Newmarket Holidays & Faraway brochure

Crafted with Care

Faraway Holidays2013-2015 Specially Selected Escorted Tours

• India • China •Thailand• Cambodia • Vietnam• Japan • New Zealand• Argentina • Brazil

Every Newmarket Faraway Places Holiday includes:l Comprehensive, thoughtfully planned

itineraries with included toursl Return flights from a choice of

UK airportsl Coach touring throughoutl Excellent standard hotel

accommodationl Choice of great value optional

excursionsl Friendly experienced Tour Managersl Full financial protection through

ABTA & ATOLl 24-hour emergency hotline number

2 Call us on 0844 391 2200 – We’re here to help!

“The hotels were fabulous as were the trips, food, people & general culture

of India.”Mrs Burnside, by email, India, Tigers & the Taj Mahal

2013-2015 Newmarket Holidays to Faraway Places

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Financial Peace of MindYour money is completely safe when you book any Newmarket holiday. We offer you full financial protection, through our ABTA and ATOL bonds. Plus, with 30 years experience of taking people on holiday – we promise you’re in very capable hands! Newmarket provide 24-hours-a-day, year-round emergency cover to ensure that wherever you are in the world with us, our team is ready to help and advise in any eventuality.

How to Book...

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Welcome to a selection of high quality, great value escorted holidays to some of the world’s most fascinating, colourful and exciting countries – all ‘faraway places’ that will be on most people’s wish lists of destinations that they’d like to visit and experience for themselves.

Arranged by a company that has celebrated 30 years of tour operating in 2013, the holidays include a trio of tours discovering some of the Indian sub-continent’s most colourful locations, and others which explore

the mystery and magic of South East Asia, China and Japan. An exciting journey through New Zealand’s extraordinary landscapes, and an unforgettable visit to two of South America’s most vibrant countries – Argentina and Brazil – complete the range.

All the holidays offer outstanding value for money, high standards of accommodation, fascinating itineraries crammed with exciting highlights, travel by comfortable touring coaches and the services of friendly, professional tour managers, who will be on hand throughout your time with us, and who can’t wait to bring their countries to life for you.

Throughout the last three decades, Newmarket has looked after the travelling arrangements of millions of travellers, building a name for the highest standards of service and genuine value for money. Our Faraway Collection will add to that reputation. Whether you’re joining us for the first time, or planning your next Newmarket holiday, we look forward to the pleasure of your company!

Richard Harrington – Long-haul Director

0844 391 2200Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am-6pm, Saturday: 9am-4pm Closed: Sundays & Bank Holidays

Air Holiday Priority Booking Line:

www.newmarketholidays.co.ukBook Online:

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ContentsIntroduction & MapIntroduction 2-5Map of Asia 6-7

IndiaIndia – Tigers and the Taj Mahal 8-9India’s Exotic South & Kerala 10-11Grand Tour of India 12-13

South-East AsiaFollow the Mekong – Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam 14-15Hong Kong & the Treasures of Thailand 16-17

ChinaHighlights of China & Yangtse Cruise 18-19The Best of China 20-21

JapanDiscovering Japan 22-23

MapsMap of New Zealand 24Map of South America 25

New ZealandThe Best of New Zealand 26-27

South AmericaRio de Janeiro & Highlights of Argentina 28-29

Hotel Choices Find out more about your hotel accommodation

Important InformationHoliday Essentials 33Further Information & Travel Insurance 34Booking Conditions 35

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“The hotels were fabulous as were the trips, food, people & general culture

of India.”Mrs Burnside, by email, India, Tigers & the Taj Mahal

A city of dazzling contrastsExtraordinary Hong Kong where East meets West

the incomparable taj MahalTruly one of the world’s ‘Seven Wonders’

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Some of our highlights...Journey into South America!

A wonderful escorted tour to two of South America’s most engaging, enthralling and colourful countries, Brazil and Argentina. Pages 28-29

Follow the Mekong! Experience the heart of Indochina – bustling Bangkok, the stunning River Kwai, the lush landscape of Cambodia and historical Vietnam. Pages 14-15

An unforgettable journey – New ZealandA compelling mix of natural beauty, diverse cities and colourful, exciting resort towns, enriched by a vibrant Maori culture. Pages 26-27

Discovering Japan!This fascinating and exciting fully escorted tour, like Japan itself, contains an intoxicating mix of ancient history, tradition and culture. Pages 22-23

Panda conservation Encounter this fascinating species in China!

the legendary ‘tigers of ranthambhore’Search for these endangered creatures in beautiful Ranthambhore National Park

the legendary ‘tigers of ranthambhore’Search for these endangered creatures in beautiful Ranthambhore National Park

Call us on 0844 391 2200 – We’re here to help!

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Once-in-a-lifetime experiences!Each of the destinations featured in the following pages really does represent a ‘dream-come-true’ for each of our guests – something that we never forget when we organise and operate these very special holidays.

Whether it’s the incomparable magic of the Taj Mahal at sunset, spotting a tiger or elephant in its natural environment, joining the throng in a colourful Asian market or gazing in awestruck wonder at the Terracotta Army, standing on Toyko’s Shubuya Crossing and wondering how there can be so many people in the world, or visiting parts of beautiful New Zealand and wondering why so few, or witnessing Iguazú’s tumult or standing atop Rio’s Sugar Loaf mountain, each holiday is

full of ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experiences, which we are privileged to be able to share with you.

We look forward to having the honour of that privilege.

Superb included & optional excursionsEach of our holidays offers a mix of included and optional excursions – giving you the choice of exploring with us, or perhaps choosing to ‘do your own thing’.

Each day’s touring will bring a new and exciting included highlight, while in city destinations we offer a selection of well-priced optional excursions, taken in the company of our friendly, professional Tour Managers.

Knowledgeable Tour ManagersOn each of our touring holidays, and on our optional excursions, you’ll be accompanied by one of our team of friendly, professional Tour Managers, who will help you make the very most from your time with us, bring to life the places visited and be on hand to ‘point you in the right direction’.

There’s no doubting the enormous contribution made by our Tour Managers in helping to ensure that our holidays are as smooth-running, enjoyable and memorable as possible for our customers. Feedback from returning travellers invariably pays testimony to them, with a constant stream of positive comments.

Travel in comfort and style on a trip of a lifetime... ...you won’t find better quality and value!

“From the moment we landed in China until the moment we left everything ran like clockwork…the organisation was first class.”Mrs Jordan, by email, The Best of China

“The mix of luxury and rustic

accommodation works so well, and gives

a feeling of having seen real India.”Mr Carson, by email

India, Tigers & the Taj Mahal

the Great Wall of China

rickshaw driver, beijing

kerala

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Travel in comfort and style on a trip of a lifetime... ...you won’t find better quality and value!

Reputable AirlinesYour holiday will include return Economy Class flights operated by well-known airlines, with non-stop direct flights being used wherever possible. Relax in a comfortable seat with meals included during your flight.

Hotels with names you can trustThe hotels featured in our Faraway Holidays deserve special mention, as they add so much to the enjoyment of the tour.

There’s no doubt, especially on a holiday that involves days spent travelling or sightseeing, that a good quality hotel is vitally important, which is why we spend so much time carefully selecting the places you’ll stay – even if it’s only for one night!

Chosen for a combination of location, comfort and most importantly the value that they offer, which we in turn pass on to you, the hotels – many from well-known chains and others individual properties – offer a range of amenities,

providing rest and relaxation at day’s end. Most offer dining facilities on site or very close-by, and all offer the warmest of welcomes. Some are so good that you’ll be sorry to leave, even if another wonderful day’s touring or exploring awaits!

See the ‘Your Accommodation’ section on your chosen holiday for information on which hotels we use on the tour, and find out more about the hotel location and amenities on pages 30-32.

“The mix of luxury and rustic

accommodation works so well, and gives

a feeling of having seen real India.”Mr Carson, by email

India, Tigers & the Taj Mahal

radisson blu dwarka, delhi

Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong

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Jaipur

Ranthambhore

Agra

G a n g e s

Kerala

Taj Mahal, AgraPages 8-9 & 12-13

Red Fort, DelhiPages 8-9 & 12-13

Palace of the Winds, JaipurPages 8-9 & 12-13

KeralaPages 10-11 & 12-13

Floating Markets, BangkokPages 16-17

Panda Research Centre, ChengduPages 18-19

Terracotta WarriorsPages 18-19 & 20-21


The wonders of this incredible part of the world have never been more accessible. Simply choose where you’d like to go and what you’d like to see, and turn to the holidays that feature your ‘must-see’ destinations.

Discover the very best of India, China & the Far East with Newmarket Holidays!

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Beijing

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Guilin

KanazawaShirakawago & Takayama

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Yangshuo

TokyoMount Fuji & Hakone

KyotoNara

Kanchanaburi

Ho Chi Minh City

Angkor

Phom Phen

Can Tho

Bangkok

China

Japan

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CambodiaVietnam

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G r e a t W a l l o f C h i n a

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The Great Wall of ChinaPages 18-19 & 20-21

Floating Markets, BangkokPages 16-17

Panda Research Centre, ChengduPages 18-19 Mount Fuji, Japan

Pages 22-23

ShanghaiPages 18-19 & 20-21

Hong KongPages 16-17

Angkor Wat, CambodiaPages 14-15


Discover the very best of India, China & the Far East with Newmarket Holidays!

Tour Highlights


Ten days from

£1,299per person

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This classic tour of northern India features the great cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, and Ranthambhore Park, one-time hunting ground of Indian princes, and standing atop a landscape of grasslands, streams and lakes. The park is home to the legendary ‘Tigers of Ranthambhore’ and you’ll enjoy two half-day ‘safaris’, hoping for sightings of these beautiful endangered creatures.

In Delhi, ancient and modern worlds collide, the grandeur of the colonial Raj in the city’s centre literally sandwiched between the past of Old Delhi to the north, and the future – fast-growing south Delhi. All over the teeming, colourful, enthralling metropolis are reminders, in the shape of great monuments, of the six cities that predated the present Indian capital.

Agra is known as the ‘City of Love’, its greatest treasure the world-renowned Taj Mahal, one of the planet’s most recognisable landmarks. Other highlights include Agra Fort, the onion-domed Jama Masjid mosque and the nearby tomb of Akbar the Great at Sikandra.

Explore Jaipur, the fabled ‘Pink City’, with its ‘Palace of the Winds’, its colourful bazaars and famous Amber Fort, the latter reached atop an elephant’s back or by jeep. Ranthambhore is, of course, a highlight of the tour and said to be an inspiration for some of Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Jungle Book’ stories.

This is a perfect introduction to one of the world’s most fascinating, alluring and exotic destinations.

• Discover the sights of New Delhi and a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi

• Elephant or jeep-ride to the Amber Fort• See Jaipur’s ‘Palace of the Winds’ and visit

the Amber Fort• Journey to Ranthambhore National Park

including two safaris• Visit to Abhaneri• Lodge accommodation in Geejgarh• An Indian cookery demonstration• City tour of Agra• Visit to the Taj Mahal• Eight nights’ accommodation staying

in Delhi (2 nights), Jaipur (2 nights), Ranthambhore (2 nights), Geejgarh (1 night) and Agra (1 night) sharing a twin/double room on a half-board basis.

• Four lunches• Return scheduled flights to Delhi• One suitcase allowance per person• Air-conditioned coach travel throughout• The services of a Tour Manager in India

India – Tigers & the Taj Mahal

• Discover the historic Red Fort & Jama Masjid Mosque, the India Gate war memorial and the ruins of the Quwwat‑ul‑Islam in Delhi

• Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi

• See ‘Pink City’ Jaipur’s ‘Palace of the Winds’

• Climb to Amber Fort – by elephant or jeep!

• Go in search of Ranthambhore’s tigers

• See Chand Baori, Abhaneri’s stepwell

• Enjoy a cookery demonstration

• Marvel at the incomparable Taj Mahal on two unforgettable visits

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Your Accommodation

TIGERS & THE TAJ MAHALAvailable: Nov 2013, Jan-Mar, May, Sep-Nov 2014, Jan-May, Sep 2015

FLIGHT & DEPARTURE INFORMATIONReturn scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic or Jet Airways direct to Delhi.The transfer time from the airport to your first hotel is approximately 30 minutes.

For more information on your flight and chosen holiday please see page 33.

LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT12 Nov 2013 £1,429

14 Jan, 11 Feb 2014 £1,34921 Jan, 4 Feb,

4, 11, 13, 20 Mar 2014 £1,359

18 Feb, 27 Mar 2014 £1,39913, 20 May, 16, 23 Sep 2014 £1,299

7, 9, 14, 21 Oct, 11, 13, 18, 25 Nov 2014 £1,499

20, 27 Jan 2015 £1,3993, 10, 17, 24 Feb,

3, 10, 17 Mar 2015 £1,429

21, 28 Apr 2015 £1,3595, 12 May, 15, 22 Sep 2015 £1,339Outbound: 21:50/11:50 • Return: 13:50/17:55

Regional connectionsConnecting flights are available to London Heathrow from the following airports for a supplement per person of: Belfast, Glasgow & Newcastle £150, Aberdeen, Edinburgh & Manchester £60

Deposit just £120 per person.

Single-room supplement: £479

Optional Excursions – Prices per personRanthambhore Fort – Day Five £12Taj Mahal at Sunrise – Day Nine £19

Information on your hotels is provided on pages 30-32, listed by country and town/city. This tour stays in Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambhore, Geejgarh and Agra.

Day One Fly overnight from the UK to Delhi.

Day Two Upon arrival this morning, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel where you’ll spend your first night. Later, after time to freshen up, join your Tour Manager on a guided tour, which will introduce you to the vibrant Old City. Discover the historic Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque and Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s cremation site close to the Yamuna River. We also take you on an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of old Chandni Chowk.

Day Three This morning, explore the grandeur of New Delhi, built by the British Raj to reflect the glories of the Empire. Highlights will include the historic India Gate war memorial, the vast boulevard of the Rajpath and, from an earlier epoch, the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the ornate Qutb Minar tower that rises from them. This afternoon, you’ll leave Delhi, journeying on your comfortable coach to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur – one of India’s most well-planned cities – for a two-night stay.

Day Four After breakfast, visit Amber and its 16th Century hill-top fort. Climb to the fort on elephant back or by jeep, and be amazed at the décor in the various Royal Halls, and by the stupendous views from the fort’s ramparts. This afternoon, you’ll tour Jaipur, including the City Palace complex with its museums and Jantar Mantar – the ancient astronomical observatory. You’ll visit the 18th Century Hawa Mahal or ‘Palace of the Winds’, with its innumerable windows and screened balconies, behind which royal women might view the city and important processions while remaining hidden from the world in purdah.

red Fort, old dehli

Day Five After breakfast, you’ll depart for a two-night stay* in beautiful Ranthambhore National Park, one of the best examples of India’s conservation programme Project Tiger. Once the hunting ground of Indian princes, Ranthambhore is covered with thorn trees, scrub and grasslands, and dotted with beautiful ponds, streams and lakes – a perfect habitat for the famed, endangered ‘Tigers of Ranthambhore’ and countless other species. This afternoon, rest and relax at the hotel, or join the optional excursion to the ancient Ranthambhore Fort, which sits atop the 600-metre-high hill range, and offers stupendous views of the park below.

Day Six An undoubted highlight of the tour will be today’s two canter (open-air vehicle) safaris in the Park, taken in the company of a knowledgeable naturalist guide. With luck you may also see the

tigers and other species in their natural environment. Lunch is included today.

Day Seven You’ll journey on to the ancient village of Abhaneri, originally called Abha Nagri, or ‘city of brightness’, and home to Chand Baori, an astonishing example of a stepwell – extraordinary constructions unique to India and used to facilitate the drawing of water from the ground. Abhaneri is also home to a stunning temple built in honour of Harshat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness. Continue to Geejgarh for a night in a private lodge, air conditioned and with facilities for your comfort, yet recreating times past. Before dinner tonight, enjoy a cookery demonstration with the chef!

Palace of the Winds, Jaipur

Day Eight This morning you’ll journey to Agra, the fabled ‘City of Love’ and site of the exquisite, incomparable Taj Mahal. After a visit to the royal pavilions, palaces and courtyards of majestic Agra Fort you’ll make your first visit to the ‘Taj’, a monument to undying love, seen in all its glory at sunset.

Day Nine Awaken early to pay another unforgettable optional visit to the Taj Mahal, this time by horse-drawn carriage as the sun rises, before journeying back to Delhi for your last night, a fitting end to an unforgettable holiday.

Day Ten This morning, depart for the airport and your return flight to the UK, arriving late this afternoon.

*Please note: During September parts of Ranthambhore National Park are restricted and not open to visitors, hence there will be no organised safari drives on these dates. There is still opportunity to enjoy wildlife viewings - however, the time spent in Ranthambhore will be reduced to one night with an extra night in Geejgarh.

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“Spotting a tiger in Ranthambore was such a magic sight, the icing on the cake and the visit to the village for the cooking demonstration was

an unforgettable memory.”Mr Carson, by email

radisson, Agra

Tour Highlights


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Eleven days from

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• Explore Kochi with its famous Chinese fishing nets

• Spend a night on a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat

• A visit to Periyar’s Wildlife Sanctuary, with a lake cruise

• A cycle-rickshaw ride in the temple-town Madurai and a sacred Aarti ceremony

• Tour Munnar hill-station’s tea plantations• Spend a night on a traditional Kettuvallam

houseboat• Accommodation for nine nights, staying in

Kochi (3 nights – 2 nights upon arrival and 1 night before departure), Periyar (2 nights), Madurai (2 nights) and Munnar (1 night) in hotels and on a houseboat (1 night) sharing a twin/double room on a half board basis

• Four lunches• Return scheduled flights to Kochi via Dubai • One suitcase allowance per person• Air-conditioned coach travel throughout• The services of a Tour Manager in India

• Explore historic, European Kochi

• See the famous Chinese fishing nets

• Spend a night on a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat

• A visit to the famous Wildlife Sanctuary in idyllic Periyar

• A visit to colourful, unforgettable temple-town Madurai, known as the ‘Athens of the East’

• Enjoy a rickshaw ride to the sacred Aarti ceremony

• Tour Munnar hill-station’s tea plantations

• Visit the Tata Tea Museum

This wonderful escorted tour journeys to India’s far south, to discover and explore an extraordinary corner of the world, called - with some justification - ‘God’s Own Country’ by its inhabitants, and an idyllic, tropical land of ancient trading ports, labyrinthine backwaters plied by traditional ‘houseboats’, forested uplands dotted with churches, temples and tea and spice plantations, and some of the country’s finest beaches.

Our exceptional value holiday begins in old Kochi - formerly Cochin - set between the Arabian Sea and the languid Keralan backwaters. Here you’ll enjoy a tour of the historic, distinctly European quarters of the city, see first hand the famous Chinese fishing nets that are one of Southern India’s most iconic images, and experience a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

Moving inland, you’ll then enjoy a night on a traditional thatched Kettuvallam houseboat – another unique experience – before you head into the misty mountains and the protected Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants and rarely glimpsed tigers and leopards.

Visits to the sacred city of Madurai, with its astounding temples and Hindu ceremonials, and to the idyllic, verdant tea-growing hill station of Munnar are full of memorable highlights, before this wonderful tour of one of India’s most enthralling corners is completed with a final night in back in colonial Cochin.

India’s Exotic South and Kerala

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Information on your hotels is provided on pages 30-32, listed by country and town/city. This tour stays in Kochi, Periyar, Madurai and Munnar and on a deluxe houseboat.

INDIA’S ExOTIC SOUTH & KERALAAvailable: Jan, Mar, May, Oct, Nov 2014, Jan-Mar, May 2015

FLIGHT & DEPARTURE INFORMATIONReturn scheduled flights with Emirates to Kochi via Dubai.The transfer time from the airport to your first hotel is approximately one hour.


LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORTDeparture Date Prices per person

28 Jan, 25 Mar 2014 £1,64927 May 2014 £1,599

21 Oct, 18, Nov 2014 £1,69927 Jan, 17 Feb, 24 Mar 2015 £1,699

5, 26 May 2015 £1,629

Outbound: 13:35/08:30 • Return: 09:40/18:15

MANCHESTER AIRPORTDeparture Date Prices per person

28 Jan, 25 Mar 2014 £1,64927 May 2014 £1,599

21 Oct, 18, Nov 2014 £1,69927 Jan, 17 Feb, 24 Mar 2015 £1,699

5, 26 May 2015 £1,629

Outbound: 13:20/08:30 • Return: 09:40/18:25



Optional Excursions – Prices per person

Periyar Guided Trek – Day Six – £11

Day One Fly overnight to Kochi.

Day Two Upon arrival at Kochi Airport, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel in this, one of India’s most cosmopolitan cities, a trading port for centuries, and with a distinctly European feel, especially in the Fort Cochin area.

Day Three Today, you’ll enjoy an included guided tour of historic Cochin, including ‘Dutch’ Mattancherry Palace with its exquisite murals, the ancient Jewish synagogue and enchanting Fort Cochin, where the Chinese fishing nets lining the northern shore are one of India’s most photographed sights. A village green straight from a genteel English scene is overlooked by historic St Francis Church, while a short ferry ride away, sprawling Ernakulam, with its high-rises, cinemas and fast-food emporia, is the contrasting ultra-modern face of Kerala.

This evening, experience a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a colourful spectacle that combines elaborate costumes with literature, music, painting and dance.

Day Four Today you’ll travel the short distance to Alleppey, gateway to the Keralan backwaters, and known as ‘the Venice of the East’. Here you’ll board a traditional, thatch-roofed ‘Kettuvallam’ houseboat to lazily cruise the labyrinth of canals and waterways, lined with coconut groves, rice fields and dotted with temples, and where tiny islands offer a subsistence to fishermen, buffalo farmers, coconut growers and coir - the fibre taken from coconut husks and used in rope and matting - processors.

This evening, experience a cooking demonstration by the houseboat chef, who will prepare all of the traditional meals during your time on board, and enjoy a guided walk through a traditional Keralan village.

Day Five Bidding farewell to your floating home, you’ll begin your journey up into a lush, rolling landscape dotted with tea and spice-plantations, and with the air filled with the scent of cardamom, stopping for lunch in a traditional rubber-plantation. Continue to Periyar, famed for its wildlife sanctuary, one of the most important in southern India. You’ll enjoy a two-night stay here, and after check-in at the hotel, join the guide to explore the Spice Plantation, to learn about the mystery and history of Indian tea and spices, which are grown in abundance on the slopes of the sanctuary. You’ll return to the hotel at the end of a fascinating day.

Day Six Rest and relax this morning, or join the optional guided excursion into the

Wildlife Sanctuary, home to several species of endangered mammals and to over 250 bird species. Sightings of elephants – who come down through the forest to play in the waters of Periyar Lake - and colourful birds are virtually guaranteed; glimpses of the elusive tigers and leopards the preserve of the very fortunate few. This afternoon, complete your visit to enchanting Periyar with a boat ride on the serene Periyar Lake at the sanctuary’s heart, before spending the evening at leisure in this idyllic location.

Day Seven Today you’ll journey east into the province of Tamil Nadu, heading down onto the southern plains to spend the next two nights in Madurai, one of Asia’s oldest cities, set on the banks of the River Vaigai and famed for its extraordinary temples, and known as the ‘Athens of the East’. Soak up the atmosphere of this unforgettable metropolis, dominated by the vast, eye-popping Meenakshi temple.

Day Eight A guided sightseeing tour introduces the Old City, where the ornately carved façade, colonnades, shrines and quartet of towering gopurams of the temple are the breath-taking highlight. Marvel at the continual round of ceremonies and devotions, as well as the bustle of the colourful markets within the temple’s walls, which enclose a labyrinth of corridors and walkways. This evening, journey from the hotel by rickshaw, to witness the spectacle of the Aarti ceremony when hundreds of devotees carry the deities to their bedchamber in an elaborate, colourful ritual.

Day Nine Leaving the bustle of the city behind, you journey once more into the hills, driving through increasingly dense forest and climbing to the hill-station at Munnar, a quintessential reminder of the days of the Raj. You’ll spend a night in this former favourite watering hole of European settlers, with its misty tea plantations and stunning vistas, and will enjoy a visit to a working tea-plantation and the fascinating Tata Tea Museum, gaining an insight into the cultivation and processing of Indian teas.

Day Ten After a morning at leisure, you’ll journey back down to the shores of the Indian Ocean, returning to Cochin and a last overnight stay, no doubt enjoying an evening recollecting the highlights of the past few days.

Day Eleven Transfer to Kochi International Airport, for your return flight to London, at the end of a truly wonderful holiday.

Meenakshi temple, Madurai

tea Plantations, Munnar

Chinese Fishing nets, kochi

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Tour Highlights

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Eighteen days from

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• Discover Delhi’s historic Red Fort & Jama Masjid Mosque, the India Gate war memorial and the ruins of the Quwwat‑ul‑Islam

• Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi

• See ‘Pink City’ Jaipur’s ‘Palace of the Winds’

• Visit the Amber Fort

• Go in search of Ranthambhore’s tigers

• See Chand Baori, Abhaneri’s stepwell

• Enjoy a cookery demonstration

• Marvel at the incomparable Taj Mahal

• Explore historic, European Kochi

• A night on a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat

• Idyllic Periyar’s famous Wildlife Sanctuary

• Colourful, unforgettable temple-town Madurai

• A cycle-rickshaw ride to the Aarti ceremony

• Tour Munnar hill-station’s tea plantations

• Visit the Tata Tea Museum

• Discover the sights of New Delhi and a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi

• See Jaipur’s ‘Palace of the Winds’ and visit the Amber Fort

• Go in search of Ranthambhore’s tigers• See Chand Baori, Abhaneri’s stepwell and

a cookery demonstration• Marvel at the incomparable Taj Mahal• Fly south from Delhi to Kochi• Explore Kochi with its famous Chinese

fishing nets• Spend a night on a traditional

Kettuvallam houseboat• A visit to Periyar’s Wildlife Sanctuary, with

a lake cruise• Take a cycle-rickshaw ride in the

temple-town Madurai and enjoy the sacred Aarti ceremony

• Tour Munnar hill-station’s tea plantations• Accommodation for fifteen nights,

staying in Delhi (1 night), Jaipur (2 nights), Ranthambhore (2 nights), Geejgarh (1 night), Agra (1 night), Kochi (2 nights), Periyar (2 nights), Madurai (2 nights) and Munnar (1 night) in hotels and on a houseboat (1 night) sharing a twin/double room on a half board basis

• Eight lunches• Return scheduled flights to Delhi returning

from Kochi via Mumbai and an internal flight from Delhi to Kochi

• One suitcase allowance per person• Air-conditioned coach travel throughout• The services of a Tour Manager in India

This gloriously fascinating escorted tour is full of breath-taking sights and unforgettable experiences from beginning to end. From the ancient cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, site of the fabled Taj Mahal, to the rolling hill country of the home of the legendary ‘Tigers of Ranthambhore’; and from the wonderful port of ‘old Cochin’, gateway to an idyllic, tropical land of labyrinthine backwaters plied by traditional ‘houseboats’, to forested uplands dotted with colonial tea plantations, and finally to the plains of Tamil Nadu and Madurai’s breath-taking temples, this is a simply wonderful holiday.

Begin in Delhi, where ancient and modern worlds collide in a teeming, colourful, enthralling metropolis littered with reminders of the six great cities that predated the present Indian capital. Journey on to the fabled ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, with its ‘Palace of the Winds’ and legendary Amber Fort, before two nights are spent in Ranthambhore -inspiration for some of Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Jungle Book’ stories.

The ‘City of Love’ with its peerless, world-renowned Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and onion-domed Jama Masjid complete the first part of the tour, before you fly south.

Kochi, with its European feel and iconic Chinese fishing nets, a night on a traditional thatched Kettuvallam houseboat and the misty mountains of Periyar, home to elephants and rarely glimpsed tigers and leopards. as well as the sacred temple city of Madurai and the idyllic hill station of Munnar complete the memorable journey.

Grand Tour of India

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GRAND TOUR OF INDIAAvailable: Jan, Mar, May, Jun, Oct-Nov 2014, Jan-May 2015

FLIGHT & DEPARTURE INFORMATIONReturn scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic direct to Delhi, returning direct from Mumbai.The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 1 hour.


LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORTDeparture Date Prices per person21 Jan 2014 £2,09918 Mar 2014 £2,14920 May 2014 £1,999

14 Oct, 11 Nov 2014 £2,29920 Jan 2015 £2,199

10 Feb, 17 Mar 2015 £2,24928 Apr 2015 £2,12919 May 2015 £2,099

Outbound: 21:50/11:50 • Return: 03:05/07:50

Regional connectionsConnecting flights are available to London Heathrow from the following airports, for a supplement per person of: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Manchester £60,Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle £150



Optional Excursions – Prices per personRanthambhore Fort – Day Five £12Taj Mahal at Sunrise – Day Nine £19Periyar Guided Trek – Day Thirteen £11

Day One Fly overnight from the UK to Delhi.

Day Two Upon arrival this morning, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to an overnight hotel, joining your Tour Manager for an introduction to the vibrant Old City. Discover the historic Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque and Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s cremation site, before an enjoying a rickshaw ride through old Chandni Chowk.

Day Three Explore New Delhi, where highlights will include the historic India Gate war memorial, the vast boulevard of the Rajpath and the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the ornate Qutb Minar tower that rises from them. This afternoon, leave Delhi, journeying on your comfortable coach to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur for a two-night stay.

Day Four After breakfast, visit Amber and its 16th-century hill-top fort, enjoying the stupendous views from its ramparts. This afternoon, tour Jaipur’s City Palace complex with its museums and ancient astronomical observatory, and visit the 18th-century ‘Palace of the Winds’, with its countless windows and screened balconies, behind which royal women might view the city while remaining hidden in purdah.

Day Five Enjoy a two-night stay in beautiful Ranthambhore National Park, the former hunting ground of Indian princes, today a perfect habitat for the famed, endangered ‘Tigers of Ranthambhore’ and countless other species. This afternoon, rest and relax at the hotel, or join the optional excursion to the ancient Ranthambhore Fort.

Day Six An undoubted highlight of the tour will be today’s two canter (open-air vehicle) safaris in the Park, taken in the company of a knowledgeable naturalist guide. With luck you may also see the tigers and other species in their natural environment.

Day Seven Journey on to ancient village of Abhaneri, and its Chand Baori, an astonishing example of a stepwell – extraordinary constructions used to draw water from the ground. Continue to Geejgarh for a night in a traditional private air-conditioned lodge, recreating times past, enjoying a cookery demonstration before dinner.

Day Eight This morning you’ll journey to Agra, the fabled ‘City of Love’ and site of the exquisite, incomparable Taj Mahal. After a visit to the royal pavilions, palaces and courtyards of majestic Agra Fort you’ll make your first visit to the ‘Taj’, seen in all its glory at sunset.

Day Nine Awaken early to pay another unforgettable optional visit to the Taj Mahal, this time by horse-drawn carriage as the sun rises, before journeying back to Delhi and the flight south to Kochi, and the next wonderful chapter in your Indian adventure.

Day Ten Enjoy an included tour of historic Cochin, including ‘Dutch’ Mattancherry Palace with its murals, the Jewish synagogue and enchanting Fort Cochin, where the Chinese fishing nets are one of India’s most photographed sights. Historic St Francis Church overlooks a ‘village green’, while a short ferry ride away, Ernakulam is the contrasting ultra-modern face of Kerala.

This evening, experience a traditional colourful Kathakali dance performance.

Day Eleven Journey to Alleppey, gateway to the Keralan backwaters, to board a traditional, thatch-roofed ‘Kettuvallam’ houseboat to lazily cruise the labyrinth of canals and waterways, lined with coconut groves, rice fields and dotted with temples. Enjoy an unforgettable night on board – one of the highlights of the tour.

Day Twelve Journey into a lush, rolling landscape dotted with tea and spice-plantations, to Periyar, famed for its wildlife sanctuary, for a two-night stay. Join the guide to explore the Spice Plantation, to learn about the mystery and history of Indian tea and spices.

Day Thirteen Rest and relax this morning, or join the optional guide excursion into the Wildlife Sanctuary, home to several species of endangered mammals and to over 250 bird species. This afternoon, complete your visit to enchanting Periyar with a boat ride on the serene Periyar Lake, before spending the evening at leisure.

Day Fourteen Today you’ll journey east into the province of Tamil Nadu, spending two nights in Madurai, one of Asia’s oldest cities, dominated by the vast, eye-popping Meenakshi temple.

Day Fifteen A guided sightseeing tour introduces the Old City, where the ornately carved towering temple, with its continual round of ceremonies and devotions, is the breath-taking highlight. This evening, journey by rickshaw, to witness the spectacle of the Aarti ceremony, carried out by hundreds of devotees.

Day Sixteen Drive through increasingly dense forest to the hill-station at Munnar, a reminder of the days of the Raj, spending a night in this former favourite watering hole of European settlers. Enjoy a visit to a working tea-plantation and a fascinating museum, for an insight into the world of Indian teas.

Day Seventeen After a morning at leisure, you’ll journey back to Cochin, board a short flight to Mumbai, and then the onward overnight flight to London.

Day Eighteen Early morning arrival into London at the end of a truly fascinating holiday.

Information on your hotels is provided on pages 30-32, listed by country and town/city. This tour stays in Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambhore, Geejgarh, Agra, Kochi, Periyar, Madurai and Munnar and on a houseboat.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, kerala

Palace of the Winds, Jaipur

red Fort, old delhi

radison blu dwarka, delhi

Tour Highlights


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• Bangkok city tour including the Grand Palace and Golden Buddha

• Scenic journey to the Cambodian border and French colonial Battambang

• Cruise across Tonle Sap lake to Siem Reap• Two full days’ sightseeing at Siem Reap

including Angkor Wat and Ankhor Tom• Phnom Penh city tour• Visit the Tuoi Sleng Museum and National

Museum in Phnom Penh• Travel through the scenic Mekong

Delta, including a boat trip to Cai Rang’s Floating Market

• Full Ho Chi Minh city tour with visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels

• Twelve nights’ accommodation staying in Bangkok (3 nights), Battambang (1 night), Siem Reap (3 nights), Phnom Penh (1 night), Chau Doc (1 night), Can Tho (1 night) and Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights) sharing a twin/double room on a bed & breakfast basis

• Dinner on eight nights and six lunches• Return scheduled flights, via Dubai, to

Bangkok returning from Ho Chi Minh City• One suitcase allowance per person• Travel by boat and air-conditioned coach

throughout • The services of a Tour Manager upon arrival

at your destination

• City Tour of Bangkok – a mix of ancient and ultra-modern

• An optional excursion to the River Kwai• Cross Tonlé Sap, South East Asia’s

‘Great Lake’ by boat• Discover awe-inspiring Ankhor Wat• A visit to Cambodian capital Phnom Penh

exuding French colonial elegance• Dinner in Phnom Penh’s Foreign

Correspondents Club• Voyage along the Mekong River by fast

passenger boat• The floating market at Cai Rang• Famous ‘HCMC’ is a fitting finale to the tour• See the infamous Cu Chi tunnel complex,

Viet Cong hideaway

This wonderful tour, into the heart of Indochina, begins with the excitement of the Thai capital, a cacophonous, kaleidoscopic, heady mix of vibrant life - with the chance to visit the River Kwai - before journeying to Cambodia, visiting the Khmer citadel of Angkor Thom, site of the phenomenal Wat, and the capital Phnom Penh. A scenic boat journey through the Mekong Delta brings you to former South Vietnamese capital Ho Chi Minh City – still more usually called Saigon – and a fitting finale to a wonderful tour.

From Bangkok, with its temples with their great Buddhas, and its network of canals, you’ll travel through a lush landscape into Cambodia, to discover stupendous Angkor Wat, the world’s greatest shrine, and to visit the nearby Bayon temple, part of the truly awe-inspiring Angkor Thom complex.

Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, oozes dusty, faded glory, except in its stupendous Royal Palace, while the Mekong Delta is all you’d imagine – rice paddies, fruit trees, bougainvillea, farmers in conical hats, floating markets, and flat-bottomed boats laden with produce – a scene unchanged in centuries.

‘Saigon’, renamed Ho Chi Minh City or ‘HCMC’, where bicycles outnumber cars 100 to one, is a final sensory delight, where there are countless reminders of former French colonial grandeur and the ‘crazy, Asian war’. Great food and friendly locals, as well as the expert guidance of our professional Tour Managers, will add to the irresistible charm, and complete a truly extraordinary experience.

Follow the Mekong – Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

Bangkok

Battambang

Siam Reap & Angkor Thom

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FOLLOW THE MEKONG – THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAMAvailable: Mar, May, Sep-Nov 2014, Jan, Mar-May 2015

FLIGHT & DEPARTURE INFORMATIONReturn scheduled flights with Emirates to Bangkok via Dubai, returning from Ho Chi Minh City via Dubai.The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.



5 Feb, 26 Mar, 1 Oct, 26 Nov 2014 £2,0457 May 2014 £1,89917 Sep 2014 £1,995

28 Jan, 11 Mar, 22 Apr 2015 £2,045 20 May 2015 £2,045

Outbound: 13:35/12:05 • Return: 21:10/07:00


5 Feb, 26 Mar, 1 Oct, 26 Nov 2014 £2,0457 May 2014 £1,89917 Sep 2014 £1,995

28 Jan, 11 Mar, 22 Apr 2015 £2,045 20 May 2015 £2,045

Outbound: 13:20/12:05 • Return: 21:10/07:40



Optional Excursions – Prices per personThai Dinner Dance – Day Two – £24River Kwai & Death Railway – Day Three – £49Floating Market & Thai Rose Garden – Day Four – £52Klong Tour – Day Four – £27

Day One The holiday begins with overnight flight to Bangkok.

Day Two Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a three-night stay, then enjoy a guided introduction to the Thai capital, including Royal Island, where the Grand Palace adjoins the Wat Phra Kaeo temple with its Emerald Buddha, the less formal Wat Pho temple, home to the gigantic Reclining Buddha, and five-and-a-half-ton Golden Buddha at Chinatown’s Wat Traimit.

This evening, join the optional traditional Thai Dinner with Dance excursion to celebrate your first night in Bangkok.

Day Three Another day to enjoy the city, although many will want to join the optional excursion through a fascinating countryside of rice fields and sugar-cane plantations, and on into the jungle to explore the part of the world forever associated with WWII – the construction of the infamous ‘Death Railway’ and the ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’.

Day Four This morning enjoy an optional visit to the wonderful floating markets at Damnoen Saduak, and the 70-acre Rose Gardens, with their displays of Thai Culture, Thai boxing, folk-dancing and working elephants. An afternoon optional Khlong canal cruise tasks you into the labyrinth of waterways of ‘the Venice of the East’.

Day Five An early start sees you journey through a stunning rural landscape barely changed in centuries, crossing into Cambodia this afternoon to begin the second part of your adventure with a short onward journey to Battambang, an elegant, friendly French colonial city, with hilltop Hindu temples and a picturesque riverside promenade.

bridge over the river kwai, kanchanaburi

Day Six A memorable day awaits, as you journey across the waters of Tonlé Sap, S.E. Asia’s ‘Great Lake’, passing villages built entirely on stilts that make a living from the lake, to the colourful market town of Siem Reap, gateway to the incredible complex of Ankhor Thom, and home to the Ankhor National Museum, a visit to which will provide the perfect introduction to your three-night stay. This evening, enjoy a traditional Cambodian dinner-dance show.

Day Seven Discover the astounding Bayon temple, with its four giant heads and countless other faces carved into the rock, and visit the breath-taking ‘lost city’ of Angkor Thom, the great Khmer citadel that ruled up to half of South-East Asia for nearly six centuries. Great ruins litter a vast jungle area, the most dazzling the awe-inspiring, breath-taking Angkor Wat, with its five great towers and 1000-metre-long carved bas-relief. You’ll return to the hotel amazed at your discoveries.

Day Eight Another day of exploration takes in the temples of Hariharalaya, as well as the smaller temple of Banteay Srei, and Banteay Samre, with its reliefs depicting Krishna legends. Your last evening in Siem Reap will be full of memories to savour.

Day Nine Journey by coach to the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, French colonial treasure-chest set on the bank of the Mekong River, and where the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda of priceless Buddhist artefacts are amongst the highlights of an introductory tour, followed by dinner at the famous riverside Foreign Correspondents’ Club.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Day Ten A sobering morning visit to the Tuoi Sleng Museum, which chronicles the ‘Pol Pot’ years of the Khmer Rouge, is followed by the chance to marvel at the exhibits in the National Museum, before you board the fast boat for the thrilling journey along the Mekong River into Vietnam, and your overnight hotel in border town Chau Doc.

Day Eleven The day begins with a visit to the holy mountain of Nui Sam, with its pagodas, temples and stunning views over the Mekong Delta, into which you’ll head today. You’ll stay overnight in the elegant university town of Can Tho, with its colourful floating markets, its bustling harbour and sacred Khmer pagoda.

Day Twelve Enjoy another journey through the Mekong landscape, a fascinating boat ride to Cai Rang’s floating market, and a visit to delta town Vinh Long and Cai Be’s fascinating market, before arriving this evening for two-nights in Ho Chi Minh City, the last unforgettable stop on the tour.

Day Thirteen Journey north to see the remarkable Cu Chi tunnel complex, a 200km underground labyrinth used by the Viet Cong as a base, and which now serves as a memorial for those who died in the conflict. Returning to ‘HCMC’, you’ll enjoy a guided tour. A fascinating mix of French colonial past – the central Notre Dame cathedral is located on Cong Xa Pari, or Paris Square – and modern Vietnamese life, highlights include the grand General Post Office, Reunification Hall, the Xa Loi Pagoda with its bronze Buddha, and – time-permitting – the War Remnants Museum, before you end your tour – and relive the highlights – with a celebratory Farewell Dinner.

Day Fourteen After a morning’s last-minute shopping or sightseeing, transfer this afternoon to the airport, for the return overnight flight to the UK.

Day Fifteen Arrival back in the UK, at the end of a truly fascinating tour.

Information on your hotels is provided on pages 30-32, listed by country and town/city. This tour stays in Bangkok, Battambang, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City.

Wat Pho temple, bangkok

victoria hotel, Can tho


Tour Highlights

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This tremendous value escorted holiday combines the extraordinary Hong Kong where East meets West, ancient meets ultra-modern and the past collides – surprisingly harmoniously – with the future, with Bangkok, one of the most vibrant, bustling cities on Earth, a stay on the bank of the River Kwai, and the chance to rest and relax in a beach-side resort hotel, from where you can join several fascinating excursions.

Former British colony Hong Kong has to be seen and experienced to be believed! Here, as nowhere else, glitzy shopping malls and skyscrapers sit cheek-by-jowl with tranquil monasteries, rural retreats and some stunning beaches, while on the waters of Victoria Harbour and beyond, another version of Hong Kong life, just as busy and colourful, adds to the amazing scene.

After a chance to explore and opportunities to tour Hong Kong Island and the former Portuguese colony of Macau, a week is spent in the equally wonderful surroundings of Thailand.

Begin in Bangkok, with its energy and colour, home to some of the Far East’s most opulent temples and shrines. The great Chao Phraya River and a network of canals, or khlongs, run through a city dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’.

In Kanchanaburi, close to the infamous ‘Bridge’, the contrast could not be greater, with a landscape of limestone, forested hills and the meandering river flanked with guest-houses creating a peaceful ambience and, after city and jungle, the perfect beach of Cha-Am is blissful contrast yet again, and completes this wonderful holiday experience.

Hong Kong & the Treasures of Thailand

• Free time in Hong Kong• A full day Bangkok City Tour and

Klong Cruise• Drive from Bangkok to the River Kwai

with a visit to the Floating Market and Rose Garden

• A full-day guided visit with lunch including the Bridge over the River Kwai and the Death Railway

• Free time in Cha-Am Beach Resort• Nine nights’ accommodation staying in

Hong Kong (3 nights), Bangkok (2 nights), Kanchanaburi (2 nights) and Cha-Am (2 nights) based on sharing a twin/double room

• Buffet breakfast in Thailand• Sea-view room in Cha-Am• Return scheduled flights to Hong Kong

via Dubai, returning from Bangkok and an internal flight from Hong Kong to Bangkok

• One suitcase allowance per person• Air-conditioned coach travel throughout• The services of a Tour Manager upon arrival

at your destination

• Discover and explore Hong Kong’s colours and contrasts

• Enjoy an optional excursion to former Portuguese Macau

• Visit Bangkok’s extraordinary Grand Palace • Marvel at the sacred Buddhist ‘wats’• Explore a traditional Thai floating market • Discover the poignant ‘Bridge over the

River Kwai’ • Enjoy an optional Thai ‘Jungle Safari’• Rest and relax in beachside Cha‑Am on the

Gulf of Thailand

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damnoen Saduak Floating Market


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Day One Fly overnight, via Dubai, to Hong Kong.

Day Two You’ll arrive this evening at Hong Kong’s gleaming International Airport, transferring to your centrally located hotel in Kowloon for a three-night stay. Pointed in the right direction by our Tour Manager, make your first exploration of the city.

Day Three An optional guided tour today will bring to life this extraordinary place, highlights of which include the view of the city’s forest of skyscrapers from Victoria Peak, Aberdeen’s floating city of houseboats, luxury craft and innumerable restaurants, and Stanley Market’s stalls laden with souvenirs and local crafts. You’ll also cross Victoria Harbour by the famous Star Ferry to arrive back in the cramped, chaotic wonderland that is the heart of tourist Hong Kong, from where the skyline of HK Island’s North Shore is one of the world’s great sights. The main thoroughfare, Nathan Road, dissects this buzzing hive of commercial activity, from which the leafy acres of Kowloon Park and the hushed lounges of the famous Peninsula Hotel offer a brief respite from the cacophony of shops, shops and more shops.

Day Four Today brings the chance to join an optional excursion to the fabled former Portuguese colony of Macau, some forty miles across the Pearl River Delta, and today a curious mix of Baroque churches, cobbled squares and – since this is also China’s answer to Las Vegas – over thirty casinos!

Day Five A last day in Hong Kong offers opportunities for yet more shopping and sightseeing, before you journey this evening to the airport for your flight to Bangkok, transferring upon arrival to the hotel for a two-night stay.

hong kong

Day Six This morning join the guided introduction to this wonderful city, starting on the Royal Island on the bank of the river, where the Grand Palace adjoins the Wat Phra Kaeo temple with its Emerald Buddha set amongst lavish surroundings, while the less formal Wat Pho temple is home to the gigantic figure of the Reclining Buddha, one of the world’s most photographed icons. Just as ornate, and made of five and a half tons of the precious metal, the Golden Buddha at Chinatown’s WatTraimit Temple is another highlight of the tour.

This afternoon the khlong canal cruise takes you past the Grand Palace and into the labyrinth of waterways of ‘the Venice of the East’, and this evening, end a wonderful day in Bangkok by joining the optional traditional Thai Dinner with Dance excursion.

Day Seven Rise early to journey to the wonderful floating markets at Damnoen Saduak, where locals buy fresh produce from traders on

the boats. This optional excursion also includes a visit to the 70-acre Rose Gardens, where in the surrounds of a traditional Thai village you can witness displays of Thai Culture, Thai boxing, folk dancing and working elephants. A buffet lunch at the Rose Garden is included.

This afternoon you’ll leave for the journey north to Kanchanaburi, on the banks of the River Kwai, for a two-night stay. The drive is fascinating, through a countryside of rice fields and sugar-cane plantations.

Wat Pho reclining buddha

Day Eight The poignant highlight of the holiday will be the included River Kwai and the ‘Death Railway’ excursion, journeying on the train to Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi on the infamous route through the Thai jungle. Lunch will be served, and there will be an opportunity to visit the various museums connected with this area’s tragic WWII history, when prisoners of war were forced to build the railway through the all-but-impenetrable terrain. Other reminders of the terrible toll exacted on the prisoners are to be found in Kanchanaburi’s beautifully tended war cemeteries.This evening, join the hugely enjoyable optional Thai Jungle Night Safari excursion with dinner for a moonlit encounter with indigenous elephants in their natural habitat.

Day Nine After a morning at leisure you’ll leave the jungle, heading south to the picture-postcard resort of Cha-Am, set beside the blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Here, your beachside hotel, set in beautiful gardens, will provide a wonderful base for rest and relaxation over the next two nights.

Day Ten Spend a lazy day and balmy evening making the most of the idyllic location, and perhaps joining today’s optional excursion to nearby Hua Hin, the favourite holiday resort of the Thai Royal Family.

Day Eleven This morning brings the chance to join an excursion to the delightful riverside town of Phetchaburi, another Royal retreat, with its ancient temples and hill-top Phra Nakhon Kihiri summer-house. The town is also the centre of the Thai confectionery industry, and there are countless shops and stalls selling traditional sweets and cakes. This afternoon, transfer back to Bangkok Airport for the return overnight flight via Dubai.

Day Twelve Arrive back in the UK.

HONG KONG & THE TREASURES OF THAILANDAvailable: Oct-Nov 2013, Jan-Feb, May-Jun, Sep-Nov 2014, Jan-Feb, May-Jun 2015

FLIGHT & DEPARTURE INFORMATIONReturn scheduled flights with Emirates to Hong Kong via Dubai, returning from Bangkok via Dubai. The transfer time from the airport to your first hotel is approximately one hour.


AIRPORTS: LONDON GATWICK • BIRMINGHAM • GLASGOW • MANCHESTER • NEWCASTLE

Departure Date Per Person4 Oct 2013 £1,5491 Nov 2013 £1,619

17 Jan, 28 Feb 2014 £1,61916 May, 6 Jun 19 Sep, 3 Oct 2014 £1,599

7, 14 Nov 2014 £1,64916 Jan, 27 Feb 2015 £1,64915 May, 5 Jun 2015 £1,599

FLIGHT TIMESAirport Outbound Return

London Gatwick 14:55/17:35 01:35/12:30Birmingham 14:15/17:35 01:35/12:35

Glasgow 14:15/17:35 01:35/12:35Manchester 14:10/17:35 01:35/11:45Newcastle 13:35/17:35 01:35/12:05



Optional Excursions – Prices per personHong Kong Island Tour – Day Three £25Macau with Lunch – Day Four £99Thai Dinner Dance – Day Six £24Elephant Night Safari with Dinner – Day Eight £65Petchaburi Summer Palace with lunch – Day Ten £38Hua Hin by Night with Dinner (evening) – Day Ten £38

Information on your hotels is provided on pages 30-32, listed by country and town/city. This tour stays in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Cha-Am.

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hong kong skyline

Grand Pacific Sovereign resort, Cha-Am


Tour Highlights

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• Shanghai city tour and a visit to the Pearl Tower

• A visit to Shanghai’s Old City and Yuyuan Chinese Gardens

• A visit to Suzhou with a canal cruise and visit to the old city and silk embroidery institute

• In Beijing, visits to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace

• An excursion to the Great Wall and Beijing Zoo

• A ‘Peking Duck’ Dinner• Four night cruise on the Yangtse River,

visiting the Three Gorges Dam• City tour of old Chongquing• Entrance to the Giant Panda Breeding

Research Centre in Chengdu• Terracotta Army and Xi’an city tour• Hotel accommodation for ten nights staying

in Shanghai (2 nights), Suzhou (1 night), Beijing (3 nights), Chengdu (2 nights) and Xi’an (2 nights) in a twin/double room on a full-board basis

• Four night 5H Yangtse cruise in a twin/double outside cabin on a full board basis

• Return flights to Shanghai and all internal flights in China

• High speed train journey from Suzhou to Beijing and from Chongqing to Chengdu


at your destination

• Discover and explore Shanghai – old and sparkling new

• Ancient Suzhuo is on the Grand Canal

• Beijing is one of the world’s most enthralling cities

• Journey to the truly amazing Great Wall

• Enjoy authentic Beijing Duck and Dumpling dinners

• Enjoy the four-night 5H Yangtse Cruise

• Visit Chengdu’s Giant Panda Research Centre

• Gaze in awe at xi’an’s extraordinary Terracotta Warriors

This wonderful escorted tour lifts the veil on one of the world’s most deeply enthralling countries, cramming into its exciting itinerary a heady mix of spellbinding man-made sights both ancient and ultra-modern, and some astounding natural wonders.

Journey from Shanghai’s glass and steel, via the classical ‘silk city’ of Suzhou, to the centuries-old wonders of Beijing, before enjoying a cruise through a land as rich in myth and legend as it is in startling, spectacular scenery, through which the Yangtse, arrested by the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam, plies its ageless course. Laid-back Chengdu, home to Giant Pandas, and ancient Xi’an with its eye-popping Terracotta Army, provide yet more unforgettable sights, before the holiday draws to a close back in breathless Shanghai.

Throughout this endlessly fascinating tour, you’ll see contrasts of old and new, discover some of the world’s most astonishing engineering wonders, catch more than a few glimpses of China’s extraordinary passage through time, and enjoy some delicious food.

The unforgettable four-night Yangtse River cruise begins in Yichang, from where you’ll head through the locks at the Three Gorges Dam to begin a passage along one of the world’s most scenic waterways, through the majestic, towering Xiling, Wu Xia and Qutan chasms. Rest and relax on board the ship, learn about the legend of the ‘Three Kingdoms’, and enjoy some truly wonderful, unforgettable sights.

Accompanied by knowledgeable, friendly, English-speaking guides throughout, this with be a perfect introduction to a truly mesmerising corner of the world.

Highlights of China & Yangtse Cruise

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Day by day itinerary

Your Accommodation

Information on your hotels is provided on pages 30-32, listed by country and town/city. This tour stays in Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing, onboard a 5H Yangtse River cruise ship, Chengdu and xi’an.

Day One Fly overnight to Shanghai.

Day Two Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your overnight hotel, before enjoying a guided introduction to this amazing city. The colonial grandeur of the buildings of the famous riverside Bund hint at past glories, though they are hemmed in by the gigantic skyscrapers of modern Shanghai. Surveying it all is the rocket-shaped Pearl TV Tower, a visit to which is included in the tour. You’ll also enjoy a visit to the fascinating Shanghai City History Museum.

Day Three Enjoy a tour of Old Shanghai, at the heart of which is the 16th-century Yu Yuan classical Chinese garden. After a fascinating morning, you’ll board the coach for the 90-minute journey to the ancient city of Suzhou, for an overnight stay.

Day Four With its tree-lined waterways, its stunning, thousand-year-old UNESCO-listed classical gardens and its associations with the silk trade, Suzhuo, set on the incredible engineering wonder of the Grand Canal, is a breath-taking treasure chest. Discover the charm of the exquisite old city, visit the beautiful Lingering Garden and the Silk Embroidery Institute, and enjoy a canal cruise as this fascinating place is brought to life by your guide. Late this afternoon, board a high speed train for the journey north to Beijing for a three-night stay.

Day Five Enjoy a guided tour of the Chinese capital, visiting some of the most famous attractions. At the heart of the city, Tiananmen Square is the site of Chairman Mao’s tomb, the Great Hall of the People, the museums of Chinese History and the Revolution, and gateway to the Forbidden City, home to 24 Chinese emperors, who lived in unimaginable splendour behind the imposing walls. End your day with a traditional ‘Peking Duck’ dinner.

Summer Palace, beijing

Day Six Another unforgettable day awaits you, as you travel out of the city to Badaling, where amongst forested, steep hills, part of the Great Wall has been lovingly restored. Your day will also include the opportunity to see for yourself the exterior of the amazing ‘Bird’s Nest’ stadium from the 2008 Olympic Games.

This evening, an optional excursion is offered to the world-famous Beijing Opera.

Day Seven Visit the majestic and tranquil Summer Palace at Yiheyuan, and take the opportunity to step back in time on an optional rickshaw tour of the ancient hutongs, ‘Old Peking’s’ fast-disappearing labyrinth of narrow alleyways, before you bid farewell to Beijing, transferring to the airport to fly to port city of Yichang, to meet a five-star ship of the Victoria Line for your Yangtse cruise.

Days Eight-Ten Beginning with a visit to the extraordinary Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectricity project, you’ll spend the next three unforgettable days cruising through the Xiling, Wuxia and Qutang gorges, through one of China’s most dramatic and spectacular regions. Rest and relax on board, join early morning Tai-Chi sessions, learn about the legends of the Three Kingdoms, take in the ever-changing vistas, and enjoy a journey along the beautiful Shennong Stream. On the last evening, join the Captain for a Farewell Dinner and crew show.

Day Eleven Disembark in Chongqing, and enjoy a guided introduction to one of modern China’s fastest-growing cities. Visit the contrasting 100-year-old streets of Ciqi Kou and beautiful Goose Neck Park, before boarding a fast train into Sichuan province and the relaxed, modern city of Chengdu, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

the Great Wall

Day Twelve Enjoy the atmosphere of Eastern Sichuan’s capital, where the modern developments contrast with traditional tea-houses and colourful shops of old Jinli Lu street. One of the highlights of your stay in Chengdu will be the visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Centre, where you’ll learn about these wonderful creatures and the steps being taken to ensure their future survival. Dinner this evening will give you an opportunity to sample traditional Sichuan cuisine.

Day Thirteen Fly to China’s ancient capital, Xi’an, for a two-night stay. Upon arrival, visit the ancient city walls of this treasure trove, with with its Great Mosque in the Muslim Quarter and Tang dynasty monuments. This evening, enjoy a traditional Dumpling Dinner.

Day Fourteen Enjoy an unforgettable day as you’ll visit the legendary Terracotta Army of the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang, an estimated 8,000 lifelike foot-soldiers, horsemen and charioteers that were discovered in 1974 – now one of the world’s greatest tourist attractions. Close by, the yet-to-be-excavated tomb of the emperor is said to contain a vast underground city. The tour of Xi’an’s ancient treasures is completed with a visit to Small Goose Pagoda, before an evening in the city.

Day Fifteen Bid farewell to Xi’an and fly back to Shanghai, for a final evening in modern China’s most vibrant metropolis. Discover the preserved streets of the former French Concession, also home to some of Shanghai’s most chic boutiques. This evening, complete your visit to China with an optional City Nightscape Cruise.

Day Sixteen Transfer to the airport early this morning, for the daytime flight back to the UK, at the end of a truly wonderful holiday.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA & YANGTSE CRUISEAvailable: Sep-Nov 2014, Jan, Mar-May 2015

FLIGHT & DEPARTURE INFORMATIONReturn scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic direct to Shanghai.The transfer time from the airport to your first hotel is approximately one hour.



10 Sep 2014 £2,649

8 Oct 2014 £2,549

12 Nov 2014 £2,249

14 Jan 2015 £2,099

12 Mar 2015 £2,249

23 Apr 2015 £2,399

7 May 2015 £2,449

4 Jun 2015 £2,399

Outbound: 15:15/09:35 • Return 11:40/17:20

Regional connectionsConnecting flights are available to London Heathrow from the following airports, for a supplement per person of: Belfast, Glasgow & Newcastle £150,Aberdeen, Edinburgh & Manchester £60


Single-room supplement: from £475 dependent on departure date

Optional Excursions – Prices per personBeijing Opera – Day Six £15Beijing by Rickshaw – Day Seven £22Shanghai Nightscape Cruise – Day Fifteen £19

5H Yangtse Cruise Ship

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Tour Highlights

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• Discover and explore Shanghai – old and sparkling new

• Visit Beijing is one of the world’s most enthralling cities

• Journey to the truly amazing Great Wall

• Beijing Zoo – home to Giant Pandas

• Enjoy an authentic Beijing Duck dinner

• Gaze in awe at xian’s extraordinary Terracotta Warriors

• Medieval Guilin – stunningly set on the River Li

• See the famous cormorant fishermen on the Li River cruise

• Shanghai city tour and a visit to the Pearl Tower

• A visit to Shanghai’s Old City and Yuyuan Chinese Gardens

• A visit to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace

• An excursion to the Great Wall and Beijing Zoo

• ‘Peking Duck’ Dinner• A visit to the Temple of Heaven• Terracotta Warriors and Xi’an city tour• A visit to Guilin• Trip to Yangshuo with a River Li cruise • Hotel accommodation for nine nights

staying in Shanghai (2 nights), Beijing (3 nights), Xi’an (2 nights), Guilin (1 night) and Yangshuo (1 night) in a twin/double room on a full-board basis

• Return flights to Shanghai and all internal flights in China


at your destination

From the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors, and from tours in Shanghai, Beijing and xi’an to a cruise on the fabled Li River in the Guangxi province, this holiday really does allow you to experience the best of China! With comfortable accommodation and the help of a Tour Manager, this is a perfect introduction to a truly fascinating country.

Beginning in Shanghai, where the colonial grandeur of the Bund is dwarfed by the soaring skyscrapers on the opposite bank of the Huangpu River, our tour includes the historic Old City and the classical Yuyuan Garden.

The breathtaking Chinese capital, home to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Hall of the People, is one of the most enthralling places on Earth. Enjoy an optional visit to the famous Peking Opera, and travel out to the Great Wall at Badaling, returning to the city via the

majestic Summer Palace and Beijing Zoo, whose most celebrated residents are the Giant Pandas. Enjoy an optional rickshaw tour of the labyrinthine hutongs – narrow alleyways that epitomise ‘Old Peking’ – and celebrate with our included ‘Peking Duck’ dinner.

Then fly to Xi’an to visit the legendary Terracotta Army of the first emperor – 8,000 life-size footsoldiers, horsemen and charioteers. Also tour the ancient city, with its Great Mosque and Tang dynasty monuments, before flying on to medieval Guilin for an unforgettable cruise on the fabled Li River.

The Best of China

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Chinese New Year!*28 Jan 2014 and 16 Feb 2015 departures coincide with Chinese New Year – come and enjoy the country when it’s decorated and in party spirit! Explore the New Year markets and see some stunning, often impromptu, fireworks!

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Day One Fly overnight to Shanghai.

Day Two Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your guide and will transfer to your overnight hotel, before enjoying a guided introduction to this amazing city. The colonial grandeur of the buildings that line the west bank of the Huangpu River, on the famous Bund, hint at past glories, though they are hemmed in by the gigantic skyscrapers of the modern city. Surveying it all is the rocket-shaped Pearl TV Tower, a visit to which is included in the tour.

Day Three This morning you’ll enjoy a tour of Shanghai’s historical Old City at the heart of which is the 16th-century Yuyuan classical Chinese garden – a haven amongst bustling bazaars and street markets – with its pools, walkways and bridges. After a fascinating morning, you’ll return to the airport to board the internal flight to Beijing for a three-night stay.

Day Four Enjoy a guided tour of the Chinese capital, visiting some of the most famous attractions. At the heart of the city, and the country itself, Tiananmen Square is the world’s greatest public space, site of Chairman Mao’s tomb, the Great Hall of the People, the museums of Chinese History and the Revolution, and gateway to the great Imperial Palace, the Forbidden City that was home to 24 Chinese emperors, who lived in unimaginable splendour behind the imposing walls.

In the ceremonial halls and living quarters, as well as in part of the vast museum, you’ll gain an insight into the extraordinary lives led by the palace’s privileged occupants down the centuries. Today you’ll also visit the majestic and tranquil Summer Palace. This evening, an optional excursion is offered to the world-famous Peking Opera.

Day Five An unforgettable day, as you travel out of the city to see for yourself part of what is famously (though not entirely accurately) known as the only man-made structure visible from space, the Great Wall. Journeying to Badaling, set amid forested, steep hills, and where part of the wall has been lovingly restored, you soon get a sense of what an amazing feat of engineering it is.

Your day will also include a visit to the famous Beijing Zoo, whose most celebrated inhabitants are the Giant Pandas. Enjoy an included ‘Peking duck’ dinner tonight.

Day Six This morning enjoy a visit to the beautiful Temple of Heaven in Tiantan Park, the great Ming Dynasty shrine that was at the heart of ceremonial life for five centuries. Then, take a trip back in time on an optional

tour by traditional rickshaw into the ancient hutongs, the labyrinth of narrow alleyways, fast disappearing, that epitomise ‘Old Peking’. In the late afternoon, return to the airport to board an internal flight to Xi’an for a two-night stay.

terracotta Warriors

Day Seven Today you’ll visit the now legendary Terracotta Army of the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang, an estimated 8,000 lifelike foot-soldiers, horsemen and charioteers that were discovered in their vaults in 1974 – and now are one of the world’s greatest attractions. Close by, the yet-to-be excavated tomb of the Emperor is said to contain a vast underground city. Returning to Xi’an, you’ll explore the ancient city, centred on its enormous bell-tower, visiting the great city walls, and marvelling at the Tang dynasty monuments.

Day Eight Fly south to Guangxi province and the historic city of Guilin, picturesquely set on the Li River. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of this medieval city, including the ancient South Gate, the Farmers’ Market and the peak of Fubo Shan, with its caves and carved grottoes, and from which you might look out over Guilin.

Day Nine This morning you’ll board a river cruiser for the unforgettable journey through the stunning scenery of weird-shaped peaks and green tinged waters of the Li, passing farmers at work in the paddy-fields, and picturesque villages unchanged by time, from which fishermen set out in bamboo craft to ply the ancient trade of cormorant fishing, using birds instead of rods or nets. This afternoon you’ll arrive for an overnight stay in the village of Yangshuo, a thriving, lively resort set amongst some spectacular scenery. This evening, there’s a stunning, optional Light Show to experience.

Day Ten After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Guilin and the airport to fly back to Shanghai for the last night of the tour. Take the opportunity to enjoy the night-time cruise on the Huangpu River – a fitting way to end your tour of this great country.

Day Eleven Transfer back to the airport early this morning for your return flight to the UK, at the end of a truly marvellous holiday.

Please Note: Due to the nature of travel in China the order of the itineraries may be changed on some occasions. Any alterations made will always still include all planned visits described.

THE BEST OF CHINAAvailable: Nov 2013, Jan, Mar, May, Jun, Sep–Nov 2014, Jan–Jun 2015

FLIGHT & DEPARTURE INFORMATIONReturn scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic direct to Shanghai.The transfer time from the airport to your first hotel is approximately one hour.


LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORTDeparture Date Per Person11 Nov 2013 £1,69920 Jan 2014 £1,599

28 Jan*, 17, 24 Mar 2014 £1,69912 May 2014 £2,02916 Jun 2014 £1,99915 Sep 2014 £2,19913 Oct 2014 £2,169

10, 17 Nov 2014 £1,74926 Jan 2015 £1,699

16 Feb*, 9, 16 Mar 2015 £1,74920 Apr 2015 £2, 04918 May 2015 £2,11915 Jun 2015 £2, 069

Outbound: 15:15/09:35 • Return: 11:40/17:20

*Departure note: See Chinese New Year box on previous page

Regional connectionsConnecting flights are available to London Heathrow from the following airports for a supplement per person of: Aberdeen, Edinburgh & Manchester – £60 Belfast, Glasgow & Newcastle – £150


Single-room supplement: from £175

Optional Excursions – Prices per personPeking Opera – Day Four £15Beijing by Rickshaw – Day Six £22Yangshuo Light Show – Day Nine £29Shanghai Evening River Cruise – Day Ten £19

Your Accommodation

Information on your hotels is provided on pages 30-32, listed by country and town/city. This tour stays in Shanghai, Beijing, xi’an, Guilin and Yangshuo.

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Shanghai Yafan Longmen hotel

the Great Wall

Tour Highlights


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Eleven days from

£2,499per person

Price Includes

• Full day city tour of Kyoto’s monuments and Nishiki market

• Visit to Nara’s Great Buddha followed by a traditional tea ceremony

• Explore the Kenroku-en Garden, Samurai House and geisha district of Kanazawa

• Enjoy Takayama, gateway to the Japanese Alps

• En route visit to Matsumoto Castle and the Owakudani Valley with its sulphurous hot springs, heading for Hakone National Park

• Excellent views of Mount Fuji from Hakone’s Open Air Museum

• Journey to Tokyo by bullet train• Two half-day city tours in Tokyo – partly by

local subway train• Hotel accommodation for eight nights

staying in Kyoto (3 nights), Kanazawa (1 night), Takayama (1 night), Hakone (1 night) and Tokyo (2 nights) in a twin/double room on a bed and breakfast basis

• Dinner on one night• Return flights to Osaka, returning

from Tokyo• One suitcase allowance per person• Air-conditioned coach travel throughout• The services of a Tour Manager upon arrival

at your destination • Discover Imperial Kyoto, still home to geishas• Visit Nijo castle, the Golden Pavilion and

bustling Nishiki market• Visit Nara – Japan’s first capital and home to

the amazing Great Buddha• Feed the sacred deer in Nara‑kuen park• Take in the views from breath-taking Kiyomizu • Discover Kanazawa’s stunning

Keroku‑en garden• See Shirakawago’s traditional houses• Takayama – a window on the past• Marvel at Matsumoto’s extraordinary castle• On a clear day, Mount Fuji towers over the

Hakone National Park• Take the Bullet Train to Tokyo• Explore the exciting Japanese capital

This fascinating fully escorted tour, like Japan itself, contains an intoxicating mix of ancient history, tradition and culture, some spectacular works of nature, including towering Mt Fuji, and the blisteringly modern – the eye-popping sights of Tokyo.

The holiday will be perfect introduction to a place with one foot firmly in the ancient past, and the other stretching into the future, and to a people that to this day remain for the most part a mysterious closed book to the Western World, despite their innate friendliness and the ease with which visitors can travel, discover and absorb the wonderful, amazing ‘Land of the Rising Sun’.

Beginning in Kyoto, the cradle of Japanese culture and a former imperial capital where kimono-wearing geishas can still been seen shuffling their way along the ancient streets, you’ll ease yourself into the country with an exploration of some of its finest temples and most sacred shrines. A journey to the original capital Nara showcases the city’s Great Buddha, one of Japan’s most famous sights, and a traditional tea ceremony offers an authentic taste of an ancient ritual.

The glories of one of the country’s finest gardens and the traditional thatched Gassho zukiri houses of Shirakawago, as well as the ancient streets of Takayama and Matsumoto’s breath-taking castle are highlights of a journey through the Japanese Alps, before the most spectacular natural wonder of all – majestic Fuji – crowns a visit to Hakone National Park.

In spellbinding, sparkling contrast come two final nights in pulsating Tokyo, one of the planet’s most exciting cities – a cacophonous futurescape that retains a grip on past traditions with some extraordinary temple shrines alongside the neon-lit malls – a visit to which will complete a wonderful journey of the senses.

Discovering Japan

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Your Accommodation

Information on your hotels is provided on pages 30-32, listed by country and town/city. This tour stays in Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama, Hakone and Tokyo.

Day One The holiday begins with an overnight flight to Osaka.

Day Two Upon arrival, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to Kyoto for a three-night stay. In Japan’s former imperial capital the modern world never quite overcomes the traditions of a past, and Kyoto is justifiably regarded as Japan’s cultural capital.

Day Three Your English-speaking guide will introduce you to Kyoto’s treasures, including UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle and its stunning gardens, the famed Kinkaku-ji ‘Golden Pavilion’, the startling ‘dry-landscape’ Zen Buddhist garden of Ryoan-ji and the colourful Nishiki market, where hundreds of food-sellers ply their wares in a noisy, friendly atmosphere. The evening is free, perhaps to wander the ancient streets of the Gion district, where you still might catch sight of geishas hurrying along.

Day Four Make the short journey by coach to Nara, Japan’s original 6th-century capital, where sights will include the 1560-ft-high Great Buddha at the Todai-ji temple, the sacred deer of the Nara-kuen park and Kasuga, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines.

Returning to Kyoto, you’ll visit the spectacular Kiyomizu–dera temple, amongst Japan’s finest, and offering breath-taking views of the whole city from its lofty perch. You’ll also have the opportunity to stroll two lovingly restored streets of Ninen-saka and Sannen-saka, and will enjoy a traditional tea ceremony – a perfect end to a memorable day.

Day Five Bidding ‘sayonara’ to Kyoto, you’ll make the scenic drive into Central Honsh, journeying to the stunning city of Kanazawa, where the exquisite Kenroku-en Garden is one of the world’s greatest horticultural treasures, and where the Samurai House at Nagamachi and the Higashi Chaya-Gai geisha district transport you back across the centuries. You’ll stay overnight in Kanazawa.

buddha at todai-ji temple, nara

Day Six Another day is spent discovering Japan’s traditions, as you head south, first to the UNESCO-listed Ogimachi village of Shirikawa-go, where several thatched gasso-zukuri farmhouses, built to withstand the snows of winter, are beautifully preserved. You’ll visit the Wada house, built by one of the region’s wealthiest families. You’ll then journey on to overnight in the picture-postcard surroundings of Takayama, a charming, laid-back gateway to the Japanese Alps, with its preserved Sanmachi-Suji area of streets lined with traditional streets and sake breweries. You’ll also see the amazing ornate festival ‘floats’ of Yatai Kaikan – yet another unforgettable sight.

Day Seven Today, after the opportunity to take in Takayama’s colourful morning market, you’ll journey towards the beautiful Japanese Alps, to the historic city of Matsumoto, where the country’s oldest wooden castle is another unforgettable sight, with its black and white turreted keep, and its moat full of carp and gliding swans. The views from of the Alps, as they are from throughout the city, are stunning.

This afternoon you’ll continue the scenic journey, driving through the Owakudani Valley with its sulphurous hot springs, for an overnight stay in the beautiful Hakone National Park.

tokyo tower

Day Eight Spend the morning enjoying the surroundings of Hakone, which on a clear day is dominated by the snow-capped cone of Mount Fuji. Hope for a view of the peak from the shores of beautiful Lake Ashi, and pay a visit to the wonderful Hakone Open Air Museum, which – bizarrely – boasts one of the world’s largest collections of Henry Moore sculptures, and more than its fair share – over 300 – of works by Picasso.

Later this afternoon, you’ll board a famous Shinkansen ‘bullet train’ for the remarkably short journey from Odawara Station into Tokyo, for a final two-night stay. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to the hotel, and will have the opportunity to soak up the electric atmosphere of a first evening in the capital.

Day Nine Join your guide for a fascinating day’s exploration, which will include the ancient Buddhist Asakusa Temple and the shopping street of Nakamise, Ueno’s arcaded market and the electronic world of Akihabara, as well as the shops and stores of Ginza – Tokyo’s ‘Fifth Avenue’ – and the man-made ‘island’ of Odaiba, with its views back across Tokyo Bay. Your guide will be on hand to help you orientate yourself in this endlessly fascinating, non-stop city, and no doubt will help with suggestions for your final evening in the city.

Day Ten A last morning’s sightseeing brings the chance to sample the Tokyo subway in the company of your guide, as you head to the tree-lined avenues of the Meiji park and shrine – Tokyo’s forested ‘oasis’ – before joining the throng at world-famous Shibuya Crossing, where thousands wait for ‘the green man’ to unleash a chaotic four-way sea of humanity. Later, transfer back to Narita Airport, bidding ‘sayonara’ to your guide and to the extraordinary country of Japan, as you board the return overnight flight.

Day Eleven Morning arrival back into the UK, at the end of a truly fascinating holiday.

DISCOVERING JAPANAvailable: Mar, Jun, Sep, Oct 2014, Feb, Jun 2015

FLIGHT & DEPARTURE INFORMATIONReturn scheduled flights with Emirates to Osaka via Dubai, returning from Tokyo via Dubai.The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is ap-proximately 1 hour.



25 Mar 2014 £2,549

3 Jun 2014 £2,499

30 Sep, 7 Oct 2014 £2,549

10 Feb, 2 Jun 2015 £2,499

Outbound: 13:35/16:50 • Return 22:00/11:35


25 Mar 2014 £2,549

3 Jun 2014 £2,499

30 Sep, 7 Oct 2014 £2,549

10 Feb, 2 Jun 2015 £2,499

Outbound: 13:20/16:50 • Return 22:00/11:20



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Rotorua

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Auckland

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Mount Aspiring National Park

Milford SoundPages 26-27

Maori Warrior, Rotorua Pages 26-27

Abel Tasman National ParkPages 26-27

Champagne Pool, RotoruaPages 26-27


An unforgettable journey through New Zealand, a country of diverse and stunning natural beauty enriched with the vibrant Maori Culture.

The Best of New Zealand

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Rio de Janeiro Pages 28-29

Buenos Aires, ArgentinaPages 28-29

Iguazú Falls, Argentina & BrazilPages 28-29


A wonderful escorted tour to two of South America’s most fascinating and beautiful countries, Brazil and Argentina.

The Best of New Zealand A South American adventure


Tour Highlights

Eighteen days from

£3,699per person

Price Includes

• Orientation tours of Christchurch and Wellington

• Ample time to explore beautiful Queenstown with the chance to visit Milford Sound

• Full day visit to Abel Tasman National Park with lunch

• Ferry journey between North and South Islands

• Activities in Rotorua including the Agrodome stage show, Paradise Valley Springs and Te Puia thermal reserve

• Visit to Waitomo Glow-worm Caves• City tour of Auckland including the

Auckland Museum• Full day excursion to Cape Reinga• Fourteen nights’ accommodation staying

in Christchurch (2 nights), Queenstown (2 nights), Fox Glacier (2 nights), Nelson (2 nights), Wellington (1 night), Rotorua (2 nights), Auckland (1 night) and Bay of Islands (2 nights) in a twin/double room on a room only basis

• Return flights to Christchurch, returning from Auckland

• One suitcase allowance per person• Air conditioned coach travel throughout• The services of a Tour Manager upon arrival

at your destination• Spend two nights close to Christchurch• Enjoy the exhilaration and stunning setting

of famous Queenstown• The journey north to Fox Glacier

is spectacular• Discover the beauty of Abel Tasman

National Park• Wellington – cosmopolitan, welcoming capital• Tongariro National Park’s brooding volcanoes

served as dark ‘Mordor’• Spend two nights in fabled Rotorua• Waitomo’s caves – and glow-worms – are

world-famous• Enjoy a tour of vibrant Auckland• Colourful Paihia is gateway to the

spectacular far north• Journey to breathtaking Cape Reinga

Join this unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most fascinating countries, two separate – and distinct – island masses that offer a compelling mix of natural beauty, diverse cities and colourful, exciting resort towns, enriched by a vibrant Maori culture rooted in the mists of time. Our wonderful escorted tour will include highlights of both islands, with stays in several contrasting places of fascinating interest.

Astonishing sights abound, from the rain-forests and plunging waterfalls of Fjordland, to the alpine beauties of Central Otago, both found in the South Island. The haunting desert landscape of Tongariro National Park - ‘Mordor’ in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies - with its trio of brooding volcanoes, and the ancient thermal spa of Rotorua, with its bubbling pools and spouting geysers, are amongst the North Island’s greatest treasures. Throughout, sweeping seascapes, mountain passes, strange, rare wildlife and striking plants and flowers draw the eye, while New Zealand’s cities are havens of rest and relaxation peopled by the friendly Kiwis who are as keen to share their country’s beauties as they are to enjoy them themselves.

Beginning with your arrival in a Christchurch recovering from 2011’s earthquake, and including such highlights as Queenstown, Milford Sound, Fox Glacier and the Abel Tasman National Park in the South Island, and Roturua, Auckland and remote Cape Reinga in the North Island, our tremendous value tour is the perfect way in which to see and experience the very best this wonderful country has to offer. In the company of a Kiwi guide, and travelling by comfortable coach, you’ll enjoy some unforgettable sights, sounds and experiences, with accommodation in comfortable hotels, and a host of included excursions and attractions as well as optional tours - a true ‘holiday of a lifetime’.

The Best of New Zealand

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Your Accommodation

Information on your hotels is provided on pages 30-32, listed by country and town/city. This tour stays in Christchurch, Queenstown, Fox Glacier, Nelson, Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland and Bay of Islands.

THE BEST OF NEW ZEALANDAvailable: Mar-Jun, Sep, Nov 2014, Mar, Apr, Jun 2015

FLIGHT & DEPARTURE INFORMATIONReturn scheduled flights with Air New Zealand to Christchurch via Los Angeles and Auckland, returning from Auckland via Los Angeles.The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is ap-proximately 30 minutes.



11 Mar, 22 Apr 2014 £3,849

13 May 2014 £3,749

3 Jun 2014 £3,699

16 Sep 2014 £3,849

4 Nov 2014 £3,999

10 Mar 2015 £3,949

28 Apr 2015 £3,879

2 Jun 2015 £3,749

Outbound: 16:15/9:10 • Return 21:30/11:15

Regional connectionsConnecting flights are available to London Heathrow from the following airports, for a supplement of £150 per person: Belfast, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle, and Aberdeen


Single-room supplement: from £640 dependent on departure date.

Optional Excursions – Prices per personKaikoura and Whale Watching – Day Four £155Milford Sound – Day Six £147Fox Glacier 2-hour walk – Day Eight £35Hangi Concert & Dinner – Day Thirteen £62

Days One/Two Board the flight from London to Christchurch, arriving on ‘Day Three’.

Day Three Upon arrival, meet your guide and enjoy a city orientation before transferring to your hotel for a two-night stay. Rest and relax after the journey, enjoying the beauty of the ‘Garden City’, often described as ‘the most English city outside England’, is being restored.

Day Four Visit the east coast resort of Kaikoura on today’s optional excursion, which also includes a whale-watch cruise to view these awesome creatures of the deep.

Day Five Head across the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps, past scenic Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, with its views of towering Mount Cook. Pause awhile beneath New Zealand’s highest peak, before journeying on to Queenstown for two nights.

Day Six Today is free to enjoy the delights of Queenstown, which might – for the brave – include adrenalin-inducing pursuits like bungee-jumping, white-water rafting or jet-boating. Many will join the optional excursion to spectacular Milford Sound, one of the world’s greatest natural fjords,dominated by triangular Mitre Peak. It is possible to return to Queenstown by light plane, for an additional supplement.

Day Seven After a morning in Queenstown, journey north west towards Central Otago’s grasslands, passing beautiful Lake Wanaka. The Haast Pass Highway leads to ‘edge of the wilderness’ community Haast, before you head up the coast to the magnificent scenery of Fox Glacier, for a two-night stay.

Day Eight Enjoy another day of scenic wonder, perhaps taking the optional flight of the ‘twin’ Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, or, for the more energetic, joining a half-day guided hike onto the glacial wilderness itself.

Day Nine Journey further north through a UNESCO-listed coastal landscape of rainforests and limestone outcrops to Hokitika, former Gold Rush port-town and now a centre for the jade-like greenstone industry, then on to Nelson, on the shores of Tasman Bay.

Day Ten An included excursion with lunch takes in lush Abel Tasman National Park including a boat trip to discover some of the remoter shoreline, and the opportunity to explore this spectacular corner of South Island on foot. You’ll return to spend another enjoyable evening in laid-back Nelson.

Day Eleven Head across rolling countryside to the rugged Marlborough Sounds and the three-hour ferry crossing over the Cook Strait to Wellington, the cosmopolitan capital, with its striking modern architecture, colourful Botanic

Gardens and its bars, restaurants and cafés. Enjoy a short introductory tour, then spend the evening in this welcoming city.

Day Twelve The exploration of North Island begins with a journey into Tongariro National Park, with its three great volcanoes – dark ‘Mordor’in ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies – and one of the tour’s most memorable vistas. Continue north to Lake Taupo, then on to the thermal city of Rotorua, perhaps New Zealand’s greatest attraction, for a two-night stay.

Maori Warrior, rotorua

Day Thirteen Rotorua draws visitors from across the globe to its hot springs, bubbling mud pools and geysers, including Pohutu, the ‘Big Splash’ which can shoot twenty metres into the air. A host of different activities, including the Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, a guided tour of the silica terraces with their stalactites, the Agrodome’s entertaining and educational demonstration on part of New Zealand’s sheep-rearing industry. The native garden setting of Paradise Valley Springs, a trout and wildlife sanctuary, will vie for your attention during the day. This evening, enjoy an optional traditional Maori Cultural Performance of songs, rituals and dances followed by a Hangi feast cooked in an earth oven.

Day Fourteen Today you’ll visit the extraordinary caves at Waitomo, an underground network stretching some 30 miles beneath limestone hills, enjoying a guided tour of the vast ‘Cathedral’ with its acoustic thrills, and a boat journey into the ‘Glowworm Grotto’. Continue north to Auckland, and an overnight stay in the ‘City of Sails’.

Day Fifteen A guided tour introduces the world’s largest polynesian settlement, where some twenty-percent of the inhabitants are of Maori or South Pacific origins, and takes in the Auckland Museum, with its priceless carvings and artefacts.

This afternoon, head north to spend a final two nights in Paihia, resort gateway to the stunning Bay of Islands region of hidden coves and glorious white sand beaches. Close to historic Waitangi, where New Zealand’s nationhood was enshrined, Paihia combines its beautiful location with a host of host amenities.

Day Sixteen A last full day brings the opportunity to journey north to remote Cape Reinga, the country’s northernmost point, and the site of the sacred Maori ‘place of leaping’, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. Return to Paihia for a final evening.

Day Seventeen Transfer back to Auckland for the flight back to the UK at the end of what will have been a truly wonderful holiday.

Day Eighteen Arrival back into the UK.

Champagne Pool, rotorua

Milford Sound

Copthorne Lakeview hotel restaurant , Queenstown


Tour Highlights

Fourteen days from

£2,699per person

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Price Includes

• City tour of Buenos Aires• Included half-day Evita tour• Guided visit to the Argentinian side of

Igauzú Falls with a park ranger followed by a train journey to UNESCO-listed Devil’s Throat

• Morning visit to the Brazilian side of Igauzú Falls

• Half-day city tour of Rio de Janeiro• Hotel accommodation for eleven nights

staying in Buenos Aires (5 nights), Iguazú (2 nights) and Rio de Janeiro (4 nights) in a twin/double room on a bed and breakfast basis

• Return flights to Buenos Aires, returning from Rio de Janeiro and all internal flights in South America


at your destination

• The first five nights are spend in gloriously elegant Buenos Aires, including a guided tour to introduce the Argentine capital

• Learn about the Peronist era on an included ‘Evita’ tour

• Fly to majestic, magnificent Iguazú Falls for two nights

• Explore both Argentine and Brazilian sides of the Falls

• Unbelievable, unforgettable Rio de Janeiro for four nights

• Enjoy a guided tour of the Brazilian capital

• Take a cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain

This wonderful escorted tour to two of South America’s most engaging countries takes in two of the continent’s most beautiful and absorbing cities, and some of the world’s greatest natural wonders, with five nights in elegant Buenos Aires and four more in pulsating Rio de Janeiro bookending a two-night stay by the plunging cascades of Iguazú Falls.

The tour begins in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, the ‘Paris of the Americas’, a cultural delight exuding history, elegance and Spanish charm through its every pore. Walk in the footsteps of Eva Perón, take in the sights of ‘BA’s’ microcentro heart, enjoy some of the America’s best food, and – if it’s your pleasure – ‘shop ‘til you drop’ at bargain prices. Accommodation in BA’s most elegant neighbourhood, included guided introductions to the main sights, a traditional lunch and opportunities to join several exciting optional tours will all enrich your stay.

The natural wonders of Iguazú’s 275 separate falls will come in blissful contrast to BA, with the chance to cross to the Brazilian side of the torrent on an optional tour.

The tour ends in glorious Rio, set beneath Sugar Loaf Mountain, and fringed by the golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, basking in the warmth of the sun by day and dancing to the rhythm of Samba by night. An included tour taking in Sugar Loaf’s famous cable car, and the chance to climb to the top of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue for the most awe-inspiring view of all, complete this wonderful South American ‘journey of a lifetime’.

Rio de Janeiro & Highlights of Argentina

Rio de Janeiro

Buenos Aires

Brazil

Argentina

Iguazú Falls

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Your Accommodation

Information on your hotels is provided on pages 30-32, listed by country and town/city. This tour stays in Buenos Aires, Iguazú and Rio de Janeiro.

RIO DE JANEIRO & HIGHLIGHTS OF ARGENTINAAvailable: Apr, Sep, Oct 2014, Mar 2015

FLIGHT & DEPARTURE INFORMATIONReturn scheduled flights with Air France to Buenos Aires via Paris, returning from Rio de Janeiro via Paris.The transfer time from the airport to your first hotel is approximately one hour.



30 Apr, 24 Sep, 1 Oct 2014 £2,699

4 Mar 2015 £2,799

Outbound: 20:10/9:00 • Return 20:20/13:45



Optional Excursions – Prices per personEstanzia Ranch Day with barbecue – Day Three – £153Parana River & Delta Cruise – Day Five – £74Tango show with dinner – Day Five – £129Full day Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay – Day Six – £299Half day Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer – Day Eleven – £64Samba Show with dinner – Day Twelve – £134

Day One Fly overnight across the Atlantic to Buenos Aires.

Day Two Meet your guide and transfer into the city to begin your South American adventure with a guided introductory tour, taking in historic Plaza de Mayo’s Parliament buildings - including pink Casa Rosada and the 18th-century Cabildo – and the famously colourful La Boca district. After lunch in the chic Puerto Madero riverside area, head to the hotel in La Recoleta, the capital’s most elegant barrio, or neighbourhood. Rest and relax this evening.

Day Three Today can be spent in further discovery of enthralling BA, although many will be drawn to the exciting optional excursion, which will offer the opportunity to travel out of the city into the pampas grassland, to spend the day on a typical estanzia ranch, learning about the gaucho culture of the plains and enjoying a traditional asado barbeque accompanied by music and folk dancing.

Day Four Yet another day of exploration awaits, with a fascinating included guided ‘Evita’ tour of the sights associated with the Peronist era, including Eva Perón’s, the famous balcony from which the Peróns addressed the devoted crowd shortly before her early demise, the Central Workers’ Union headquarters where her body was exhibited, and her final resting place in Recoleta cemetery.

Day Five Spend another day enjoying BA, with its café-culture, wide boulevards and outstanding shopping opportunities, or join the optional excursion, travelling by train, coach and riverboat to the beautiful delta of the Parana River, a popular weekend retreat of wealthy porteños, as residents of the capital are known.

This evening, there’s the opportunity to enjoy the experience of an authentic Tango Show.

Day Six A last day in the Argentine capital brings another optional tour and the chance to tick off another South American country, as you journey by fast hovercraft across the River Plate to the exquisite Uruguayan former smugglers’ hideaway port of Colonia del Sacramento, with its winding cobbled streets and picture-postcard-perfect historic centre that draws visitors from across the globe.

Enjoy a last evening in BA, as the first part of your South American tour draws to a close.

Day Seven Transfer early to the airport for the 1hour, 40-minute flight to the stupendous phenomenon of famous Iguazú, a plunging series of cascades at the meeting point of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, and one of the natural world’s greatest wonders. Set in a protected National Park that is stunning jungle refuge to big cats, monkeys, tapirs and

countless colourful bird species, Iguazú has to be seen and experienced to be believed.

Enjoy a fascinating guided walking tour of the Argentine side of the falls, accompanied by a park ranger, and the 25-minute train ride to the most spectacular of the torrents, the famous, UNESCO-listed Devil’s Throat. Later, cross to the Brazilian side of the falls for a two-night stay.

Day Eight Enjoy the panorama of Iguazú from the Brazilian side, as you walk on pathways through the lush foliage nurtured by the constant moisture from the cascades. This afternoon, rest and relax, or enjoy a choice of optional activities designed to showcase more of this idyllic natural wonderland.

Day Nine After a morning at leisure, the final part of the adventure begins with the 90-minute flight from Iguazú to fabulous Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s world-renowned metropolis, for a four-night stay. Upon arrival, meet your Rio guide and transfer to your hotel close to famous Copacabana, and after check-in, enjoy your first taste of this beautiful city.

Day Ten An included half-day excursion introduces you to ‘Rio’, with its beaches, mountains, inland lakes its man-made skyscrapers, contrasts of rich and poor, vibrant café-culture, relentless Samba beat and irrepressible Carioca love of life. The tour will include the coastal districts of Copocabana, Ipanema and Leblon, with their beaches and tree-lined streets, as well as the Centro area, where historic and ultra-modern sit side-by-side. A highlight of the day will be the cable car ride to the summit of `Sugar Loaf Mountain, from where the views are simply unforgettable.

Day Eleven Today is free for personal sightseeing, with the opportunity to take an optional tour to the jaw-dropping ‘wonder of the world’ that is the extraordinary statue of Christ the Redeemer, atop the hunch-backed Corcovado mountain. Drive to the historic cog-railway station to make the three-mile ascent through lush vegetation to the world-famous 122-foot-tall statue, with its outstretched arms, then take the lift or escalator – or make the stiff walk - to the spectacular viewpoint.

Day Twelve A final full day can be spent in relaxation or exploration before you might bring the curtain down on your South American adventure by joining the optional evening excursions that include the chance to enjoy a traditional barbecue followed by the excitement of an effervescent Samba show – the perfect end to your stay.

Day Thirteen After a free-morning transfer to the international airport for the overnight return.

Day Fourteen Arrival back into the UK.

iguazú Falls

La boca, buenos Aires

Puerto Madero, buenos Aires

562 nogaro hotel, buenos Aires


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India

Agra Radisson Blu East Gate HotelA modern hotel with several restaurants, a swimming pool and a pool bar set in the extensive grounds and the hotel also has a gym. Each room has air conditioning, TV and a safe.

Delhi Radisson Blu Dwarka HotelThis new hotel has a lovely outdoor swimming pool area, a bar, a coffee shop and two restaurants. Each guest room has air conditioning, satellite TV, a CD player, a safe, a hairdryer and a mini-bar.

Geejgarh Geejgarh Village RetreatSurrounded by the Aravali Hills and farmland, you’ll stay in an individual thatched cottage with terrace – basic but adequate and comfortable. Staying at this property is a highlight of the tour when you can experience the real, rural India.

Jaipur Lemontree Premier HotelA modern hotel with a restaurant and a bar, as well as an outdoor swimming pool. Each room also has air conditioning, a mini-bar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, a safe, and an iron and ironing board.

Kochi Courtyard by MarriottThis fine hotel has a restaurant and impressive leisure facilities which include a gym, whirlpool and indoor/outdoor pool. All of the modern rooms at this new hotel are well equipped.

Trident HotelSet around a central courtyard with spacious grounds and a pool. There is a restaurant and bar as well as an Ayurveda Centre with traditional therapies – maybe relax with a treatment or massage. Rooms here are light and airy.

Kumarokom Deluxe HouseboatStay in a traditional thatched houseboat with two or three cabins, all with private facilities. Three crew members (including one chef) will take care of you throughout your stay.

Madurai Heritage HotelThis historic seventeen acre resort makes for a quiet haven in this bustling city. Developed from the original Madurai Club, this luxurious hotel has a restaurant, the Swig & Tee bar and a coffee shop. Relax in the spa or large outdoor pool. All rooms have excellent facilities.

Munnar The Tall Trees ResortAmidst the greenery of Munnar, rooms are very well-appointed and the hotel has a restaurant, bar and gift shop.

PeriyarGreenwoodsThis property, very close to the wildlife park, has a restaurant and bar as well as a pool and spa. There is even a coffee-shop set high in a tree-house! Rooms are in small blocks around the grounds and have good facilities.

RanthambhoreThe PugmarkThis hotel is in a perfect setting to enjoy the wildlife to its full extent, with lovely gardens and a pool. All the rooms have air conditioning, telephones, and cable television, and are furnished with modern amenities.

Your touring accommodation...excellent hotels with names you can trust!There’s no doubt, especially on a holiday that involves days spent travelling and sightseeing, that a good quality hotel is important, which is why we spend so much time carefully selecting the places you’ll stay – even if it’s only for one night! Chosen for a combination of location, welcome comfort and the opportunity to rest and relax, our city-based hotels and touring and resort-based accommodation are of an excellent standard and offer a range of modern conveniences and usually a choice of regional and international cuisine.

tianfu Sunshine hotel, Chengdu, China

victoria Can tho, vietnam

Courtyard by Marriott, kochi

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South-East Asia

Bangkok, Thailand Century Park HotelCentrally located with a large pool terrace and several bars and restaurants to suit all tastes, guest rooms are well appointed and comfortably decorated with air-conditioning, tea and coffee-making facilities.

Battambang, Cambodia Stung Sangke HotelA bright and modern, centrally located hotel with restaurant, gym and outdoor pool. Air-conditioned rooms are nicely appointed with TV, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities.

Can Tho, Vietnam Victoria HotelOn the banks of the Hau River, amidst exotic gardens and built in colonial style. All rooms here have balcony and the hotel has a restaurant, bar and spa.

Cha-Am, Thailand Grand Pacific Sovereign ResortBoasting a prime position overlooking the Gulf and right on the beach, this hotel has three restaurants, a coffee shop, a pool and a swim-up pool bar. All rooms have sea views.

Chau Doc, Vietnam Victoria HotelBuilt in colonial style, this hotel is located on the banks of the Bassac River, deep in the Mekong Delta. The restaurant has outdoor seating overlooking the river and there is a bar, outdoor pool and a spa.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Silverland Grand HotelA modern city hotel which is very centrally located close to Ben Thanh Market. The hotel has a rooftop pool, gym, bar and restaurant.

Kanchanaburi, Thailand Felix River Kwai ResortSet in beautiful gardens leading down to the river with two restaurants, a bar, two large swimming pools and fitness room with a sauna. Each room has a private balcony with full amenities.

Kowloon, Hong KongKimberley HotelLocated on the mainland, ideal for enjoying the many shopping opportunities and the colourful waterfront, this hotel has a selection of restaurants, a coffee shop, bar and gym, and is the perfect place to enjoy your stay in Hong Kong.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia Villa LangkaAlthough appearing to be a private and calm hideaway, this hotel is centrally located. Enjoy a dip in the pool or a snack at the poolside bar and there’s also a restaurant in the hotel.

Siem Reap, Cambodia Prince d’Angkor Hotel & SpaThis hotel has a lovely outdoor pool area with terraces and landscaped tropical gardens. There are several restaurants, two bars (one poolside) – perfect for relaxing after a memorable day’s sightseeing. Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped.

China

BeijingBeijing Super House HotelThis centrally located four-star hotel has two restaurants, a tea-house and bar. The hotel has a fitness suite and rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, tea and coffee-making facilities, a safe, hairdryer and mini-bar.

Chengdu Tianfu Sunshine HotelA centrally located four star hotel with oriental charm! The hotel has a pleasant, glass-roofed bar, two restaurants, coffee-shop, tea-house and an outdoor pool. Rooms are comfortable and very well equipped, many offering panoramic city views.

GuilinGuilin Universal HotelSet right beside the beautiful Lijiang River, this hotel has comfortable and elegant, well-appointed guest rooms. It offers Chinese and western restaurants, a bar and lounge, and the Central Plaza shopping and entertainment centre is within walking distance.

ShanghaiShanghai Yafan Longmen HotelThis newly refurbished hotel boasts two restaurants (Chinese and western), a coffee shop and a sauna as just some of the many features it offers. All good-sized rooms have a TV, hairdryer and mini-bar.

SuzhouCastle HotelA modern, centrally located property with restaurant and bar as well as a gym, indoor pool and card room. Rooms have TV and tea and coffee making facilities.

Xi’anXi’an Tang Cheng HotelYou’ll find a Chinese restaurant and noodle bar in this hotel as well as a bar, games room and sauna – ideal for relaxing after sightseeing! Rooms have a TV, hairdryer and mini-bar.

houseboats, kerala

houseboats, kerala


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YangshuoYangshuo New Century HotelThis hotel has an outdoor pool, two restaurants (Chinese and western) and a bar. The service in this hotel is excellent and all rooms are air-conditioned and have a TV, mini-bar and tea-making facilities.

Yangtse CruiseVictoria’s ships are specially designed to navigate the Yangtze River, and are all officially rated five stars by the China National Tourism Administration which is its highest rating. Enjoy all the comfort and elegance of river cruising: attentive and professional staff, delicious meals and spectacular scenery from every stateroom and public area. Shore excursions are bookable during the cruise.

Japan

HakoneHotel TenseienWith a restaurant and coffee-shop this beautiful hotel is surrounded by greenery, spacious gardens and mountain views. There is a spa with open-air hot spring, restaurant, sauna and jacuzzi. All rooms are well-equipped.

KanazawaTrinity HotelIn the heart of Kanazawa with a restaurant for breakfast. All rooms have air-conditioning, mini bar, TV, Phone, tea maker, Japanese style bathrobe and hairdryer.

KyotoDaiwa RoinetA new hotel close to the centre yet in a quiet location with a restaurant for breakfast. All rooms have TV, fridge, tea- and coffee-making facilities and air-conditioning.

TakayamaBest WesternWithin walking distance of all attractions and the centre of town this hotel has a restaurant with bar, serving as a tea lounge during the day, and a separate Japanese restaurant open for dinner. Rooms are pleasantly furnished with TV, radio, hairdryer and minibar.

TokyoVilla Fontaine ShiodomeCentral hotel with large atrium lobby and breakfast room as well as a spa offering various treatments (extra cost). Rooms are air-conditioned and all have TV, fridge and coffee-maker.

New Zealand

AucklandMercure HotelIn the heart of the Auckland waterfront district, the hotel overlooks the spectacular harbour and is within walking distance of shopping and restaurants. The restaurant and bar offers great panoramic views while all air-conditioned rooms have TV, phone and minibar.

Bay of Islands Copthorne Hotel & ResortIn sixty acres of sub tropical gardens and in a waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, enjoy the freeform lagoon style outdoor pool, a day spa (extra cost), restaurant and café bar. All rooms have patio, TV, fridge and minibar, as well as phone and coffee-maker.

ChristchurchHeartland Hotel CotswoldA charming hotel built in Tudor style which reflects Christchurch’s place as the most English of cities outside England! Spacious grounds with award winning gardens and a restaurant are some of the hotel’s features while all rooms have TV, fridge, hairdryer and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

Fox GlacierDistinctionIn Fox Glacier Village amidst peaceful seclusion yet steps from the village centre. Enjoy the restaurant, bar and library area where you can relax with the view! All rooms have balcony and lounge area, coffee-maker, TV and CD player.

Nelson Quality Hotel Leisure LodgeCentrally located apartment hotel with restaurant, bar and outdoor pool. Rooms are very well appointed with TV, hairdryer, fridge, clock radio, iron and ironing board.

Queenstown Copthorne Lakeview HotelOn the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with exceptional views, and within walking distance of Queenstown’s downtown this hotel has two restaurants and a bar. There’s a spa pool and all rooms come with private balcony or patio, TV, fridge, hairdryer and a safe.

RotoruaCopthorne HotelSurrounded by natural beauty all rooms benefit from a phone, a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, an iron and ironing board, a hairdryer and Sky TV. Jimmy Cook’s Kiwi Kitchen is open for breakfast and dinner and Jimmy’s bar serves drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Wellington Mercure HotelCity hotel with brasserie restaurant and bar as well as an indoor pool, gym and sauna. All rooms are well equipped with air conditioning, TV, phone, minibar, coffee maker and iron and ironing board.

South America

Buenos Aires, Argentina 562 Nogaro HotelIn classical style this historic hotel is centrally located close to Plaza de Mayo. The hotel has a gym, fitness centre and lobby bar serving snacks. The rooms are air-conditioned with TV, minibar and hairdryer.

Iguazú Falls, Brazil San Martin HotelLocated right at the entrance to the national park between the city of Foz and the Falls, the hotel is set in spacious wooded grounds with a large swimming pool and there is a restaurant and bar. Rooms are air-conditioned with mini bar, TV, safe and telephone.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Best Western Augustos Rio CopaLocated just a short walk from Leme and Copacabana beaches, the hotel is close to shopping, restaurants and bars. Facilities include roof-top pool with stunning views, a gym and a restaurant. All modern rooms have air-conditioning are well-equipped.

Further InformationVery occasionally, due to high demand or local conditions, alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used, your allocated hotel will be confirmed with your final travel documents prior to departure.

Copthorne hotel & resort bay of islands, new zealand

kanazawa risol trinity, Japan

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Holiday EssentialsFlight informationOur flights are with some of the world’s most reputable airlines and all flights include spacious, ergonomic seating in the economy cabin, usually two complimentary meals en route and appropriate to the time of day as well as soft and alcoholic drinks throughout the flight. You’ll find seatback video with a choice of films, TV and music channels to help keep you entertained throughout the flight. See below for more information about your flight.

Airline

Outbound Flight Return FlightBaggage allowanceDepart Arrive

Length of Journey

Direct or 1 stop Depart Arrive

Length of Journey

Direct or 1 stop

india – tigers & the taj Mahal

Virgin Atlantic

London Heathrow evening

Delhi late morning

next day

8 hrs 30 mins

Direct Delhi early

afternoon

London Heathrow late afternoon

9 hrs 10 mins

Direct 23kg

india’s Exotic South & kerala

Emirates London Heathrow & Manchester early afternoon

Kochi morning next day

13 hrs 25 mins

1 Stop in Dubai

Kochi early morning

London Heathrow & Manchester early evening

12hrs 40 mins

1 Stop in Dubai

30kg

Grand tour of india

Virgin Atlantic


Delhi late next morning

8 hrs 30 mins

Direct Kochi evening London Heathrow morning next day

14 hrs 20 mins

1 Stop in Mumbai

23kg

Follow the Mekong

Emirates London Heathrow & Manchester early

afternoon

Bangkok early afternoon next day

15 hrs 20 mins

1 stop in Dubai

Ho Chi Minh City evening

London Heathrow & Manchester morning

next day

17 hrs 45 mins

1 stop in Dubai

30 kg

hong kong & the treasures

of thailand

Emirates London Gatwick Birmingham, Manchester,

Newcastle & Glasgow early afternoon

Hong Kong late-afternoon

next day

16 hours 55 mins

1 Stop in Dubai

Bangkok late evening

London Gatwick Birmingham, Manchester,

Newcastle & Glasgow afternoon next day

15hrs 40 mins

1 Stop in Dubai

30kg

highlights of China & Yangtse

Cruise andthe best of China

Virgin Atlantic

London Heathrow mid-afternoon

Shanghai Pudong

mid-morning next day

11 hrs 25 mins

Direct Shanghai Pudong

late morning

London Heathrow late afternoon

12 hrs 40 mins

Direct 23kg

discovering Japan Emirates London Heathrow & Manchester early

afternoon

Osaka late afternoon next day

18 hrs 15 mins

1 stop in Dubai

Tokyo evening London Heathrow & Manchester late morning next day

21 hrs 55 mins

1 stop in Dubai

30 kg

the best of new zealand

Air New Zealand

London Heathrow mid afternoon

Christchurch mid morning 2 days later

29 hrs 55 mins

2 stops in Los

Angeles & Auckland

Auckland evening

London Heathrow mid morning next day

25 hrs 1 stop in Los

Angeles

23 kg

rio de Janeiro & highlights of

Argentina

Air France


Buenos Aires mid morning

next day

15 hrs 50 mins

1 stop in Paris

Rio de Janeiro evening

London Heathrow early afternoon

next day

14 hrs 25 mins

1 stop in Paris

23 kg

International flightsWhen flights are not non stop, you will route via Paris with Air France, Dubai with Emirates and Los Angeles/Auckland with Air New Zealand.

These are modern facilities with many restaurants and shops. Flights are generally well timed to connect and stopovers are usually just a couple of hours.

Internal and regional flightsInternal and regional flights in India, China, New Zealand & South America which, on the tours shown in this brochure, are all less than two hours in duration, are operated by state regulated private airlines. The on-board service similar to European short-haul flights and all airlines operate modern, western type aircraft usually built by Airbus, Embraer or Boeing. When returning at the end of the Grand Tour of India flights operate via Mumbai with the first sector being with Air India before you transfer to Virgin Atlantic.

Avoiding jet lagImportantly, drink plenty of water prior to and during your flight – if necessary buy it after airport security and take it with you. We’d also recommend a good night’s sleep prior to your flight! On board, avoid too much alcohol and caffeine and do try to rest. With the exception of New Zealand, all flights in this brochure depart in the afternoon and evening and travel overnight, arriving during the next day. Flights to New Zealand, given the time difference, land into the destination two days after departure – you will get the lost time back on your return! We recommend taking an easy walk or a swim on arrival and avoiding sleep prior to night time in the country you’ve arrived in. The next morning, do your best to rise at a time appropriate to the local time – avoid sleeping in as it will take your body longer to adjust to the difference in time. On the return, it is generally easier to adjust as you will be naturally tired by the reverse time difference – try to sleep at normal UK bed time and by the following morning it’s likely you will be back in your own time zone.

CurrencyAll required currency can be readily purchased at UK banks and airports, with the exception of the Indian Rupee, Argentine Peso and Cambodian Riel which should be purchased upon arrival at your destination. Hotels and airports all generally have exchange facilities.

Some people ask how much currency they’ll need. That depends on you! How much do you eat and where do you want to eat; how many souvenirs or presents do you wish to bring back? Our suggestion is to change a little at a time. You can use cash machines and banks to withdraw cash now generally anywhere in the world although our experience says this is more likely to work in larger cities! Credit cards too are widely accepted – again in the major cities.

LuggageWe ask that you do not exceed one suitcase per person as space on the coach when you arrive at your destination will be limited. Maximum permitted weights are shown on the grid above. Keep your passport, important documents and any important medication in your hand luggage. We will send you up to date information about your luggage allowance and what you can and can’t carry in it just prior to departure.

Enjoying your stayWhen travelling overseas it’s always wise to take simple and sensible precautions. Other than in New Zealand and Japan, never drink water that is not bottled – even then, make sure the seal is intact. Try to always eat cooked food, served hot and avoid salad or cold food. Eat fruit which has to be peeled first. Take a hand sanitiser to use frequently and before you eat. We recommend contact lens users simply leave them at home and use glasses – dry, dusty places and aircraft cabins just don’t agree with them!

Take sun block if you’re travelling to a hot destination – and after dark too, mosquito bites are common and can make a trip miserable – cover up and use a readily available repellent spray or cream. Also, we recommend you take your favourite brands of medication for general ailments – headache, stomach upset etc and some sticking plasters – just in case and after all, holiday time is precious!

MealsOn tours where all meals are not included you can always rely on your Tour Manager to point you in the direction of a suitable restaurant.

TippingA gratuity is an accepted form of appreciation and works differently from country to country. At the end of the day do use your own discretion to tip for good service and do rely on the Tour Manager for advice. It’s also customary to tip your Tour Manager if service is good!

In South East Asia, China and India, to keep the wheels moving nicely, it’s common practice to tip a small amount to porters, drivers and their assistants, bellmen at hotels etc. Your Tour Manager will usually advise that it is easiest to work this on the basis of a ‘kitty’ where he or she will collect around £15-£20 per person to distribute as required. You’re never obliged to take part if you don’t want to.

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Peace of MindTravel insurance can play an essential part in ensuring you are able to enjoy every moment of your time on holiday, without worrying what might happen should bad luck befall you. Hence, we insist that everyone travelling abroad with Newmarket has travel insurance. This must be either the Newmarket Travel Insurance policy underwritten by AGA International SA and administered in the UK by Mondial Assistance (UK) Ltd, or an alternative travel insurance policy. The Newmarket travel insurance policy is only available to UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man residents and English law will apply.

The Cover – Main Features; Limits/Excesses applicableThe policy provides cover for:

• Personal Accident – up to £15,000

• Overseas Emergency Medical and

• Associated Expenses – up to £5 million (less £70 excess) where applicable

• Cancellation or Curtailment Charges – up to the cost of the holiday (less maximum excess of £70)

• Abandonment of the holiday – up to the cost of the holiday (less £70 excess)

• Personal Possessions – up to £1,000 in total (less £70 excess) including up to £500 for valuables

• Delayed Personal Possessions - up to £75

• Personal Money – up to £250 (less £70 excess)

• Loss of Passport – up to £250

• Missed Departure – up to £800

• Personal Liability – up to £1 million

• Legal Expenses – up to £10,000

The Cover – Significant Health Exclusions; Health Declaration

• The policy does not cover any claim arising from a medical condition for which, at the time of taking out the policy, an insured person:

• Is being prescribed regular medication; or

• Has received treatment for or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist in the past 12 months; or

• Is being referred to, treated by or under the care of a doctor or a hospital specialist; or

• Is awaiting treatment or the results of any tests or investigations; or

• Has been diagnosed with or treated for cancer in the last 5 years unless the condition(s) has (have) been declared, and accepted in writing.

Please call the confidential medical line on 0845 618 0344 if you need to declare a medical condition, if you develop a medical condition after the policy was issued, if your existing medical condition changes after the policy was issued or if you are unsure whether a medical condition needs to be declared or not. This helpline will be able to tell you whether or not cover can be provided for your medical condition(s). You do not have to declare minor ailments e.g. hay fever, colds/flu, ear infections, dental treatment if you have had no further problems since or if you have been advised by your doctor that it is safe to travel.

An additional premium may be payable.

The Policy Document This will be sent to you with your confirmation of reservation. It is the full terms and conditions of the policy.

Excess Waiver InsuranceIf an excess applies, you can avoid this being deducted from a successful claim by taking out optional Excess Waiver Insurance in addition to the policy.

The PremiumThe cost of the policy is £65 for adults, £32.50 for children between the ages of 2 and 16. Infants under 2 years are insured free. The cost of Excess Waiver Insurance is £6.00 for each person aged 2 or over at the date of travel. All premiums are inclusive of Insurance Premium Tax at the current rate. You must pay all applicable premiums at the time of booking and cover starts from the moment we receive these monies. If you are travelling abroad with us, we will automatically add the cost of the policy to your invoice if, at the time of booking, you do not provide us with the required information about an alternative policy.

Cancellation RightsIf your cover does not meet your requirements, please return the documentation within 14 days of receipt and your premium will be refunded in full unless you have travelled made a claim or intend to make a claim.

Making a complaintThe policy contains a complaints procedure which tells you what steps you can take if you wish to make a complaint.

Your Newmarket HolidayYour Holiday has been arranged by Newmarket Air Holidays, part of the Newmarket Group, founded in 1983.

Brochure Details All information in this brochure was correct at time of going to print and any errors are unintentional. The availability of some services, facilities and attractions may vary due to circumstances out of our control and therefore cannot accept liability if things are not open or available, although we will do our best to provide alternatives.

Optional ExcursionsAll our optional excursions are subject to a minimum number of participants. In the unlikely event that the excursion is cancelled, your payment will be returned in full. Cancellation may take place whilst you are already on your holiday, pending final demand.

Your ItineraryWe endeavour to operate the itinerary advertised in this brochure although there are occasions when due to circumstances out of our control, we may have to change the order in which the itinerary is operated, or our day by day activities. On the rare occasion this happens our Tour Managers will keep you fully informed, and where possible provide suitable alternatives.

Your Financial Protection The air holiday packages in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2325. Please see our Booking Conditions for further information.

Price GuaranteeDue to uncertainty over the price of aviation fuel, we regret we must reserve the right to change the prices in this brochure at any time.

AccessibilitySo that we can advise you of any health or accessibility issues, it is essential that you let us have details of any special requirements you may have at the time of booking.

All of the holidays in this brochure contain an amount of walking. In less developed countries expect places visited to be less ‘manicured’ that you’re used to at home. If you have walking difficulties or any other health or accessibility issues please do consider the itinerary that you are considering very carefully.

Health MattersYour doctor will advise you on appropriate precautions and any recommended vaccinations. It is suggested that you consult your GP about twelve weeks prior to travel. Sensible prevention measures, such as high factor sun protection, insect-repellent sprays and drinking bottled mineral water are also advised. We recommend leaving contact lenses at home and using glasses due to increased dust in the air in some areas.

Passports & VisasVisas are required by British Citizens travelling to the following countries and the current cost when applying by post is shown:

India £92

China £84

Vietnam £54

Cambodia £15

New Zealand US$14 (an electronic visa waiver is required to transit the USA en route)

Costs are shown as a guide and are subject to change at any time.

British Citizens do not currently require visas for other destinations in this brochure, including Hong Kong, however, in most cases, your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your return to the UK and have at least one available blank page. We will write to you about 8 weeks prior to travel with visa application procedures. It is possible to use an agency to handle your visa application for you and we will send you details of CIBT, our preferred supplier, at the same time. Using an agency will involve extra charges.

Further Information, Health Matters, Passports & Visas

Travel Insurance

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Booking Conditions

BOOKINGIt is extremely important that you provide clear, correct information when Booking, for it is from this information that we make your res er va tion and our contract with you. The person to whom all correspondence, in voic es and joining in struc tions are to be sent, should be en tered as the first name. It is also their address and telephone number(s) that should be given. Other names are required by air lines, insurance com pa nies, hotel iers etc., so please be accurate. For foreign holidays it is essential that these names match those on the pass ports. If any member of your party e.g. newly weds, changes their name between book ing this hol i day and travelling, it is impor tant to provide us with these details so that we can issue the tickets in the new name. If there is not time to amend the passport the marriage cer tifi cate should be carried in the passport.

We need to know the number of children under 2, and those between the ages of 2 and 11 who may qualify for a 10% dis count if they are sharing a room with 2 adults where a specific child price is not shown. We do not accept bookings from any unaccompanied passengers under the age of 18.

DELAYSOccasionally flights and coaches may be delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases we will do our utmost to help you and keep you fully informed. In the event of extended overnight delays, de pend ing upon circumstances, we will endeav our to provide ac com mo da tion. In the case of a major delay to your home ward journey, we shall en deav our to de lay the depar ture from your hotel.

ITINERARYYou will receive your final travel documents approximately two weeks prior to departure, provided all payments have been made.

SPECIAL REQUESTSThere are of course only a limited number of front seats on coaches, low floor rooms in hotels etc. We cannot guar an tee to meet all re quests but will do our best to oblige.

FLIGHT INFORMATION All prices in this brochure are based on air travel in economy class. We reserve the right to substitute an alternative airline or aircraft type if required to do so for reasons beyond our control. The aircraft used on our tours will include Boeing & Airbus types, or any other aircraft types at the discretion of the relevant airlines.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT FLIGHT TIMINGSThe flight information given is based upon airline schedules that were known at the time of printing, or upon expected airline schedules. Please note that timings may become subject to change at the airline’s discretion, and should any such alteration be significant, we will inform you. In some cases, flights may make enroute stops. On some tours, one or more air sectors may be indirect. For specific information on this point please contact us. Final timings will otherwise be reconfirmed with your tickets and Joining Instructions, approximately two weeks before departure. We thank you for your understanding in this matter.

FITNESS TO TRAVEL We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure you provide full details when Booking. These will be acknowledged on your Confirmation of Reservation. If you have suffered from a serious medical condition recently, then you should consult with your Doctor about your fitness to travel.

ACCOMMODATIONThe majority of the rooms for three people will have two double beds. Rooms for two people will have one double bed or two twin beds – this will be at the discretion of the hotel. Single rooms will generally have one bed. It is standard practice for rooms to be vacated by 12 noon. Where your departure is later, it may be possible to keep the room longer – your Tour Manager will give you assistance and advise of any extra charge that would be made. Should you have any special requests such as adjoining rooms, high or low floor, make your request when Booking. The hotel cannot guarantee to meet all requests but will at all times do their best to oblige. Please note that certain facilities advertised at the hotels may not be available. Items such as outdoor swimming pools are subject to weather conditions and it will be the decision of each individual hotelier as to when these facilities are available.

HOLIDAY EXTRAS NOT BOOKED WITH NEWMARKETWe cannot be held responsible for compensation in respect of any extras which are booked (e.g. travel insurance, currency, theatre tickets) with a third party, if we subsequently cancel your holiday for whatever reason. If you book your travel insurance with us, you would receive a full refund in this circumstance.

PRICE GUARANTEEDue to uncertainty over the price of aviation fuel, we regret we must reserve the right to change the prices in this brochure at any time.

We want you to enjoy every minute of your break or longer holiday with us, and we’ll do our very best to try to ensure that it lives up to your expectations of it. We believe that our 30 years of tour operating experience, together with the reputation we have for quality and value, should give you the confidence to book with us. To give you further peace of mind, we accept your booking on the basis of our Terms and Conditions, which are designed to clarify the contractual obligations between us. Please spend some time reading them carefully, and please feel free contact us should anything be unclear.

Your contract with us

1 YOUR BOOKINGYour booking, once accepted and confirmed in writing to you, represents a contract between all persons named on the Booking and/or on the Confirmation of Reservation, and Newmarket Air Holidays Ltd (The Company). The contract is based on the information given in the holiday brochure, and the terms laid out in the following Booking Conditions. If you made a credit card booking over the telephone, and are seeing these Conditions for the first time, you may cancel your reservation in writing up to seven days from the date of receipt of your Confirmation of Reservation. This agreement is governed by English Law and jurisdiction is conferred on the English courts but not exclusively, so if you live elsewhere in the UK, when the courts of Scotland and Northern Ireland also have jurisdiction.

2 YOUR PAYMENTYour Confirmation of Reservation includes an invoice showing the deposit paid and the final balance due. The outstanding amount must be paid by the due date. Should we not receive payment by this date we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled, in which case you could be liable to pay cancellation charges according to the scale set out in paragraph 4 below. Please note that a 1.5% per transaction charge will be made for any final balances paid by credit card. IMPORTANT NOTE: The person making the Booking does so on behalf of all persons named on it, and he/she becomes directly responsible to the Company for the payment of the total holiday price and if applicable, and where appropriate, for the cancellation charges and disbursements of any funds.

3 YOUR ALTERATIONSIf you want to change any of the details of your Booking, we will always do our best to help. We will however make an amendment charge of £120 per person as a contribution to our administrative expenses. All amendments must be notified to us in writing by the person who made the original booking. Within eight weeks of your departure date charges may increase and you will be advised of any additional charges prior to changes being made for you.NB If an amendment involves a change of name, insurance premiums are not transferable.Where any change is made to a booking involving travel by air, we reserve the right to make additional charges to cover in full any costs charged to us by our suppliers.

4 YOUR CANCELLATIONYou or any member of your party may cancel your Booking or part of it once it has been confirmed but the cancellation will only be valid if made in writing direct to the Company. If the cancellation results in a person travelling alone, a single room supplement is payable.The amount payable on cancellation depends upon when we receive your written instructions the more notice you give, the less we will charge. Period before departure date within which written instructions are received by Newmarket Air Holidays and amount of cancellation charge (shown as a percentage of the total holiday price excluding insurance premium which is not refundable) are as follows: Charge prior to “Balance Due” date* Deposit only“Balance Due” date* 29 days 50% or deposit if greater28 15 days 75% or deposit if greater14 7 days 90%less than 7 days prior/after departure 100%Notes: If the reason for cancellation is covered under the terms of an insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.* The “Balance Due” date is printed/shown on your “Confirmation of Booking & Invoice”.

5 YOUR COMPLAINTSIn the unlikely event that you have problems whilst on holiday, you MUST report the matter to the hotel or our representative IMMEDIATELY during your holiday. If the matter is not then satisfactorily resolved, you must complete a written report (form available from our representative). You must then follow up any complaint in writing within fourteen days of your return, including a copy of the original report form. We operate a strict code of conduct which also conforms to European regulations on package travel and take any complaints received seriously. A failure to follow the procedure outlined will affect the outcome of the complaint and any possible compensation.

6 YOUR TRAVELLING CONDITIONSWhere as part of the holiday you have booked your travel by air, land or sea, such travel will be subject to the terms and conditions of carriage of the airline, shipping, rail or coach company providing the transport. In most cases, the conditions will limit the carrier’s liability to you in accordance with international law. Should anyone be refused admission to the coach, ferry or flight, or to the destination country by the transport or government authority, then we are powerless to assist and cannot be held responsible. This includes any passenger who fails to advise us of any medical condition or disability. If you are prevented from travelling as a result, our responsibility for your holiday thereupon ceases. Full cancellation charges will apply and we will be under no obligation whatsoever for any refund, compensation or loss you may incur.

Our contract with you 1 OUR CONFIRMATION OF RESERVATIONWhen we have received your Booking and deposit we will send you a Confirmation of Reservation which details exactly what is booked for you. From this moment Newmarket Air Holidays has accepted your booking on the terms set out in this Contract.

2 THE PRICE OF YOUR HOLIDAYChanges in transportation costs, including the cost of fuel, duties, taxes or fees chargeable for services and exchange rates, mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked. However there will be no change within 30 days of your departure. We will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges. You will be charged for the amount over and above that. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your travel arrangements, you will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (if this is of equivalent or higher quality you will not have to pay more but if it is of lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid, except for any amendment charges. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place. The price of your holiday was calculated using exchange rates quoted in the Financial Times Guide to World Currencies 31 December 2012.

3 OUR ALTERATIONSIt is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your holiday but we do plan your holiday arrangements many months in advance. Occasionally changes may be made, which we reserve the right to do at any time. Most of these changes are minor (eg. cancellation of an optional excursion) and we will advise you at the earliest possible date. If a major change becomes necessary we will inform you as soon as is reasonably possible if there is time before your departure. A major change is one that we make to your holiday arrangements before departure that involves changing your resort area, or time of departure or return by more than twelve hours, or offering accommodation with a lower official classification than that advertised (except the latter in the case of en route tour hotels). When a major change occurs, you will have the choice of either accepting the change of arrangements, purchasing another available holiday from us, (we will refund any price difference if alternative is of lower value) or cancelling your holiday and receiving a full refund of all monies paid, except where the major change arises due to force majeure (see below), we will pay compensation as detailed below: 15 28 days £10 0 14 days £25IMPORTANT NOTE : We will not pay you compensation if we have to cancel or change your travel arrangements in any way because of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control. These can include, for example, war, riot, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, epidemics and pandemics, unavoidable technical problems with transport.

4 OUR CANCELLATIONSWe reserve the right in any circumstances (including failure to reach sufficient numbers) to cancel your holiday and in this event we will return to you all money you have paid to us or will offer you an alternative, available holiday to purchase of comparable standard. In no case, except for reasons of war etc, (see Important Note above) will your holiday be cancelled after the date when your final balance becomes due.

5 OUR COMPLAINTS PROCEDURENewmarket Air Holidays Ltd is a Member of ABTA with membership number V7812. ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ Tel:0901 201 5050 or www.abta.com.We can normally agree an amicable settlement of the few complaints we receive. However, if we cannot agree, disputes arising out of, or in connection with this Contract may (if the customer so wishes) be referred to arbitration under a special Scheme which, though devised by arrangement with the Association of British Travel

Agents, is administered quite independently by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. The Scheme (details of which will be supplied on request) provides for a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on the customer in respect of costs. The Scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5,000 per person. There is also a limit of £25,000 per Booking. Neither does it apply to claims which are solely or mainly in respect of physical injury or illness or the consequences of such injury or illness. Redress under this Scheme requires written notice requesting arbitration to be made within nine months of scheduled date of return from the holiday.

6 OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY OVERSEAS HOLIDAYS(a) Although we have no direct control over services provided to you by independent suppliers we accept responsibility for the reasonable standard of the holiday which you book. If any part is not provided as promised, we will pay you appropriate compensation if this has affected the enjoyment of your holiday, except where the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable.(b) We accept responsibility if you or any person named on the Booking suffers bodily injury, illness or death due to the negligent acts and/or omissions of: (i) our employees or agents; or(ii) our suppliers or subcontractors, servants or agents whilst acting within the scope or in the course of their employment to provide any service or arrangement forming part of the holiday that you have booked with us save that we do not accept responsibility for any air or sea carriers whose liabilities are limited by the relevant International Conventions. Provided that any such claims will be subject to and dealt within accordance with English Law and will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.(c) We shall give you assistance in the event that you suffer illness, personal injury or death during the period of your holiday overseas arising out of an activity which does not form part either of the holiday arrangement with us or an excursion offered through us. This assistance will include advice and guidance and, at our discretion and where appropriate, financial assistance subject to our spending a maximum amount in this regard on behalf of yourself and any other person named on the Booking of £5,000 in total.(d) In the event of a claim under this clause six against us by you or any person named on the Booking we reserve the right to claim in your place against the person or corporation responsible for the act, default or omission giving rise to the claim and you hereby agree to assign to us all your rights under this clause six and we will be subrogated to those rights and you hereby agree to assist us fully in the event that we enforce the rights which have been assigned to us or to which we are subrogated.(e) We take the safety and security of our clients extremely seriously. If a Foreign Office advises that people should not visit a particular country, then we would act on this. However, we are sure you appreciate from press and television coverage that the political, economic and social conditions in many countries are not as stable as we are used to. Sadly crimes against both people and their property are a fact of life the world over, and when in a foreign country it is very important to be extra vigilant and avoid drawing attention to yourself by wearing expensive jewellery, carrying expensive camera equipment etc. Travellers have the same responsibility for their personal safety and that of their possessions, as they do at home. As situations in countries can change rapidly, we would suggest you may wish to contact the Foreign Office Travel Advice unit on 0845 850 2829 for up to date information and advice regarding safety BEFORE BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY. Newmarket Air Holidays operate to many parts of the world, some of which do not conform to British health and safety standards. We request that all our hotels comply with the local regulations applicable in their country for health and safety but we cannot guarantee that these meet British standards.

7 TRAVEL INSURANCEBecause of the importance of having adequate insurance cover we make it a condition of booking on all foreign holidays that you are covered by an insurance policy. If you elect not to take our insurance, you agree to indemnify Newmarket Air Holidays for any costs that arise which would otherwise have been met had Newmarket Air Holidays insurance been taken. Should you fail to supply us with the name of your insurance company at the time of booking, our insurance premium will automatically be added to your invoice. Please note, if you take out our insurance, certain claims will be subject to an excess charge.

8 FINANCIAL PROTECTION & REPATRIATIONWhen you buy an ATOL protected flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists the flight, accommodation, car hire and/or other services that are financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative).In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable).

Important Information

McMillan House Cheam Common Road Worcester Park KT4 8RQ

UK & European Escorted Holidays by Coach 2013 A wide range of coach holidays featuring Britain’s popular attractions, events, concerts, sporting fixtures and European highlights, all in the company of an experienced Tour Manager.

2013-15 Ocean Cruises Sailing on board Marco Polo & Discovery There’s no better way to discover the world!No-fly cruises from 7 UK ports plus Mediterranean Fly-Cruising. Choose from Fjordland cruises, Baltic Cities, British Isles Discovery voyages and more!

America & Canada 2012-2014 Escorted Touring Holidays & Breaks Discover the very best of these two great countries!Choose from a wide range of amazing escorted tours from Canada’s Maple Leaf Trail to Elvis Presley’s Memphis – you won’t find better quality and value!

Escorted Holidays by Air 2014 A wide range of holidays designed with you in mind – Rest, Relax & Explore! Fly from over 30 UK airports to stunning destinations in the UK, Italy, Portugal, Croatia and more!

Discover a world of choice...

Faraway Holidays 2013-2015 (July 2013)d

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Transcript of Newmarket Holidays & Faraway brochure