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35 EXCLUSIVE TRIPS
27 COUNTRIES
7 CONTINENTS
Discover the world like never before
Our knowledge, your passions
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2 | T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R | 3
C o n t e n t s
E X P E R T- L E D
E P i c s a n D E v E n T s
i n D U LG E a n D U n w i n D
D i s c Ov E RY a n D a Dv E n T U R E
L E a R n a n D c H a L L E n G E
A times expert traveller trip is different because: We provide holiday experiences hand-picked by travel experts We only work with the finest travel companies our trips provide unique access and exclusive experiences We only offer trips when it is the best time to go We offer great value for money with no hidden extras
Our knowledge, your passions
t r u s t y o u r t r i p t o t h e e x p e r t s
E U R O P E 4 Sail the coast of Croatia
6 Discover Andalucia and Spain
8 Ultimate whale watching
9 Learn to paint in Tuscany
10 Explore the stunning Amalfi coast
12 See the wonders of Iceland
13 Journey to the Faroe Islands
14 Learn to cook in Venice
15 D-Day 75th anniversary tour
16 Stylish Mediterranean villas
18 Stay in the stunning ICEHOTEL
19 The Prix de L’Arc in Paris
20 Voyage to the midnight sun
A U S T R A L A S I A 21 A self-drive adventure in New Zealand
A F R I C A 22 See Egypt and the treasures of the Nile
A S I A24 Discover the secrets of the Great Silk Road
26 China and the giant pandas of Chengdu
27 Sail along the mighty Mekong
28 See Japan and the cherry blossom
30 India and a luxury Ganges river cruise
31 Discover Kerala and southern India
32 The ultimate tailor-made tour of Thailand
34 Sail the world with Star Clippers
36 Experience the splendours of Sri Lanka
T H E A M E R I C A S A N D T H E C A R I B B E A N37 Discover the wonders of Costa Rica
38 Queen Mary 2’s 2020 Literary Festival at Sea
40 See Machu Picchu and the best of Peru
41 Sail the American south by paddle steamer
A N T A R C T I C A 42 The ultimate voyage to Antarctica
A TYPE OF HOLIDAY TO SUIT EVERY TRAVELLER
These trips should be on everyone’s
bucket list. They’re the trips of
a lifetime that you’ve always dreamed
of. Whether you want to witness the
magical cherry blossom in Japan,
or be amazed by the Great Pyramid in
Giza, these trips will make memories
that last forever.
These relaxing escapes are like no other.
Times Expert Traveller goes the extra
mile to help you get away from it all. The
trips are luxurious and take the feeling of
being pampered to the next level. From
sailing spectacular coastlines to idyllic
beach retreats – we’ve got you covered.
It’s time to experience something
different. These carefully planned
itineraries are off the beaten track,
full of local knowledge and get you
straight to the heart of what makes
these destinations so appealing.
Which means you can make every
second of your holiday count, safe in
the knowledge that everything has
been taken care of for you.
These trips go beyond the everyday
and are a wonderful way to combine
sightseeing with developing your
knowledge and skills. Go painting in
Tuscany, cooking in Venice or indulge
your passion for history – with access
to experienced guides and tutors
throughout your holiday.
Our expert-led series of intriguing
adventures takes you to some of the
world’s most fascinating destinations,
both in Europe and further afield. In
addition – your favourite The Times and
The Sunday Times journalists will be
coming along for the ride, sharing their
own entertaining insights into everything
from literature to espionage. For the full
list visit thetimes.co.uk/expert-led.
Times expert traveller combines the knowledge of The Times, The Sunday Times, and The Sunday Times Travel Magazine travel writers with your passions. Whether you enjoy exploring the road less travelled, discovering new cultures, relaxing in luxury or learning
something new, we’ll take you closer – with advice, inspiration and exclusive offers.
4 | T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R | 5
*Saving based on package price. From price based on two sharing a cabin. Single cabin on request. Subject to availability. Other regional departures are available from selected UK airports but supplements may apply. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Intrepid Travel, a company wholly independent of News UK. Intrepid Travel: 4th floor, Piano House, 9 Brighton Terrace, Brixton, London, SW9 8DJ. ATOL protected, ABTA No: Y0766
C roatia’s unspoilt coastline has more than a thousand beautiful beaches and islands to discover
as well as dozens of charming towns and cities to explore. These, plus its fascinating history, have made it one of Europe’s most popular destinations.
By far the best way to enjoy it – as well as escape the crowds – is on a private yacht. So we’ve got two different eight-day itineraries to choose from on the Peregrine Dalmatia, a small ship which takes just 31 guests and is available for readers on seven dates this year.
You can choose to sail the Adriatic either from the north, starting in Venice and working your way down the coast to Split, or from the south, travelling up to Split from Dubrovnik. On both voyages you’ll pass beautiful terracotta-roofed villages, lush pinewood forests and pretty ports and swim in the sparkling blue sea.
Highlights of the first itinerary include the 89 islands of the Kornati National Park, and Zadar, home to several Romanesque churches
plus the quirky Sea Organ, which produces music powered purely by the waves.
On the second, you’ll start in the well-preserved medieval city of Dubrovnik, with its old-town and ancient city walls, and visit the sun-drenched islands of Hvar and Korcula as well as Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Both cruises finish in Croatia’s cultural capital, Split, home to the Roman emperor Diocletian’s palace, now a UNESCO World Heritage site and also famous for appearing in HBO’s Game of Thrones.
Your home for these two eight-day cruise options, the Peregrine Dalmatia, is a small, boutique ship. It can drop anchor in smaller ports and less crowded bays, boasts an elegant restaurant, plenty of outdoor space and comfortable en-suite cabins. Plus, unlike other ships that cruise through the night, you’ll spend your evenings in port leaving you free to step off and enjoy the authentic local restaurants and bars.
Sail the stunning coast of Croatia Relax and unwind in style on one of these exclusive small ship cruise itineraries along the scenic Croatian coastline
O P T I O N 1VeNIce TO SPlIT
O P T I O N 2DubrOVNIk TO SPlIT
YO U R I T I N e R a R Y
• Venice • Opatija • Krk • Rab
• Zadar • Kornati National Park
• Telašcica • Šibenik • Split
W h aT ’ s I N c l U d e dll Return flights with luggage
allowance and allocated seatsll All taxes and transfers ll Seven-night cruise aboard the
Peregrine Dalmatiall Seven breakfasts, four lunches,
five dinnersll Guided tours and walks in Krk,
Rab, Zadar and Splitll Pršut (prosciutto) tasting
in Krk and barbecue dinner
in Telascica
O U R T R U s T e d Pa R T N e R Intrepid Travel is a
leading expert in small
group holidays to the
world’s most fascinating
destinations.
B O O K T h I s T R I P
DePARTuReS: APRIL 27, MAY 11,
JuNe 15, AuGuST 3 AND 19 OCTOBeR, 2019
eIGHT DAYS FROM
£1,977* PP
TO BOOK CALL
0844 417 3557 QuOTe S1301
thetimes.co.uk/sailcroatia2
I N D u lG e A N D u N W I N D
This itinerary starts in Venice before
setting off for the glittering waters
of Croatia. Working your way down
the coast, you’ll end your journey in
Split. Foodies won’t be disappointed,
with delicious fresh seafood – from
mussels and grilled sea bass to
traditional octopus salad on offer
– and a tasting of a local version of
prosciutto as well as an on-deck
barbecue included.
Starting in the glamorous city of
Dubrovnik this route takes you
north along the Dalmatian coast
hopping on and off the Peregrine
Dalmatia in ports such as Hvar
and Korcula – the birthplace of
Marco Polo. One of the most
enticing places to swim will
be beneath the stunning
waterfalls of Krka National Park
and this itinerary also includes
a visit to Mostar.
YO U R I T I N e R a R Y
• Dubrovnik • Korcula • Badija
• Trpani • Opuzen • Mostar
• Jelsa • Stari Grad • Hvar
• Krka National Park • Split
W h aT ’ s I N c l U d e dll Return flights with luggage
allowance and allocated seatsll Seven-night cruise aboard the
Peregrine Dalmatiall Seven breakfasts, five lunches,
four dinnersll Guided tours and walks in
Korcula, Mostar, Split and Hvarll All taxes and transfers
“ drop anchor in smaller ports and less crowded bays ”
B O O K T h I s T R I P
DePARTuReS: AuGuST 17 AND
SePTeMBeR 14, 2019
eIGHT DAYS FROM
£2,152* PP
TO BOOK CALL
0844 488 3895
QuOTe S1301
thetimes.co.uk/sailcroatia1
6 | T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R | 7
*Subject to availability. **From price based on twin/double share on entry-level cabin. Regional flights may be available at a supplement and are subject to availability. Single cabins are available on request and at a supplement. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Cosmos a company wholly independent of News UK. Cosmos, Wells House, 15-17 Elmfield Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 1LT. Cosmos is a member of ABTA and this holiday is ATOL protected.
This unique river cruise in Andalucia will take you into the heart of southern Spain to see
some of its greatest Moorish cities.On this exclusive eight-day sailing
you’ll wander the elaborate alcazars of Seville, soak in the tranquillity and magnificent architecture of Granada’s Alhambra gardens and Generalife palace, as well as discover Córdoba’s world-famous Mosque-Cathedral.
Based in Seville, where you’ll also explore its spectacular cathedral and lively Santa Cruz district, you’ll take day-trip excursions to the historic cities of Granada and Cordoba. You’ll also sail on the Guadalquivir river to Cadiz where you’ll enjoy an evening walking tour on the cobbled streets of the city’s old quarter and taste a selection of locally produced wines at El Puerto de Santa Maria.
You’ll stay onboard river cruise ship, the MS La Belle de Cadix, which has 88 well-appointed cabins, a lounge and panorama bar, plunge pool sun
deck and French restaurant, where most meals are included (with drinks).
The Times readers will also get a free upgrade from a middle deck cabin to an upper deck cabin with a balcony. Plus, your journey will begin in style with a free executive car pick-up that will take you from your front door to the airport. You will then receive the same service on your return journey.
Sail through Andalucia and discover SevilleUnwind on a relaxing river cruise in southern Spain, which includes the historic cities of Seville, Granada, Cadiz and Córdoba
YO U R I T I N E R A R Yll Sevillell Córdoball Cadizll Jerez ll El Puerto de Santa Mariall Isla Minimall Granada
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R
Cosmos specialise in escorted
tours and cruises in the world’s
most inspiring locations. Founded
in 1961 they provide off-the-
beaten-track experiences.
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return flights from London
Gatwickll Private home pick-up to and
from London Gatwick within
50 miles of the airportll Seven nights’ all-inclusive
accommodation onboard the
MS La Belle de Cadix including
selected meals and wine and
beer with lunch and dinnerll Free upgrade to an upper deck,
balcony cabinll All exclusions as detailed in
the itinerary onlinell All airport and port taxesll Services of a Cosmos
Cruise Director
W H A T W E L O V E
I N D U LG E A N D U N W I N D
FREE CABIN
UPGR ADE*
SAIL IN STyLEThe MS La Belle de Cadix is
perfect for this gentle voyage through Andalucia.
EXPLORING ANDALUCIAYou’ll enjoy guided tours of
fascinating sites including the Alhambra in Granada.
FANTASTIC INCLUSIONSFree cabin upgrade, private
home pick up car service and unique excursions.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURES: SELECTED DATES IN
MARCH, APRIL, JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, OCTOBER
AND NOVEMBER, 2019
EIGHT DAYS FROM
£1,945** PP
TO BOOK CALL
03330 602 878 qUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/andaluciacruise
8 | T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R | 9
*From price based on twin/double share, single supplement from £732. Or, if you would prefer not to pay the single supplement, Wild Frontiers will pair you with another guest of the same sex for you to share with throughout your trip. Not including international flights. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Discover the World, a company wholly independent of News UK. Discover the World: Arctic House, 8 Bolters Lane, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 2AR; ATOL 2896, ABTA V2823.
Europe’s most sparsely populated country makes up for its paucity of numbers with the warmth of
its welcome, the majesty of its scenery and its perfect location to witness the greatest of nature’s beasts – whales.
On this nine-day whale-watching tour, you will enjoy four excursions in three locations to maximise your chances of catching a glimpse of the ocean’s biggest mammals.
Off the tip of the west coast’s Olafsvik peninsula, where the Gulf Stream and the East Greenland current meet, sperm whales and orcas arrive in June to feast in the rich seas. That’s where you will have your first chance to see them as you cruise at a safe distance. In the north of Iceland, at a former herring station, you will set sail into the stunning sheltered fjord of Eyjafjörður. Humpbacks have taken a liking to the waters there in recent years so it is a prime watching spot.
E P I C S A N D E V E N T S
Further along the north coast, lies top whale-watching location Husavik, which sees minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins and even blue whales enter the bay. It is here on the summer solstice that you will board the boat to keep one eye on the sun skimming the horizon and the other looking for tell-tale blowholes breaking the surface.
In the land of fire and ice, whose fjords and other-worldly volcanic landscapes have been carved out over centuries by glaciers and magma, you you will also marvel at the snow-capped Viknafjoll – an Instagram-worthy backdrop – as you dip in the geothermal pools overlooking the stunning bay. You will stroll between Dimmuborgir’s monumental lava pillars and clamber over steam vents, as well as having a chance to admire Europe’s most powerful waterfall in Dettifoss.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• Reykjavik • Stykkisholmur
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Lake Myvatn • Husavik
• Dettifoss • Reykjavik
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Four whale-watching excursions
in three locationsll Bathing in two geothermal spasll Expert wildlife guides (except
in Reykjavik)ll Sightseeing in two national parksll Eight breakfasts, two lunches
and six dinners
Watch whales in Iceland
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R
Discover The World is an award-
winning tour operator specialising
in stylish, small group holidays
and tailor-made travel experiences.
W H A T W E L O V E
INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCESWith snow-capped mountains behind, soak in a geothermal
pool overlooking stunning bays.
ICELAND’S BESTExplore ice-topped volcanoes,
waterfalls, glacial lakes and spot the varied bird life.
WHALE VIEWINGWith four whale-watching trips
you shouldn’t fail to see the ocean’s biggest mammals.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURE: JUNE 15, 2019
9 DAYS FROM
£2,979* PP
TO BOOK CALL
01737 747 897 QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/icelandwhales
I N C LU D E S M I D N I G H T
S U N W H A L E WAT C H
Experience one of nature’s most incredible sights in a setting like no other under the midnight sun on this superb whale-watching tour of the land of fire and ice
Tuscany’s breathtaking scenery has long been a favourite subject for landscape painters. With its
gently rolling hills, rows of cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves and pretty villages, there’s plenty to spark your creativity on this exclusive four-day learn-to-paint break.
You will be staying in one of Flavours Holidays hand-picked private villas, where you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the Tuscan countryside and receive daily lessons and insightful advice from an expert tutor. Open to all abilities, the trip will see you supported through a series of exercises aimed at increasing your love and understanding of painting. A sketchbook, easels and boards are all provided and, as part of a small group, you will have the chance to share and discuss techniques with other readers during your trip.
L E A R N A N D C H A L L E N G E
Enjoy expert painting tutorials and stay in a beautiful private villa on this small-group Italian holiday that will encourage and inspire you to learn something new
There will be plenty of free time to explore (as well as paint) the stunning Italian scenery, enjoy visits to the historic cities nearby, such as Siena, San Gimignano or Arezzo, wander the atmospheric streets and sketch some of the beautiful historic buildings and churches.
All meals are included with wine throughout your trip and you will be cooked and served meals at your private villa by an expert Tuscan chef. You will also enjoy a delicious lunch one day in a local trattoria which serves traditional Italian cuisine that’s created from locally sourced ingredients.
So whether you’re passionate about painting or you are only just starting out as a beginner, this exclusive small-group holiday will help you indulge your passion for painting in truly inspirational surroundings.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• Day 1 Welcome drinks, painting
lesson • Day 2 Introduction to
watercolours, painting lesson
• Day 3 Tuscan countryside tour,
painting outside • Day 4 Painting lesson
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return flights to Pisa from Londonll Three-night stay in a private villall Daily painting lessons with an
experienced tutorll All breakfasts, lunches and dinners
including wine throughoutll All transportation and transfers
Learn to paint in Tuscany W H A T W E L O V E
EXPERT LESSONSTutors are friendly and
knowledgeable and all your equipment is provided.
YOUR PRIVATE VILLAStunning views and scenery at your villa are essential for an
Italian painting holiday.
EXPLORE TUSCANYTake a day trip into the rolling
hills and visit a nearby city such as Siena or Arezzo.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURES: MARCH 27 AND 31, 2019
4 DAYS FROM
£999* PP
TO BOOK CALL
01313 413 695 QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/tuscanypainting
* Flights are from London Stansted or London Gatwick. Regional airports may be available on request. Subject to availability. ** Solo travellers can stay in a double room at no extra cost. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Flavours of Italy LTD, a company wholly independent of News UK. Flavours of Italy Ltd: 6769 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, EH14 1JF; ATOL 6528, ABTOT protected.
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R
Flavours Holidays is a specialist tour
operator offering high-quality cooking,
painting, Pilates, photography and
language holidays in Italy since 1998.
N O S I N G L E S U PPL E M E N T * *
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* Based on two sharing. Single supplement available on request. Offer subject to availability. Regional flights may be available at a supplement. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Citalia, a company wholly independent of News UK. Citalia: Origin One, 108 High Street, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1BD; ABTA No.V4068 ATOL protected.
The shimmering azure sea, pastel-coloured houses and vibrant lemon groves of the Amalfi coast will take your breath
away. This 50-kilometre stretch of coastline running between Salerno and Sorrento is certainly one of the most beautiful in Italy – if not the world.
Our exclusive eight-day small-group tour will take you to some of its most enchanting villages, including Ravello, Positano and Capri. You will be based for seven nights in Hotel Bonadies, a wonderfully welcoming four-star property in Ravello, from where you will take day trips and excursions. Explore the historic Villa Cimbrone, perched high above the ocean, which has, in the past, welcomed famous names such as Winston Churchill, Virginia Woolf and Greta Garbo – who fell in love with Leopold Stokowski here.
You will also visit Amalfi itself, with its cluster of tightly packed houses rising up the hillside, and wander around Positano’s steep, narrow streets and steps, which are draped in colourful wisteria.
You will be accompanied by a local guide throughout, who will also take you on three fascinating archaeological tours: the first two to Pompeii and Herculaneum and a third to the lesser known but equally impressive and UNESCO-listed Paestum.
Food and wine lovers will enjoy the many included gourmet experiences too, such as Limoncello tasting in Praiano, a cooking demonstration in Tramonti and lunch at a local farm prepared by an Italian family. Readers will also enjoy an exclusive cake-making demonstration at the famous Pasticceria Sal De Riso pastry shop on the seafront in Minori.
So don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to tour one of the most popular parts of Italy with our recommended travel partner Citalia – and in early summer, one of the best times of year to go.
Explore the Amalfi coast
If you love Italian food, wine and culture, this delightful eight-day small-group tour includes the best of the region with visits to Ravello, Positano and Pompeii
Yo u r i t i n e r a r Yll
ll Services of an English-speaking guidell All entrance fees as detailed in the
itinerary online
I N D U LG E A N D U N W I N D
o u r t r u S t e D Pa r t n e r Citalia is passionate about all things Italy
and celebrates its 90th year in the region
in 2019. They design holidays to help you
to ‘live like a local’ and stay in handpicked
hotels in the best locations.
B o o K t H i S t r i P
DEPARTuRE JuNE 1, 2019
8 DAyS FROM
£2,195* PP
TO BOOK CAll
01293 837 981 quOTE TRIPSCIT
thetimes.co.uk/amalficoast
W H A T W E L O V E
STUNNING VIEWS See the spectacular Amalfi
coast from Capri and Anacapri which you will visit by steamer.
DELICIOUS PASTRIESEnjoy an exclusive cake-making demonstration with renowned
chef Sal De Riso.
ROMAN ITALYTake expertly guided trips to
atmospheric ruins at Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum.
Yo u r i t i n e r a r Y
• Naples
• Ravello, Amalfi, Positano
• Tramonti
• Capri and Anacapri
• Pompeii and Herculaneum
• Paestum
• Naples
E V E N T S A N D E P I C S
W H at ’ S i n C L u D e Dll Return flights from london Gatwick to Naplesll Private transfers ll Seven-nights’ accommodation in a four-star hotelll Small group tour (maximum 18) ll Most meals, including seven breakfasts, two lunches
and three dinners ll Services of an English-speaking guidell All entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary online
e xc lu s i v e g ou r m etta st i ng s
1 2 | T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R | 1 3
*Price excludes flights. From price based on twin/double share. Single supplement from £645. Holidays are operated by Discover the World, Arctic House, 8 Bolters Ln, Banstead SM7 2AR, and subject to the booking conditions of Discover the World; a company wholly independent of News UK. Discoverthe World: ATOL 2896; ABTA V2823.
With its geysers, towering waterfalls, the Northern Lights and volcanoes with
unpronounceable names, Iceland is one of the most extraordinary countries on Earth. On this fantastic six-day adventure with our recommended travel partner Discover the World, you will discover the best of this island and its otherworldly landscapes.
As The Sunday Times travel writer, Sarah Marshall, says: “A wilderness within easy reach, Iceland showcases nature at its extremes. Glaciers tumble from ice caps, lava fields spew spirals of steam and volcanoes rumble from the Earth’s core. It’s an environment that’s instantly inviting, and you can experience the best of it in a week.”
During this special trip, which is offered exclusively to readers, you will stay at the Hotel Rangá, renowned for its exquisite food and viewings of the Northern Lights from the hotel’s
D I S C OV E RY A N D A DV E N T U R E
Experience the very best of Iceland – including a tour of the famous Golden Circle, Reykjavik and its glorious South Coast – on this exclusive six-day adventure
own in-house observatory. You’ll be joined by one of Iceland’s top astronomers, Saevar Helgi Bragason, who will offer his insights as you observe the night sky.
You will then tour Iceland’s famous ‘Golden Circle’, on which you’ll marvel at the waterspouts and mud pools of Geysir and the two-tier waterfall of Gullfoss, and the volcanic rifts of the Thingvellir National Park.
From here, you head south to check in to the remote Hotel Laki and marvel at the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the black sands of Reynisfjara, the Kvíárjökull glacier, Eldhraun’s lava fields and Jokulsarlon Lagoon and much more. Finally you will return to the capital Reykjavik for your last night, or, if you would like to explore more of Iceland’s astonishing landscapes, you can book additional nights at the the beginning or the end of your holiday.
I T I N E R A R Y
• Golden Circle
• South Coast
• Reykjavik
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Five nights’ hotel accommodationll Four dinners and five breakfastsll Northern Lights talk from a top
astronomerll Guided tour of the Golden Circlell Guided tour of the South Coastll Visit to Reykjavikll Driver and guide throughout
Explore Iceland’s wonders
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R Discover the World has been creating
inspirational tailor-made holidays for
over 35 years and are one of the UK’s
leading independent travel specialists.
W H A T W E L O V E
SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTSWith its own observatory and
astronomy expert, Hotel Rangá is an ideal viewing point.
NATURAL MARVELSExperience the waterfalls and hot springs that make Iceland
an unmissable destination.
SOUTHERN COMFORTSExplore the extraordinary
South Coast in the company of expert guides.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURES: OCTOBER 20 AND
NOVEMBER 17, 2019
6 DAYS FROM
£1,573* PP
TO BOOK CALL
01737 749 348 QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/iceland
E X PE R I E N C E T H E
N O RT H E R N L I G H T S
*Price based on two people sharing. Subject to availability. Single supplement: £320. Rail/air travel to and overnight accommodation in Edinburgh before or after the tour available on request. **Flights London Heathrow available at a supplement. Brightwater holidays are operated by and subject to thebooking conditions of Brightwater Holidays, a company wholly independent of News UK. Brightwater Holidays Ltd, Eden Park House, Cupar, KY15 4HS. ATOL 4498; ABTOT bonded.
Unspoiled, unexplored and unbelievably beautiful – the Faroe Islands are one of Europe’s
best-kept secrets. Thrusting up through the waves of the north Atlantic between Iceland and Norway – and just an hour’s flight from Edinburgh – these 18 remote islands, connected by road tunnels, ferries, causeways and bridges, are famous fordramatic cliffs, towering mountains and stunning fjords.
On this wonderful four-day adventure you will stay on the main island of Streymoy and explore Tórshavn. You will visit the town’s National Museum before driving to Kirkjubøur, the tiny Viking village which served as the cultural centre of the Faroes during the Middle Ages. You will also discover some impressive historical sites, including St Magnus Cathedral, dating from around 1300
D I S C OV E RY A N D A DV E N T U R E
On this unforgettable tour you will explore the wild landscapes, diverse birdlife and charming capital city of these remote and beautiful islands
and St Olav’s Church, the present day parish church which dates from 1111. In the 900-year-old Roykstovan, the oldest inhabited wooden house in Europe, you’ll enjoy tea and cake with a local farmer.
On the island of Eysturoy, you will take a boat trip to the Vestmanna cliffs, which are covered in an array of seabirds including the famous Faroe Island puffins. Other scenic highlights of your tour will include Sørvágsvatn, a spectacular clifftop lake, and the Mulafossur waterfall.
Readers will enjoy an unforgettable dinner with Velbastað farmers Anna and Óli, who will serve a five-course meal including homemade bread with sausage (Anna’s grandmother’s recipe) and lamb raised on their farm. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the captivating Faroe Islands before the rest of the world discovers them.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• Edinburgh • Vágar • Tórshavn
• Kirkjubøur • Vestmanna • Gøta
• Velbastað
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return flights from Edinburgh or
London Heathrow**ll Three nights’ B&B accommodationll Authentic local farmhouse dinnerll Full programme of excursions (see
online for details)ll Services of a Brightwater Holidays
tour manager
Discover the Faroe Islands
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R
Brightwater Holidays is an award-
winning travel operator specialising in
garden-themed and special-interest
escorted tours worldwide.
W H A T W E L O V E
WONDERFUL WILDLIFEEnjoy a boat trip to the jagged
stacks and rocks of Vestmanna Cliffs to spot puffins.
BREATHTAKING SCENERYTowering mountains and fjords
make the Faroes among the world’s most beautiful islands.
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCESIn the homes of local farmers, you will discover what life on
the remote islands is really like.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURES: MAY 17-20 AND
SEPTEMBER 9-12, 2019
FOUR DAYS FROM
£1,895* PP
TO BOOK CALL
01334 441 825 QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/faroes
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*Price based on two people sharing. No single supplement. Flights based on Gatwick departure, regional flight departures available. Holidays are operated by Flavours of Italy LTD, 6769 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh. EH14 1JF and subject to the booking conditions of Flavours of Italy Ltd, ATOL protected; acompany wholly independent of News UK. Flavours of Italy: ATOL 6526
Spending a long weekend in Venice is a wonderful idea at any time. When you add in the chance to
learn to cook Italian recipes with local chefs, taste the region’s finest prosecco on a vineyard visit and relax in a beautifully restored Venetian villa, you are truly experiencing a taste of la dolce vita. You will be travelling with our trusted travel partner Flavours Holidays, specialists in creating unique holidays to Italy.
It is the informality of this four-day break that makes it special, with groups of no more than nine fellow readers taking part in the hands-on classes with an expert Italian chef. You will be staying throughout at the historic Villa Domenica, which dates back to 1611 and is set in beautiful grounds with a sculpture garden, tennis court and swimming pool.
During your two cookery tutorials you will learn to cook perfect pasta
L E A R N A N D C H A L L E N G E
Enjoy a magical short break in Venice where you will stay in a historic villa, enjoy a special prosecco tasting and be taught how to cook Italian recipes by expert chefs
dishes and other local recipes – such as sarde in saor, and tiramisu – under the watchful eye of the chefs, who will also cook your evening meals.
There will also be ample time and opportunity to explore Venice – where you can marvel at the Basilica San Marco, take in the Rialto food markets and enjoy lunch in a typical bacaro – and to sample some of the region’s best wines, including an exclusive tasting of the finest authentic prosecco from a nearby vineyard.
What’s more, there is no single supplement to pay – so whether you are a couple, friends or travelling solo this is the perfect gourmet break.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• Day1Welcome drinks, dinner
prepared by your Italian chef and tutor
• Day2 Cookery lesson, vineyard
visit and prosecco tasting • Day3Explore Venice • Day4 Your second
Learn to cook in Venice
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E RFlavours Holidays is a specialist tour
operator pioneering high-quality
cooking, painting, Pilates, language
and photography holidays in Italy
since 1998.
W H A T W E L O V E
PRIVATETUTORIALSLearn to cook like an
Italian with the help of an expert local chef.
STAYINSTYLEYour historic villa features a swimming pool, tennis court
and sculpture garden.
SOLOTRAVELWith no single supplement
to pay, this short break is ideal for solo travellers.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURES: MARCH 15 OR 29,
APRIL 5 OR 10, 2019
4 DAYS FROM
£999*PP
TO BOOK CALL
01313416840QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/venicecooking
N O S I N G L E S U PPL E M E N T
cookery lesson and lunch before
leaving for your flight home
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return flights from London Gatwickll A three-night full-board stay at Villa
Domenica, Venicell Breakfast, lunches and dinners,
cooked by your private chefll All transport and transfersll Private cooking tutors, cooking
equipment and lessonsll A prosecco-tasting experiencell No single supplement
*From price based on two people. Single supplement: £300. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Prestige Holidays, a company wholly independent of News UK. Prestige Holidays: 1 High Street, Ringwood BH24 1JA; ABTA V2715, ATOL 2509.
In June 1944, the final preparations for a military operation that would shape Europe for generations were
being put into place. Operation Neptune, now known as D-Day, was about to be unleashed, triggering a sequence of events that led to the Nazis’ final surrender in spring 1945.
Now, 75 years on, this fascinating tour will trace the course of the Allied troops in their vast operation to liberate Europe. In a deeply absorbing, wide-ranging and poignant itinerary, you will explore both the triumphs and the setbacks of the campaign.
Beginning in Portsmouth, you will enjoy a private visit to the D-Day Museum before following the troops’ progress on the beaches of Normandy, in Operation Market Garden in Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as in lesser-known campaigns, such as the Battle of the Scheldt.
L E A R N A N D C H A L L E N G E
Mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings on this fascinating trip through six European countries to see the most important historical sites
You’ll get insights from gifted historians along the way including Dr Roderick Bailey, author of Forgotten Voices of D-Day, a historian at Oxford University and research associate at the Imperial War Museum.
Bringing the epic D-Day landings to life, Dr Bailey will paint a textured picture of the struggle that should never be forgotten. You’ll travel with him to the key sites of Arromanches, Caen Cathedral, Pegasus Bridge and the Sainte-Mère-Église – which featured in the film The Longest Day.
You’ll visit the scene of the Battle of the Bulge and also cross into Germany. You will be accompanied by a historian who will offer insight into the battles and strategies used, and shine a light on the everyday people caught up in the fighting, many of whom showed extraordinary courage during the dark days of occupation.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• London • Portsmouth • Caen • Berg
en Dal • Bergen op Zoom • Clervaux
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return flight from Luxembourg to
London Heathrow ll Overnight cabin on ferry from
Portsmouth to Caenll Ten nights’ accommodation in four-
star hotels and abovell All meals, and wine at dinnerll A copy of Dr Roderick Bailey’s book
Forgotten Voices of D-Dayll All entrance fees as in online itinerary
Honour the D-Day heroes
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R
Prestige Holidays have been experts
in arranging escorted group tours
to unique and interesting destinations
for almost 30 years and focus
on bringing you
authentic experiences.
W H A T W E L O V E
D-DAYANNIVERSARYTravel through Europe exactly 75 years since troops gathered
for the D-Day invasion.
HISTORICALINSIGHTSFrom historian and broadcaster Dr Roderick Bailey, who wrote
Forgotten Voices of D-Day.
EXCELLENTHOTELSTravelling through six
countries, you will stay in a high standard of accommodation.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURE: MAY 11, 2019
12 DAYS FROM
£2,979*PP
TO BOOK CALL
01425384975QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/ddaytour
75TH A NNIV ERSA RY
TOUR
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*From price based on a three-bedroom property in the UK in the school holidays. A three-bedroom property in Spain starts from £1,300, £1500 in France, £1960 in Italy per week. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Oliver’s Travel, a company wholly independent of News UK. Olivers Travels Ltd, Unit 6G, 26-32 Voltaire Road, London SW4 6DH.
V illa holidays work well on so many levels – from the privacy and convenience of having your
own space to being the perfect option for multi-family or multi-generational holidays. It is why we have teamed up with premium villa specialist Oliver’s Travels to offer you an exclusive deal across any of their 3,000 hand-picked properties worldwide – from British stately homes, Italian boltholes and Balinese villas to Spanish fincas, French fairy-tale chateaux and Florida mansions.
Not only will you enjoy a best-price guarantee on any property you book, but with this exclusive offer you will enjoy complimentary airport lounge passes available at 22 airports across the UK, a champagne reception on arrival, a deluxe welcome hamper filled with local delicacies on arrival and complimentary fridge-stocking service to take the stress out of travel. Whether it is fridge essentials, local delicacies or a case of your favourite wine, simply send a list of groceries and the award-winning Oliver’s Travel team will take care of the rest so that your kitchen is filled.
In addition, you will have full access to the concierge service, who can assist with everything from local tours and recommendations to restaurant bookings and activities. Additional services are also available including babysitting, extra cleaning
and catering which can all be arranged for your stay.
They also offers a great selection of family-friendly properties with child-friendly amenities, such as alarmed pools, toys, high chairs and cots as well as good options for travellers with disabilities.
D E S T I N AT I O N S
• UK and Ireland • France • Spain
• Italy • Greece • Croatia • Portugal
• Gozo • Cyprus • Turkey • Morocco
• Bali • Florida • Caribbean
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll All accommodationll Airport lounge passesll Deluxe welcome hamperll Welcome champagne receptionll Full concierge servicell Fridge-stocking servicell Best-price guarantee
Pick your perfect villa escapeDiscover why staying in your own villa gives you the best of both worlds with this exclusive offer at 3,000 hand-picked properties worldwide
W H A T W E L O V E
HAND-PICKED PROPERTIESA unique selection of villas
that are tried and tested by the Oliver’s Travels team.
LOUNGE ACCESSEnjoy complimentary lounge
passes at 22 UK airports to take the hassle out of flying.
SPECIAL OFFERA champagne reception, welcome hamper and a
best-price guarantee.
Caption in here two lines and moreCaption in here two lines and more
a i r p o rt l o u n g e
ac c e s s a n d d e lu x e h a m pe r
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPArTUrES: AvAIlABlE ThrOUGhOUT 2019
7 DAyS FrOM
£1,100* per property
TO BOOK CAll
0808 239 2675 qUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/medvillas
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R Oliver’s Travels is an
award-winning operator
that sends over 50,000 customers
each year to their hand-picked range
of 3,000 properties worldwide.
I N D U LG E A N D U N W I N D
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*Book by March 31, 2019 for December 2019 departures onwards. **The three-course meal (worth £55pp) is a set menu and excludes drinks. ***From price based on twin/double share. Single travellers: from £1,662. Offer subject to availability. Holidays are operated by and subject to the bookingconditions of Discover the World, a company wholly independent of News UK. Discover the World: Arctic House, 8 Bolters Lane, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 2AR; ABTA protected.
Picture yourself waking up in a cosy sleeping bag on top of Arctic reindeer furs in a beautiful room
sculpted out of ice. This is what awaits you at the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi – a peaceful village 200km north of the Arctic Circle – where you will enjoy one night in a spectacular Ice Room (or upgrade to an Art or Deluxe Suite). The unique rooms are sculpted from the frozen River Torne by the world’s leading ‘ice architects’. Your other two nights will be spent in a fullyheated Kaamos hotel room or a chalet.
So, what is it like to stay at the ICEHOTEL? Walking inside, you’ll be mesmerised by the blue-white hallways lit by chandeliers of hand-cut ice crystals. All ICEHOTEL’s classic Ice Rooms have a double bed carved from blocks of ice, reach a minimum temperature of -5C and include thermal sleeping bags to snuggle into. You’ll be woken up with a cup of hot
D I S C OV E RY A N D A DV E N T U R E
Enjoy a wonderful winter break in Swedish Lapland including one night in a magical room sculpted out of ice and a free flight upgrade
lingonberry juice and enjoy a warming sauna session before breakfast. Many guests say they experience their best night’s sleep ever at the ICEHOTEL.
You will experience the pristine frozen lakes and tranquil landscapes of Swedish Lapland and optional excursions such as husky sledding and hunting for the Northern Lights by snowmobile.
Readers will enjoy a free upgrade on the return flights from Heathrow to Kiruna. This direct route, offered by our partner Discover The World, saves you up to two and a half hours’ travel time over flights via Stockholm. Readers also receive a complimentary three-course dinner at the excellent ICEHOTEL fine-dining restaurant. You will have the chance to experience authentic Swedish dishes made by head chef Alexander Meier, who previously worked at the two-Michelin-star Le Béarn in Geneva, and his team.
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return direct flights between
London Heathrow and Kiruna,
airport transfers and taxesll Free flight upgrade* (book
by March 31, 2019)ll Complimentary in-flight meal,
beer, wine and soft drinksll A one-night stay in an Ice Room
and a two-night stay in warm
accommodationll A three-course dinner at the
ICEHOTEL restaurant**ll Services of a Discover the
World representative
Stay at the ICEHOTEL
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E RDiscover the World has been creating
inspirational tailor-made holidays for
over 35 years and are one of the UK’s
leading independent travel specialists.
W H A T W E L O V E
UNIQUE SLEEP EXPERIENCESlumber on cosy reindeer
skins on an ice bed in a magical Ice Room.
FLIGHT UPGRADEEnjoy a free flight
upgrade* from Heathrow to Kiruna.
GOURMET MEAL INCLUDEDYou’ll enjoy a complimentary
three-course dinner in the ICEHOTEL’s elegant restaurant.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURES: JAN, FEB, MAR AND DEC 2019
AND JAN, FEB, MAR 2020
THREE NIGHTS FROM
£1,117*** PP
TO BOOK CALL
01737 749 342 QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/icehotel
F R E E F L IG H T
U P G R A DE *
*From price based on two sharing. Single supplement £300. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Racingbreaks.com, a company wholly independent of News UK. Racingbreaks.com: Clerks Court, 18-20 Farringdon Lane, London EC1R 3AU; ABTA P6872/Y022X, ATOL 9851.
Routinely described as “the world’s greatest horse race” – and certainly Europe’s richest and
most prestigious – the Prix De L’Arc de Triomphe is one of the great sporting experiences. The fastest racehorses on earth will gather at the race’s spiritual home in Paris Longchamp, freshly opened after a multi-million pound renovation last year. You will enjoy transfers to and from the course and premium grandstand seats overlooking the finish line for both days. But the racing is only part of the draw – the great and the good attend this event as much because it is a fixture on the social calendar and the buzz in the
E P I C S A N D E V E N T S
This exclusive package will see you enjoy one of the great sporting occasions in style – with finish line seats, access to the star-studded party and a stay in a five-star hotel
bars, restaurants and out on the course is an experience in itself.
You will also have the chance to join racing personalities at an exclusive drinks evening on Saturday night.
Travelling by Eurostar, you will stay at the five-star Renaissance Paris Le Parc Trocadero, which enjoys a prime location in the 16th arrondisement and fabulous views of the Eiffel tower. It offers superbly-appointed rooms with marble ensuite bathrooms, an elegant garden and fitness centre. It is ideally placed to explore Paris and our partners, Racing Breaks, will only be too happy to extend your stay in the capital if you wish.
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return Eurostar tickets ll Two nights’ B&B at the five-star
Renaissance Paris Le Parc Trocaderoll Exclusive Racing Breaks preview
evening hosted by personalities
from the world of racingll Premium Grandstand Seats
for the weekend
Experience the thrill of the Prix De L’Arc
W H A T W E L O V E
PREMIUM SEATSYou will enjoy Grandstand seats half a furlong from
the finish line.
RACING PARTYYour package includes tickets
to a star-studded event the night before the racing begins.
FIVE-STAR STAYThe Renaissance Paris Le Parc Trocadero is perfectly placed
for a stay in the capital.
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R
Racing Breaks is Europe’s largest racing
travel business, offering ticket-inclusive
and hospitality packages to all major
UK and worldwide racecourses.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURE: OCTOBER 5, 2019
THREE DAYS FROM
£799* PP
TO BOOK CALL
0808 239 0184QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/ prixdelarctour
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*From price based on twin/double share, single cabins from £4,150 and subject to availability. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Voyages to Antiquity, a company wholly independent of News UK. Voyages to Antiquity: 8 South Parade, Oxford, OX2 7JL. ABTA Y2206,ATOL 10093.
Midsummer is the best time to experience the beauty of the Nordic countries. The
midnight sun is mesmerising and the long, light days are when flowers bloom, rivers fill with fish and giant waterfalls cascade towards the ocean. Even as far south as Bergen, you can experience 19 hours of daylight and north of the Arctic Circle you’ll experience 24 hours – so whatever the time, there’ll be something to see.
This unique cruise from Voyages to Antiquity is a new voyage for the excellent small ship MV Aegean Odyssey. With an average of just 350 passengers, she is small enough to sail into rivers, fjords and more authentic ports that the larger cruise liners simply cannot access. Service is more personal, but the ship is large enough to offer excellent amenities, including a choice of fine dining, lounges and bars, as well as a relaxing spa centre.
E P I C S A N D E V E N T S
Sail from the UK into the Arctic Circle in never-ending daylight on this epic 16-day cruise which includes Bergen, the beautiful Norwegian coast and Copenhagen
Sail into the remote waters of the North Cape and enjoy the gleam of the midnight sun on the striking landscapes around Honningsvåg, the northernmost city in Norway.
Your return journey south is via Tromsø, the historic capital of Trondheim, and the visual drama of Geraingerfjord, the jewel in the crown of the Norwegian fjords.
Your journey ends in Copenhagen, the Danish capital and one of Europe’s great city breaks, where you will finish your trip with an exclusive event at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, north of Copenhagen, the dramatic setting for Hamlet. Enjoy a welcome drink at The Bastion of The Flag with a spectacular view over the ocean towards Sweden – only a few kilometres away – and joina tour of the castle, including the subterranean dungeons and the chambers of the King and Queen.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• Lerwick • Bergen • Harstad
• Honningsvåg • Tromsø • Trondheim
• Hellesylt • Geiranger • Ålesund
• Stavanger • Copenhagen and
Kronborg Castle
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return flight into London from
Copenhagen ll Private tour and drinks reception
at Kronborg Castle in Denmarkll 16-day cruise including all meals
and wine, beer and soft drinks with
your evening meal
Voyage to the midnight sun
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R Voyages to Antiquity combines
boutique-style cruising with the best
of cultural travel to offer a wide-range
of itineraries in the world’s most
fascinating destinations.
W H A T W E L O V E
EXPERT TALKS ON BOARDEnjoy presentations from an
archaeological expert, Viking historian and a geologist.
THE SUMMER SOLSTICE Spend the longest day in Bergen, one of Europe’s most atmospheric ports.
TOUR OF ‘HAMLET’S CASTLE’ Enjoy an exclusive three-hour tour with a drinks and canapés reception at Kronborg Castle.
I N C LU D E S PR I VAT E T O U R O F
‘ H A M L E T ’ S C A S T L E ’
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURE: JUNE 19, 2019
16 DAYS FROM
£2,995* PP
TO BOOK CALL
01865 564 528QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/ midnightsun
*From price based on twin/double share. Price for solo travellers is £7,542pp. Airfares start from around £825, and can be arranged via the tour operator. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Discover the World, a company wholly independent of News UK. Discover the World:Arctic House, 8 Bolters Lane, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 2AR; ATOL 2896, ABTA V2823.
New Zealand is a self-drive paradise, with smooth open roads through epic landscapes
and endless opportunities to explore at your own pace. Our 20-day road trip takes you to the North and South Islands’ unmissable sights – from the Maori heartlands and volcanic wonders, to the cities of Auckland and Wellington – on a spectacular series of drives. Better yet, you’ll be driving a hybrid rental car – which is great news for your budget and the environment.
This holiday also includes eco-friendly accommodation, such as conservation lodges in beautiful rural settings.
The itinerary will take you to New Zealand’s most sensational spots: from the Coromandel Peninsula’s coastal walks and whale-rich Kaikoura, to the glaciers and rainforests of the South Island. You’ll take a cruise on Lake
D I S C OV E RY A N D A DV E N T U R E
Explore New Zealand on this epic eco-friendly self-drive adventure – with a low-emission rental vehicle and stylish-yet-sustainable hotels and lodges
Wanaka and plant a tree on Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve; look to the heavens in Tekapo on a stargazing tour, and enjoy an exclusive Te Ra and Kai Ngawha experience in Rotorua – which includes a Maori weaving lesson and a picnic lunch cooked on a geothermal steam vent.
On the North Island, you’ll follow the Whanganui River to the Kapiti Coast, where a boat will be waiting to whisk you to Kapiti Island. This internationally-renowned wildlife sanctuary is home to over 1,000 kiwi birds, and offers the best chances of seeing these characterful creatures in a predator-free natural environment.
The more you explore New Zealand, the more you’ll appreciate the low-impact nature of this itinerary: maximum adventure, but with minimal environmental impact – and memories that will last a lifetime.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• Auckland • Tairua • Taupo
• Whanganui National Park • Kapiti
Island • Abel Tasman National Park
• Kaikoura • Punakaiki • Franz Josef
• Wanaka • Dunedin • Christchurch
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll All accommodationll Boat cruise and eco experience
in Wanakall Stargazing tour in Tekapoll Exclusive Te Ra and Kai Ngawha tripll Hybrid car rental and GPS hire ll Wellington to Picton ferry crossing
Ultimate New Zealand
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R One of the UK’s leading tailormade
and small-group travel specialists,
Discover the World has been creating
inspirational holidays for 35 years.
W H A T W E L O V E
EXCLUSIVE EXCURSIONSEnjoy a trip to Te Puia, where
you will learn traditional crafts, and tour the hot springs.
THE BEST ROUTEYour itinerary is planned and
your accommodation booked, and you also receive a free GPS.
SPECTACULAR AND SUSTAINABLE
This trip is designed for minimal impact on the environment.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURES: DAILY BETWEEN OCTOBER,
2019 AND MARCH, 2020
20 DAYS FROM
£4,313* PP
TO BOOK CALL
01737 749 404 QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/ newzealand
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*From price based July-August 2019 departures, based on twin/double share. Single supplement on request. Offer subject to availability. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Abercombie & Kent, a company wholly independent of News UK. Abercrombie & Kent Ltd., St George’s House, Ambrose Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3LG; ABTA protected.
This unique itinerary offers you the chance to experience one of the most hotly-anticipated museums in living memory
before it opens. In 2020, the $1 billion Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza will unveil the treasures of the ancient world like never before, as it re-houses and restores the country’s most precious antiquities. You will get the exclusive chance to go behind the scenes at the museum to visit laboratories bustling with scientists and archaeologists ahead of the museum opening. You might be lucky enough see them working on mummies just excavated, ancient manuscripts or even new artefacts of Tutankhamun.
Your journey begins in Cairo at the five-star Fairmont Nile City for three nights. You will take in the museum of Egyptian Antiquities, the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar, the Great Pyramid in Giza and the Sphinx – all in the company of expert Egyptologists.
You will then head to Aswan to set sail on the five-star Sanctuary Sun Boat IV for a four-night luxury cruise to Luxor, but not before you have a chance to experience Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens and the Agha Khan Mausoleum by traditional felucca. On board you will enjoy superb cuisine (including an Egyptian cooking lesson) and luxurious cabins.
You will visit Philae and the granite quarries which supplied most of the hard stone used in pyramids and temples, and the magnificent Temple of Kom Ombo, Khnum (in Esna) and Horus (Edfu) in the company of your expert guides. Your journey concludes in Luxor where your guide will lead you around the Temple of Luxor and then onwards to the Temple of Karnak. You will visit the Valley of the Kings and the famous tombs in the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and see the famed Colossi of Memnon, before a final gourmet dinner on board where you will toast your journey down the river of life.
Experience Egypt and
the treasures of the Nile
A sneak preview of the Grand Egyptian Museum, visits to the Pyramids of Giza and Valley of the Kings and a luxury cruise on the Nile are just some of the highlights of this Egyptian adventure
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R Abercrombie & Kent is an award-
winning, luxury travel company
specialising in tailor-made holidays
around the world.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPArturE: AVAILABLE yEAr rouND
8 DAys FroM
£2,199* PP
to BooK CALL
01242 851 450
quotE s1301
thetimes.co.uk/nilecruise
W H A T W E L O V E
MUSEUM EXCLUSIVEGet a sneak preview of the
opening of the $1 billion Grand Egyptian Museum.
LUXURY NILE CRUISEthe sanctuary sun IV is one of the finest ships on the Nile with
outdoor bar and pool.
AMAZING EXCURSIONSAccompanied by Egyptologists you’ll visit the pyramids, sphinx and sail on traditional felucca.
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Egypt Air flight from London
to Cairo and back from Luxor ll Egypt Air Flight from Cairo
to Aswan ll three nights at the Fairmont
Nile City including breakfastll special visit to the Grand
Egyptian Museum
B E T H E F I R S T
T O V I S I T T H E G R A N D
E GY P T I A N M U S E U M
ll Four nights’ full-board on
sanctuary sun Boat IVll two days sightseeing in Cairo
with local guide to include
Grand Egyptian Museum, the
Bazaar, Memphis, sakkara,
sphinx and the Pyramids ll All sightseeing and excursions
E P I C S A N D E V E N T S
YO U R I T I N E R A R Yll Cairoll Gizall Aswanll Philae and Kom omboll Esnall Luxor
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IRAN AFGHANISTAN
KAZAKHSTAN
UZBEKISTAN
TURKMENISTANCHINA
MONGOLIA
Nukus
Bukhara
Yangikishlak
Khiva
Ayaz Kala
Ayaz Kala
Dunhuang
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan
Tashkent
The Great Wall
Carving at Persepolis
Beijing
Xi’an
Jiayuguan
Liuyuan
BullettrainBullettrain
Urumqi
Turpan
AshgabatKashgar
Dunhuang
Tashkent
SamarkandNisaTurkmenabat
Ribat-i Sharaf
Mashhad
Tehran
Na’in
YazdIsfahan
PersepolisShiraz
Abyaneh Kashan
Merv
OPTION 1
Short 11-Day
Tour of
Uzbekistan
OPTION 2
Medium 22-Day
Fabled Cities of
the Silk Road
OPTION 3
Long 35-Day
Ultimate Silk
Road Tour
Sweeping from Europe, across central Asia and deep into China, the Silk Road was one of the most important networks in history. Connecting the east
to the west along a series of ancient roads, it allowed merchants and travellers to trade silk, spices, perfume, porcelain, precious metals and more, along historic routes that straddled continents, cultures and empires.
Today, much of it remains relatively undiscovered, yet is still rich in culture and with some of the world’s most beautiful scenery and hidden architectural treasures to see.
Following in the footsteps of Joanna Lumley, who travelled along it last year for her ITV series, Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, we offer three incredible ways to experience it. We’ve partnered with one of the best specialists in the area to take you there. Wild Frontiers offer small group tours with expert guides to some of the world’s most remote countries and you’ll be travelling along the Silk Road in a group of between just six and 17 other people.
As Emma Thomson, travel writer for The Sunday Times, says: “The Silk Road isn’t just a ‘big trip’; it’s the original road trip. It’s a living, breathing route…”
The Great Silk Road adventureChoose from three extraordinary journeys along the fabled trading route which stretches from China through Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran
W h at ’ s i n c l u d e dll All accommodationll Majority of breakfasts, lunches
and dinners as detailed in the full
itineraries online ll All entrance fees, sightseeing,
transport, excursions and activities
as detailed in the full itineraries onlinell Full services of a Wild Frontiers tour
leader, local guides and drivers ll Small group size, with a maximum
of 18 peoplell A carbon-offsetting donation (if
booking flights through Wild Frontiers) *From price based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single supplements vary according to each trip see online for details. Excluding international flights. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Wild Frontiers, a company wholly independent of News UK. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd: 78 Glentham Road, London SW13 9JJ; ATOL 5975, ABTOT protected.
O u R t R u s t e d Pa R t n e R Wild Frontiers is an award-winning
specialist in small group holidays
to some of the world’s
remote and most
fascinating
countries.
If one country defines the Silk Road more than any other, it is
Uzbekistan. It has many of its greatest treasures: Samarkand with a
dazzling array of architectural treasures; Bukhara – known as Central
Asia’s holiest city with its abundance of monuments, mosques and
madrasahs; the bustling capital, Tashkent; and Khiva’s beautifully
preserved old town. This exclusive itinerary will allow you to
experience traditional village life in the Nuratau Mountains, sample
the local cuisine, and see a traditional horse game of kupkari. This is
the Silk Road condensed into 11 fascinating days.
If you want an extraordinary tour
that covers the length of the Silk
Road then this epic 35-day itinerary
is for you. You’ll cover thousands of
miles and travel from China to Iran
encountering cultural treasures,
ancient staging posts, desert oases,
extraordinary mosques and much,
much more. Following the same
itinerary as the medium length tour
and taking in Beijing, The Great Wall,
Terracotta Warriors, Samarkand
and the fascinating lost city of
Merv, in addition this itinerary will
take you through Iran to Darius the
Great’s ancient city of Persepolis –
a highlight of the country if not the
entire Middle East.
O P T I O N 1 – S H O R T11-DAY TOUR OF UZBEKISTAN
D I S C OV E RY A N D A DV E N T U R E
T H R E E OP T ION S
AVA I L A B L E
From the wonders of Uzbekistan to the Great Wall of
China you will explore the best of the Silk Road on
this incredible 22-day tour. Along the way you’ll visit
Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital, and Samarkand,
‘the Pearl of the East’ which Alexander the Great
said was ‘more beautiful than I’d even imagined’ as
well as the ghostly ruins of Merv in neighbouring
Turkmenistan. Your journey will also take you to China
to visit the Forbidden City in Beijing and The Great Wall
as well as the iconic Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, which
was the start of the Silk Road. Experience the singing
sand dunes of Crescent Moon Lake near Dunhuang and
Kashgar, the most strategically important city on the
Silk Road at the junction of India, Pakistan, Tajikistan
and Kyrgyzstan. There you’ll see the Yakshambe Bazaar
where locals trade everything from woodwork to camels.
O P T I O N 2 – M E D I U M22-DAY FABLED CITIES OF THE SILK ROAD
O P T I O N 3 – L O N G35-DAY ULTIMATE SILK ROAD TOUR
B O O K t h i s t R i P
DEPARTURE: SEPTEMBER 25, 2019
35 DAYS FROM
£9,645* PP
TO BOOK CALL
020 8131 7448
qUOTE TGSR
thetimes.co.uk/silkroadoptionthree
B O O K t h i s t R i P
DEPARTURE: SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
22 DAYS FROM
£6,495* PP
TO BOOK CALL
020 8131 3790
qUOTE TFC
thetimes.co.uk/silkroadoptiontwo
B O O K t h i s t R i P
DEPARTURES: JUNE 1 AND
OCTOBER 19, 2019
11 DAYS FROM
£1,995* PP
TO BOOK CALL
020 8131 4365
qUOTE TLSR
thetimes.co.uk/silkroadoptionone
2 6 | T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R
*From price based on two people. Single room supplement: £290. **The exclusive panda experience will require guests to have a medical certificate and has an upper age limit of 65. †Signature experiences are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Wendy Wu Tours, a company wholly independent of News UK. Cottons Centre, 47-49 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QG. Wendy Wu Tours: ATOL 6639. ABTA W7994
Where to begin with China? Its vastness ranges from the East Sea to mountain passes
bordering Tajikstan, while a rich seam of culture stretches back further than almost any other civilisation. This superb nine-day tour is as good a starting point as you will find.
Take in China’s must-see highlights from the moment you land in Beijing. Enter the largest palace complex in the world, the Forbidden City, where you will find many imperial treasures among more than a thousand rooms. Visit the Temple of Heaven, an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the city. Take a walk on the Great Wall of China and explore Xi’an, home to the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors. You will also enjoy some unforgettable experiences on your trip, including riding the famous bullet train between Xi’an and Chengdu and a truly close-up encounter with giant pandas
E P I C S A N D E V E N T S
Get up close to giant pandas, wander along the Great Wall, see the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors and ride a bullet train on this epic escorted tour
at one of the world’s finest panda conservation centres in Chengdu.
The pandas are kept in conditions very close to their natural habitat and you will spend two hours helping to tend to these adorable creatures. You may be asked to clean the panda enclosure and prepare food for them – bamboo and panda cakes. You may even get to feed them. Wendy Wu is the only travel operator granted this up-close access to the giant pandas so this is an exclusive experience you won’t find anywhere else.
You will also experience many of China’s authentic delights: a traditional dinner of Peking duck in Beijing, Shui Jiao dumplings in Xi’an, and a visit to a traditional tea house. And, wherever you go, there are performances to enjoy, including a dance class in the Temple of Heaven, a spectacular acrobatic show in Beijing and Tang Dynasty dancing in Xi’an.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• Beijing • The Great Wall
• Xi’an • Bullet train to Chengdu
• Exclusive giant panda experience
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll International flights and taxesll All meals and accommodationll Exclusive giant panda encounter**ll Sightseeing and entrance fees as
stated in full itinerary onlinell All transportation, transfers and
visa fees for UK passport holdersll English-speaking National Escortll One signature experience†
E XC L U S I V E G I A N T PA N DA
E N C O U N T E R* *
The ultimate China tour
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R
Wendy Wu Tours is the UK’s leading
Asia specialist, offering a wide
range of fully inclusive group,
private and tailor-made holidays.
W H A T W E L O V E
TRAVELWITHTHEEXPERTSWendy Wu Tours is the UK’s
leading operator to the world’s most surprising destination.
FREEEXPERIENCEChoose one special activity
from a list of amazing excursions and experiences.
MEETGIANTPANDASYour up-close encounter will
take place at Chengdu’s Panda Conservation Centre.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2019
9 DAYS FROM
£2,890*PP
TO BOOK CALL
08082522687
QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/ chinapandas
T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R | 2 7
*Book by February 15, 2019, based on twin/double share in an Emerald Stateroom, single supplement applies. **Dates include: October 23, November 26, December 10, 2019, January 7, February 4, March 3, 2020. Prices correct at time of going to press. Operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Emerald Waterways, a company independent of News UK. Scenic: 13th Floor, 111 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2HY; ATOL 9294, ABTA Y6328.
The mighty Mekong river flows through the heart of Southeast Asia and to journey along its
exotic course is to experience the sights and sounds of this incredible region. Passing through six countries, the Mekong is the 12th longest river in the world, and this exclusive two-week holiday with Emerald Waterways includes a seven-night luxury river cruise on it through Cambodia and Vietnam.
Your Asian adventure begins in the Cambodian town of Siem Reap, which is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat, a vast temple complex built by the Khmer Kingdom between the ninth and 15th centuries. After four days of exploring these magnificent ruins in the company of expert local guides you will then board your brand new Emerald Waterways Star-Ship
D I S C OV E RY A N D A DV E N T U R E
Discover the awe-inspiring delights of Cambodia and Vietnam on this 15-day luxury cruise-and-stay holiday and enjoy a discount of up to £2,100 per couple
and travel through the cultural heart of Indochina.
The Emerald Harmony is the newest in Emerald Waterway’s fleet and has been specifically designed to sail the Mekong. For seven nights you’ll take in awe-inspiring landscapes from the sun-deck and experience life from a local perspective, learning the traditional customs which the people of the Mekong have enjoyed for over a thousand years. Finally, you will arrive and dock at the heart of Ho Chi Minh and disembark for three final days of sightseeing in the beautiful city formerly known as Saigon.
Plus, readers who book before February 15, 2019 will benefit from an exclusive offer of up to £2,100 per couple discount and also receive a free discoverMORE excursion included during their Mekong trip.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• Siem Reap • Prek’kdam • Kampong
Tralach • Hong Ngu • Long Khanh
• An Long • My An Hung • Sa Dec
• My Tho • Ho Chi Minh City
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return flights, taxes and transfersll 15-day tour of Cambodia and Vietnam,
including meals and excursionsll Three-night stay in Siem Reap and
two-night stay in Ho Chi Minh Cityll Seven-night full-board Mekong
cruise in Emerald Stateroom or Suitell All wine, beer and soft drinks with
lunch and dinner on board
SAV E £ 2 , 10 0 PE R
C O U PL E * PLU S F R E E
E XC U R S I O N
Sail the majestic Mekong
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R
Emerald Waterways offers classic river
cruises on spacious, modern ships.
W H A T W E L O V E
EXCLUSIVEDISCOUNTANDFREEEXCURSION
Book by February 15, 2019 to save up to £2,100 per couple.
SAILONTHEEMERALDHARMONY
Custom built to sail into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
DISCOVERINGSOUTHEASTASIA
See the cultural highlights of Cambodia and Vietnam.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURES: SELECTED DATES FROM
SEPTEMBER TO MAY, 2020**
15 DAYS FROM
£3,045*PP
TO BOOK CALL
01618257142QUOTE TIMESSEA
thetimes.co.uk/mekong
2 8 | T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R | 2 9
*From price based on twin/double share on entry-level inside cabin. Outside cabin, £3,799, Balcony cabin £4,899, Concierge cabin £5,299. Regional flights may be available at a supplement and are subject to availability. Single cabins are available on request and at a supplement. Ask about upgrades to all-inclusive packages including drinks. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Cruise Direction, a company wholly independent of News UK. Cruise Direction: The Nexus Bldg Broadway, Broadway, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3TA; ATOL 3973, and a member of Global Travel Group.
To see Japan in the springtime, when the iconic cherry blossoms cover the country in beautiful
pink blooms, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Known as sakura, the cherry blossom is deeply symbolic in Japan as their short-lived flowering chimes with the long-held Japanese appreciation of life’s fleeting nature.
On this extraordinary trip around the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’, you will see the very best of the blossoms and explore the rest of Japan by both land and sea on a luxury cruise.
First, you will explore the thrilling city of Tokyo, famous for its dizzying skyscrapers, and enjoy a three-night stay at a four-star hotel, plus two exclusive excursions. One takes you to the best spots in the city for ‘hanami’ or cherry blossom viewing, including the Tokyo tower. On the other, you will be whisked on one of Japan’s bullet trains to see the majestic Mount Fuji for a day. Take a cable car ride on the Komagatake Ropeway for views of the surrounding Hakone National Park, and enjoy a scenic boat cruise on nearby Lake Ashi.
For the next chapter of this unforgettable trip, you will board your luxury cruise ship, Celebrity Millennium, for an 11-night round-trip from Tokyo, which includes visits to Kyoto, Kochi castle and vibrant Busan in South Korea.
With a capacity of around 2,000 passengers, the Celebrity Millennium is small enough to feel intimate but large enough to boast of an array of superb facilities, including multiple restaurants, swimming pools, solarium and Broadway-style theatre. Plus, there will be plenty more opportunities to practise hanami as you sail along the coast: Osaka, Japan’s second largest city, is another fantastic place to view sakura.
Japan is an enchanting blend of the ancient and modern and on this trip you will experience everything this unique country has to offer, from the neon-lit skyscrapers of Tokyo to the traditional temples and geisha of Kyoto. Plus, with April being the best time to see the cherry blossom, this perfectly timed cruise and tour for 2020 is simply not to be missed.
See the cherry blossom in JapanDiscover the incredible beauty of Japan’s cherry blossom on this exclusive 16-night cruise-and-stay holiday that includes Tokyo and Mount Fuji
YO U R I T I N E R A R Yll Tokyoll Mount Fuji (Shimizu)ll Kyoto (Osaka)ll Kobell Kochill Fukuokall Busan, South Koreall Aomori ll Tokyo
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R Cruise Direction specialises in
luxury, tailor-made cruises –
partnering with all major cruise
lines – and escorted tours to
destinations across the world.
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return flights and private
airport transfersll Free airport lounge passll Three nights’ accommodation in
a four-star hotel in Tokyo ll Tour of Tokyo taking in the best
cherry blossom spots ll Full-day Mount Fuji and Hakone
tour including lunch, Lake Ashi
cruise and bullet train journeyll 11-night full-board cruise on the
Celebrity Millenniumll All airport and port taxes
and fees
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DepARTuRe: ApRiL 6, 2020
16 nigHTS FROM
£3,299* pp
TO BOOK CALL
01462 323 744 quOTe S1301
thetimes.co.uk/ cherryblossom
W H A T W E L O V E
E p i c s A n d E V E n T s
f r e e a i r p ort l ou ng e acc e s s
pErfEcT TimingVisit Japan at the best time to
see the pale pink flowers which symbolise new beginnings.
sAiLing JApAn’s cOAsTLinEenjoy a full-board cruise that
includes Osaka, Kobe and Busan in South Korea.
mOunT fuJi by TrAinTake an exclusive day trip with lunch and a boat trip on Lake
Ashi for picture-postcard views.
*From price based on twin/double share in a main deck cabin. Single supplement prices apply, call for more details. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Steppes Travel, a company wholly independent of News UK. Steppes Travel, 51 Castle Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1QD; ATOL 6945.
The sacred Ganges is the cradle of Indian civilisation and to cruise along it is to get a sense of life in
this extraordinary country. Flowing from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the Ganges is connected by the Hooghly river to Kolkata, where this incredible 12-day tour starts.
You’ll spend three nights in the capital of West Bengal, formerly known as Calcutta, founded as an East India Company trading post in colonial times. Staying in a five-star hotel you’ll enjoy a private tour of India’s second-biggest city, regarded as India’s artistic, intellectual and cultural centre.
It’s also the site of Mother Teresa’s tomb and a small museum which includes the room where she worked and slept for more than 40 years, and is now preserved in all its simplicity.
You will travel by train to Farakka – another ‘must-do’ in India – to begin your seven-night river cruise. Your
D I S C OV E RY A N D A DV E N T U R E
This fascinating 12-day luxury tour includes colonial Kolkata, historic Murshidabad and an unforgettable cruise along India’s most spiritual river
home for this exclusive voyage will be the luxurious, air-conditioned ABN Rajmahal, a ship designed specifically for the Ganges with spacious cabins, spa and sun deck.
As it wends its way past mustard fields and mango orchards, you’ll stop at historic Murshidabad then Kalna which boasts some of Bengal’s finest terracotta temples. You’ll visit the battlefield of Plassey, where the foundations of the British Raj were laid, and the superb mosques of Gaur.
This promises to be a fascinating journey in a relatively undiscovered part of the sub-continent. River cruising in India is in its infancy and this is a wonderful way to see everything this magical destination has to offer.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• Kolkata • Board ship in Farakka
• Jangipur • Murshidabad • Katwa
• Mayapur • Bandel • Barrackpore
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return flights from London
Heathrow with Emiratesll Airport transfers ll Three nights’ five-star hotel
accommodationll Private sightseeing tour
of Kolkatall Seven nights’ full-board cruisell All transport and guided
excursions
A voyage along the Ganges
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E RSteppes Travel is a specialist tour
operator, providing inspirational
experiences in extraordinary
destinations for the last 30 years.
W H A T W E L O V E
SAILINGONTHEGANGESThe ABN Rajmahal’s 22 cabins all have balconies from which
to view life on the holy Ganges.
KOLKATA’SHERITAGEExplore the architecture,
museums and galleries of India’s former colonial capital.
INDIA’SDELICIOUSCUISINEBengali curries are some of the best in the world and Kolkata is
famous for its street food.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURES: OCT 21, NOV 18, DEC 9 AND
DECEMBER 23, 2019
12 DAYS FROM
£4,250*PP
TO BOOK CALL
01285601525 QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/ gangescruise
T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R | 3 1
*From price based on twin/double share, single supplement from £795. Or, if you would prefer not to pay the single supplement, Wild Frontiers will pair you with another guest of the same sex for you to share with throughout your trip. Not including international flights. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Wild Frontiers, a company wholly independent of News UK. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd: 78 Glentham Road, London SW13 9JJ; ATOL 5975, ABTOT protected.
Experience an India rarely seen by overseas visitors on this 13-day tour ranging from the backwaters
of Kerala to the backstreets of Pondicherry with its French-infused charm. This is not checklist tourism.
Take a deeper dive, travelling in a small group of no more than 17 fellow readers. Roam the Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram, its elegant towers standing as stone sentinels over the Bay of Bengal. Hear the ancient myths of Chennai and Madurai and explore their architectural wonders. Float through the channels of Kerala on a houseboat, discovering backwater villages few tourists get to see. And marvel at the region’s artisans: the tile-makers, bronze sculptors, potters, Veenai-makers, fishermen and cooks you meet en route.
This region of India is dotted with remarkable examples of religious
D I S C OV E RY A N D A DV E N T U R E
Explore off the beaten track on this superb small group tour featuring magnificent temples and a tranquil backwaters cruise on a traditional houseboat
architecture. These include the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, which is home to around 40 different monuments and temples; Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Trichy, whose complex heritage spans three different dynasties; and the magnificent Sri Meenakshi Temple, a network of towers, temples and courtyards recognised as one of India’s greatest landmarks.
Hear the myths and tales that have evolved over centuries in some of south India’s extraordinary cities. Wander the time-worn streets of Chennai on a special guided tour, explore the French colonial grandeur of Pondicherry, visit the ancient capital of Tanjore, and take a walk through the atmospheric harbour of Kochi (Cochin). Discover the myriad handicrafts and trades of the south and spend time exploring the villages around Chettinadu.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• Chennai • Pondicherry
• Kumbakonam • Chettinadu
• Madurai • Thekkady • Alleppey
backwater houseboat cruise • Kochi
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Accommodation in four-star hotels ll 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 12
dinners, most meals taken in
local restaurantsll Full services of a tour leaderll Local guides and driversll All transport and entrance fees as
outlined in the full itinerary online
I N C LU D E S S TAY O N
T R A D I T I O NA L H O U S E B OAT
Discover unspoilt Kerala
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R
Wild Frontiers is an award-winning tour
operator specialising in stylish, small
group holidays
and tailor-
made travel
experiences.
W H A T W E L O V E
HOUSEBOATSTAYExperience unchanged
Keralan villages during two days on a houseboat.
HERITAGEHOTELSYour high-quality
accommodation has been hand-picked for its character.
CULTURALRICHESMeet traditional artisans and
try your hand at cooking southern Indian cuisine.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURE: OCTOBER 27, 2019
13 DAYS FROM
£2,865*PP
TO BOOK CALL
02081315198
QUOTE S1301 thetimes.co.uk/southindia
3 0 | T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R
3 2 | T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R | 3 3
I N D U LG E A N D U N W I N D
There is a reason Thailand, known as the Land of Smiles, remains one of Asia’s most alluring travel destinations. From the capital Bangkok,
which is both a modern metropolis of gleaming skyscrapers and an ancient city of jewelled temples, to the beautiful beaches of the south and the jungles of the north, it is a country of fascinating contrasts.
We’re working with our recommended travel partner, Hayes & Jarvis, to bring you the ultimate bespoke itinerary. Highlights include four days in Bangkok where you can shop in floating markets, travel by tuk tuk, visit the Royal Grand Palace and other iconic monuments, such as Wat Arun or Wat Pho, plus enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.
For the other five days you will explore northern Thailand and the glorious scenery of the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge. There you will visit hill tribe villages, see UNESCO-listed temples and admire giant buddha statues. You will also stay in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai where you will have the chance to feed elephants at an Elephant Care Centre. Plus readers will enjoy an additional tour of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, which includes a scenic cruise on the Chao Phraya river. And, as Hayes & Jarvis are among the world’s leading tailor-made travel companies, there are options available if you would like to change or extend your stay (see right).
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• Bangkok • Phitsanuloke • Lampang • Chiang Rai
• Chiang Mai • Thai Elephant Care Center
E X T E N D YO U R T R I PThere are numerous ways to extend your trip, among them an indulgent stay at the Viijitt Resort in Phuket, a luxurious and eco-friendly all-villa resort set in 18 acres of tranquil tropical gardens with breathtaking views across Chalong Bay. Or uncover the mysteries of Thailand on a further four-day tour to see the Hidden Wonders of the North. Call the booking number on the opposite page to find out more.
The ultimate Thailand tour
F R E E AY U T T H AYA
R I V E R C RU I S E
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURES: YEAR ROUND
8 NIGHTS FROM
£2,O89* PP
TO BOOK CALL
01293 837 304
QUOTE TRIPSHJ
thetimes.co.uk/ultimatethailand
W H A T W E L O V E
SEE THAILAND YOUR WAY Whatever your needs, your itinerary can be tailor made
for you by the experts.
COMPLIMENTARY CRUISESee the ancient city of Ayutthaya and enjoy a
two-hour river trip.
HELP TO FEED ELEPHANTSGet close to these majestic
creatures at the heartwarming Thai Elephant Care Centre.
Whether you want to explore the Golden Triangle, visit the markets of Bangkok or meet wonderful wildlife, this extraordinary holiday takes in the best of this beguiling country
*Based on two sharing, departing April 8, 2019. Single supplement available on request. Offer subject to availability. Regional flights may be available at a supplement. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Hayes & Jarvis, a company wholly independent of News UK. Hayes & Jarvis: The Atrium, London Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9SR; ABTA No.V1464 ATOL protected.
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R Hayes & Jarvis have been
transforming travel dreams to reality
for over six decades. Specialising
in tailor-made trips to over 60
destinations, they are experts at
creating unforgettable holidays.
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return flights from London to Bangkok ll Private airport to hotel transferll Three nights’ accommodation in a four-star hotel in Bangkokll Six-day tour of northern Thailand, including accommodation
as detailed in the itinerary online ll Meals included as detailed in the itinerary online ll One-day tour of Ayutthaya and Chao Phraya river cruisell Services of an English-speaking guidell All entrance fees and government taxes
3 4 | T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R | 3 5
*Based on two sharing specified cabin types. Call the booking number for other cabin pricing. Regional flights available on request. Itineraries vary by departure date. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Cruise Direction, a company wholly independent of News UK. Cruise Direction: The Nexus Bldg Broadway, Broadway, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3TA; ATOL 3973, and a member of Global Travel Group. Fully ATOL bonded.
There can be few travel experiences more special than setting sail on one of
Star Clippers’ fleet of stunning tall ships. Holding around 150 people, their full-mast sailing ships may hark back to an earlier nautical era but their on-board service, food and facilities are all superb – akin to travelling on a private yacht.
As The Sunday Times cruise editor, Sue Bryant, says: “A voyage on Star Clipper has to be one of the most thrilling and romantic experiences at sea. Life on board is as laid back as it comes, service tends to be very good indeed, while cabins are compact yet extremely well designed. It is an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else and, for many, the memories are priceless.”
So if you would like your next holiday to combine a sense of adventure with the chance to relax in luxurious style, here’s how to discover four extraordinary destinations – Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Caribbean on our exclusive cruise-and-stay Star Clippers packages.
Sail the world with Star ClippersTake your pick from four fantastic destinations as you unwind in ultimate style on these thrilling cruises
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R Cruise Direction specialises in
luxury, tailor-made cruise holidays
– partnering with all the major
cruise lines – and escorted tours to
destinations across the world.
W H A T W E L O V E
STAR CLIPPERS SHIPSA voyage on a full-mast,
full-rigged tall ship is a nautical experience like no other.
DELICIOUS DININGYour cruise will combine
excellent food and drink with impeccable service.
SUPERB FACILITIESEnjoy luxury cabins, expansive on-deck spaces, plus a health
club, swimming pools and spa.
O P T I O N 1 D i S c O v E R m A l Ay S i A A N D B O R N E OBorneo is one of the most extraordinary and
captivating places on the planet and there are few
more stylish ways to travel there than on Star
Clipper. This unforgettable 20-day trip begins with
a one-night five-star hotel stay in Singapore. You
will then set sail through the South China Sea on a
magical voyage taking in Malaysia and Brunei, before disembarking in
Borneo. You will then enjoy a seven-day escorted tour of this fascinating and
unusual island, where you’ll encounter the charismatic, endangered
orangutan, as well as explore Borneo’s cities, beaches and rainforests.
O P T I O N 2 S i N g A P O R E , i N D O N E S i A A N D B A l iThis wonderful voyage through southeast Asia is
three holidays in one. First, you fly to Singapore
for a two-night city break staying in a five-star
hotel, with plenty of time to experience the fusion
of the old and new that makes Singapore such a
thrilling destination. You will then embark on Star
Clipper for a 14-night full-board cruise around the unspoilt islands of the
Indonesia archipelago before disembarking in Bali. Here you can immerse
yourself in the luxury and tranquillity of a five-star hotel during a relaxing
three-night stay. It will be an idyllic way to end an unforgettable trip.
O P T I O N 4 B A R B A D O S , S T l U c i A A N D T h E c A R i B B E A NA Caribbean holiday is the perfect way to escape
to the sun. But this exclusive 14-day trip is a
voyage to the West Indies like no other. You begin
with a five-night stay at the all-inclusive Sandals
Royal Barbados, known for its outstanding service,
with three pools, gym, spa and 11 restaurants – all
overlooking a postcard-worthy stretch of white sand. Suitably refreshed,
you then set sail from Bridgetown for a superb seven-night cruise on Royal
Clipper. Choose from two magical itineraries, which both visit the most
beautiful islands in the Caribbean, including Martinique and St Lucia.
O P T I O N 3 P h U k E T A N D T h E i S l A N D S O f T h A i l A N DTreat yourself to the ultimate southeast Asian
getaway with our exclusive 12-night cruise-and-
stay holiday. First, unwind on Phuket’s unspoilt
beaches during a three-night stay at the four-star
Centara Karon Resort. Enjoy Phuket’s lively
markets, restaurants and bars – tickets to the
spectacular Siam Niramit show are included. You will then set sail on the
magnificent Star Clipper for a spectacular seven-night southeast Asia cruise.
This wonderful itinerary takes in many of the paradise islands that pepper
the Andaman Sea along the west coasts of both Thailand and Malaysia.
W h AT ’ S i N c l U D E Dll Return flights from Londonll Private airport to hotel
transferll Three nights’ four-star bed
and breakfast hotel stay at
the Centara Karon Resort
in Phuket (or similar)ll Spectacular Siam Niramit
cultural show in Phuket
including dinnerll Seven nights’ full-board
cruise on Star Clipper in
an inside cabin
I N D U LG E A N D U N W I N D
W h AT ’ S i N c l U D E Dll Return flights from Londonll Private transfersll Two nights’ five-star
hotel accommodation
in Singaporell 14-night full-board cruise
on Star Clipper in an
outside cabin ll Three nights’ five-star
hotel accommodation
in Bali
W h AT ’ S i N c l U D E Dll Return flights from Londonll Private transfersll Six-night escorted tour in
Borneo, including four-star
accommodation, tours,
transfers and meals as
detailed online, local
English-speaking guidesll One night’s five-star
hotel accommodation
in Singaporell Ten-night full-board cruise
on Star Clipper in an
outisde cabin
W h AT ’ S i N c l U D E Dll Return flights from Londonll Private airport to hotel
transfer and executive
lounge access in Londonll Five nights’ luxury,
all-inclusive stay at
the five-star Sandals
Royal Barbadosll Seven nights’ full-board
cruise on Royal Clipper in
an outside cabin
“ A voyAge on StAr Clipper hAS
to be one of the moSt thrilling
And romAntiC experienCeS At SeA ”
B O O k T h i S T R i P
DEPARTuRE: MAY 16, 2019
20 DAYS FROM
£4,199* PP
TO BOOK CALL
01462 323 716
quOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/starclipperborneo
B O O k T h i S T R i P
DEPARTuRES: juNE 5 AND
SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
22 DAYS FROM
£3,749* PP
TO BOOK CALL
01462 323 799
quOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/starclipperbali
B O O k T h i S T R i P
DEPARTuRES: jANuARY 13 AND 20, 2020
14 DAYS FROM
£3,699* PP
TO BOOK CALL
01462 323 718
quOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/starclippercaribbean
B O O k T h i S T R i P
DEPARTuRES: FEB 5, 26, MAR 12,
APR 2, 16, 2019, PLuS WINTER 2019-2020 AvAILABLE
13 DAYS FROM
£2,399* PP
TO BOOK CALL
01462 322 692
quOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/thailandstarclippers
Sue Bryant, The Sunday Times cruise editor
3 6 | T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R
*Price based on two sharing. Single supplement £540. Subject to availability. **Airport pick up from home in an executive car only within 150 miles of your chosen London departure airport. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Collette, a company wholly independent of News UK. Collette: Unit 6 - Brook Business Centre, Cowley Mill Road, Uxbridge UB8 2FX; ABTA W050X, ATOL 4832.
Costa Rica – “Rich Coast” in Spanish – is a nature-lover’s dream. From lush rainforests
teeming with more than 300 species of wildlife, to majestic volcanoes and white sandy beaches, it’s one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating natural habitats. This exhilarating tour will take no more than 24 readers to see its highlights and – thanks to the experience and local expertise of our recommended travel partner Collette – enjoy some thrilling experiences face-to-face with the island’s rich and varied wildlife.
Your 12-day itinerary, which starts and ends in San José, includes four stops in the best places to see the country’s most endangered species. You will visit remote Tortuguero National Park and learn first-hand from a team of conservationists how the green sea turtles’ habitat is being
D I S C OV E RY A N D A DV E N T U R E
On this once-in-a-lifetime adventure you will discover the incredible wildlife and culture of Costa Rica, stay in rainforest lodges and enjoy 17 fantastic included experiences
protected. After a stay in the Sarapiqui rainforest, you will admire views of the Arenal volcano and explore by boat as well as on foot. On the Pacific coast, more natural wonders await, including wild crocodiles, squirrel monkeys and rare birds.
Throughout your tour you will stay in lodges chosen for their proximity to nature, and be accompanied by expert guides. Enjoy being surrounded by towering trees, howler monkeys and keel-billed toucans in the rainforest.
What also makes this tour genuinely unforgettable are the 17 wonderful experiences included – a Sarapiquí rafting adventure; a guided walking tour along Arenal’s hanging bridges; ziplining; an organic pineapple plantation visit (you’ll discover why Costa Rican pineapples are among the world’s best); and chocolate tasting at a cacao farm, among many others.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• San José • Tortuguero National Park
• Sarapiquí • Manuel Antonio National
Park • Arenal Volcano • Tarcoles
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Direct return flights from London
on BA and private door-to-door
transfers to and from airport**ll A 12-day tour of Costa Rica,
including stays in San José,
Tortuguero, Sarapiqui, Arenal and
Manuel Antonio National Parkll All breakfasts, four lunches and
eight dinnersll All transport and transfers
The wonder of Costa Rica W H A T W E L O V E
STAYING CLOSE TO NATUREExperience a lodge surrounded
by towering Almendro trees, howler monkeys and toucans.
17 SPECIAL EXPERIENCESTry cooking classes, jungle
cruises, walks through dormant lava fields, plus many more.
FREE AIRPORT TRANSFERSTravel in style with private
executive car transfers from home to and from the airport.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURE: APRIL 27, 2019
12 DAYS FROM
£2,999* PP
TO BOOK CALL
0808 239 1181 QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/costarica
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R
Collette is a third-generation,
family-owned travel
company that has
been sharing a love
of travel since 1918.
T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R | 3 7
*From price based on twin/double share. The first four solo travellers will not pay a single supplement; subsequently, a £895pp supplement applies. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Abercrombie & Kent, a company wholly independent of News UK. Abercrombie & Kent Ltd: St George’s House, Ambrose Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3LG; ATOL 2881, ABTA 72314.
From Kandy’s gilded temples and the royal frescoes of Sigiriya Rock, to the coastal fortresses of
Galle, every inch of Sri Lanka is more breathtaking than the last. But this exclusive tour doesn’t just showcase the island’s highlights: it transports you to the heart of its culture, heritage and spirituality – with the opportunity to meet local Buddhist monks and traditional dancers, and discover places few other visitors get to see.
Our 14-day trip begins in Colombo, where architectural treasures and historic temples await – before venturing to Ridi Viharaya cave temple and the famous rock fortress of Sigiriya. Dambulla cave temple, home of Sri Lanka’s largest collection of Buddhist paintings and statues, is a site of unforgettable opulence; and Kandy is a trove of temples, markets and rich artisanal heritage. Here, you could take a cooking lesson with a local
D I S C OV E RY A N D A DV E N T U R E
Immerse yourself in the treasures of Sri Lanka on this luxurious small-group tour – taking in sacred Buddhist temples, elephant safaris, tea plantations and much more
family, visit a traditional dance school, or step into the richly-decorated royal robes of Kandy’s chieftains.
Then, you’ll head to the hills of Nuwara Eliya, to Sri Lanka’s famous tea plantations. In Yala National Park, eagle-eyed safari guides will introduce you to Sri Lanka’s wild wonders: the elephants, leopards and deer that call this natural haven home.
In addition to its rich itinerary, this holiday will take you to some of Sri Lanka’s very best hotels – including characterful historic properties and contemporary luxurious lodgings. Travelling in a group of no more than 17, you will also enjoy the services of a tour director, whose local expertise will open doors you would simply never find if travelling independently: the best restaurants, the finest local English-speaking guides, and the opportunity to meet friendly and fascinating people.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• Colombo • Dambulla • Habarana
• Polonnaruwa • Kandy • Peradeniya
• Nuwara Eliya • Yala • Galle
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return flights from London
Heathrow with SriLankan Airlinesll All accommodation, with WiFill Full services of an Abercrombie &
Kent tour directorll Expert local English-speaking
guides and driversll 12 breakfasts and 11 dinnersll Private airport transfers in Sri Lanka
Splendours of Sri Lanka
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R Abercrombie & Kent is an award-
winning tour operator specialising in
exquisite tailor-made and small-group
holidays, with
expert guides
and luxurious
accommodation.
W H A T W E L O V E
TAILOR YOUR TRIPChoose the activities you love – including a cooking class or
an art tour of Colombo.
SAFARI EXPERIENCEIn Yala National Park you will
have the chance to see sloths, elephants, leopards and more.
LUXURIOUS HOTELSYou will stay in high-quality,
characterful hotels and dine in excellent local restaurants.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURE: NOVEMBER 9, 2019
14 DAYS FROM
£2,895* PP
TO BOOK CALL
01242 854 059
QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/srilanka
N O S I N G L E S U PPL E M E N T
FO R E A R LY B O O K E R S
3 8 | T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R | 3 9
Cunard Fares shown are based on two adults sharing the lowest grade of stateroom available within the applicable stateroom type and are subject to availability. Fares for sole occupancy and supplementary fares are available on request. Fares and other information are correct at the time of going to print. Fares include flights and transfers. Complimentary on-board spending money applies to new bookings only and is not combinable with Early Saver Fares or Saver Fares. The amount of complimentary on-board spending money varies by stateroom type, is per person and applies to the first two guests sharing a stateroom. This can be spent on shore excursions booked on board, drinks, spa services and in the shops. On-board spending money is non-refundable and non-transferable. On-board events and activities are subject to change and some may incur an additional charge. *Cover charge applies for alternative dining options.
Get into the Christmas spirit with Cunard and The Cheltenham Literature Festival as you set
sail for New York on December 1, 2020. Step into a stunning Christmas wonderland on the iconic Queen Mary 2, the world’s only ocean liner, which will be tastefully adorned for the festive season.
Returning for its second year, the Literature Festival at Sea will celebrate the written word with a seven-day programme of literary events and a festive theme to fill you with Christmas cheer. We will be joined on board by some of the world’s best novelists, historians, poets, essayists and critics, and your favourite The Times journalists will be coming along too.
We celebrate the best Christmas scenes in literature with favourite readings from our best-selling authors, from Rudyard Kipling’s Christmas in India to P.G. Wodehouse’s lament about Christmas on a diet. Enjoy Nancy Mitford’s account of Christmas in the Cotswolds or venture out into the snow with Mr
Pickwick. We dive into the best books, films and musicals from both sides of the pond with readings, screenings and discussions. Why not enjoy a midnight ghost story, or a concert of carols and poems? We hear the history of Christmas through the ages and share touching reflections on the importance of family and friends at this very special time of year.
That’s not all. We will review the biggest stories of the past 12 months with The Times and The Sunday Times columnists and analyse the truth behind the headlines. There will also be a programme of workshops and masterclasses for budding writers. Hear our literary editors and critics pick their best books of the year or have a reading list tailor made for you by our resident bibliotherapists.
Throughout the week, hear literary greats in conversation about their life and work and get the chance to meet them at our intimate author signings. There will be bookish delights round every corner on what promises to be an incredible journey.
Join Queen Mary 2’s 2020 Literature Festival at Sea For book lovers everywhere, this is a chance to join some of the world’s greatest writers and thinkers as you sail from Southampton to New York
Yo u r i t i n e r a r Yll Seven nights aboard
Queen Mary 2ll Departing Southampton on
December 1, 2020 ll Arriving into New York on
December 8, 2020
W h at ’ s i n c l u d e dll Transatlantic Crossing on
Queen Mary 2ll Economy class flights and
transfersll All meals and entertainment*ll Programme of literary events
throughout the voyage ll Complimentary on-board
spending money
o u r t r u s t e d Pa r t n e r s C U N A R D If this is the first time you have sailed with
Cunard, prepare yourself for a treat. It’s your
world to savour in your way. You can hear it
in the way your steward greets you by name.
You can see it in your waiter’s impeccable
attention to detail. You can feel it in the way
you relax the moment you step on board for
your Transatlantic Crossing.
C H E LT E N H A M L I T E R A RY F E S T I VA L Cheltenham Festivals is a charity: it makes
the arts and sciences accessible; supports
emerging talent; and delivers a pioneering
year-round educational programme.
Over 25,000 children and young people
engaged in events and projects hosted by
Cheltenham Festivals in 2017.
B o o K t h i s t r i P
DEPArTurE: DECEMBEr 1, 2020
(vOYAgE NuMBEr M039)
grIllS SuITE FrOM £2,649 pp
BAlCONY FrOM £1,599 pp
INSIDE FrOM £1,299 pp
TO BOOK CAll
0330 160 7514 QuOTE lIT
thetimes.co.uk/litfest2020
W H A T W E L O V E
E X p E RT L E D
T o b o o k , q u o T e
c o d e L I T
FESTIVAL AT SEAJoin authors, thinkers and
journalists for unique workshops and experiences.
CHRISTMAS CRUISINgEscape to a world with an
unrivalled sense of freedom during the festive season.
EXCLUSIVE TIMES EVENTSBe inspired by exclusive
events from key The Times editors and journalists.
4 0 | T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R | 4 1
*From price based on a twin/double share with offer. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Exodus, a company wholly independent of News UK. Exodus Travels Ltd Grange Mills Weir Road London SW12 0NE; ABTA Y0751, ATOL 2582..
There is nothing like seeing the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu for the first time. You will do
that and more on this superb tour. As well as taking a train to see the abandoned Inca citadel in the Andes, highlights of this trip will include experiencing the serenity of Lake Titicaca, spotting condors soaring above Colca Canyon and admiring the colonial charms of Arequipa.
However, your first adventure, after flying in to the Peruvian capital Lima, will be a short boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, which has one of the highest concentrations of marine birds in the world. Then take a flight (depending on conditions) over one of the world’s great archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines – huge, enigmatic patterns in the desert sand.
Heading north into the Andes, you will enjoy upgraded accommodation in
E P I C S A N D E V E N T S
Explore the extraordinary citadel of Machu Picchu, fly above the mysterious Nazca lines and spend time by serene Lake Titicaca on the ultimate 16-day tour
the picturesque city of Cuzco before tackling one of the great must-see sights of South America: Machu Picchu. Improbably situated in the Andean highlands, the spectacular citadel was abandoned in the 16th century and forgotten until it was re-discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham. You will travel there via a beautiful train journey through the Urubamba River Valley for a guided tour of the ruins.
Beyond Machu Picchu, your superb itinerary will take you to many of Peru’s other stunning highlights, including the largest lake in South America, Lake Titicaca, the colonial city of Arequipa (including Santa Catalina Monastery) and the vast, awe-inspiring Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. You also have the option to extend your stay to visit the Amazonian rainforest.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• Lima • Ballestas Islands • Nazca
Lines • Abancay • Machu Picchu •
Aguas Calientes • Cuzco Arequipa
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return flights from London ll Transfersll 14 nights’ accommodation including
a hotel upgrade in Cuzcoll Flight over the Nazca Linesll All internal transport including
flight, train, boat and private busll All breakfasts, one lunch and
one dinner
Discover the best of Peru
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R Exodus is the original activity
and adventure holiday company
specialising in cultural, walking, cycling,
photographic,
wildlife and family
holidays.
W H A T W E L O V E
LAKE TITICACAExperience South America’s largest lake with a homestay
on Amantani Island.
NAZCA LINES FLIGHTTake a special flight over one of the world’s great
archaeological mysteries.
COLONIAL HERITAGEDiscover Peru’s colonial past as you explore Lima, Cuzco
and Arequipa.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURE: NOVEMBER 8, 2019
16 DAYS FROM
£2,899* PP
TO BOOK CALL
0208 131 1388 QUOTE S13O1
thetimes.co.uk/peruhighlights
FLY OV ER THE NAZCA
LINES
*From price based on twin/double share in an IS Interior Stateroom on a November 15, 2019 departure. Regional flights may be available at a supplement and are subject to availability. Single cabins are available on request and at a supplement. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Cruise Direction, a company wholly independent of News UK. Cruise Direction: The Nexus Bldg Broadway, Broadway, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3TA; ATOL 3973, and a member of Global Travel Group.
The American South is the home of blues, barbecue and bourbon and the majestic Mississippi.
History is everywhere in the states of Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana – with reminders of early settlers, the Civil War and the civil rights movement never far away.
You will experience this characterful region during a seven-night cruise aboard the American Duchess paddlewheeler, one of the most luxurious river vessels in the US. Your tour, will begin with three nights in Memphis, giving you ample time to make a pilgrimage to Graceland, pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr at the National Civil Rights Museum or toast B.B. King on the rollicking Beale Street.
Once you board the American Duchess, you’ll pass the days slipping past dark bayous, sun-kissed woodland and palatial river-front mansions.
D I S C OV E RY A N D A DV E N T U R E
Sample Southern hospitality and soulful music as you journey along the Lower Mississippi Rivier on the new American Duchess paddlewheeler
In Vicksburg, earmarked as the “key to the Confederacy” by Abraham Lincoln due to its position on the river, you will learn about the momentous Siege of Vicksburg. Seventy miles south, you’ll visit Natchez, the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi at the end of the Natchez Trace Parkway, the old Native American path to Nashville.
In Louisiana, experience the grandeur of the antebellum South and relive the history of the largest plantation home in the region, while exploring the impact of slavery on an excursion to Nottoway Plantation.
Your cruise comes to an end in one of the world’s most exciting cities, New Orleans, where you will disembark and spend time enjoying the fascinating architecture, the buzzing music scene or perhaps just a bowl of world-famous gumbo or an authentic po’boy.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Y
• Memphis • Helena • Vicksburg
• Natchez • Baton Rouge
• St Francisville • New Orleans
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll International flights and transfersll Three nights’ four-star room-only
accommodation in Memphisll Two nights’ four-star room-only
accommodation in New Orleansll Seven-night full-board cruise on the
American Duchess, including wine
or beer with dinner and excursions
Sail the Deep South
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R Cruise Direction specialises in luxury,
tailor-made cruises – partnering with all
major cruise lines – and escorted tours
to destinations across the world.
W H A T W E L O V E
BIRTHPLACE OF MUSICCelebrate the roots of jazz, rock ’n’ roll and the blues in Memphis and New Orleans.
LUXURY TRAVELThe American Duchess
boasts a show lounge, fitness suite and exceptional dining.
THE HISTORIC SOUTHFrom American Civil War sites to Dr Martin Luther
King Jr memorials.
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTURES: AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT 2019
14 DAYS FROM
£4,399* PP
TO BOOK CALL
01462 323 702 QUOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/duchess
4 2 | T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R T I M E S E X P E R T T R A V E L L E R | 4 3
* Subject to availability. **From price based on twin/double share in a pothole cabin. Single-supplement prices apply, call for more details. Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Steppes Travel, a company wholly independent of News UK. Steppes Travel, 51 Castle Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1QD; ATOL 6945.
A ntarctica is an ecological wonder that has bewitched explorers, scientists and
intrepid travellers for the last two centuries. Known as the white continent, it’s the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and remotest place to set foot on in the world making this exclusive 10-day tour there a true once-in a-lifetime experience.
This fascinating territory is home to whales, seals and huge colonies of penguins as well as 90% of the earth’s land ice. The marine life is incredible and you’ll encounter some wonderful creatures and a huge variety of sea birds whilst enjoying the wild, glacial scenery here.
We’ve partnered with Antarctica specialist, Antarctica21 through Steppes Travel, to offer readers this very special fly-and-cruise expedition to the seventh continent.
You start your adventure in Punta Arenas for a night, before flying, rather than sailing through Cape Horn and the infamous waters of Drake Passage to King George Island.
This will not only save you a crucial two days each way but also avoid the sea sickness-inducing stormy seas which can plague the usual journey. Plus, readers will be given preferred seats* on the two-hour flight to the Antarctic peninsular. These usually cost £405pp and include a guaranteed aisle or window seat at the front of the aircraft for the best views, and an empty middle
seat for comfort. You will also get priority boarding in Punta Arenas and a complimentary amenities kit.
Arriving on King George Island you’ll breathe in the clear Antarctic air for the first time and explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, before boarding your ship. This will be the new Magellan Explorer, a specialist polar expedition vessel with capacity for just 69 passengers.
The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge, state-of-the-art lecture theatre, stylish dining room and bar as well as a gym and sauna. The Magellan Explorer also has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are used to take you across the ice to disembark and get closer to the wildlife.
The exact route is unique each time depending on conditions but will take you through the South Shetland Islands, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs. You’ll enjoy daily Zodiac trips to explore the landscape with expert polar guides who will also give a series of engaging talks and presentations on board.
The white continent is one of the world’s most adventurous destinations with extreme climate conditions, roaming icebergs and majestic scenery that you simply won’t see anywhere else. So don’t miss your opportunity to experience it in the best way possible.
The ultimate Antarctic adventureThis epic Antarctica tour includes a time-saving flight over Drake Passage and a cruise into the white wilderness on a new state-of-the-art ship
O U R T R U S T E D PA R T N E R Steppes Travel is a specialist tour
operator, providing inspirational
experiences in some of the most
extraordinary destinations for the
last 30 years.
YO U R I T I N E R A R Yll Santiago de Chilell Punta Arenasll King George Islandll Antarctic peninsular cruise
which may include Paulet Islandll Hope Bayll Port Lockroyll Petermann Islandll Paradise Bayll Deception Islandll The Lemaire Channel
depending on conditions
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E Dll Return flights from London to
Santiago de Chile and domestic
flights to Punta Arenasll Antarctic flight to King
George Island including
preferential seating*ll Six-day full-board cruise on
the Magellan Explorer in
a Porthole cabinll All excursions as mentioned
in the itinerary onlinell Two night’s accommodation
in Punta Arenas pre- and
W H A T W E L O V E
I N C LU D E S U p g r a D E
o N S pE C I a L a N Ta rC T I C
F L I g H T NEW MAGELLAN EXPLORERThis state-of-the-art ship is one
of the best equipped to experience Antarctica.
ANTARCTICA’S PENGUINSThe seven species found here
include colonies of Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins.
FLy OVER DRAKE PASSAGEYou’ll save time by flying over the stormy Drake Passage and
enjoy an upgrade worth £405pp.
post-cruise including
a welcome dinnerll All transfers and transport as
detailed in the itinerary online
B O O K T H I S T R I P
DEPARTuRES: SELECTED DATES IN
DECEMBER, 2019 AND JANuARY AND FEBRuARY, 2020
10 DAYS FROM
£12,595** PP
TO BOOK CALL
01285 601 503 quOTE S1301
thetimes.co.uk/antarctica
E P I C S A N D E V E N T S
thetimes.co.uk/expert-traveller
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