born; now conveniently a restaurant. (B,D)

DAY 4 Sighisoara to Brasov This morning, travel to Brasov where Vlad’s enemies – the rich Saxon merchants – lived. The Saxon settlers founded this fairy-tale town during the 12th century, and it still boasts medieval old stone walls, imposing watchtowers and orange tiled roofs. Head to Bran Castle, seemly clinging to a bluff not far from Brasov. This former fortress on the border of Transylvania and Wallachia is said to have been Bram Stoker’s inspiration for the residence of the vampire count in his famous novel. Explore its Gothic rooms and corridors full of furniture and ornaments belonging to the former Queen Marie of Romania. (B) DAY 5 Brasov to Bucharest Uncover the history of this pretty town with its fairy-tale turrets and cobbled streets. Black Church is the largest Gothic church in southeastern Europe, so-called because a fire in 1689 blackened its outer walls. Stop for lunch and wine tasting in Azuga, exploring the famous wine cellars built in 1892 by the Rhein family, who once supplied the Romanian royal court. Continue to Sinaia, a beautiful mountain resort known as ‘the Pearl of Carpathians’, followed by the burial place of Vlad at Snagov Monastery. Enjoy a farewell dinner at Pescarus Restaurant on the shore of Lake Herastrau. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Fly to the UK Tour Romania’s capital, known as ‘Paris of the East’. Visit Parliament Palace – the second largest building in the world – followed by Revolution Square, the former Royal Palace and Patriarchal Palace. Spend some time at leisure before transferring to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Romania Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 31

Short Break in Belarus DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

29 May & 4 Sep 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£995 per person*

No single supplement

There are places where it is still possible to experience an authentic taste of the Soviet era.

Fortunately, not only is Belarus one such place, it’s also easy and convenient to get to, with no visa requirements. This brand-new tour is based in the capital, Minsk, with excursions that explore the country, including visits to Mir and Niesvizh castles, and the military complex, Stalin’s Line.

DAY 1 Fly to Minsk Arrive in Minsk, transfer to the hotel and check in for a four-night stay.

of this Gothic-style castle complex was started by Duke Ilinich, before passing to the Radzivill family, who completed it in the Renaissance style.

DAY 2 Minsk The exploration of Minsk begins with a morning city tour of the capital’s highlights, including Independence Square, Victory Square (with its 38-metre-high obelisk), the orthodox Holy Spirit Cathedral and the Island of Tears. Minsk was first settled in 1067 but few ancient monuments remain in the city from this date. Despite claiming some outstanding historical sites that represent the city’s rich and illustrious past, Minsk is best known as a living monument to the grandiose aspirations of Soviet architecture and urban planning. Famously destroyed during the Great Patriotic War, the Belarusian capital grew out of the ashes of conflict to become a Socialist realist masterpiece complete with spacious avenues, lush green parks and a battalion of buildings dating from the 1940s and 1950s. It’s a sentence often said and rarely true, but Minsk really is a city like no other.

After lunch in a local restaurant, continue to Nesvizh Castle, which was once owned by the noble and powerful Radzivill family until the Red Army seized the property in 1939. It was rebuilt over the centuries so many times that it showcases many architectural styles, including Renaissance, Baroque and neo-Gothic, to name but a few. Learn about the legends and mysteries that surround the castle – including the mystery of the missing golden apostles – and explore halls displaying the works of some of Europe’s best architects, painters, woodcarvers, decorators and jewellers. (B,L)

Beneath its clean and regimented exterior lies an underbelly of exuberance in the guise of exceptional restaurants, world-class bars and clubs to rival those in any major city around the world. Culture vultures will find a vibrant offering of performances available, from the theatre and opera to experimental dance. Take advantage of a free afternoon to explore the city at leisure; perhaps visit one of Minsk’s many museums such as the new History of World War II Museum. It has ten exhibition halls and more than 8,000 exhibits highlighting life in the run-up to the Great Patriotic War, during the war and after the victory. (B)

DAY 4 Stalin Line Complex This morning, visit the Stalin Line historical complex, named after part of the preserved fortification line which originally ran from St Petersburg to Odessa as a defence against German troops. The main task of the fortified region was to protect Minsk from a fascist army attack in 1941. Opened in 2005 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War (WW2), the complex boasts a large selection of military vehicles, AFVs, aircraft, artillery, and an extensive system of bunkers and trenches.

The experience includes the opportunity to walk around pillboxes, sit in a gun emplacement and stroll along the trench system. It is one of the most complete exhibitions of artillery and military equipment in Belarus. In the afternoon, transfer back to Minsk. (B) DAY 5 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

DAY 3 Castles of Mir & Nesvizh Travel to the medieval town of Mir – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an astounding example of 16th-century fortification art. The construction * Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Belarus Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 33

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Highlights of Ukraine DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

15 May 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£1449 per person*

£250

Begin in Kyiv and explore architectural treasures such as the 11th-century St Sophia Cathedral and the Caves Monastery (Pechersk Larva). In the old Habsburg town of Lviv, you can spend a leisurely afternoon in Viennese-style coffee houses, before continuing by overnight train to Odessa to visit the famous Potemkin Steps and explore the region’s rich maritime history.

DAY 1 Fly to Kyiv Arrive in Kyiv, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

DAY 2 Kyiv This morning, enjoy a city tour of Kyiv including Kreschatyk, the Golden Gates, St. Sophia and St. Michael Cathedral. After lunch, visit the Cave Monastery before heading to the Great Patriotic War Museum. Spend the evening at leisure. (B,L) DAY 3 Chernobyl Today, gain an insight into the Chernobyl story from past to present and learn about the massive nuclear disaster that rocked the Soviet Union and the world in April 1986.

Once home to 50,000 residents, the town of Pripyat now lies abandoned and overgrown.

Discover derelict apartment blocks, schools, and the iconic Ferris wheel – a haunting symbol of the tragedy. Tour inside the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Zone, stop for lunch at the Power Plant canteen and meet the self-settlers who chose to come back to their homes after the evacuation. (B,L) DAY 4 Kyiv Visit Pirogova, a picturesque open-air museum of old Ukrainian lifestyle and folk culture. Here, learn about the history of Ukraine from the 16th-19th centuries with many original buildings relocated here from villages all over Ukraine. (B) DAY 5 Kyiv to Lviv This morning, catch the direct train to Lviv.

In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour around Lviv’s Old Town beginning in the Market Square.

The 16th-century Market Square has cobbled, winding streets, palaces, fountains, statues and a myriad architectural styles, including Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic. Marvel at churches on virtually every corner and the best museums and galleries in the country. (B)

traditions in hidden valleys. Take a day trip to a traditional Carpathian village, where you can taste some home-made products and enjoy a walk in the lower hills. (B) DAY 7 Lviv to Odessa Spend the day at leisure in Lviv – Ukraine’s second city. Perhaps relax at one of the many Viennese-style coffee-shops or take an evening walk to Vysoki Zanok (High Castle) for stunning views across the city, especially at sunset. In the evening, transfer to Lviv Railway Station for the overnight train to Odessa. (B) DAY 8 Odessa Awake in the cosmopolitan port of Odessa and transfer to your hotel. After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Odessa visiting the five-domed Uspensky (Assumption) Cathedral, Shevchenko Park, with its great views of the Black Sea, and walk along Primorsky Boulevard, the city’s most popular promenade and home to many of Odessa’s finest buildings and monuments. You will also see the exterior of the Baroque-style Opera House and the impressive Potemkin Steps. (B) DAY 9 Odessa Today, visit Belgorod-Dnistrovsky Fortress, considered to be one of the ten oldest cities in the world. Learn about the Turks, Mongols, Tatars, Moldovans and Russian troops who have passed through this way. Visit Shabo Winery for lunch and some wine-tasting. (B,L) DAY 10 Odessa Spend the day exploring Odessa further. Perhaps roam the catacombs under the city or descend by cable car to the white sands of Otrada Beach on the Black Sea. (B) DAY 11 Fly to the UK This morning, transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

DAY 6 Carpathian Mountains Today, visit the dramatic Carpathian Mountains, where the ethnic Hutsul people follow their * Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Ukraine Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 35

Kyiv & Chernobyl DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

4 May, 7 Jun, 26 Jul, 23 Aug, 27 Sep 2019

Min 8 - Max 16

£1095 per person*

No single supplement

Despite its time in the headlines, Ukraine remains one of Regent’s favourite destinations. This unique tour offers a fascinating insight into the country’s past and present. Compare the opulence of Kyiv’s golden-domed cathedrals with the stark remains of Chernobyl, touring inside the Exclusion Zone, including one night in Chernobyl itself, staying in a small hotel built for scientific advisors.

DAY 1 Fly to Kyiv Arrive in Kyiv, transfer to the hotel and check in for a two-night stay. Spend the evening at leisure.

DAY 2 Kyiv Enjoy a full-day city tour of Kyiv, including Kreschatyk – the capital’s main street – the Golden Gates, St Sophia’s Cathedral, St Michael’s golden-domed monastery and the Chernobyl Museum. After lunch, explore the UNESCO World-Heritage-listed KyevoPecherska Lavra (Cave Monastery) with its cluster of golden domes overlooking the Dnipro river. Spend the evening at leisure. (B,L) DAY 3 Kyiv to Chernobyl Depart Kyiv and travel to Chernobyl, a place ever synonymous with the huge nuclear disaster that rocked the Soviet Union in 1986, for an unparalleled insight into one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters. Once through the control checkpoint at the outer boundary of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Zone, an introductory presentation gives an informative history of the area. In the afternoon, head further into the zone to visit the exterior of Reactor No. 4 – only recently declared safe, and opened to curious visitors – and take an extended tour of the ghost city of Pripyat. Once home to 50,000 residents, Pripyat now lies abandoned and overgrown. The plant workers and their families were evacuated the day after the catastrophe. Visit sites such as the school, the sports centre, the swimming pool and the iconic Ferris wheel – a haunting symbol of the tragedy. Return to Chernobyl for dinner and an overnight stay in the small hotel built for scientific advisors; a truly unique experience. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 Chernobyl to Kyiv Continue the in-depth tour of Chernobyl today, visiting further sites in and around Pripyat, including the Cooling Reservoir. Meet the locals who have, despite government warnings, decided to resettle inside the zone. Of those that have remained, 80% are women, now mostly in their 70s and 80s, creating a unique community of babushkas who refuse to leave the motherland. Depart Chernobyl for Kyiv and check in to the hotel for two nights. (B,L) DAY 5 Kyiv Make use of a free day in Kyiv to discover at leisure the capital’s mix of Soviet-inspired architecture and grand Kyivan Rus complexes.

Perhaps opt to stroll down Andriyivsky Uzviz (Andrew’s Descent) where souvenir stalls, art galleries and restaurants line the quirky cobblestone street. Stop to admire the baroque beauty of St Andrew’s Church, built in 1754 by the Italian architect who designed St Petersburg’s Winter Palace. At the foot of the Andriyivsky Uzviz, the histories of the street’s buildings are told in the Museum of One Street. We recommend making time to stop for a bowl of borscht topped with sour cream for an authentic taste of Ukraine. Speak to a Regent Holidays Travel Specialist about booking tickets for an evening performance at the State Operetta Theatre or the National Philharmonic Hall. (B) DAY 6 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Ukraine Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 37

Undiscovered Moldova DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

15 Jun & 5 Oct 2019

Min 8 - Max 16

£1495 per person*

£225

From your base in Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, discover the highlights and history of this tiny country. Explore Orheiul Vechi cave monastery, spend a day in the breakaway communist republic of Transdniestr, and taste Moldova’s finest wines – the country was once known as the vineyard of the Soviet Union. On our October tour, experience Chisinau’s annual Wine Festival.

DAY 1 Fly to Chisinau Arrive in Chisinau, transfer to the hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner at a typical Moldovan restaurant. (D) DAY 2 Chisinau Begin your exploration of Moldova by embarking on a morning walking tour of Moldova’s capital.

Discover the shops and restaurants lining Chisinau’s main street, stop at the Central Cathedral and admire the sizeable Parliament of the Republic of Moldova building. This tour allows you to spend time in Stefan cel Mare Park, where granite sculptures of Romanian literary figures line the Alley of Classics. June departure: In the afternoon, visit Curchi Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Bessarabia.

October departure: this tour has been carefully planned to coincide with the annual Wine Festival, so enjoy an afternoon wine tasting at some of the Moldovan winery stands. (B,L) DAY 3 Cricova & Orheiul Vechi June departure: Visit Capriana Monastery, located some 30 miles west of Chisinau. Founded in 1439 – it was closed and fell into dilapidation and reopened again in 1989 becoming a symbol of national revival. Enjoy a traditional lunch in Gio Wine restaurant.

October departure: Visit Curchi Monastery, before continuing to Orheiul Vechi – a unique 13th century archaeological complex. Enjoy lunch with home-made wine in a rural pension. This afternoon, both departures visit the Cricova Wine Cellars. The second largest winery in Moldova, Cricova boasts more than 120 kilometres of limestone tunnels used to store the wine. (B,L) DAY 4 Gagauzia Drive south and explore the Gagauzia region: an area of three towns and more than 20 villages scattered throughout the three districts of Comrat, Cedar-Linga and Vulcanesti.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Gaguzia’s capital, Comrat, visit the National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum and a thoroughbred racehorse stud farm in Ceadir-Lunga. (B,L)

DAY 5 Soroco, Pokrovka & Rudi This morning travel to Soroca, located on the Nistru River. Visit the medieval fortress which played a key role in defending the country from the Turks and discover the Candle of Gratitude monument built to commemorate those who have built and preserved Moldova’s national culture. Explore the traditional village of Pokrova, visit Rudi Nunnery and Kalarashevka Monastery.

(B,L) DAY 6 Transdniestr Spend the day exploring Transdniestr, a selfproclaimed independent republic inside Moldova, with its own currency, police force and border guards. Located 40 miles south-east of Chisinau in the Nistru Valley, the administrative capital, Tiraspol, is considered to be a living museum of Soviet culture. With a population of 200,000, this intriguing city has more than its fair share of Lenin statues and monuments, including a T-34 tank on a pedestal. Tour the Historical Museum and visit the Kvint Brandy Factory to sample some of the region’s high-quality cognac and enjoy a sightseeing tour of Tiraspol. Return to Chisinau. (B,L) DAY 7 Causeni & Pucari Winery Set off for Causeni to visit a wonderfullypreserved church from the Tatar-Mongolia era of the 15th century. Continue to the Purcari Winery – the oldest wine estate in the country established in 1827. The Purcari Winery is situated in the southwest of Moldova where the soil and climate provide the perfect environment for the production of red wines. Tour the impressive cellars followed by a wine tasting to sample the vineyard’s famous produce. Head back to Chisinau for a lively farewell dinner at a traditional Moldovan restaurant (B,L,D) DAY 8 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Moldova Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 39

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

31 Aug 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£1115 per person*

£160

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Transdniestr Independence Day

Head far from the beaten track. From Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, cross the unrecognised border into the fascinating independent republic of Transdniestr – a community in which the Soviet Era still lives – and watch the Independence Day celebrations, before exploring Gagauzia, the world’s smallest Autonomous region.

DAY 1 Fly to Chisinau Arrive in Moldova’s capital and transfer to your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps set out and explore the surrounding area on foot.

DAY 2 Chisinau to Tiraspol This morning, embark on a city tour of Chisinau.

Many of Chisinau’s major highlights are concentrated in the central part of town, so during a walk around the city’s main avenue see the Organ Hall, the City Hall, the Cathedral Complex, the Grand National Assembly Square and the impressive House of Government. If time allows visit the open markets and the Ciuflea Monastery.

Continue to Transdniestr and after crossing the border, which the Moldovans do not recognise, check in to your hotel in the centre of Tiraspol.

This afternoon, take a city tour before driving to a nearby village for dinner in a Moldovan family home. Here you’ll have the opportunity to understand the difficulties of living in an unrecognised country, and where their language is not an official language. You’ll also be joined by a Transnistrian journalist, who’ll share her experiences. (B,D) DAY 3 Independence Day Celebrations Explore a city still housing Lenin statues and Soviet posters before the Independence Day celebrations start, with military units and retired folk parading in the city centre. In January 1990, the citizens of Tiraspol passed a referendum declaring the city as an independent territory and on September 2nd of the same year, Tiraspol was proclaimed the capital of the new Pridnestrovian Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic – the area to the east of the Dniester River now known as Transdniestr. In the afternoon visit the Bender fortress and the Museum of Local History of Tiraspol, before enjoying dinner at the Noul Nearnt Monastery. (B,D)

DAY 4 Tiraspol After breakfast, take a trolleybus ride to Sheriff stadium, which covers a territory of 52 hectares and includes at least four stadiums, a children’s football academy, a hotel, a tennis club and the FC Sheriff football players’ complex. Continue to Aquatir, a large sturgeon-breeding and black caviar-processing industrial park near Tiraspol.

Enjoy lunch at the Kvint Brandy Factory and sample some brandy. This factory has over 120 years of history producing Kvint, the regional drink. In the afternoon, return to Chisinau. (B,L) DAY 5 Gagauzia Today, drive to Comrat, the capital of the autonomous region of Gagauzia. Visit the Museum of History and Ethnography in Besalma village and learn about the history, culture and daily life of the Gagauz from ancient times through to modern day life. After enjoying a small performance of Gagauz songs and dances, head to Copceac and visit the last working ‘Kolkhoz’ from Moldova – the only surviving collective farm after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Here, tuck into a traditional Gagauz lunch and listen to stories about the old communist lifestyle of the area. Victory Farm was founded in 1947 and is now the leader in producing and exporting fruit and vegetables in the southern area of Moldova.

Return to Chisinau and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll be able to sample the locally-produced Moldovan wines that the country is famous for. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Moldova Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 41

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Alternative Trans-Siberian DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

30 Sep 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£3995 per person*

£395

Perfect for those who have visited Russia before, this tour on the Trans-Siberian Railway will introduce you to the more unusual and off-the-beaten track cities and sights. Explore the Kungur Ice Caves in Perm, admire Siberian wooden architecture in Tobolsk and visit the impressive Ivolginsky Datsan Monastery in Ulan Ude. DAY 1 Fly to Moscow Arrive in Moscow, transfer to the hotel and enjoy an evening cruise along the Moskva River.

DAY 2 Moscow Visit Kolomenskoye Museum Estate and after lunch, visit the Gulag Museum. Transfer to the railway station for the train to Perm. (B,L) DAY 3 Perm Arrive in Perm – a closed city during Soviet times – and meet your guide for a city tour. (B) DAY 4 Kungur Ice Cave Visit Kungur Ice Cave, a karst cave located on the banks of the Sylva River which boasts hanging icicles that reach the floor and spectacular ice columns shaped like giant hourglasses. In the evening, transfer to the railway station for the train to Tobolsk. (B) DAY 5 Tobolsk Arrive in Tobolsk, transfer to the hotel and meet your local guide for a city tour. Once Siberia’s capital, Tobolsk is one of the region’s most historic cities, sporting a magnificent kremlin and a charming old town. (B) DAY 6 Tobolsk In the morning, travel to the Abalak Tourist Complex. Admire the Siberian wooden architecture and visit the hospitable “Baba Yaga”, who offers visitors “pirogi” (pastries) and “bliny” (Russian pancakes). In the afternoon, relax or explore Tobolsk. (B) DAY 7 Tobolsk to Novosibirsk Transfer to the Railway Station for the early train to Novosibirsk. (B) DAY 8 Novosibirsk Arrive in Novosibirsk. Meet your local guide for a city tour, including the History Museum of TransSiberian Railway. (B) DAY 9 Novosibirsk to Ulan Ude

Enjoy a free morning to relax or explore Novosibirsk further. In the afternoon, visit Akademgorodok, a major scientific centre located 30 kilometres from Novosibirsk. Transfer to the railway station for the train to Ulan Ude. (B) DAY 10 On Train On the train passing Krasnoyarsk and Irkutsk.

DAY 11 Ulan Ude Enjoy views of the southern shores of Lake Baikal before arriving in Ulan Ude. Transfer to the hotel and check in. In the afternoon, enjoy a short city tour with your local guide. Located closer to Mongolia and China, Ulan Ude has an Asian feel.

Admire the giant Lenin head, a popular site. (B) DAY 12 Ulan Ude Visit the Ivolginsky Datsan. This fascinating monastery is the centre of Buddhism in Russia and home to about 30 lamas. Transfer to the railway station for the train to Khabarovsk. (B) DAY 13 On Train Travel west along the Trans-Siberian Route.

DAY 14 Khabarovsk Arrive in Khabarovsk and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 15 Khabarovsk to Vladivostok Meet your guide for a city tour. Situated at the junction of the Amur River and its tributary, the Ussuri, Khabarovsk feels more like a relaxed coastal town than a bustling Siberian city.

Transfer to the railway station for the train to Vladivostok. (B) DAY 16 Vladivostok Arrive in Vladivostok – the eastern terminus of the Trans-Siberian Railway. After breakfast, embark on a city tour including the Arsenev Regional Museum. (B) DAY 17 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK via Moscow. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Russia Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 43

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Highlights of Southern Russia DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

30 Sep 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£1735 per person*

£195

Explore the southern Russian steppe on this group tour which begins in the balmy Black Sea resort of Sochi and finishes in Krasnodar, home of the Kuban Cossacks. Experiences include visiting a tea plantation, wine tasting and visiting the sites of the Winter Olympic Games. See the monolithic memorial complex Malaya Zemlya in the Hero City of Novorossiysk and learn about fierce Cossacks and their way of life.

DAY 1 Fly to Sochi via Moscow Arrive in Sochi, transfer to the hotel and check in for two nights. Enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)

interesting megalithic complexes – a group of three dolmens standing in a row on a hill above the River Zhane. (B,L)

DAY 2 Sochi Embark on a city tour of Sochi, a host city in the 2018 World Cup, and hear how the 2014 Winter Olympics has transformed this once tired-looking Black Sea resort. Visit the Olympic Park and the main sites of the Winter Olympic Games on a golf cart excursion and visit the Museum of the USSR. Take a walk through the historic centre and see the Cathedral of Archangel Michael, the first Orthodox Church built to commemorate the end of the Caucasian War in 1864. Savour the smells of Sochi’s central market and head to the outdoor market which offers fresh and dried fruit, spices and the Caucasus seasoning ‘Adjika’, meaning ‘spicy’ in Abkhaz. Visit Stalin’s summer dacha, on the grounds of the Green Grove Spa and see a wax sculpture of the late dictator standing behind his desk. Take an evening stroll along the promenade lined with busy bars, restaurants and cafes. (B,L)

DAY 5 Novorossiysk Visit the Soviet Hero City of Novorossiysk, located on the eastern shore of the Black Sea. In 1942, the town was occupied by the German Army, but a small unit of Soviet sailors defended one part of the town for 225 days, until it was liberated by the Red Army in 1943. The city is home to the Russian navy and has many Soviet war memorials including the gigantic Malaya Zemlya as well as the historic museum-ship Mikhail Kutuzov. After lunch visit the winery Abrau Durso, founded on the orders of Tsar Alexander II in 1870. In 1896 under the guidance of Lev Golitsyn, the first sparkling Russian wine was produced from the imperial vineyards here. (B,L)

DAY 3 Sochi to Gelendzhik This morning visit Dagomys Tea Plantation – one of the world’s most northern tea plantations. Learn all there is to know about growing tea and experience a Russian tea ceremony, which includes drinking tea served from a traditional samovar, as well as tasting cakes and delicious local honey. Drive along the coast to the quieter resort of Gelendzhik. (B,L) DAY 4 Gelendzhik This morning, visit the Old Park, located in the village of Kabadinka. This is the first and only architectural theme park on the Black Sea coast and here see examples of ancient Greek, Egyptian and medieval architecture amidst beautiful landscaped Mediterranean gardens. Take a cableway to the top of Markhotskiy ridge for fantastic views of Gelendzhik Bay. After lunch, visit one of the most

DAY 6 Anapa Visit the resort-town of Anapa, the sunniest city in Russia, with the longest beach line in Russia. Visit the Gorgippiya museum and after lunch, visit a private winery where you can learn about, and more importantly taste, their award-winning wines and liqueurs. In the evening, transfer to Krasnodar. (B,L) DAY 7 Krasnodar Enjoy a morning guided tour of Krasnodar, founded on the Kuban River in 1793 under the name Yekaterinodar, meaning ‘Catherine’s Gift’.

After the Civil War, the Bolsheviks renamed the city Krasnodar, meaning either ‘Beautiful Gift’ or ‘Red Gift’. Wander along Krasnaya Street and see Tsaristera buildings and European-style architecture, which earned the city the nickname ‘Little Paris’.

Visit the Felicin archaeological history museum to learn about the life of the Kuban locals and spend the afternoon at leisure. (B) DAY 8 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK via Moscow. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Russia Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 45

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DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

24 May 2019

Min 8 - Max 16

£1085 per person*

No single supplement

ur To

A Short Break in Kaliningrad

Perched on the Baltic Sea between Poland and Lithuania, Kaliningrad region is the northern part of what was once East Prussia. Traded and fought over for centuries, traces of German culture remain in the cities, while Prussian castle ruins dot across the landscape of this fascinating Russian territory. Visit Baltiysk, home of Russia’s Baltic Fleet, the world’s only amber mine and an observatory on the Curonian Spit.

DAY 1 Fly to Kaliningrad Arrive in Kaliningrad via Warsaw and transfer to the Hotel Kaliningrad. Check in for four nights before settling in with a welcome dinner. (D) DAY 2 Zamland Peninsula Begin today by travelling to the Zamland Peninsula and explore the port town of Baltiysk, the westernmost point of Russia and home of Russia’s Baltic Fleet – often considered one of the highlights of a visit to the Kaliningrad Oblast.

It was closed to visitors during the Soviet period and even now visitors need a permit to enter.

The tour here allows you the opportunity to see several old structures which have survived from German times. Visit the Citadel, which was built by the Swedish king, Gustav Adolf von Schweden during the brief Swedish occupation of the area.

On this tour you will see the impressive 32-metre high lighthouse; built in the 19th century the lighthouse has become an iconic symbol of the town. Visit Yantarny, the site of the world’s only amber mine and workshop before continuing to Svetlogorsk (Rauschen) for a walk through this picturesque and popular seaside resort. (B,L) DAY 3 Kaliningrad Proud to have been a host city for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Kaliningrad may not be the prettiest of cities at first glance, but it has its own charm. Today, explore Kaliningrad with your local guide to explore the pockets of attractive architecture and its surprising number of parks and gardens. Kaliningrad has seen major investment in recent years; on this tour, you’ll be able to see the efforts made to modernise the city’s infrastructure for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Discover surviving remnants of the city’s German heritage and an interesting selection of wartime monuments and museums. Visit the painstakingly restored red brick Cathedral, which houses the Immanuel Kant Museum.

On this tour wander through the tree-lined former German neighbourhoods and discover the remains of the old city gates, in particular the Dohna Tower which contains the Amber Museum.

The day also includes a visit to the World Ocean Museum, on a former Soviet research vessel, and an old Foxtrot-class Soviet submarine. (B,L) DAY 4 Curonian Spit Today’s excursion takes you to one of the most unique areas in Europe. The 98km long Curonian Spit is a thin sand peninsula, ranging from about 400m to 4km in width, that separates the Baltic Sea from the shallow Curonian Lagoon. It has several settlements along its length and lies on a major migration route for birds following the coastline of the eastern Baltic. Now a national park, it offers unparalleled opportunities to see migrating birds at the Rybachy Bird Watching Station, the oldest in the world. After visiting this observatory, a nearby museum explains the history of the spit’s formation and shares the stories of its inhabitants. Take a walk on the dunes at Efa, the second highest sand dune in Europe where you can hear the ‘singing sands’. You will have an opportunity to dip your toes in both the Baltic Sea and the Lagoon. Return to Kaliningrad city for a farewell dinner and Folklore Show. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Fly to the UK Transfer to airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Russia Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 47

Pioneering Abkhazia DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

18 May 2019

Min 8 - Max 12

£3200 per person*

£550

Some of our most intriguing destinations are the breakaway states: regions that have declared independence but aren’t yet formally recognised as a country. Our Pioneering Abkhazia Tour 2019 introduces curious travellers to Abkhazia, a Caucasus region to the west of Georgia, with its crumbling Soviet-era architecture and its remote mountainous regions and Black Sea coast.

DAY 1 Fly to Tbilisi Fly to Tbilisi.

DAY 2 Tbilisi to Kutaisi Meet your guide and driver at the airport and set off for Kutaisi, visiting Bagrati Cathedral before lunch and enjoying an afternoon’s exploration at leisure. (L) DAY 3 Abkhazia Depart Kutaisi early and head towards the Abkhazian border. After registering at the checkpoint, enter Abkhazia by crossing the Enguri Bridge on foot. After lunch spend the afternoon slowly heading towards Sokhumi, stopping en-route in the towns of Gal and Ochamchira, as well as visiting Bedia monastery. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Sokhumi Explore Sokhumi and the surrounding areas.

Enjoy a walking tour of the major sights and landmarks, including the disused railway station, the Central Post Office and Freedom Park. After lunch, meet a guest speaker for an informal chat about Abkhazia’s chequered history. (B,L) DAY 5 Tkvarcheli Spend the day touring the ‘Hero City’ of Tkvarcheli and the semi-abandoned settlement of Akarmara. The itinerary will include a jeep excursion to visit waterfalls in this lush corner of the country, where the subtropics meet with the Caucasus mountains. On the return journey to Sokhumi visit the hot springs in Kindgi. (B,L) DAY 6 Pskhu Travel by privately chartered aircraft to the small settlement of Pskhu. The aircraft will likely be a Soviet-era AN-2 biplane. Locals in this sleepy mountain village rarely see tourists and they often gather to chat with visitors.

Walk through the central street and travel to the home of Nikolai, a local resident, for lunch and leisure time amid the beautiful scenery.

Return to Pskhu and fly back to Sokhumi. (B,L)

DAY 7 Sokhumi to Gagra Start the day with a visit to Sokhumi’s Bazaar before heading to the Halo Trust in west Sokhumi and sample wines from a vineyard in a former minefield. Visit one of Stalin’s many dachas before arriving in Gagra. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Ritsa and Pitsunda Enjoy a day trip from Gagra by heading inland to the beautiful Ritsa Relict National Park. After setting foot in Stalin’s dacha, enjoy time boating on Lake Ritsa, and drive to a nearby vantage point for spectacular views. Back on the coast visit Pitsunda, a Soviet-era beach resort once favoured

by Nikita Khrushchev. Return to Gagra. (B,L) DAY 9 Novy Afon Depart Gagra by train to Guduta and drive to Achandara Village, where you’ll enjoy brunch and wine tasting at the home of local resident Pavel. In the afternoon, drive to Novy Afon and enjoy some leisure time. (Brunch,D) DAY 10 Novy Afon Spend the morning exploring Novy Afon, including a visit to its famous New Athens Cave.

We also expect to meet with a senior figure from the Abkhaz church. In the afternoon, visit the village of Lykhny, where Abkhaz pagan traditions are still practised. Return to Novy Afon. (B,L) DAY 11 Bedia & Ochamchire Spend the morning driving to the Georgian border, including a quick stop in Sokhumi. Enjoy a farewell Mingrelian lunch in the east of Abkhazia before we return to Georgia. Drive to Kutaisi and check in to the hotel for your final night. (B,L) DAY 12 Fly to the UK Return to Tbilisi, visiting the Soviet-era mining town of Chiatura and Gori, the birthplace of Stalin, en-route. Depart Tbilisi in the early evening for your flight back to the UK. (B,L)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Caucasus Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 49

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

17 May 2019

Min 6 - Max 14

£1750 per person*

£350

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Pioneering Nagorno Karabakh

The landlocked mountainous region of Nagorno Karabakh is an ethnic Armenian enclave inside Azerbaijan that declared independence in 1992 – an independence recognised by no one except Transdniestr, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Despite decades of languishing as a breakaway Caucasus state of the former Soviet Union, the natural beauty and cultural richness of this isolated mountain landscape are undeniable.

DAY 1 Fly to Yerevan Arrive in Yerevan via Kyiv. Transfer to the hotel and check in for a three-night stay.

DAY 2 Yerevan The tour formally starts with a welcome lunch and a city tour, visiting Republic Square, Freedom Square, the Armenian Opera Theatre and The Cascade. Visit the Victory Park and the Mother Armenia Statue which boasts views over the central city and ride the Barekamutiun Metro back to Republic Square. Back above ground visit the small Post Office and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B,L) DAY 3 Etchmiadzin This morning visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the religious centre of Armenia. Being a Sunday, you will likely be able to see the Cathedral in all its glory, with the Sunday service and cathedral choir in full swing. From Etchmiadzin visit the 7th-century ruins of the marvellous medieval cathedral Zvartnots and Saint Hripsime Church. This entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back in Yerevan visit the Vernisage open air market. After lunch, visit the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial Complex before exploring at your leisure for the afternoon. (B,L) DAY 4 Yerevan to Goris Journey south-east to the city of Goris, beginning the journey towards Nagorno Karabakh. Reach the stone Khor Virap Monastery; with its backdrop of a snow-covered Mount Ararat, this is an iconic image of Armenia. Visit the Noravank Monastery and Karahunj – the Armenian equivalent of Stonehenge – before overnighting in Goris. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Goris To Shushi Take the longest non-stop double-track cable car In the world (stretching 3.5 miles) to the spectacular Tatev Monastery. Continue to Shushi in Nagorno Karabakh, stopping at Khndzoresk Village to explore its ancient cave settlements and impressive rock formations. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Shushi to Stepanakert Tour Shushi in the morning, exploring the main

church of Ghazanchetsots, the Mosque and the socalled ‘Green Church’, known locally as Kanach Jam. En route to Stepanakert, visit Aramas Monastery and pass through Shosh, an area of outstanding natural beauty covered with mulberry tree plantations. Here, there is an option to stop for a 6 kilometre walk to a Platanus Tree, believed to be over 2,000 years old and the oldest tree in the former USSR. Arrive in Stepanakert and enjoy a welcome dinner. (B,L,D) DAY 7 Stepanakert Learn about Karabakh’s contemporary history with visits to the We Are Mountains and Victory Monuments before going to the Artsakh State Museum and the small Museum of Missing Soldiers & Museum of Fallen Warriors. After lunch, visit the Gandzasar Monastery, one of the main religious sites of Karabakh. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

(B,L) DAY 8 Mayraberd and Tigranakert Explore Karabakh’s two important city fortresses, starting with the Mayraberd Fortress. En route, drive past the Aghdam city ruins, destroyed during the Karabakh War. Visit the archaeological site at Tigranakert, established by King Tigranes the Great in the 1st century BC. Stop for a spot of wine tasting and visit Stepanakert Airport before returning to Stepanakert. Visit the fruit market and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B,L) DAY 9 Stepanakert to Dilijan Spend the day driving to Dilijan, in Armenia. Visit Dadivank Monastery, one of the largest medieval monasteries in Karabakh, and Noratus, a medieval cemetery with many early Khachkars. On arrival in Dilijan, check in to the hotel and enjoy dinner. (B,L,D) DAY 10 Lake Sevan to Yerevan Take a boat trip on Lake Sevan to 9th-century Sevanavank Monastery before continuing to Yerevan via Garni Temple, dating from the 1st-century AD, and Geghard Cave Monastery. Enjoy a farewell dinner in Yerevan. (B,L,D) DAY 11 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK.

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Caucasus Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 51

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Pioneering Nakhchivan DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

8 Apr 2019

Min 5 - Max 14

£1520 per person*

No single supplement

The landlocked Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan is an exclave of Azerbaijan sandwiched between Armenia, Iran and Turkey. Its history, culture and society have been melded by the vast number of foreign armies, kingdoms and rulers that have held sway over this forlorn corner of the Caucasus. This brand-new tour for 2019 gives an in-depth insight into an exclave which virtually no western tourists have visited.

DAY 1 Fly to Nakhchivan Fly to Nakhchivan, via Istanbul. The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is a landlocked exclave of Azerbaijan, bordering Armenia, Iran & Turkey.

DAY 2 Nakhchivan Arrive in Nakhchivan, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel where you will be based for the duration of the stay. Fuel yourself with some breakfast and spend the rest of the morning at leisure to relax after your journey.

In the early afternoon, meet your guide and enjoy a traditional welcome lunch before commencing an introductory tour of Nakhchivan City, including Noah’s Tomb, the 12th century Momina Khatun Monument, the house of Rahim Khan (where you may also meet with a local musician who can provide a brief background on traditional instruments), the Tomb of Yusif Ibn Kuseyir and the Nakhchivan Carpet Museum. Enjoy dinner before returning to your hotel to spend the evening at leisure. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Nakhchivan Spend the next three days exploring Nakhchivan and the surrounding area. This morning, after breakfast, kick off your sightseeing with a visit to the Nakhchivan Business Centre, where you will be given an insight into the local products manufactured in the region. Pressing on, spend the rest of the morning visiting the History Museum and the Heydar Aliyev Museum. After lunch, head out of the city to visit the village of Garabaghlar to see the 12th-14th-century Garabaghlar Mausoleum. Visit the Dusdagh Salt Mines’ Hospital and enjoy dinner before returning to Nakhchivan. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing at leisure. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 Nakhchivan Your second full day of sightseeing starts with a visit to the Daridagh thermal springs in the Julfa region. Continue to Ordubad City, the second largest settlement in Nakhchivan with a population of approximately 10,000, where you’ll have a guided tour. After lunch in Ordubad, visit the Gulustan Monument. This afternoon, visit the Alinja Fortress before returning to your hotel.

There will be a little free time at leisure late this afternoon before dinner in the city. During dinner it is hoped that the group will be joined by a guest speaker who can impart his knowledge on the culture and traditions of Nakhchivan. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Nakhchivan Your final day of sightseeing starts with a visit to Batabat in the Shahbuz Plateau, an almost uninhabited region of forests, mountains and lakes. Return to Nakhchivan for lunch and in the afternoon, visit the Ashabu-Kahf Cave and, after your tour, enjoy a tea break here to observe the pilgrims coming to this cave, as it is mentioned in the Qoran. Return to the city for some last-minute souvenir shopping and leisure time before heading out for your farewell dinner. Dinner will include a performance from a traditional music group and an optional dance class. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Fly to the UK Take an early morning transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK.

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Caucasus Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 53

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Springtime In Iran DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

11 Mar 2019

Min 6 - Max 14

£3570 per person*

£450

Temperatures in Iran are exceptionally pleasant during the spring, making March the perfect time to explore the bustling cities and ancient historic sites without the blazing Middle-Eastern sun at full strength. This comprehensive tour explores the country’s major highlights, and attends the Iranian Nowruz (new year) festivities.

DAYS 1 & 2 Fly to Shiraz Arrive in Shiraz and transfer to the hotel before embarking on a sightseeing tour visiting the Naranjestan, the Eram Gardens and the Hafez Tomb.

(L,D) DAY 3 Shiraz Shiraz is a large bustling city with little pockets of calm and peace. Enjoy a full day tour of Shiraz, visit the Shah Cheragh Shrine, the Nasir Ol Molk Mosque, the Karim Khan Citadel – built in the Zand Dynasty – and the impressive Vakil Mosque. This evening stroll through the Vakil Bazaar. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Shiraz to Zein O Din via Persepolis In the morning, visit Persepolis, the city built by Darius the Great and destroyed by Alexander.

Explore its remains and continue to Naqsh e Rostam, a series of cave tombs. Drive towards Yazd, stopping for the night in a restored desert caravanserai. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Yazd This morning, marvel at the Towers of Silence, located just outside Yazd and the Ateshkadeh Fire Temple where a flame has burned since 470AD. Continue to Yazd and embark on a city tour, including the water museum, the Amir Chakhmaq Complex and the old city, where you can marvel at the Jameh e Masjid and the Alexander Prison. In the early evening, visit the Dolati Gardens to find a large wind-tower standing at 33m high. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Yazd to Isfahan Today make your way to beautiful Isfahan. Stop along the way at the city of Meybod to visit the Sassanian Narin Castle and the Safavid ice house, and visit the town of Na’in, home to one of the country’s oldest mosques. In the evening, stroll along the Si O Seh bridge, one of Isfahan’s famous bridges. (B,L,D) DAY 7 Isfahan Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Masjid e Jameh, the largest mosque in Iran, and the Chehel Sotun Palace, which boasts 20 wooden pillars that reflect in the pool. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Naqsh e Jahan Square and visit the Imam Mosque, Lotfallah Mosque and the large bazaar selling crafts and souvenirs. In the evening, relax in the square and watch the world go by. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 Isfahan to Tehran via Kashan Drive to Kashan, and visit the old city with its winding alleyways, historic houses and vibrant bazaar. After lunch, continue to the bustling capital, Tehran. (B,L,D) DAY 9 Tehran Tour Tehran, visiting the Golestan Palace and the National Archaeological Museum, housing a collection of artefacts from sites all over Iran. In the afternoon, visit the National Jewels Museum, a collection of exquisite jewels including the famous Peacock Throne. Ride the metro and visit the Azadi Monument. (B,L,D) DAY 10 Tehran to Rasht Drive into the Alborz mountains and down to the Caspian Sea to reach Chalus. From here, head to Lahijan, where picturesque tea plantations surround the town and spread through the surrounding foothills. After lunch in Lahijan, continue to Rasht.

(B,L,D) DAY 11 Rasht Today, the Nowruz festivities will be in full swing. Visit some nearby towns to take in the local festivities and enjoy small food fairs in the area. The itinerary for today is flexible. (B,L,D) DAY 12 Rasht to Zanjan via Soltaniyeh Today, head back into the mountains. Stop at Soltaniyeh to visit the Oljeitu Mausoleum and explore its tombs before continuing to Zanjan, where there will be time to explore the town. (B,L,D) DAY 13 Zanjan to Tabriz In the morning, visit Takht e Soleiman, once an important Zoroastrian centre set in the mountains surrounding a crater lake. Explore the impressive remains, visit Zendan e Soleiman and continue to Tabriz. (B,L,D) DAY 14 Tabriz Enjoy a day tour of Tabriz. Visit the Blue Mosque, the Koran Museum, the 15th-century citadel and the charming UNESCO-listed bazaar. (B,L,D) DAY 15 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to an Iran Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 55

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Iran In Depth DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

17 Oct 2019

Min 6 - Max 14

£3570 per person*

£450

This tour encapsulates as much as possible that Iran has to offer, from the bustling streets of Tehran to the heart of the ancient Persian empire, Persepolis. Discover the lesser-visited Western Iran, a traveller’s adventure playground. Discover crumbling ruins and meet the hospitable Kurdish locals.

DAYS 1 & 2 Fly to Tehran Arrive in the capital and transfer to the hotel. Embark on a city tour of Tehran, visiting the Golestan Palace and the National Archaeological Museum. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Tehran to Hamedan Leave the capital and drive to Hamedan, stopping en route to visit Ganjnameh. In Hamedan, visit the museum and Mausoleum of Avicenna. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Hamedan to Kermanshah After breakfast, start the drive through the mountains to Kermanshah, stopping at a couple of historical sites along the way. Stop at Kangovar to visit the Anahita Temple, the second stop will be Bisotun and finally Tak e Bostan to visit a series of Sassanian basreliefs. Arrive in Kermanshah. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Paveh and Kurdistan Today, head to the town of Paveh, set high up on a mountain valley. Explore the town and hopefully meet some of the Kurdish locals who often still wear their traditional clothing. (We hope to coincide the tour with the annual pomegranate harvest festival).

(B,L,D) DAY 6 Kermanshah to Khoramabad After breakfast, drive to Khoramabad and visit the remains of the Falakol Aflak Castle and anthropology museum, the remains of a massive Sasanid bridge and a free-standing Seljuk minaret. (B,L,D) DAY 7 Shush and Susa This morning continue driving to Shush to visit the Tomb of Daniel before heading on to the ancient city of Susa to see Choga Zanbil, an enormous ziggurat whose sides measure 105m. Continue on to the city of Ahwaz. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Ahwaz to Shiraz Begin the long drive towards Shiraz. Stop at the ancient city of Bishapur and take in the mosaics and inscriptions detailing some of the city’s history.

Explore the city with your guide before heading to the nearby Chogan. Arrive in Shiraz in the early evening. (B,L,D) DAY 9 Shiraz Explore Shiraz on a morning tour which visits the

Shah Cheragh Shrine, the Naranjestan Gardens and the Nasir Ol Molk Mosque. In the afternoon, head to the old town centre and visit the Karim Khan Citadel and the impressive Vakil Mosque. Stop at the Tomb of Hafez before dinner. (B,L,D) DAY 10 Persepolis, Naqsh e Rostam & Pasargadae Visit the site of Persepolis early to avoid the crowds.

After exploring the remains, visit Naqsh e Rostam, a series of cave tombs including that of Darius along with Sassanian stone reliefs. Continue to the ancient city of Pasargadae and Yazd. (B,L,D) DAY 11 Yazd This morning, visit the Towers of Silence on the edge of Yazd and the Ateshkadeh Fire Temple where a flame has burned since 470AD. Spend the rest of the day exploring Yazd, visiting the water museum, the Amir Chakhmaq Complex and the old city, where you can marvel at the Jameh e Masjid and the Alexander Prison. In the early evening, visit the Dolati Gardens and take in the imposing 33m wind-tower. (B,L,D) DAY 12 Yazd to Isfahan Drive to beautiful Isfahan, stopping at Meybod to visit the Sassanian Narin Castle and the Safavid ice house, and visit the town of Na’in. Continue to Isfahan and arrive in the late afternoon. (B,L,D) DAY 13 Isfahan Visit the Masjid e Jameh, the largest mosque in Iran, and the Chehel Sotun Palace, with its 20 wooden pillars reflected in the pool. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Naqsh e Jahan Square, Imam Mosque, Lotfallah Mosque and the large bazaar selling crafts and souvenirs. In the evening, relax in the square.

(B,L,D) DAY 14 Isfahan to Tehran Drive to the desert city of Kashan and visit the old city with its winding alleyways and historic houses, the Masjid e Jameh and wander through the vibrant bazaar. After lunch, continue to the capital, Tehran.

(B,L,D) DAY 15 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to an Iran Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 57

Essential Palestine & Israel DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

2 May & 7 Nov 2019

Min 6 - Max 14

£2770 per person*

£270

Our Palestine tour is a great introduction to the region, taking in the historical highlights, bustling cities and rural villages dotted among the tree-covered hillsides. This tour crosses borders and checkpoints, visits old and new sites and stays in charming hand-picked accommodation.

DAY 1 Fly to Bethlehem Arrive in Tel Aviv and drive to Bethlehem, passing Jerusalem and the checkpoint into the West Bank. Check into a guesthouse in the heart of the old city and enjoy a welcome dinner. (D) DAY 2 Bethlehem Explore the main sights with a local guide.

Begin in the old city, a bustling Arab town, wander the narrow streets to Manger Square and the Basilica of the Nativity – built in the 4th century over the location of Jesus’ birth.

Drive to Beit Sahour village and the Shepherds’ Field to see the traditional stables. After lunch visit the area of Bethlehem around the separation wall. Take time to see the wall and watchtowers, and visit a refugee camp. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Hebron & Battir This morning drive to Hebron, a city divided into two zones, one for the Israelis and the other for Palestinians. Visit the Tomb of the Patriarchs, said to be the resting place of Abraham, with a synagogue on one side and a mosque on the other, and the old city where a once bustling bazaar lies quiet. This afternoon, explore the UNESCO-listed village of Battir, famed for its agriculture terraces, visiting the small museum and local craft shops. After tea overlooking the hillsides, return to Bethlehem. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Jerusalem Drive to Jerusalem through Checkpoint 300 and embark on a morning walking tour. Visit the Old City taking in the Dome of the Rock and walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In the afternoon visit the Mount of Olives, once home to 24 churches and now a burial ground with magnificent views over the old city. Also visit the Garden of Gethsemane, in which Jesus was betrayed by Judas. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Jerusalem Today’s political tour visits East Jerusalem. Learn about the settlement building and about the division of the region. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure – perhaps take a walk on the city walls or go

shopping in the bazaar. (B,L) DAY 6 Jerusalem to Taybeh Visit Herodium, Herod’s first-century fortress and his burial place. Continue to Ramallah and explore the modern city with its bustling bazaar, and visit Yasser Arafat’s tomb. Later head to the hilltop village of Taybeh, surrounded by olive groves and home to a Byzantine Church. Tour a winery and enjoy a tasting. (B,L,D) DAY 7 Taybeh to Nazareth Drive through the hills to Nablus, where the old city is a weaving labyrinth of streets and Ottoman architecture. Visit spice shops, mosques and traditional makers of knafeh – a sweet cheese dessert. Tour the biblical sites of Jacob’s Well and Mount Jerzim as well as the Samaritan colony, before visiting the Roman ruins in Sebastiya.

Continue to Nazareth. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Nazareth Explore Nazareth’s old city, home to the modern Basilica of the Annunciation which displays archaeological discoveries and gifts from the Roman Catholic Church. Drive to Haifa to visit the Bahai Gardens and see the German Colony architecture. Later in Acre, where the walled old city sits on a small promontory, explore the remains of the Crusader city and the Ottoman Fortress. (B,L,D) DAY 9 Galilee & Golan Heights The Lake of Galilee features in several Biblical stories. See some of the religious sites and look out across the waters before driving into the Golan Heights. Here visit a village where the Syrians remain and learn about the local communities before returning to Nazareth. (B,L,D) DAY 10 Fly to the UK Visit Caesarea, a coastal city built by Herod containing the impressive remains of a theatre, hippodrome and columns, as well as detailed mosaics. After lunch, transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B,L)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Palestine & Israel Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 59

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Lebanon Explorer DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

8 Jun 2019

Min 6 - Max 12

£2770 per person*

£270

Our first small group tour to Lebanon introduces visitors to its ancient history, modern reality and varied natural landscapes. Phoenicians, Romans, Crusaders, Ottomans and Mamluks have all had their share in building cities, leaving behind crumbling ruins and bustling market towns, while the mountains house tiny villages and ancient cedar forests.

DAY 1 Fly to Beirut Arrive in Beirut, one of the oldest cities in the world, and transfer to the lively Hamra neighbourhood. (D) DAY 2 Beirut Tour Beirut, from the National Museum showcasing artefacts from the country’s archaeological sites, to the Roman Baths, for a taste of the town’s ancient treasures. After lunch, join a local expert for a downtown walking tour.

Here, the 15 year long civil war permanently changed the infrastructure, and you’ll see bulletriddled buildings alongside glass towers. Learn about the war and the rebuilding of the city, and stroll along the corniche before dinner. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Sidon & Tyre Head down the coast to Sidon, once a Phoenician centre, and later visit Tyre. Visit the Sea Castle, built on a small island by the Crusader Mamluks, with vaulted rooms and a tower with views out along the coast. In the Old Town, navigate winding lanes and visit the restored Audi Foundation Soap Museum. The town of Tyre lies on a promontory and has seen many civilisations pass through.

Explore two Roman excavation sites and take in the hippodrome, colonnaded streets, baths, theatre and the triumphal arch. At the harbour, workshops repair boats traditionally and fishermen lay out their nets. Return to Beirut. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Chouf Mountains & Beiteddine Drive to the Chouf Mountains, home to forests of cedar trees – some over 2,000 years old – and terraces with picturesque villages. Explore Deir El Qamar village, a seat of power during Ottoman times and a Druze stronghold. Take in the stepped streets, tiny alleyways and houses, and after lunch continue to Beiteddine on the opposite side of the valley, home to a beautifully restored 19th century palace, blending European and Arab architecture.

(B,L,D)

DAY 5 Baalbek Today, head to Aanjar, an Armenian village by the Syrian border with a beautiful mountain backdrop, home to UNESCO-listed Umayyad ruins. Continue to Baalbek, an immense Roman site containing some of the largest Roman remains in the world.

Take in the Hexagonal and Great Courts and the Temple of Jupiter and Temple of Bacchus. En route to the village in which you will spend the night, stop at a winery in the Bekaa Valley. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Jeita Grotto & Byblos After breakfast with your hosts, visit the Jeita Grotto in the mountains – one of the world’s largest collections of stalagmites and stalactites in the world. Take a cable to the upper cavern, ride a small train to the lower cavern and board small boats for a cave tour. Next head to Byblos to roam a network of medieval alleyways with narrow souqs, leading down to a Phoenician harbour.

Visit the archaeological site with its impressive Crusader Castle and enjoy an evening boat trip.

(B,L,D) DAY 7 Tripoli & Qadisha Valley Head north to Lebanon’s second city Tripoli – a fine example of Mamluke architecture. Visit the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Giles, built by the Crusaders and rebuilt by the Mamlukes. See mosques, hammams and madrassahs dating from the 14th century, and visit bustling souqs. After lunch explore the beautiful, mountainous Qadisha Valley. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Qadisha Valley Take a walk through the cedar forests before returning to Beirut. Stop at the Khalil Gibran Museum – the author of the Prophet where over 400 of his drawings are on display. Enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,L,D) DAY 9 Fly to the UK This morning transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK.

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Lebanon Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 61

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

6 Sep 2019

Min 6 - Max 14

£2770 per person*

£315

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Uncover Uzbekistan & Tajikistan

Combine the most iconic historic and religious sites of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan with explorations of the lesser-visited ancient archaeological attractions, forays into the desert and trips across the Fan Mountains to get under the skin of two of Central Asia’s most fascinating countries.

DAYS 1 & 2 Fly to Tashkent Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to your hotel and tour one of Central Asia’s oldest cities. Visit Khast Imam Square, the religious centre of Tashkent with a library housing the world’s oldest Koran, the Kukuldash Madrassah and Chorsu bazaar. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Tashkent to Khiva Transfer to the airport for an early flight to Urgench.

Head into the desert to visit the Bronze Age Khorezm fortress, the excavated 1st-century Toprak Kala city and Ayaz Kala, home to impressive mudbrick remains of castles. Enjoy lunch at a nearby yurt camp and drive on to Khiva. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Khiva Today’s walking tour takes in the major sights of Khiva. In the Ichan Kala (the citadel), see the Kalta Minor minaret, the Kunya Ark, the Madrassah Rakhimkhon, the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud and the Islam Khodja minaret, which enjoys views over the town and desert. This afternoon, visit the Friday mosque and Tashauli Palace. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Khiva to Bukhara Drive to Bukhara through the desert, stopping for a picnic. Bukhara has been inhabited for five millennia and the UNESCO-listed historic centre contains numerous mosques and madrassahs. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Bukhara Tour Bukhara. Visit the Lab-i-khauz ensemble, Nadirkhon Devanbegi Madrassah, Mogaki Attari Mosque, Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque, and see the madrassahs of Aziz Khan and Ulugbek. After lunch visit the Ark Fortress, Balakhauz Mosque, Mausoleum of Ismail Samanid and Chashma Ayub.

(B,L,D) DAY 7 Burkhara to Samarkand Head to Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, to see a blend of Russian architecture and oriental traditions. Visit the Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum – the tomb of the famous 14th-century Sufi spiritual leader before taking the afternoon train to Samarkand. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Samarkand Tour Samarkand, including Registan Square, home to three immense madrassahs, the vast Bibi Khanum

Mosque, and wander through the Siab Bazaar. After lunch, visit the Shah I Zinda Necropolis and the bluedomed Tomb of Tamerlane. (B,L,D) DAY 9 Samarkand to Penjikent Leave the city for the observatory built by Ulug Beg. Visit Afrosiab, Samarkand’s most ancient part, and cross into Tajikistan. (B,L,D) DAY 10 Penjikent & Margazor Lakes In ancient Penjikent, visit the Rudaki HistoricEthnographic Museum and see the remains of the ancient Sogdian city, a pre-Islamic, Zoroastrian civilisation. This afternoon, explore the seven picturesque Margazor Lakes. (B,L,D) DAY 11 Penjikent to Dushanbe Drive through the mountains to the stunning high-altitude Iskanderkul Lake. Enjoy sweeping panoramas, hike to the waterfall and then drive to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. (B,L,D) DAY 12 Dushanbe Tour the Museum of National Antiquities which houses the largest sleeping Buddha in Central Asia, and the National Museum which charts Tajikistan’s history, before heading to the Main Square and to pretty Rudaki Park. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Hissor Fort. (B,L,D) DAY 13 Dushanbe to Khojand Head back through the Fan Mountains to Istarafshan to tour Mugtepa Fortress, and Kok Gumbaz, a Timurid mosque and mausoleum complex set in gardens. In the bazaar, see traditional metalworkers make knives. Continue to Khojand. (B,L,D) DAY 14 Khojand to Tashkent Spending the morning in Khojand, visit Pushkin Square, Kamoli Khudjandi Square, Timur Malik’s Fortress and Sugd museum, Muslihiddin memorial complex and the Panjshanbe bazaar – one of Tajikistan’s oldest markets. In the afternoon cross back into Uzbekistan. (B,L,D) DAY 15 Fly to the UK After breakfast transfer to the airport for the return flight. (B,L)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Uzbekistan & Tajikistan Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 63

Pioneer the Pamir Highway DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

19 Jul 2019

Min 6 - Max 14

£3450 per person*

£290

The Pamir Highway has taken on an almost mythic status for many travellers. Journeying through remote mountain terrain, the route was used by the merchants and traders of the ancient Silk Road. Travel from Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s charming capital, to Khorog from where the road hugs the Afghan border before turning north to cross the Akbaital Pass to Lake Karakul and on into Kyrgyzstan, finishing in Bishkek.

DAYS 1 & 2 Fly to Dushanbe via Istanbul Arrive in Dushanbe, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy lunch before visiting the National Antiquities Museum and walking through Rudaki Park. Sit down for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Dushanbe Head out of Dushanbe to the Hissar Fortress, once a residence of an Emir of Bukhara. Continue to the Varzob Gorge, a beautiful alpine region north of Dushanbe to stop for a picnic lunch in the valley.

Return to Dushanbe and enjoy a group dinner.

(B,L,D) DAY 4 Dushanbe to Kalaikhumb After breakfast, set course for the Pamir Highway and drive via the Nurek panorama viewing platform to Kulyab. After lunch continue towards Kalaikhumb, the first district of the Badakhshan region. Here you will get your first views of Afghanistan and the Panj river. (B,L,D) 360km DAY 5 Kalaikhumb to Khorog Drive along the Afghanistan border and make a stop at Vamar Fortress, Pir-I Shoh Nosir Shrine, museum and holy spring before arriving in Khorog for the night. (B,L,D) 250km DAY 6 Khorog Spend the day exploring Khorog, including the botanical gardens, the Khorog Museum, the local park and a traditional Pamiri house. (B,L,D) DAY 7 Khorog to Yamg Continue along the valley passing the town of Ishkashim. Visit the Garm Chashma hot spring and the Ismaili tomb of Shah-i-Mardan Hazrati Ali. Enjoy lunch in Ishkashim before pressing on to Namadgut village to see the Kahkaha fortress and the Oston – I Shobi Mardon shrine with its beautiful wood carvings and petroglyphs. Spend this evening in Yamg. (B,L,D) 190km DAY 8 Yamg to Langar Visit the Sufi Muboraki Vakhoni museum in Yamg, the Yamchun fortress and Bibi Fatima hot springs.

Return to Yamg for lunch and then head to Langar via the Buddhist stupa in Wrang and the petroglyphs in Langar. (B,L,D) 250km

DAY 9 Langar to Murghab In the morning, visit the local shrine of Mazor I Shoh Kambar I Ofto before starting the journey to Murgab. Pass Alichur Village en route to see the holy pool at Ak Balik before crossing the Nayzatosh Pass.

Arrive in Murghab, the largest town in the region, wander around the bazaar made of containers and visit the local Pamiri handicraft shop. (B,L,D) 100km DAY 10 Murghab to Osh Start the long journey north to Osh, traversing the wide moonlike plateaux and snow-capped mountains. Cross the border and continue to Osh, Kyrgyzstan. The road winds through mountain valleys and the landscape changes from harsh rocky mountains to green pastures dotted with the yurts of nomad families. (B,L,D) 410km DAY 11 Osh Spend the day exploring Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second largest and oldest city. Visit colourful Osh Bazaar – the largest market in Central Asia, the handicraft market and Solomon’s Throne, a rocky outcrop rising from the city centre. (B,L,D) DAY 12 Osh to Toktogul Today, drive to Toktogul Lake, stopping en-route at Uzgen town, to take in the ancient minarets and mausoleums in the centre of the citadel. Continue through beautiful canyons and gorges of the central Tien Shan mountains. (B,L,D) DAY 13 Toktogul to Bishkek Drive to Bishkek and visit the Manas Monument, the State History Museum, Ala Too Square, the Independence Monument and Parliament House and Victory Square. (B,L,D) 300km DAY 14 Ala Archa National Park Visit Ala Archa National Park, an alpine national park located just 40km from Bishkek. Spend some time taking in the scenery and walking before returning to Bishkek for a final dinner. (B,L,D) DAY 15 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

* Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Central Asia Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 65

Beyond the Cosmodrome DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

25 May 2019

Min 8 - Max 16

£4670 per person*

£300

Set at the point where space exploration technology, ancient Silk Road history and former USSR roots meet, Kazakhstan’s culture is as varied as its landscapes. Indulge the curiosity of your inner cosmonaut and visit Baikonur. Tour the Integration and Test Facility complex, visit the Space and Spaceport History Museums and see cottages inhabited by astronauts Gagarin and Korolev.

DAY 1 Fly to Astana Fly to Astana.

DAY 2 Astana Arrive in Astana, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Explore this futuristic capital city, visiting the Norman Foster-designed Palace of Peace and Accord, and the Khan Shatyr shopping and entertainment centre. Ascend the iconic Baiterek Tower for stunning views over the city before continuing up Green Water Boulevard to the Presidential Palace area and the impressive Khazret Sultan Mosque. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Astana to Baikonur After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Kyzylorda. Drive across the steppe to reach Baikonur. Passing one or two service stations and little else other than fields, camels and horses, this gives an appreciation of the size of Kazakhstan. On arrival, passes are issued and you are granted entry to the city. Russia leases both the town and the Cosmodrome from Kazakhstan so you will technically be on Russian soil. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Baikonur Baikonur is the world’s oldest and largest space launch site. Sputnik was launched here, as was Yuri Gagarin’s first manned mission, and even Tim Peake set off from here in 2016. Tour the Integration and Test Facility complex, followed by the Space Museum, ‘Buran’ Orbital complex and the cottages of Gagarin and Korolev, before Gagarin’s Start complex. In the afternoon, explore Baikonur city and visit the Spaceport History Museum. Take an overnight train to Turkestan in a shared compartment. Speak to a Specialist about upgrading to a private compartment for a supplement. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Turkestan to Shymkent Arrive in Turkestan for breakfast and travel to the medieval settlement, Sauran Fortress, popular with adventurers and lovers of antiquities. See the underground water conduits – kahrezes – that bring water from the Karatau Mountains. Return to Turkestan and visit the Azret-Sultan historical and architectural complex, the Mausoleum of Khoja

Ahmed Yawasi, the Turkestan ancient settlement, the necropolis and Hilvet underground mosque.

Continue to Shymkent for the night. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Taraz Drive to Taraz to see the 11th and 12thcentury monuments of the Aisha-Bibi Mausoleum, Babaja Hatum and the Karakhan Mausoleum as well as the Tekturmas historical complex. Return to Shymkent. (B,L,D) DAY 7 Shymkent Spend the morning exploring Shymkent. Visit the bazaar, Abai Park and the Museum of History. After lunch, explore at leisure. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Shymkent to Almaty After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the short flight to Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan (and said to be the original home of the apple), and transfer to your hotel for lunch. After having had a busy few days, spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the city at leisure. (B,L,D) DAY 9 Almaty Tour Almaty today; visit Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral (the second largest wooden building in the world built without the use of nails), the Green Bazaar, Kok-Tobe Hill and the Medeo Gorge – proud home of Kazakhstan’s outdoor speed-skating rink. Visit the Museum of National Musical Instruments, Republic Square and the Independence Monument. (B,L,D) DAY 10 Almaty Region Head out of the city to explore Almaty’s surrounding countryside. Start by visiting Big Almaty lake; at an altitude of 1,756 metres, this is one of the most picturesque lakes in Trans-Ili Alatau. Enjoy a fantastic panorama of the lakes and mountains, with slopes covered in fir trees, aspen and juniper. Return to Almaty. (B,L,D) DAY 11 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

*Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Central Asia Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 67

Back in the USSR DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

1 Jun 2019

Min 8 - Max 16

£3495 per person*

No single supplement

Few countries are as vast, yet as mysterious, as the Republic of Kazakhstan. It became independent in 1991 but still retains many features of its Soviet past. Kazakhstan was also the backdrop for the first pioneering space missions and the idealist ‘New Soviet Man’ projects. Understand the country’s role in the USSR’s nuclear deterrent development and testing, and the legacy it left.

DAY 1 Fly to Almaty Fly to Almaty via Astana.

DAY 2 Almaty Arrive in Almaty and embark on a tour of Kazakhstan’s former capital city visits the Park of the 28th Panfilov Guardsmen and the impressive Zenkov Cathedral – a huge wooden building built without the use of nails. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Almaty Today, visit the Old Square and the Opera and Ballet Theatre, see the classic Soviet architecture of the Kazakhstan Hotel and the Commissariat of the People’s Committee Building along with the Palace of Pupils and Central Museum. Head up to KokTobe Hill where the viewing deck offers sweeping views over the whole city, and, bizarrely, a bronze monument dedicated to the Beatles. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Almaty to Semey Fly to Ust-Kamenogorsk and travel to Semey; this city was founded in 1718 as a Russian fortification against the Zhungars, in the Kazakh Middle Horde. Semey produced the poet Abai Kunanbaev, and was a home in exile to the Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky. Visit museums dedicated to both writers, and the monument to the victims of nuclear testing. (B,L,D).

DAY 5 Semey to Kurchatov Head to Kurchatov, home of the Soviet nuclear testing programme. Stop to visit the abandoned town of Chagan; once home to the troops serving the nearby air force base. Today, a series of empty blocks remain that are gradually being taken over by nature. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Kurchatov Kurchatov offers visitors a sobering understanding of the impact of testing nuclear weapons. See the concrete instrument towers at Opytnoe Pole test site and several other places of interest on this vast site. The residual radiation levels are safe but safety equipment is provided, and guides monitor radiation with a dosimeter. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 Kurchatov to Pavlodar Travel to Pavlodar, an industrial, economic and cultural centre. Stop in Aksu to explore the statue park full of monuments from the Soviet period, including a copy of the famous ‘Worker and Kolkhoz Woman’ statue. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Pavlodar Tour Pavlodar, visiting the Regional History and Military Glory Museums, the Checkov Theatre, the Cathedral of the Annunciation as well as the Monument of Victims of the Famine. (B,L,D) DAY 9 Pavlodar to Karaganda Fly to Astana, and transfer to Karaganda. In the Kazakh steppe, Karaganda is known for two things: coal and labour camps. The vast KarLag network of Stalin-era camps was established to provide food and labour for the mines, and prison labour built much of Karaganda itself. Visit the Spassk Memorial to the victims of Soviet repression. (B,L,D) DAY 10 Karaganda Today, visit the former centre of the KarLag in Dolinka. The main administrative building displays photographs and stories from the Gulags. Later, tour Karaganda itself, visiting the Miners’ Cultural Palace, the Stanislavskiy Theatre, the Nurken Abdirov Monument and the Cosmonaut and War Memorials. (B,L,D) DAY 11 Karaganda to Astana Transfer to Astana and drive to the village of Akmol to visit the Museum of Soviet Repression at the fascinating former ALZHIR (Akmolinskiy Internment Camp for the Wives of the Betrayers of the Homeland) prison camp. (B,L,D) DAY 12 Astana Explore modern Astana, including the Norman Foster-designed Khan Shatyr shopping and entertainment centre, the Presidential Palace and the Khazret Sultan Mosque. Walk up Green Water Boulevard to the Baiterek Tower and ascend to the ‘Golden Globe’ for stunning city views. (B,L,D) DAY 13 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

*Price includes, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Central Asia Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 69

Pioneering North Korea DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

3 Sep 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£3400 per person*

£600

Perfect for those wanting to discover North Korea in more detail, our Pioneering North Korea tour offers travellers a truly unique experience in a secret world.

Chartering an aircraft to access some of the lesser, rarely-visited areas, this 17-day tour reaches many places other tours and travellers do not.

DAY 1 Beijing to Pyongyang Fly from Beijing to Pyongyang. (D) DAY 2 Pyongyang Explore Pyongyang, walk to see the Grand Theatre and Kim Il Sung Square, before heading to the Mansudae Fountain Park. Ascending Mansu Hill, pay respects at the 20-metre-tall bronze statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il at the Mansudae Grand Monument. Take the metro to the Arch of Triumph, visit Moranbong Park and the Juche Tower and have a drink at the Taedonggang Microbrewery. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Pyongyang Visit the mausoleum of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun before heading to Mount Taesong and exploring some of Pyongyang’s western suburbs. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Nampo & Myohyang Leave for Nampo, where you’ll take a boat to the 8-kilometre-long West Sea Barrage. Continue towards Mount Myohyang and visit the Pohyon Temple. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Myohyang Spend the morning touring the International Friendship Exhibition; a huge mountainside complex housing thousands of gifts presented to Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il & Kim Jong Un. After a barbecue lunch, enjoy an optional hike. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Myohyang to Kaesong Travel south to Kaesong, stopping at the impressive Monument to the Three Point Charter for National Reunification and the UNESCO-listed Tomb of King Kongmin. (B,L,D) DAY 7 DMZ (71st Anniversary of the Foundation of the DPRK) An army escort explains the history of the DMZ before you visit the Armistice Talks Hall and hopefully enter a hut that straddles the South Korea border. Today is flexible in order to incorporate any celebratory events that may occur. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Kaesong to Mount Paekdu Head back to Pyongyang and take a chartered aircraft to Samjiyon, the border region home to Mount Paekdu. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 Mount Paekdu Ascend to the Paekdu crater rim and either hike to Janggun Peak or walk to the shore of Lake Chon.

Visit the Paekdu Secret Camps – Kim Jong Il’s official birthplace – and Rimyongsu Falls. (B,L,D) DAY 10 Mount Paekdu to Chongjin Fly to Orang and continue to Chongjin. Tour the Susongchon Combined Foodstuffs Factory and visit the Steelworkers Kindergarten before dinner in the Foreign Sailors’ Club. (B,L,D) DAY 11 Chongjin to Hamhung Explore Chongjin’s Russian War Memorial and ride on a private trolleybus. Fly to the industrial hub of Hamhung. (B,L,D) DAY 12 Hamhung Tour Hamhung at a leisurely pace, visiting the Hungnam Fertiliser Factory and the Grand Theatre, before a relaxing afternoon at the beach with a barbecue dinner. (B,L,D) DAY 13 Hamhung to Wonsan Head to the Dongbong Cooperative Farm and continue to the pleasant city of Wonsan. Today is flexible in order to incorporate any celebratory events that may occur. (B,L,D) DAY 14 Wonsan to Masikryong Before reaching Masikryong Ski Resort, where walking opportunities abound, explore Wonsan’s centre and the Songdowon International Schoolchildren’s Camp. (B,L,D) DAY 15 Masikryong to Pyongyang Return to the capital and visit the Fatherland Liberation War Museum and the USS Pueblo, a captured 850-ton US spy boat. (B,L,D) DAY 16 Pyongyang Today, tour the Supreme Court of the DPRK (very rarely seen by tourists), see the May Day Stadium and attend the circus before dinner at the Taedonggang Diplomatic Club. (B,L,D) DAY 17 Pyongyang to Beijing Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Beijing. (B)

*Price includes flights from Beijing, accommodation, North Korean visa fees, transfers and meals as specified.

Talk to a North Korea Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 71

ew N ur To

Essence of Japan DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

3 Jun 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£5150 per person*

£485

Discover the delights of Japan on our new small-group adventure. Explore Osaka with its neon-lit nightlife and strong food culture, spend time in Hiroshima and visit picturesque Miyajima Island, home to the ‘floating’ torii gate. Delve into beautiful Kyoto and meet a geisha for afternoon tea and end in Tokyo to explore its bustling streets, soaring skyscrapers and historic temples.

DAY 1 Fly to Osaka Arrive in Osaka and transfer to the hotel. Explore the area and enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

(D) DAY 2 Osaka to Hiroshima Take the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. Jump on a tram into the city to explore the Peace Park and Peace Museum before enjoying free time for a spot of lunch. Tonight, have a traditional dinner at Okonimiyaki-mura. (B,D) DAY 3 Miyajima Island Rise early and take a train and ferry to nearby Miyajima Island. See the wild (yet tame) deer and stroll the grounds of Daishoin and pretty Itsukushima Shrine. Ascend Mt Misen via the ropeway for picturesque views of the island. Enjoy free time to explore further before returning to the hotel. (B) DAY 4 Hiroshima to Kinosaki Onsen Take the train to Himeji, a town famous for its surviving feudal castle. Explore the castle and grounds before continuing to Kinosaki Onsen, one of the best places to enjoy a traditional onsen experience. Spend the evening in a Japanese style ryokan and soak in the hot spring bath. (B,D) DAY 5 Kinosaki Onsen to Amanohashidate Take a cable car to the top of Mount Taishi for stunning views of the area. Board a train to Amanohashidate and travel by boat to visit a sake brewery to learn the process of sake making. In the evening, sit down to a kaiseki dinner, where food is prepared with an adherence to the principles of omontenashi, the concept of wholehearted hospitality. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Amanohashidate to Kyoto Today, take a train to historic Kyoto. Check in to the hotel before heading out for lunch in a local restaurant. Stroll the picturesque streets of Gion district and meet a maiko (young geisha) at a private teahouse. Enjoy a cup of green tea with Japanese cake, watch a classic dance performance and learn about her lifestyle. Spend the evening at leisure. (B,L) DAY 7 Kyoto Spend the day discovering Kyoto. Visit the famous Silver Pavilion which sits amidst lush gardens, stroll

along the tree-lined corridor of the Philosopher’s Path and take in Eikando temple with its quintessentially Japanese garden. If time allows, climb the steep steps to Taho-to Pagoda to enjoy the views and end the day at Nanzanji Buddhist Temple. (B) DAY 8 Kyoto Enjoy a free day to explore Kyoto at leisure. Perhaps visit the Botanical Gardens, the impressive Imperial Palace or the Nishiki covered market. (B) DAY 9 Kyoto to Kanazawa Take the Thunderbird train to Kanazawa, passing Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. Spend the day in the city visiting Omicho fish market, Higashi Chaya district and the traditional Shima teahouse which is an excellent example of Edo period architecture. (B) DAY 10 Kanazawato Nagano Learn the art of Kuga Yusen silk dyeing, a technique used for kimono dyeing which dates to the early 18th-century. Visit the gardens at Kenroku-en and the Nomura Samurai House. Take the train to the mountain town of Nagano, also known as the ‘Roof of Japan’ and host to the 1998 Winter Olympics. (B) DAY 11 Nagano to Tokyo Visit the 7th-century Zenkoji Temple and watch the monks chanting, a rare experience. Transfer to Yudanaka for a short hike to the home of the worldfamous snow monkeys. Take the train to Shinjuku, Tokyo, the busiest station in the world and check in to the hotel. (B) DAY 12 Tokyo Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine and gardens, Harajuka, Omotesando, and the Nezu Museum Gardens. Stop for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. (B,L) DAY 13 Tokyo Explore the Asakusa region and visit the Sensoji Temple, the Sumida-gawa river and the Hamarikyu gardens. Continue to Tsujiki Outer Market and end the day in Ginza, an upmarket neighbourhood of Tokyo, with some time at leisure to browse. Enjoy a farewell dinner in a local Tokyo izakaya. (B,D) DAY 14 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

*Price includes, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Japan Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 73

Bhutan in Depth DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

4 Oct 2019

Min 6 - Max 12

£4495 per person*

£450

Glacier-fed rivers, jaw-dropping mountain passes and Buddhist temples festoon this Himalayan paradise, sandwiched between the Tibetan plateau and India. This tour takes in two of Bhutan’s most colourful festivals at Thimphu and Bumthang. Sample Bhutanese cuisine in Paro before following the iconic route to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, guided by fluttering prayer flags.

DAYS 1 & 2 Fly to Kathmandu Arrive in Kathmandu and enjoy a welcome dinner. (D) DAY 3 Kathmandu to Bhutan Fly to Paro and transfer to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. A local guest speaker will present an evening lecture on the Bhutanese concept of GNH (Gross National Happiness), followed by a stroll around the popular night market. (B,D) DAY 4 Thimphu Tsechu Watch the colourful Thimphu Tsechu (festival) before exploring the beautiful city architecture. Dances are performed by monks or laymen accompanied by horns, reed trumpets and drums. This is an important event in Bhutan’s religious and social calendar and people wear their ‘Sunday best’. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Thimphu to Punakha Drive to Punakha via the scenic Dochula Pass adorned with 108 Buddhist shrines known as chortens. Walk through paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang Temple, and continue to Punakha Dzong where you may meet local monks. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Punakha to Phobjikha Drive to Phobjikha valley, a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. This is one of Bhutan’s most important wildlife preserves because it is host to a large flock of black-necked cranes that migrate here from Tibet in winter. Visit Gangtey Monastery and the Crane Information Centre. (B,L,D) DAY 7 Phobjikha to Bumthang Drive the winding roads through the Pele La Pass, which stands at 3,300m and is the traditional boundary between east and west. Stop for lunch in Trongsa and visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong Museum, housed in the old watchtower.

Continue to Bumthang over the Yutong-la pass and into the Chumey Valley. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 Bumthang to Paro This morning, visit Tamshing Lhakhang temple which was restored at the end of the 19th century. Also visit the Dairy Farm, the Swiss Cheese Factory and the Apple Juice Factory on the way to your hotel for lunch. Transfer to the airport and fly to Paro. (B,L,D) DAY 10 Paro Enjoy a scenic drive to the Cheli La pass and partake in an offering of prayer flags. There is an optional hike to the ancient nunnery of Kila Goemba, passing through pine and rhododendron forests.

Return to Paro and visit the national museum which houses a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national treasures. Continue to Paro Rinpung Dzong which is the seat of the district administration and home for the monastic school. (B,L,D) DAY 11 Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, clinging to the edge of an 800-metre cliff overlooking the Paro Valley and surrounded by fluttering prayer flags. Descend to Drugyal Dzong and explore Paro town. This evening, soak weary limbs in a traditional hot-stone bath. (B,L,D) DAY 12 Bhutan to Kathmandu Fly to Kathmandu and enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour. Visit Swayambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple, Patan City, explore Durbar Square, the Royal Baths and the Golden Temple. This evening, enjoy a Nepalese farewell dinner and cultural show. (B,L,D) DAY 13 Fly to the UK Visit Pashupatinath Temple, the 4th-century Changu Narayan Temple, and Bhaktapur, known as the ‘City of Devotees’. Transfer to the airport for the evening flight back to the UK. (B,L)

DAY 8 Bumthang After breakfast, drive to Thangbi Mani and attend the colourful and sacred festival held at the temple – one of the most popular festivals held in Chhoekhor Gewog. In the afternoon, enjoy a Bhutanese lunch in a traditional farm-house and explore the valley on a gentle walk. (B,L,D) *Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers, sightseeing tours and Bhutan visa. Price excludes Nepalese visa.

Talk to a Bhutan Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 75

Highlights of Borneo DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

22 May 2019

Min 6 - Max 12

£3160 per person*

£395

Get up close to the iconic characters of this wildlife-rich island and enjoy an introduction to landscapes of deep green jungle, rugged mountains and meandering rivers. Seek out remote longhouses, trek through pristine rainforests, spot pygmy elephants on the Kinabatangan River and encounter the warmth of the Bornean locals who call this beautiful country their home.

DAY 1 Fly to Kuching Arrive in Kuching in the morning and transfer to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre to watch the afternoon feeding of the resident orangutans.

Spend the evening at leisure in Kuching.

Poring Hot Springs before enjoying an adventurous walk along the canopy walkway.

Explore the jungle trails and discover rare orchids, pitcher plants, bird and insect life.

Return to the city for the evening at leisure. (B,L)

DAY 2 Kuching to Bako National Park Today, take a boat ride to Bako National Park, spending the day spotting proboscis and silver leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, wild boars, monitor lizards, and numerous bird species amid the tropical forest. (B,L)

DAY 8 Sepilok & Kinabatangan River Fly to Sandakan and visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary to witness the orangutan feeding, and explore the Bornean Sun Bear Centre. Embark on a boat cruise up the lower Kinabatangan River to reach Abai Jungle Lodge. Relax or explore the nature boardwalk before boarding another cruise in search of monkeys, birds and pygmy elephants. Return to the lodge for a guided night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 Kuching to Batang Ai National Park Drive to Batang Ai Reservoir, stopping en route at Lachau Bazaar to stroll around the small native market. Arrive at Batang Ai Lake and travel by longboat upriver to reach Nanga Sumpa Lodge, where you’ll be able to meet the local Iban tribe. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Enseluai Waterfall & Nanga Sumpa Longhouse Hike the jungle trails along the Delok River before taking a longboat to the Enseluai Waterfall. You may stop to watch a demonstration of Iban-style fishing using a ‘Jala’, or throw net, on the way.

Arrive at the scenic Enseluai Waterfall and enjoy a riverside barbecue lunch and a swim in the pool.

Return to the lodge and, after dinner, visit Nanga Sumpa longhouse to spend time with the Iban people and to sample local rice wine. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Batang Ai National Park to Kuching Explore jungle trails in the morning before returning overland to Kuching. (B,L) DAY 6 Kuching to Kota Kinabalu Fly to Kota Kinabalu and enjoy an afternoon at leisure – perhaps explore the popular night market. (B) DAY 7 Kinabalu Park Drive to Kinabalu National Park. This was the first national park in Sabah and is dominated

by Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest peaks in South-East Asia. Take a dip in the soothing

DAY 9 Pitas Lake & Abai Village Take an early boat to Pitas Lake for a wildlife viewing trip and return to the lodge for breakfast.

Visit nearby Abai Village to participate in a tree planting project and enjoy lunch with a local family. Return to the lodge for another wildlife cruise along the Kinabatangan River. (B,L,D) DAY 10 Kinabatangan River to Sandakan Cruise back down the Kinabatangan River to reach Sandakan. Check in to MY Nature Resort and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B,L,D) DAY 11 Sepilok Drive to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. This private reserve is home to proboscis monkeys as well as silver leaf monkeys and rare hornbills. Spend time in the reserve before returning to the lodge for lunch and free time. In the afternoon, visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which sits in the lush greenery of the Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve. This interesting education centre offers the chance to enjoy a canopy walkway and hopefully see large groups of giant red flying squirrels at dusk. (B,L,D) DAYS 12 & 13 Sandakan to UK Transfer to Sandakan airport for the return flight to the UK. (B)

*Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Borneo Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 77

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Best of Borneo DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

8 Oct 2019

Min 6 - Max 12

£3095 per person*

£820

From the bustling capital of Kota Kinabalu, head deep into the jungle of Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Trek the trails searching for proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, wild orangutans and an abundance of birdlife.

Spot wildlife along the Kinabatangan River, visit Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre and watch juvenile orangutans learn the art of play. End your adventure relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Gaya Island.

DAYS 1 & 2 Fly to Borneo Arrive in Kota Kinabalu, transfer to your hotel and check in for two nights.

DAY 3 Kota Kinabalu Spend the day at leisure exploring the city. (B) DAY 4 Tabin Wildlife Reserve Return to the airport for the early morning flight to Lahad Datu. Land and transfer to Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Tabin Wildlife Reserve is a release site for rehabilitated orangutans from Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, so it is a great place to try and see these endangered primates in their natural habitat. This afternoon, trek to the Lipad mud volcano which is a focal point for wildlife in the area and attracts pygmy elephants, macaques, red leaf monkeys and gibbons.

Explore the reserve further before returning to the lodge. After dinner, enjoy a 4WD night safari in search of nocturnal wildlife which may include flying squirrels. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Tabin Wildlife Reserve Head out on an early morning bird walk to discover some of the almost 300 bird species in the reserve. Return for breakfast before taking a trek through lush rainforest to the Lipad Waterfall. Cool off in the natural pool or explore the surrounding jungle landscape. Return to the lodge where there is the opportunity to try the Tabin Rainforest foot soak. This evening enjoy a dusk drive in search of nocturnal wildlife heading out in search of food. After dinner, end your stay with a night walk in search of further wildlife.

(B,L,D) DAY 6 Kinabatangan River This morning, drive to the Kinabatangan River and check in to the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge for one night. The river is home to an abundance of wildlife including pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, macaques and wild orangutans. Enjoy lunch and time at leisure. In the late afternoon, enjoy a river cruise to search for the resident wildlife. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 Kinabatangan River This morning, transfer downriver to Abai Jungle Lodge, another great location to spot wildlife.

Here, enjoy lunch with the local Abai villagers and partake in their tree planting programme. In the afternoon, take a further river cruise to see the wildlife and after dinner, enjoy a short cruise to see the fireflies that light up riverside trees like a Christmas tree. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre Awake to the sound of the jungle and transfer by boat downriver and through the Sulu Sea to Sandakan. Visit the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre for the morning orangutan feeding. There should also be the opportunity to visit the orangutan nursery to watch the juveniles learning to play from their fellow orangutans. Continue to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn a little about the centre’s work to rescue and rehabilitate the smallest bears in the world, the sun bear. End the day at MY Nature Resort which sits on the edge of the Sepilok protected reserve and is home to a large colony of flying squirrels which can often be seen leaving to hunt at sunset.

(B,L,D) DAY 9 Gaya Island This morning, return to Sandakan and fly back to Kota Kinabalu. Take the resort speedboat to Gaya Island Resort. Set in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park this small island resort offers excellent snorkelling and a luxury stay. (B) DAY 10 Gaya Island Spend the day relaxing at the resort. Enjoy beach time and snorkelling. (B) DAY 11 Gaya Island Spend the day at leisure, perhaps embark on a jungle trek around the island. (B) DAYS 12 Fly to the UK After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

*Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Borneo Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 79

Cultures & Customs of Papua New Guinea DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

28 June 2019

Min 6 - Max 11

£6845 per person*

£1250

Offering a heady mix of traditional tribal encounters, jungle exploration in wildliferich environments and pristine sandy beaches, Papua New Guinea is as diverse as they come. From meeting Asaro Mudmen of the Goroka district to attending Warwagira and National Mask Festival, this tour will get you under the skin of this captivating country.

DAYS 1 & 2 Fly to Port Moresby Fly to Port Moresby, via Manila.

DAY 3 Port Moresby Arrive in Port Moresby and drive to a hotel near the airport. Relax for the remainder of the day. (B,D) DAY 4 Goroka Fly to Goroka. Tour the Asaro Mudman Village for a traditional fire making ceremony and mudman performance. Sample a ‘mumu’ lunch (cooked in an earth oven), and end the day at the Daulo Pass for a spectacular panorama. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Goroka Climb to Mount Gurupoka for fantastic views of the Asaro Valley and Daulo Mountains. Visit an ancestral cave, complete with a Ghost Dance display. Later, explore Goroka’s market, a coffee factory and JK McCarthy Museum. (B,D) DAY 6 Goroka In a local Chimbu village learn traditional skills, including making weapons, musical instruments and bilum (string bags). (B,D) DAY 7 Goroka to Madang Drive to Madang. Stop at Kamaliki Village for a dance performance, and enjoy a photo stop at Yonki Hydro Dam. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Madang Depart on a birdwatching excursion. Travel to a local village where many endemic birds, including birds of paradise, can be seen in the cool quiet of the early morning. Explore Madang and see ceremonial headdresses, jewellery, weapons and musical instruments exhibited at the museum. Visit the Coastwatchers Memorial Beacon dating back to WWII. (B,D) DAY 9 Madang In Hobe Village, watch a traditional dance, culture and music performance followed by a Madang-style lunch. Return to Madang and explore Balek Wildlife Sanctuary, home to turtles and eels. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 Madang to Rabaul Fly to Rabaul via Port Moresby and relax for the afternoon. (B,L,D) DAY 12 Rabaul Today, explore Rabaul and its surroundings.

Megapode birds incubate their eggs in the volcanic ash at the foot of Mount Tavurvur. Meet the Matupit villagers who dig for them, and boil an egg in the volcanic heated water. (B,L,D) DAY 13 National Mask Festival Take an early walk to the beach for the local Tolai tribe Kinavai ceremony. After breakfast, enjoy a Rabaul Harbour cruise, which takes you close to the base of Mount Tavurvur and visit a megapode field where villagers dig for eggs. (B,D) DAY 14 Rabaul Enjoy the festival’s cultural dancing and ritual performances before exploring Kokopo Town. In the evening, watch an extraordinary Baining Fire Dance.

(B,D) DAY 15 Port Moresby Fly to Port Moresby. Visit the Adventure Park, National Museum and Parliament Haus. (B,D) DAY 16 Port Moresby Journey by boat to nearby Daugo Island. Enjoy a swim at the white sand beach and discover the way of life for this small fishing community. (B,L,D) DAY 17 Manila Fly to Manila and enjoy free time. (B) DAY 18 Manila Explore the historic walled city, Intramuros, and San Agustin Church. Enjoy lunch and peruse the Chinese Cemetery in Quiapo. (B,L) DAY 19 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

DAY 10 Madang Cruise around Madang Harbour to visit tiny Siar Island and snorkel the colourful reef at Pig Island. (B,L,D) *Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Papua New Guinea Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 81

ŠDavid Kirkland

ew N

DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

2 Aug 2019

Min 6 - Max 12

£11475 per person*

£225

ur To

Cruise the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea

At 1,126 kilometres long, the Sepik River is Papua New Guinea’s equivalent to the Amazon. Along the banks of the river you will find sparsely scattered, remote villages, scarcely contacted by the outside world, where people live a lifestyle that has changed little for thousands of years. Explore this region aboard the Kalibobo Spirit and visit the 13th Sepik River Crocodile Festival in Ambunti.

DAY 1 Singapore Arrive in Singapore. Spend the night in a hotel located close to the airport and enjoy time to relax.

DAYS 2 & 3 Fly to Port Moresby Arrive in Port Moresby. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Port Moresby Adventure Park which houses a beautiful array of the country’s natural icons – from the indigenous Raggiana Bird of Paradise to tropical orchids, tree kangaroos and colourful cassowaries.

Wander through the meandering pathways and enjoy the Bird of Paradise Sanctuary and the National Orchid Garden. (B) DAY 4 Port Moresby to Mt. Hagen Take an early flight to Mt. Hagen and drive to meet the iconic Skeleton Warriors. As the name suggests, tribal men paint their bodies to resemble a skeleton to intimidate rival tribes. This afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Mt. Hagen including a visit to Polga Village to watch a mudman show. Visit Mt. Hagen local vegetable market and Paiya village to enjoy a demonstration of traditional cooking and a ‘sing sing’ performance. (B) DAY 5 Sepik River Cruise Transfer to the airport for a picturesque flight to Ambunti in the remote upper Sepik region. The journey passes over razor sharp mountains and across the vast, flat plain of the impressive Sepik River. On arrival in Ambunti, transfer by speedboat to your home for the next seven days – the Kalibobo Spirit cruiser. The rest of the morning will be spent at the Ambunti Show Ground to witness the 13th Sepik River Crocodile Festival. In Sepik culture man and crocodile share a special bond with the crocodile symbolising strength, power and manhood. The festival attracts groups from the wider Sepik basin to perform spirited cultural dances and rituals complete with wild costumes and traditional music. Return to the boat and enjoy lunch and dinner onboard. (B,L,D) DAYS 6-10 Sepik River Cruise The Sepik is one of the region’s largest rivers, home

to more than 70,000 people with unique cultures and artefacts that are amongst the most sought after in the world. Spend the next six days cruising down the upper, middle and lower part of the Sepik River, visiting the villages of Korogo, Yentchen, and Parembei. Stop at Kanganaman village, where you can see the magnificent Haus Tambarans (Spirit Houses) and visit Kopar, the first village on the mouth of the Sepik River. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, collect artefacts and witness cultural ‘sing sings’. If time permits, you can visit the volcanic islands of Boisa and Manam which are situated just off the mouth of the Sepik River. It is sometimes possible to see eruptions from Manam on the mainland of Papua New Guinea. (B, L, D) DAY 11 Sepik to Madang Today enjoy a final day discovering the wonders of the mighty Sepik River before cruising overnight to Madang. (B,L,D) DAY 12 Madang Arrive in Madang Resort marina. Disembark and check in to Madang Resort Hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore at leisure. Perhaps relax in the hotel gardens or by the swimming pool. (B) DAY 13 Madang Embark on a small boat cruise of Madang harbour.

Cruise past Bilia Island, Bode Point and Binen to reach the narrow channel into the Meiro River delta which leads into Madang Lagoon. Stop at Wangat or Tab island where you can enjoy swimming and snorkelling before returning to the resort. This afternoon, visit the small local market and the museum which boasts an interesting array of PNG artefacts. Continue to Bilbil village which is famous for pottery making and enjoy a ‘sing sing’ performance before returning via the Coastwatcher’s Memorial. (B) DAY 14 Fly to the UK Transfer to the airport for your flight to Port Moresby. Embark on a short guided tour of Port Moresby. Transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight back to Singapore. (B)

*Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Borneo Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 83

ŠDavid Kirkland

ew N

DE PART URE

GROUP SIZE

PR I C E F R OM

SI NGLE SUPP

23 Oct 2019

Min 10 - Max 16

£6095 per person*

£890

ur To

Tribes & Traditions of Papua New Guinea This trip gets under the skin of Papua New Guinea’s most enchanting traditional cultures.

Discover life in the Eastern Highlands with sing sings in Goroka district before watching a fascinating Asaro Mudman performance. Later, in Milne Bay Province, join the festivities at the colourful Kenu & Kundu Festival which celebrates the importance of traditional canoes.

DAY 1 Fly to Goroka Fly to Port Moresby and onwards to Goroka.

Begin your trip at an Asaro Mudman village. The mudmen have become the guardian symbol of the Asaro villages. Traditional dances are performed by tribe members covered in mud and wearing large mud masks at events and festivals throughout the year. Witness a traditional fire making ceremony, enjoy a tasty “mumu” lunch and observe a thrilling mudman performance. End the day at the Daulo Pass. (L,D) DAY 2 Goroka Embark on a short climb to Mount Gurupoka, which boasts fantastic views over Asaro valley and the Daulo Mountains. Visit an ancestral cave and enjoy a Ghost Dance performance by the local villagers. In the afternoon, explore Goroka town.

Visit the bustling local market, a traditional coffee factory and the JK McCarthy Museum. (B,D) DAY 3 Goroka In Chimbu village, learn about the making of traditional weapons, musical instruments, and bilum (string bags). Try your hand at face painting and archery and watch a traditional courting ceremony. The afternoon is free to relax. (B,D) DAY 4 Goroka to Madang Travel to Madang, stopping en route at Kamaliki Village to watch a traditional dance. Many birds can be spotted along the way, including hornbills and white cockatoos. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Madang This morning, embark on an early morning birdwatching experience in a nearby village.

Papua New Guinea is a birdwatcher’s paradise with nearly 400 endemic species. Visit the local market and explore the Madang Museum to see ceremonial headdresses, jewellery, weapons and musical instruments from the region. Visit the Coastwatchers Memorial Beacon which dates to WWII and still acts as a lighthouse. (B,D) DAY 6 Madang This morning, drive to Hobe village and watch a traditional local village sing-sing. Enjoy a Madang-

style lunch and visit Balek Habitat, which is home to river turtles and river eels. (B,L,D) DAY 7 Madang Today, board a small boat and cruise Madang harbour which sits on a peninsula surrounded by picturesque islands. Stop at tiny Siar Island and then snorkel the reefs around Pig Island. Enjoy a BBQ lunch. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Madang to Alotau Fly to Port Moresby and continue to Alotau in Milne Bay Province. Transfer to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure. (B,D) DAY 9 Alotau Enjoy a morning tour of Alotau. This small town is the gateway to Milne Bay Province which is home to remote island communities and is famous for the Battle of Milne Bay which took place in 1942. In the afternoon, visit the festival ground to witness a cultural performance as part of the 16th annual Kenu & Kundu Festival, a celebration of the canoes and the people who make and use them. (B,D) DAY 10 Kenu & Kundu Festival Take a morning boat to Wagawaga Island to enjoy the War Canoe Festival. Traditionally participants come from remote island communities, and travel with their canoes loaded with food, pigs and cultural dance groups for a feasting exchange ceremony. Enjoy a cultural sing-sing performance and lunch at a local lodge, before heading out on a nature walk to search for birdlife. Return to the mainland via boat for the evening at leisure. (B,L,D) DAY 11 Alotau Today take a boat trip to nearby Skeleton Island for a swimming and snorkelling excursion. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the island before returning to Alotau for a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D) DAY 12 Fly to the UK Take a morning flight to Port Moresby and onward to Singapore. Connect to an onward flight, or perhaps opt to extend your stay in Singapore. (B)

*Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.

Talk to a Papua New Guinea Specialist on 0117 280 0121

www.regent-holidays.co.uk | 85

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Booking Conditions Regent specialises in holidays to unusual destinations, many of which remain relatively underdeveloped and without the facilities and services found in western European countries.

We do our best to match expectations but we ask that clients accept that changes may occur which are outside of our control and that standards may differ to those that you are used to. We must point out that this kind of holiday carries a risk that accommodation, transportation schedules and other parts of the holiday may be subject to alterations beyond our control at short notice. Accommodation and transport may also be of a standard lower than you expect, despite our best efforts to promote them correctly. We regard this as part of the off-the-beaten-track travel experience, however we recognise that some holiday-makers would prefer a more conventional package holiday and we therefore ask that you consider this before booking a Regent holiday.

Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully.

They contain important information about your holiday contract.

1. CONTRACT Your contract is with ITC Travel Group Limited trading as Regent Holidays of 6th Floor, Colston Tower, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 4XE, referred to as “we” or “us” in this contract. A binding contract is only entered into when we issue a confirmation invoice. By contacting us or your travel agent to make a booking you accept that you have the authority to bind all members of your party to these terms and conditions. It is essential that you check the travel details on the confirmation invoice and inform us immediately of any errors. Your booking is also subject to the conditions of carriage of your chosen airline.

2. YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION We provide full financial protection for our package holidays, by way of our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 2786. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. We will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where we aren’t able do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). If we are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme.

You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.

3. ABTA We are a Member of ABTA, membership number V2359. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com. You can also access the European Commission Online Dispute (ODR) Resolution platform at http://ec.europa. eu/consumers/odr/. This ODR platform is a means of registering your complaint with us; it will not determine how your complaint should be resolved.

4. PAYMENT FOR YOUR HOLIDAY Your deposit is considered part payment towards your holiday. The exact deposit required shall be made clear at time of quotation/ booking. On occasion, full payment may be required to secure certain elements of your trip; if this does arise we shall inform you of this at time of booking. Deposits are nonrefundable and as such are a security towards confirming your holiday. Normally the balance and final payment should be made no less than eight weeks prior to departure. However, on occasion some components and/or destinations may require final payment no less than 90 days prior to departure, in which case you shall be informed of this at time of booking. If any balance remains unpaid, travel documentation will not be issued and we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled and apply the cancellation charges set out below. Final travel documents will normally be sent out approximately two weeks before departure.

All monies you pay to the travel agent are held by them on behalf and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times. This is subject to the agent’s obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail. If we fail, any money held at that time by the agent, or subsequently accepted from you by him, is and continues to be held on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us.

Payment must be in the currency of the invoice and you are responsible for bank charges. If you choose to pay the balance of your holiday by credit card, including Amex, a 1.5% levy will be charged. No charge is levied for payment by debit card. In some cases, quotations will be based on instant purchase, limited availability non-refundable airfares and full payment of the total holiday cost must be made at the time of booking. Full details will be given at the time of enquiry.

5. INFORMATION Whilst we make every effort to ensure that the information in our brochure is as accurate as possible, it is published many months before your holiday takes place. We reserve the right to make changes to the brochure and any information it contains. You will be informed of any material changes before booking. Regent Holidays are only responsible for information contained within our own publications and websites. We are specifically not responsible for third party information (from tourist boards and hotels, for example) contained in any other brochures or websites.

6. AMENDMENT AND CANCELLATION BY YOU (A) AMENDMENT We will do our best to assist you in altering your arrangements after booking but cannot guarantee that this will be possible. If alterations can be made you will be responsible for all extra charges and costs and we reserve the right to charge an administration fee per person plus

any applicable charges levied by our suppliers.

In some cases, flights cannot be changed after booking and the full cost of a new air ticket will be payable. We also reserve the right to treat any amendment less than eight weeks prior to departure as a cancellation and apply the cancellation charges set out below.

(B) CANCELLATION All cancellations must be made in writing by the person who made the booking and are effective on the day we receive it. As we incur substantial costs and losses on a cancellation, we will apply the following cancellation charges based on payment/balance date of eight weeks prior to departure. For those bookings where additional amounts were paid in excess of the standard deposit at the time of booking or before the standard balance due date, these shall be considered non-refundable. Number of days prior to departure cancellation charge as percentage of total holiday price when cancellation notice received Up to 56 days Forfeit deposit: 55-43 days 50% 42-31 days 75% 30 days or less 100% Agents or third party organisations acting on our behalf are unable to amend or change the contract or terms and conditions within it.

7. AMENDMENT AND CANCELLATION BY US (A) AMENDMENT It is occasionally necessary for us to make changes to advertised products and services and we reserve the right to make such changes.

In exceptional circumstances we may have to modify your holiday after booking. If the change is minor we will do our best to notify you or your travel agent in advance but are not obliged to do so and no compensation is payable. If the change is major (for example, a change of flight time by more than twelve hours, change of destination or to a lower standard of accommodation), we will notify you as soon as practically possible and offer you the choice of (i) accepting the alternative arrangements or (ii) arranging an alternative holiday with us or (iii) cancelling your holiday. Whichever option you choose, we will pay you compensation unless the change has been caused by force majeure or low bookings, as defined below.

Days before departure compensation per person: 57 or more Nil – 56-29 £40 28-15 £50 – 14-0 £70 (B) CHANGES DURING THE HOLIDAY If we are unable to provide a significant proportion of your holiday whilst you are away, suitable alternative arrangements will be made for you at no extra cost or, if we are unable to do so, you will be returned to your point of departure and given a pro-rata refund for any part of the holiday not received. In some cases we will also pay compensation (see above).

This does not apply to minor changes in your accommodation, itinerary or transportation.

(C) CANCELLATION BY US Whilst we hope we will never have to cancel your holiday, this does very occasionally happen and we reserve the right to do so.

Should it be necessary to cancel your holiday, we will endeavour to offer alternative travel arrangements of equivalent or similar standard, together with a price refund if appropriate.

Alternatively we will provide a full and prompt refund. In some cases we will also pay compensation (see above).

(D) FORCE MAJEURE Compensation will not be payable in any cases where an amendment, change or cancellation is due to “force majeure”, defined as unusual or unforeseeable events or circumstances beyond

our control, the consequences of which neither we nor our suppliers could avoid. These include, but are not limited to, war, threat of war, riot, civil disturbance or strife, terrorist activity (actual or threatened), industrial disputes, unavoidable technical problems with transport, machinery or equipment, power failure, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, flood, drought, adverse weather conditions, levels of water in rivers, acts of God, closure of airports, changes of schedules or operational decisions of transport providers.

(E) LOW BOOKINGS Compensation is not payable if a holiday or tour does not take place because a required minimum number of passengers to enable the holiday or tour to take place has not been reached and you were informed of that requirement at the time of booking. We will notify you at least eight weeks before departure if your holiday has not reached the minimum number and is therefore cancelled and where possible we will offer a similar holiday on a different date or an alternative holiday departing at or around the original date.

8. PRICES All prices advertised or quoted are per person based on sharing a twin/double room and are in pounds sterling unless otherwise shown and are subject to change, up or down, until the booking is concluded. After that, we will only increase the price in limited circumstances to reflect increases in transportation costs (including fuel and airfares), dues, government approved taxes (including VAT), both in the UK and overseas, fees chargeable for services (including landing taxes and embarkation and disembarkation and security fees at airports), Government action or exchange rate variation.

If the surcharge would increase the cost of your holiday by 10% or more, you may cancel your holiday and receive a full refund. We will absorb the cost, and you will not be charged, for any increase equivalent to or up to 2% of the original price of your holiday (excluding amendment fees). No surcharges will be made within 30 days of departure. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place. No surcharges will be made within 30 days of departure.

Prices in our brochures were calculated at the exchange rate of £1 = ISK135, £1 = €1.11, £1 = USD1.3, £1 = RUB76 on 30th June 2017.

9. OUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO YOU We take care to ensure that all those involved in the preparation and supply of your holiday maintain the highest standards. Please remember that the appropriate standards will be those prevalent in your destination, which may not be the same as developed international standards.

We will pay reasonable compensation if the product supplied to you is not of the standard described or contracted for by you. This compensation will be limited (except in the case of death or injury) to no more than twice the holiday price of the person affected.

Should you suffer injury, illness or death as a result of the proven fault of ourselves, our suppliers or their employees acting in the course of their employment, we will offer you compensation as would be paid in an English Court. If the incident relating to you or any member of your party being killed, injured or becoming ill during or as a result of, carriage by aircraft, ship, train or coach as part of the holiday arrangements organised by us, our liability to pay compensation is limited in accordance with the liability of the carrier/service provider under any international convention which governs such services. Copies of these Conventions are available upon request.

Our liability to you does not apply if: you or any member of your group is at fault: if the failure is the

fault of someone else not connected with providing the services which form part of our holiday contract with you; the failure is due to any unusual or unexpected circumstances beyond our control, which we could not have avoided even if we had used all care possible; or the failure is due to any event which we or the supplier of any service could not help, expect or prevent.

Any acceptance of liability is subject to you agreeing to assign to us your rights against any third party responsible for the events leading to your claim and to you affording us all necessary assistance in pursuing that claim.

10. COMPLAINTS If you have any complaint or problem whilst on holiday you must inform us, our ground agents or the supplier (i.e. the hotel) as soon as possible to give us the maximum opportunity to rectify it. If your complaint is not resolved locally, please follow this up within 28 days of your return home in writing.

It is strongly recommended that you communicate any complaint to the supplier of the services locally. If you fail to follow this simple procedure, we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst you are in the destination and this may affect your rights under this contract.

11. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTATION It is your responsibility to ensure that all necessary passports are machine readable. You should also ensure that all necessary visas, international driving licences, vaccinations and other health documents are in order. All passports must have a validity of at least six months from your scheduled return date to the UK. You will generally need clear/clean pages for visas, as required, to be inserted. You must read all documentation that is supplied to you and ensure that all information contained within is correct. Failure to do so may incur amendment charges which are your responsibility. Some countries and airlines now require additional passenger information (API).

We will inform you which countries require this information. This information is compulsory and is required by authorities. It is essential that all clients provide the API prior to travelling. Failure to provide this information may result in you being denied boarding for your flight. No refund will be permitted and any additional costs will be borne by the named clients.

12. TRAVEL INSURANCE Your holiday package with us does NOT include travel insurance and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate insurance cover. In accordance with normal industry practice, we will require you to have adequate travel insurance to provide accident and medical cover before your holiday departs. Such insurance should ideally be valid from the date of booking, be valid throughout the holiday duration and financially cover any probable loss through cancellation, amendment, accident or health-related problems. You should ensure you are covered for all activities you are planning on your trip. It is your responsibility to take out adequate cover for all excursions and activities booked through us. This includes, but is not limited to, sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sleigh riding with reindeer/huskies, etc.

13. MEALS All pre-booked meals will be on a table d’hôte basis. Supplements can apply for à la carte items or restaurants.

14. SPECIAL REQUESTS Whilst we will endeavour to comply with any special requests such as airline seating, diets and room requirements, we can only do so on a “goodwill” basis. As these are usually only provided at the discretion of the relevant supplier, we cannot guarantee availability and cannot be held responsible if they are not provided.

15. EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES We are only responsible for excursions and activities sold by us prior to departure and which form part of your holiday contract. Should you purchase excursions in resort, your contract and any liability arising from it will be with the supplier directly. In all cases it is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers you for all activities you book through us or third parties.

16. JURISDICTION This contract is governed by English law and is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales. You may however choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you live there and wish to do so.

17. DATA PROTECTION POLICY In order for us to process your booking, we need to store and record your information, including data as supplied. This may include transfer of such information outside of the European Economic Area to parties involved in the arrangements of your holiday. Equally, we use such information for updating our mailing lists, for fraud prevention, market research and analysis and from time to time you may receive travel-related information from us or from another company from within the ITC Travel Group. Should you not wish to receive such literature please advise us in writing.

18. UK FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE ON OVERSEAS TRAVEL Whilst we will do our best to inform you of any relevant changes to the FCO Travel Advice (www. fco.gov.uk), it is up to you, and not the Company, to know what the FCO travel advice to a certain country, or region of a country, is and to be adequately insured to travel there. The Company accepts no liability if a) you decide to cancel a booking because of FCO advice or b) you are not adequately insured to travel. The Company will not normally cancel a trip simply because the FCO advise against travel.

You are responsible for checking the Foreign Office advice, and any other sources available to you in regard to the safety of the countries and areas in which you will be travelling and to make your decisions accordingly.

19. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION In addition to these general booking conditions, specific relevant destination information may be contained within the individual brochures and website.

Registered in England © ITC Travel Group Limited All rights reserved.

Experience is everything

Colston Tower, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 4XE 0117 280 0121 | regent@regentholidays.co.uk | www.regentholidays.co.uk

Regent Holidays is part of ITC Travel Group Limited