Chinese Whispers - March 2015

Chinese Whispers MARCH 2015

Celebrating 21 years helping travellers truly connect with vibrant and exotic cultures Lifetime experiences: two nights on spectacular Halong Bay

Travel in style ...

Our Deluxe Holiday range

Let us guide you:

meet our expert national guides

48 hours in Beijing

Why is SRI LANKA on everyone’s wish list?

Group Tours • Deluxe Holidays • River Cruising • Private & Tailor-Made Itineraries China • Vietnam • India • Cambodia • Laos • Japan • Thailand • Sri Lanka • Nepal • Myanmar • Tibet • Mongolia • Bhutan • Hong Kong • Singapore • Borneo • Taiwan • South Korea

Wendy’s Message Welcome to our first issue of Chinese Whispers for 2015, packed with new and interesting travel ideas for the year ahead.

This year will bring lots of exciting changes for Wendy Wu Tours, including a re-imagined Chinese Whispers with more travel stories, tips, exciting new destinations and unique insights into the fascinating destinations we visit.

Over the past 21 years, since my first tour to China, we have introduced more and more stunning destinations throughout Asia. Many of you will have travelled with us to China, Vietnam and India, but did you know we also offer tours to Japan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and many more! Read all about how I began Wendy Wu Tours on page 6.

page 9, highlighting just what a great job our Local Guides and National Escorts do. We really couldn’t do it without their extensive local knowledge and expertise.

What’s more, don’t miss our photo competition where we invite you to send in your best snaps from your travels around Asia. We want you to share our passion for the amazing countries we visit. See page 13 for full details.

I hope you enjoy this special issue and we look forward to welcoming you on tour with the Wendy Wu Tours family soon.

One of the best parts of my job is reading your comments and feedback following your tours with us. So we have featured some of these on

Recognising your loyalty Past passenger discount If you are returning to travel with us, you will enjoy a loyalty discount on any fully inclusive group tour or Deluxe Holiday. Our loyalty discount does not apply to tailormade itineraries, independent travel, special groups, or to our Simply range of tours.

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2nd group tour

SAVE $100 pp

3rd, 4th and 5th group tour

SAVE $200 pp

6th or more group tour

SAVE $300 pp

Reservations: 1300 798 118

Refer a friend Having travelled with Wendy Wu Tours four times previously I knew what to expect and was not disappointed – as always the tour was well organised right from the time I booked the tour and there was nothing that I had to do but participate and enjoy the planned itinerary of the Yunnan Adventure.

E R I C H O G B E N – 5 T H TO U R W I T H W E N DY W U TO U R S

Refer a friend and receive a hamper filled with delicious treats delivered to your door!

Every time a friend books with Wendy Wu Tours and quotes your name, booking number (current or previous) and address, we will send you a hamper as a thank you!

Refer as many friends as you like – there’s no limit!

WHAT’S

NEW

Only $1 more for Singapore!

Book a group tour flying with Singapore Airlines and we are delighted to be able to offer a one night stopover for just $1pp twin share, with the added bonus of a free attractions package valued at over $400!

See page 3 of the enclosed Epic Journeys supplement for more details.

Where in the world!

July 2015 N A A D A M F E S T I VA L , U L A A N B A ATA R , M O N G O L I A Known as the second oldest Olympics, the annual Naadam Festival is a two and a half day summer sports celebration that brings a buzz of excitement and celebration to Ulaanbaatar. The origins of the festival can be traced back to the Mongolian army with horse racing, wrestling and archery competitions.

M O N G O L I A & T H E N A A D A M F E S T I VA L 24 days from $9,715 pp twin share departing Sydney, Melbourne*, Brisbane, Adelaide* or Perth flying Cathay Pacific Airways.

Deluxe Holidays You can now explore China, Indochina and India while staying in deluxe accommodation and enjoying exclusive sightseeing experiences such as champagne on the Great Wall and learning Tai Chi with a master. Our new Deluxe Holidays go that extra mile with added touches of style and comfort. See page 7 for full details.

Departs 8 July 2015 *Melbourne and Adelaide passengers may require a stopover in Hong Kong at an additional cost.

August 2015 E S A L A P E R A H E R A PAG E A N T, K A N DY, S R I L A N K A Witnessing the colourful celebrations of the Esala Perahera Pageant in Kandy is sure to be a highlight of your time in Sri Lanka. The procession celebrates the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha with fire dancing, music and traditional costumes.

C U LT U R A L N O R T H E R N D I S CO V E RY 15 days from $4,955 pp twin share departing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide*, Perth or Darwin* flying Singapore Airlines.

Departs 15 August 2015 *Adelaide and Darwin passengers may require stopovers in Singapore at an additional cost.

Additional departure for Mongolia We are excited to announce the addition of a second 24-day fully inclusive tour of Mongolia to coincide with the nation’s unique Naadam Festival in July 2015. The fully inclusive package includes return flights with Cathay Pacific Airways from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth departing on July 8 and returning July 31.

The package includes all accommodation, meals, transport and daily sightseeing with guides, entrance fees and visas for Australian passport holders.

September 2015 Singapore Airlines Holidays – operated by Wendy Wu Tours T H E L I B E R AT I O N O F S I N G A P O R E 12 September marks the 70th anniversary of WWII ending in the Asia-Pacific with the signing of the Instrument of Surrender in Singapore. Join Singapore Airlines Holidays on a tour crafted by esteemed experts to visit the significant landmarks and sites in Singapore. To request your brochure, see page 15. wendywutours.com.au

Chinese Whispers – March 2015

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A message from our partners

Product available on select Singapore Airlines B77-300ER aircraft

Singapore Airlines A great way to fly Our fleet is among the youngest, most modern and comfortable in the world. Our award-winning cabin products offer thoughtful innovation and have been designed with your needs in mind.

D E L I G H T YO U R TA S T E B U D S Across all classes of travel you can expect a culinary feast for both the eyes and the palate, with a selection of exclusive and tantalising signature dishes specially created to delight even the most discerning taste buds.

Relish in our delightful selection of Asian and International dishes when you travel with us in Economy Class. Our inflight menus are designed to reflect the culinary influences of the regions to which we fly. Explore our range of wine and beverages to enhance your meals. Passengers with specific dietary requirements may request for special meals in advance.

On long haul flights, a delightful range of delectable snacks are available in between meals for your blissful indulgence.

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Reservations: 1300 798 118

L E T U S E N T E R TA I N YO U Time flies when you’re having fun. You’ll enjoy KrisWorld, your personal in-flight entertainment system bringing cultures and experiences from near and far for you to enjoy.

E CO N O M Y C L A S S Feel more at home in our Economy Class. Our innovative design maximizes your personal space, taking you to your destination in comfort. Our A380, A330-300 and Boeing 777-300ER aircrafts feature a headrest that can be adjusted as desired for greater support. An easily accessible seatback-mounted handset, personal and non-intrusive reading light and in-seat power supply, are just some of the many intelligent touches designed with you in mind.

P R E M I U M E CO N O M Y We are delighted to be introducing our new Premium Economy Class experience this year, offering more food and beverage options, as well as inflight and on-ground privileges to make your journey more comfortable.

In 2015 customers travelling on select flights from Singapore to Sydney will be the first to experience our new Premium Economy Class.

Our newest Economy Class cabin [pictured left], progressively available on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offer all of this and more. Enjoy interactivity at your fingertips, with your personal 11.1-inch touch screen monitor, inflight connectivity, and even more leg room; maximising comfort throughout your journey.

Premium Economy will be progressively available to select destinations served by Singapore Airlines’ A380, B777-300ER, and future fleet of A350 aircrafts

C U S TO M E R CO M M I T M E N T Excellence in customer service has been integral to our success. We search for what is special and what takes an experience to another level.

That unspoken feeling doesn’t happen by chance, so no matter what changes, our commitment holds true.

We’ll find what matters, to make you feel at home when travelling with us.

Singapore Airlines flies from Australia to more than 60 cities in over 30 countries around the world. Within Asia, passengers can connect to over 40 cities serviced by SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines. Seamless access from regional Australia is provided by our alliance partner Virgin Australia. wendywutours.com.au

Chinese Whispers – March 2015

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Celebrating our 21st Birthday!

2015 marks 21 years since running my first group tour to China. During this time we have sent thousands of customers to all parts of China, Indochina and India to discover the many unique travel experiences on offer, all in — W E N DY W U the reassuring hands of our expert guides.

1994 Wendy Wu sends her first group of intrepid travellers to China.

1998 Wendy Wu Tours opens its first office in Sydney, Australia.

2001 Our first tour of Vietnam departs.

2004 Our India programme commences and our London office opens.

2010 New York office opens.

2012 Our Japan tours commence.

2014 Appointed to operate Singapore Airlines Holidays in Australia.

2015 First departures of our Deluxe Holidays range and our Auckland office opens.

Humble Beginnings China wasn’t on many people’s bucket list 20 years ago. Only a lucky few had wandered around the beautiful Forbidden City in Beijing or stared open-mouthed in wonder when confronted with the Terracotta Warriors in Xian.

Wendy Wu was one of the pioneers of group travel to China. Wendy was so passionate about her home country, she wanted everyone to experience it for themselves and give them an insight into her own fascinating culture.

Wendy took her first group of intrepid travellers to China in 1994, on the very first ‘China Highlights’ tour. In fact, the tour was so popular, this itinerary still runs today (see page 8 of enclosed Epic Journeys supplement). Many of those customers that embarked on that first tour to China still travel with Wendy Wu Tours today, some of them having travelled with Wendy Wu Tours seven times or more.

Specialist Knowledge and Expertise From those early days, these personal touches and local expertise have been maintained. It is those unique insights and attention to detail that can turn a good holiday into a great one.

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Reservations: 1300 798 118

What do you like most about your job?

I get the best opportunities to learn and to put what I have learnt into practice every day.

The first ever Wendy Wu Tours group to China

Wendy Wu Tours receives hundreds of letters and emails each year congratulating the Local Guides and National Escorts that accompany each and every tour on their professionalism, patience, humour and above all, their ability to offer the personal touch.

Q&A with Wendy Wu! When and why did you join the industry?

In 1993 while I was studying full time at Macquarie University. I was planning a holiday to China with my boyfriend at the time and at the last minute he couldn’t go. So I placed an advertisement in the paper to see if others would come with me and I would be their guide/ interpreter. That was the beginning of my travel career and since that day I haven’t looked back!

What’s one of the biggest achievements of your career so far? Setting up Wendy Wu Tours Australia, UK and US have been my biggest achievements, as well as receiving a number of prestigious UK travel industry awards, all recognising the hard work put in by both our teams in the UK and in our destinations to deliver the best product and service to our customers.

What are three things you always take with you when travelling? A backpack, a Lonely Planet guide and cash for unplanned activities.

Name someone famous you’d like to travel with and a destination you’d like to go with them. Jack Ma of Alibaba for his inspiring speech; Bill Gates of Microsoft for his impact on computers; and David Attenborough of BBC for his amazing documentaries. Anywhere in this world would be good enough for me if I was to go with one of them!

Deluxe Holidays Travel is all about experiences and at Wendy Wu Tours we want to provide you with the ultimate travel experience throughout Asia.

Travelling to new places is surely one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time, and our Deluxe Holidays aim to provide you with the best Asia has to offer.

• Deluxe accommodation • Unique dining experiences • Exclusive sightseeing • Once in a lifetime experiences • Meeting an archaeologist at the Terracotta Warriors • Enjoy a glass of champagne on The Great Wall • Learn traditional calligraphy in the Hutong district • Participate in a cooking class in Hoi An • Cruise Halong Bay aboard Au Co Cruises or Bhaya junk boats • Dinner on the Sunset Terrace at Fateh Prakash Palace in India • Small groups – no more than 18 travellers • Expert National Escorts Everyone is looking for something different when they explore the world. For some it’s about ticking off the magnificent sites on the proverbial list, while for others it’s to understand a country, its people and perhaps themselves. Being able to encounter and understand a new culture is one of the many benefits and privileges of travel and is something that the more discerning traveller knows will truly enhance any adventure.

But how do you do it? Well, seeing as most of us don’t have years to spare living overseas, we’ll have to cheat a bit!

At Wendy Wu Tours we have always believed that authentic experiences are an essential part of your holiday – that you are able to see, taste, smell, hear and experience a culture as well as admiring the many spectacular sights.

With our range of Deluxe Holidays, we have

taken it a step further by introducing exclusive encounters into your touring itinerary. There are four tours covering some of the many wonders of China, five exploring the extensive beauty of Indochina, and three discovering the intriguing attractions and mysterious history of India.

C U LT U R A L C A P E R S Taking part in activities unique to your chosen destination is an excellent way to embrace a new culture. Many have roots in ancient traditions; calligraphy, which you can try your hand at in Beijing, has evolved throughout China’s history to become the symbolic art form of the oriental world, while water puppetry in Vietnam, which originated amongst the rice paddies, tells stories of old feudal practices mixed with folklore.

You can chat to a puppeteer and enjoy a private performance in Hanoi. Having all your accommodation, transport and sightseeing organised for you means that you have more time to relax and enjoy these exclusive experiences.

LO C A L TA S T E S Dining on the local cuisine can give an excellent insight into the country you are visiting. Tasting and making local food introduces you to traditional ingredients and the techniques that are likely to have been perfected over centuries. Acquaint yourself with the traditional Chinese dumpling in Xian where dumpling making has developed into an art form. Join local chefs to learn how to craft these tasty morsels. In Vietnam, ingredients and spices fresh from local fields are combined to create the mouth-watering dishes of one of the world’s most highly regarded cuisines. The traditional town of Hoi An is the perfect place to refine this cooking art.

DIG DEEPER Exploring things in depth, whether it is a historical site or a wider region, is a sure way to gain knowledge of your chosen country and its culture. Accompanying an archaeologist as you view the Terracotta Warriors allows you to learn about the rituals of death and the afterlife in Chinese philosophy. Furthermore getting off the tourist trail to explore more extensively, you’ll be able to meet local people and glimpse at the way they live their daily lives. Cruising deep into Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region gives a look at rural lifestyles that you wouldn’t otherwise see.

Your local guide will also provide you with a much closer connection to the cultural icons you visit, as it is the guides who bring their personal perspective and knowledge to the experience.

F I N A L LY, D O A S T H E LO C A L S D O What could be a more authentic experience than taking a bit of time to join the locals? You can eat with the residents of Saigon at their favourite food stalls before sitting back and sinking an ice cold beer as you explore the city’s fantastic street food scene, or rise at the crack of dawn to come together with the Tai Chi enthusiasts who practice every morning in Beijing’s parks. What better way to interact with people, the heart and soul of any country, than by rubbing shoulders with them as they go about their everyday lives.

Exquisite China

6,515

$

14 days from with Cathay Pacific Airways

pp. twin share

Jewels of Vietnam

5,530

$

14 days from with Singapore Airlines

pp. twin share

India Discovery

4,088

$

9 days from pp. twin share with Singapore Airlines Departing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide* or Perth *Adelaide passengers may depart one day earlier and may require a stopover in Hong Kong or Singapore at an additional cost.

wendywutours.com.au

Chinese Whispers – March 2015

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Let us guide you At the heart of Wendy Wu Tours is our team of experienced and dedicated National Escorts and Local Guides. The most common feedback we receive from our returning passengers is praise for the caring, efficient and passionate nature of our guides who provide a valuable insight into the local history, customs and culture of their home countries. Upon arrival at your destination your National Escort will be there to welcome you, and will accompany your group throughout the duration of your stay in their country (groups with 10 or more travellers).

A N DY YA N G , C H I N A Tibet is my favourite place to show Wendy Wu Tours travellers. The views are amazing and you can get a sense of a different world as you pass

by Buddhist monks and pilgrims in the streets.

I also enjoy visiting the Mt. Everest Base Camp which is such a unique and unforgettable experience.

M R . N G U YE N T R U N G K I E N , VIETNAM I love being a tour guide as I get the opportunity to show how beautiful Vietnam and its people are. Hoi An is my favourite destination in Vietnam, an ancient town along the south central coast with beautiful buildings, shops and restaurants, which travellers can explore on foot.

TO U R M A N AG E R S For some remote, multi-country and new group tours, a Tour Manager from the Sydney, London or New York office may travel with your group to assist the National Escorts and Local Guides and ensure the tour is running smoothly. We talk to Christine Marshall, our Sydney based Tour Manager, about her travel experiences and our Epic Journeys range of group tours.

What do you like most about being a tour manager? I love being able to help passengers really enjoy their holiday and give them experiences that are a little bit different from the usual sightseeing, such as a a group rickshaw race through the old part of Kathmandu or take them for an authentic Sri Lankan Ayurvedic massage.

Do you have a favourite destination?

It’s hard to say which is my favourite destination. But for me anything that involves travel to the Himalayan Region and the Tibetan plateau is very special. There is nothing that compares with the mountain scenery and the very welcoming people we meet.

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Reservations: 1300 798 118

MR. HASSAN, INDIA My favourite monument is Fatehpur Sikri because it reflects the personality of Akbar the Great, his secular thinking, communal harmony and ‘sulah kul’ (peace for all). If the Taj Mahal is a love poem in white marble, I must say, Fatehpur Sikri is a great epic story in red sandstone.

What makes an Epic Journey different from other fully inclusive group tours?

An Epic Journey allows us to experience things which may be just outside of our own personal comfort zone but the rewards are immense – there is a certain amount of flexibility which allows us to make changes and take advantage of what is happening locally as we travel, enabling us to interact with the people at a more personal level.

What is the most unique experience you have had on an Epic Journey? Personally, I love to discover and learn from my travels and taking the Road to Samarkand tour was a real revelation. I had no idea just how important the whole area of Central Asia was in the development of the world and the Silk Road.

So in terms of unique experiences this was a very big learning curve for me and even now, six years on from my first visit, I am still reading and learning more about the history of this area. I remember begging the boss to let me take another group so I could get my head around all the history. It’s fascinating!

Do you have any advice for first time travellers booking an Epic Journey?

Be prepared to be amazed, expect the unexpected and understand that all we really want is to give you a unique experience, showcasing some of the most fascinating areas of Asia.

What tours are you travelling on next?

Very shortly I am off on a Myanmar Explorer tour, followed by Thailand Highlights. Then April will see me head back to China for the Himalayan Adventure tour and soon after comes The Road to Samarkand through Central Asia. A great way to start the year!

Travel Tales T E L L U S A B O U T YO U R W E N DY W U H O L I D AY ...

Munnar, India

It was magic. It was India.

Yvonne Shelling travelled with us on our Kerala & Southern Highlights fully inclusive group tour. Here, Yvonne describes her favourite experiences.

I am captivated by India and this was my second trip to this fascinating country. As I stepped out of the airport at Chennai where we were to stay for the first couple of days, I put aside my Western values and allowed myself to be overwhelmed by the noise, the smells (aromatic and otherwise!), the madness of the roads and traffic, the vibrant colour and the friendliness and charming personalities of the Indian people, wherever we happened to be. I travelled solo (as did several others), however the group comprising equally of Australians and Brits were just so encompassing. We became one big family almost instantaneously, together with a great escort who was polite, and helpful to the nth degree.

work plus of course enjoying the wonderful food (such a choice!) and the comforts of our hotels and the fine service they provided.

Driving through the beautiful mountains and winding through the tea plantations is quite breathtaking. The nature walks by the river through the plantations provided welcome breaks.

After an early morning start to catch the train to the elegant garden city of Bangalore and spending the night there, we began our bus trip to Kerala in the south taking in the small villages and towns all full of interest; the temples and amazing carved monuments, the cultural sights and visits to local places of

A defining moment for me was in Coonor. We stayed at the Gateway Hotel Church Gate, a tranquil location. Coming out of my individual cottage accommodation into the lush gardens first thing in the morning it was a little chilly, spitting slightly (the only rain we encountered) and misty. I stopped. It was magic. It was India.

Boarding the houseboat in Nedumudy before lunch, the overnight stay (5-6 in each boat together with a crew of 3 to spoil us) felt as if we spent a much longer time on the Kerala Backwaters as it was so relaxing. We moved through the quiet waters observing the villagers getting on with their everyday lives and us, just part of the backwater lazy traffic.

Kerala Backwaters, India

Kerala & the Southern Highlights 1 7 D AYS F U L LY I N C LU S I V E

5,370

$

From pp. twin share ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth or Darwin* with Singapore Airlines. *Darwin passengers may require stopovers in Singapore at an additional cost. Departs 1 October and 5 November 2015.

wendywutours.com.au

Chinese Whispers – March 2015

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Bay of Plenty — CINDY MACDONALD

Halong Bay, Vietnam

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Reservations: 1300 798 118

Experience a two night Halong Bay cruise aboard Au Co Cruises.

It’s a full 20 years since I sat swathed in the inky darkness of Sydney’s now-defunct Pitt Centre cinemas, swept up in the period drama Indochine.

But beyond the epic love story of a French naval officer and a Vietnamese princess, one thing in particular kept my gaze glued to the big screen – the awe-inspiring Halong Bay, its myriad limestone islets rising majestically from a moody emerald sea.

I vowed I had to visit Vietnam and, more specifically, witness with my own eyes this body of water’s mystical, magical charms.

Amazingly, my travels took me around the world but never to Vietnam.

Last year I got as far as Ho Chi Minh City then up the mighty Mekong to Cambodia, but still a long way from that dream hatched on the back of a movie-ticket stub.

Now, here I am standing on the departure dock at Tuan Chau marina waiting to begin a twonight Halong Bay cruise and the fantasy is just minutes from becoming a reality.

Cruise director Ronald welcomes my group on board the Au Co and tells us there is no Wi-Fi on board, insisting our job is to relax. Which is a good thing, since the four-hour, 165km drive east from Hanoi was anything but relaxing, due to a bumpy road and the creative Vietnamese driving that seems to ignore any conventional road rules, lanes or load capacity and operates purely on a “might is right” system of giving way.

Trucks, buses, mini-vans and scooters – transporting everything from pigs, chickens, large ceramic pots and sheet-glass – whiz every which way, making just looking out the window a nerve-jangling experience.

But within a few hours of boarding the vessel – like all others on the bay, painted a mandatory white since regulations changed last year – we’ve been served a delicious five-course lunch, slaked our thirst with Ha Noi beer and kayaked to an exclusive beach for a swim in the shade of a giant stone monolith.

Back on board the Au Co, a generous-sized cabin with a private balcony awaits.

It’s there I park myself, a balmy breeze caressing me, and listen to the purr of the engine and the lapping of the deep-green water against the bow as we motor along.

I try to read but quickly give in – every second sentence I can’t resist lifting my eyes to stare at the giant limestone formations called karsts growing like stalagmites from the seabed, tufts of tropical foliage softening their craggy facades.

When I’d mentioned to a friend a few weeks earlier that I’d finally be going to Halong Bay, she drew a sharp breath. “That,” she said, with a sparkle in her eyes, “is the most beautiful place in the world.”

During the day, however, there are plenty of activities to participate in if you so choose – from kayaking through a pitch-black bat cave, to deep water swimming, to a tour of the remote floating village Vung Vieng aboard small craft rowed by locals, to a trip to the invitingly named Surprise Cave (actually, no surprises there).

Wendy Wu Tours operates fully inclusive escorted group tours as well as independent packages, and a side trip to Halong Bay can be part of an easy-paced Vietnam visit or something more physically challenging.

In bright sunshine my floating life on Halong Bay – which takes in 1550sq m in the Gulf of Tonkin and includes Bai Tu Long Bay to the northeast and Cat Ba Island to the southwest – sparkles like the eyes of my reminiscing friend.

Certainly its unearthly atmosphere and jaw-dropping scenery demand to be savoured, and travelling in style aboard the Au Co just adds to the experience.

As I watch the sinking sun begin to glow orange behind distant dotted silhouettes, and see the faintest sliver of moon high in the stillblue sky, I’m convinced she’s right.

For the past 13 years Wendy Wu Tours has been bringing Australians to Halong Bay. In fact, none of the company’s itineraries to the north of Vietnam is without a visit here, be it a day trip for a lunch cruise, or one or two nights floating amid the blissful serenity.

Of course, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed area, whose name translates to “Dragon Descending Bay”, is just one of the many magnificent destinations Vietnam has to offer.

According to legend, its almost 2000 islands and islets are petrified jewels spat out by the dragon.

From a tai chi lesson on the upper deck at sunrise to a night-time barbecue feast, it is, as Ronald said, all about the relaxation.

But the bay works its magic in any weather and during an early-morning tropical rainstorm on my last day aboard the Au Co I seek refuge in a small sheltered area on deck, a potent condensed-milk sweetened Vietnamese coffee in hand, and stare transfixed at the stone pillars in the mist.

It may have taken me 20 years to get here, but I’m certain it was worth the wait.

This article was originally published in Escape, October 2013.

We offer a range of tours which include an overnight on Halong Bay or a 2 night cruise with Au Co Cruises. See page 4 & 6 of the enclosed Epic Journeys supplement or contact us for more options.

wendywutours.com.au

Chinese Whispers – March 2015

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Temple of Heaven, Beijing

48 hours in Beijing With six UNESCO heritage listed sites in the city, China’s capital is like a living museum; home to a sprawling palace complex, enchanting hutongs weaving throughout the old town, an 8,850-kilometre wall meandering its way along the hills north of the city, and striking cosmopolitan architecture in between. Throw in a cuisine that’s a fusion of flavours from sizzling Sichuan to Mongolian, an ancient culture still thriving through its arts and traditions, and you’ll be hardpressed to even scratch the surface in two days. But if 48 hours is all you have, here’s how to spend it.

Day 1 MORNING Start the morning with a visit to the beautiful lakeside Summer Palace, described as the ‘masterpiece of Chinese garden landscape design’. Wander through the gardens and around the man-made lake, over arched bridges, and along the pretty promenades and pavilions. You’re likely to see groups of locals practising Tai Chi. For a change of pace, head to Panjiayuan Market – with around 3,000 dealers, you’ll find antiques, calligraphy, Qing dynastystyle furniture, ceramics, you name it! Don’t forget to haggle (hint: start at half the price).

LU N C H You’ve probably worked up an appetite by now: head to a dumpling house and order a banquet to try a variety of flavours – beef, pork, shrimp, whatever you please!

AFTERNOON Well-fed, make your way to the Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City because for 500 years it was off limits to anyone but the imperial household. Spend the afternoon 12

Reservations: 1300 798 118

milling about this fascinating palace, which is home to 17 palaces, five halls, and – legend has it – 9999.5 rooms! You’ll want to be at the country’s political heart, Tiananmen Square, in time for the sunset flag lowering ceremony, performed by the People’s Liberation Army.

EVENING When in Beijing, eat Peking Duck. There are several restaurants that specialise in the city’s most famous dish, which has been served since the imperial era. Top off the evening with an exciting Chinese acrobatics performance, which dates back 2,500 years.

Day 2 MORNING No trip to Beijing – no matter how fleeting – is complete without walking the Great Wall.

Construction of this architectural feat began in the 3rd century BC, although the majority of what is left today dates from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). With limited time, Juyongguan Pass is the best option as it is the closest section to Beijing, giving you time to take in the immensity of the wall.

LU N C H Feast on Zha Jiang Noodles, hand-pulled wheat noodles served in soup or with sauce (in Beijing, minced-pork, salty soybean sauce and veggies is the most popular).

AFTERNOON Lose yourself in the hutongs, Beijing’s 700-year-old maze of alleyways. Take your time to explore; this area is alive with delicious smells wafting from the street food stalls, locals playing mahjong and rickshaws weaving through the narrow lanes.

EVENING For dinner, try the Mongolian hot pot, thin strips of mutton served with a boiling broth – this dish was brought to Beijing from the northern nomadic tribes of Mongolia. The Sichuan version is spicy, so beware! Finally, after a chaotic but fulfilling 48 hours, relax this evening at the famous Peking Opera, where performers sing, recite, act and do martial arts dressed in flamboyant costumes and makeup.

Take me there!

Not only does Wendy Wu Tours offer great value fully inclusive group tours throughout Asia, we can also tailormake the perfect itinerary just for you!

Be sure to contact reservations and let them help you create your very own personalised holiday.

As the saying goes, ‘a picture paints a thousand words’ and we would love to see your favourite snaps taken from your holidays through Asia! If you’ve visited any of our destinations then send us your best shot to go in the running to WIN a $400 Paxtons voucher!

A selection of short-listed photos will appear in the June 2015 issue of Chinese Whispers. The winner will be announced in the September 2015 issue and will receive a $400 Paxtons voucher and feature in our 2016/17 brochure. The competition closes on 1 August 2015 so there’s no time to lose.

Simply email your picture, which must be at least 1Mb in size, along with a brief description, telephone number, the date and location of the photo to bigpicture@wendywutours.com.au. Competition is valid for one entry per person and images must be submitted digitally. For full terms and conditions visit wendywutours.com.au/ bigpicture.

Faces & Places Photo Competition

wendywutours.com.au

Chinese Whispers – March 2015

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I N F OCUS: SRI L ANK A

Lion Rock Fortress, Sigiriya

Sri Lanka is a nation of welcoming people and stunning scenery. Set in the Indian Ocean, the island country of Sri Lanka has a documented history that spans over 3,000 years, and is where the soul of Buddhism did, and still does, flourish. Here are just some of the reasons why you should add Sri Lanka to your travel wish list.

DIVERSITY Sri Lanka is a diverse country where nature’s beauty still remains unspoilt. This pearl-shaped island is home to many religions, ethnicities and languages as well as endless beaches, lush green tea plantations, national parks full of amazing wildlife, ancient cities, bustling markets and quiet colonial towns.

PEOPLE One of the highlights of this land is its gracious people. The main ethnic groups are the Sinhalese and Tamils, both originally from the Indian subcontinent. Whatever their situation in society, the people of Sri Lanka possess a warm and friendly nature reflected in persistent smiling faces and eagerness to help those unfamiliar with aspects of local life.

W O R L D H E R I TAG E L I S T UNESCO has declared eight World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. Explore the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, visit spectacular Sigiriya and climb its rock fortress or discover the unique caves at Dambulla.

Cultural • Ancient City of Polonnaruwa • Ancient City of Sigiriya • Golden Temple of Dambulla • Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications • Sacred City of Anuradhapura • Sacred City of Kandy Natural • Central Highlands of Sri Lanka • Sinharaja Forest Reserve

F U L LY I N C LU S I V E TO U R S Wendy Wu Tours’ fully inclusive tours help make travelling to Sri Lanka easy. Our range of group tours feature: • 3 itineraries exploring the must see destinations of Sri Lanka – 14 day Highlights of Sri Lanka – 15 day Cultural Northern Discovery – 15 day Pearl of the Indian Ocean • Expert National Escort and/or Local Guides • Return international economy-class flights with Singapore Airlines • All meals, accommodation and transportation throughout Sri Lanka • Full programme of included touring • Comprehensive sightseeing

CO M I N G S O O N !

Quintessential Sri Lanka • Travel back in time to the Dutch Colonial era with a visit to the historic Galle Fort

• Meet local fishermen at the lively fish auctions on the beaches of Negombo

• Observe the incredible stilt fishermen on the beaches of Weligama

• Spot a dolphin while cruising off the coast of Trincomalee

• Climb to the top of the Rock Fortress, also known as Lion Rock, in Sigiriya

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed ruins of Anuradhapura, the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities

• Spot a wild elephant or, if you are lucky, a leopard while enjoying a jeep safari in Yala National Park • Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, the most important Buddhist site in Sri Lanka 14

Reservations: 1300 798 118

• Gain a unique insight into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage while admiring the murals and Buddha statues at the Dambulla Rock Temple at Dambulla

Keep an eye out for our exciting new tours to Sri Lanka with options to extend to the idyllic Maldives.

Highlights of Sri Lanka 1 4 D AYS F U L LY I N C LU S I V E

5,065

$

From pp. twin share ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide*, Perth or Darwin* with Singapore Airlines. *Adelaide and Darwin passengers may require stopovers in Singapore at an additional cost.

Departs 26 September and 17 October 2015

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Singapore & Beyond 2015/16 brochure out now!

N EW FR O M SI N G APO R E AI R L I N ES H O L I D AYS

For 21 years Wendy Wu Tours has delighted in taking thousands of customers to magnificent destinations in Asia. We continue to draw on our experience and knowledge to expand our travels to other areas of this incredible continent. Since April 2014, Wendy Wu Tours has operated the Singapore Airlines Holidays range of holidays in Asia for Australian customers and here we bring you news and the latest offers.

BROCHURE HIGHLIGHTS:

Singapore is the ideal location for a stopover to Asia or Europe, or to embark on a cruising adventure through Asia. In 2015, several important events will be taking place, creating a buzz of excitement. Singapore will commemorate its Golden Jubilee; 50 years of independence! And for F1® fanatics the 2015 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX will be held from 18-20 September.

• Star Cruises – ranging from 6 to 10 days

• Singapore’s 50th Birthday – celebrating 50 years of Singapore’s independence • 2015 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 18-20 September 2015 • WWII & Changi – The Liberation of Singapore: 70th anniversary of the conclusion of WWII in the Asia-Pacific • Sentosa and Bintan Island • Princess Cruises 50th Birthday Cruise aboard the Dawn Princess – Fremantle to Singapore • Pandaw River Expeditions • UK & Europe Fly/Drive

So, why not fly with the world’s most awarded airline to the world’s most awarded airport and visit the number one country for travel in 2015, as voted by Lonely Planet.

2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 18-20 SEPTEMB ER 2 0 1 5

Drivers negotiate Turn 23 before heading down the Pit Straight This image has been provided by and is owned by Singapore GP Pte Ltd.

Start your engines – the time to book is now! Secure the best deal for your F1® experience with Singapore Airlines Holidays. Package prices must be booked before 30 June 2015 and start from only $1,995 per person twin share and includes international economy-class flights, return seat-in-coach airport transfers, accommodation with daily breakfast and a 3 day Bay Grandstand Pass.

Call 1300 728 998 or visit siaholidays.com.au, or contact your local travel agent.

Chinese Whispers – March 2015

15

Why book with Wendy Wu Tours?

21 years’ operating tours to Asia Unrivalled knowledge and expertise Innovative programmes and unique, rarely visited destinations Comprehensive range of group, deluxe, private and tailor made holidays Fully inclusive prices with no hidden extras Expert national and local guides Quality hotels and comfortable transportation

1300 798 118 wendywutours.com.au info@wendywutours.com.au or contact your travel agent Current address Level 9, 275 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 New address effective from May 2015 Level 6, 20 Hunter Street Sydney NSW 2000

CONDITIONS: Tour prices are per person twin share. Additional departures may be available with seasonal surcharges. Airline fuel surcharge and tipping included and subject to change. Tours are subject to air and land availability. To connect with airline schedules a stopover may be required at an additional cost. Stopover destination is dependent on the tour and corresponding airline. Availability and pricing correct at time of printing 17 February 2015. Tour details and booking conditions as per Wendy Wu Tours brochures.

Refer a friend conditions: To be eligible for the refer a friend offer you must have a current or previously deposited Wendy Wu Tours booking. One hamper per new booking will be distributed. The referee must quote your full name, booking number and address at the time of their booking. Your hamper will be distributed upon receipt of their deposit. Your friend must be a new customer of Wendy Wu Tours, who has not previously booked. We will contact you to arrange delivery of your hamper. Hampers will be delivered at the start of the calendar month. We regret we cannot apply this offer retrospectively.

You can opt out of receiving information at any time if you choose to do so. If you would like to unsubscribe or update your details please contact Wendy Wu Tours at privacy@wendywutours.com.au. Any personal information you provide will be managed in accordance with Wendy Wu Tours’ privacy policy which can be viewed at www.wendywutours.com.au

China • Vietnam • India • Cambodia • Laos • Japan • Thailand • Sri Lanka • Nepal • Myanmar • Tibet • Mongolia • Bhutan • Hong Kong • Singapore • Borneo • Taiwan • South Korea

ATAS: A10517

Epic Journeys of 9-27 days departing in 2015 and 2016 Crafted by Wendy Wu Tours over 21 years

Great Wall of China Mt. Everest Base Camp Potala Palace Nine Villages Valley The Silk Road Road to Samarkand Temples of Angkor Yangtze River Cruise Sikkim & Bhutan Halong Bay

S topover in Singapore for only $1pp on selected tours

P ast customer discounts

R ewards when you refer a friend

Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventures I am delighted to present a range of grand journeys in 2015, all of which feature something or somewhere extraordinary. If you have ever had the ambition to visit the Potala Palace in Tibet, Mt. Everest Base Camp, the bustle of the Sunday market in Kashgar or the unrivalled Angkor Wat, read on.

Several of the tours are limited in participants, so book now to avoid disappointment. Of course we take care of your visas and all other arrangements for these epic journeys.

We hope to see you soon.

Special Offers!

Singapore stopover for just $1pp twin share Enjoy a one night stay in Singapore for only $1 per person, twin share with the added bonus of a free attractions package! Eligible for fully inclusive tours flying with Singapore Airlines only as indicated on relevant pages. See page 3 opposite for further details.

Refer a friend Refer a friend and receive a hamper filled with delicious treats delivered to your door! Every time a friend books with Wendy Wu Tours and quotes your name, booking number (current or previous) and address, we will send you a hamper as a thank you! Refer as many friends as you like - there’s no limit!

Travelled with us before? If you are returning to travel with us, you will enjoy an additional loyalty discount on any fully inclusive group tour or Deluxe Holiday. Enjoy these great benefits: 2nd group tour $100 off 3rd, 4th and 5th group tour $200 off 6th or more group tour $300 off

Price Promise Remember that once you have booked, if we reduce the standard regular price of the tour you are departing on, we will pass this reduction on to you. Note this excludes airline fuel surcharge and tipping.

Fully Inclusive Unlike many companies, we include everything in our fully inclusive tours. In times when the Australian Dollar is buying less, it’s reassuring to know that so much is included. In summary, our tours include: • R eturn international economy class airfares (on recognised international airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Vietnam Airlines and China Southern Airlines.)

• Accommodation • All meals • All transportation • Daily tours and entrance fees • English-speaking local guides and/or a National Escort • Visa fees for Australian passports • D eparture taxes, airline fuel surcharge and tipping. Tipping amounts (payable locally) and the fuel surcharge are subject to change.

Solo Traveller? Contact us to find out how you can save by sharing, or for single supplement pricing.

Please see the back cover for terms and conditions.

Cover photo: Potala Palace, Lhasa.

2

Reservations: 1300 798 118 and quote CWMarch

City View from Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Stopover in Singapore for just $1pp twin share!

Book one of our tours including flights with Singapore Airlines and we are delighted to offer a one night stopover for just $1pp twin share, with the added bonus of a free attractions package!

Celebrating its 50th birthday in 2015, there is no better time to visit the vibrant city state of Singapore, complete with its stunning architecture and world-class attractions - including Gardens by the Bay. See our tours on pages 8-15 and 18-21 to take advantage of this offer. You may wish to add an additional night for only $149 per person, twin share. The stopover package includes accommodation at the centrally located Peninsula Excelsior hotel (or similar), seat-in-coach transfers and breakfast, along with a huge collection of bonuses including admission to major attractions. We are pleased to offer this fantastic value $1 stopover in conjunction with Singapore Airlines, the world’s most awarded airline. In 2014 our expertise and passion for service excellence was recognised by Singapore Airlines, through their appointment of Wendy Wu Tours as operator of Singapore Airlines Holidays in Australia. Visit siaholidays.com.au for the competitive range of short breaks, beach holidays and event packages.

Free attractions package includes: • • • • •

Universal Studios Singapore Gardens by the Bay (2 conservatories) Singapore Flyer National Orchid Garden Sentosa Island admission plus a choice of 2 attractions (Fort Siloso, Songs of the Seas, Images of Singapore, Tiger Sky Tower, Merlion, Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom, Gogreen Segway Fun Ride, Gogreen Bi-Pedal Bicycle or Luge & Skyride) • Singapore Zoo (tram not included)

• Jurong Bird Park (tram not included) • C hoice of 1 out of 6 Walking Tours (The Original Singapore Walks®) • Good Morning Ni Hao! Chinatown Walking Tour • U nlimited rides on SIA Hop-on tourist bus services • Singapore Cable Car (round-trip) • Singapore River Bumboat Tour • Malay Heritage Centre • Singapore Philatelic Museum

Please see terms and conditions for the $1 stopover on the back cover.

wendywutours.com.au/EpicJourneys2015

3

Hanoi and Saigon Ancient town of Hoi An Cu Chi Tunnels Halong Bay From

$2,950

Quaint Ancient Town of Hoi An, Vietnam

Vietnam Impressions

IN

AIRFARES ★★★

C LU

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9 days fully inclusive

NOW ES D INCLUernight An Ovy on a Sta g Bay HalonBoat# Junk

FROM $2,950 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE EX SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE WITH VIETNAM AIRLINES This tour has been designed for those who are short of time; it aims to give you a wonderful introduction to the vibrant country of Vietnam.

HANOI (2N) Halong Bay (1N)

Explore the capital, Hanoi, where you can discover the story behind Ho Chi Minh. A magical and relaxing moment for many will be the cruise on Halong Bay. Travel to Hoi An, a charming town where you will learn the secrets of preparing Vietnamese cuisine during a cooking class. Saigon is the cultural heart and the industrial powerhouse of the nation. In this fast-paced city you will learn more about Vietnam’s turbulent war history. Further south, your camera will work overtime as you explore the fascinating Mekong Delta by boat.

Air

Danang Hoi An (2N)

VIETNAM Tay Ninh Cu Chi Mekong Delta

OUTBOUND (1N) SAIGON (2N)

Air Road Boat

4

★★★

Reservations: 1300 798 118 and quote CWMarch

Road This tour Rail offers a glorious mix of sightseeing in a concise, Boat yet impressive programme.

DAY 1: AUSTRALIA TO HANOI Fly with Vietnam Airlines to Hanoi for a three night stay.

DAY 2: HANOI Discover the city this morning, visiting Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you pass

by Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and tour Humble House on Stilts and One Pillar Pagoda. Drive to the serene Temple of Literature and enjoy a walking tour of the bustling Old Quarter. This evening you will watch a performance of the famous Water Puppets.

DAY 3: HANOI TO HALONG BAY Rise early and travel to the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’, Halong Bay. Board a junk boat for a relaxing overnight cruise through the emerald waters and around the limestone islets of the Gulf of Tonkin. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you have lunch and dinner on board.

DAY 4: HALONG BAY – HANOI TO HOI AN Rise early to watch the sun rise.

Return to Hanoi and fly to Danang.

Upon arrival transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Hoi An, stopping at Marble Mountains en route.

This evening is free at your leisure to soak up the atmosphere of Hoi An. DAY 5: HOI AN Tour the charming town of Hoi An on foot, visiting an old merchant’s home, the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Market and a local Chinese temple.

This afternoon partake in a cooking class where you will learn how to cook several local dishes, which you will sample during dinner.

DAY 6: HOI AN TO SAIGON This morning you will fly to the vibrant city of Saigon. Upon arrival you will

explore the city with a visit to the French-style Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Learn about the American War in Vietnam with a visit to the Reunification Palace and the emotionally charged War Remnants Museum. End the day at the lively Ben Thanh Market where you can haggle for a bargain.

id you know?

Junk boats were found in China as early as the 2nd century. They were efficient, sturdy ships that were able to sail long distances. They are now an iconic image associated with Halong Bay.

DAY 7: SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA This morning travel to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Life in the Mekong Delta mainly revolves around the river and many of the villages are only accessible via the canals. Explore the river by boat, passing stilt houses and fish farms. Paddle through palm-lined canals in sampans and walk through villages, where you can sample local tea and coconut candy. Return to Saigon this afternoon.

DAY 8: CU CHI & TAY NINH – DEPART SAIGON Explore the amazing network of the Cu Chi Tunnels, which once housed entire underground villages during the American War in Vietnam. The tunnels were used by the Viet Cong guerrillas for concealment and storage as well as living quarters. You can even crawl through the tunnels if you are feeling brave! Later, travel to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the colourful head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion. Return to Saigon this afternoon where you will be transferred to Saigon airport to board your overnight flight to Australia.

Note: Passengers flying with Singapore Airlines may miss touring on DAY 8 due to conflicting flight schedules. You may choose to stay an extra night in Saigon at your own expense to avoid this.

World Famous Water Puppets, Hanoi

Inclusions • International economy-class airfares • All transportation in Vietnam • Departure taxes • Accommodation • All meals • Entrance fees, guides and daily tours • Visa fees for Australian passport holders • Current airline fuel surcharge (subject to change) • Tipping (paid on arrival, subject to change) Comfortably Paced Tour

DAY 9: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA Arrive home today.

Per Person Twin Share Departure Date

SYD, MEL (VN)

BNE, ADL ,CBR (VN)

PER (SQ)

DRW (SQ)

09 May 15

$3,050

$3,250

$2,950

$2,750

11 Jul 15

$2,950

$3,150

$2,950

$2,650

08 Aug 15

$2,950

$3,150

$2,850

$2,650

12 Sep 15

$3,050

$3,250

$2,950

$2,750

19 Sep 15

$3,050

$3,250

$2,950

$2,750

Above prices include Vietnam Airlines (VN) fuel surcharge of $406 and Singapore Airlines (SQ) fuel surcharge of $455 (subject to change).

Domestic connections with QANTAS Airways or Virgin Australia are used for Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra to connect with Vietnam Airlines in Sydney or Melbourne. # Overnight junk boat on Halong Bay valid for above 2015 departures only.

wendywutours.com.au/EpicJourneys2015

5

Temples of Angkor Cu Chi Tunnels Halong Bay From

$4,370

Unrivalled Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Angkor to the Bay

★★★

IN

AIRFARES ★★★

C LU

DED

16 days fully inclusive FROM $4,370 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE EX SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE WITH VIETNAM AIRLINES OUTBOUND (1N) HANOI (1N+1N)

Halong Bay (1N)

Hue (1N) Danang Hoi An (2N) SIEM REAP (3N)

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

Tay Ninh Phnom Penh (1N) Saigon (4N) Cu Chi Mekong Delta

Air Road Boat

6

Reservations: 1300 798 118 and quote CWMarch

Join us on this captivating tour of two of Indochina’s most incredible countries. In Cambodia, the magnificent temples of Angkor will astound you. Learn about the remarkable yet emotionally charged past of Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Travel to Vietnam where the fast-paced and lively city of Saigon will fascinate you. Relax in the Mekong Delta as you cruise its canals. Visit the charming town of Hoi An and view the breathtaking Hai Van Pass while travelling to imperial Hue. You will adore Hanoi, a richly historic city known as the ‘Paris of the Orient’. End your tour in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Halong Bay, cruising through the emerald waters and around the magnificent limestone islets. This tour captures not only the history of these Air Road incredible lands but the tremendous spirit of their people.

Rail Boat

DAY 1: AUSTRALIA TO SIEM REAP Fly with Vietnam Airlines to Siem Reap for a three night stay.

DAY 2: SIEM REAP Travel by boat to see the floating villages along Tonle Sap. Continue to the temple of Beng Mealea, which has been swallowed by the jungle.

DAY 3: SIEM REAP Explore the temples of Angkor, starting with Ta Prohm. Continue to Angkor Thom, the Bayon, Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King and the magnificent Angkor Wat. DAY 4: SIEM REAP TO PHNOM PENH Fly to Phnom Penh where you will explore the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the Emerald Buddha.

Later, visit the National Museum.

Day 5: Phnom Penh to Saigon Learn about the atrocities of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge at the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes and then visit Wat Phnom. Bid farewell to Cambodia and fly to the buzzing city of Saigon, Vietnam.

Day 6: Saigon Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. Learn more about the American War in Vietnam with a visit to the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. End the day at the lively Ben Thanh Market.

DAY 7: SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA Travel to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta.

Explore the river by boat, passing stilt houses and local fish farms. Paddle through palm-lined canals in sampans and walk through villages. Return to Saigon this afternoon.

DAY 8: SAIGON – CU CHI & TAY NINH Explore the network of the Cu Chi Tunnels. You can even crawl through

the tunnels if you are feeling brave!

Travel to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the colourful head temple of the Cao Dai religion.

DAY 9: SAIGON TO HOI AN Fly to Danang and transfer to Hoi An, stopping at Marble Mountains en route. Tour Hoi An on foot, visiting an old merchant’s home, the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Market and a local Chinese temple.

DAY 10: HOI AN Drive to Tra Que Village and walk through vegetable gardens and learn about traditional rural life. Return to Hoi An and enjoy the afternoon free at your leisure.

DAY 11: HOI AN TO HUE Travel north over the Hai Van Pass to Hue. This afternoon enjoy a cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City.

DAY 12: HUE TO HANOI Visit the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang and Thien Mu Pagoda. Cruise along

the Perfume River before flying to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.

DAY 13: HANOI TO HALONG BAY Travel to the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’, Halong Bay, where you will relax among the limestone islets on an overnight cruise on a junk boat.

DAY 14: HALONG BAY TO HANOI Continue cruising around the bay this morning. Later, return to Hanoi. This evening you will watch a performance of the famous Water Puppets.

DAY 15: DEPART HANOI Pass by Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and visit the Humble House on Stilts, One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature.

This afternoon you will be transferred to Hanoi airport to board your overnight flight to Australia.

Note: Passengers flying with Singapore Airlines may miss touring on DAY 15 due to conflicting flight schedules. You may choose to stay an extra night in Hanoi at your own expense to avoid this.

DAY 16: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA Arrive home today.

Inclusions • I nternational economy-class airfares •A ll transportation in Cambodia and Vietnam • Departure taxes • Accommodation • All meals •E ntrance fees, guides and daily tours • Visa fees for Australian passport holders •C urrent airline fuel surcharge (subject to change) • Tipping (paid on arrival, subject to change) Limestone Islets of Halong Bay, Vietnam

Comfortably Paced Tour

Per Person Twin Share Departure Date

SYD, MEL (VN)

BNE, ADL ,CBR (VN)

PER (SQ)

DRW* (SQ)

13 Jun 15

$4,370

$4,570

$4,270

$4,070

01 Aug 15

$4,370

$4,570

$4,270

$4,070

12 Sep 15

$4,470

$4,670

$4,370

$4,270

Above prices include Vietnam Airlines (VN) fuel surcharge of $487 and Singapore Airlines (SQ) fuel surcharge of $455 (subject to change). * Darwin passengers may require a stopover in Singapore at an additional cost.

Domestic connections with QANTAS Airways or Virgin Australia are utlilised for Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra to connect with Vietnam Airlines in Sydney or Melbourne.

wendywutours.com.au/EpicJourneys2015

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Giant Pandas Terracotta Warriors Great Wall of China $1 Singapore Stopover From

$6,188

Stunning Karst Landscape, near Yangshuo

China Highlights

★★★

IN

AIRFARES ★★★

C LU

DED

24 days fully inclusive FROM $6,188 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE EX SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, BRISBANE, ADELAIDE*, PERTH AND DARWIN* WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES BEIJING (3N)

CHINA

OUTBOUND (1N) Overnight Train (1N)

Suzhou (1N)

Xian (2N)

Wuzhen Chengdu (2N) Leshan

Dazu (1N) Hangzhou (2N)

INBOUND (1N) SHANGHAI (3N)

Chongqing (1N) Guilin (1N)

Kunming (2N) Yangshuo (2N)

Air Road Rail Boat

8

Reservations: 1300 798 118 and quote CWMarch

China is a truly unforgettable destination, offering a wealth of captivating sites. Every day you will encounter something unique, delightful and exciting. This tour covers what we consider to be the highlights of China; the amazing places you have heard about and would love to see with your own eyes. Your tour starts in Shanghai; its energy is unmatched.

The grey limestone rock formations of Kunming’s Stone Forest will astound you. This is nature at its best! In Dazu you will see some of the world’s finest stone carvings, the Beishan Frescoes and the Baoding Stone Carvings.

Experience China’s rail network as you travel overnight by train to Beijing, where you can marvel at the Great Wall. In 24 days you will certainly feel acquainted with this ancient land.

With so much on offer you won’t be disappointed!

DAYS 1-2: AUSTRALIA TO SHANGHAI Fly overnight with Singapore Airlines to Shanghai for a three night stay.

DAY 3: SHANGHAI Visit the Yu Gardens and the Old Town, the Shanghai Museum and the Xintiandi area. Enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional Shanghai cuisine.

DAY 4: SHANGHAI Stroll along the Bund and Nanjing Road. This evening cruise along the Huangpu River.

DAY 5: SHANGHAI TO SUZHOU Travel to Suzhou and explore the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the Master of the Nets Garden and visit a silk mill.

Lake. This afternoon, fly to Chongqing and visit Erlin Park.

DAY 14: CHONGQING TO DAZU Stroll through the Old Town of Ciqikou before driving to Dazu to see the Beishan Frescoes.

DAY 15: DAZU TO CHENGDU Visit the Baoding Stone Carvings before travelling to Chengdu. This evening enjoy a sumptuous Sichuan banquet.

DAY 16: CHENGDU – LESHAN Travel to Leshan to see the Grand Buddha. Later visit the Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum and the ancient town of Huanglongxi.

DAY 6: SUZHOU – WUZHEN TO HANGZHOU Enjoy a cruise along the ancient Grand Canal. Travel to Wuzhen and explore this charming town. Later travel to Hangzhou for a two night stay.

DAY 17: CHENGDU TO XIAN Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Explore a bamboo park before flying to Xian. Feast on a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling banquet while watching a performance of music and dance dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

DAY 7: HANGZHOU Visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion, the Six Harmonies Pagoda and this afternoon, relax while cruising on the beautiful West Lake.

DAY 18: XIAN See the Terracotta Warriors and Horses.

Stop at the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition and walk along the ancient City Wall.

DAY 8: HANGZHOU TO GUILIN Enjoy oriental tea-tasting before flying to Guilin.

DAY 9: GUILIN TO YANGSHUO Cruise along the Li River as you travel to the town of Yangshuo for a two night stay. Spend the evening walking the cobblestone streets.

DAY 10: YANGSHUO Explore the beautiful countryside around Yangshuo. This evening watch a display of traditional Cormorant fishing.

DAY 11: YANGSHUO – GUILIN TO KUNMING See the Reed Flute Caves and a Pearl Museum before flying to Kunming.

This evening, sample Across the Bridge Noodles, a local delicacy.

DAY 12: KUNMING Visit the vast limestone columns of the Stone Forest.

DAY 13: KUNMING TO CHONGQING Discover the Western Hills, often called the ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’, and Dianchi

DAY 19: XIAN TO BEIJING Visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, stroll through the Muslim Quarter and explore the Islamic food markets. This evening board your overnight soft sleeper train to Beijing.

DAY 20: BEIJING Arrive in Beijing this morning. Walk through Tiananmen Square, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, followed by a visit to the treasure-filled Forbidden City. Enjoy an exciting acrobatics performance.

DAYS 21-22: BEIJING Walk along the Great Wall before visiting a jade factory and discovering the landscaped beauty of the Summer Palace. Tomorrow, explore the unique Temple of Heaven and the Lama Temple.

DAY 23: DEPART BEIJING This morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Beijing airport to board your overnight flight to Australia.

DAY 24: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA Arrive home today.

id you know?

Giant Pandas are an endangered species. It is thought there may be less than 1,000 living in the wild.

Terracotta Warriors & Horses, Xian

Inclusions • I nternational economy-class airfares • All transportation in China • Departure taxes • Accommodation • All meals •E ntrance fees, guides and daily tours • Visa fees for Australian passport holders •C urrent airline fuel surcharge (subject to change) • Tipping (paid on arrival, subject to change) Medium Paced Tour

Per Person Twin Share Departure date

SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL*, PER, DRW*

09 May 15

$6,988

25 Jul 15

$6,588

05 Sep 15

$7,188

26 Sep 15

$6,998

10 Oct 15

$6,588

14 Nov 15

$6,188

Above prices include Singapore Airlines fuel surcharge of $676 (subject to change). * Adelaide and Darwin passengers may require one night pre-tour accommodation in Shanghai and a stopover in Singapore at an additional cost.

wendywutours.com.au/EpicJourneys2015

9

Giant Pandas Great Wall of China Yangtze River Cruise $1 Singapore Stopover From

$6,788

Iconic Great Wall of China, Beijing

Grand Tour of China

★★★

IN

AIRFARES ★★★

C LU

DED

27 days fully inclusive FROM $6,788 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE EX SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, BRISBANE, ADELAIDE*, PERTH AND DARWIN* WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES

BEIJING (3N)

CHINA

INBOUND (1N)

Overnight Train (1N)

Xian (2N) Yangtze River Cruise (4N) Chengdu (1N)

Suzhou (2N) Wuhan

Yichang Chongqing

Dali (2N)

SHANGHAI (2N)

OUTBOUND (1N) Hangzhou (2N)

Guilin (1N) Kunming (2N)

Yangshuo (2N)

Air Road Rail Boat

10

Reservations: 1300 798 118 and quote CWMarch

You are invited to experience the many wonders of China on this grand tour that captures not only the historical and cultural aspects of China, but also allows you to discover its many other, less known treasures.

A highlight for many will be walking along the Great Wall in Beijing. View the Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian, hidden underground until 1974 when they were discovered by local farmers. Relax on board a Yangtze River cruise, see the Giant Pandas in Chengdu and tour the amazing Stone Forest in Kunming. Visit Guilin, one of the most picturesque places in the world, and cruise along the Li River. Stroll through the streets of Yangshuo and wander through the traditional Yu Gardens in Shanghai.

DAYS 1-2: AUSTRALIA TO BEIJING Fly overnight with Singapore Airlines to Beijing for a three night stay.

DAY 14: KUNMING Travel to the Stone Forest and explore the massive limestone columns.

DAY 3: BEIJING Stroll through Tiananmen Square, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, to visit the Forbidden City. This evening sample Peking Duck.

DAY 15: KUNMING TO DALI Drive to Dali and visit the Three Pagodas.

DAY 4: BEIJING Walk along the Great Wall. Visit a jade factory and wander through the Summer Palace. Your evening entertainment will be an exciting acrobatics performance.

DAY 5: BEIJING TO XIAN Explore Liulichang’s ancient shopfronts and the calligraphy market. Tour the Temple of Heaven. This evening board your overnight soft sleeper train to Xian.

DAY 6: XIAN Arrive in Xian this morning and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi Provincial Museum. Walk through the Muslim Quarter and Islamic food markets. Feast on a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling banquet while watching a performance of music and dance dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

DAY 7: XIAN Explore the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Stop at the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition and walk along the ancient City Wall.

DAY 8: XIAN TO WUHAN – YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Fly to Wuhan and transfer by coach to Yichang, the boarding point of your exciting Yangtze River cruise for the next four nights.

DAYS 9-11: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Tour the Three Gorges Dam. Enjoy shore excursions to explore this famous river.

DAY 12: CHONGQING TO CHENGDU Disembark and visit the Old Town of Ciqikou before travelling to Chengdu.

Visit the Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum and enjoy sumptuous Sichuan cuisine for dinner.

DAY 13: CHENGDU TO KUNMING Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Later, fly to Kunming and sample Across the Bridge Noodles.

DAY 16: DALI Visit Xizhou Village, the local market and the Yen family home. Cruise on Erhai Lake and explore Dali’s Ancient Quarter.

DAY 17: DALI – KUNMING TO GUILIN Return to Kunming by road and fly to the beautiful city of Guilin.

DAY 18: GUILIN TO YANGSHUO Relax on a stunning Li River cruise to the picturesque town of Yangshuo for a two night stay.

DAY 19: YANGSHUO Explore the beautiful rural countryside around Yangshuo and in the evening watch a display of traditional Cormorant fishing.

DAY 20: YANGSHUO – GUILIN TO HANGZHOU Return to Guilin by road and visit the Reed Flute Caves and Pearl Museum.

Fly to Hangzhou.

DAY 21: HANGZHOU Discover the Temple of Inspired Seclusion, the Six Harmonies Pagoda and cruise on the tranquil West Lake.

DAY 23: SUZHOU Stroll through the Humble Administrator’s and the Master of the Nets gardens. Visit a traditional silk mill and cruise on the ancient Grand Canal.

DAY 24: SUZHOU TO SHANGHAI Travel to Shanghai and explore the Xintiandi area. This evening feast on Shanghai cuisine.

DAY 25: SHANGHAI Walk through the Yu Gardens and the Old Town, visit the Shanghai Museum and the Bund. This evening enjoy a cruise along the Huangpu River.

DAY 26: DEPART SHANGHAI This morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Shanghai airport to board your overnight flight to Australia.

DAY 27: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA Arrive home today.

id you know?

The Forbidden City in Beijing covers 720,000sq m, is surrounded by a 10m-high wall and a 52m-wide moat, and contains over 800 buildings.

DAY 22: HANGZHOU TO SUZHOU Explore the local markets and experience oriental tea-tasting.

Continue to Suzhou.

Inclusions

Entrance to the Ancient Quarter, Dali

• International economy-class airfares • All transportation in China • Departure taxes • Accommodation • All meals • Entrance fees, guides and daily tours • Visa fees for Australian passport holders • Current airline fuel surcharge (subject to change) • Tipping (paid on arrival, subject to change) Medium Paced Tour

Per Person Twin Share Departure date

SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL*, PER, DRW*

11 Jun 15

$7,188

09 Jul 15

$6,788

20 Aug 15

$6,888

03 Sep 15

$7,088

08 Oct 15

$6,788

Above prices include Singapore Airlines fuel surcharge of $676 (subject to change). * Adelaide and Darwin passengers may require one night pre-tour accommodation in Beijing and a stopover in Singapore at an additional cost.

wendywutours.com.au/EpicJourneys2015

11

Potala Palace Great Wall of China Yangtze River Cruise $1 Singapore Stopover From

$6,588

Sacred Jokhang Temple, Lhasa

China & Tibet Discovery

★★★

IN

AIRFARES ★★★

C LU

DED

17 days fully inclusive FROM $6,588 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE EX SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, BRISBANE, ADELAIDE*, PERTH AND DARWIN* WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES From the capital city of Beijing to the hidden glories of Lhasa on the ‘Roof of the World’, this tour will take you to some of the most amazing sites that China and Tibet have to offer.

BEIJING (3N)

INBOUND (1N)

CHINA

Xian (2N) Lhasa (3N)

Chengdu (1N) Yichang Chongqing

Yangtze River Cruise (3N)

SHANGHAI (2N) OUTBOUND (1N)

Air Road Boat

12

Reservations: 1300 798 118 and quote CWMarch

A highlight for many will be a visit to Beijing’s awe-inspiring Great Wall, which stretches for over 5,000km. Fly to Xian where you will see one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century, the life-sized Terracotta Warriors and Horses.

Travelling to the spiritual city of Lhasa in Tibet will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you explore the ‘Crown Jewel of Tibet’, the Potala Palace. See the adorable Giant Pandas in Chengdu and witness the conservation efforts to save them. Discover the dramatic gorges as you cruise along the mighty Yangtze River before ending your journey in the metropolis of Shanghai.

Days 1-2: AUSTRALIA TO BEIJING Fly overnight with Singapore Airlines to Beijing for a three night stay.

Day 3: BEIJING Stroll through Tiananmen Square, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, followed by a visit to the Forbidden City and the unique 15th-century Temple of Heaven. This evening enjoy an acrobatics performance and sample the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Day 4: BEIJING The Great Wall is more than 5,000km in length, from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. Walk along it, take in the panoramic views and reflect on the immensity of the construction. This afternoon admire the landscaped beauty at the Summer Palace.

Day 5: BEIJING TO XIAN Fly to Xian. Upon arrival visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. This evening feast on a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling banquet.

Day 6: XIAN Explore one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Stop at the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition and walk along the ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved in China. Stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter and the Islamic food markets.

Day 7: XIAN TO LHASA Fly to Lhasa, the capital and spiritual home of Tibet. This afternoon is free at your leisure to help you acclimatise to the higher altitude.

Day 8: LHASA Stroll around the lively Barkhor Square, where you will see local handicrafts and religious trinkets. Observe the pilgrims and monks expressing their devotion.

Explore the 7th-century Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet, and the Sera Monastery, which has approximately 600 monks in residence.

Day 9: LHASA Explore the ‘Crown Jewel of Tibet’, the Potala Palace. The palace is an architectural wonder that towers over the city and is home to intricate shrines and beautiful frescoes. Visit

Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama, containing several palaces and chapels. This evening enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner and dance performance.

Day 10: LHASA TO CHENGDU Depart Lhasa and fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the city. This evening you will feast on a sumptuous Sichuan banquet.

Day 11: CHENGDU TO CHONGQING – YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see these beloved animals in an environment similar to their natural habitat. See the Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum and drive to Chongqing to board your exciting Yangtze River cruise for the next three nights.

Days 12-13: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Over the next two days, you will pass some of the most beautiful and

interesting scenery in China and take fascinating shore excursions.

Day 14: YICHANG TO SHANGHAI After visiting the Three Gorges Dam, disembark the cruise in Yichang and fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.

Day 15: SHANGHAI Walk through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old Town. Visit a Silk Museum, view the antiques and fine arts at the Shanghai Museum and walk along the famous Bund. This evening enjoy a farewell cruise along the Huangpu River followed by traditional Shanghai cuisine for your farewell dinner.

Day 16: DEPART SHANGHAI This morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Shanghai airport to board your overnight flight to Australia.

Day 17: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA Arrive home today.

id you know?

The Potala Palace in Lhasa is the highest palace in the world at over 3,500m above sea level. It consists of the White Palace and Red Palace. The Dalai Lama once lived in the White Palace. The Red Palace is used for religious study and prayer.

Inclusions • I nternational economy-class airfares •A ll transportation in China and Tibet • Departure taxes • Accommodation • All meals •E ntrance fees, guides and daily tours • Visa fees and Tibet Permit for Australian passport holders •C urrent airline fuel surcharge (subject to change) • Tipping (paid on arrival, subject to change) Medium Paced Tour Tour at High Altitude

Majestic Three Gorges, Yangtze River

Per Person Twin Share Departure date

SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL*, PER, DRW*

15 May 15

$6,888

30 May 15

$6,888

05 Sep 15

$6,888

10 Oct 15

$6,588

Above prices include Singapore Airlines fuel surcharge of $676 (subject to change). * Adelaide and Darwin passengers may require one night pre-tour accommodation in Beijing and a stopover in Singapore at an additional cost.

wendywutours.com.au/EpicJourneys2015

13

Nine Villages Valley Only limited departures each year $1 Singapore Stopover From

$6,988

Pristine Nine Villages Valley

Dreams of Nature

★★★

IN

AIRFARES ★★★

C LU

DED

20 days fully inclusive FROM $6,988 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE EX SYDNEY, MELBOURNE*, BRISBANE, ADELAIDE*, PERTH AND DARWIN* WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES

CHINA SHANGHAI (2N)

Nine Villages Valley (3N)

INBOUND (1N)

CHENGDU (2N) Black Mountain Valley OUTBOUND (1N)

Mt. Huang (1N) Chongqing (2N+1N) Wulong (2N) Zhangjiajie (2N)

Tunxi (1N+1N)

Changsha

Air Road

14

Reservations: 1300 798 118 and quote CWMarch

Explore some of China’s most treasured natural wonders; a world that few people get the chance to experience. The summit of Mt. Huang is often described by locals as ‘an ink scroll painting come to life’. Embark on a photographer’s dream journey to Zhangjiajie, known as a ‘goddess dancing on a heavenly stage’ where you will be greeted by breathtaking scenery. Your tour will take you to a part of China that is unknown to many westerners; the wonderful Nine Villages Valley. Ms. Wendy Wu herself has described this area as one of the most beautiful places she has ever been to. The scenery here is UNESCO World Heritage listed and so remains pristine and protected for all to enjoy.

DAYS 1-2: AUSTRALIA TO SHANGHAI Fly overnight with Singapore Airlines to Shanghai for a two night stay.

featuring some of the highest natural arches in the world and trek through the Longshuixia Fissure.

DAY 3: SHANGHAI Visit the Yu Gardens, the Old Town and the Bund. This evening cruise along the Huangpu River before feasting on Shanghai cuisine.

DAY 13: WULONG TO CHONGQING Take another scenic walk in the Wulong area. In the afternoon visit Furong Cave to see the illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. Return to Chongqing by road.

DAY 4: SHANGHAI TO TUNXI Visit the Shanghai Museum, a Silk Museum and Xintiandi. Later, fly to Huangshan and transfer to the ancient town of Tunxi for an overnight stay.

DAY 5: TUNXI TO MT. HUANG Take a cable car to the summit of Mt. Huang for an overnight stay.

Take in the spectacular views of rock formations, thousand-year-old pine trees and seas of clouds.

DAY 6: MT. HUANG TO TUNXI Descend from the summit of Mt. Huang and travel back to Tunxi to explore the ancient sites.

DAYS 7-8: TUNXI TO ZHANGJIAJIE Transfer to Huangshan airport to board your flight to Changsha. Drive to Zhangjiajie, famous worldwide for its natural scenery and unique sandstone pillars. Tomorrow, take in the spectacular limestone formations, subtropical forests, waterfalls, mountain ranges and valleys. Visit Huanglong Cave and Huangshi Village.

DAY 9: ZHANGJIAJIE TO CHONGQING Explore Lake Baofeng and the stunning peaks of the Tianzhi Mountains. Fly to Chongqing. Due to the remoteness of this region, flight schedules and touring are subject to change.

DAY 10: CHONGQING Visit the Old Town of Ciqikou, the traditional Erlin Gardens and the General Stilwell Museum.

DAY 11: CHONGQING TO WULONG – BLACK MOUNTAIN VALLEY Drive to Wulong, visiting Black Mountain Valley en route, where you will follow a path through the spectacular gorge. Continue to Wulong for a two night stay.

DAY 12: WULONG Visit the Three Bridges National Park,

DAY 14: CHONGQING TO NINE VILLAGES VALLEY Fly to the breathtaking Nine Villages Valley. Entering the valley is like being transported into a different world, where crystal clear lakes gather at the foot of every waterfall, surrounded by lush green forests. Stay in the valley for three nights to explore its beauty.

Please note: you will have a two-day entry ticket to explore the valley on Days 15-16.

DAYS 15-16: NINE VILLAGES VALLEY Enjoy the next two days exploring the pristine natural scenery of the Nine Villages Valley. The region takes its name from the nine traditional Tibetan villages, which are scattered throughout the valley.

DAY 17: NINE VILLAGES VALLEY TO CHENGDU Explore Huanglong Valley, renowned for its sparkling mineral pools down the mountainside. Visit a Tibetan workshop and then fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.

DAY 18: CHENGDU Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see the beloved animals in an environment similar to their natural habitat. You will also visit the Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum, Wuhou Temple, Nanjiao Park and take a stroll to explore ancient Jinli Street. Enjoy a sumptuous Sichuan banquet as your farewell dinner this evening.

DAY 19: DEPART CHENGDU This morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Chengdu airport to board your overnight flight to Australia.

DAY 20: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA Arrive home today.

id you know?

The Hallelujah Mountains in the movie ‘Avatar’ were inspired by the landscape in Zhangjiajie.

In 1982, Zhangjiajie became China’s first national forest park.

Towering Stone Pillar, Zhangjiajie

Inclusions • International economy-class airfares • All transportation in China • Departure taxes • Accommodation • All meals • Entrance fees, guides and daily tours • Visa fees for Australian passport holders • Current airline fuel surcharge (subject to change) • Tipping (paid on arrival, subject to change) Active Paced Tour Tour at High Altitude

Per Person Twin Share Departure date

SYD, MEL*, BNE, ADL*, PER, DRW*

29 Aug 15

$6,988

12 Sep 15

$7,188

21 May 16

$7,798

Above prices include Singapore Airlines fuel surcharge of $676 (subject to change) * Melbourne, Adelaide and Darwin passengers may require a stopover in Singapore and one night pre-tour accommodation in Shanghai at an additional cost.

wendywutours.com.au/EpicJourneys2015

15

Remote and untouched locations Limited departures From

$6,315

Remote Labrang Monastery, Xiahe

Silk Road Explorer

★★★

IN

AIRFARES ★★★

C LU

DED

24 days fully inclusive FROM $6,315 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE EX SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, BRISBANE, ADELAIDE* AND PERTH WITH CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS

Kashgar (1N)

Urumqi (2N) Turpan (2N) Overnight Train (1N)

Dunhuang (2N) Overnight Train (1N) Jiayuguan (1N) Lanzhou (2N) Overnight Train (1N) Xiahe (2N)

BEIJING (3N)

OUTBOUND (1N)

XIAN (2N)

Overnight Train (1N)

INBOUND (1N)

CHINA

Air Road Rail

16

Reservations: 1300 798 118 and quote CWMarch

The Silk Road trading route was the world’s first superhighway, a 4,500km series of desert and mountain crossings. Almost 2,000 years before being named, this route was first travelled by emissaries of the Han Dynasty.

As the centuries passed many traders set out from Xian and ventured westward to Kashgar, over the Pamir Mountains to Central Asia and finally to Rome. The trading route allowed links between China and the west to flourish and encouraged an exchange of art, ideas, culture and trade.

As you travel along the original trade route you will be following in the footsteps of Marco Polo and Genghis Khan.

This is a remarkable journey; one that seamlessly joins modern-paced adventure with ancient culture.

DAYS 1-2: AUSTRALIA TO XIAN Fly overnight with Cathay Pacific Airways to Xian for a two night stay.

DAY 3: XIAN Explore the life-sized Terracotta Warriors and Horses and the ancient City Wall. This evening feast on a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling banquet while watching a performance of music and dance dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

DAY 4: XIAN TO LANZHOU Visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, Little Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter and Islamic food market. This evening, board your overnight soft sleeper train to Lanzhou.

DAY 5: LANZHOU Arrive in Lanzhou this morning and visit the Baita (White) Temple. For dinner, sample the local specialty, Hand Stretched Noodles and then explore the night markets.

DAY 6: LANZHOU Travel by speedboat on Liujiaxia Lake to see the extraordinary Bingling Temple and Great Maitreya Buddha.

DAYS 7-8: LANZHOU TO XIAHE Journey through the scenic Jishi Mountain Pass to Xiahe. The afternoon is free to acclimatise to the higher altitude. Tomorrow, visit the Labrang Monastery, which boasts a collection of thousands of Buddhas and explore the local township.

DAYS 9-10: XIAHE TO JIAYUGUAN Return to Lanzhou to board your overnight soft sleeper train to Jiayuguan, an ancient pass of the Silk Road. Tomorrow, see the Jiayu Fortress and Museum. Walk along the western end of the Great Wall.

DAYS 11-12: JIAYUGUAN TO DUNHUANG Travel by road to Dunhuang, an ancient hub of the Silk Road. Visit a silk carpet museum. Tomorrow, tour the Mogao Grottoes, also known as ‘Caves of the Thousand Buddhas’.

DAY 13: DUNHUANG TO TURPAN Visit the Crescent Moon Spring and Singing Sand Dunes before boarding your overnight soft sleeper train to the oasis of Turpan.

DAYS 14-15: TURPAN Arrive in Turpan this morning where you will visit the ancient city ruins of Jiaohe and the Flaming Mountains.

Tomorrow, visit the Emin Minaret, the local homes at Grape Valley and learn about the 2,000-year-old Karez irrigation canals.

DAYS 16-17: TURPAN TO KASHGAR Travel to Kashgar by overnight train, a 24-hour journey which skirts the Taklamakan Desert, one of the most remote parts of China. Early tomorrow you will arrive in Kashgar. Visit the Abakh Hoja Tomb and Id Kah Mosque.

Explore the old alleys around Id Kah Square and visit a handicrafts gallery.

DAY 18: KASHGAR TO URUMQI See the world’s largest Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar before flying to Urumqi.

DAY 19: URUMQI Travel to Tian Chi (Heavenly Lake), and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Dinner this evening will be a

id you know?

traditional meal of delicious Uyghur lamb skewers.

DAY 20: URUMQI TO BEIJING Visit the Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum. This afternoon, fly to Beijing for a three night stay.

DAY 21: BEIJING Walk along the Great Wall and reflect on the labour required for its construction. Later, visit a jade factory and wander through Summer Palace.

DAY 22: BEIJING Stroll through Tiananmen Square, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum.

Visit the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Enjoy an exciting acrobatics performance and for dinner, sample the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

DAY 23: DEPART BEIJING This morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Beijing airport to board your overnight flight to Australia.

DAY 24: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA Arrive home today.

Silk was prized as a trade item and was ideal for the overland journey because it was easy to carry, took up little space and stayed in good condition. By weight, silk was worth as much as gold and was often used as a form of currency.

Inclusions • I nternational economy-class airfares • All transportation in China • Departure taxes • Accommodation • All meals •E ntrance fees, guides and daily tours • Visa fees for Australian passport holders •C urrent airline fuel surcharge (subject to change) • Tipping (paid on arrival, subject to change) Active Paced Tour Tour at High Altitude

Sand Dunes, near Dunhuang

Per Person Twin Share Departure date

SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL*, PER

10 Sep 15

$6,515

08 Oct 15

$6,315

22 Apr 16

$7,195

Above prices include Cathay Pacific Airways fuel surcharge of $152 (subject to change). *Adelaide passengers may require stopovers in Hong Kong and one night post-tour accommodation in Beijing at an additional cost.

Darwin passengers please contact our reservations team.

wendywutours.com.au/EpicJourneys2015

17

Only limited departures each year $1 Singapore Stopover From

$7,088

On Top of the World at Mt. Everest Base Camp

Himalayan Adventure – Tibet to Nepal

★★★

IN

AIRFARES ★★★

C LU

DED

20 days fully inclusive TIBET

FROM $7,088 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE EX SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, BRISBANE, ADELAIDE AND PERTH* WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES

CHINA

Shigatse (1N) Lhasa (3N) Pokhara New Tingri (1N) (2N) Zhangmu Gyantse (1N) NEPAL Mt. Everest Dhulikhel Chitwan Bhaktapur (2N) National KATHMANDU Park (2N) Daman (3N) (1N)

CHENGDU (2N)

INDIA

OUTBOUND (1N)

Air Road

18

Reservations: 1300 798 118 and quote CWMarch

This incredible tour is designed to bring out the adventurer in you. It will be challenging but the rewards will be worth the effort. You will see mystical temples in Tibet before your journey becomes more adventurous as you travel to Mt. Everest Base Camp. Cross the border into Nepal, where the scenery and landscape changes dramatically. Kathmandu is a fascinating city, like an open-air museum with mediaeval temples, palaces and shrines. From the stark dry lands of Tibet to the fertile lands of Nepal, this journey offers so much variation, which is sure to delight you.

DAY 1: AUSTRALIA TO CHENGDU Fly with Singapore Airlines to Chengdu for a two night stay.

greeted by your Nepalese guide and transferred to Bhaktapur. Stop in Dhulikhel en route.

DAY 2: CHENGDU Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, explore the ancient stores along Jinli Street and wander through Wuhou Temple.

DAY 11: BHAKTAPUR Explore the 9th-century-built town of Bhaktapur, including the Golden Gate at the Palace of 55 Windows and the temple of Changu Narayan.

DAY 3: CHENGDU TO LHASA Fly to Lhasa, the capital and spiritual home of Tibet. This afternoon is free at your leisure to acclimatise to the higher altitude.

DAY 12: BHAKTAPUR TO POKHARA Drive to Pokhara. Enjoy a boat ride on picturesque Phewa Lake.

DAY 4: LHASA Visit the Jokhang Temple, which is the most sacred and spiritual in all of Tibet.

Wander among the pilgrims at the mediaeval Barkhor Markets and visit the magnificent Sera Monastery.

DAY 5: LHASA Explore the Potala Palace, known as the ‘Crown Jewel of Tibet’.

DAY 6: LHASA TO SHIGATSE Leave Lhasa for Shigatse. En route you will stop at Gyantse to see the famous Gyantse Kumbum.

DAY 7: SHIGATSE TO NEW TINGRI Visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, built in 1447. Continue to New Tingri, crossing the Gyatso-la Pass (5,220m).

DAY 8: NEW TINGRI – MT. EVEREST BASE CAMP Rise early to cross the Gue-la Pass and enjoy the panoramic views of the eastern Himalaya. Continue your drive to Pasum where you will visit the monastic village of Rongbuk and enjoy an excursion to Mt. Everest Base Camp (weather permitting).

DAY 9: NEW TINGRI TO ZHANGMU Continue your drive towards the Nepalese and Tibet border via Nyalam and Zhangmu. The transition from the high, dry and wild Tibetan plateau, twisting through steep and narrow gorges to Nepal’s green hills is simply breathtaking and unforgettable.

DAY 10: ZHANGMU TO BHAKTAPUR VIA DHULIKHEL Drive to the border and cross the Friendship Bridge. After clearing customs and immigration, bid farewell to your Chinese guide as you are

DAYS 13-14: POKHARA TO CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK Rise early and visit a Hindu temple before departing for Chitwan National Park, one of the last refuges of the One-Horned Rhino. Enjoy an afternoon safari and tomorrow, continue exploring the park.

DAY 15: CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK TO DAMAN Travel to Daman, a wonderful hillside town, which has some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Himalaya in all of Nepal.

DAY 16: DAMAN TO KATHMANDU You may wish to rise early this morning to view the spectacular sunrise over the Himalaya. Depart Daman and travel to Kathmandu.

Return to Kathmandu and tour the Bodhnath Stupa, the largest stupa in Nepal, and then Pashupatinath Temple, located on the banks of the Bagmati River.

DAY 18: KATHMANDU Visit Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, followed by Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, the Kumari Temple and the popular Thamel Market.

DAY 19: DEPART KATHMANDU You will be transferred to Kathmandu airport to board your overnight flight to Australia.

DAY 20: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA Arrive home today.

id you know?

The summit of Mt. Everest is 8,848m high. It is over 60 million years old and was formed by the movement of the Indian tectonic plate pushing up and against the Asian plate. It grows by about 0.64cm each year.

DAY 17: KATHMANDU – PATAN Visit Patan. See the former Royal Palace as well as Patan’s Durbar Square.

Inclusions • I nternational economy-class airfares •A ll transportation in China, Tibet and Nepal • Departure taxes • Accommodation • All meals •E ntrance fees, guides and daily tours • Visa fees and Tibet Permit for Australian passport holders •C urrent airline fuel surcharge (subject to change) • Tipping (paid on arrival, subject to change) Active Paced Tour Tour at High Altitude

Swayambhunath Temple, Kathmandu

Per Person Twin Share Departure date

SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL, PER*

10 Sep 15

$7,088

24 Sep 15

$7,088

08 Oct 15

$7,088

07 Apr 16

$7,898

Above prices include Singapore Airlines fuel surcharge of $676 (subject to change). * Perth passengers may require a stopover in Singapore at an additional cost. Darwin passengers please contact our reservations team.

wendywutours.com.au/EpicJourneys2015

19

Only three departures each year $1 Singapore Stopover From

$9,398

Spectaular Taktsang Monastery, near Paro

Himalayan Kingdoms – Sikkim & Bhutan

★★★

IN

AIRFARES ★★★

C LU

DED

24 days fully inclusive FROM $9,398 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE EX SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, BRISBANE, ADELAIDE*, PERTH AND DARWIN* WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Kalimpong (2N) BHUTAN (Sikkim) Punakha (1N+1N) Gangtok (2N) Paro Pelling (2N) Bumthang (2N) (2N) Trongsa Darjeeling (2N) Thimphu (2N) NEPAL Siliguri (1N) New Jalpaiguri Gorumara Phuentsholing (1N) Wildlife Sanctuary (1N)

KOLKATA (2N + 1N) OUTBOUND (1N)

Air Road Rail

20

Reservations: 1300 798 118 and quote CWMarch

Join us on this incredible journey through a relatively unknown part of India, Sikkim, and also one of the world’s most exclusive tourist destinations, Bhutan. Sikkim is located in north-east India and sits in the shadow of the world’s highest mountains. Bhutan is famous for its dramatic landscapes, architecture and colourful heritage.

Its rich Buddhist culture is still intact and permeates every aspect of Bhutanese life. Both Sikkim and Bhutan are still relatively unspoilt by tourism. Experience the mystique and beauty of these wonderful lands that not many can say they have explored.

DAY 1: AUSTRALIA TO KOLKATA Fly with Singapore Airlines to Kolkata for a two night stay.

DAY 2: KOLKATA This afternoon visit the Victoria Memorial, drive past Fort William and visit Kalighat Temple.

DAY 3: KOLKATA TO SILIGURI Tour a local flower market, Howrah Bridge, Kumartuli and a Jain temple.

Later, transfer to the railway station to board your train to New Jalpaiguri in north-east India, and upon arrival stay overnight in nearby Siliguri.

DAY 4: SILIGURI TO DARJEELING Continue by road through tea plantations to Darjeeling.

DAY 5: DARJEELING Take a jeep ride to Tiger Hill and visit Ghoom Monastery. Later, board the UNESCO World Heritage listed Toy Train. Tour one of the many tea plantations in the area and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

DAY 6: DARJEELING TO PELLING Drive north to Pelling and cross into the state of Sikkim. Here you will visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, the oldest in Sikkim.

DAY 7: PELLING Visit Khecheopalri Lake, one of the most sacred lakes in Sikkim for both Buddhists and Hindus, and Kanchenjunga Falls.

DAY 8: PELLING TO GANGTOK Drive to Gangtok, visiting the sacred Tashiding Monastery en route.

DAY 9: GANGTOK Visit the Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and the famous Do Drul Chorten.

DAYS 10-11: GANGTOK TO KALIMPONG Visit the Old Rumtek Monastery and Dharma Chakra Centre before continuing to Kalimpong, located deep in the Himalaya. Tomorrow is free at your leisure.

DAY 12: KALIMPONG TO GORUMARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Travel to the Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary to spot a One Horned Rhino during your afternoon jeep safari.

DAY 13: GORUMARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY TO PHUENTSHOLING Drive to the Bhutan border and clear customs and immigration. Continue to Phuentsholing, the gateway to Bhutan for overland travellers.

DAY 14: PHUENTSHOLING TO THIMPHU Continue to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Visit Kharbandi Gompa en route.

DAY 15: THIMPHU Visit the National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum (painting school), National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Folk Heritage Museum and National Textile Museum. Tour Thimphu Zoo, the National Memorial Chorten, Trashi Chhoe Dzong and drive to Buddha Point.

DAY 16: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA Travel to Punakha via Dochu La. Tour the Punakha Dzong and the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.

DAY 17: PUNAKHA – TRONGSA TO BUMTHANG Drive to Trongsa, stopping en route at Wangdue Paodrang to visit a local market. Ascend to Pele La, marked by prayer flags, and stop at the small village of Chendebji for lunch. Pass through Trongsa, visiting Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong Museum. Cross the Chumey Valley and arrive into Bumthang.

DAY 23: DEPART KOLKATA The morning is free at your leisure.

After a late check-out, you will be transferred to Kolkata airport to board your overnight flight to Australia.

DAY 24: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA Arrive home today.

Inclusions • International economy-class airfares • All transportation in India and Bhutan • Departure taxes • Accommodation • All meals • Entrance fees, guides and daily tours • Visa fees and Bhutan Permit for Australian passport holders • Current airline fuel surcharge (subject to change) Active Paced Tour Tour at High Altitude

DAY 18: BUMTHANG Visit Kurje Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong.

DAY 19: BUMTHANG TO PUNAKHA Drive to Punakha along the scenic mountain highway.

DAY 20: PUNAKHA TO PARO Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, known as the ‘Temple of Fertility’, before continuing to Paro. En route, visit the Simtokha Dzong. Explore Ta Dzong, the largest dzong in Bhutan, and Rinpung Dzong.

DAY 21: PARO Hike to Taktsang Monastery, known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Return to Paro in the afternoon, visiting Kyichu Lhakhang en route.

DAY 22: PARO TO KOLKATA Drive to Paro airport and depart Bhutan to fly back to Kolkata.

Old Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok

Per Person Twin Share Departure date

SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL*, PER, DRW*

17 Oct 15

$9,398

07 Nov 15

$9,398

16 Apr 16

$9,998

Above prices include Singapore Airlines fuel surcharge of $676 (subject to change). * Adelaide and Darwin passengers may require stopovers in Singapore at an additional cost.

wendywutours.com.au/EpicJourneys2015

21

Explore Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Only two departures each year From

$8,870

The Registan and Ulugh Beg Observatory, Samarkand

Road to Samarkand

★★★

IN

AIRFARES ★★★

C LU

DED

26 days fully inclusive FROM $8,870 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE EX SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, BRISBANE* AND PERTH* WITH CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES KYRGYZSTAN

Chon-Kemin Valley (2N) Karakol URUMQI (1N) (2N)

Urgench Khiva (3N)

Bishkek (1N) Naryn (1N) Tash Rabat

Tashkent (1N+1N) Samarkand Bukhara (3N) (3N)

Torugart Pass Kashgar (2N)

Kochkor Village (1N) BEIJING (1N)

CHINA

Overnight flight (1N) OUTBOUND (1N)

UZBEKISTAN

INBOUND (1N)

Air Road

22

Reservations: 1300 798 118 and quote CWMarch

The most renowned overland trading route of ancient civilisations was the Silk Road. Tales abound of mystical cities, lively open-air bazaars and a seemingly endless hive of activity. Historically, the Silk Road was a remote and arduous path and one can only imagine the kind of difficulties those who travelled this renowned road had to overcome. It spanned from China’s former imperial capital, Xian, westward through to Europe. With so much to see and experience, this journey will take you along the Silk Road from Kashgar in China to some of the most amazing ancient cities such as Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, one of Central Asia’s oldest settlements. Along the way you will discover breathtaking sights, view beautiful Islamic architecture and see some of the most captivating scenery you will ever encounter.

DAYS 1-2: AUSTRALIA TO URUMQI Fly overnight with China Southern Airlines to Urumqi for an overnight stay. Visit the local markets.

DAY 3: URUMQI TO KASHGAR Travel to Tian Chi (Heavenly Lake), a pristine lake nestled in the foothills of the Tianshan Mountains. Fly to Kashgar, an ancient market town, once the flourishing centre of the Silk Road trading route.

DAY 4: KASHGAR Explore the elegantly tiled Abakh Hoja Tomb, the Id Kah Mosque and the old alleys of Id Kah Square.

DAY 5: KASHGAR TO NARYN Journey across the Tian Shan Range to the Torugart Pass; the border of Kyrgyzstan. Stop at the Tash Rabat Caravanserai and continue to Naryn.

DAY 6: NARYN TO KOCHKOR VILLAGE Travel to Kochkor Village. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a Ger before watching a ‘shyrdak’ demonstration (Kyrgyz wool carpets).

DAY 7: KOCHKOR VILLAGE TO KARAKOL Travel via Bokonbayevo Village to Karakol. After lunch with a family, see a demonstration of eagle hunting.

DAY 8: KARAKOL Visit to the Sunday animal market, the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a Chinese mosque. Enjoy an easy hike in Jety-Orguz and the Valley of Flowers.

DAYS 9-10: KARAKOL TO CHONKEMIN VALLEY Explore the Przhevalskii Museum and Semenov Gorge before continuing to Cholpon-Ata. Relax on an afternoon cruise on Issy Kul. Explore the petroglyphs and continue to Ashu in the picturesque Chon-Kemin Valley.

Tomorrow, take in the real life of Kyrgyz people in Ashu village.

DAY 11: CHON-KEMIN VALLEY TO BISHKEK Drive to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. En route see the Burana Tower. Visit Ala Too Square, Oak Park and enjoy a folklore performance.

DAY 12: BISHKEK TO TASHKENT Hike in Ala Archa National Park. Fly to Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan.

China, and Jingshan Park.

DAY 13: TASHKENT TO KHIVA Fly to Urgench and drive to the ancient city of Khiva.

DAYS 14-15: KHIVA Explore the walled inner town called the Itchan Kala. See the Kukhna Ark Fortress, the turquoise-tiled IslomHuja, Amir-Tur Medressa and Tash Hauli Palace. Tomorrow, visit the ruins of Elliq-Qala.

DAY 25: DEPART BEIJING This morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Beijing airport to board your overnight flight to Australia.

DAY 26: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA Arrive home today.

DAY 16: KHIVA TO BUKHARA Travel to Bukhara, Central Asia’s most sacred city.

DAYS 17-18: BUKHARA Explore the Ark Fortress, Bolo Hauz Mosque, Chor Minor and Kalon Minaret. Tomorrow, visit the LyabiHauz Plaza and enjoy an interesting cultural folk performance.

DAY 19: BUKHARA TO SAMARKAND Travel to Samarkand, the site where the Silk Road diverged east to China, south to India and west to Persia, stopping in Shakhrisabz en route.

DAYS 20-21: SAMARKAND Over the next two days explore Samarkand’s unique attractions; Timur’s Guri Amir Mausoleum and Registan Square, She Dor Medressa, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-I-Zinda, Ulugh Beg Observatory and a papermaking workshop.

DAY 22: SAMARKAND TO TASHKENT Return to Tashkent by road, passing through the Tamerlane Gates en route.

Visit the Kukeldash Medressa, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Khan Medressa, Khast Imam Complex and Moyie Mubarek Library Museum. Wander through the Chorsu Bazaar and stop at the Crying Mother Monument.

DAY 23: TASHKENT TO BEIJING Explore Tashkent, including Independence Square, 1966 earthquake memorial, Amir Timur Maydoni, the Russian-style Alisher Navoi Theatre and Broadway Street.

This evening, fly overnight to Beijing.

DAY 24: BEIJING Arrive into Beijing early and enjoy the morning free at your leisure. This afternoon visit Beihai Park, one of the most ancient imperial gardens in

Burana Tower, near Bishkek

Inclusions • International economy-class airfares • All transportation in China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan • Departure taxes • Accommodation • All meals • Entrance fees, guides and daily tours • Visa fees for Australian passport holders • Current airline fuel surcharge (subject to change) • Tipping (paid on arrival, subject to change) Active Paced Tour Tour at High Altitude

Per Person Twin Share Departure date

SYD, MEL, BNE*, PER*

04 Oct 15

$8,870

01 May 16

$9,980

Above prices include China Southern Airlines fuel surcharge of $310 (subject to change). * Brisbane and Perth passengers may require stopovers and one night post-tour accommodation in Guangzhou at an additional cost.

wendywutours.com.au/EpicJourneys2015

23

Why book with Wendy Wu Tours?

21 years’ operating tours to Asia Unrivalled knowledge and expertise Comprehensive range of group, deluxe, private and tailor made holidays Innovative programmes and unique, rarely visited destinations Fully inclusive prices with no hidden extras Expert national and local guides Quality hotels and comfortable transportation

1300 798 118

or contact your travel agent wendywutours.com.au info@wendywutours.com.au

CONDITIONS: Tour prices are per person twin share. Additional departures may be available with seasonal surcharges. Airline fuel surcharge and tipping included and subject to change. Tours subject to availability. Due to airline schedules, some passengers may require a stopover or pre/post tour accommodation at an additional cost. Tours flying with Vietnam Airlines: QANTAS Airways or Virgin Australia domestic connections are utilised for passengers departing Brisbane, Adelaide or Canberra to connect with international flights in Sydney or Melbourne. Availability and pricing correct at time of printing 17 February 2015. Tour details and booking conditions are as specified in the Wendy Wu Tours brochures or at wendywutours.com.au Loyalty Discount: Our loyalty discount does not apply to tailor-made itineraries, independent travel, special groups, or to our Simply range of tours. $1 Singapore Stopover conditions: The $1 stopover is per person for one night staying at the Peninsula Excelsior Hotel (or similar) and is only valid in conjunction with selected fully inclusive group tour departures flying Singapore Airlines. Offer can be used once, in one direction only (either inbound or outbound). Bookings must be made by 30 May 2015. Black out periods apply including 17 to 20 September 2015. Offer is subject to availability and flight schedules and includes twin share accommodation at the Peninsula Excelsior hotel or similar, return airport transfers on a seat-in-coach basis, breakfast and access to a full range of attractions in Singapore as detailed. Additional charges for additional nights’ stay and single supplements apply.

Refer a friend conditions: To be eligible for the ‘refer a friend’ offer you must have a current or previously deposited Wendy Wu Tours booking. One hamper per new booking will be distributed. The referee must quote your full name, booking number and address at the time of their booking. Your hamper will be distributed upon receipt of their deposit. Your friend must be a new customer of Wendy Wu Tours, who has not previously booked. We will contact you to arrange delivery of your hamper. Hampers will be delivered at the start of the calendar month. We regret we cannot apply this offer retrospectively.

You can opt out of receiving information at any time if you choose to do so. Any personal information you provide will be managed in accordance with Wendy Wu Tours’ privacy policy which can be viewed at wendywutours.com.au

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A member of AFTA, IATA, CATO. ATAS: A10517