TRUE E XPERIENCES January - December
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We passionately believe that no matter where we travel, truly authentic experiences stay in our memories for a lifetime. Thanks to modern technology, we are exposed to thousands of different places, cultures and lifestyles every day. As a result there is an insatiable appetite to ‘feel’ and ‘see’ as much of the world around us as possible. With this in mind, our team have carefully curated a wildly diverse experiences collection. The world has never felt smaller as connectivity of all kinds improves. As a result, when you travel with TRUE, our aim is for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings, learning not just about the standard of hotels, but about the culture, history, community and environment in which you are travelling.
In True Experiences, we have developed a black book of backdoor, exclusive access to some of the world’s most remarkable sites; under the radar, away from the crowds, world class events and experiences from a different view point. Whether you have the Vatican all to yourself, explore the Churchill War Rooms with a descendant of Winston Churchill himself, or follow in the footsteps of a Bhutanese monk as he advances on his path to spiritual enlightenment - time is precious, so we believe that you should strive to experience the extraordinary.
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Henry Morley, Founder
Opening the door to extraordinary experiences with unrivalled access
CONTENTS 6 8 9 16 17 28
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39 46 47 50 5
News from Our Team
January - February - March •
Nelson Mandela: An Inside Story
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Join A Monk’s Spiritual Path
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Snorkel with Killer Whales
SOUTH AFRICA
BHUTAN NORWAY
April - May - June •
Truffle Hunting in Tuscany
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China’s Great Wall to Yourself
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Chasing the Floods of Botswana
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Cherry Blossom Without the Crowds
ITALY CHINA BOTSWANA JAPAN
July - August - September •
Secret Fjords in Summer
•
Ultimate Australia Walking Safari
AUSTRALIA
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Michelin Starred Oysters & Caviar
FRANCE
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Gorillas to Migration... In a Day
NORWAY
UGANDA & KENYA
October - November - December •
Royal Rajasthan & Majestic Tigers
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Tracing Winston Churchill’s Footsteps
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Wild Adventures Where No Car Can Go
Travelling with True
INDIA ENGLAND KENYA
NEWS FROM TRUE TRAVEL A YEAR OF EUROPE Since launching Europe as a tailormade travel destination in 2018, we have been thrilled by the uptake of experiences across a wide range of destinations. What has been evident is that our clients are looking for original, authentic and immersive experiences. Our aim now is to continually develop new experiences across Europe, which push the boundaries of what is possible, taking you away from the crowds and creating lasting memories.
BRAND NEW DESTINATIONS We continue to expand our tailormade specialist destinations, and we are excited to announce that in January, we will officially launch both China and Mongolia. Meredith joined the team earlier this year and her expert knowledge of China is unrivalled, having lived in the country for three years, and developed a number of enticing experiences along the way. We will be creating a range of experiences at different price points across both countries, so look out for more news on this in the New Year.
GOLD STAR SERVICE AWARD Since we started TRUE back in 2013, our number one priority has always been to deliver an exceptional level of service to our clients. We are therefore very proud to have been awarded the Gold Star Service status by Feefo, internationally considered to be the most reputable independent customer review platform. Our aim is to maintain this status and do everything we can to consistently improve our service.
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OUR TEAM’S
201 9 TRAVELS
Our team travel to our destinations for at least a month of the year, checking up on our old favourites, inspecting new properties, meeting managers and guides, and designing the best experiences for our guests.
Destinations we visited in 2019 Destinations we visited in 2018
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GEORGIE in UGANDA
KATIE in BHUTAN
In November I trekked to see the mountain gorillas – of which there are only 1,000 left in the world – in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. I sat with a family of 15 gorillas for an hour. Nothing compares to getting up close and personal to these giants.
In January I climbed the winding road up to the Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan. We joined many pilgrims on the route (even cats along the way!) and had spectacular views of the monastery, framed with colourful prayer flags.
MEREDITH in JAPAN
In February I went on a snowshoeing adventure in Hokkaido (the most northern main island in Japan). We trekked through the falling snow that was 4 feet deep, and were met with a picnic of tea and cookies on the frozen lake.
Georgie & Molly in Namibia
Peter in the Maldives
Christabelle in Tanzania
Katie in Indonesia
Molly in Venice
Charlotte in Montenegro
Henry in Chile
Alice in Paris
Abi in Bali
Truly Tailored Every itinerary you find in True Experiences is designed to inspire you, but rest assured, we will tailor your itinerary to your specific requirements. Our travel experts start planning each trip with a blank piece of paper, so no two itineraries will ever be exactly the same, and we believe that is why 92% of our clients would recommend us to a friend. ITINERARY PRICING: WHAT’S INCLUDED Generally 4* hotels, flights, private transfers, guiding and experiences Generally 5* hotels, flights, specialist guiding and experiences, special meals Only 5* hotels, flights, specialist guiding, exclusive experiences, travel perks, some heli transfers
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Jan - Feb - Mar
TRUE EXPERIENCES
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH Nelson Mandela: The Inside Story SOUTH AFRICA
Join a Monk’s Spiritual Path BHUTAN
Snorkel with Killer Whales NORWAY
Open the Sistine Chapel - Ethiopian January Pilgrimage Camera Trapping Snow Leopards - The Louvre to Yourself
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NELSON MANDELA: THE INSIDE STORY SOUTH AFRICA
Oct - Apr
February 11th 2020 marked the 30 year anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. For the most personal insight into his life, join his former prison guard and
How you could follow in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps: DAY 1-3 JOHANNESBURG Join legendary guide Robin Binckes to discover Johannesburg, apartheid and South African history, whilst staying in the former house of Mandela’s friend - his home after his release from prison. DAY 3-6 SHAMBALA GAME RESERVE Combine safari and spectacular scenery with a stay in the Presidential Suite of the Nelson Mandela villa (built as his retreat). Join expert guides for close encounters tracking the Big Five through the bush. DAY 6-9 CAPE TOWN Discover the culture of cosmopolitan Cape Town and delve into its stories, with privately guided tours of the Mother City and key sites from the history of apartheid. For personal tales of this great man, join Mandela’s former prison guard on a tour of the Robben Island prison. EXPERIENCE FROM £8,675pp £5,850pp
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Jan - Feb - Mar
£4,200pp
friend Christo Brand for a private tour of Robben Island, where Mandela was held for 18 years. Join Christo for a private dinner to hear insights into the life of Mandela - from prisoner to president - and the fascinating story of their unlikely friendship.
JOIN A MONK’S SPIRITUAL PATH BHUTAN
Mar
Join our local guides for an exclusive insight into the life, celebrations and prayer ceremonies of a Bhutanese monk. Hike to mountaintop villages and striking temples, delving deep into the traditions of this spiritual country. Visit in March to join the locals celebrating the Punakha and Bumthang festivals – a cultural explosion of song and dance in this mysterious kingdom that only recently opened to tourism.
How you could get lost in the peaceful Himalayas: DAY 1-5 THIMPHU & PUNAKHA Celebrate Bhutan’s historical victory with Bhutanese warriors and symbolic folk dances at the Punakha festival, then join a monk in local celebrations on their ‘journey to enlightenment’. DAY 5-7 GANGTEY Trek into the Phobjikha Valley to spot the iconic black-necked crane, enjoy scenic views from a hot air balloon, try your hand at archery, cycle, and hike to hilltop villages. DAY 7-9 BUMTHANG Witness your second festival, with giant silk tapestries and prayer ceremonies. DAY 9-12 PARO Finish with a pilgrimage to the iconic Tiger’s Nest, and light butter lamps with monks at one of the oldest Buddhist temples.
EXPERIENCE FROM £18,000pp £10,500pp £6,500pp
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Jan - Feb - Mar
SNORKEL WITH KILLER WHALES NORWAY
Nov - Feb
The best snorkelling experiences in the world aren’t reserved to tropical waters. Venture into the fjords of arctic Norway and swim alongside orcas, humpbacks and fin whales (the second largest whale in the world). Take a dip in the cool clear waters in your watertight dry suit and spot these incredible creatures swimming through the blue-green depths mere metres away from you.
How you can swim with orcas & spot Northern Lights: DAY 1-3 TROMSØ Retreat to northern Norway for snowy adventures in the arctic circle. Start the trip with a full day in the fjords, whale spotting and snorkelling alongside these magnificent creatures. After a warming supper, head out on a snowmobile to hunt down the Northern Lights. Drive to the mountain top where, if you’re lucky, you can watch the colours reflect across the fjords. DAY 3-5 ALTA Fly to Alta for a stay in an ice igloo; you’ll sleep in an enchanting room carved entirely from ice, at the northernmost ice hotel in the world. Round off your trip with a husky sledding expedition, taking the reins and driving your huskies through the snow covered forests and over the ice of the Alta River. EXPERIENCE FROM £4,670pp
£2,990pp
£2,020pp
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OPEN THE SISTINE CHAPEL ROME
Jan - Dec
Experience the Vatican in complete solitude as you join the keeper of the keys to open up the Sistine Chapel. Enter the Vatican museums and spectacular chapel with completely exclusive access in the early morning light – before doors open to the public and the crowds descend. Led by your private art historian guide, discover the Vatican’s secrets as the lights are switched on in the Gallery of Maps and Raphael’s Room with this truly VIP access.
ETHIOPIAN JANUARY PILGRIMAGE ETHIOPIA
Jan 7th
For an unforgettable second Christmas celebration, join the tens of thousands of pilgrims trekking to Lalibela’s 12th-century churches in the heart of Ethiopia, where they will camp in the hills around the famous rock churches. Journey by candlelight with the flocks of white-robed pilgrims to witness the chanting and swaying of these Orthodox ceremonies – a spectacular sight.
CAMERA TRAPPING SNOW LEOPARDS NEPAL
Jan - Mar
Venture into the high altitudes and remote corners of Nepal for the chance of glimpsing the enchanting snow leopard, joining top guides in the rugged Himalayas to investigate this threatened species. Camera trapping is vital in the study of snow leopard populations, and you will trek to the most remote locations to assist wildlife experts in the challenge to film this elusive animal.
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Jan - Feb - Mar
THE LOUVRE TO YOURSELF PARIS
Jan - Dec
Enjoy the Louvre’s famed Da Vinci exhibition without another soul in sight, with completely private access to the most visited museum in the world. The doors will open after hours exclusively for your use, with no need to battle the crowds as you join a top art historian to discover these masterpieces completely at your own pace.
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Apr - May - Jun
TRUE EXPERIENCES
APRIL MAY JUNE Truffle Hunting in Tuscany ITALY
China’s Great Wall to Yourself CHINA
Chasing the Floods of Botswana BOTSWANA
Cherry Blossom Without the Crowds JAPAN
African Conservation on Horseback - Extraordinary Spa Experience Port Tasting on the Presidential Train - Hiking Iceland’s Glaciers
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Apr - May - Jun
TRUFFLE HUNTING IN TUSCANY ITALY
Mar - May & Sep - Nov
Join a top Italian trifulau (professional truffle hunter) and their trusted four legged companion in the rolling Tuscan hills, learning the secret tradition of hunting for this exclusive ingredient. The best way to end your hunt is by sampling the fruits of your labour with a fresh truffle-based private lunch. A local chef will prepare you an Italian barbecue feast cooked on the rocks in a spectacular setting in nature.
How you could enjoy the ultimate Italian foodie trip: DAY 1-4 VAL D’ORCIA Stay in the sweeping olive tree-lined hills of Tuscany, getting to the heart of local food traditions and eating your way through the Italian countryside. Begin with a private wine tasting tour of this historically renowned wine region, and then spend a day with a characterful local truffle hunter and their loyal dog in the national park. Explore more of the picturesque Tuscan villages on e-bikes, with a delicious picnic feast as a local cheesemaker prepares ricotta in front of your eyes. DAY 4-6 ROME Head to Rome for a contrasting side of the Italian dolce vita. Discover the hidden secrets of the Sistine Chapel and Vatican with your private guide, also sampling the finest food the city has to offer. EXPERIENCE FROM £6,040pp
£3,510pp
£2,990pp
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CHINA’S GREAT WALL TO YOURSELF CHINA
Apr - Jun & Sep - Nov
Experience the iconic Great Wall of China in complete solitude by venturing off the tourist trail. Here, you could hike for days on end along crumbling and overgrown sections left unrestored, without encountering anyone else. Spend a full day hiking and exploring the fortifications with a guide for all the secrets of the Chinese dynasties, complete with an exclusive picnic spot overlooking the mountains.
How you could picnic on the Wall with no-one in sight: DAY 1-5 BEIJING Head to China’s capital to explore the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and the old hutong districts. Explore the city walls by bike and head out on an evening street food tour, as well as a full day exploring the secret sections of the nearby Great Wall. DAY 5-7 YANGSHUO Retreat to tranquil Yangshou as a contrast from the Chinese cities, hiking through the countryside and bamboo rafting along the rivers through limestone karsts. DAY 7-11 SHANGHAI Soak up the food and culture of Shanghai, enjoying dumpling tours, history walks, and visiting parks to watch the locals playing mahjong, badminton and dancing. Take an architecture walk along the Bund and enjoy dinner overlooking the towering skyline. EXPERIENCE FROM £10,050pp £6,950pp
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Apr - May - Jun
£4,100pp
CHASING THE FLOODS OF BOTSWANA BOTSWANA
May - Aug
Experience this world famous water landscape, exploring how the annual flood cycle affects Botswana’s animals and people. Our guides offer a safari that’s much more than simply ‘drive and point’. Get to the heart of Botswana’s historical
How you can follow the story of water & wildlife: DAY 1-4 OKAVANGO DELTA Begin in the Panhandle, where the main floodwater first arrives, testing water levels to predict the season. Activities here are all about water – head out for boating, fishing and mokoro canoes, spotting the rich wildlife of the Delta along the way. DAY 4-7 MOREMI GAME RESERVE Join our friends John and James on the ultimate mobile safari, following big game around one of Botswana’s first national parks. John’s grandfather was also a Motswana guide; join this master tracker and captivating storyteller to discover the historical tales of wet and dry years.
story, and the significance of its cycle of wet and dry years, immersing yourself in San Bushman culture. Journey across the country chasing floodwaters, spotting hippos and crocodiles, big game, vast herds of buffalo, Kalahari black-maned lions and a dramatic zebra and wildebeest migration.
DAY 7-10 MAKGADIKGADI SALT PANS Intrinsically linked to the waters of Botswana, this former lake used to be one of the largest on earth – now a vast salt pan. Head here for the second biggest migration of wildebeest and zebra, exploring the contrast of this vast desert landscape. EXPERIENCE FROM £17,750pp £11,000pp £7,650pp
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Apr - May - Jun
CHERRY BLOSSOM WITHOUT THE CROWDS JAPAN
Apr - May
Japan is synonymous with its iconic pink cherry blossoms of Spring, and thousands flock to the country during this season to catch them bloom. Avoid the crowds and busy cities – instead experience the blossom on Hokkaido island. Head into the mountains to catch the blossom later in the season, exploring untouched landscapes and shrines.
How to see the iconic blossom in the quiet Hokkaido: DAY 1-6 TOKYO Begin your springtime trip exploring the contrasts of Tokyo. Avoiding the peak season in the city, you can enjoy buzzing Harajuku with a pop culture expert, explore the Imperial Palace Gardens, and visit Asakusa – the oldest part of Tokyo. Treat your taste buds with special access to the famous fish market, and sample fresh sushi, ramen and traditional izakaya dinners. DAY 6-11 HOKKAIDO Hokkaido’s sakura season (late April and May) is the latest in Japan – also the perfect time to hike to natural hot springs and the volcanic caldera Lake Tōya. Experience Japanese hospitality in traditional ryokans, enjoy cooking classes featuring the island’s renowned seafood, and visit the pink blooms at Hokkaido Shrine. EXPERIENCE FROM £13,050pp £8,950pp
£4,500pp
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AFRICAN CONSERVATION ON HORSEBACK SOUTH AFRICA
30th May - 7th Jun
Get hands-on with our access to an exclusive game census safari experience, performed on horseback annually for one week a year. This adventure-filled week includes everything from game counting and darting to capturing and relocating wildlife – essential in keeping the private reserve and its animal residents thriving.
EXTRAORDINARY SPA EXPERIENCE INDONESIA
Mar - Nov
Trek across Indonesia’s Sumba island to this remote spa location overlooking a private white sand beach. Tuck into breakfast with views of the waves, then enjoy the ultimate spa experience with an unlimited number of relaxing treatments in a clifftop treatment room. Lie down and watch the ocean as you’re pampered with massages, scrubs, moisturising masks and facials.
PORT TASTING ON THE PRESIDENTIAL TRAIN PORTUGAL
Apr - Jun & Sep - Nov
The opulent carriages of this train have hosted Kings, Queens, Popes and Presidents since 1890. Delight your taste buds as you chug through the green countryside of Portugal’s Douro Valley, with every journey playing host to an extraordinary gastronomic expedition. Top chefs from around the world are welcomed aboard, and you’ll stop at a highly-reputed winery for the region’s best vintage port and Douro D.O.C.
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Apr - May - Jun
HIKING ICELAND’S GLACIERS ICELAND
Jun - Sep
Explore the dramatic landscapes, electric blue natural ice sculptures and vertical canyons of Iceland’s glaciers in a way that visitors don’t normally experience, hiking and climbing fully equipped with crampons and ice axes. This thrilling expedition leads you from a glacier tongue and onto the ice cap, trekking through a majestic white-covered wilderness with only the crunching sound of your boots for company.
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The team at True Travel had a simple brief: to send us on the world’s best family safari. As soon as our boat headed down the Zambezi, it all kicked off; we passed a herd of hippos, a lazy crocodile and a giraffe drinking nonchalantly on the riverbank. Nothing was too much trouble and if we had any issue that needed resolving, there was always someone on hand to do this.
Before and after, they were off the charts – simply an awesome team. Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood
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Jul - Aug - Sep
TRUE EXPERIENCES
JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER Secret Fjords in Summer NORWAY
Michelin Starred Oysters & Caviar FRANCE
Ultimate Australian Walking Safari AUSTRALIA
Gorillas to Migration... In a Day UGANDA & KENYA
Downton Abbey Dinner - Ski Through the Summer Madagascar’s Baobabs
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Jul - Aug - Sep
SECRET FJORDS IN SUMMER NORWAY
Jun - Aug
This boat is an experience in itself: enjoy exclusive private use of this former naval warship, complete with expert guide, skipper and chef. Enjoy fjords to yourself along the way, reaching locations impossible on a larger ship, and soak up the extended summer sunlight hours. Sample a wealth of outdoor activities, wild swimming, and all of your meals on board surrounded by the most spectacular scenery.
How you can enjoy exclusive use of the HMS Gåssten: DAY 1-4 ÅLESUND Stay in the heart of the Norwegian fjords, in this perfect wilderness retreat. Discover the surroundings on foot, enjoy lunches outdoors over a fire, hike to waterfalls and try fly fishing. Ride the Flåm Railway for incredible views of waterfalls and mountains, and spend a night on the mountain in an indigenous Sami Lavvu tent to learn about their culture and feast on fire roasted goat. DAY 4-9 HMS GÅSSTEN Hop aboard this beautiful former naval ship, perfectly equipped for your group’s private adventure sailing through these tranquil fjords for five days. Enjoy everything along the way from kayaking to farm visits and mountain biking up wild mountain ridges. (Price based on 6 people hiring exclusively) EXPERIENCE FROM £9,500pp
£7,900pp
£4,100pp
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MICHELIN STARRED OYSTERS & CAVIAR FRANCE
How you could experience the best of French cuisine: DAY 1-4 PARIS Start your gastronomy experience in Paris: visit a private cellar for a wine and cheese tasting with a wine expert and one of France’s best cheesemakers; join cake connoisseur Frank Adrian Barron in the world of French chocolates and pastries; and join Michelin star chef Stéphanie Le Quellec cooking and eating together in her Parisian apartment. Head for a day of private tasting in a famous champagne Maison and gastronomic dinner, and experience an evening dinner cruise down the Seine. DAY 4-8 BORDEAUX Take a first class train into the countryside, for wine tasting and a Michelin star experience. Head out on an Atlantic boat trip to taste the freshest oysters and collect exquisite sturgeon caviar, before relaxing in the spa and enjoying fine cuisine. EXPERIENCE FROM £5,200pp £4,100pp
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Jul - Aug - Sep
£3,200pp
Apr - Oct
Join the top gastronomy talents of France, sampling the very best of French cuisine. Begin from the source with oyster tasting on the grower’s deck of the Atlantic coast, and producing a kilogram of your own premium caviar with a sturgeon fisherman. Take a culinary journey across France, joining a Michelin starred chef in their Parisian apartment, meeting a top French cheesemaker and enjoying private champagne Maison tastings.
ULTIMATE AUSTRALIAN WALKING SAFARI AUSTRALIA
Jun - Oct
Don’t just think to Africa to experience the thrill of safari. Head to Australia for wild landscapes, endemic wildlife and the vast outback. Follow the Spicers Rim, hiking for five days through protected rainforests and ascending dramatic peaks, to be greeted each evening with champagne, hot showers and luxurious lodgings en route.
How you can combine wild safari, outback and reef: DAY 1-6 SPICERS RIM TRAIL Follow the ridge for dramatic scenery in this protected area of natural wonder, exploring peaks and escarpments with our expert guides. Stop each night in a different eco cabin or mountain retreat, with the finest food and facilities on hand. DAY 6-9 TOWNSVILLE Fly into the great wilderness of the outback, spending your days wildlife spotting, stargazing, barramundi fishing, cattle mustering and on scenic heli flights over this indigenous 37,000 year old landscape. DAY 9-13 GREAT BARRIER REEF Finish with a stay on Lizard Island, enjoying watersports, glass bottom boat trips, nature walks and diving – all centered around exploring the spectacular wildlife of the Great Barrier Reef. EXPERIENCE FROM £21,900pp £12,500pp £8,950pp
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Jul - Aug - Sep
GORILLAS TO MIGRATION... IN A DAY UGANDA & KENYA
Jul - Sep
Combine two of the most iconic African wildlife experiences with a journey that takes you straight from the depths of Uganda’s forest to the Masai Mara – within the same day. Wake up one morning surrounded by the lush forests of the gorillas, then travel to the wildebeests of the Great Migration, sleeping that night on the plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara.
How you could wake up with the gorillas and go to sleep in the Mara: DAY 1-4 BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST Head into the lush greenery, home to 600 magnificent gorillas. Hike through the dense forests of Bwindi with our first class guides, getting up close to a family of gorillas in their natural habitat. When not gorilla trekking, visit tea plantations, community projects and spectacular waterfalls. DAY 4-8 MASAI MARA Fly to Kenya on your fourth day, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive in your private vehicle with a first class guide. Base yourself in the heart of the action – perfectly located for the birthing season and river crossings of the wildebeest migration. Watch this spectacle from a hot air balloon ride, and spend a night sleeping under the stars in the Nest Treehouse. EXPERIENCE FROM £10,800pp £7,500pp
£5,500pp
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DOWNTON ABBEY DINNER ENGLAND
Jul - Sep
Gain exclusive access into life at Highclere Castle – renowned for being the film set of Downton Abbey. Explore the lavish interiors before enjoying a spectacular seasonal feast in the 300year old walled garden in Highclere’s parkland, prepared by a celebrity chef. You will be joined by the son of the late 7th Earl of Carnarvon, as he recalls tales of growing up in Highclere Castle and offers a unique insight into British aristocracy.
SKI THROUGH THE SUMMER NEW ZEALAND
Jul - Oct
Forget the winter snow seasons of Europe and America. For a snowy escape to sample the pistes through our summer season, instead head to New Zealand. For great expanses of untouched slopes to yourself, enjoy a personalised powder experience heli skiing through dramatic scenery. In the world’s outdoor activity hub, adrenaline enthusiasts can combine skiing with other adventures, including hot air balloon flights, biking, off-roading, kayaking and river rafting.
MADAGASCAR’S BAOBABS MADAGASCAR
May - Nov
This wild island is full of endemic species and plenty of weird and wonderful creatures. For the adventurous, our guides will lead you to national parks which only see a few hundred visitors a year. Iconic baobab trees are the most famous flora attraction on the island, but don’t follow the tourist trail to the Avenue of the Baobabs. Instead we have access to a superb vista of over 100 baobabs without the crowds – the perfect spot for a sundowner or candlelit dinner.
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Jul - Aug - Sep
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Oct - Nov - Dec
TRUE EXPERIENCES
OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER Royal Rajasthan & Majestic Tigers INDIA
Tracing Winston Churchill’s Footsteps ENGLAND
Wild Adventures Where No Car Can Go KENYA
Join Panda Preschool - Join in the Alternative Boat Race Bring in the New Year Under the African Stars - True Wilderness in Mongolia
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ROYAL RAJASTHAN & MAJESTIC TIGERS INDIA
How you can join tiger anti poaching units & explore royal palaces: DAY 1-3 DELHI Stay at the heart of the city, exploring the juxtaposition of New and Old Delhi’s architecture. DAY 3-4 AGRA Take the train to catch the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunset, before rising before dawn to visit before the crowds and watch a spectacular sunrise over the iconic monument. DAY 4-6 JAIPUR & AMER Live the evolution of this ‘merchant’ city through the architecture and bustling bazaars. Explore the dramatic hilltop stronghold of Amer Fort, and visit the elephant sanctuary. DAY 6-9 KANHA-PENCH CORRIDOR Gain a unique insight and work to protect the tigers of this little-visited region, joining the anti-poaching units who protect this vital corridor connecting the populations of the Kanha and Pench national parks. EXPERIENCE FROM £10,100pp £6,300pp
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Oct - Nov - Dec
£4,250pp
Oct - Mar
Gain a unique insight into the majesty of India, tracking the Bengal tigers through India’s National Parks and exploring the country’s palaces and temples with behind the scenes access. Join anti-poaching units in protecting the tiger population of key forest corridors, setting camera traps, tracking the big cats on foot through the forest and helping conservationists for a hands on experience.
TRACING WINSTON CHURCHILL’S FOOTSTEPS ENGLAND
Jan - Dec
Visit London’s Churchill War Rooms after hours for an exclusive ‘behind the glass’ experience discovering the secrets of Churchill’s nerve centre deep underground Westminster’s streets. Relive the war’s most pivotal moments through his eyes as you sit in Churchill’s own chair, even feeling the deep grooves from his fingernails.
How you can journey ‘behind the glass’ in Churchill’s life: DAY 1-4 LONDON Trace the life and legacy of this iconic former British Prime Minister, beginning at Churchill’s birthplace of Blenheim Palace. Join our top private guide touring the spectacular stately home and follow in his famous footsteps to the Temple of Diana where he proposed to his wife. Back in London, venture deep underneath historic streets for your exclusive tour of the War Rooms, with private access to the War Cabinet Room, Central Map Room and Churchill’s bedroom. Experience a classically British afternoon tea in Churchill’s favourite London hotel, then indulge in his favourite beverages as you discover the historical breweries of the city. Join a top beer sommelier around London, sampling traditional ales and craft beers en route. EXPERIENCE FROM £5,300pp
£2,220pp
£1,010pp
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Oct - Nov - Dec
WILD ADVENTURES WHERE NO CAR CAN GO KENYA
Jun - Oct & Dec - Mar
Forgo the traditional game drive on safari, instead reaching remote territories, getting up close to wildlife and venturing ‘offroad’ on everything from horseback to quad bike, camels, helicopters and on foot. Reach remote vantage points of Mount Kenya only accessible by helicopter, and sleep out under the stars, fly camping in the desert.
How you can go truly ‘offroading’ in Kenya: DAY 1-4 LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY For game viewing here, you don’t need to be in a vehicle. Instead, ride up close to wild animals on horseback, join a Maasai Moran on camel rides, and fly above treetops to spot herds from an open cockpit biplane. DAY 4-6 LAIKIPIA PLATEAU & KIPSING Catch helicopters up mountains and to the most remote locations, then set out on quad bike adventures across northern deserts. Fly camp and sleep under the stars, completely immersed in the bush. DAY 6-9 SERA CONSERVANCY Head out on foot with the rangers to track endangered black rhinos, trek up Sacred Mountain for spectacular views, visit an elephant sanctuary, and witness the rare sight of the Singing Wells with a Maasai tribe. EXPERIENCE FROM £17,900pp £11,400pp £8,200pp
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JOIN PANDA PRESCHOOL CHINA
Sep - Nov
For a unique chance to get up close to baby Giant Pandas and vital breeding programs, head to China’s panda country of Chengdu during the Autumn and join their keepers in looking after these babies. Interact with the young pandas – even feeding their babies – and learn about conservation efforts in this panda ‘kindergarten’ program. Born over the summer, the young cubs are extremely playful and silly at this time of year; visitors of all ages are sure to be won over.
JOIN IN THE ALTERNATIVE BOAT RACE MYANMAR
Oct
The leg rowers of Inle Lake in Myanmar are famous for their unique method of hands-free paddling – and now you can put your skills to the test joining a team of rowers as they compete in this annual boat race spectacle. Get exclusive access to take part in the traditions of the Intha people, joining teams of 25 rowers on each boat as they train, then even competing in the race and rowing your team to victory.
BRING IN NEW YEAR UNDER THE AFRICAN STARS KENYA
Dec
There is no better way to ring in the New Year than under the vast expanse of stars in the endless African sky. After a welcome from traditional Maasai warriors, settle down to make a toast at midnight from your four-poster bed, perched on a rock kopje with sweeping views over the valley below. Wake to the first sunrise of 2021 from your unique vantage point, starting the year with an unforgettable experience.
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Oct - Nov - Dec
TRUE WILDERNESS IN MONGOLIA MONGOLIA
Oct
Experience the vast Mongolian wilderness in complete peace and privacy, where you can be the only tourists for hundreds of miles. With stylish tents complete with private chefs, guides and staff, you can experience the nomadic lifestyle and move across these vast landscapes in complete comfort. Visit in October to witness the spectacular golden eagle festival, where parades of traditional hunters compete with specially-trained eagles.
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Great service and fabulous honeymoon experience. Georgie and the rest of the team were very personable, helpful and insightful. We had looked at a lot of travel companies but none had offered what we were looking for until True Luxury. Our whole trip was smooth, each place was exactly what we expected and more, we felt well informed and had the best time. Newlyweds Flik & Oliver London
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Transparent Pricing
Expert Knowledge
Blank Paper Bespoke
The mystery of a ‘package price’ is an outdated concept. We prefer transparency, so wherever we possibly can, we send a fully itemised cost breakdown.
Our team are actual destination experts, having lived, travelled and guided across the world, and travelling to our destinations for at least a month a year.
Planning every trip begins with a blank piece of paper. No two holidays are the same, and our experts will curate an itinerary 100% personalised to you.
Unrivalled Guide Network
Total Support
100% Financial Protection
A guide can make or break your experience, so we are very proud of our network of passionate guides and friends across the world, who will bring your destination to life.
Our team provides advice, personal recommendations and complete support at every stage, so you can go on holiday with the confidence you are backed up by specialists.
Protected by the Travel Vault and ATOL, you have the confidence that your money is safe and you are covered under the circumstances of failure.
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info@true.travel +44 (0) 203 137 1247 www.true.travel