introducing - aws

TAUCK

EXOTICS2018

ASIA

AFRICA

LATIN AMERICA

AUSTRALIA

Introducing

GUIDING

TRAVELLERS

SINCE 1925In the summer of 1925, a travelling salesman named Arthur

Tauck designed a new kind of holiday. Three generations later,

we’re still a family-owned tour company. We’ve pioneered many

industry firsts, won numerous awards, and now take thousands of

guests around the globe each year by land, sea, and everything

in between. We don’t believe in advertising. We believe that if we

take care of our guests, recommendations follow.

Our DNA comes directly from Arthur. His zest for life, his love of

people, and his overwhelming desire for his guests to have an

extraordinary travel experience still guide us today. And we are

still singularly focussed on the experiences of our guests. We still

believe that when you travel with us, it should be easy. It should

transform, re-energise and be beyond the ordinary. It should be

worth your time and the price you paid. And above all else, it

should be fun.

Exactly the way Arthur Tauck Sr. wanted travelling with Tauck to be.

Japan

4

Daniel W. Mahar, CEO

2018 EXOTICS DESTINATIONS

NOW IS THE TIME TO TRAVEL

As the popularity of our Exotics trips –

and the demand for these “dream

destinations” – continue to rise,

we’re meeting this increased interest

by enhancing some of our most

popular journeys with exciting new

destinations and travel experiences,

new cultural discoveries and new

premium hotels.

Our years of experience and expertise in these destinations

the world over continue to open up new doors. And thanks

to our exclusive relationships, you’ll stay in extraordinary hotels

recognised among the world’s best for impeccable service,

ambiance, location and hospitality; experience exciting cultural

discoveries that immerse you in history and treasures unique to

the destination; enjoy exclusive access to people and places

that will ignite your passion for travel; and much more. All

included with Tauck.

We make it easy to see and experience the places you’ve been

dreaming about – but departure dates on these journeys are

filling quickly; we encourage you to make your plans now... and

join us on the holiday of a lifetime.

WHAT’S INSIDE

STORIES BY KEN BURNS

New for 2018! Our development team worked with US filmmakers

Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein to bring stories and

themes from The Vietnam War (airing September 2017) to life in

filmed vignettes – “Stories by Ken Burns” – exclusively for Tauck

guests travelling on 2018 Indochina: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos and

Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand. A production of Florentine Films and

WETA, Washington, DC, The Vietnam War is directed by Ken Burns

and Lynn Novick; written by Geoffrey C. Ward; and produced by Sarah

Botstein, Lynn Novick and Ken Burns.

ASIA

Indochina: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos ............................... 18

Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand .......................................... 22

China, the Yangtze River & Hong Kong .............................. 26

Essence of Japan ............................................................... 30

Cruising the Land of the Rising Sun ................................... 34

Northern India & Nepal ....................................................... 38

A Portrait of India ................................................................ 42

Israel & Jordan ................................................................... 46

AFRICA

Magic of Morocco .............................................................. 52

Botswana, South Africa & Zambia ...................................... 56

Vietnam

To book contact your preferred agent or call 0800 810 8020 tauck.co.uk 5

Kenya & Tanzania: A Classic Safari .................................... 60

Tanzania: Serengeti to Zanzibar ......................................... 64

South Africa: An Elegant Adventure .................................... 68

LATIN AMERICA

New! Cruising Cuba: A Cultural Gem ................................. 74

Cuba: A Cultural Odyssey .................................................. 78

Cuba: Connecting with People and Culture ........................ 82

Essence of South America ................................................. 84

Patagonia ........................................................................... 88

Empire of the Incas: Peru & Bolivia ..................................... 92

Costa Rica – Pura Vida ...................................................... 96

The Panama Canal & Costa Rica ..................................... 100

GOOD TO KNOW

Great for FamiliesGo by ShipBBC Earth Journeys

Stories by Ken Burns

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALANDGrand Australia & New Zealand ........................................ 106

Spotlight on Australia ........................................................ 110

Spotlight on New Zealand ................................................ 111

TAUCK BRIDGESTanzania: A Grand Family Safari ....................................... 114

Costa Rica: Jungles & Rainforests .....................................118

Galápagos: Wildlife Wonderland ........................................122

Mystical Peru .................................................................... 125

BOOKING CONDITIONS ................................................... 128

CALENDAR ....................................................................... 134

Machu Picchu

6

We believe that when you travel, you should never settle for ordinary.

You deserve to travel in good company, with someone who cares. We

believe that good value sells itself – you should get what you pay for,

and then some, in one upfront price with virtually everything included.

Leave your worries at home; we take on all the planning, all the logistics.

To you, it’s peace of mind travel. To us, it’s integrity.

So read on. Be inspired. Make every moment count. Starting now.

how you see the world matters

t m

Taj Mahal

7

8

QUALITY IN EVERY

DETAIL

Nepal


Savour Local Cuisines. Authentically.

Take a foodie tour of Sydney, dine Bedouin-style in Petra, have

a gourmet lunch at a Chilean winery, sample sake brewing at a

lesson in Japan, dine under the African stars...

Stay in Premium Accommodations

Where you stay is a big part of your holiday. So we road

test all accommodations for ambiance, comfort, service

and convenience – elegant safari lodges, city-centre hotels,

hideaway resorts...

All Logistics Managed

Your luggage is handled for you from start to finish. Airport

transfers to and from your hotels are included. And your Tauck

Director takes care of hotel check-in and check out.

Unique Activities Included

Travel by rickshaw in China, explore by jet boat in New Zealand,

ride a camel in Morocco, go on an African safari by hot air

balloon at dawn, cruise Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay aboard a

wooden ship, learn to tango in Argentina...

Exclusive Partnership with BBC Earth

We’ve spent years working with BBC Earth

natural history experts developing Tauck Earth

Journeys, which include films custom-made for

Tauck by BBC Earth natural history experts and field equipment

for picking up hidden sights and sounds of wildlife.

Our Tauck Directors

Averaging 10 years of service with Tauck, they handle all travel

details for you; they know how important that is. And they make

every destination come alive.

Handpicked Local Guides and Experts

We introduce you to our friends who share expert insights and

information, from safari trackers and naturalists to winemakers,

chefs, performers, professors...

One Upfront Price

No extra costs, no hidden fees, no surprises, no options sold –

just about every travel expense is included in one upfront price,

so you can relax and enjoy your holiday.

STAY IN

TAUCK STYLE

Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club

The Singular PatagoniaMandarin Oriental,Tokyo

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra


On a Tauck Exotics trip you’ll know your destination from the

moment you wake up… Varying in style, accommodations in our Exotics destinations often reflect the

cultural landscape of their locales, with an authenticity in architectural design and ambiance. In Asia, stay at many of the world’s finest hotels.

On safari in Africa, private game lodges such as Sabi Sabi rank among the “World’s Best.” Where you stay with Tauck is often a reflection

on the destination itself. In Latin America, iconic resorts offer the finest eco-experiences along with chic city-centre hotels. And when you

cruise, it will be aboard handpicked custom-designed small ships on cultural journeys and expeditions. After all, what can be better than

seeing the sun rise on the Taj Mahal… watching Africa’s amazing “Big Five” on the vast Serengeti… spotting alpaca roaming along the

shores of Lake Titicaca… the sun setting on magical Marrakech… all without leaving your room.

Four Seasons Casablanca, MoroccoSabi Sabi Bush Lodge

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Tauck Directors –

Simply the BestAveraging 10 years of service, our Tauck Directors are

the world’s best travel companions. They’re your planning

expert. Your helping hand. They’re not just experts on local

culture, customs, and traditions. They’re more than just

your guide. Your fellow globetrotter. They’re the difference

between a trip, and the trip of a lifetime.

They manage every travel detail, every day, from checking

you in and out of hotels to all luggage handling, overseeing

on-tour transportation. Choreographing every day’s

sightseeing, they work behind the scenes to make every

moment count and ensure a day that’s on time.

And they find creative ways to share their love of the

destinations you’ll explore together, earning high praise

from our guests for their wealth of information, warmth and

efficiency – our guests continually rate them as one of the

best reasons to travel with Tauck.

In many destinations our Tauck Directors are joined by local

experts who share their passions and special interests that

make them “experts.”

tauck.co.uk 13

Peace of Mind

Travel Across the GlobeFor fulfilling travel, you need to be able to relax – and not

worry about a thing. So your peace of mind comes first for

us. We take care of all the little things so you don’t miss out

on the big things.

90+ years of handling travel logistics means you are in good

hands. We take on all the hard work, all the planning. All

luggage, looked after. All airport transfers, looked after. No

worries, no hassles.

And in the unlikely event of the unexpected while you’re

travelling, we manage it. Tauck personifies the word

reassurance – you can count on us to do all we can to

make your holiday worry-free, but some things are beyond

our control, like the whims of Mother Nature and local

political situations. Your safety is our first priority, and we

strive to deliver your travel experience as close as possible

to original plans.

Virtually every travel expense is included in one upfront

price with no hidden costs, no on-tour surprises.

TRAVEL

WITH EASE

Petra

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From frozen worlds to tropical forests… shallow seas to African plains… to remote islands home to wildlife found nowhere else on Earth...

our planet is filled with unforgettable adventures in extraordinary natural realms. Tauck and the natural history experts at BBC Earth –

nature’s premier storytellers – have spent years working together to develop BBC Earth Journeys... a backstage pass to experience, in

person, the places, people, animals and stories of the BBC’s landmark natural history series, firsthand, in new and innovative ways.

You’ll encounter Africa’s “Big Five” on safari in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa... discover the unseen world of the Bengal Tiger in

India and Nepal... mine the eco-riches of the rainforest in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth in Costa Rica and Panama... and meet

blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, marine iguanas and other denizens of the Pacific’s Galápagos Islands, unlike any others in the world.

Guiding your journey are BBC Earth Certified Tauck Directors who have

received special training from BBC Earth about the history of BBC

wildlife production and the incredible techniques and gadgets that

BBC Earth production teams use in the field today. They look forward

to sharing memorable insights into nature’s unseen worlds with you!

Certified by


With BBC Earth Certified Tauck Directors – well versed on BBC Earth – as your guides, your on-tour experience includes compelling film

vignettes exclusively produced for Tauck by BBC Earth experts in the same style of BBC Earth’s award-winning documentaries, filled with

humour and heart. And as the opportunity arises, your Tauck Directors use specialised field equipment that spotlight nature’s unseen worlds

and behaviours. With their guidance, you’ll discover the natural world as you have never seen it before (due to their filming schedule, BBC Earth

natural history filmmakers are not able to travel on Earth Journeys departures). Along with the Earth Journeys featured in this Exotics brochure,

you’ll find others taking you to discover polar bears in Manitoba, puffins in Iceland, grizzlies in Alaska and more online at tauck.co.uk.

You’ve seen it on TV – spellbinding BBC Earth stories about our planet’s amazing wildlife and natural wonders. Now, come meet your planet.

Okavango Delta,

Botswana

16

Temples here whisper golden tales of ancient empires. Monuments memorialise marble

sonnets. Palaces speak volumes about privileges royally inspired. Walled ramparts span

dynasties and kingdoms of might and men. Mountains challenge the mindful. Rivers flow

with daily life. Jungles hide tigers magnificent to behold. Villages thrive with stories waiting to be retold. Streets are paved with

enlightenment. And a reverence for hospitality is inextricably ingrained in the modern-day cities of the oldest civilisations on Earth.

A traveller’s dream destination, Asia is home to an eye-opening array of contrasting sights. Think wandering elephants and revered

cows, barefoot monks bearing bountiful blessings and tuk tuks laden with goods weaving their way to markets bustling in the open

air alongside the world’s best luxury hotels and high-tech advancements that boggle the mind. When was the last time you were

awed and exhilarated just by taking a walk?

ASIA

Great Wall of China

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CAMBODIA

GULF OFTHAILAND

VIETNAM

LAOS

HA LONGBAY

THAILAND

Hanoi

Da Nang

Ho Chi Minh City

Angkor Wat

CHINA

Maximum Elevation: 1,030 ft.

Cai Be

Phnom Penh

Siem Reap

LuangPrabang

SOUTHCHINA

SEA

Hoi An

Ha Long Bay

1. ARRIVE IN HANOI

Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

Transfers are included from Hanoi International Airport to

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, steps from the Opera

House in the French Quarter of Vietnam’s capital city.

Join us for a welcome dinner this evening. Meals D

2. HANOI HIGHLIGHTS

Get to know gracious Hanoi, one of the world’s most

interesting cities, on a sightseeing tour through Colonial

Hanoi, where wide boulevards, mansions, parks, and

the 1911 Opera House are the legacies of French

city planners. Drive to Ba Dinh Square to view the Ho

Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and the

ONE OF OUR MOST MEMORABLE JOURNEYS, INSIGHTFUL AND RICH... cruise

magnificent Ha Long Bay, gliding on a sampan in the Mekong Delta to river villages... explore Angkor temples that defy time...

uncover layered urban histories, from ancient Hoi An to French Hanoi to modern Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon...

meet artisans of silk and rice paper... discover cultural traditions, like Vietnamese water puppetry and Laotian Lao Baci... try your

hand at rice farming... travel by tuk-tuk, buggy, and cyclo... spend a bit of time among timeless golden buddhas... and more.

INDOCHINA: VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & LAOS

StorieS by

Ken Burns


Luang Prabang

4. FROM HA LONG TO DA NANG

A morning cruise through Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO

World Heritage Site, brings you up close to rocky

grottoes and quiet beaches. More picturesque sights

await after you disembark Bhaya III and fly from Hanoi

to Da Nang. In nearby Hoi An, an ancient village rich

in beauty and cultural history, stay two nights at Hotel

Royal Hoi An, on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Enjoy

dinner at your hotel this evening. Meals BD

5. ILLUMINATING HOI AN AND A CYCLO TOUR

Get to know Hoi An today. A UNESCO World Heritage

Site for its more than 844 historic structures, including

the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the village is easy to

explore and a delight to visit. Discover Hoi An’s historic

lanes on a cyclo tour, before enjoying the sights as you

wish. Life has changed little here over the centuries as

you will see when you wander past merchant homes and

temples. Take the opportunity to experience an authentic

slice of local life in the colourful riverside market, where

exotic foods and oddities are for sale. Meals B

One-Pillar Pagoda. Take a buggy ride to the infamous

Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”), where you’ll see where

Senator John McCain and Douglas Peterson were

once confined. Dine on regional specialties for lunch

and attend a traditional water puppet performance

this afternoon, a uniquely North Vietnamese art form,

centuries old, that celebrates rural life and folklore. The

rest of the day is free to spend as you like. Meals BL

3. M OVERNIGHT CRUISING ON HA LONG BAY

Observe rural Vietnamese daily life unfold as you pass

water buffalo, ancient temples, and local farmers at work in

the rice paddies en route to the inviting blue-green waters

of Ha Long Bay, known as the “Bay of the Descending

Dragons.” Legend has it that dragons sent by the gods to

help defend the land against invaders spat out jewels and

jade, which became the many spectacular emerald-green

pillar-like islands and islets that dot the bay today. Come

aboard Bhaya III, a replica of an ancient Chinese sailing

junk – with modern amenities – for an overnight cruise.

Enjoy a cooking demonstration before dinner. Meals BLD

ASIATravelling Well IncludesÉ• NEW FOR 2018 – Exclusive to Tauck, “Stories by

Ken Burns” are filmed narratives featuring insightsby award-winning filmmakers Ken Burns, LynnNovickandSarahBotsteinbasedontheirupcomingPBSdocumentaryseriesThe Vietnam War

• OvernightcruiseonHaLongBayaboard Bhaya III,areplicaofatraditionalChinesejunk

• Sampan cruiseintheMekongDeltawithvisitstoaricepaperworkshopandafishsaucefactory

• VisittothetemplesofAngkorandasunrisealms-givingritualinLuangPrabang

• AcyclotourofthehistoricsitesofpicturesqueHoiAn

• VisittoaricefarminruralLaosandaspecialLaoBaci“well-wishing”ceremony

• 38meals,airporttransfersasnoted;gratuitiestoshipstaffandlocalguides;servicecharges,admissionfees,taxesandporterage

20

6. TO HO CHI MINH CITY & CU CHI TUNNELS

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City this morning; upon arrival, head

to the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ben Duoc for a close-up look at

a key vestige of the Vietnam War. This vast underground

network of meeting rooms, triage centres and kitchens

offers a unique view of the wartime existence of the Viet

Cong and peasant soldiers. Dinner this evening in Ho

Chi Minh City is French – served in the elegant garden

courtyard of a restored city villa. Meals BLD

7. DISCOVERING HO CHI MINH CITY

You may recall Ho Chi Minh City as the former colonial

city of Saigon. Today it bustles with forward-looking

energy, new skyscrapers, traditional street vendors, and

open-air cafés. Take in landmarks of Vietnamese history

on a tour that includes the Post Office; the Cathedral;

and Reunification Hall, formerly the presidential palace of

South Vietnam. The rest of your day is free. Meals BL

8. DAILY LIFE IN THE MEKONG DELTA

This morning’s excursion takes you to the Mekong Delta

for a look at life along the Mekong River. Arrive in the

town of Cai Be, where a motorised sampan waits to ferry

you to little workshops making rice paper and fish sauce.

Enjoy lunch at the home of a local farmer. Dinner this

evening is at leisure in Ho Chi Minh City. Meals BLD

Phnom Penh

Siem Reap

9. FLY TO PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

Fly this morning from Vietnam into Cambodia, making

your way to exotic Phnom Penh, a city that has risen up

from troubled times to become a developing regional

attraction. Your landmark luxury hotel is across the street

from the American Embassy. This evening dine at one of

the city’s premier French restaurants. Meals BLD

10. THE CHANGING FACE OF PHNOM PENH

Explore Phnom Penh today, riding cyclos to visit the

century-old ornate Royal Palace complex and the Silver

Pagoda, notable for its silver-tiled floor, then view art

treasures at the National Museum. After lunch, if you

wish, join us for an optional visit to the “Killing Fields”

of Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng museum, where the

victims of the “S-21” prison are memorialised. Return to

Raffles Hotel Le Royal for dinner this evening. Meals BLD

11. FLY TO SIEM REAP & VISIT ANGKOR WAT

Take a short flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and

the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor, the ancient

capital city of the Khmer Empire. Angkor Wat, said to be

the largest temple ruins in the world, reigns in unrivalled

spiritual splendour; go on a guided visit before enjoying

dinner this evening at your tranquil hotel. Meals BLD

12. ANGKOR’S ANCIENT TEMPLES

On a guided tour today, view more amazing sculpted

monuments from the Khmer Empire, including the

root-shrouded Temple of Ta Prohm, imperial Angkor Thom,

the elaborate Elephant Terrace, and the incomparable

Bayon Temple. Have lunch at a local restaurant. Meals BL


13. FLY TO LUANG PRABANG

Spend the morning as you wish – enjoying the amenities

of your hotel or perhaps taking a tuk-tuk to explore more

of Siem Reap on your own. An afternoon flight brings you

to Luang Prabang in Laos. You’ll arrive in time for dinner

at your lovely colonial-style boutique hotel. Meals BLD

14. LAOTIAN HISTORY AND LIFESTYLES

Shortly after dawn in Luang Prabang, a gong announces

the end of morning prayers and the beginning of a

procession of monks emerging from the temples to seek

alms; rise early this morning to experience this extraordinary

ritual. After breakfast, explore the National Museum, which

depicts day-to-day royal life; visit the Wat Mai temple; and

take an orientation tour of the city. Then, a scenic drive

through the countryside leads to the beautiful multi-tiered

cascades of the Tad Kouang Si waterfalls, tumbling over

limestone formations to create turquoise-coloured pools;

the wildlife-rich jungle entices with natural footpaths perfect

for hiking. Return to your hotel in Luang Prabang for an

evening free to spend as you please. Meals BL

15. LAO BACI (WELL-WISHING) CEREMONY

Spend the morning on a community based living rice

farm in the countryside; experience the life of local rice

farmers and, if you like, try your hand at some of their daily

activities – or observe the scene from a traditional Lao

rice house balcony. There will also be time to visit local

handicraft workshops featuring crafts including bamboo

weaving, blacksmithing, and sugar cane processing. A

tour of an organic garden offers insights into traditional

medicine. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Later, join us for a farewell dinner highlighted by a special

Lao welcome and a traditional Lao Baci well-wishing

ceremony, complete with music and dance. Meals BLD

16 DAYS from £4,290* pluS AirfAre(15 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches & 10 Dinners)

BEGINS HANOI07⁄ , 17⁄ , 24⁄ Jan18⁄ , 25⁄ Feb14Mar16Sep14⁄ , 21, 31 Oct12 Dec

⁄ = Sold Out!

Dates in blue indicate Small Group Departures averaging 24 Tauck guests, priced from £5190 per person double plus on-tour air; specific dates apply – enquire at time of booking.

Special Solo Traveller Savings: dates in red indicate special departures where you save £280 on the single room price; enquire at time of booking.

Go to tauck.co.uk for up-to-the-minute space availability.

PRICE PER PERSON

International Airfare is additional. Contact Tauck for rates on international air for travel originating in the UK (subject to availability). Please enquire at time of

booking about additional hotel nights before or after your tour.

Bookings are subject to our Booking Conditions.

ACTIVITY2

PACE3 Go to page 133 for activity and pace level details.

FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1,2 SOFITELLEGENDMETROPOLE Hanoi, Vietnam

HANOI

Night 3 ABOARD BHAYA III Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Night 4,5 HOTELROYALHOIAN Hoi An, Vietnam

Night 6-8 INTERCONTINENTAL Ho Chi Minh City, ASIANASAIGON Vietnam

Night 9,10 RAFFLESHOTELLEROYAL Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Night 11,12 RAFFLESGRANDHOTEL Siem Reap, Cambodia D’ANGKOR

Night 13-15 THELUANGSAYRESIDENCE Luang Prabang, Laos

January–24February;14October–December*LAND PRICE + ON-TOUR AIR (6 flights) = TOTAL PER PERSON

Double £4650 + £1000 = £5650 Single £6071 + £1000 = £7071 Triple £4457 + £1000 = £5457

25February–13October*LAND PRICE + ON-TOUR AIR (6 flights) = TOTAL PER PERSON


16. JOURNEY HOME

Morning sightseeing takes you to an elephant village for

an educational opportunity before returning to your hotel

for lunch. A late day flight brings you back to Hanoi. Tour

ends: Hanoi. Fly to Hanoi International Airport to connect

with your flight home, arriving early evening; international

flights should depart no earlier than 9 PM. Allow at least

three hours for flight check-in at the airport. Meals BL

Mekong Delta

22

Bangkok

Hué

Ho Chi Minh City

LAOSChiangMai


CAMBODIA

GULF OFTHAILAND

VIETNAM

THAILAND

Hanoi

Da Nang

Angkor Wat

CHINA

Siem Reap

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

1. ARRIVE HANOI

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. A

transfer is included from Noi Bai International Airport to

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, close to the historic Old

Quarter of Vietnam’s capital city. This evening enjoy our

welcome reception and dinner at Le Beaulieu. Meals D

2. HANOI: FRENCH HERITAGE, ASIAN TRADITION

Explore Hanoi on a buggy ride that takes you past

old and new, a historic city turning stylish metropolis.

Sightseeing begins in Ba Dinh Square, a mecca for the

Vietnamese in central Hanoi. Lined with architecture

that speaks to the contrasts of the city’s past, the

square houses Ho Chi Minh’s Soviet-style mausoleum,

ONE TRIP. THREE COUNTRIES. INFINITE STORIES. Immerse in history, culture, and religion on an

eye-opening and moving journey through time... travel by cyclo, buggy, and boat like the locals do... visit three UNESCO World

Heritage Sites... tour the ancient Khmer temples of Angkor, the imperial Forbidden Purple City of Hué, the streets of Old Hanoi...

linger on the waterways of Bangkok and in the lush hills of Chiang Mai... see how locals really live – in traditional Thai tribes, in

a Vietnamese home, in outdoor markets. And discover the most relaxing (and relaxed) Buddha ever!

VIETNAM, CAMBODIA& THAILAND

StorieS by

Ken Burns


4. IMPERIAL SIGHTS / DA NANG’S CHINA BEACH

Visit the Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda, a seven-tiered

Buddhist tower built in the 1600s, followed by a boat

cruise along the Perfume River. Disembark and depart

Hué, driving through the emerald landscapes of Hai Van

Pass (and Hai Van Mountain) to the seaside town of Da

Nang for a two-night stay at your China Beach waterfront

resort. Dine at a choice of hotel restaurants. Meals BLD

5. HISTORY AND CHARM IN HOI AN

Meeting the locals is one of the best ways to connect with

a destination and today promises a close-up look at daily

life in Vietnam from a stop at a kindergarten school in Da

Nang to a cyclo tour of picturesque Hoi An and an insider

visit in a typical house. Memorable highlights include Hoi

An’s 18th-century Japanese bridge topped with a pagoda,

the Phung Hung House, and a riverside street market

bustling with colourful sights and sounds. Meals BD

his simple teak home on stilts, and the French colonial

palace once home to the governor general of Indochina.

Nearby, visit the petite One Pillar Pagoda rising out of a

lotus pond and Hoa Lo Prison (once termed the “Hanoi

Hilton” by American POWs). Later in the afternoon,

join us for a traditional water puppet show, an art form

unique to Vietnam. Dine as you wish tonight. Meals BL

3. HUÉ, VIETNAM’S ANCIENT CAPITALTake a short flight to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of

Hué, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful cities, where you will

visit the tomb of Tu Duc en route to your riverfront hotel.

After lunch, hop aboard a pedal-powered cyclo for an

open-air tour of Hué’s Imperial Citadel. Once the nation’s

capital, the remains of this 19th-century city include an

outer court of gardens, an inner court where the emperor

once met with dignitaries, a Forbidden Purple City, and a

palace – for use only by the royal family and trusted senior

advisors. Dine at leisure in your hotel tonight. Meals BLD

ASIATravelling Well Includes…• NEW FOR 2018 – Exclusive to Tauck, “Stories

by Ken Burns” are filmed narratives featuring insights by award-winning filmmakers Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein based on their upcoming PBS documentary series The Vietnam War

• Sightseeing by buggy in Old Hanoi and by cyclo in imperial Hué & historic Hoi An

• Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Angkor, Hué and Hoi An

• A drive to 14th-century Wat Phra That temple, overlooking the landscape of Chiang Mai; Hill tribe village visits to meet people of the Padong and Palong tribes of Chiang Mai; a boat cruise that explores daily life along the klongs (canals) of Bangkok

• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted

• 37 meals, service charges, taxes, gratuities to local guides and porterage

Thailand

24

6. CU CHI TUNNELS AND SAIGON HERITAGE

An early flight brings you to Ho Chi Minh City, known

as Saigon until after the end of the Vietnam War, where

you’ll head from the airport straight to the Cu Chi tunnels.

This immense underground network of tunnels was

dug by hand; work began during the country’s fight for

independence from the French, then expanded during the

Vietnam War to include bomb shelters and medical care

and storage facilities for the Viet Cong, deep under jungle

terrain. A guided walk here invites up-close exploration.

Dinner tonight is classic French fare, served at a fine

restaurant in downtown Ho Chi Minh City! Meals BLD

7. HO CHI MINH CITY

Exploring Ho Chi Minh City, visit Ben Thanh Market and

the former presidential palace of South Vietnam, renamed

“Reunification Hall” in 1975. An overview of the city’s key

sights follows, including the US Consulate; the former US

Embassy, a witness to the crucial events of 1975; the

Central Post Office designed by Paris’ Gustave Eiffel of

Eiffel Tower fame; and Notre Dame Cathedral. The rest of

the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish. Meals BL

8. SIEM REAP’S ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURES

Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, for a stay near the UNESCO

World Heritage Site of Angkor. Inside are scores of temples

and palaces, built by the Khmer people from the 9th – 15th

centuries, tributes to an exemplary civilisation. Your visit

today focusses on the best-preserved temple, Angkor Wat;

surrounded by a moat dug by thousands of workers, its

ornamented towers are nested in an alignment precisely

oriented along the Earth’s north-south axis. Meals BLD

9. SCULPTED TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

Jungle-clad Ta Prohm temple is your first stop today. Left

in the clutches of centuries-old vines, the temple’s delicate

reliefs are covered by creeping plants and its massive

stones are cleaved by green; the effect is otherworldly yet

magnificent. Sightseeing continues in Angkor Thom, at the

Terrace of the Elephants, and at Bayon Temple. Later, you

may wish to join us for a boat cruise on Tonle Sap Lake,

where you’ll see colourful “floating villages.” Meals BLD

10. NORTH TO CHIANG MAI & UP TO DOI SUTHEP

Morning flights bring you, via Bangkok, to Chiang Mai,

Thailand’s “Rose of the North,” known for its artistic

heritage. Upon arrival, venture into Doi Suthep-Pui National

Park, a wildlife reserve set in a dense mountain forest.

At the summit of Doi Suthep lies one of Thailand’s most

sacred sites, Wat Phra That temple; its golden-coloured

chedi (tower) overlooks the hills of Chiang Mai. Settle

into the award-winning Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai,

nestled in terraced rice fields with mountain views. Meals BD

11. AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN

Elephants are Thailand’s national animal; this morning

visit an elephant camp for an opportunity to feed these

wonderful creatures bananas and sugar cane, see how

they are bathed, and witness their amazing skills and

intelligence. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a visit to the Elephant

Nursery to see the baby elephants before returning to your

resort. The remainder of the day is spent at your leisure;

enjoy dinner at the resort this evening. Meals BLD

12. COLOURFUL, CULTURALLY RICH HILL TRIBES

Become acquainted with the region’s hill tribes who live

in traditional farming communities outside of Chiang Mai.

Each tribe has its own language, beliefs, and customs,

and many of them sell colourful handmade wares. Go

village hopping today, see how a local school operates,

Hoi An

Chiang Mai


and meet members of the Palong and Padong tribes; the

“long-necked” Padong women are known for the distinctive

brass rings they wear around their necks, making their

necks look elongated. The rest of your day is free. Meals BD

13. ON THE RIVER OF KINGS IN BANGKOK

Your return flight to Bangkok touches down in late morning.

Have lunch at a local restaurant before checking into your

hotel. From the balcony of your room, you’ll be able to look

out over the city’s spectacular Chao Phraya River, known

as the “River of Kings.” Enjoy time at leisure, followed by a

choice of dining venues this evening. Meals BLD

14. A GRAND PALACE & A RECLINING BUDDHA

Take an express boat to Tha Chang Pier for a walking

tour to Wat Pho temple, home of the golden Reclining

Buddha, about 43 metres long and 15 metres high! Visit

the 18th-century Grand Palace, where Thai royalty once

lived, and go inside Wat Phra Kaew to see the revered

small Buddha carved from a single piece of jade. Savour a

flavourful Thai lunch before a motorboat takes you back to

your hotel for free time for the rest of the day. Meals BL

15. EXPLORING BANGKOK’S KLONGS

Get a close-up look at daily life along the busy Chao

Phraya River on a cruise of Bangkok’s canals or klongs.

Stop to visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), a breathtaking

riverside landmark, and the Jim Thompson House

museum, home of the American architect-entrepreneur,

and former OSS operative, credited with revitalising the

Thai silk industry in the 1950s. Return to the Shangri-La

Hotel in the heart of Bangkok; we invite you to join us

this evening for a special farewell dinner. Meals BD

16. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Bangkok. A transfer is included from

Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok to Bangkok International

Airport; please allow a minimum of three hours for your

flight check-in at the airport. Meals B

Wat Pho Temple16 DAYS from £4,470* pluS AirfAre(15 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches & 12 Dinners)

BEGINS HANOI08⁄ , 12⁄ , 15⁄ , 19, 26⁄ , 29 Jan 02⁄ , 05⁄ , 19⁄ , 23⁄ , 26⁄ Feb 02, 09⁄ Mar 14, 24 Sep 12, 19, 29⁄ Oct 16 Nov 07, 10 Dec ⁄ = Sold Out!

Dates in blue indicate Small Group Departures averaging 24 Tauck guests, priced

from £5240 per person double plus on-tour air; specific dates apply – enquire at time of

booking.

Special Solo Traveller Savings: dates in red indicate special departures where

you save £280 on the single room price; enquire at time of booking.

Go to tauck.co.uk for up-to-the-minute space availability; additional departures

may become available as these sell out.

PRICE PER PERSON

International Airfare is additional. Contact Tauck for rates

on international air for travel originating in the UK (subject to

availability). Please enquire at time of booking about additional

hotel nights before or after your tour.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*), participation is

at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be required.


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1,2 SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE Hanoi, Vietnam

HANOINight 3 LA RÉSIDENCE HOTEL & SPA Hué, Vietnam

Night 4,5* FURAMA RESORT DA NANG Da Nang, Vietnam

Night 6,7 SHERATON SAIGON Ho Chi Minh City, HOTEL & TOWERS Vietnam

Night 8,9 RAFFLES GRAND HOTEL Siem Reap, Cambodia D’ANGKOR

Night 10-12 FOUR SEASONS RESORT Chiang Mai, Thailand CHIANG MAI

Night 13-15 SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, Bangkok,Thailand BANGKOK

*Tour of 26 Feb will stay at MGallery Hotel Royal Hoi An.

January – February; October – December*LAND PRICE + ON-TOUR AIR (5 flights) = TOTAL PER PERSON


March – September*LAND PRICE + ON-TOUR AIR (5 flights) = TOTAL PER PERSON


ACTIVITY2

PACE

3

Go to page 133 for activity and

pace level details.

26

5,000 YEARS OF STORIED SIGHTS... Great walls that weave ancient empires into modern-day wonders...

palatial monuments with forbidden treasures in Beijing... a rickshaw ride through colourful hutongs... Xi’an warriors standing

in stony silence for thousands of years... a river transforming the course of history... Shanghai acrobats & a city engineered to

soar... a sampan cruise on Shennong Stream... dim sum & Victoria Peak in Hong Kong...

The Great

Wall of China

CHINA, THE YANGTZE RIVER & HONG KONG

Beijing

Yangtze

River

ChongqingYichang

Guilin

Hong Kong

Shanghai

XiÕan

Li River


CHINA

1. ARRIVE IN BEIJING

Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Waldorf Astoria Beijing. Transfers are

included from Beijing Capital International Airport to Waldorf

Astoria Beijing. Please join us for a taste of local specialties

at this evening’s welcome reception and dinner. Meals D

2. THE GREAT WALL & LIFE IN THE HUTONGS

Take a walk atop the highest point of the Great Wall at the

Badaling section, descending down a stone path to the

bottom on foot. Have lunch with views of this architectural

wonder all around you at the Commune by the Great Wall.

This afternoon, board a rickshaw for a ride to Beijing’s

hutongs – traditional neighbourhoods – where a visit with a

local family adds to the memories of the day. Meals BL

3. A FORBIDDEN CITY & A HEAVENLY TEMPLE

Visit Beijing’s architecturally resplendent Temple of

Heaven this morning, a cultural treasure. Watch locals

practice Tai Chi and learn the moves yourself, before

exploring the Forbidden City, where Imperial China’s

emperors dwelt for centuries; tour the Hall of Supreme

Harmony, the Imperial Garden and more. Just beyond

the Forbidden City, continue on to famous Tiananmen

Square and the mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Dine at your

choice of hotel restaurants this evening. Meals BLD


ASIATravelling Well Includes…• 3-night Yangtze River cruise on the refurbished

Yangzi Explorer through the Three Gorges

• Private tour, rickshaw ride and visit with a family inside one of Beijing’s disappearing hutongs

• Private talk with a conservation expert at the Terra Cotta Warriors museum in Xi’an

• Special visits to the Han Yang Ling Underground Museum and the Shaanxi History Museum

• Private cruise along the Li River in Guilin, past mist-shrouded limestone peaks

• Performance of Shanghai’s daring, hi-tech ERA acrobatic show


• 37 meals, gratuities to ship staff & local guides, service charges, taxes and porterage

Terra Cotta Warriors

7. CRUISING THE TRANQUIL LI RIVER

Feast your eyes on the beauty of the Li River on a

private Tauck cruise past tranquil bamboo groves and

mist-shrouded limestone peaks; then get ready for a

luncheon feast you’ll help prepare yourself during today’s

cooking demonstration. Your evening is free. Meals BLD

8. CHONGQING / M EMBARK YANGTZE CRUISE

Your morning flight brings you to Chongqing. Make a visit

to the Chongqing Zoo – known for its rare species including

giant pandas and red pandas – before boarding the Yangzi

Explorer, extensively renovated in 2017, for the start of your

three-night Yangtze River cruise. Meals BLD

9. M LIFE ALONG THE YANGTZE RIVER

Learn how to prepare authentic tea and make dumplings

as you cruise the Yangtze. After lunch, join us on a

shore excursion to Fengdu or Wanzhou (depending

on river conditions) for a look at local life; meet farm

families whose lives were changed by the Three Gorges

Dam Project; the colossal dam project displaced more

than 1.2 million people. Enjoy afternoon tea, an onboard

lecture, and a welcome dinner tonight. Meals BLD

4. FLY TO XI’AN & GO UNDERGROUND

Fly to Xi’an, one of the oldest cities in China and home

to more than 3,100 years of history. Visit the Han Yang

Ling Underground Mausoleum – undisturbed for about

2,100 years before it was recently opened to the public –

and its museum, where you’ll find cultural relics depicting

life during the Western Han Dynasty. Meals BD

5. TERRA COTTA WARRIORS & SHAANXI MUSEUM

Some 8,000 lifelike soldiers, with life-sized horses, have

guarded their emperor’s tomb for 2,000 years... get an

insider’s view of the Terra Cotta Warriors from a leading

museum staffer. After a traditional dumpling lunch, explore

ancient China further with a special visit to the Shaanxi

History Museum, home to 300,000+ artefacts. Meals BLD

6. FLY TO GUILIN FOR A CANAL CRUISE

Fly to Guilin, whose landscapes have inspired for

centuries. An early evening cruise on the city’s canals

takes you past buildings and under bridges built to

imitate famous spans like the Golden Gate Bridge

and the Tower Bridge; enjoy a cormorant fishing

demonstration along the way. Meals BD

28

10. M CRUISING THE THREE GORGES

Today, navigate through Qutang and Wu gorges; explore

Shennong Stream on a private Tauck shore excursion via

sampan (local longboat); and enjoy a calligraphy lesson

as Yangzi Explorer sails through Xiling Gorge. Meals BLD

11. THREE GORGES DAM & ON TO SHANGHAI

Tour the site of the Three Gorges Dam, one of the largest

engineering projects ever attempted; disembark Yangzi

Explorer in Yichang for your flight to Shanghai. Meals BLD

12. SHANGHAI’S BUND, ACROBATS & MORE

In Shanghai, explore the famous waterfront Bund; visit

harmonious Yu Gardens; and watch the daring acrobatic

performers of the acclaimed ERA show tonight. Meals BL

13. THE PAST MEETS THE FUTURE IN SHANGHAI

“Time travel” at Shanghai’s Urban Planning Centre; view

premier artefacts at the Shanghai Museum; and see historic

shikumen homes on a walk through Xintiandi. Meals BD

14. WELCOME TO HONG KONG

Fly to Hong Kong and explore the city as you wish today

from your world-class hotel, set more than 100 stories

atop a skyscraper overlooking Kowloon Harbour. Meals B

15. HONG KONG FROM MANY VIEWPOINTS

Rides on the Star Ferry, a private double-decker bus, and a

funicular tram up Victoria Peak offer different perspectives

of Hong Kong. We invite you to join us for a farewell

reception and dinner tonight at your hotel, overlooking

Kowloon and Victoria Harbour from the upper floors of the

International Commerce Centre. Meals BLD

16. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Hong Kong. Fly home anytime; a transfer is

included from The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong to Hong Kong

Int’l Airport. Allow 3 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1-3 WALDORF ASTORIA BEIJING Beijing

Night 4,5 SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, XI’AN Xi’an

Night 6,7 SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, GUILIN Guilin

Night 8-10 ABOARD YANGZI EXPLORER Yangtze River

Night 11-13 FAIRMONT PEACE HOTEL Shanghai

Night 14,15 THE RITZ-CARLTON, Hong Kong HONG KONG


BEGINS BEIJING05⁄ , 12, 26 Apr 03, 17, 24 ⁄ , 31 May 07, 14 Jun 30 Aug 06⁄ , 13, 27 Sep 04, 11, 18⁄ , 25 Oct ⁄ = Sold Out!


from £5,160 per person double plus on-tour air; specific dates apply – ask at booking.




PRICE PER PERSON

05 April – 11 April; 14 June – 29 August; 18 October – 31 October

*LAND/CRUISE PRICE + ON-TOUR AIR (5 flights) = TOTAL PER PERSON

M Main Deck Double £4590 R £830 U £5420 (Deluxe Cabins) Single £6046 R £830 U £6876 Triple £4213 R £830 U £5043

M Xiling Deck Double £4670 R £830 U £5500 (Deluxe Cabins) Single £6198 R £830 U £7028 Triple £4284 R £830 U £5114

M Wu Deck Double £4750 R £830 U £5580 (Deluxe Cabins) Single £6261 R £830 U £7091 Triple £4313 R £830 U £5143

M Wu Deck Double £5440 R £830 U £6270 (Standard Suites) Single £6982 R £830 U £7812 Triple £4658 R £830 U £5488

M Qutang Deck Double £5580 R £830 U £6410 (Standard Suites) Single £7065 R £830 U £7895 Triple £4698 R £830 U £5528

M Qutang Deck Double £6140 R £830 U £6970 (Jade Suite) Single £8692 R £830 U £9522 Triple £5486 R £830 U £6316

12 April – 13 June; 30 August – 17 October

*LAND/CRUISE PRICE + ON-TOUR AIR (5 flights) = TOTAL PER PERSON

M Main Deck Double £5040 R £900 U £5940 (Deluxe Cabins) Single £6939 R £900 U £7839 Triple £4612 R £900 U £5512

M Xiling Deck Double £5080 R £900 U £5980 (Deluxe Cabins) Single £7097 R £900 U £7997 Triple £4681 R £900 U £5581

M Wu Deck Double £5160 R £900 U £6060 (Deluxe Cabins) Single £7157 R £900 U £8057 Triple £4712 R £900 U £5612

M Wu Deck Double £5850 R £900 U £6750 (Standard Suites) Single £7872 R £900 U £8772 Triple £5054 R £900 U £5954

M Qutang Deck Double £5990 R £900 U £6890 (Standard Suites) Single £7961 R £900 U £8861 Triple £5097 R £900 U £5997

M Qutang Deck Double £6540 R £900 U £7440 (Jade Suite) Single £9588 R £900 U £10,488 Triple £5882 R £900 U £6782

International Airfare is additional. Contact Tauck for rates on international

air for travel originating in the UK (subject to availability). Please enquire at time of



3

ACTIVITY

3

PACE Go to page 133 for activity and pace level details.


Our 3-night cruise aboard Yangzi Explorer takes you through the scenic

heart of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges, with included shore

excursions. Carrying no more than 124 guests with a crew of 130

and boasting the highest ship staff-to-guest ratio on the Yangtze,

Yangzi Explorer enters the 2018 cruising season fresh from an

extensive refurbishment in 2017. The ship’s Deluxe Cabins –

equipped with a minibar, bathrobes and slippers, phone, safe,

TV, hair dryer, and private balcony – have been revamped with

new furnishings, wall coverings, carpeting, curtains, bed linens

and more... while all suites have undergone a complete renovation

showcasing contemporary Chinese design elements and featuring

new amenities from bed linens to bathrobes and slippers. Yangzi

Explorer offers many options for your leisure-time activities, including a

fitness centre, multi-language library, spa facilities, theatre, lounge, and

espresso bar. Enjoy international buffets at breakfast and lunch, while

dinner tempts with fine dining and a variety of international and Chinese

specialties in a new restaurant. The Yangzi Explorer cruise runs east from

Chongqing to Yichang. Ask at booking about cabin selection for solo and

small group departures.

Chongqing

Shibaozhai

Fengdu

Daning River

Shennong Stream

Zigui

Badong

Shashi

Chibi

Yueyang

Yichang

Wuhan

Jialing River

Wanxian

Fengjie Wushan

Dongting Lake

T h e T h r e e G o r g e s

Qutang

Gorge

Wu Gorge

Xiling Gorge

The Three Gorges Dam Reservoir

507K

505K

506K

Jade599 K

410K

412T

414K

408TC

406KC

306TC

310TC

207KC

401K

308KC

312KC

203K

205TC

Suite

Lounge

Clinic

BusinessCenter

Photo Center

303KC

301KC

313K

314K

211K

212K

Deluxe Cabin

Suite

Jade Suite

K = King Bed

= C - Connecting Cabins

T = Twin Bed

YANGZI EXPLORER

30

DISCOVER THE REVERED TRADITIONS AND UNIQUE SENSE OF BEAUTY THAT INFUSE

LIFE HERE... On the main island of Honshu, from Tokyo to the hot springs resort town of Hakone and on through the “Japanese

Alps” to Kanazawa and the cultural treasure trove of Kyoto, visit a private home, shoes off, for a tea ceremony and Origami... explore

castles, temples, shrines, a samurai home, and world-class gardens... make sushi, taste sake, cruise Lake Ashi to see Mt. Fuji... enjoy

a taiko performance, Shinto music, Kagura dancing, a sumo wrestling demonstration... and meet a geisha expert.

KyotoESSENCE OF JAPAN

1. ARRIVE TOKYO

Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo. A

transfer is included from Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda

airports to the five-star Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo,

conveniently located in the Nihonbashi business district

in the heart of the city. Join us for a welcome reception

and dinner at your hotel this evening. Meals D

2. EXPERIENCE TOKYO TRADITIONS

Life in Tokyo is a lively mix of traditions, past and

present. This morning, you will have the opportunity

to get your hands around two of them. First up is an

exclusive and exhilarating taiko drumming class where

you will learn the basics and the beat of this jazzed up

“fat drum” music, shoes off. Sushi making with an expert

is next on the menu, where you’ll become proficient in

the fine art of folding, rolling, and sampling your edible

works of art. This afternoon, explore the Edo-Tokyo

Museum, chronicling Tokyo’s development from its roots

Tokyo

PACIFIC

OCEAN


Hakone

Mt. Fuji

SEA OF

JAPAN Matsumoto

Kanazawa

Kyoto

JAPAN

Odawara

Takayama


ASIATravelling Well Includes…• Multiple-nightstaysinpremierhotelsinTokyo,

Kyoto,andHakoneandatatraditionalhot

springsresortinMatsumoto

• Tokyo’sEdo-TokyoMuseum,Shintomusic,

Kaguradancing,taikodrums,andsumo

wrestling

• Kyoto–aprivatehomevisitwithteaceremony

andOrigamidemonstration,explorationswith

alocalGeishaexpert,visitstoNijoCastle,

Kinkaku-jiTemple,andKiyomizuTemple

• AcruiseonLakeAshibeneathMt.Fuji;

aflowerarrangingworkshopinHakone;

saketastinginTakayama;aguidedtourof

Kanazawa’sKenroku-enGarden,oneof

Japan’smostreveredlandscapedgardens

• Airporttransfersuponarrivalanddeparture

asnoted

• 29meals,gratuitiestolocalguides,service

charges,admissionfees,taxesandporterage

ikebana, Japanese flower arranging, with a teacher who

leads the class and gives a demonstration. Alternatively,

you can visit the Hakone Open Air Museum featuring

sculptures by Rodin, Picasso, Henry Moore, and others

in a park-like setting. If you’d like, you can indulge

in some pampering at your hotel’s spa, or do as the

Japanese do and take a dip in the healing hot springs

(onsen). Tonight put on your yukata (kimono) and relax

over a special “homey” dinner at your hotel. Meals BLD

5. THE JAPANESE ALPS AND MATSUMOTO

Drive across Honshu Island through the towering

“Japanese Alps,” forested mountains reaching a height

of 2,700+ metres. Your route takes you past lakes

and into winding valleys dotted with rice farms, rivers,

and villages. Stop for lunch in the hot springs town of

Matsumoto, where you’ll see 400-year-old Matsumoto

Castle; Japan’s oldest castle and a national treasure,

it is also known as the “Crow Castle” because of its

black exterior. Continue to your hotel, combining the

authenticity of a traditional Japanese inn with the

comforts of a contemporary hotel, including western-style

and Japanese rooms, in a tranquil setting. Dinner this

evening is Japanese style, yukatas and slippers on, in a

private room with musical entertainment. Meals BLD

as a fishing village called Edo. The rest of the day is

free to enjoy and explore on your own. There are many

excellent restaurants near your hotel, and your Tauck

Director can make suggestions for places to try. Meals BL

3. ART IN HAKONE, A LAKE CRUISE, AND MT. FUJI

This morning board the legendary bullet train

(shinkansen) for a short ride south to Odawara and

continue on to the scenic hot springs resort town of

Hakone. Enjoy a cruise by private boat on Lake Ashi;

weather permitting, see views of Mt. Fuji, Japan’s

highest mountain, looming over the landscape. Have

lunch, followed by a visit to the Okada Museum of

Art; the exhibits you will see here, including Japanese,

Chinese and Korean works of art, date from ancient

times through present day. This afternoon, settle into

your hotel for a two-night stay. Have dinner at your

leisure tonight in the hotel’s French restaurant. Meals BLD

4. EXPLORING TRADITIONS IN HAKONE

Visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum this morning to

see a prized collection of 100+ kimonos created by the

artist, Itchiku Kubota. After lunch, you have a choice

of activities. You may wish to discover the secrets of

Tokyo musician

32

6. OLD TAKAYAMA AND A SAKE BREWERY

This morning, head off for the mountain town of Takayama,

arriving in time for lunch at a restaurant famous for its

Hida beef. This afternoon, take a lesson in sake (Japanese

rice wine) making and tasting at a local brewery. Continue

on to Kanazawa, just inland from the Sea of Japan, for a

two-night stay; the town is well known for its well-preserved

Edo-era districts, art museums and handicrafts. This

evening, dine at a choice of hotel restaurants. Meals BLD

7. GARDENS AND A SAMURAI HOME

A full day’s sightseeing begins in the historic Samurai

District with a visit to the restored Nomura Samurai Family

Residence showcasing the lifestyle of the samurai during

feudal times, when they were prosperous. Next, take a

guided stroll through Kenroku-en Garden, considered

among the country’s top three landscaped gardens. Enjoy

lunch at a signature brasserie restaurant of acclaimed

French chef Paul Bocuse, then join us on a cultural

Lake Ashi

excursion along the cobblestone streets of the historic

Higashi Chaya district and Kanazawa’s geisha district to

see their iconic lattice-lined geisha houses and tea houses.

Spend the rest of the day exploring as you wish. Meals BL

8. A TRAIN RIDE TO BEAUTIFUL KYOTO

Depart Kanazawa by train for Kyoto, arriving around

midday for a four-night stay at a premier hotel in Kyoto.

Have lunch and begin your exploration of the city that

is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful. On your

introductory sightseeing tour, discover a city centre of

glass and steel skyscrapers ringed by hidden temples,

shrines, and gardens that exude the tranquillity and

charm of Japan’s ancient culture. You may choose to

have dinner at our selected local restaurant this evening

or tomorrow night; the choice is yours. Meals BLD

9. A CASTLE, A TEMPLE & THE GEISHA DISTRICT

Today’s sightseeing begins with a visit to the

golden-topped Kinkaku-ji Temple, set in an ancient

garden on the edge of a lake – a position symbolising its

place “between heaven and Earth.” Hear the story of how

this 14th-century temple was burned to the ground by a

young monk and then completely reconstructed. Continue

to the moated Nijo Castle, a 17th-century shogun’s residence

and UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by cherry trees;

discover the secret of its “nightingale” floors on a guided

tour, shoes off. After lunch, join our geisha expert for an

insider tour of the back streets of one of Kyoto’s geisha

districts, sharing personal insights on the “flower and

willow” world of the geishas, past and present. Meals BL

INSIDETHEWORLDOFTHEGEISHA

Kyoto is considered the birthplace of Japan’s

geisha culture with the historic Gion district at

its heart. To become a geiko, the preferred term

for geisha, women must spend years in training

as a maiko, perfecting lessons in traditional

dance, musical instruments, flower arranging,

tea ceremonies, calligraphy, painting and the

art of conversation. Seeing them perform is an

exclusive privilege and a highlight of your visit to

Japan. Learn more about their elite world as our

insider expert leads you through the back streets

of the city’s geisha districts, sharing stories along

the way.


10. A PRIVATE HOME VISIT IN KYOTO

Begin your day with a prayer at the Kiyomizudera (Pure

Water Temple) established in 778; the current buildings

were rebuilt in the 17th century. Drink the water here in

long-handled cups as you wish for longevity, success or

love. Kyoto is known as the craft capital of Japan, and

many traditional arts have been passed down through the

generations. Experience the revered customs of Japanese

culture firsthand during a visit to a private home here; take

your shoes off, come in, and your gracious hostess will

demonstrate the very specific rituals of a Japanese tea

ceremony, followed by a lesson in the paper art of Origami.

Return to your hotel where the afternoon is free for you

to enjoy Kyoto’s charms as you like. Join us for a special

dinner this evening at a local restaurant. Meals BD

11. KYOTO AS YOU PLEASE

Today is free for you to do as you please. The city’s classic

cultural gems span the centuries, and your Tauck Director

will have suggestions for places for you to visit. Meals B

12. TRADITIONAL ARTS AND SUMO IN TOKYO

Ride the train from Kyoto back to Tokyo, arriving in time

for lunch at the famous restaurant Nobu. Afterward visit

Meiji Shrine and view a sacred dance (Kagura) based on

a poem by Emperor Meiji. Our special farewell reception

and dinner tonight take place at a local restaurant and

include a larger-than-life demonstration by sumo wrestlers

(weight gain is an essential part of sumo training). Japan’s

national sport, sumo wrestling, traditionally performed by

men, dates back to ancient times when it was a ritual

performed to entertain the Shinto deities. Meals BLD

13. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Narita International Airport. Fly home anytime.

An airport transfer is included from Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

to Narita International Airport. Please allow a minimum of

three hours for flight check-in at the airport. Meals B

Taiko drumming

13 DAYS from £7,090 pluS AirfAre(12 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches & 8 Dinners)

BEGINS TOKYO16, 18, 23, 25⁄ , 30⁄ Mar 01⁄ ,06⁄ ,08⁄ , 13⁄ , 15⁄ , 20⁄ , 22⁄ Apr 04, 06, 13⁄ , 25 May 03, 08, 22 Jun 24 Aug 07, 09, 21, 23Sep05, 07, 14, 19 Oct 04, 16 Nov ⁄ = Sold Out!

Dates in blue indicate Small Group Departures averaging 24 Tauck guests,

priced from £8480 per person double; specific dates apply – enquire at booking.




PRICE PER PERSON01–22March;July–30August;16–30NovemberDouble £7090 Single £9417 Triple £6698

23–31March;31August–08September;02–15NovemberDouble £7740 Single £10,119 Triple £7294

April–June;09September–OctoberDouble £8140 Single £10,498 Triple £7732





3

ACTIVITY

3


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1,2 MANDARINORIENTAL,TOKYO Tokyo

Night 3,4 HYATTREGENCYHAKONE Hakone RESORT&SPA

Night 5 TOBIRAONSENMYOJINKAN Matsumoto

Night 6,7** HOTELNIKKOKANAZAWA Kanazawa

Night 8-11* FOURSEASONSHOTELKYOTO Kyoto

Night 12 MANDARINORIENTAL,TOKYO Tokyo

*Small Group Departures will stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto.

**Tours of 06 & 08 April will stay at the ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa; tour of 05 Oct

will stay at the Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel.

34

RECENTLY NAMED ONE OF “50 TOURS OF A LIFETIME” BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER, this emotionally powerful journey takes you beyond the Japan you think you know. Discover cultural and natural

riches with five days in Osaka and Tokyo and eight days aboard your yacht exploring coastal villages, countryside, and Busan, South

Korea... glide through the idyllic Seto Inland Sea and around the tip of Kyushu... with onshore visits to renowned temples, outstanding

museums, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki. Go inside the worlds of a pearl farmer, a geisha, sumo wrestlers, samurai, monks...

Miyajima

CRUISING THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN

1. ARRIVE OSAKA

Northbound tour begins: The St. Regis Osaka, The

Ritz-Carlton, Osaka or The Conrad Osaka. A transfer is

included from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport or Itami

Airport to The St. Regis Osaka, The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka or

The Conrad Osaka. Enjoy a lecture, geisha performance

and dinner during Tauck’s exclusive cultural evening. Meals D

2. TEMPLES AND TRADITIONS OF KYOTO

Sightseeing includes a visit to the Zen Golden Pavilion and

Sanjusagen-do Temple. After lunch at a local restaurant,

attend a taiko drumming experience. The rest of the day is

free. (Sightseeing on days 2 and 3 may alternate.) Meals BLD

CHINA

RUSSIA

NORTH

KOREA

Tokyo

Uwajima

Hiroshima/Miyajima

Kyoto

Kurashiki

Uno Ko

SEA OF

JAPAN

EAST

CHINA

SEA

PHILIPPINE

SEA

HONSHU

STRAIT

OF KOREA

Busan


JAPAN

SOUTH KOREA

Naoshima

Maizuru

Kagoshima

KYUSHU

SHIKOKU

Sakaiminato/Matsue

Nagasaki

OsakaNara Bullet Tra

in


ASIATravelling Well Includes…• Tauck’s private shore excursions and distinctive

inclusions

• All gratuities to Tauck Director, ship staff, local guides and drivers

• 8-night cruise aboard the yacht L’Austral

• 3 nights in Osaka and 2 nights in Tokyo at premier city-centre hotels

• Special Tauck Experiences featuring local cultural entertainment include a sumo wrestling demonstration, geisha and taiko performances and more

• Aboard ship alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the day, including house wines & spirits; premium spirits and wines are available at extra cost

• 36 meals on land and at sea, airport transfers as noted, service charges, applicable fuel surcharges, taxes, and porterage

6. M HIROSHIMA & THE PEACE MEMORIAL

Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and sites associated

with the WWII atomic bomb blast of August 1945. After

lunch at a local restaurant serving regional fare, you can

choose to visit the Miyajima-Itsukushima Shrine; or tour the

local Mazda factory. Sail on to Uwajima tonight. Meals BLD

7. M PEARLS AND SQUIRRELS IN UWAJIMA

In Uwajima, visit a pearl farm, stroll through a market,

and check out the Flying Squirrel Temple on a tour led by

a Buddhist monk. The squirrels fly only at night! Meals BLD

8. M SAMURAI & MORE IN KAGOSHIMA

Visit the Chiran Samurai Gardens, and the Chiran Peace

Museum for Kamikaze Pilots, followed by a choice of

activities. Ferry across the bay to see volcanic Sakurajima

up close, or visit the traditional gardens and stately family

home at Sengan-en Garden in Kagoshima. Meals BLD

3. EXPLORING HISTORIC NARA

Journey to Nara to visit Todai-ji (Eastern Great Temple) and

see the Great Buddha sculpted in bronze. After lunch, visit

Nara Park, considered a national treasure. Meals BL

4. OSAKA DISCOVERIES / M EMBARK SHIP

Visit Osaka’s landmark Umeda Sky Building and enjoy a

walking tour of the city’s Dotonburi district after lunch.

Board your yacht L’Austral this afternoon. Meals BLD

5. M ART, BICYCLING & BEER IN UNO KO

Anchor in Uno Ko and travel to Kurashiki for a guided

walking tour and a visit to the Ohara Museum of Art. After

lunch onboard L’Austral, you’ll have a choice of three

activities. Ferry to the island of Naoshima, exclusively

devoted to art installations and the work of the world-class

architect Tadao Ando. Or choose a bicycle ride through

Uno Ko or a visit to Kirin Yokohama Beer Village. Enjoy

your captain’s welcome dinner this evening. Meals BLD

Great Buddha

36

9. M A DAY IN NAGASAKI

Arrive in Nagasaki for a visit to the Nagasaki Peace Park,

and the Atomic Bomb Museum. After lunch onboard, a

choice of visits includes the Glover Gardens and the Dejima

Museum; or the Nagasaki Ropeway up Mt. Inasa. Meals BLD

10. M BUSTLING BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA

Cruise to Busan this morning; guided sightseeing in this

South Korean city includes a visit to the United Nations

Memorial Cemetery and the Jagalchi Fish Market. Meals BLD

11. M SAKAIMINATO & MATSUE’S BLACK CASTLE

Arrive in Sakaiminato for a visit to the Adachi Museum.

After lunch onboard ship, you can explore Sakaiminato on

your own or choose an excursion to Matsue and the Black

Castle. Enjoy the captain’s farewell dinner tonight. Meals BLD

12. BULLET TRAIN TO TOKYO – AND GINZA

Disembark ship, drive to Kyoto and ride the bullet train to

Tokyo and your city-centre hotel. Enjoy a guided walking

tour of Ginza before spending time at leisure. Meals BL

13. FROM A SHRINE TO SUMO IN TOKYO

Visit the Meiji Shrine and the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

After free time, join us this evening for a farewell dinner

featuring traditional music and sumo wrestling. Meals BLD

14. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Tokyo. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included

from the Mandarin Tokyo, the Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo or

Palace Hotel Tokyo to Narita Int’l Airport or Haneda Airport.

Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in. Meals B


BEGINS OSAKANorthbound – Osaka to Tokyo Southbound – Osaka to Tokyo 06⁄ , 22⁄ Apr ⁄ = Sold Out! 14, 30 Apr


LAND / CRUISE PRICE PER PERSON

M Superior Cabin – Deck 3

Double £8270 Single £10,572 Triple £5721

M Deluxe Cabin – Deck 3

Double £8680 Single £10,986 Triple N/A

M Prestige Cabin – Deck 4






M Deluxe Suite – Deck 6

Double £10,960 Single N/A Triple N/A

MM Prestige Suite – Deck 5

Double £11,370 Single N/A Triple £7792

MM Prestige Suite – Deck 6

Double £12,060 Single N/A Triple £8253

M Owner’s Cabin – Deck 6

Double £15,170 Single N/A Triple N/A

International Airfare is additional. Contact Tauck for

rates on international air for travel originating in the UK

(subject to availability). Please enquire at time of booking

about additional hotel nights before or after your tour.

Land / Cruise Price includes everything described in

Booking Conditions as well as Tauck shore excursions, cruise

fare, port charges, applicable fuel surcharges, entertainment

and gratuities to Tauck Director and ship staff. Aboard

ship alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available

throughout the day, including house wines & spirits; premium

spirits and wines are available at extra cost. Departures will be hosted by one Tauck

Director for approximately every 40 guests. Tauck’s private shore excursions

and distinctive inclusions valued at £1,560.

Travel North or South: Go to tauck.co.uk for southbound itinerary or ask

at booking. Note: Departure of 30 April calls in Sasebo instead of Nagasaki;

sightseeing will differ.

Shore Excursion Selection: Tauck will contact guests 60 days prior to departure

to assist with shore excursion selections. Note: For all bike rides, hikes and

activities marked with an asterisk (*), participation is at your own risk and requires

a signed liability waiver to be provided.


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1-3 ST. REGIS OSAKA / RITZ-CARLTON, Osaka

OSAKA / CONRAD OSAKA

Night 4-11 ABOARD LÕAUSTRAL Cruising

Night 12,13 MANDARIN TOKYO / SHANGRI-LA, Tokyo TOKYO / PALACE HOTEL TOKYO

ACTIVITY2

PACE

3


pace level details.

Matsue Castle

Bar


504 502506508510512514516518520522524526528530532534536

503 501505507509511515517519521523525527529531533535537539

BridgeLeisure Area

Lift Lift

LiftPhoto

desk

Fitness Balneo

Zodiac

Zodiac

Sun DeckBar

Open-air Bar

Restaurant

Mari

na

ExcursionDesk

Reception Desk

308310312314316318320322324326328330332334

309311315317319321323325327329331333335337 307 305 303 301 300

Center

Medical

306 304 302

FloorDance Main Lounge

Bar

Shop

Theater

402404406408410412414416418420422424426428430432434

401403405407409411415417419421423425427429431433435437

Lift Lift

Lift Lift

Lift Lift

612 610 608614616618620622624626

615 611 609 607 605617619621623625

602 Deluxe

suite

Owner's

suite

601 Deluxe

suite

603 Deluxe

suite

Bar

Internet

Library

PanoramicTerrace Pool Restaurant

Buffet

Grill

PanoramicLounge

Lift

Lift

Lift

Lift

Lift

Deck 7

Deck 6

Deck 5

Deck 4

Deck 3

Deck 2

•

Superior Stateroom – Deck 3 Deluxe Stateroom – Deck 3 Prestige Stateroom – Decks 4, 5, 6

Deluxe Suite – Deck 6

(Prestige Suites consist of twocombined Prestige Staterooms)

Prestige Suite – Decks 5 & 6

Please note: All staterooms on LÕAustral contain showers.Bathtubs are not available except in Owner’s Suite.

Owner’s Suite – Deck 6

• Indicates a bathtub is featured.

L’Austral is small enough to

provide a truly intimate cruise

experience, and her size makes

her ideally suited for visiting ports

that bigger ships can’t reach.

Inviting staterooms (18.5 – 19.5

sq. m.) and suites (28 – 37 sq. m.)

sport sophisticated French touches

and ocean views; elegant public

spaces create the atmosphere of an

upscale floating hotel.

SHIP SPECIFICATIONS:

Built: 2011

Length: 466 ft. / 142 m.

Draft: 15 ft. / 4.5 m.

Beam: 59 ft. / 18 m.

Tonnage: 10,700 gross tons

Cruising Speed: 14 knots

Air Conditioned: Yes

Elevator: Yes

Number of Guests: 224 – 264

Crew Members: 140

Registry: France

Crew Nationality:

French / International

Complimentary Internet:

Service levels may vary

LÕAustral is a 6-deck ship with a chic main dining

room and a casual grill restaurant; three lounges with

bars, access to open decks and evening entertainment; a

theatre, Fitness and Beauty Corner, medical centre, multiple

observation areas; and elevators servicing decks 2 to 6.

132 staterooms (18.5 to 19.5 sq. m.) and suites (28 to 37

sq. m.) have ocean views; 95% have private balconies.

Staterooms offer individually controlled air conditioning,

twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed or a sofa that

converts to a queen-size bed, video on demand, flat-screen

TV with satellite channels, safe, hair dryer & minibar.

38


Mumbai

Agra

KathmanduDelhi

NEPAL

CHINA

INDIA

BAY OF

BENGAL

ARABIAN

SEA

Ganges RiverKhajuraho

Mount Everest

Bhaktapur

BandhavgarhNational ParkJabalpur

ChitwanNational

Park

FROM THE HIMALAYAS TO THE ARABIAN SEA... and Chitwan and Bandhavgarh

national parks... discover the cultural diversity, spiritual complexity, compelling history, and natural

beauty of Nepal and Northern India. Special field equipment gives you unique perspectives on Mother

Nature’s most fascinating creatures... set off on game-viewing safaris by boat and Jeep in search of the

single-horned Asiatic rhino and the elusive Bengal tiger... and fly over Mt. Everest on a flightseeing trip!

NORTHERN INDIA & NEPAL

1. ARRIVE NEW DELHI

Tour begins: The Imperial. A transfer is included from

Indira Gandhi International Airport to The Imperial, a

landmark, iconic hotel located steps away from the

shopping district. Most international flights arrive

between 11:00 PM and 3:00 AM. To ease jet lag,

consider travelling to India a day early; ask at booking.

2. OLD & NEW DELHI, PAST AND PRESENT

Explore Old and New Delhi today on a sightseeing

excursion that includes a drive to the Red Fort, the

busy marketplace of Chandni Chowk and Vijay Chowk

to see the Secretariat building, Parliament House, the

Presidential Palace and the India Gate. Visit Rajghat,

Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site, and the UNESCO


ASIAEarth Journeys Highlights…• On-tourfilmvignettescustom-madeforTauck

byBBCEarthnaturalhistoryexpertsplus

otherselectBBCEarthtouches

• Smallgroupadventureaveraging20guests

perdeparture

• StaysatluxuriousOberoihotelsinMumbai

andAgra(withinsightoftheTajMahal)

• TwonightsinChitwanNationalPark&3nights

inBandhavgarhNationalParkwithdailysafaris

• Aprivateflightseeingcharterflightoverthe

HimalayasforviewsofMountEverest

• AMaharajahdinnerwheretheladiescandress

insarisandthegentlemeninturbans

• 42meals,airporttransfers,gratuitiestolocal

guides,servicecharges,taxesandporterage

and pagodas are clustered around the old royal palace, and

visit Kasthamandap, the namesake of Kathmandu said to

be built from a single mythical tree. Tour the marketplace

of Thamel by rickshaw and have lunch in a local restaurant.

Before a traditional Nepalese dinner tonight, meet a female

Sherpa who’s climbed Mount Everest several times; her

presentation is followed by an opportunity for you to ask

questions about her many expeditions. Meals BLD

5. MONKS, A MEDIEVAL TOWN, AND ARTISANS

At nearby Kopan Monastery the monks start their day in

prayer and meditation; take your shoes off and join them

during a morning visit before heading to the colossal stupa

of Boudhanath; it is encircled by images of Buddha and

hundreds of prayer wheels. Explore medieval Bhaktapur

with a local guide; see opulent palaces, temples and

squares in a maze of cobblestone streets free of traffic.

Craftsmen, potters, woodcarvers and weavers produce

their wares here as they have for centuries; you’ll have an

opportunity to view their extraordinary handiwork. Meals BL

World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb, built in 1570

of sandstone and marble and modelled after an Islamic

paradise garden. After lunch at a local restaurant,

sightseeing continues with a visit to the soaring Qutb

Minar Victory Tower, built in 1193. This evening, we

invite you to join us for a welcome dinner. Meals BLD

3. A FLIGHT TO KATHMANDU

Board a plane bound for Kathmandu in Nepal. Touch

down for a three-night stay at a family-run hotel. This

afternoon, visit Pashupatinath Temple on the bank of the

sacred Bagmati River; one of the holiest Hindu temples,

it is renowned for its golden roof and silver doors. Dine

at a choice of hotel restaurants tonight. Meals BD

4. HIMALAYAS FLIGHTSEEING AND A SHERPA

Rise early this morning for a flightseeing* adventure that

soars above the alpine landscapes of Mount Everest. Touch

down for a tour of Durbar Square, where ancient temples

Kathmandu

40

6. FLY TO CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

Fly to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage

Site in the foothills of the Himalayas. Home to one of the

few remaining groups of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros,

it’s also one of the last refuges of the Bengal tiger. After

lunch, go on a river safari* by boat and enjoy a sundowner

before returning to your lodge for dinner. Meals BLD

7. EXPLORE CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK BY JEEP

Explore Chitwan National Park on a jeep safari and join a

naturalist for an opportunity to feed and interact with the

elephants at your lodge. Rest of the day is free. Meals BLD

8. A MOUNTAIN RESORT IN DHULIKHEL

Take an early morning jeep safari before flying to

Kathmandu. Drive to your mountainside resort in Dhulikhel

for an overnight stay, where demonstrations in singing

bowls and cooking give you a glimpse of life here. Meals BLD

9. FLY TO DELHI AND ON TO AGRA

Fly to Delhi and continue to Agra, home to the white marble

wonder that is the Taj Mahal. Stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas,

Agra, and dine at your choice of hotel restaurants. Meals BD

Taj Mahal

10. THE TAJ MAHAL AND AGRA FORT

Explore the mesmerising Taj Mahal up close on a

sunrise visit or after breakfast – or both! Then, visit

the city of Agra and the 16th-century red sandstone

Agra Fort, a huge complex of fairy tale palaces and

mosques. This evening’s Maharajah dinner requires

special preparations, with ladies being shown how to

wear a traditional sari (with a touch of henna painting)

and gentlemen donning turbans. Meals BLD

11. THE TEMPLES OF KHAJURAHO

After a morning at leisure, fly to Khajuraho for an overnight

stay. Visit the town’s temples built between the 9th and

10th centuries and praised by UNESCO for striking a

perfect balance of architecture and sculpture. Meals BLD

12. BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK

Drive to Bandhavgarh National Park today, a wildlife-rich

reserve where leopards, deer, jungle cats, wild dogs, and

very elusive, masterfully camouflaged tigers live; you’ll go

on a jungle safari in an open-topped jeep for a chance to

spy resident wildlife. Dine at the lodge tonight. Meals BLD

13. A JUNGLE SAFARI AND A VILLAGE VISIT

At daybreak, drive with expert trackers into the heart of

the Bandhavgarh Forest, one of India’s most scenic areas.

Keep your camera handy – the wildlife at home here include

tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild boar, jackals and a

variety of birds. Following lunch, spend the afternoon on

another jungle safari or visiting a local village. Meals BLD

MEETMAYASHERPAINKATHMANDU

The first Nepalese woman to have climbed Mount

Everest three times (2006, 2007 and 2016), Maya Sherpa

has always been an adventurer at heart. After studying

business and working as a licensed trekking guide, she

led her first expedition to Mount Everest in 2006. Since

then she has reached the summit of some of the world’s

most difficult mountains and is an inspiration to women

the world over. Fearless and ever humble, she says

“Despite the challenges and hindrances along the way,

nothing is more awesome than knowing I have stepped

on the top of the world.” Chat with her on Day 4, schedule

permitting. In the rare case Maya is not available, you’ll

meet another sherpa who has climbed Mt. Everest.


14. SAFARI DRIVES AND VILLAGE LIFE

Enjoy a picnic breakfast on this morning’s jungle safari.

After lunch, you have a choice of an afternoon jungle

safari or a visit to a local village. An interactive cooking

demonstration precedes dinner at the hotel. Meals BLD

15. FLIGHT TO MUMBAI

An early morning journey brings you to the airport for

your flight to Mumbai (Bombay). Take an orientation tour

of landmark sights – and colourful dhobis – en route to

your waterfront hotel, where dinner is at leisure. Meals BLD

16. COLONIAL MUMBAI

A guided tour of Mumbai today takes you to the Gateway

of India, commemorating the landing of King George V

and Queen Mary in 1911, walks past heritage sites that

chronicle the city’s historic roots, and goes inside the

railway station, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly

known as the Victoria Terminus. A UNESCO World Heritage

Site, it is resplendent with vaulted roofs, arches, Gothic

spires, flying buttresses, gables crowned by neoclassical

sculptures, stone carvings, and friezes. Have lunch and

spend the afternoon exploring the sights as you wish. Join

us for a farewell cocktail reception this evening. Meals BL

17. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Mumbai (Bombay). Fly home anytime.

A transfer is included from The Oberoi, Mumbai

to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Most

international flights depart between 2:00 – 3:00 AM;

allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Kopan Monastery


BEGINS DELHI07, 14⁄ , 28⁄ Jan 04⁄ , 11⁄ , 18⁄ , 25⁄ Feb 04, 11 Mar 14, 28 Oct 18Nov 09 Dec ⁄ = Sold Out!

Go to tauck.co.uk for up-to-the-minute space availability. All departures are small

groups averaging 20 guests each, ensuring a more intimate travel experience!

PRICE PER PERSON

*LAND PRICE + ON-TOUR AIR (6 flights) = TOTAL PER PERSON

Double £7340 + £240 = £7580 Single £9425 + £240 = £9665 Triple N/A + N/A = N/A



availability).

Please enquire at booking about additional hotel nights before

or after your tour.


at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be required.


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1,2 THEIMPERIAL Delhi, India

Night 3-5 DWARIKA’SHOTEL Kathmandu, Nepal

Night 6,7 MEGHAULISERAI Chitwan Nat’l Park, Nepal

Night 8 DWARIKA’SRESORTDHULIKHEL Dhulikhel, Nepal

Night 9,10 THEOBEROIAMARVILAS, Agra, India AGRA

Night 11 THELALITTEMPLEVIEW Khajuraho, India KHAJURAHO

Night 12-14 MAHUAKOTHI Bandhavgarh Nat’l Park, India

Night 15,16 THEOBEROI,MUMBAI Mumbai (Bombay), India

Special note about travelling on Northern India & Nepal:

In order to access Bandhavgarh National Park, we will be

travelling on two-lane roads which may be very bumpy

and uneven. Driving in India is unlike driving at home,

and you may be unaccustomed to – or even surprised by

– the local rules of the road. This journey is designed for

guests who have a

spirit of adventure

and are comfortable

travelling in vehicles

for longer periods

of time; the trip will

not be suitable for

anyone who has

back problems.

ACTIVITY

4

PACE

4


pace level details.

42

INDIA THROUGH THE AGES reveals itself in architectural wonders, royal feasts, ceremonies reflecting spiritual

traditions, and opulent palaces, some reborn today as unrivalled Oberoi luxury hotels where you will stay during visits to Agra,

Jaipur and Udaipur... Indulge in services and sights reserved for royalty as you explore New Delhi... experience sacred rituals of

Varanasi on the River Ganges... find eternal love at the Taj Mahal and a fairy tale city at the Red Fort of Agra... and let yourself

be mesmerised by Maharajah gems in Jaipur, a jewelled lake in Udaipur, the art of living in Kerala, and the metropolis of Mumbai.

A PORTRAIT OF INDIA

1. ARRIVE NEW DELHI

Tour begins: The Leela Palace Hotel, New Delhi. A transfer

is included from Indira Gandhi International Airport to The

Leela Palace Hotel, New Delhi, a landmark hotel ideally

located in the heart of downtown. International flights may

arrive between 11:00 PM and 3:00 AM local time. To ease

jet lag, we recommend arriving in India a day early; ask at

booking for additional hotel nights before your stay.

2. OLD AND NEW IN DELHI

Discover the contrasts of Delhi with a local guide on a

drive by the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House,

Presidential Palace and the iconic India Gate, a colossal

monument inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. See

the ancient Qutb Minar Victory Tower and Humayun’s

Taj Mahal


Mumbai

KochiKumarakom

Jaipur

Udaipur

Agra

Varanasi

DelhiNEPAL

PAKISTANCHINA

INDIA

LakeVembanad

BAY OF

BENGALARABIAN

SEA

INDIAN OCEAN

Ganges River


ASIATravelling Well Includes…• Multiple-nightstaysatthreehotelsranked

amongthe“World’sBest”hotelsbyTravel +Leisurereaders–TheOberoiUdaivilas,TheOberoiRajvilasandTheOberoiAmarvilas

• TwonightsinJaipur,highlightedbyaMaharajaheveningfeaturingdinnerandentertainment

• AnexclusivevisittothehomeofaKeralanchefforacookingdemonstrationanddinner

• Aluncheoncruiseonatraditionalthatched-roofriceboat

• KathakaliandMohiniattamdanceperformances&amartialartsdemonstration

• InUdaipur,alessonintheartofdressinginasariorturbanandaboatrideonLakePichola

• 44meals,airporttransfersuponarrivalanddepartureasnoted,gratuitiestolocalguides,servicecharges,admissions,taxesandporterage

along the Ganges tonight as hundreds of pilgrims line the

steps to chant, pray and “put the river to sleep”; then board

small oar-powered boats to row along the river. Dine at a

choice of hotel restaurants this evening. Meals BLD

5. GANGES RIVER CRUISE AND ON TO AGRA

Join us for a private sunrise cruise on the river, before

flying to Agra for a two-night stay; your room at the Oberoi

Amarvilas, Agra overlooks the Taj Mahal. Enjoy lunch upon

arrival. Spend the rest of the day as you like. Meals BLD

6. THE TAJ MAHAL AND AGRA FORT

A guided visit to the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage

Site, promises a close up look at this monument to love,

richly decorated with precious and semi-precious stones.

Sightseeing continues at the 16th-century Red Fort of Agra,

home to fairy tale palaces and stunning marble mosques.

Dine at a choice of hotel restaurants tonight. Meals BLD

Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site modelled after

Islamic paradise gardens. This afternoon, visit the home

where Mahatma Gandhi was staying when his life was

ended by an assassin; the house and grounds are now a

museum. Join us for a welcome dinner tonight. Meals BLD

3. PAST PERFECT... OLD DELHI

Explore Old Delhi’s labyrinthine streets for a compelling

look at 17th-century mansions, mosques and temples.

Visit the massive 16th-century Red Fort and Raj Ghat,

the memorial set on the site of Gandhi’s cremation. The

rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. Meals B

4. FLY TO SPIRITUAL VARANASI

Take a morning flight to Varanasi, set along the banks of

the River Ganges. With a guide, visit the ruins, temple and

museum at Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon, and

the National Museum. Witness the evening prayer spectacle

Jaipur

44

7. JOURNEY TO JAIPUR & PALATIAL SITES

Drive to Jaipur for a two-night stay at a luxury Oberoi

hotel, arriving in time for lunch. This afternoon, join us for

a guided visit to the City Palace Museum to see exhibits

of historic royal costumes, Pashmina shawls and silk

saris; see accurate astronomical instruments dating to

the early 18th century at the Jantar Mantar Observatory.

The day ends with a special Maharajah evening. Meals BLD

8. AMBER GEMS OF JAIPUR

Visit Amber Fort today, discovering a palace whose walls

are covered with paintings, carvings, precious stones and

mirrors. Following a guided tour, a puppet show and lunch

at the Raj Palace, the rest of the day is free. Meals BLD

9. JAIPUR TO UDAIPUR

Fly to Udaipur today for a three-night stay at The Oberoi

Udaivilas, Udaipur, consistently voted among the top luxury

hotels in the world. En route to your hotel, visit the fountain

gardens of Saheliyon-ki-Bari, designed for strolling; have

lunch at a terrace restaurant; and enjoy a boat ride on Lake

Pichola. The rest of the day is free to indulge in the royal

ambiance and pampering amenities of your hotel. Meals BLD

10. ROYAL TEMPLES AND PALACES

Sightseeing today includes an overview of local sights with

a visit to the massive City Palace complex. See the Jagdish

Mandir Temple and explore the museum and the former

living quarters of the Maharajah of Udaipur. After lunch

and an afternoon at leisure, join us for a sari and turban

demonstration, before dining at a restaurant owned by

descendants of the caterers to the royal family. Meals BLD

11. A RICKSHAW RIDE TO THE LOCAL MARKETS

Climb aboard a traditional rickshaw for a sightseeing ride

through the city’s colourful spice and vegetable markets,

a great way to feel like a local. Explore as you like for the

rest of the day; dinner is included at the hotel. Meals BD

12. LIFE ALONG THE MALABAR COAST

Fly to Kochi (via Mumbai) on the scenic west coast

of India. A relaxing boat ride along picturesque

waterways views fishermen collecting their day’s

catch, before a sunset sail on the Arabian Sea. This

evening, see the world-renowned Kathakali dancers

perform at your hotel before dinner. Meals BD

13. KERALA HISTORY & FLAVOURFUL CUISINE

A lecture on the history of Kochi and Kerala precedes a

guided tour that visits the Dutch Palace, and St. Francis

Church; see Fort Cochin and enjoy lunch at a local eatery.

Tonight’s cooking demonstration at a chef’s private home

is followed by a family-hosted dinner. Meals BLD

14. HOUSEBOATS & CLASSICAL DANCERS

Travel through the small villages of coastal Kerala

as you make your way to the picturesque island of

Kumarakom in Lake Vembanad for a two-night lakeside

stay. En route, board a thatched-roof rice boat that’s

Udaipur

SPOTLIGHTONINDIA

Tailor-made for travellers wishing to experience

a shorter trip in India, Tauck’s 12-day Spotlight

on India explores the “Golden Triangle” of Delhi,

Agra and Jaipur, with three nights in Udaipur

and an overnight in Varanasi as you travel in

style through northern India. Spotlight on India

is priced from £4450 plus on-tour air, departing

09, 30⁄ January, 08⁄ March, 09 October, and 06

December, 2018. Visit tauck.co.uk for complete

details. ⁄ = Sold Out!


been converted into a luxury houseboat for a cruise

through Kerala’s palm-fringed canals. Tonight, at your

resort, you’ll be treated to a program featuring dancers

performing the centuries-old classical Indian dance form

known as Mohiniattam. Meals BLD

15. RESORT PLEASURES ON THE LAKE

Join a local guide for a walk through the enchanting village

of Kumarakom, a cluster of little islands renowned as a

birdwatcher’s paradise. Spend the afternoon indulging in

the beauty of your surroundings as you wish; join us for a

martial arts demonstration before dinner. Meals BLD

16. FLY TO MUMBAI (BOMBAY)

Spend the morning at leisure and have lunch before your

flight to Mumbai, India’s economic powerhouse. Enjoy a

brief orientation tour of the city en route to your hotel and

have dinner tonight at a choice of restaurants. Meals BLD

17. MUMBAI’S TREASURES

Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Gates of India,

a walk to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chhatrapati

Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus), and a chance to see

the famous dabbawalas (tiffin providers) at work in the

metro. Join us for a farewell reception this evening. Meals BL

18. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Mumbai (Bombay). Fly home anytime.

A transfer is included from The Oberoi, Mumbai to

Chhatrapati Shivaji Int’l Airport. Most of the international

flights depart between 2:00 and 3:00 AM; allow a

minimum of three hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Kumarakom Lake Resort

ON-TOUR FLIGHTS IN INDIAIndia is the world’s seventh largest country with vast

differences in geography, climate, culture, language

and ethnicity. So that you can see many of its

fascinating sights, we have scheduled five on-tour

flights to speed us from place to place. Please be

advised that some routes require long travel days

and multiple flights due to a lack of non-stop options,

but the experiences that await in every destination

make each journey worthwhile.


BEGINS NEW DELHI04, 11⁄ , 16, 18⁄ , 25⁄ Jan 01⁄ , 06, 08, 15⁄ , 22⁄ Feb 01Mar 11, 18 Oct 01⁄ , 08 Nov 20 Dec ⁄ = Sold Out!

Dates in blue indicate a Small Group Departure averaging 24 Tauck guests, priced


booking.



Go to tauck.co.uk for space availability. Additional departure dates may become

available as these sell out.

PRICE PER PERSON

International airfare is additional. Contact Tauck for

rates on international air for travel originating in the UK

(subject to availability). Please enquire at time of booking



at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1-3 THELEELAPALACEHOTEL, New Delhi

NEWDELHI

Night 4 THEGATEWAYHOTEL Varanasi GANGESVARANASI

Night 5,6 THEOBEROIAMARVILAS,AGRA Agra

Night 7,8 THEOBEROIRAJVILAS,JAIPUR Jaipur

Night 9-11 THEOBEROIUDAIVILAS,UDAIPUR Udaipur

Night 12,13 VIVANTABYTAJMALABAR Cochin

Night 14,15 KUMARAKOMLAKERESORT Kumarakom

Night 16,17 THEOBEROI,MUMBAI Mumbai (Bombay)

January–21February;October–December


Double £6270 + £760 = £7030 Single £8198 + £760 = £8958

22February–September


Double £5480 + £720 = £6200 Single £7332 + £720 = £8052

ACTIVITY

3

PACE

3


pace level details.

46

LANDS OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS Discover the rich diversity of Israel and Jordan: the cultures, faiths and

ethnicities that coexist in this land of prophets, iconic locales and turbulent history. Sail the Sea of Galilee on a replica ancient

fishing vessel, explore the crusader citadel at Akko, and ride camelback in the “lost city” of Petra. Guided sightseeing to legendary

sites – like the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, Via Dolorosa – offers unique insights into Judaism, Islam and Christianity, while

cultural experiences connect you to the hearts of the people who live in this complex crossroads of ancient and modern worlds.

ISRAEL &

JORDAN

1. ARRIVE TEL AVIV

Tour begins: 6:30 PM, InterContinental David Tel Aviv.

A transfer is included from Ben Gurion Airport to

InterContinental David Tel Aviv, noted for sweeping views

of the Mediterranean Sea. Please join us this evening for a

welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the hotel. Meals D

2. ANCIENT JAFFA AND TEL AVIV

Your day begins with a Hebrew lesson, followed by a

walking tour of Jaffa, the ancient Arab seaport at the

heart of the modern city. This enclave is home to a

diverse population of Jews, Muslims, and Christians,

its winding stone streets and alleys a maze of galleries,

antique shops, and restaurants. After lunch at a local

café, a city tour offers a striking contrast to the mud

and stone look of Jaffa and reveals why Tel Aviv earned

a UNESCO World Heritage designation. The “White

City” by the sea is famous for its wealth of Bauhaus

architecture – plain white modernist houses that reflect

simplicity and practicality – brought here by European

immigrants in the 1930s. The rest of the day is free for

you to explore this hip young city on your own. Your

hotel is within easy walking distance of the beach,

restaurants and a nightlife second to none. Meals BL

3. ANCIENT CAESAREA AND HAIFA

Travel to Caesarea, named for the Roman emperor

Caesar Augustus, for a walking tour of its ruins. Leave the

sun-baked sands for the green foothills of Mount Carmel

and the Baha’i Shrine and Gardens on the slope of Mount

Carmel, featuring terraces and immaculate gardens that

lead to the golden-domed tomb of the Bab, messenger

Petra


ASIATravelling Well Includes…• Guidedvisitstodiversesitessuchasthe

WesternWall,DomeoftheRock,SephardicSynagogues,ViaDolorosa,ChurchoftheHolySepulchre,andJezzarPashaMosque

• AspecialBedouin-styletraditionalfeastnearPetra,featuringasworddance

• SpecialtastingmenuandpresentationatTheEucalyptuspriortoaprivatereceptionattheTowerofDavidandtheamazingsoundandlightshowacrossthewallsoftheTowerofDavid

• ASeaofGalileecruiseaboardaworkingreplicaofa2,000-year-oldfishingboat;walkingtoursexploringIsrael’sandJordan’santiquities,guidedbylocalexperts&TauckDirectors;modern-daydiscussionsincludinga“ProphetSharing”paneldiscussion

• Airporttransfersuponarrivalanddepartureasnoted

• 33meals,gratuitiestolocalguides,servicecharges,admissionfees,taxesandporterage

of the Baha’i Faith, which teaches that no religion has a

monopoly on the truth. Dine at your hotel this evening, high

atop Mount Carmel with great city views. Meals BLD

4. ALONG THE SEA OF GALILEE

Visit the Yigal Allon Museum and learn about the Galilee

Boat, a 2,000-year-old fishing vessel discovered in 1986.

Board a working replica of the boat and sail the Sea of

Galilee on a guided tour to see how fishermen in Jesus’

time lived and worked. Stop in Nazareth for lunch; this rural

area contains many kibbutzim – farming communities which

teach self-reliance, collective action, and civic responsibility.

Return to Haifa, where guests can participate in a “Prophet

Sharing” panel discussion, a unique opportunity to ask

questions and share information about the major religions

coexisting in this multicultural land. The rest of the evening

is free to spend as you please. Meals BL

MEDITERRANEAN

SEA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

Tel Aviv

Caesarea

Haifa

Akko

Sea ofGalilee

Nazareth

Masada

Jerusalem

DeadSea

Jaffa

Bethlehem

Petra

Amman


Jord

an R

iver

SYRIA

Dome of the Rock

48

5. AKKO, PLACE OF MANY RULERS

Explore the old citadel of the walled seaport city of Akko,

with its warren of streets and alleys, arches, towers, tunnels

and underground chambers. Experience the tranquility

of the 18th-century Jezzar Pasha Mosque – view its

graceful minarets and stunning mosaics, built over the

ruins of a Crusader church. Enjoy lunch at one of the city’s

best-known, most sought-after restaurants, Uri Buri, run

by Chef Uri Yirmias; casual with understated elegance, his

seafood restaurant is famous all over. Arrive in Jerusalem;

pause at the Mount of Olives before arriving at your

award-winning hotel, one of the newest and most luxurious

in Israel, set in the heart of the ancient city. Meals BL

6. JERUSALEM – CITY OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY

A guided Jerusalem walking tour includes a visit to

the Western Wall, last remnant of Solomon’s Temple.

The wide plaza before the wall is an open-air place of

reflection where Jews gather daily to pray and offer

supplications to God, sometimes written on paper and

stuffed into cracks between the massive stones. Take

a walk along the Cardo; visit the Jewish Quarter; and

descend into the ingeniously engineered Sephardic

Synagogues, built below street level. Following lunch at a

café, visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum,

where a guide walks you through the images, survivors’

accounts, and artefacts that put human faces on the

Holocaust. Dine at the hotel tonight. Meals BLD

7. THE OLD CITY / DOME OF THE ROCK

Return to the Old City for a visit to the Dome of the

Rock, a 7th-century Islamic shrine built on the Temple

Mount. Its golden dome shelters the rock from which the

Prophet Mohammed ascended to Heaven; for Jews, it

covers the holiest spot on Earth, the Foundation Stone

of Solomon’s inner temple, which contained the Ark of

Tower of David Light Show

the Covenant. Retrace the steps Jesus took on the Via

Dolorosa en route to the Crucifixion; the winding path

ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, enclosing

the place where Jesus was crucified and buried. An

ancient tasting menu, centuries old, highlights a special

dining experience and presentation at The Eucalyptus,

one of Jerusalem’s popular restaurants. Dinner tonight

is followed by a dessert reception at the Tower of David

prior to a spectacular sound and light show. Meals BLD

8. BETHLEHEM / DEAD SEA SCROLLS

Spend time in Jerusalem or join us for a locally guided

visit to the West Bank and Bethlehem. Tourism is the

primary industry, but Bethlehem is also home to fine art by

local craftsmen with centuries-old skills. Here you’ll visit

the 4th-century Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest

churches in the world. Enter through a low door, known as

The Door of Humility, then wind downstairs to a cave below

the basilica known as the Grotto of the Nativity; a silver star

on the floor marks the spot where Jesus was born. Walk

from Manger Square to the Milk Grotto, carved out of soft

white rock, where the Holy Family took refuge before their

flight into Egypt. Then return to Jerusalem for a visit to the

Israel Museum where you’ll view the Dead Sea Scrolls, the

earliest known manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible; they were

discovered in caves in the West Bank in the 1940s. Meals B

9. MASADA / CROSSING INTO JORDAN

Depart for Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

overlooking the Dead Sea. A Jewish revolt against the

Romans ended on this wind-swept plateau in 73 AD;

view its restored ancient buildings, rebels’ houses, and

synagogue. Today, Masada has an important connection

to the modern state as it is the place where Israeli soldiers

swear their oath of allegiance. Have lunch and cross into

Jordan for a stay at a resort on the Dead Sea. Meals BLD

Bedouin-style evening



BEGINS TEL AVIV13⁄ , 27⁄ Feb 08,13, 15 Mar 17⁄ , 19⁄ , 24⁄ , 26⁄ Apr 01⁄ ,03⁄ , 08⁄ , 10, 15, 22 May02⁄ , 04, 09, 11⁄ , 16⁄ , 18, 25, 30 Oct 01, 06, 08⁄ ,15 Nov ⁄ = Sold Out!


from £4960 per person double; specific dates apply, enquire at booking.




PRICE PER PERSONFebruary–02May;08–30November

Double £4140 Single £5281 Triple £3958

03May–07November


International Airfare is additional. Contact Tauck for rates on international air for

travel originating in the UK (subject to availability). Please enquire at time of booking



3

ACTIVITY

2


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1,2 INTERCONTINENTALDAVIDTELAVIV Tel Aviv, Israel

Night 3,4 DANCARMELHAIFA Haifa, Israel

Night 5-8 WALDORFASTORIAJERUSALEM Jerusalem, Israel

Night 9,10 MÖVENPICKRESORT&SPA Dead Sea, Jordan DEADSEA

Night 11,12 MÖVENPICKRESORTPETRA Petra, Jordan

Night 13 AMMANROTANA Amman, Jordan

10. DAY ALONG THE DEAD SEA OR JERASH

Visitors to the Dead Sea marvel at its dramatic

landscape, float in its buoyant salt waters, or cover

themselves in its mineral-rich, therapeutic black mud.

Spend a relaxing day at the resort, indulge yourself at

the world-class spa, or join us for a trip to the ancient

city of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman

cities in the world. Step back in time 2,000 years and

explore well-preserved remains of Roman architecture

including Hadrian’s Arch, the Hippodrome, temples,

baths, colonnaded streets and more in this fascinating

archaeological site. Dine tonight at the resort. Meals BLD

11. TO MOUNT NEBO AND PETRA

Depart the Dead Sea for the ancient “lost city” of Petra;

on the way, stop at Mount Nebo, where Moses looked out

upon the “Promised Land.” You’ll also visit the Memorial

Church of Moses to see its ancient mosaics, located inside

the excavated Old Baptistery. Biblical history is everywhere

en route, most notably in Madaba; visit St. George’s Greek

Orthodox Church to view a map from the 6th century

detailing major biblical sites. Enjoy a lunch of traditional

Jordanian specialties, and arrive late afternoon. Meals BLD

12. PINK CITY OF PETRA & BEDOUIN EVENING

Spend the morning discovering the 2,000-year-old pink city

of Petra, carved out of rose-coloured sandstone cliffs. The

temples, tombs and the Treasury remained hidden in the

mountains for thousands of years before discovery in 1812.

Explore on foot and by horse cart; visit the elaborately

sculpted Treasury – after lunch in the old city, return to

your hotel by camel and horse cart. Spend the afternoon

at leisure at the hotel, then get set for tonight’s special

farewell dinner! As a Tauck Exclusive, join us this evening

for a real taste of Jordan when you’ll dine Bedouin-style at

a traditional feast near Petra. A dance troupe of Jordanian

men, dressed in customary Bedouin garments, entertains

with a performance of the Dabkeh sword dance for a look

at captivating centuries-old traditions. Meals BLD

13. AMAZING KING’S HIGHWAY TO AMMAN

Drive along the winding 5,000-year-old King’s Highway, one

of the world’s oldest continuously used roads, to Amman;

take a brief city tour prior to arriving at the hotel. Guests

with early evening flights will be taken directly to Queen Alia

International Airport while those departing late night or early

the next morning will stay at Amman Rotana. Meals BLD

14. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Amman. Transfer is included from Amman Rotana to

Queen Alia International Airport. You should allow a minimum of

three hours for flight check-in at the airport. Meals B

Haifa

50

Wines carefully cultivated. Safari lodges and members’ clubs wilderness inspired.

Private reserves protecting wildlife. National parks pulsing with seasonal migrations.

Prehistoric man expertly unearthed. Tribal villagers living with nature. Watering holes

refreshing passing herds. Rhinos and chimps in sanctuary safety. Elephant encounters, naturalist led. Game drives, sighting

rich. Lions lazing in acacia trees. Giraffes dining on treetops. Meerkats on guard in tight-knit communities. And hundreds of

fleet-footed gazelles, cheetahs, leopards, wildebeest and myriad exotic animals and birds roaming together wild and free.

To drive through, soar over, picnic among, walk amidst, sundowner in and sleep within African landscapes parading with the

circle of life is to experience magical moments unlike any you have imagined before. There are many Africas just waiting to

be explored. Find yours and be forever moved.

AFRICA


Mount Kilimanjaro

52

MYSTICAL, MYSTERIOUS, FOREVER FASCINATING MOROCCO, with its mix of Arabic and

European cultures, unfolds its treasures on this 10-day tour that includes the great ancient cities of Rabat, Fes, Meknes, Casablanca and

Marrakech... along the twisting, labyrinthine streets of medinas teeming with aromatic spice bazaars, souks, and street food vendors...

down wide boulevards lined with palm trees and French colonial architecture... in stunning palaces, mosques, and sultans’ tombs... in

the piano bar at Rick’s in Casablanca... in the Roman ruins at Volubilis... on a camel ride... in a Berber tent under a desert sky...

1. ARRIVE RABAT

Tour begins: 6:30 PM, La Tour Hassan. A transfer

is included from Rabat-Salé Airport or Casablanca

Mohammed V International Airport to La Tour Hassan,

ideally located close to Hassan Tower. Join us tonight for

a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel. Meals D

2. RABAT, MOROCCO’S CAPITAL & ON TO FES

Morocco’s seaside capital city is an intriguing blend

of medieval Arabic and modern European influences,

wide palm-lined boulevards, enclaves of elegant French

colonial architecture, and Moorish-style palaces,

mosques, and ramparts that echo the city’s golden age

as an Almohad stronghold. Sightseeing in Rabat includes

a walk through the clifftop 10th-century fortress Kasbah

MAGIC OF MOROCCO

Essaouira

SPAIN

Fes

ATLANTIC

OCEAN

Middle AtlasMountains

Casablanca Rabat

Volubilis

Marrakech

High AtlasMountains

MEDITERRANEAN

SEAMaximum Elevation: 1,529 ft.

Meknes

Essaouira

MOROCCO


AFRICATravelling Well Includes…• SightseeinginMarrakech,includingthe

SaadianTombsandahorse-drawncarriageride

• VisittoVolubilis,withlunchataprivatehomeandatalkbyauniversityscholarabouttheroleofwomeninMoroccansociety

• LunchatRick’sCaféinCasablanca,modelledonthe“ginjoint”inthefilmCasablanca

• AneveningofBerbercultureandcuisine,includingdining,musicandentertainmentunderadeserttent,andacamelride

• VisittothestablesandgranaryatSultanMoulayIsmail’s17th-centurypalaceinMeknes

• AchoiceofdiscoveriesinFes,includingaculinaryorartisan-focussedwalkingtourorexplorationoftheJewishquarter,followedbyavisittothetanneriesanddinneratariad


• 23meals,gratuitiestolocalguides,taxes,servicecharges,admissionfeesandporterage

transport here is in the ancient, traditional style, on

foot. A choice of sightseeing today includes a culinary

walking tour to sample the local cuisine; an insider’s

look at the craftsmanship of the artisans who make

intricate carvings, rugs, leatherwork, and metalwork;

or exploration of the Jewish quarter to learn about its

influence on cuisine and culture. Have lunch in the

medina, then get an eye-opening tour of the city’s

tanneries; preparing leather is still done by hand in the

same way as in medieval times, including dipping it in

deep, multicoloured pools of dye. Dinner tonight is at an

elegant riad, where its architecture reflects old and new,

and its cuisine respects traditional Fassi fare. Meals BL

4. ROMAN RUINS AT VOLUBILIS

Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, set among the rolling

hills and fertile farmland between Fes and Meknes. Volubilis

was a remote military outpost of the Roman Empire that

fell to local tribes in 285 AD and was never retaken; it is

one of the richest archaeological sites in North Africa, a

well-preserved example of a Roman colonial town which

of Oudaïas, a constant presence in the history of the

city and charming with whitewashed houses and brightly

coloured doors. Stop at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V,

a masterpiece of Alaouite-style architecture with stunning

ornamental carvings and chandeliers. View the massive

Hassan Tower, the city’s most imposing landmark; built

in the 12th century and rising over 42 metres high, the

minaret is the centrepiece of a great mosque that was

never finished, begun at the height of the Almohad

Dynasty. Drive through the grounds of Dar-el-Makhzen,

the Royal Palace and residence of the king of Morocco,

built in 1864, with its sumptuous Islamic ornaments and

exquisite formal gardens. Leave Rabat and head for Fes,

enjoying lunch at a winery on the way. Have dinner at

leisure at your hotel this evening. Meals BLD

3. THE SOUKS & BAZAARS OF ANCIENT FES

The sprawling city of Fes is over 1,200 years old,

and its well-preserved old town is a vast maze of

winding streets and alleys, crowded aromatic bazaars,

and eclectic architecture; no cars are allowed so

Moroccan tea

54

still retains its triumphal arch and remnants of its mansions,

temples, forum, and glorious mosaics. Have lunch at a

private home for a taste of present day life, with a talk by

a local university professor who shares her insights and

perspective on the role of women in Moroccan society.

Return to Fes for an evening at leisure. Meals BLD

5. WALLED MEKNES & ICONIC CASABLANCA

This morning, drive to the walled city of Meknes for a

guided walking tour through the medina. Visit a historic

madrasa (Arabic school) boasting stunning Islamic

architecture and see the lavish stables and granary of Dar

el-Ma, the former palace of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Moulay

Ismail was known as The Warrior King, a powerful and

ruthless leader who liberated Morocco from the Ottomans

and Europeans. Large enough to house 12,000 horses,

the Sultan’s stables were designed to water and feed them

with an aqueduct and granary. Enjoy lunch at a private

home, then depart Meknes for Casablanca. Arrive at your

elegant seaside Four Seasons hotel in late afternoon; dine

at your leisure in the hotel this evening. Meals BLD

6. CASABLANCA & LUNCH AT RICK’S CAFÉ

Drive to the majestic Hassan II Mosque, set on a

promontory on the Atlantic with a towering minaret, 210

metres high, for a private guided tour. Built in 1993, it is the

largest mosque in the country, designed to accommodate

25,000 worshippers inside and another 80,000 on the

grounds. (Touring this site, women and men must dress

appropriately with shoulders and knees covered and shoes

Berber dinner

off.) Stop at the Musée Abderrahman Slaoui to view its

interesting collection of Moroccan art, before having

lunch at Rick’s Café, a re-creation of Humphrey Bogart’s

lair in Casablanca, complete with piano bar. Continue

to Marrakech for a four-night stay at your Four Seasons

resort. Dinner is at your leisure tonight. Meals BLD

7. MAGICAL MARRAKECH

Drive to the 16th-century Saadian Tombs, pausing en route

for an opportunity to see the famous Berber watermen

dressed in red with colourful hats. One of Morocco’s most

resplendent examples of magnificent Islamic architecture,

the tombs are the burial site of 166 members of the

Saadian Dynasty. Decorated with jewel-like tiles and

elaborate carvings, the tombs were sealed up and forgotten

for centuries until they were rediscovered in 1917. Hop

aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a ride to the Jardin

Majorelle, the masterpiece of 20th-century French artist

Jacques Majorelle, who spent nearly 40 years developing

elaborate gardens around his 1930s-era villa-studio. Saved

and restored in the 1980s by fashion designer Yves Saint

Laurent and partner Pierre Bergé, the gardens feature

400 species of palm trees and 1,800 varieties of cacti.

Marrakech is surrounded by imposing stone walls from its

medieval days as the wealthy capital of an empire. Within

those well-preserved fortifications are palaces of red-hued

stone, gardens and palm groves, and a medina of narrow

streets and arches packed with fascinating souks and

stalls. A guided walk through the medina visits the Ben

Youssef Madrasa, and continues through the souks to a

local restaurant for lunch. The remainder of the day is free

to spend as you please in Marrakech. Meals BL

Cooking class


8. AN IDYLL IN THE DESERT

This morning, explore Marrakech on your own, then join us

for a special afternoon and evening in the desert outside

of the city. Ride aboard a 4 x 4 vehicle to a small desert

village for tea with the village chief and continue on to our

desert camp. Dinner is served Berber-style under a tent

with musical entertainment. Experience local customs as

you wish by riding a camel and smoking shisha – (using a

hubbly-bubbly pipe (hookah) to smoke flavoured tobacco) –

and, if you wish, have your hands or feet decorated with

traditional designs by a talented henna artist. Meals BD

9. CHOICES IN MARRAKECH & ESSAOUIRA

A choice of activities today includes learning to make

typical Moroccan dishes at a cooking school; joining

a local photographer for an informative pictorial walk

in the ancient walled seaside port of Essaouira; or

enjoying a morning of pampering at your hotel’s

hammam (steam bath), where you’ll experience a

rejuvenating, skin-smoothing bath treatment that’s

rooted in Moroccan culture. Spend the afternoon at

your leisure and join us this evening for a luxurious

farewell reception and dinner. Meals BLD

10. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Marrakech. Fly home anytime. A transfer

is included from the Four Seasons Marrakech to the

Marrakech Menara Airport or Casablanca’s Mohammed V

International Airport. Allow three hours for check-in. Meals B


BEGINS RABAT18⁄ ,25 Feb 04⁄ ,11, 18⁄ Mar 01, 08 Apr 28 Oct 04,18 Nov 09 Dec ⁄ = Sold Out!


from £4840 per person double; specific dates apply – enquire at time of booking.




PRICE PER PERSON

February–15DecemberDouble £3990 Single £5093 Triple £3759

16–31December


International Airfare is additional. Contact Tauck for rates on international air

for travel originating in the UK (subject to availability). Please enquire at time of booking



3

ACTIVITY

3


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONS

Night 1 LATOURHASSAN Rabat

Night 2-4 HOTELSAHRAI Fes

Night 5 FOURSEASONS Casablanca HOTELCASABLANCA

Night 6-9 FOURSEASONS Marrakech RESORTMARRAKECHMeknes

Casablanca

56

WELCOME TO A CELEBRATION OF NATURE... Start with a two-night stay in

Livingstone, Zambia, where you’ll begin a safari adventure that takes you through the awe-inspiring national

parks of Zambia and Botswana, home to some of the largest concentrations of big game on the planet –

enhanced by FLIR® thermal imaging cameras that bring night safari drives to life. Your journey concludes

with three nights in Cape Town, South Africa, at the continent’s southernmost tip – a dazzling metropolis

with a kaleidoscope of cultural traditions, art, history and more. This is the Africa you’ve been looking for. Siya namkela nonke! (Welcome!)

1. ARRIVE LIVINGSTONE

Tour begins: 5:00 PM, Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara.

Transfers are included from Livingstone Airport to the

Royal Livingstone Hotel in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in

Livingstone, Zambia, named for 19th-century missionary

and explorer, Dr. David Livingstone, the first European to

document the region. Settle in at the Royal Livingstone

Hotel, a colonial-style luxury hotel on the Zambezi River

in the heart of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park; the hotel’s

lounges and shaded verandahs evoke the elegance

of a bygone era. Join us this evening for our welcome

reception and dinner during a romantic journey through

the bushveld aboard a vintage 1920s steam train. View the

park’s resident wildlife (which includes elephants, giraffes,

and zebras) from the stylish comfort of elegantly restored

Pullman lounge and dining cars as you enjoy cocktails, hors

d’oeuvres and a five-course gourmet dinner. Meals D

2. RHINO WALKING SAFARI* & VICTORIA FALLS

A guided walking safari through a rhino sanctuary

offers you a chance to see these great horned animals,

endangered wildlife, in their natural habitat. Enjoy a lunch

cruise on the Zambezi River, one of the longest rivers in

Africa. Then follow the sound of roaring water on a walking

tour to Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders,” which

explorer David Livingstone named Victoria Falls. You’ll learn

about the historic bridges, flora and fauna as you walk

BOTSWANA, SOUTH AFRICA & ZAMBIA

Okavango Delta


AFRICAEarth Journeys Highlights…

• On-tourfilmvignettescustom-madeforTauckbyBBCEarthnaturalhistoryexpertsplusotherselectBBCEarthtouches

• Safarigroupsaverage20Tauckguests;6-passenger,open-topvehicleswithwindowseatsforeveryoneongamedrivesledbyexpertsafariguides!

• AwalkingsafariwithSanBushmeninBotswanaforaclose-uplookatdailylifeandculture

• Aguidedwalkthrougharhinosanctuary

• HelicopterrideovertheOkavangoDelta

• AvisitwithanentertainingmeerkatcolonyontheMakgadikgadiPans

• A4x4adventureonthePans

• Atraditionalbraai(barbecue)dinnerataprivatehomeinCapeTown

• 29meals,airporttransfersasnoted,gratuitiestolocalguides,servicecharges,admissionfees,taxesandporterage

along a series of trails. The site where the 1.5 km-wide

Zambezi River plunges powerfully into a chasm more

than 100 metres deep, sending billowing clouds of spray

skyward like inverted rain, is sure to leave you speechless!

Have dinner at your fabulous hotel this evening. Meals BLD

3. ACROSS THE ZAMBEZI TO BOTSWANA

Cross the Zambezi River to Botswana by ferry, where you’ll

embark on a motorboat safari on the Chobe River. After

lunch, fly to the Moremi Game Reserve on the Okavango

River, in the world’s largest inland delta, and settle into your

lodge on the Khwai River. During seasonal flooding, the

delta might swell to three times its size, becoming an oasis

in an arid country and attracting wildlife – and predators,

including lions and leopards. You have an opportunity to

view the wildlife after dark on an exciting night safari before

dinner at Belmond Khwai River Lodge tonight. Meals BLD

Cape Town

SOUTH AFRICA

Livingstone

BOTSWANA

Makgadikgadi

Chobe

Maun

Moremi Game Reserve

ZAMBIA

Eagle Island Camp


58

7. MAKGADIKGADI PANS / THE SAN BUSHMEN

Fly from Okavango to Makgadikgadi Pans, the salt

plains at the edge of the Kalahari Desert, and arrive at

Camp Kalahari. A parched wasteland most of the year,

seasonally the plains come alive with water and grass,

drawing different types of wildlife. Venture out on a

walking safari with Zu/’hoasi San Bushmen, learning how

they use their legendary hunting and survival skills in this

usually inhospitable environment. A traditional sundowner

and dinner end a most remarkable day. Meals BLD

8. MEET THE MEERKATS / SALT PAN ADVENTURE

Get acquainted with a family of fascinating meerkats

today as they go about their business, digging for

termites, frolicking, and standing at attention, forever on

the lookout for predators; they have no fear of humans.

Spend time as you please at camp in the afternoon

before a fantastic late afternoon trip to the salt pans of

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, the world’s largest.

Nothing says adventure like a ride in a 4-wheel-drive

all-terrain vehicle (ATV)* – and this afternoon, you’ll be

transported in one out onto the vast salt pans that are

located in the middle of the dry Botswana savanna.

Watching the sun set in the heart of one of the most

remote regions of the Kalahari Desert is an amazing

experience – the silence is golden, the spectacle of

the panoramic sky nothing short of inspirational. A

sundowner is a fitting finale to the day. Meals BLD

9. ARRIVE CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Depart Camp Kalahari today for flights first to Maun, then

to the fabulous city of Cape Town, where you’ll spend the

next three nights. Your chic urban resort, designed around

a series of artificial islands, offers contemporary glamour

with an African flair and captivating views. Your evening is

free to explore and spend as you please. Meals B

4. ON SAFARI IN MOREMI GAME RESERVE

Embark on a game drive (and, if you wish, a walking

safari) in Moremi Game Reserve with local guides who

demonstrate their remarkable skills in tracking animals.

Return to camp for lunch and leisure; enjoy the spa, or

perhaps watch hippos and elephants amble by your lodge

before you go on a late afternoon game drive. Meals BLD

5. THE HEART OF THE OKAVANGO DELTA

Begin the day with a game drive and an optional

walking safari. Today you’ll fly from Khwai further into

the Okavango Delta to Eagle Island Camp. Situated on

remote Xaxaba Island among a web of waterways and

lush vegetation, it overlooks a lagoon that attracts a

breathtaking variety of wildlife. This afternoon, take a

motorboat safari along the intricate waterways of the

Okavango Delta in search of elephants and birds. With

incredible views across the Okavango Delta, dining at

Eagle Island Camp tonight will be remembered. Meals BLD

6. OKAVANGO DELTA BY CANOE & HELICOPTER

First up this morning – exploring the Okavango Delta by canoe

and helicopter. A mokoro canoe safari aboard a traditional

dugout canoe takes you gliding over shallow, clear waters past

brilliant water lilies and papyrus grasses to areas inaccessible

by boat. Listen to the gentle, rhythmic splash as you are

poled along and then attune your ears to other sounds of

nature. Spot long reed frogs, spinning spiders and wildlife

from antelope to giraffes. But it’s the birds of this ornithological

paradise – egrets, cormorants, malachite kingfishers – that steal

the show. The parallel views you’ll experience by helicopter

are truly stunning; hovering over the delta, you’ll be treated to

amazing wildlife sightings, water and land contrasts and a visual

kaleidoscope of nature. Following lunch, travel to a Xaxaba

village for a unique look into the daily life of a Botswanan. End

the day at secluded Eagle Island Camp. Meals BLD

VIEW THE OKAVANGO DELTA

BY HELICOPTER

When you take a safari by canoe through

the Okavango Delta you’ll see some amazing

sights – but when you take a helicopter

sightseeing flight over the region you’ll enjoy

quite a different perspective. Photo ops are

endless, and the opportunities to observe

wildlife going about their day’s activities

unique. It’s no wonder guests often refer to

this as “the experience of a lifetime.”


10. CAPE TOWN IS WHERE IT’S HAPPENING

Cape Town nestles in a setting of spectacular natural

beauty, between the crashing tides of an azure sea and

towering Table Mountain. But its real fascination is in

its contrasts – modern towers beside ornate colonial

architecture, and the mix of cultures (Dutch, French,

English, African, Afrikaans, Malaysian, Indian and more) that

blend in the vast enclave known as the City Bowl. Visit the

Cape Malay quarter (also known as Bo-Kaap), a colourful

neighbourhood of cobbled streets, spice shops, and

brightly painted houses; the original residents were slaves

from Dutch colonies in Southeast Asia, and their legacy

thrives in Bo-Kaap’s Muslim culture, artisan skills, and

spiced cuisine. Visit the District Six Museum, chronicling

the effects of apartheid and forced removals in Cape

Town’s District Six. Then enjoy free time, perhaps exploring

the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Join us at sunset for a

traditional braai (barbecue) at a private home. Meals BD

11. SEALS, SHARKS & THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE

Set sail for Seal Island, a small rock island that lies off

the coast. It is home to upwards of 40,000 fur seals...

and a magnet for other residents of the sea – including

the Great White Shark – that coexist off the Cape of

Good Hope. Arrive at Cape Point, where the Atlantic

and Indian oceans meet, in time for lunch overlooking

False Bay. Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve, home to

antelope, zebra, ostriches, baboons, and breathtaking

seascapes. Ride a funicular to the Old Lighthouse that


BEGINS LIVINGSTONE

31⁄ Mar 28 Apr 19, 26⁄ May 02,09⁄ , 16, 23⁄ , 30⁄ Jun 07⁄ , 14, 21 Jul 04⁄ , 11, 18⁄ , 25, 30⁄ Aug 01,08⁄ , 13⁄ , 15⁄ , 22, 27⁄ Sep 11 Oct ⁄ = Sold Out!


Group size averages 20! All departures average 20 guests to ensure a more intimate

safari experience!

PRICE PER PERSON



availability). Please enquire at time of booking about additional hotel

nights before or after your tour.

Note: Activities marked with an asterisk (*) are at your own risk; a

signed liability waiver will be required.



Night 1,2 ROYALLIVINGSTONE Livingstone, ZambiaHOTELBYANANTARA

Night 3,4 BELMONDKHWAIRIVER Moremi Game Reserve,

LODGE Botswana

Night 5,6 BELMONDEAGLE Okavango Delta,ISLANDLODGE Botswana

Night 7,8 CAMPKALAHARI Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana

Night 9-11 ONE&ONLYCAPETOWN Cape Town, South Africa

March–April



May–October


Double £7650 + £1240 = £8890 Single £9228 + £1240 = £10,468 Triple £7695 + £1240 = £8935

ACTIVITY2

PACE

4


pace level details.

watches over the ironically named Cape of Good Hope,

a dangerous place for ships, originally called the Cape of

Storms. Return to the hotel late in the afternoon. Gather

tonight for a farewell reception and dinner at your hotel’s

signature restaurant; a fitting finale! Meals BLD

12. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Cape Town. Fly home anytime. Transfers to

Cape Town International Airport from One&Only Cape

Town are included. You should allow a minimum of three

hours for flight check-in. Meals B

60

AFRICA’S “BIG FIVE” are among the wildlife that can be spotted on our classic safari evoking

expeditions of yesteryear... but with modern-day touches, such as FLIR® thermal imaging cameras

that make wildlife viewing on night safari drives something special. Discover a time when the Great Rift

Valley held the secrets of the origins of mankind... a place where the Serengeti and Masai Mara harbour

umbrella-like acacia trees and rocky outcrops known as “kopje”... and the circle of life unfolds around you.

1. ARRIVE ARUSHA

Tour begins: Lake Duluti Serena Hotel. Transfers are

included from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Lake

Duluti Serena Hotel for an overnight stay. Meet your

fellow travellers in the morning for the start of your safari.

2. NGORONGORO CRATER VIA LAKE MANYARA

Set out for a four-night safari to Ngorongoro Crater and the

Serengeti plains. Stop for lunch overlooking Lake Manyara.

Along with abundant giraffes, baboons and elephants, Lake

Manyara is home to a multitude of birds, including great

birds of prey. Continue on to Ngorongoro Serena Safari

KENYA &

TANZANIA:

A CLASSIC SAFARI

ArushaLakeManyaraNational

Park


TANZANIA

KENYAMount Kenya

Safari Club

AmboseliNational Park

Masai Mara National Reserve

Ngorongoro Crater

Nairobi

SerengetiNational Park




• Intimatesafarigroupslimitedtojust30Tauckguestsandledbyexpertguides

• TwonightsinlegendarySerengetiNationalParkandthreenightsintheMasaiMaraNationalReserve,plustwonightsinAmboseliNationalPark,withdailygamedrives

• HotairballoonrideatdawnovertheMasaiMaraNationalReserveandachampagnebreakfast

• VisitstoOlPejetaConservancy,SweetwatersChimpanzeeSanctuary&WilliamHoldenAnimalOrphanage;privatelecturebyanelephantresearcherinAmboseliNationalPark

• BarbecuedinneratFourSeasonsSafariLodgeSerengetiwithaMaasaiculturalperformance


• 36meals,gratuitiestolocalguides,servicecharges,admissionfees,taxes&porterage

4. ANCIENT HISTORY IN OLDUPAI GORGE

Head out to Oldupai Gorge in the Great Rift Valley, the

famed paleoanthropological site studied for decades

by Louis and Mary Leakey; this is where they found

prehistoric stone tools, animal bones and fossilised

evidence of some of the earliest known upright-walking

human species in the area. Learn more about them

during a private lecture and museum visit this morning.

Enjoy game viewing and lunch en route to your lodge

in Serengeti National Park; be prepared for bumps and

bounces along unpaved roads. Your safari lodge was built

for pampering and wildlife spotting from the comfort of an

elevated open-air deck. Enjoy a barbecue dinner tonight,

along with a Maasai cultural performance. Meals BLD

5. ENDLESS PLAINS IN SERENGETI NAT’L PARK

Morning and afternoon game drives take you into the

golden Serengeti savannah today, one of the oldest

ecosystems on Earth able to sustain an abundance of flora

Lodge for a two-night stay in the Ngorongoro Conservation

Area, home to some 30,000 large mammals. Designed

to blend into the landscape, your lodge is built into the

rim of a dormant volcano and overlooks the wildlife-lush

Ngorongoro Crater far below. Join us for a welcome

reception and dinner at the lodge this evening. Meals BLD

3. GARDEN OF EDEN – NGORONGORO CRATER

Experience the Africa of bygone days when you explore

the “lost world” of Ngorongoro Crater, considered by

many to have been Africa’s original “Garden of Eden.”

From aboard your four-wheel-drive vehicle, you’ll have

an opportunity to spot Africa’s renowned Big Five:

buffalo, elephant, leopard, the lion and the endangered,

rare black rhinoceros, as well as herds of zebras,

wildebeests and gazelles roaming life-giving landscapes

of grasslands, swamps and forests. Today’s picnic in the

crater will be a highlight of your trip. Pack your Tauck

duffle bag tonight for your upcoming two-night stay in

the heart of Serengeti National Park. Meals BLD

and fauna. You may spot numerous prides of lions, zebras,

hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, black rhinoceros,

hippos, buffaloes, jackals, gazelles and primates. Enjoy the

evening under the spectacular sunset and savour a taste of

Pan-African cuisine during a leisurely dinner. Meals BLD

6. KENYA’S AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

Fly to Arusha this morning to explore the sights near

Kilimanjaro National Park. Dominating the skyline,

majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro peaks over surrounding

landscapes at more than 4,500 metres up. We’re

headed for Kenya this afternoon for a two-night stay in

Amboseli National Park, whose savannah grasslands

spread across the Kenya – Tanzania border. Your lodge

accommodations are set in a grove of acacia trees,

overlooking the plains. Close by, a series of emerald

green swamps entice huge numbers of free-ranging

elephants, hippos, buffaloes and other game animals.

Dinner is at your leisure this evening. Meals BLD

7. PRIVATE GAME DRIVES IN AMBOSELI

Visit a nearby Maasai village for a glimpse of daily life in

the African bush, before spotting area wildlife on morning

and afternoon game drives; enjoy opportunities to see

elephants, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, jackals, warthogs,

baboons and monkeys. Learn about the famous elephants

of Amboseli during a private lecture tonight. Meals BLD

8. MT. KENYA CLUB & ANIMAL ORPHANAGE

A morning flight brings you to the legendary Fairmont

Mount Kenya Safari Club. Straddling the Equator, the hotel

was founded in 1959 by the late film star William Holden

and is known for attracting a celebrity clientele. Become

acclimated to the area during an Equatorial demonstration,

followed by a private visit to the William Holden

Foundation’s animal orphanage and education centre. Have

dinner at your leisure tonight at the hotel. Meals BLD

9. OL PEJETA, CHIMPANZEES & WEAVERS

An exciting day begins at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy,

boasting East Africa’s largest resident black rhino

population, and others of the Big Five. It’s also home to

the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which shelters

orphaned and abused chimpanzees. The town of Nanyuki

is known for its colourful rugs, hangings and shawls; on

a private visit with local weavers, see them shearing,

spinning, dyeing and weaving sheep’s wool by hand. Dine

under the stars tonight at a private barbecue. Meals BLD

FAIRMONT MARA SAFARI CLUB, named a Top 20 Luxury

Resort by Travel + Leisure, is surrounded on three sides by

the Mara River and reigns unequalled on the edge of the

Masai Mara, one of the world’s richest wildlife reserves. Enjoy

superbly furnished luxury tented suites with private verandas

overlooking the hippo- and crocodile-filled river.

FAIRMONT MOUNT KENYA SAFARI CLUB, one of the

most elite private members’ clubs in the world in its heyday

in the 1960s, dazzles with the scenic beauty, royally decorated

guest rooms and impeccable hospitality that made it a

favourite celebrity retreat. Meticulously renovated and nestled

on acres of landscaped gardens, it’s more magnificent still.

FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE SERENGETI, located

in the heart of the park, raises the bar in an exceptional

wilderness lodge experience. Connected by elevated wooden

walkways and boasting a lounge and swimming pool that

overlook an always popular watering hole, its 77 well-appointed

guest rooms and suites have open-air decks perfect for private

audiences with wildlife that might be passing by.


10. WELCOME TO THE MASAI MARA

Pack your Tauck duffle bag for a three-night stay in

tented accommodations at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club,

surrounded on three sides by the Mara River and on the

edge of the world’s Seventh “New” Wonder of the World.

Fly from Nanyuki to the Masai Mara, touching down to

a personal welcome by a Maasai warrior. Spend the

afternoon as you wish, then get ready for an eye-opening

evening game drive on the Mara plains. Meals BLD

11. HOT AIR BALLOON OVER MASAI MARA

Rise early for an exciting hot air balloon* flight high

above the treetops’ height. As dawn breaks, you’ll enjoy

panoramic views of the wildlife herds that roam the

Masai Mara reserve. Adding a finishing touch to a moving

morning, descend to enjoy a champagne breakfast served

in the bush. Spend the afternoon as you wish, then embark

on an evening game drive on the Mara plains. Meals BLD

12. GAME DRIVES & A BOMA DINNER

Wake up for an early morning game drive that offers the

opportunity for more wildlife sightings. The Masai Mara

is one of the world’s richest wildlife reserves, and is

home to an array of animals including zebras, cheetahs,

hippos, wildebeests, gazelles and, of course, the “Big

Five.” A final game drive this evening is followed by our

farewell boma barbecue dinner at the lodge. Meals BLD


BEGINS ARUSHA20⁄ , 27 Jan 03⁄ , 17⁄ Feb 03 Mar 14 Apr 26 May 06, 13, 16⁄ , 20, 23⁄ , 27, 30 ⁄ Jun 11⁄ , 14⁄ , 18⁄ , 21⁄ , 25, 28 Jul 01, 04⁄ , 08, 11, 15, 18⁄ , 22, 25, 29 Aug01, 05, 08⁄ , 12⁄ , 15⁄ , 19, 22, 26 Sep 03, 06⁄ ,13⁄ , 20, 27⁄ Oct03 Nov 22 Dec ⁄ = Sold Out!

Go to tauck.co.uk for up-to-the-minute space availability; additional departure dates


PRICE PER PERSON

Group size limited to 30! All departures are limited to 30

guests to ensure a more intimate safari experience!



availability). Please enquire at booking about additional hotel

nights before or after your tour.

Hot Air Balloon Experience Included. The price of your

journey includes a hot air balloon adventure over the Masai Mara

on Day 11. Note: Activities marked with an asterisk (*) are at your own risk; a signed

liability waiver will be required.


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1 LAKEDULUTISERENA Arusha, Tanzania

HOTEL

Night 2,3 NGORONGORO Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania SERENASAFARILODGE

Night 4,5 FOURSEASONS Serengeti Nat’l Park, Tanzania SAFARILODGESERENGETI

Night 6,7 AMBOSELISERENA Amboseli Nat’l Park, Kenya SAFARILODGE

Night 8,9 FAIRMONTMOUNT Nanyuki, Kenya KENYASAFARICLUB

Night 10-12 FAIRMONTMARA Masai Mara National Reserve, SAFARICLUB Kenya

January–March;June–19October;15–31December


Double £6890 + £690 = £7580 Single £7364 + £690 = £8054

Triple £6728 + £690 = £7418

April–May;20October–14December


Double £5970 + £640 = £6610 Single £6373 + £640 = £7013

Triple £5875 + £640 = £6515

ACTIVITY2

PACE

4


pace level details.

13. FLY TO NAIROBI & JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Fly to

Nairobi for a midday arrival. We have reserved a day

room for you at the Nairobi Serena Hotel; depart the

hotel for the airport after dinner. Allow a minimum of

three hours for flight check-in at the airport. Meals BLD

64

EMBARK ON A GRAND AFRICAN SAFARI to some of Tanzania’s most renowned

game reserves where you’ll have an opportunity to observe Africa’s Big Five – elephant, leopard, lion,

rhinoceros, and buffalo – where they live, in their natural habitats. With the aid of field equipment such

as infrared camera traps and thermal imaging, you’ll also observe their nocturnal lives that few ever see.

Get set for many different unique experiences... from a hot air balloon flight high above the Serengeti

to stays in luxury safari lodges and a two-night visit to the archipelago of Zanzibar, where you’ll sail aboard a traditional dhow.

1. ARRIVE ARUSHA

Tour begins: Lake Duluti Serena Hotel. A transfer from

Kilimanjaro International Airport to Lake Duluti Serena

Hotel is included. Your hotel is nestled at the foot of

sacred Mount Meru on the shores of Lake Duluti.

2. TO NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

Visit a traditional Maasai village this morning. Learn about

daily life in the African bush during talks with the tribal

chief and local villagers. Continue on to Lake Manyara for

lunch overlooking Lake Manyara National Park. Elephants,

hippos, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes and wildebeest are often

seen in the park along with tree-climbing lions. Continue

to your lodge in the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Conservation

Area; built on the dormant volcano’s rim, the hotel offers

stunning views of the vast “lost world” below. Meals BLD

3. NGORONGORO CRATER

Explore Ngorongoro Crater on a game drive this morning,

followed by a picnic lunch in the crater. Long regarded

as Africa’s “Garden of Eden,” the landscapes you’ll see

today include grasslands, forests and a saltwater lake,

inspiring a continual migration of animals. From the comfort

TANZANIA:

SERENGETI TO ZANZIBAR



•�� On-tour�film�vignettes�custom-made�for�Tauck�by�BBC�Earth�natural�history�experts�plus�other�select�BBC�Earth�touches

•� �Intimate�safari�groups�limited�to�just�24�Tauck�guests;�private�game�drives�in�Tauck’s�open-top�safari�vehicles�in�Serengeti�National�Park�–�led�by�expert�guides�

•� �Hot�air�balloon�ride�over�the�Serengeti,�followed�by�a�champagne�breakfast�

•� �Two�nights�in�Zanzibar�with�a�“spice”�walking�tour�and�dhow�boat�cruise�on�the�Indian�Ocean

•� �Picnic�lunch�in�the�heart�of�ancient�Ngorongoro�Crater

•� �24�meals,�airport�transfers�upon�arrival�and�departure�as�noted,�gratuities�to�local�guides,�service�charges,�taxes�and�porterage

of your four-wheel-drive vehicle, you may spot the “Big

Five” – buffalo, elephant, leopard, the black-maned lion

and the rare black rhinoceros. Return to your safari lodge,

where the remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

Pack up your Tauck-supplied duffle bag tonight for your

upcoming four-night stay in the Serengeti. Meals BLD

4. OLDUPAI GORGE / THE SERENGETI

Drive to Oldupai Gorge this morning where

archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered

fossilised remains of some of the earliest humans ever

found – 1.8 million years old. Visit the museum and

enjoy a private lecture by a resident expert about the

site, before setting off over unpaved roads across the

plains and grasslands of the Serengeti. You’ll have many

opportunities for wildlife viewing en route to your safari

lodge in the Central Serengeti; its décor was inspired by

Maasai tribal dwellings. Have dinner at leisure and enjoy

local entertainment in the lounge this evening. Meals BLD

Maasai villagers

Arusha / Lake Duluti



TANZANIA

KENYALAKE

VICTORIA

Oldupai Gorge

Dar es Salaam

Stone TownZanzibar

LakeManyaraNational

Park

Central SerengetiWestern Serengeti

Ngorongoro Crater

66

5. HOT AIR BALLOON ABOVE THE SERENGETI

A hot air balloon flight* at dawn soars over the Serengeti

savannah giving you the unique opportunity to observe the

morning rituals of the reserve’s wildlife as they wake up to

a new day; experience unforgettable panoramic views and

photo opportunities, then a champagne breakfast in the

bush helps bring you back down to Earth! Look for hyenas,

leopards, cheetahs, jackals, gazelles, zebras, elephants,

hippos and more as you drive back to your lodge for lunch

in the Serengeti; it’s also one of the best places on the African

continent to find prides of lions. Following lunch and time at

leisure at the lodge, head off for an afternoon game drive.

A sundowner, dinner and entertainment at the lodge end a

wonderful and memorable day in the Serengeti. Meals BLD

6. KIRAWIRA TENTED CAMP

Travel to the Western Serengeti for a two-night stay at the

Kirawira Tented Camp – sitting on a hilltop overlooking the

vast plains of the Serengeti, it is styled after the hunting

camps of the Edwardian era. Arrive in time for lunch and an

afternoon game drive with an experienced guide who points

out wildlife sightings along the way. Meals BLD

7. WESTERN SERENGETI SAFARI GAME DRIVES

Morning and afternoon game drives combine with time

at leisure to enjoy the amenities of your luxurious tented

camp, including a swimming pool, bar and spa. Meals BLD

SEE AFRICA’S “BIG FIVE” LIONS (Panthera leo) are often seen in Masai Mara

National Reserve (Kenya), Serengeti & Tarangire national parks, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania). BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer)

can weigh as much as 680 kgs. – big and dangerous enough to keep most predators at bay. Buffalo roam the Sabi Sands Game Reserve

(South Africa) and Serengeti National Park (Tanzania). BLACK RHINOCEROS (Diceros bicornis) may be spotted in Ngorongoro Crater

and the Masai Mara. LEOPARDS (Panthera pardus) are prevalent in most parks and reserves in east and southern Africa; you’ll often need

to look up to spot one... since they spend much of their time in trees. AFRICAN ELEPHANT (Loxodonta africana), the world’s largest

land mammal, is a fixture throughout the Masai Mara, as well as Amboseli and Serengeti national parks.


10. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Zanzibar. Join our guides for a walking

tour of Stone Town this morning or enjoy time at leisure

before checking out of your hotel. Fly to Dar es Salaam,

Tanzania, late afternoon, en route to Julius Nyerere

International Airport for your flight home. Allow 3½ hours

for flight check-in at the airport. Note: International

flights out should be booked after 10:00 PM. Meals B


BEGINS ARUSHA15, 29⁄ Jan 12, 26⁄ Feb 12 Mar 21 May 04, 18 Jun 02⁄ , 16⁄ , 30⁄ Jul 06, 13⁄ , 20, 27 Aug 10, 24 Sep 08⁄ , 22 Oct 17 Dec ⁄ = Sold Out!

Go to tauck.co.uk for up-to-the-minute space availability; additional departure

dates may become available as these sell out.

PRICE PER PERSON

Group size limited to 24! All departures are limited to 24 guests to ensure a

more intimate safari experience!





Hot Air Balloon Experience Included. Price of your journey

includes the hot air balloon experience on Day 5.

Note: Activities marked with an asterisk (*) are at your own risk; a



FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1 LAKE�DULUTI�SERENA�HOTEL� Arusha

Night 2,3 NGORONGORO Ngorongoro Crater SERENA�SAFARI�LODGE

Night 4,5 SERENGETI�SERENA Serengeti National Park SAFARI�LODGE

Night 6,7 KIRAWIRA�TENTED�CAMP Serengeti National Park

Night 8,9 PARK�HYATT�ZANZIBAR Stone Town, Zanzibar

January�–�25�February;�June�–�October;�17�–�31�December


Double £4490 + £590 = £5080� Single £5227 + £590 = £5817 Triple £4326 + £590 = £4916

26�February�–�May;��03�–�16�December


Double £3860 + £550 = £4410� Single £4292 + £550 = £4842 Triple £3738 + £550 = £4288

ACTIVITY2

PACE

4


pace level details.

8. THE SPICE OF LIFE IN ZANZIBAR

Enjoy a final game drive this morning before flying to the

archipelago of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean, a land of

spices, exotic wildlife, and white sand beaches; stay two

nights at a beachfront hotel in the heart of Stone Town, a

designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy lunch upon

arrival, then set off with a local guide on a walking “spice”

tour of Stone Town in the main port of Zanzibar City;

you’ll learn where spices come from as your guide reveals

aromatic secrets hidden in nuts, roots and bark. The

evening is free for you to explore as you wish. The town’s

key attractions are just steps from your hotel. Meals BL

9. A DHOW ON THE INDIAN OCEAN

Dhows – handcrafted sailboats – have plied the

archipelago waters for millennia, trading and fishing from

one island port to the next. Sail out to sea aboard a

traditional dhow this morning on a private cruise as the

captain and crew help you spot dolphins frolicking in

the ocean blue. Cast anchor on a beach and have lunch

in a paradise of white sands and turquoise sea; enjoy

time for swimming and snorkelling in the crystal-clear

waters, and view the beautiful coral reefs. Return to the

Park Hyatt Zanzibar; spend the afternoon exploring the

backstreets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage

Site; its labyrinthine cobblestone lanes are lined with

faded mansions of Arabic, Persian, Indian, and European

design – graced with elaborately carved doors and

balconies – and redolent with outdoor spice and food

markets. We invite you to join us this evening for a

farewell reception and dinner at the hotel. Meals BLD

Zanzibar

68

DUSK APPROACHES... AND YOUR SAFARI EXPERIENCE IN SOUTH

AFRICA’S PRIVATE GAME RESERVES is enhanced by camera traps that are set

up at your camp to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the nocturnal life of resident wildlife. And in the

morning... you’ll be able to see for yourself what that nocturnal life includes. From the graceful surrounds

of Cape Town to the pristine reserves of Kruger National Park, there are many stories to be told here – of

natural treasures, amazing wildlife, gold, diamonds, wine, explorers, and centuries-old cultural traditions that endure.

1. ARRIVE CAPE TOWN

Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Cape Grace. A transfer is included

from Cape Town International Airport to the Cape Grace,

where all guest rooms have Table Mountain views. Join us

for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight. Meals D

2. ROBBEN ISLAND & CAPE WINELANDS

Delve into South Africa’s moving history on this

morning’s visit to Robben Island, a UNESCO World

Heritage Site. Travel by boat across Table Bay (weather

permitting) to learn about the island’s episodic past.

Between the 17th and 20th centuries, it was a Dutch

colony; prison; infirmary for lepers and the mentally ill;

military base; and, most famously, the site of Nelson

Mandela’s long internment. Return to Cape Town for

time at leisure. In the late afternoon, head to the Cape

Winelands, where some of the country’s finest wines are

made. Enjoy a wine-pairing dinner at Steenberg Winery,

which is located in a contemporary setting on the Cape’s

oldest farm, amid stunning natural beauty. Meals BD

3. TABLE MOUNTAIN & CAPE POINT VIEWS

En route to the Cape Peninsula, take a cable car up

Table Mountain for 360-degree views of the city and

bay; if you wish, join our local guide for a nature walk

at the top. Drive along the peninsula to Cape Point,

SOUTH AFRICA:

AN ELEGANT ADVENTURE


AFRICAEarth Journeys Highlights...


• FournightsatluxurygamelodgesinorborderingtheincomparableKrugerNationalPark

• Gamedrivesinprivatewildlifereserveswithexcellentwildlifeviewing&experttrackers

• AvisittoRobbenIsland&SowetoTownship,hearingstoriesofSouthAfrica’shistory

• Awine-pairingdinnerintheCapeWinelands

•Agemologist’slectureinJohannesburg

• AguidedvisitatVictoriaFalls&aprivatesundownercruiseontheZambeziRiver

• 26meals,airporttransfersasnoted,gratuitiestolocalguides,servicecharges,admissionfees,taxes&porterage

where a funicular takes you up to the historic lighthouse for

sensational views of the Cape of Good Hope. After lunch,

meet the African penguins of Boulders Beach; about 60

centimetres tall and endearingly curious, they’re one of only

two land colonies on the continent. Return to Cape Town

for an introduction to the city including the Castle of Good

Hope, City Hall, Parliament, the cathedral where Desmond

Tutu was named archbishop, and former slave quarters

(order may vary based on weather conditions). Meals BL

4. FLY TO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Depart Cape Town and board a flight for Skukuza airstrip

and the incomparable Kruger National Park, where your

safari experience begins at Lion Sands – Kruger National

Park. Set in the South African lowveldt, it is one of the

best game-viewing areas of the park; your classic safari

accommodations are in a private riverside setting inside

the park – the waters are a magnet for park wildlife. The

area is home to many endangered and rare animals, as

you’ll soon discover beginning with a late afternoon game

drive with an expert safari guide before dinner. Meals BD

Cape Winelands

Johannesburg

Lion Sands – Kruger Nat’l Park Concession

Cape Town

Victoria Falls

BOTSWANA

Maximum Elevation: 6,000 ft.Constantia

SOUTH AFRICA

ZIMBABWE

Cape ofGood Hope

Sabi Sabi Private

Game Reserve

70

5. LION SANDS – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Your safari lodge is located within the 4,800-hectare

Kruger National Park, where wildlife viewing is rich. The

park boasts one of the highest recorded densities of

predators – especially of leopards – in Africa. Guests have

spotted elephant, cheetahs, rhinos, wild dogs and, of

course, leopards in Kruger during their stay. You’ll have

opportunities to spot the animals who live here on morning

and afternoon game drives. Tonight you’ll experience a

traditional braai, a popular South African barbecue tradition

that has been celebrated here for ages. Meals BLD

6. EXCLUSIVE GAME DRIVES IN SABI SABI

A final game drive and an optional guided walk through the

bush mark the end of your stay in Kruger National Park.

Next, move on to Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, situated within

the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. Bordering expansive

Kruger National Park, it is composed of several smaller

private game reserves along the Sabie River. Designed

with viewing decks that overlook a watering hole and plain,

the lodge is located in habitats that are home to Africa’s

“Big Five” – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard – as

well as wild dogs, zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, and over

300 species of birds. Enjoy lunch at the lodge and time at

leisure before embarking on an afternoon game drive that

takes you deep into the African bushveldt. Meals BLD

7. THE SAFARI LIFE, DAWN TO DUSK

Morning and afternoon game drives aboard

four-wheel-drive, open-top Land Rovers today provide

the possibility of up-close sightings of African game.

Expert trackers and experienced rangers help you to

spot the animals who migrate through the reserve,

including gazelles, antelopes, kudu, impalas and giraffes.

AT THE SABI SABI BUSH LODGE the magic

begins the moment you drive into the Sabi Sand Private

Reserve bordering Kruger National Park. One of four

Sabi Sabi lodges located in the heart of the reserve,

your contemporary accommodations are designed to

capture the moment as it happens... with moving

views of the bushveldt from your luxury suite... endless

wildlife sightings at the watering hole just steps from

the lounge, atrium and bar area... with an ever-vigilant

guide on private game drives, twice daily, from dawn to

dusk... during afternoon tea served with tradition... and

at sundowners indulgent under a crimson sky.

Your companions are well-versed in the geography of

the area, the wildlife, and the efforts being made to

conserve these living treasures, and are eager to share

their knowledge with you. You’ll have opportunities to

enjoy life at your lodge as well, which is reminiscent of

safaris in days gone by, perhaps with afternoon tea and

biscuits, or a swim between game drives. This evening,

feast on fabulous African cuisine at your lodge. Meals BLD

8. JOHANNESBURG AND ITS GEMS

Say goodbye to the wildlife-rich Sabie River region this

morning when you return to Skukuza airstrip and fly to

Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and commercial

hub, for a two-night stay. Johannesburg is the world’s

biggest city not situated on a river, lake or coastline.

Among the most modern and prosperous cities in South

Africa, “Jo’burg” has derived much of its wealth from the

major gold- and diamond-mining industries based here.

Learn about the diversity of Africa’s diamonds and other

valuable gems at a presentation by a gemologist early this

evening. Your stylish hotel, 54 on Bath, is centrally located

in the lovely walkable Johannesburg suburb of Rosebank;

dine at your hotel restaurant this evening. Meals BD

9. SIGHTSEE IN HISTORIC SOWETO

Cultural discoveries enrich your educational sightseeing

tour of Soweto Township today. You’ll see the homes of

Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as well

as South Africa’s Constitutional Court. Visit the Apartheid

Museum, acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the

world dealing with 20th-century South Africa, at the heart

of which is the apartheid story; the museum illustrates the

rise and fall of apartheid. Return to the hotel, where the

remainder of the day is free. Your hotel is close to Nelson

Mandela Square, Sandton City and Melrose Arch. Meals BL


10. MAGNIFICENT FALLS & AN EXPLORER’S TALE

Fly to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe for two nights at The

Victoria Falls Hotel, with an included high tea today

or tomorrow. Stroll along the hotel’s private pathways

for stunning views. Late this afternoon a local historian

shares the story of African explorer and missionary

David Livingstone while you enjoy refreshments aboard a

private sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River. Dine in

your choice of hotel restaurants tonight. Meals BD

11. VICTORIA FALLS & AN ELEPHANT SANCTUARY

First up this morning is a guided walk at Victoria Falls

National Park, with stops at viewpoints to take in the

falls and the surrounding rainforest; you’ll see the Devil’s

Cataract, Rain Forest, Main Falls and Danger Point.

Then gain firsthand insights from a naturalist into the life

of an African elephant at an elephant sanctuary, where

you’ll observe them as they feed, play and socialise. This

evening, join us for a farewell cocktail reception on your

hotel’s elegant, scenic terrace, followed by dinner for a

fantastic end to a fantastic African journey! Meals BLD

12. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: O.R. Tambo International Airport. Enjoy time

at leisure in Victoria Falls before your return flight to

Johannesburg. You should allow a minimum of three

hours for flight check-in at the airport. Meals B


BEGINS CAPE TOWN12, 19, 26⁄ Jan 16⁄ , 23⁄ Feb 02, 09, 23 Mar 06, 20⁄ Apr

04⁄ , 11, 18, 26⁄ May01, 15⁄ , 30 Jun 14⁄ , 28 Jul

03, 10, 17⁄ , 24⁄ , 29, 31 Aug 05⁄ , 07, 12⁄ , 14, 19⁄ , 21⁄ , 26, 28⁄ Sep

03, 05⁄ , 12⁄ , 19, 26 Oct 16 Nov 14 Dec ⁄ = Sold Out!


priced from £6,140 per person double plus on-tour air; specific dates apply –

enquire at time of booking.


PRICE PER PERSON






FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1-3 CAPEGRACE Cape Town

Night 4,5 LIONSANDS–KRUGER Lion Sands - Kruger NATIONALPARK NPConcession

Night 6,7* SABISABIBUSHLODGE Sabi Sabi Private Reserve

Night 8,9 54ONBATH Johannesburg

Night 10,11 THEVICTORIAFALLSHOTEL Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

*Tour of 14 Dec will stay at Lion Sands – Kruger National Park.

January–April;September–December



May–August



ACTIVITY2

PACE

4


pace level details.

Victoria Falls

Unforgettable kingdoms forgotten by time.

Captivating landscapes that capture your soul.

Cities charming with a colonial heritage and

colourful indigenous riches, past and present. Remote islands, tropical and ice-clad, teeming with life. Cultural traditions,

centuries old. Incan treasures, a thousand years strong. And a history of conquerors and conquests that chronicles the passage

of time in a place defined by diversity. Lands of eternal wonders, brilliantly man-made and beautifully nature-nourished, Latin

America promises discoveries that have no end. Be mindful of your first visit to this land of plenty, for the inescapable allure

of its many-splendoured sights ensures that your adventures here have only just begun.

LATIN AMERICA

72


Machu Picchu

74

PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE, BY LAND & SEA... Sailing aboard Le Ponant, call on Cuba’s coastal gems between

Havana and Santiago de Cuba for immersive experiences in the Cuban culture through People-to-People activities. Two nights in the

Cuban capital reveal Habana Vieja’s treasures and Ernest Hemingway’s home, Finca Vigía. Explore a nature reserve on the Isla de

la Juventud, only accessible by sea... Cienfuegos, Cuba’s “Pearl of the South,” or Playa Girón on the Bay of Pigs... Trinidad and the

poignant Sugar Mill Valley... and Santiago de Cuba, with its vibrant legacy of revolution, music and Afro-Cubano culture...

1. ARRIVE MIAMI

Trip begins: 4:00 PM, InterContinental Miami. Travellers

flying to Miami should arrive at Miami Int’l Airport by

2:00 PM, and take a Yellow Taxi from the airport to the

InterContinental Miami (average fee of USD $25 plus tip

will be reimbursed by your Tauck Director). We invite you

to gather for a briefing about tomorrow’s included flight

to Havana and your Cuba cruise, followed by a welcome

reception and dinner. Meals D

2. WELCOME TO HAVANA!

Fly from Miami to Havana’s José Martí Int’l Airport. After

lunch at a local paladar – a privately owned restaurant –

head over to what was once Cuba’s Presidential Palace

CRUISING CUBA:A CULTURAL GEM

NEW

!

Havana

Miami

CARIBBEAN

SEA ATLANTIC

OCEAN

CUBA

FLORIDA

ISLA DE LA

JUVENTUD

Parque NacionalMarino de Punta FrancŽs

Havana

Santiago de Cuba

Playa GirónCasilda

CienfuegosTrinidad

Maximum Elevation: 226 ft.


LATIN AMERICATravelling Well Includes…• Tauck’sprivateshoreexcursionsanddistinctive

inclusions

• AllgratuitiestoTauckDirectors,shipstaffaboard

Le Ponantandlocalguides

• 7-nightcruisefromHavanatoSantiagodeCuba

aboardLe Ponantwithonly60guestsaboard

• FlightsfromMiamitoHavanaandfromSantiago

deCubatoMiami

• “People-to-People”exchangeinHavana,Punta

Francés,CienfuegosorPlayaGirón,Trinidadand

SantiagodeCuba

• Aboardshipalcoholicandnon-alcoholic

beveragesareavailablethroughouttheday,

includinghousewinesandspirits;premiumspirits

andwinesareavailableatextracost

• 29meals,applicablefuelsurcharges,airport

transfers,allgroundtransportation,service

charges,porterageandmosttaxes

5. M CRUISING CUBA’S COASTAL WATERSSpend a relaxing day at sea aboard Le Ponant as she sails

southward around the western tip of Cuba, bound for Isla

de la Juventud off the country’s southern coast. Meals BLD

6. M PUNTA FRANCÉS ON LA ISLA DE LA JUVENTUDLe Ponant arrives early morning at Punta Francés on La

Isla de la Juventud off Cuba’s southern coast. Centuries

ago, the island saw skirmishes between Spanish ships

and privateers; in the 1950s, it housed a prison where

Fidel Castro and Ché Guevara were held. Today, at Punta

Francés Marine National Park, accessible only by sea, join

a local naturalist for an excursion through the mangroves,

and an opportunity for some snorkelling. Meals BLD

7. M CIENFUEGOS OR PLAYA GIRÓNSail back to the Cuban mainland and arrive in

Cienfuegos, dubbed the “Pearl of the South.” A haunt

of pirates and privateers in its early days, the city

for a guided tour of Havana’s Museum of the Revolution,

focussing on the 1950s Cuban Revolution. Stop at Plaza de

la Revolución, with a tower honouring 19th-century patriot

José Martí, en route to the Meliá Cohiba. Meals BLD

3. HISTORIC HAVANA, CIGARS & THE ARTSToday’s People-to-People exchange begins on a walking

tour of Habana Vieja (Old Havana) with a local expert to

discuss the city’s architecture and restoration efforts. At

a Havana cigar factory, see the production of this popular

export. After lunch, visit a cultural, social or arts project for

interactions with members or performers. Meals BLD

4. MORRO CASTLE, HEMINGWAY / M EMBARK Stop at El Morro, Havana’s harbour fortress, en route to

Finca Vigía, Ernest Hemingway’s home from 1939 to 1960.

See the author’s library and yacht, Pilar; talk with a docent

about Hemingway’s life here. See a memorial to “Papa” in

Cojimar. Return to Havana and board Le Ponant. Meals BLD

Cigar Factory

76

became wealthy as a trading port, and lays claim to one

of the Caribbean’s largest collections of Neoclassical

buildings. You can stay in town for a walking tour and

People-to-People interaction at the LA UNEAC social

project; or travel to Playa Girón on the Bay of Pigs, a

landing site for the ill-fated invasion of April 1961, and

visit the Museo Girón and its artefacts. Meals BLD

8. M TRINIDAD & THE SUGAR MILL VALLEY

Dock at Casilda and visit Trinidad, whose fortunes rose

and fell in step with the sugar cane industry in the 18th and

19th centuries. Both the city and the nearby Valle de los

Ingenios (Sugar Mill Valley) form a UNESCO World Heritage

Site. Enjoy a walking tour of Trinidad’s historic centre, and

visit local artists in their studios. Travel to the Sugar Mill

Valley, where over 50 sugar cane mills once profited from

the forced labour of more than 30,000 slaves. You’ll see

traces of barracones (slave quarters) and other structures at

the ruins of former sugar plantations. Meals BLD

9. M DAY AT SEA

Enjoy all the amenities your Tauck small ship has to offer

on an entire day at sea, as Le Ponant makes her way

eastward through the Caribbean along Cuba’s southern

coast and around the tip of Cabo Cruz, bound for the

historic port city of Santiago de Cuba. Meals BLD

Hemingway’s Finca Vigía


BEGINS & ENDS IN MIAMICruisebeginsHavana(eastbound)2018:13, 27⁄ Dec 2019:10⁄ Jan

CruisebeginsSantiagodeCuba(westbound)2018:22 Dec 2019:05, 19⁄ Jan⁄ = Sold Out!


LAND / CRUISE PRICE PER PERSONM CategoryA Double £6890 Single £8722 Triple £6585

M CategoryB Double £7050 Single £8913 Triple N/A

International Airfare to and from Miami is additional.

Contact Tauck for rates on international air for travel originating

in the UK (subject to availability). Round-trip air between Miami

and Havana is included. Please enquire at time of booking

about additional hotel nights at Hyatt Regency Coral Gables.

Land / Cruise Price includes everything outlined in

Booking Conditions, private Tauck shore excursions, cruise

fare, airfare between Miami and Cuba, port charges, applicable

fuel surcharges, entertainment and gratuities to Tauck Director

and ship staff. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the

day aboard ship including house wines and spirits; premium spirits and wines are

available at extra cost. Departures will be hosted by one Tauck Director for approx.

every 40 Tauck guests. Tauck’s private shore excursions and distinctive

inclusions valued at £2,520.

Travel East or West – Trip begins and ends in Miami. Cruise operates both

east and west in Cuba; sightseeing is identical; westbound itinerary is available

at tauck.co.uk or on request. See page 77 for Le Ponant deck plans and ship

specifications.


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1 INTERCONTINENTALMIAMI Miami, Florida

Night 2,3 MELIÁCOHIBA Havana, Cuba

Night 4-10 ABOARDLE PONANT Caribbean Sea

ACTIVITY2

PACE

3


pace level details.

10. M VIBRANT SANTIAGO DE CUBA

Sail into Santiago de Cuba, where your People-to-People

discoveries include meeting local musicians. Visit Santa

Ifigenia Cemetery, where both José Martí and Fidel Castro

are buried; Parque Cespedes, marking the city’s original

settlement; and Moncada Barracks, where young Fidel

and Raul Castro led a revolutionary attack on a Battista

stronghold in 1956. Return to the ship for tonight’s farewell

reception followed by dinner onboard. Meals BLD

11. JOURNEY HOME

Disembark and visit Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca en

route to Antonio Maceo Int’l Airport in Santiago de Cuba

for your charter flight to Miami. Trip ends: 3:00 PM,

Miami IntÕl Airport. Please book flights from Miami to

your final destination no earlier than 5:00 PM. Meals B

Cienfuegos


Marie Galante Deck

St. Barth Deck

Antigua Deck

Sun Deck

A Le Diamant Restaurant 0 Double bed cabinsB Wheelhouse

C Marina D Emeraude Lounge E Reception F Saphir Lounge G Infirmary H Karukéra Restaurant

00 Triple cabins with a fixed double bed 0 Double bed cabins

Category A Category B

Cabins on the Antigua Deck are not larger than

cabins on the Marie Galante Deck.

Enjoy complimentary onboard beverages

from the ship’s well-stocked bar;

dine on fine regional fare, elegantly

presented, in the Karukéra Restaurant;

find information graciously given

at the reception desk; retire in your

handsomely appointed stateroom; and

relax with shipmates in the welcoming

Emeraude or Saphir lounges.

SHIP SPECIFICATIONS:

Built: 1991

Renovated: 2013

Length: 88.4 m.

Draft: 3.9 m.

Beam:11.8 m.

Tonnage: 850 tons

CruisingSpeed: 14 knots

AirConditioned: Yes

Elevator:No

NumberofGuests: 60

CrewMembers: 30

Registry: France

CrewNationality:International

Internet:Service levels may vary

Le Ponant is a majestic three-masted schooner

designed to glide effortlessly to small islands, hidden harbours

and exclusive ports of call where the big ships aren’t found.

Stylish and sophisticated, with a friendly and relaxed onboard

ambiance for just 60 guests, she invites camaraderie and

provides an intimate sailing experience similar to what you’d

experience on your own private yacht; you’ll feel as though

you are cruising with family. Enjoy a cosy lounge that comes

alive every night with piano music; a full-service bar; indoor

and outdoor dining where the waiters come to know your

name; a Sun Deck perfect for enjoying unobstructed views

of the sea and scenery by day, and stargazing at night. Your

well-appointed outside facing stateroom (approx. 12 square

metres) caters to your comfort with a private bathroom, a

minibar, music system and individual climate control.

78

CREATING PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONNECTIONS... With our 12-day trip across the length of the

island... bringing Tauck travellers face-to-face with Cubans from all walks of life to share thoughts and insights, to learn about

their country and their lives, and connect with their rich cultural heritage, from Havana to Holguín... delving into Cuban history,

architecture, agriculture, community art, Ernest Hemingway’s life in Cuba... talking with students, teachers, artists, agricultural

workers, craftsmen, printers, preservationists, musicians, dancers, community leaders, families...

1. ARRIVE MIAMI

Tauck’s People-to-People Cuba trip begins at 4:00 PM at The

Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami. Travellers flying to Miami

should plan to arrive at Miami Int’l Airport by 2:00 PM,

and take a Yellow Taxi from the airport to The Ritz-Carlton

Coconut Grove, Miami (average fee of USD $25 plus tip will

be reimbursed by your Tauck Director). Gather at the hotel

for a briefing, welcome reception, and dinner. Meals D

2. BIENVENIDOS A LA HABANA

After an early breakfast, board an included flight from

Miami to Havana’s José Martí International Airport,

where your local Cuban guide welcomes you to Cuba’s

CUBA:A CULTURAL ODYSSEY Havana

Havana

Miami

CARIBBEAN

SEAATLANTIC

OCEAN

CUBA

FLORIDA

Santa Clara

Villa Clara

Sancti Spiritus

CamagüeyPuerto Padre

Holguín

PlayaEsmeralda

Guardalavaca



LATIN AMERICATravelling Well Includes…• AllhotelaccommodationsinMiamiandCuba

• FlightsbetweenMiamiandCuba

• Tauck’s“do-it-for-you”servicefromyourTauck

Director&localCubanguides

• 10daysof“People-to-People”educational

exchangeinHavana,SanFranciscodePaula,

SantaClara,SanctiSpiritus,Camagüey,

Guardalavaca,Holguínandmore

• ExclusiveTauckExperiencesfostering

meaningfulculturalconnectionswithCuban

families,artists,musicians,students,educators,

agriculturalworkers,artisans,entrepreneurs,

communityleadersandothers

• AllgratuitiestoTauckDirector,localguides

anddrivers,hotelandrestaurantstaff;all

groundtransportation,airporttransfers,taxes,

admissionfeesandporterage

• Allmeals–33(11breakfasts,11lunches,11

dinners)atlocalrestaurants&paladares

4. HISTORIC HAVANA & THE ARTS

Begin the day at Habana Compás, a Havana dance and

cultural performance group; talk with company members

and watch a demonstration. Next, arrive at Maqueta de

La Habana, a museum featuring a 1:500 scale model of

Havana. Meet a local expert on the city’s architecture and

historic restoration efforts for a guided walking tour through

Habana Vieja, a pedestrian-only UNESCO World Heritage

Site. See Havana’s beautiful Catedral de San Cristóbal and

learn about its ongoing preservation and restoration. After

lunch on the Malecón, return to the hotel for time spent as

you wish; enjoy dinner at a local paladar tonight. Meals BLD

5. CHÉ’S LEGACY IN SANTA CLARA

Depart Havana and head to the province of Villa Clara

in the north central region of Cuba, once home to many

sugar cane plantations. Arrive in Santa Clara, the provincial

capital, to visit the Ché Guevara Mausoleum – a memorial

sculpture complex and museum honouring Ernesto “Ché”

Guevara de la Serna, the Argentine-born physician and

capital. Drive to El Morro (Morro Castle), the iconic stone

fortress that has guarded Havana’s harbour since the 16th

century; and Cristo de La Habana (Christ of Havana), a

towering white Carrara marble statue of Jesus overlooking

Havana Bay, built in the 1950s. After lunch at a paladar on

Havana’s seaside Malecón, continue to the Meliá Habana,

where you’ll settle into your room in “The Level,” and enjoy

dinner tonight at one of the hotel’s restaurants. Meals BLD

3. COLÓN CEMETERY & HEMINGWAY’S CUBAWalk with a local historian through Havana’s Colón

Cemetery, final resting place of noted Cubanos for

centuries; it’s perhaps the most ornate necropolis in the

world. Depart the city for Finca Vigía (“Lookout Farm”)

in San Francisco de Paula, American novelist Ernest

Hemingway’s winter home from 1939 to 1960. See the

author’s library and yacht, Pilar, and talk with a docent

about Hemingway’s life here. After lunch, head back to

Havana for a visit and a People-to-People exchange at the

Museo de la Revolución, in what had once been Cuba’s

Presidential Palace, before returning to your hotel. Meals BLD

CamagŸey Dance Group

80

Marxist revolutionary who played a key role as Fidel

Castro’s second-in-command in the Cuban Revolution; the

complex commemorates Ché’s victory in the pivotal 1958

Battle of Santa Clara. Discuss Ché’s life and legacy as

you view the monuments and some of his personal effects

in the museum, and visit the cave-like memorial crypt

containing his remains and those of revolutionaries killed

with him while fighting in Bolivia in 1967, marked by an

eternal flame. Following lunch, travel to Sancti Spiritus near

the centre of the island for an overnight stay. Meals BLD

6. ACROSS THE COUNTRYSIDE TO CAMAGÜEY

The town of Sancti Spiritus is one of the country’s oldest –

the fourth of Cuba’s original seven villages founded by the

Spaniards in the 16th century. It’s also known as the home

of the guayabera – the traditional white, four-pocketed

Cuban shirt (known elsewhere as the habanera) – which

many claim was created here in the early 18th century.

After breakfast, head into the countryside across the

centre of Cuba, arriving in historic Camagüey in time for

lunch. Attend a performance by an acclaimed local dance

company, followed by a Q&A with company members.

Check into your hotel and have dinner tonight. Meals BLD

7. CAMAGÜEY’S ARTISANS & THEIR WORK

Today, you’ll meet artisans and artists in Camagüey,

affectionately dubbed “the Maze” or “the City of

Squares” for its labyrinthine historic centre of twisting

lanes and squares that once confounded pirates and

invaders. Visit the studio of leather sculptor José

“Pepe” Guiterrez for a demonstration and discussion

of his work: creating unique masks, busts and animal

sculptures from goat hide. As he works, Pepe explains

the process of soaking, shaping and sculpting the leather

into pieces largely inspired by Afro-Cuban culture and

symbolism drawn from African mythology. Next, walk

to the studio of artist Martha Jimenez, whose images

of strong, mysterious women have been shown around

the world, for an exchange with the artist or a member

of her family or staff; then have lunch at a paladar just

across the square. Throughout the day in Camagüey,

you may notice those big, red clay pots in front of or

on the porches of homes throughout the city. They’re

tinaj—nes, the traditional symbol of Camagüey – and at

the Casanova Pottery Studio, the Casanova family will

show you traditional methods of creating these iconic

vessels, and discuss their history and use. Meals BLD

8. ARTS EDUCATION & MORE IN CAMAGÜEY

In Camagüey today, visit the Endedans Modern

Dance Company and school for an enchanting private

performance by its highly talented students, including

contemporary, ballet, hip-hop and other dance styles;

interact with the young dancers afterwards in a Q&A

session to learn about their backgrounds, dreams

and goals. Have lunch at a local Italian restaurant this

afternoon; after more exploration in Camagüey, enjoy

dinner at a paladar this evening. Meals BLD

9. TO GUARDALAVACA ON THE NORTH COAST

Depart Camagüey after breakfast and set out across the

countryside for Cuba’s northeastern coast. En route,

stop at Finca Agroecológica Conchita, a working farm

in rural Puerto Padre, to meet and talk with agricultural

Colón Cemetery

Casanova Pottery Studio



BEGINS MIAMI07, 21⁄ Jan 04, 18⁄ Feb 18⁄ Mar 15 Apr 13 May 10 Jun 16 Sep 14 Oct 25 Nov 23 Dec ⁄ = Sold Out!



PRICE PER PERSONJanuary–March;16–31DecemberDouble £5720 Single £6289 Triple £5591

April;30September–08DecemberDouble £5520 Single £6082 Triple £5382

May;01–29September;09–15DecemberDouble £5320 Single £5875 Triple £5175

June–JulyDouble £5270 Single £5806 Triple £5111

International Airfare to and from Miami is additional. Contact Tauck for

rates on international air for travel originating in the UK (subject to availability).

Round-trip air between Miami and Havana is included. Please enquire at time of

booking about additional hotel nights at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables.


2

ACTIVITY

3


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1 THERITZ-CARLTONCOCONUT Coral Gables, FL

GROVE,MIAMI

Night 2-4 MELIÁHABANA Havana

Night 5 HOTELENCANTODONFLORENCIO Sancti SpiritusOR HOTELENCANTODELRIJO

Night 6-8 HOTELENCANTOLASEVILLANA Camagüey OR HOTELENCANTOELMARQUÉS

Night 9-11 PARADISUSRÍODEORO Playa Esmeralda RESORT&SPA

Note: Due to the nature of People-to-People travel in Cuba, itinerary is subject to change; order and individual components of itinerary may change depending on day of the week, but a full People-to-People itinerary will be preserved.

Santa Clara

workers about agrarian life in today’s Cuba, tour the

facility and have lunch. Continue on to Paradisus Río de

Oro Resort & Spa on the Playa Esmeralda coast in the

seaside town of Guardalavaca in Holguín province, where

you’ll enjoy a Royal Service Room for the next three

nights. Have dinner at your resort this evening. Meals BLD

10. CULTURAL DISCOVERIES IN HOLGUÍNTravel from Guardalavaca to the nearby city of Holguín.

Visit the Rodrigo Prats Opera Company, named for an

esteemed 20th-century Cuban composer and orchestra

leader, for a performance of the distinctive Cuban style of

zarzuela – a lyric-dramatic musical genre that developed in

Spain centuries ago – and learn more about its traditions

in a Q&A session with the performers. Next, visit La Loma

de la Crus (Hill of the Cross), a scenic overlook featuring

spectacular views of Holguín and a monumental cross;

legend has it that an 18th-century Franciscan friar climbed

this rocky hill carrying the original rustic wooden cross

on his shoulders. After lunch at a local paladar, meet the

Gongora family at Cuadernos Papiro (Papyrus Papers

Publishing House), their family-operated print shop and

museum, where they use historic presses to produce art

books; interact with family members as they discuss their

printing processes and demonstrate their machines. Return

to your resort for dinner this evening. Meals BLD

11. MORE MUSIC & ART IN HOLGUÍNYou’re back in Holguín today for more People-to-People

exchanges. Begin with a walking tour of the city, followed

by a musical performance and interactions with students

at the José María Ochoa School of Music. Later, visit

with a talented young Neoclassical artist at his home and

studio in Holguín to view and talk about his work. Return to

your resort for lunch. Tonight, bid Cuba a fond adi—s at a

farewell reception and dinner at the resort. Meals BLD

12. RETURN TO MIAMI FOR JOURNEY HOMETake an included flight from Holguín’s Frank Pais International

Airport to Miami. Trip ends at Miami International Airport.

Please book flights from Miami to your final destination

for no earlier than 3:00 PM. Allow two hours for flight

check-in in Miami prior to your flight home. Meals BL

82

CUBA: CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE & CULTURE

Viñales Valley

Miami

FLORIDA

CARIBBEAN

SEAATLANTIC

OCEAN

CUBA

Havana

Vi–ales


1. ARRIVE MIAMI

Trip begins: 4:00 PM, Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. Travellers

flying to Miami should plan to arrive at Miami International

Airport by 2:00 PM, and take a Yellow Taxi from the airport

to the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables (for an average fee of

USD $20 plus tip, which will be reimbursed by your Tauck

Director). Gather for a briefing about tomorrow’s activities,

followed by a reception and dinner this evening. Meals D

2. WELCOME TO CUBA’S CAPITAL, HAVANA

An included flight takes you to Havana’s José Martí

International Airport, where your local Cuban guide greets

you. Drive to the Meliá Habana, have lunch and check in;

en route, stop at the iconic Revolution Square, dominated

by a memorial tower honouring José Martí. This afternoon,

head to the Museum of the Revolution, housed in the

Neoclassical building in Habana Vieja that had served as

Cuba’s Presidential Palace from 1920 through 1959, for

your first People-to-People cultural exchange in Cuba.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. Meals BLD

OUR 7-DAY HAVANA-BASED PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TRIP... brings Tauck travellers to this

enigmatic Caribbean island nation for true cultural exchange with Cubans in and around Havana to share insights about their

daily lives and their rich cultural heritage. Around key themes of Cuban culture, the arts, history, architecture, agriculture,

baseball and more, travellers interact directly with the people of Cuba. Meet Cuban students, teachers, architects, artists,

artisans, dancers, musicians, ballplayers and coaches… discover Hemingway’s Cuba… visit with agricultural workers…

attend a Cuban cooking class... dine at privately operated paladares and more.

3. CULTURE & HISTORY IN OLD HAVANA

At the Habana Compás dance group, meet company

members and watch a demonstration. Take a walking tour

through Habana Vieja with a local expert; view the Catedral

de San Cristóbal and learn about its preservation. Later,

attend a discussion on US - Cuban relations. Meals BLD


LATIN AMERICA

Travelling Well Includes…• Allhotelaccommodations–1nightinMiami

and5nightsattheMeliáHabana

• FlightsbetweenMiamiandHavana

• EscortedPeople-to-PeopletravelaccompaniedbyaTauckDirectorandbilingualCubanguides

• Fivedaysof“People-to-People”exchange

• AllgratuitiestoTauckDirector,localguides&drivers,hotel&restaurantstaff;groundtransportation,airporttransfers,taxes,admissionfeesandporterage

• Allmeals–6breakfasts,5lunches,6dinners

Havana ballplayers

4. CUBAN BASEBALL, CRAFTS & MORETake a close-up look at a passion shared by Cubans and

Americans alike – baseball! After a morning discussion with

a noted Cuban player, meet players, coaches and parents

of a Havana Little League-level team. Following a Cuban

cooking class and lunch, relax at your hotel or join us for a

visit to Havana’s bustling San José crafts market. Meals BLD

5. AGRICULTURE IN THE VIÑALES VALLEYTravel outside Havana to the tobacco fields of the

Viñales Valley, where you’ll talk to agricultural workers

about agrarian life and tobacco production in Cuba. After

lunch, meet workers who process tobacco leaves before

they reach the cigar factory at El Despalillo. Meals BLD

6. COLÓN CEMETERY & HEMINGWAY’S CUBAFollowing a walk with a local historian through Havana’s

vast Colón Cemetery, the final resting place of noted

Cubanos for centuries, head outside the city to American

novelist Ernest Hemingway’s Finca Vigía (“Lookout

Farm”), the author’s winter home between 1939 and

1960; see his 9,000-volume library and beloved yacht,

Pilar, and hear about his life in Cuba and strong

connections to the Cuban people. Return to Havana for

lunch, then engage with students and staff at Havana’s

La Casa del Niño y la Niña (House of the Boy & Girl), an

educational outreach program in Centro Habana. Join us

tonight for a farewell reception and dinner. Meals BLD

7. JOURNEY HOMETransfer from the Meliá Habana to Havana’s José Martí

Int’l Airport for your included return flight to Miami. Your

People-to-People trip ends at Miami IntÕl Airport. Please

book flights from Miami to your final destination no earlier

than 3:00 PM; allow two hours for flight check-in. Meals B


BEGINS MIAMI18, 25 Jan 01, 08, 15, 22 Feb 08, 15, 22, 29 Mar 05, 19 Apr 03, 17 May 14 Jun 20 Sep 11, 18 Oct 01,08 Nov 06, 20, 27 Dec


PRICE PER PERSONJanuary–March;19–31DecemberDouble £4680 Single £5832 Triple £4564

April;October–18DecemberDouble £4590 Single £5761 Triple £4495

May&SeptemberDouble £4480 Single £5623 Triple £4357

June–JulyDouble £4390 Single £5554 Triple £4288

International Airfare to and from Miami is additional. Contact Tauck for

rates on international air for travel originating in the UK (subject to availability).

Round-trip air between Miami and Havana is included. Please enquire at time of

booking about additional hotel nights at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables.


2

ACTIVITY

3


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1 HYATTREGENCYCORALGABLES Coral Gables, FL

Night 2-6 MELIÁHABANA Havana, Cuba

Note: Due to the nature of People-to-People travel in Cuba,

itinerary is subject to change; order and individual components

of itinerary may change depending on day of the week, but a

full People-to-People itinerary will be preserved.

84

CHILE... ARGENTINA... BRAZIL... Experience a trio of South American jewels that sparkle in landscapes both

rugged and refined, with stays at some of South America’s favourite hotels. Savour a taste of Chilean wine country outside

Santiago and discover crystalline Patagonian lakes. Enjoy ever stylish Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America,” with a private

tour of the world-famous opera house, visits to historic grand boulevards and artsy neighbourhoods, and a perfect tango. Fall

for scenic beauty times two at Iguazú Falls. And in Rio, indulge your passion for samba, sightseeing and Carnaval traditions...

1. ARRIVE SANTIAGO, CHILE

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago. A transfer

is included from Santiago Airport to The Ritz-Carlton,

Santiago, for a memorable two-night stay. Join us for a

welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight. Meals D

2. SANTIAGO & A WINERY LUNCH

Get acquainted with Santiago today beginning with a visit

to the Plaza de Armas – the city is a mix of skyscrapers

and classical buildings. Head outside of the city this

afternoon to a local winery for a tasting tour, followed by

lunch. Back in Santiago, the rest of your day is free. Meals BL

ESSENCE OF SOUTH AMERICA Rio de Janeiro


BRAZIL

BOLIVIA

PARAGUAY

URUGUAYSantiago

PuertoMontt

Bariloche

Nahuel Huapi N.P.

Puerto Varas

Buenos Aires

Rio deJaneiro

Iguazú Falls

Iguazú

Igua•u

OsornoVolcano

(2,660 ft.)

ARGENTINA

CHILE

SOUTH

ATLANTIC

OCEAN

SOUTH

PACIFIC

OCEAN


LATIN AMERICATravelling Well Includes…

• AwalkalongthebaseofIguazúFallsduringtwonightsatahotelwithviewsofthewaterfalls

• ThreenightsinBuenosAires–aprivatevisittotheOperaHouse,dinnerandatangoshow

• ThreenightsinRiodeJaneiroonCopacabanaBeach,featuringdazzlingoceansideviews

• PrivatetourofRio’sSambaCityandaprivateboatcruiseonGuanabaraBay

• AboatcruisetoBariloche,the“SwitzerlandofSouthAmerica,”foratwo-nightstay

• AtourandgourmetlunchatarenownedChileanwineryduringtwonightsinSantiago


• 32meals,gratuitiestolocalguides,servicecharges,taxesandporterage

5. LLAO LLAO RESORT PLEASURES

Today you have the entire day to immerse in the natural

splendours of your idyllic lakeside setting as you wish.

Indulge in the amenities at your award-winning resort (some

at an additional charge) including archery, golf, tennis and

sailing or spa treatments. You may wish to explore the

ski-resort downtown area of Bariloche on your own. This

afternoon, we invite you to come and join us for a private

tango lesson – and it is for Tauck guests only. Meals BD

6. FLY TO BUENOS AIRES

You’ve basked in the beauty of Patagonia from the

ground up. Today you will experience it from a different

perspective when you take a chairlift up Cerro Campanario

for stunning views of the surrounding mountains, wide

open sky and the lake waters below. Another change of

scenery awaits following a flight to Buenos Aires for a very

special three-night stay at the elegant Alvear Palace Hotel,

which has been a city landmark since 1932 and is the

undisputed “grande dame” of Buenos Aires hotels in the

city’s historic downtown. Meals BLD

3. PATAGONIA’S BEAUTIFUL LAKE DISTRICT

Fly this morning to the Lake District of southern

Chile, renowned as a wonderland of mountain lakes,

snowcapped volcanoes, waterfalls and lush forests. Have

lunch in Puerto Montt, reflecting the German heritage of

the area’s original settlers, en route to the Patagonian

resort town of Puerto Varas on the shore of one of

Chile’s largest lakes, Lago Llanquihue. Explore the

interesting sights of this charming city as you please and

dine at leisure in your hotel this evening. Meals BLD

4. CROSSING THE ANDES BY LAND AND BOAT

Sail the tranquil glacial waters to Bariloche today aboard a

boat cruise. View snowcapped mountain peaks and forested

islands, with the possibility of watching Andean condors

soaring effortlessly above you. With wingspans of up to

three metres, they are able to glide atop thermal currents

when they reach high altitudes, seldom flapping their wings.

Disembark a short distance from your resort, where you’ll

stay in waterfront suites in the Moreno Wing with panoramic

windows overlooking the beautiful lake. Meals BLD

Buenos Aires

Historic Llao Llao Hotel & Resort is perched high on a hill between Lake Nahuel and Lake Moreno – panoramic views are equally complemented by the gracious accommodations and amenities. Alvear Palace Hotel opened in 1932 as a luxury hotel for European visitors and continues to exude Belle Époque splendor in the heart of Buenos Aires’ fashionable Recoleta neighborhood. Art Deco-inspired Belmond Copacabana Palace overlooks Rio’s world-famous Copacabana Beach; having first opened its doors to a celebrity clientele in 1923, the hotel welcomes guests with an impeccable reputation for graciousness and service – guest rooms are unique, featuring fine period furniture and original works of art.

Llao Llao Hotel & Resort

Belmond Copacabana Palace

Alvear Palace Hotel

STAYATTHREEICONICHOTELS

86

7. BUENOS AIRES ALLURE

No doubt about it, Buenos Aires defines “sizzle”... and you’ll discover why today when a local guide shows you the city. First up is a visit to Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace) where you’ll see the balcony made famous by Eva (“Evita”) Perón. Explore the colourful La Boca neighbourhood, which is both a working class barrio and an artist colony, and enjoy lunch in the historic San Telmo District, a mix of colonial-style homes, narrow lanes, artist lofts and hip bars. Tonight, a dinner show reveals the allure and passion of the tango with performances by expert dancers. Meals BLD

8. TEATRO COLÓN OPERA HOUSE

After a late night out at one of the city’s most elegant dining and dancing venues, the morning is free to spend at your leisure in fabulous Buenos Aires. Late morning, go on a privately guided behind-the-scenes tour of Teatro Colón, Buenos Aires’ amazing seven-tiered opera house. First opened in 1908, its opulent stained glass, marble staircases and excellent acoustics underwent a three-year refurbishment for its highly anticipated reopening in 2010. Today, it is considered among the five best concert venues in the world. You’ll also visit beautiful Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Woods), in the heart of the city, today. The rest of the day is free to explore the city as you wish. Meals B

9. CITY TREASURES & WATERFALL PLEASURES

Sightseeing continues today on the “widest avenue in the world,” Avenida 9 de Julio, a stately thoroughfare that was modelled after Paris’ Champs-Élysées in the 1930s, along with the posh Embassy District and the Rose Garden, an oasis of green. On foot, explore Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Eva Perón and many of Argentina’s famous and wealthiest families. Have lunch before taking an afternoon flight to Iguazú; your hotel is located in the heart of Iguazú National Park, famous for the spectacular Iguazú Falls; dine tonight at the hotel’s restaurant, boasting wonderful views of the thundering waters! Meals BLD

10. THE “GREAT WATERS” OF IGUAZÚ

Taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide, Iguazú Falls, named a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, claimed another title as one of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” by the New Seven Wonders of the World Foundation in 2011. You’ll have to visit two countries to get a complete look at the falls – its 275 cascades are spread in a horseshoe shape over three kilometres of the Iguazú River, straddling the borders of Argentina and Brazil. Today experience the Argentinian side, walking along grated walkways of metal and climbing steps as you view the thundering water. Take as many walks as you like; names like the “Devil’s Throat,” the “Superior Circuit,” and the

STAYATTHREEICONICHOTELS

Alvear Palace Hotel

Belmond Copacabana Palace

Historic Llao Llao Hotel & Resort is perched high on a hill between Lake Nahuel and Lake Moreno – panoramic views are equally complemented by the gracious accommodations and amenities. Alvear Palace Hotel opened in 1932 as a luxury hotel for European visitors and continues to exude Belle Époque splendour in the heart of Buenos Aires’ fashionable Recoleta neighbourhood. Art Deco-inspired Belmond Copacabana Palace overlooks Rio’s world-famous Copacabana Beach; having first opened its doors to a celebrity clientele in 1923, the hotel welcomes guests with an impeccable reputation for graciousness and service – guest rooms are unique, featuring fine period furniture and original works of art.

Llao Llao Hotel & Resort


“Lower Circuit” offer a hint of what you’ll see. Optional activities, including boat rides, hikes and other excursions, are available at an additional charge and give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Meals BL

11. THE “OTHER” SIDE – CASCADING BEAUTY

Travel to the Brazilian side of the Iguaçu Falls today for a walk across the river on catwalks, followed by lunch overlooking the river. Afterwards, fly to Rio de Janeiro and settle into the oceanfront Belmond Copacabana Palace overlooking the famed beach late this afternoon. Your accommodations are just steps away from the storied beach and world-class attractions. Meals BLD

12. SUMMIT OF CORCOVADO & SAMBA CITY

Journey by train to the summit of Corcovado to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, standing high above Rio and the sea below. Back down the mountain, visit Samba City for a behind-the-scenes look at Carnaval traditions and a samba dance show. Lunch at a tea room and a tour of the heart of historic Rio evoke memories of its Belle Époque era. Spend the evening exploring Rio as you wish. Meals BL

13. A CRUISE & SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN

Enjoy a private boat cruise on Guanabara Bay, dotted with 130 islands, for awe-inspiring views of Rio’s skyline and beachside gems. A two-stage cable car ride takes you to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain for more dramatic views. We invite you to join us for a special farewell reception in one of the hotel’s famed ballrooms followed by a farewell dinner at an acclaimed local restaurant. Meals BLD

Iguazú Falls


BEGINS SANTIAGO09⁄ , 12⁄ , 19,23⁄ , 26⁄ Jan 06,09⁄ , 20, 23⁄ Feb 09, 23 Mar 14, 21Sep 05, 12, 19Oct02, 16 Nov 14 Dec ⁄ = Sold Out!



booking.





PRICE PER PERSON





2

ACTIVITY

3



Night 1,2 THERITZ-CARLTON,SANTIAGO Santiago, Chile

Night 3 HOTELCUMBRESPUERTOVARAS Puerto Varas, Chile

Night 4,5 LLAOLLAOHOTEL&RESORT Bariloche, Argentina

Night 6-8 ALVEARPALACEHOTEL Buenos Aires, Argentina

Night 9,10 SHERATONIGUAZÚRESORT&SPA Iguazú, Argentina

Night 11-13 BELMONDCOPACABANAPALACE Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

07–31December*LAND PRICE + ON-TOUR AIR (4 flights) = TOTAL PER PERSON


January–March;28September–06December*LAND PRICE + ON-TOUR AIR (4 flights) = TOTAL PER PERSON


01–27September*LAND PRICE + ON-TOUR AIR (4 flights) = TOTAL PER PERSON


14. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Rio de Janeiro. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Belmond Copacabana Palace to Rio de Janeiro International Airport. You should allow a minimum of 3½ hours for flight check-in. Meals B

e

88


Santiago

CHILE

BuenosAires

ARGENTINA

PuntaArenas

Puerto Natales

Torres del PaineNational Park

Calafate

SOUTH

ATLANTIC

SEA

SOUTH

PACIFIC

SEA

ElEl

estal

Calafate

t

C

SEA

ElCalafate

Lago Argentino

Punta Bandera

Estancia Cristina

Torres del PaineNational Park

CerroCastillo

PuertoNatales

UltimaEsperanza

Fjord

UpsalaGlacier

PeritoMorenoGlacier

ARGENTINA

CHILE

PACK YOUR BOOTS AND BINOCULARS for an adventure on the southern tip of South America, where

Argentina and Chile meet in a spectacular landscape defined by glaciers and the southern Andes... explore dramatic national

parks, including the eerily groaning and cracking Perito Moreno Glacier – a UNESCO World Heritage Site... take a private cruise

in the Ultima Esperanza Sound and cruise Lake Argentino... spot guanacos and rheas... get to know cowboys, shepherds, a

horse whisperer, and world-famous silversmiths... and enjoy tango, mate tea, and stays at premier hotels.

1. ARRIVE SANTIAGO

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, The Singular Santiago. We’ll meet

you at the airport. A transfer is included upon arrival from

Santiago International Airport to The Singular Santiago, a

luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Santiago. Join us

for a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel. Meals D

2. PICTURESQUE PUERTO NATALES

Fly this morning from Santiago to Punta Arenas, deep

in the southern tip of the continent, near Tierra del

Fuego. This “city of red roofs,” established in the

19th century as a penal colony and coaling station for

PATAGONIA Perito Moreno Glacier


LATIN AMERICA

Travelling Well Includes…

• A cruise through the Ultima Esperanza Sound and a walk overlooking Serrano Glacier

• A private 4x4 adventure at Estancia Cristina, a cattle ranch in a remote region of Patagonia

• Visit to the workshop of the Draghi family, world-famous silversmiths of Argentina

• Private gaucho show, where cowboys of the Argentine outback demonstrate their amazing riding and horse-whispering skills

• Lunch at a picturesque restaurant near the awesome Perito Moreno Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Tango show in Buenos Aires, where the passionate pas de deux was born


• 26 meals, gratuities to local guides, service charges, taxes and porterage

O’Higgins National Park for an easy trek through the

wilderness to a viewpoint overlooking the breathtaking

beauty of Serrano Glacier. See Serrano and Balmaceda

glaciers as you cruise around Patagonian fjords en route

to an estancia for lunch, a sheep-shearing demonstration

and an optional hike. Following a late-afternoon historical

tour of the Singular Hotel – converted from an industrial

complex built over a century ago – join us this evening

in the hotel’s award-winning gourmet restaurant for

a special wine-pairing dinner featuring world-famous

Chilean wines and regional cuisine. Meals BLD

4. TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

Journey north from Puerto Natales to the heart of one

of South America’s most spectacular nature preserves,

a photographer’s paradise of glacier-carved fjords,

valleys, mountains, steppes, and sub-polar forests –

all dominated by the grandeur of Torres del Paine, a

unique trio of granite peaks with serrated edges that jut

dramatically skyward. Torres del Paine are also known

as nature’s Cleopatra’s Needles. Against this backdrop

steamships, is usually a jumping-off point for Antarctic

expeditions, but today it’s a leg on your journey to

the otherworldly landscapes found in Torres del Paine

National Park. From here you travel to Puerto Natales, a

city on the shores of the Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope)

Sound. Named by a 16th-century Spanish explorer

who became lost in the maze of channels and fjords

while searching for the Strait of Magellan, the area was

later settled by European immigrants as a shipping

port for the local wool and meat-packing industry in

the early 20th century. Arrive late afternoon and check

in to your accommodations at The Singular Patagonia,

formerly a waterfront factory built in 1915, and now an

award-winning luxury resort with dramatic floor-to-ceiling

views of the sound and mountain ranges. Meals BD

3. CRUISE AROUND PATAGONIAN FJORDS

Weather permitting, a cruise through the Ultima

Esperanza Sound introduces you to a mystical landscape

of fjords, mountains, cliffs and caves, plunging waterfalls,

and ice floes. Disembark at glacier-filled Bernardo

Gaucho Horse Whisperer

90

the park’s lakes are remarkably vivid – in shades of

emerald and turquoise – owing to rock flour settling from

the restless grinding of the mountains by glaciers. The

palette of the lakes is offset by rolling plains covered with

red wildflowers. The rugged landscape is populated by

foxes, pumas, guanacos, rheas, and large birds of prey.

Lunch at a ranch for a taste of local life and cuisine,

then head back to your hotel from your immersion in

Patagonia’s intoxicating natural wonders. This evening

dine in the main restaurant at your hotel. Meals BLD

5. A SINGULAR DAY IN PUERTO NATALES

Today is free. At the resort, a variety of activities* are

included, such as kayaking, bicycling, condor-watching,

hiking, cave exploring, and horseback riding. Your hotel

is an official national monument for its significance in

the region’s heritage, so in addition to great amenities,

it offers a museum of exhibits on local history and the

restored machinery from its factory days. You might

also investigate the colourful city of Puerto Natales,

learn about its mix of European and indigenous cultures,

and discover the array of cafés and bars catering to

international tastes. Tonight enjoy a private Tauck

family-style dinner at The Grill in your hotel, feasting on

fresh lamb prepared with delicious regional ingredients

cooked on an open wood-burning grill. Meals BLD

6. EL CALAFATE AND LAGO ARGENTINO

Cross the border into Argentina this morning and arrive

at El Calafate in time for lunch. A small, picturesque

village on the shores of Lake Argentino, El Calafate is

named for a wild bush with yellow flowers and blue

berries that flourishes here; it is also known as the

“Village of the Glaciers,” the gateway to Los Glaciares

National Park. Have lunch in town, then continue on

to your accommodations at Hotel Xelena. Nestled

beside the lake, Hotel Xelena offers tranquillity in a

unique natural environment. Visit a local museum, the

Glaciarium, dedicated to the science of glaciers and

the unique geological history of the area – a useful

introduction to astonishing Los Glaciares National Park.

This evening have dinner at your hotel. Meals BLD

7. ESTANCIA CRISTINA AND UPSALA GLACIER

All aboard at Punta Bandera for a cruise on Lake

Argentino. The vast lake is fed by runoff from dozens

of glaciers. Sail by one of the largest, Upsala Glacier,

a towering wall of ice (30 metres higher than Niagara

Falls) that meets the water and stretches on through

an alien landscape of granite peaks and icebergs in a

startling palette of colours; the green of the lake beside

the vivid blue, white and gold hues of the mountains,

forests and ice offers dramatic photo ops. Disembark

at Estancia Cristina, a cattle and sheep ranch founded

by an English immigrant in the early 1900s (and named

after his daughter). Travel via a 4x4 vehicle, then take

a hike for a stunning panoramic view of Upsala Glacier.

Get a close-up look at life on the ranch, including a visit

to a museum dedicated to Argentina’s cowboys, the

gauchos. Enjoy a lunch of local cuisine, and learn to

make mate tea (the national drink), brewed and served in

a calabash gourd with a metal straw. Meals BLD

8. PERITO MORENO GLACIER

Drive into Los Glaciares National Park to witness one

of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders,

Perito Moreno Glacier. Fronting Lake Argentino for 4.8

kilometres, rising 73 metres from the water in dense

clusters of jagged white skyscrapers, Perito Moreno is

one of the few glaciers in the icefield that is advancing,

its restless movement unseen but sometimes heard – its

Estancia La Peninsula

Torres del Paine National Park



BEGINS SANTIAGO12⁄ , 19, 26⁄ Jan 02, 09⁄ , 23 Feb 09 Mar 05 Oct 16 Nov 21 Dec ⁄ = Sold Out!



PRICE PER PERSON






at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be required. To

enjoy this tour’s itinerary, you should be in good health and able

to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven

surfaces. This itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks,

wheelchairs, or motorised scooters. Consult the personalised documents that will be

sent to you after booking for packing instructions.


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1 THE SINGULAR SANTIAGO Santiago, Chile

Night 2-5 THE SINGULAR PATAGONIA Puerto Natales, Chile

Night 6-8 HOTEL XELENA El Calafate, Argentina

Night 9,10 SOFITEL BUENOS AIRES Buenos Aires, Argentina ARROYO

January – March; 19 October – 13 December



01 – 18 October



14 – 31 December



groaning, cracking, and rumbling is eerie! From high

walkways on the shore opposite the glacier, you can

appreciate its overwhelming scale and might even see

an iceberg calve away from the ice wall, collapsing like a

tall building in an explosion of thunder and water. Enjoy

lunch in the presence of this mystical phenomenon; the

majestic landscape mesmerises with the changing light,

as the ice morphs in colour from white to turquoise,

sapphire, and deep indigo blue. Return to your hotel

for a free afternoon and evening, or explore the shops

and restaurants in El Calafate. And there’s always the

dazzling night sky, a brilliant starry show unimpeded by

man-made lights in this corner of the world. Meals BL

9. FLY TO BUENOS AIRES

Fly from El Calafate, in remote Patagonia, to

cosmopolitan Buenos Aires for an orientation tour of the

“Paris of South America” en route to your hotel, in the

epicentre of the art district. An Art Deco landmark dating

from 1929, the Sofitel Buenos Aires Arroyo is the soul

of French elegance, set on a tree-lined street of antique

shops and art galleries near Plaza San Martín. This

evening, dinner is served at your hotel. Meals BD

10. SILVERSMITHS, GAUCHOS, AND TANGO

Head outside the city through lush farmlands to the artist

community at San Antonio de Areco. Meet members

of the Draghi family, world-famous silversmiths; visit

their shop and studio to view their exquisite silver and

saddlery, evoking the cowboy culture and heritage of

the region. Next up, naturally, is a private lunch and

gaucho fiesta, where cowboys of the Argentine outback

demonstrate their legendary equestrian skills – a

most impressive display of acrobatic riding, herding,

ring-racing and horse dancing. Return to Buenos Aires

to freshen up at your hotel, then join us tonight for a

farewell dinner and tango show in the city. Meals BLD

ACTIVITY

3

PACE

4


pace level details.

11. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Buenos Aires. Check-out time at your hotel

is noon. Transfers are included from Sofitel Buenos

Aires Arroyo to Buenos Aires International Airport. You

should allow a minimum of three hours for your flight

check-in at the airport. Meals B

Draghi silversmiths

92

MOUNTAIN MAJESTY & COLOURFUL CULTURES AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD...

From oceanside Lima’s vestiges of Spanish Colonial rule... to the villages and ancient Incan ruins of the Sacred Valley,

surrounded by rugged slopes... to Machu Picchu, tucked into mist-shrouded mountains, ever mysterious... to Cusco, where

Baroque Colonial architecture sits atop the ruins of an Incan city... to Lake Titicaca and the unique inhabitants of its floating reed

islands... to La Paz, with its quirky beauty and spectacular heights, surrounded by Andean peaks...

1. ARRIVE LIMA

Tour begins: Belmond Miraflores Park. A transfer is

included from Lima’s Jorge Chávez International

Airport to Belmond Miraflores Park, your city-centre

accommodations for your two-night stay; your hotel

is beautifully situated on cliffs overlooking Lima’s

oceanfront, surrounded by parks and gardens.

2. COLONIAL GEMS & PRE-COLUMBIAN ART

Join us for a welcome breakfast, then head off on a

sightseeing tour that introduces you to the historic gems

of this “city of kings.” In the Spanish colonial centre of

town, visit the Cathedral of Lima and see the splendours of

EMPIRE OF THE INCAS:

PERU & BOLIVIA

Machu Picchu

Maximum Elevation: 12,552 ft. (overnight)

BRAZIL

MachuPicchu(7,872’)

Cusco (11,020’)

PACIFIC

OCEAN

Lima

Sacred Valley

PERU

BOLIVIA

Puno(12,552’) La Paz

(11,930’)

TaquileIsland

JuliacaLAKE

TITICACA

(12,552’)

DesaguaderoTiwanaku


LATIN AMERICATravelling Well Includes…

• SpectacularjourneythroughtheAndesbyrailaboardtheVistadome

• VisitstoUNESCOWorldHeritageSitesinLima,Cusco,andMachuPicchu

• DinneratCasaLuna,wheretheownerssharetheirextensivecollectionofart

• Aprivatefolkloreperformance,ashaman’sblessing,andaspeciallunchandPeruvianPasohorseshowatalocalranchintheUrubamba(Sacred)Valley

• AvisittofloatingislandsonLakeTiticaca,hometotheUrospeople

• A5-coursefarm-to-tabledinnerinatop-ratedrestaurantfoundedbychefClausMeyer


• 28meals,gratuitiestolocalguides,taxes,servicecharges,admissionfeesandporterage

4. SACRED RUINS, BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS

Like Egypt’s pyramids, mystery surrounds the

construction methods used to build the massive stone

Temple of the Sun and the Incan town of Ollantaytambo.

Explore the remains of the temple – built from huge

blocks of stone in the 1400s – and walk through the

ancient town. Cobblestone streets lived in since the

1300s, entered through doorways leading to central

courtyards, reveal a keen Incan eye for urban planning.

The townspeople still practise a very traditional lifestyle

today, as you’ll discover on a visit to a private home.

Back at your lodgings, surrounded by gardens with

panoramic views of the Andes, enjoy a Peruvian cooking

demonstration and learn to make a perfect Pisco Sour,

a Peruvian classic. Later, gain a better understanding

of – and a blessing from – a shaman who talks about

the ways in which a journey to the Apus (Peru’s Sacred

Mountains) has long been deemed a transformational,

indelibly spiritual endeavour. This evening, a performance

by a theatre group that uses dance and music to revive

Quechan lore and Incan mythology kicks off a barbecue

dinner of local fare straight from the grill. Meals BLD

Plaza Mayor, including the ornate Archbishop’s Residence,

the Government Palace, and the Convent of San Pedro,

a jewel of Peruvian Baroque architecture. A seafood

lunch at a local restaurant will tempt you with Peruvian

culinary specialties, like ceviche. Afterward, a visit to the

Museo Larco offers a look at Peru’s finest collection of

pre-Columbian art. Food, art and antiques also take centre

stage during this evening’s welcome dinner at Casa Luna,

a private hacienda where the owners share their eclectic art

collection containing over 1,500 nativities. Meals BLD

3. ENTER THE SACRED VALLEY

Fly to Cusco this morning, then continue on to the

Urubamba (Sacred) Valley, a region of villages and Incan

ruins. Enjoy a lunch fresh off the grill at a local ranch and

watch a horsemanship demonstration starring elegant

Peruvian Paso horses, known for their graceful side-to-side

gait, high spirits, and luxurious manes. Arrive at your hotel

in the late afternoon. Dinner is served at leisure at your

resort this evening, allowing for time at ease to help you

adjust to the significant climb in altitude. Meals BLD

94

5. TO MYSTICAL MACHU PICCHU BY RAIL

Travel aboard the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes

at the foot of the Sacred Valley and then drive higher

into the Andes to Machu Picchu. With a guide, explore

the mist-shrouded ruins that have captured the world’s

imagination as the “Lost City of the Incas” since their

re-discovery in 1911. Standing more than 2,400

metres above sea level in the middle of a tropical

forest, Machu Picchu is considered by UNESCO an

outstanding example of man’s interaction with his natural

environment; the citadel was recently named one of the

“New Seven Wonders of the World.” Its walls, terraces

and ramps work in harmony with mountains – a tribute to

the creativity and skill of the Incas. Return to your hotel

for dinner at your leisure this evening. Meals BLD

6. TO CUSCO, CAPITAL OF THE INCAN EMPIRE

Enjoy this morning’s return to Machu Picchu for a

guided sunrise tour of this extraordinary setting in the

clouds. Later this morning, go on a guided nature walk

through Aguas Calientes’ rainforest gardens – hundreds

of different types of orchids and bird species are found

here. You’ll have time to spend as you wish, visiting the

local market or perhaps indulging in a spa treatment

(at an additional cost). Reboard the Vistadome train

after lunch for the return to Ollantaytambo, and drive to

Cusco’s historic centre for a two-night stay at the stylish

and stunningly picturesque Belmond Hotel Monasterio,

which was originally a monastery built in 1592. Meals BLD

7. CUSCO: OF INCANS & CONQUISTADORES

Cusco, the longest continually inhabited city of the

Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a storied

city of stone streets, cathedrals and squares that speak

volumes about the people who have lived here through the

ages and continue to make their homes here today. Walk

through its bustling marketplace, alive with contemporary Peruvian Pasos

mestizo culture, before heading outside town to see

more testaments to Incan ingenuity. Learn a little more

about Peru when you meet alpacas, llamas, vicuñas and

guanacos at the Awanacancha farm, and see how these

local relatives of the camel are raised. At Sacsayhuamán,

explore Inca ruins – a fortress built of massive stones

without the use of mortar. The remainder of your day is free

to spend as you please in colourful Cusco. Meals B

8. CUSCO SIGHTS & FLY TO LAKE TITICACA

Discover more about Cusco on a sightseeing tour that

includes the main square and a visit to the 16th-century

Convent of Santo Domingo. Here you’ll view its

arcades and artwork that are sitting atop the walls of

Koricancha – once a temple dedicated to the sun. Visit

Tiwanaku, Bolivia Lake Titicaca


the 16th-century Baroque cathedral – one of the most

splendid Spanish colonial churches in America. Look for

the Incan pumas carved on its doors! Following lunch, fly

from Cusco to Juliaca and then on to your hotel in Puno,

on the shore of Esteves Island on Lake Titicaca. Meals BLD

9. LIFE ON THE HEIGHTS OF LAKE TITICACA

Explore life on South America’s largest lake by

powerboating to one of its floating islands; they are home

to the Uros people, who have long made their lives on

artificial islands made of the Totora reeds which grow

naturally on the lake. Next, on the naturally formed island

of Taquile, learn about the Aymara people who live here;

they are known for their hand-woven textiles and traditional

way of life – changed little from that of their ancestors;

they live without electricity or vehicles. Enjoy a traditional

Aymaran dance performance during lunch before returning

to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. If you wish, join us

for an excursion to the lakeside pre-Incan burial ground at

Sillustani to learn about and explore its chullpas, which are

above-ground ancient burial tombs. Meals BLD

10. ARRIVE IN LA PAZ, BOLIVIA’S HUB

Following a drive along the Peruvian coast of Lake

Titicaca, cross the border and enter Bolivia. Your route

takes you through the legendary birthplace of the

founders of the Incan civilisation. A visit to the “city” of

Tiwanaku reveals the monumental remains of a powerful

pre-Hispanic empire, today a UNESCO World Heritage

Site. Savour incredible views over a typical Bolivian

lunch, then continue through the South American

Altiplano toward La Paz, Bolivia – the world’s highest

administrative capital set amid Andean peaks. Meals BLD

11. DISCOVER LOFTY LA PAZ

Not far from downtown, discover what are truly lunar-like

landscapes at the Valley of the Moon, then return to

Plaza Murillo, the city’s main square; it was named after a

freedom fighter hung here in 1810. A sightseeing tour of

La Paz includes views of the Presidential Palace, Congress

Hall and the Mercado de las Brujas (Witches’ Market).

Join us for a farewell reception and dinner marking the

end of your memorable trip – and a fond farewell to an

extraordinary 12 days exploring Peru and Bolivia. Meals BD

12. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: La Paz. Fly home anytime. A transfer is

included from the Camino Real Suites Hotel to La Paz El

Alto International Airport. You should allow three hours

for your flight check-in at the airport. Meals B


BEGINS LIMA28 Mar 25 Apr 09⁄ , 23 May 06,20 Jun 18 Jul 05, 19 Sep 03⁄ , 17, 24Oct ⁄ = Sold Out!



booking.




PRICE PER PERSON





3

ACTIVITY

4



Night 1,2 BELMONDMIRAFLORESPARK Lima, Peru

Night 3,4 TAMBODELINKA–LUXURY Sacred Valley, Peru COLLECTION,VALLESAGRADO

Night 5 INKATERRAMACHUPICCHU Aguas Calientes, PUEBLOHOTEL Peru

Night 6,7 BELMONDHOTELMONASTERIO Cusco, Peru

Night 8,9 LIBERTADORLAKETITICACA Puno, Peru

Night 10,11 CAMINOREALSUITESHOTEL La Paz, Bolivia


Double £3990 + £340 = £4330 Single £4926 + £340 = £5266

Cusco Cathedral

96

PURA VIDA IS A WAY OF LIFE IN COSTA RICA – an expression of optimism that

means “pure life,” enjoying yourself and being happy, which is what this eco-adventure is all about. See it

in the faces of the locals you meet, from naturalist guides and conservationists to a rural family, a coffee

farmer, and a chocolatier. Feel it zip lining through a rainforest canopy, on cloud forest hikes, a float trip,

and in hot springs soaks at tropical resorts. Experience it with field equipment and BBC Earth insights.

1. ARRIVE SAN JOSÉ

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hotel Grano de Oro. A transfer is

included from San José’s Juan Santamaria International

Airport to Hotel Grano de Oro, located on a quiet street

in the heart of the city. Join us for a welcome reception

and dinner, where you’ll be introduced to Costa Rican

hospitality and cuisine, Tauck style. Meals D

2. GOLD, TOUCANS, AND A SPA RESORT

Prepare to be dazzled on your visit to the Gold Museum;

spread out on three floors, its collection of golden

artistry and artefacts dates to pre-Columbian times and

chronicles a history of colonial-era quests, conquests,

Arenal Volcano

COSTA RICA – PURA VIDA


CARIBBEAN

SEA

PACIFIC

OCEAN

NICARAGUA

COSTA RICA

San José

Arenal Peñas

Blancas River

Monteverde

Arenal

Volcano

Nat’l Park

Lake

Arenal

Tabacon


LATIN AMERICAEarth Journeys Highlights…

• On-tourfilmvignettescustom-madeforTauck

byBBCEarthnaturalhistoryexpertsplusother

selectBBCEarthtouches

• Aprivatelyguidedhikewithnaturalistsin

SelvaturaParkintheMonteverdeCloud

ForestReserve

• Anexclusivefarewelltastinganddinneratan

artisanchocolateworkshopinSanJosé

• Zipliningthroughtherainforestcanopy;afloat

triponthePeñasBlancasRiver;apresentation

byoneofMonteverdeCloudForestReserve’s

originalsettlers;aprivatetastingtourata

coffeeplantation


asnoted

• 20meals,gratuitiestolocalguides,service

charges,admissionfees,taxes&porterage

you spot wildlife in the water and on the shore, including

tropical birds, monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and iguanas.

Visit a farming family who’s lived on the river all their

lives, like their ancestors before them, without modern

technologies and conveniences. Return to your resort in the

heart of one of Costa Rica’s most richly diverse ecosystems

for lunch, followed by a free afternoon to enjoy the resort’s

natural hot springs – a soak in the thermally heated water

is both therapeutic and relaxing – along with your resort’s

other amenities, which include a full service spa. Join us for

dinner this evening at a local restaurant. Meals BLD

4. ZIP LINING, A NATURE WALK & MONTEVERDE

Let your spirit of adventure soar during a zip line ride*

through the rainforest canopy, experiencing a thrilling

bird’s-eye view of life in the rainforest. If zip lining

doesn’t appeal to you, you can go on an equally inspiring

guided nature walk on the forest floor and get a close-up

look at the wilderness wonders that thrive closer to

the ground. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to

Monteverde for a three-night stay in forest-view rooms at

and excesses. Wildlife is a big draw in Costa Rica where

the tropical landscapes provide lush habitats for its

feathered and furred residents, along with a striking mix of

chromatic insects – think brilliantly hued butterflies – and

amphibians in a rainbow of colours. See an exotic parade

of animals and birds during this morning’s guided visit to

the Toucan Rescue Ranch, dedicated to the rescue and

rehabilitation of jungle and rainforest animals. Meet resident

sloths, monkeys and parrots, as well as the toucans they

successfully breed here. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant,

before driving through the countryside to your hot springs

spa resort, located at the base of active Arenal Volcano in

the heart of a rainforest in Arenal Volcano National Park.

Dinner is served at your leisure this evening. Meals BLD

3. A FLOAT TRIP, HOT SPRINGS & LOCAL FARE

Start your day on a float trip* rafting down the scenic Peñas

Blancas River, fed by the pristine waters of several private

cloud forest reserves in Monteverde and surrounded by

lush rainforest, natural volcanic hot springs, waterfalls and

forested canyons. Your bilingual naturalist guide helps

Caption

98

a rustic lodge secluded in the jungle. You’re staying right

at the edge of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, one of the

most ecologically diverse – and famous – cloud forests in

the world. Enjoy dinner at leisure this evening. Meals BLD

5. EXPERT LOCAL INSIGHTS & BUTTERFLIES

This morning, explore Selvatura Park in the Monteverde

Cloud Forest Reserve – Hanging Bridges and all – on a

guided two-hour nature walk with naturalists who provide

an insider’s perspective and informative overview of the

cloud forest ecosystem. Stroll past tall trees festooned with

orchids, bromeliads, moss, and ferns all the while keeping

a sharp lookout for wildlife that might include jungle cats,

monkeys, tapirs, and birds like the three-wattled bellbird.

After lunch and free time back at your lodge, visit a domed,

climate-controlled Butterfly Garden, aflutter with some 50

different species of butterflies from an array of altitudes

and climates found throughout Costa Rica, including the

stunning blue morpho. Our naturalists share their expert

insights on the butterflies’ complex life cycles. Then join us

at an acclaimed local restaurant featuring eclectic Costa

Rican and fusion cuisine in a lovely tropical setting, for a

private lecture by one of the Monteverde Conservation

Area’s pioneering naturalists, followed by dinner. This

evening, relax in the orchid-filled gardens back at

enchanting, tranquil Monteverde Lodge. Meals BLD

6. MORNING COFFEE & A NIGHTTIME WALK

Rise early and head to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

for a guided walk with a naturalist. Then... there’s

nothing like fine Costa Rican gourmet coffee... and

today you’ll get to see how it’s produced with your local

guide on a private tour of a nearby coffee plantation.

Learn about the various stages of coffee cultivation and

production; see how ripe “cherries” are harvested, dried,

roasted and ground before making their way to your

morning mug; and learn about coffee’s place in Costa

Rican history. Have lunch and spend a free afternoon

back at Monteverde Lodge. When the sun goes down,

much of the local wildlife gets up. If you like, join us for

TABACONGRANDSPA&

THERMALRESORT

Discover Costa Rica’s largest network

of naturally flowing thermal mineral

springs in Arenal’s most beautiful private,

rainforest reserve. During your two-night

stay, you’ll have your pick of dozens of

pools to soak in; some are vast and calm,

others are small, private, or enlivened by

falls. And yes, there’s a swim-up bar.



BEGINS SAN JOSÉ08, 15, 22, 29 Jan 12, 26 Feb 12, 19 Mar 09 Apr 03, 17 Dec


priced from £2750 per person double; specific dates apply – enquire at booking.



PRICE PER PERSONJanuary–08AprilDouble £2590 Single £3194 Triple £2498

09April–16DecemberDouble £2480 Single £3053 Triple £2362

17–31DecemberDouble £2750 Single £3394 Triple £2612


for travel originating in the UK (subject to availability). Costa Rica

departure tax is not included. Please enquire at time of booking


Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in the

day-by-day itinerary, participation is at your own risk and a



FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1 GRANODEOROHOTEL San José

Night 2,3 TABACONGRANDSPA& ArenalTHERMALRESORT

Night 4-6 MONTEVERDELODGE Monteverde

Night 7 INTERCONTINENTALCOSTARICA San José

a nighttime nature walk to view the nocturnal animals in

this unique habitat. Our guide will share insights about

the various wildlife you might spot, including tree frogs,

coatimundis, agoutis, sloths, and armadillos. Meals BLD

7. ON THE WAY TO SAN JOSÉLeave the cloud forest and mountains behind as you make

your way back to San José, arriving in time for lunch at

your hotel. After spending some free time at your hotel in

the exclusive Escazú district, head over to Sibú, a noted

organic artisan chocolatier, where you’ll learn everything

you ever wanted to know about chocolate! Observe the

process of transforming the cacao fruit into chocolate

during a hands-on demonstration (with a little tasting, of

course), followed by our farewell dinner. Meals BLD

8. JOURNEY HOMETour ends: San José. Fly home anytime. A transfer is

included from InterContinental Costa Rica to Juan

Santamaria International Airport. You should allow at

least three hours for flight check-in at the airport. Meals B

ACTIVITY2

PACE

3


pace level details.

Pe–as Blancas River

MEETTHEWILDLIFE...INPERSON

Come with us to the Toucan Rescue Ranch,

a rainforest wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and

release organisation dedicated to sick, injured, and

orphaned wildlife. Whenever possible, patients

are nursed back to health and released in their

natural habitat. Those who won’t survive in the

wild are adopted or thrive here, including sloths,

otters, monkeys, Scarlet Macaws, and an oncilla.

100

MARVELS OF ENGINEERING & SEA... Building the Panama Canal was an engineering

feat over a century ago, and a source of fascination to this day. Equally fascinating are treasures like the

tropical forests, secluded beaches, diverse wildlife and clear waters of Costa Rica and Panama, many still

undisturbed by development. Discover indigenous lifestyles that seem as remote from the forces of change

as their locations, modern cities with Spanish colonial influences, a working coffee plantation and more.

1. BIENVENIDOS A PANAMA

Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Hilton Panama. Welcome to

Panama! A transfer is included from Tocumen International

Airport to the Hilton Panama. Join us this evening for a

welcome cocktail reception, dinner, and a performance by

local dancers and musicians at your hotel. Meals D

2. CANAL ZONE & MORE / M EMBARK CRUISE

In Panama City’s historic district and the former Canal

Zone, drive through Ancon Hill, home to US military facilities

until 1977, and visit the Biomuseo, designed by famed

architect Frank Gehry. Head to the Gamboa Rainforest

Resort for lunch; choose an aerial tram ride in the treetops

Bridge of the Americas

THE PANAMA CANAL & COSTA RICA


CARIBBEAN

SEA

PACIFIC OCEAN

Colón

PANAMA

COSTA RICA

San JoséSarchi

PuertoCaldera

Panama CityPanamaCanal

Manuel Antonio

National Park

OsaPeninsula

PuertoJiménez

Isla Parida


LATIN AMERICAEarth Journeys Highlights…

• On-tourfilmvignettescustom-madeforTauck

byBBCEarthnaturalhistoryexpertsplusother

selectBBCEarthtouches

• AllgratuitiestoTauckDirectors,localguides,

onboardnaturalist,andshipstaff

• 7-nightcruiseaboardWind Starinanexclusive

groupofapprox.40Tauckguests;2-nightstay

inSanJoséand1-nightstayinPanamaCity

• Fullsmall-shiptransitofthePanamaCanalwith

insightsfromalocalcanalguide;naturalist-led

excursionsashoretoviewwildlife,flora&fauna

• Aboardship–alcoholicandnon-alcoholic

beveragesareavailablethroughouttheday,

includinghousewines&spirits;premiumspirits

&winesareavailableatextracost

• 28meals,applicablefuelsurcharges,airport

transfersuponarrivalanddepartureasnoted,

servicecharges,porterageandmosttaxes

Viejo. On a walking tour and time on your own, get to know

this walled, Spanish colonial city built in the 1670s at the

foot of Ancon Hill to prevent against attack. Meals BLD

5. M A DAY ON THE PACIFIC OCEAN

Spend a relaxing day at sea enjoying the amenities aboard

your yacht, Wind Star. Your Tauck Director and Tauck’s

naturalist circulate as you sail, sharing their experiences,

answering questions, and looking out for wildlife. Meals BLD

6. M A BEACH PARTY ON ISLA PARIDA

Get ready for a day of fun in the sun on Isla Parida in

Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí, rich in sea life and exotic birds

including parrots and toucans. This island paradise of

virgin rainforest, white-sand beaches and warm, clear

waters has year-round temperatures of around 27º C that

prove irresistible for swimming, kayaking*, snorkelling, and

sunning – all available to you today. Join us for a beach

buffet barbecue in a secluded spot on the island. Meals BLD

or a boat cruise along jungle waterways. Learn of plans

for the Canal’s future at the Panama Canal Expansion

Observation Centre. Board Wind Star in Colón. Meals BLD

3. M TRANSITING THE PANAMA CANAL

Early this morning, Wind Star arrives at Gatun and positions

outside the Panama Canal for a full transit from the Atlantic

to the Pacific. A canal pilot will board our ship and guide us

into the Gatun Locks, Lake Gatun and into the Gaillard Cut.

Later, we’ll transit the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks

and pass beneath the Bridge of the Americas to the Pacific

at Balboa. The process may take eight to ten hours; while

passing through the three locks, your yacht will be raised

up 26 metres before reaching the Pacific! Meals BLD

4. M PANAMA CITY, CASCO VIEJO & MORE

Call at Balboa and explore more of Panama City and

environs, including the former Panama Canal Zone. After

lunch onboard, head to the city’s historic district, Casco

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

102


BEGINS PANAMA CITY OR SAN JOSÉWestbound– Panama City to San José 12, 26 Jan 09⁄ , 23⁄ Feb 09, 23 Mar

Eastbound – San José to Panama City 04⁄ , 18⁄ Jan 01⁄ , 15⁄ Feb 01⁄ , 29 Mar ⁄ = Sold Out!


LAND / CRUISE PRICE PER PERSON

M CatB


M CatBX


M CatA

Double £5040 Single £6085 Triple N/A

M CatAX

Double £5170 Single £6223 Triple N/A

Land / Cruise Price includes everything outlined in Booking

Conditions as well as private Tauck shore excursions, cruise

fare, port charges, applicable fuel surcharges, and gratuities

to Tauck Directors and ship staff. Aboard ship – alcoholic and

non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the day,

including house wines & spirits; premium spirits & wines are

available at extra cost.



availability). Please enquire at booking about additional hotel nights.

Shore Excursion Selection: Tauck will contact guests 60 days prior to departure

to assist with shore excursion selections. Tauck’s private shore excursions

and distinctive inclusions valued at £1,590.

Note: For all bike rides, hikes and activities marked with an asterisk (*), participation

is at your own risk and requires a signed liability waiver to be provided. Cruise

operates east or west; go to tauck.co.uk for details of eastbound itinerary.


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1 HILTONPANAMA Panama CityNight 2-8 ABOARD WIND STAR CruisingNight 9,10 INTERCONTINENTALCOSTARICA San José

7. M DOLPHINS & MORE ON GOLFO DULCEToday’s port of call is Puerto Jiménez on Costa Rica’s

Golfo Dulce. You have a choice of looking for frolicking

dolphins on a boating adventure or zip lining* through the

treetops of the rainforest canopy. Later, learn all about

chocolate on a visit to a local cacao farm. Meals BLD

8. M MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARKCall on the city of Quepos this morning, a perfect

jumping-off point for your excursion to Manuel Antonio

National Park’s coral reefs and rainforest-lined white sand

beaches with a local guide; enjoy an afternoon float trip on

the Savegre River. Please join us for a farewell reception

and dinner aboard Wind Star this evening. Meals BLD

9. OX CARTS IN SARCHI & GOLD IN SAN JOSÉBid farewell to Wind Star in Puerto Caldera, and

discover Costa Rica’s interior en route to the capital,

San José. Visit the artisan village of Sarchi, known for

the production of traditional ox carts (carretas) and

other handmade products bearing the colourful starburst

designs that have become a symbol of Costa Rica.

Arrive in San José, where sightseeing includes visits

to the 1897 National Theatre and the Museo del Oro’s

collection of pre-Columbian works of gold. Settle in at

your hotel in the fashionable Escazú district. Meals BL

10. COFFEE, WATERFALLS & RAINFOREST WILDLIFECoffee has long been one of Costa Rica’s most

important exports... and today you’ll visit the Doka

Coffee Plantation on the fertile slopes of Alajuela’s Poás

Volcano, where the soil and altitude make for ideal

growing conditions; your guide explains how different

microclimates affect the taste. Also explore La Paz

Waterfall Gardens, a private rainforest eco-park and

wildlife refuge buzzing with the sounds and sights of

toucans, butterflies, spider monkeys, two-toed sloths

and red-eyed leaf frogs – just a few of 100+ species.

Enjoy a farewell reception and dinner tonight. Meals BLD

11. HOMEWARD BOUNDTour ends: San José, Costa Rica. Transfers from

the InterContinental Costa Rica to Juan Santamaría

International Airport are included. Allow a minimum of

three hours for flight check-in. Please note that the

Costa Rica departure tax is not included. Meals B

ACTIVITY2

PACE2


pace level details.

ANEXPERT

NATURALIST

ONEVERY

CRUISEOur onboard naturalist

enriches your cruise by

sharing knowledge gained

from years of experience

in the rainforests and

clear waters of Costa

Rica and Panama.


Wind Star, a four-masted sailing yacht in the

award-winning Windstar fleet, is your vessel for transiting the

Panama Canal and cruising coastal waters. Luxuriate on teak

decks, in public spaces inviting conversation and relaxation,

in the pool and hot tub, at the redesigned pool bar where

you can dine by candlelight, and in your stateroom featuring

ocean views and welcoming with a queen bed, elegant linens,

plush terry robes, and premier toiletries. Aboard Wind Star,

Tauck guests enjoy the chic lounge, indoor dining venues

offering gourmet fare and water views, the WindSpa, a casino,

a watersports platform, and a library. AmphorA restaurant

features gourmet cuisine in the evenings; Veranda restaurant

offers casual buffet and full-service dining for breakfast and

lunch; and for dining under the stars, there’s Candles, Wind

Star’s signature outdoor restaurant.

Category AX Deluxe

Category A

Category BX Deluxe

Category B

Bridge

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AmphorAGalley

WC

RadioRoom

Veranda Pool

FLYING BRIDGE

DECK ONE

DECK TWO

DECK THREE

DECK FOUR

WatersportsPlatform

Lobby

SignatureShop

Reception

Library

Casino

WindSpa

Lounge

Whirlpool

Pool Bar

Candles

WC

SHIP SPECIFICATIONS:Built: 1986

Renovated: 2012

Length: 134 m.

Draft: 4.2 m.

Beam: 15.8 m.

Tonnage:5,350 gross registered tons

CruisingSpeed: 9 knots

AirConditioned: Yes

Elevator: No

NumberofGuests: 148

CrewMembers: 90

Registry: Bahamas

CrewNationality: International

Internet:Service levels may vary

Boasting beautiful teak decks, the

four-masted yacht Wind Star invites you to

enjoy tranquil staterooms featuring warm,

contemporary colour palettes and indulgent

linens... a stylish lounge... three dining

venues that invite with gourmet fare and

seaside views... and a redesigned pool bar

with on-deck dining, by candlelight... for a

truly delightful cruising experience!

104

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALANDTechnicolour reefs and rainbowed fish. Green-lipped mussels and shrimp on the barbie. Harbour cruises and jet boat rides. A white

sailed opera house and a city of sails. Desert outback with a monumental rock and sandy beaches that rock with surfers. Dreamtime

legends and Maori memories. A crocodile lagoon and a sheep farm. Glacier-hewn fiords and fish-rich sounds. Wild dogs called dingoes

and koalas beyond cute. Coastal cities, cosmopolitan in style, and country towns, welcoming with wine. In the enchanting land of Oz,

g’days rule and kiwis live next door in bucolic bliss. Leave any preconceived notions about the lands down under behind as you enjoy

summer in winter, wondrously weird wildlife and a continuous 40,000+ year Aboriginal culture considered to be the oldest on Earth.


Sydney, Australia

106

GREAT

BARRIER

REEF

Sydney

FiordlandNat’l Park

Milford Sound

NORTHERN

TERRITORY

SOUTH

AUSTRALIA

QUEENSLAND

NEW SOUTH

WALES

VICTORIA

PACIFIC

OCEAN

Fly to New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND

AUSTRALIA

TASMANSEA

Melbourne

Auckland

Uluru(Ayers Rock)

MarlboroughSounds

Te Anau

Wellington

Queenstown

Mossman

Cairns

Blenheim

MARVELS BOTH NATURAL AND MADE BY HUMANKIND greet you throughout your journey. Explore

the red rock monolith of Uluru (Ayers Rock) rising out of Australia’s “Red Centre”... savour New Zealand’s local wines and green-lipped

mussels... bask in the pale glow of Sydney Harbour at sunset and sunrise... revel in the impossibly blue sky above Milford Sound...

enjoy a “foodie tour” for an Australian cuisine tasting experience... take to the water on a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef and a

Shotover River jet boat adventure... enjoy New Zealand helicopter sightseeing... and discover Aboriginal and Maori traditions.

1. ARRIVE MELBOURNE

Tour begins: 5:30 PM, The Langham, Melbourne. A

transfer is included from Melbourne Airport to The Langham,

Melbourne; you’ll enjoy a river-view room. Join us for a

welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the hotel. Meals D

2. DISCOVER MELBOURNE’S CHARM

Melbourne is brimming with Victorian-era charm and a

distinctive European feel; take a guided walking tour

to discover the real Melbourne along its distinctive

wide boulevards; see the Shrine of Remembrance and

the Royal Botanic Gardens. Spend the rest of the day

exploring beautiful Melbourne as you please. Meals B

Milford Sound

GRAND AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND


SOUTH PACIFICTravelling Well Includes…• Tauck’sprivatecharterflightsmeanmore

sightseeingandlesswaiting

• Full-dayeco-cruisetotheGreatBarrierReefwithswimmingandsnorkelling

• “FoodieTour”ofSydneyonafour-nightstay;visittotheOperaHouseplusaluncheoncruise

• VisittoUluru(AyersRock);rainforestskyrail,crocodilesandarainforesteco-lodgestay

• LuncheoncruiseonNewZealand’sMarlboroughSoundswithwineandgreen-lippedmussels

• AMaoriculturalexperienceandmusicconcertattheAucklandMuseum

• InQueenstown,ajetboatrideontheShotoverRiverandascenichelicopterride


• 43meals,gratuitiestolocalguides,servicecharges,taxesandporterage

3. FLY TO ULURU & THE OUTBACK

Fly to the heart of Australia’s desert Outback via private

charter this morning, arriving at Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the

country’s “Red Centre.” As evening approaches, the light

of the setting sun bathes the mystical sandstone monolith

looming high above the desert floor with a rich palette of

ever-changing colours... enjoy this natural “show” along

with canapés and champagne in the Outback. Meals BL

4. ULURU TO A SKYRAIL & MORE IN QUEENSLAND

Aboriginal traditions define life in the Outback, especially

at Uluru (Ayers Rock); discover some of the “dreamtime”

legends on a guided tour around its base. Fly via private

charter to Cairns in Queensland. Head to the mountain

village of Kuranda, where you’ll board the Skyrail Rainforest

Cableway, taking you over and through the rainforest

canopy. Continue on to Silky Oaks Lodge, your luxury eco

lodge on the Mossman River adjacent to Daintree National

Park, to begin a three-night rainforest resort stay. Meals BD

5. CRUISE TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF

Spend a full day exploring one of Earth’s most incredible

“living” sites, the Great Barrier Reef – a UNESCO World

Heritage Site and the only living structure on Earth that is

visible from the moon. You’ll cruise to the Agincourt Reef

today, at the edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, where

you’ll be able to do some swimming or snorkelling along

with enjoying the ocean vistas. Spend the evening at

leisure back at your rainforest lodge. Meals BLD

6. OPTIONAL BALLOON RIDE / DAY AT LEISURE

Early risers may choose to soar over Queensland’s vast,

fertile Atherton Tablelands on an optional hot air balloon

ride* at dawn (at an additional £160 per person; ask at

booking). The rest of the day is free to spend as you

wish at your resort, perhaps visiting the resort’s Healing

Waters Spa, or exploring the area as you please on your

own. Please join us this evening for a special “Aussie”

themed dinner at Silky Oaks Lodge. Meals BLD

Sydney

108

7. CROCODILES & ON TO SYDNEY

Learn all about crocodiles at Hartley’s Crocodile

Adventures, where a tour and feeding presentation

precedes an exclusive boat cruise on the lagoon. After

lunch, fly via private charter to Sydney for a four-night stay;

your hotel, the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, is in the heart of

the city overlooking iconic sites such as Sydney Harbour,

the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Meals BLD

8. SYDNEY SIGHTS & A LUNCHEON CRUISE

One of Australia’s most iconic institutions takes centre

stage today when you visit the amazing Sydney Opera

House on a personally guided tour. A private luncheon

cruise on Sydney Harbour is a fabulous way to unwind

and relax, while getting a good look at some of this

extraordinary city’s landmark sites from the water. Sydney

discoveries continue as you view The Rocks, Kings Cross

and other historic city highlights on an orientation tour;

spend the rest of the day and evening pursuing what

interests you most in Australia’s cultural capital. Meals BL

9. A “FOODIE” CITY TOUR OF SYDNEY

Accompanied by an informative, knowledgeable local

guide, depart your hotel for a Sydney “Foodie Tour.” You’ll

taste your way through some very cool culinary nooks and

crannies today; stops include a variety of local eateries

including an Italian deli that’s been owned by the same

family for 3+ decades, a well-known gelato shop, a Sydney

fish market, a 100+-year-old pub (with an Australian craft

Marlborough Sounds

beer tasting), and a true Australian icon – a World War II

“caravan café” that has become legendary today for its

“Tiger Meat Pie.” Remainder of the day is free. Meals B

10. ENJOY SYDNEY YOUR WAY

The city of Sydney is yours to enjoy as you please today.

Sydney is one of Australia’s cultural centres with a vast

array of museums (from art to artefacts), gardens and parks

(including the popular Botanic Gardens) and more. Your

day concludes with dinner at a local restaurant. Meals BD

11. ON TO NEW ZEALAND

Fly across the Tasman Sea to Wellington, New Zealand’s

charming waterfront capital with an artistic and cultural flair.

Arrive late afternoon; dine at the hotel this evening. Meals BD

12. THE WONDERS OF WELLINGTON

A tour of Wellington begins with a cable car excursion

up to the city’s Botanic Garden; at Te Papa Tongarewa,

New Zealand’s national museum, a guide introduces you

to exhibits focussing on the country’s natural wonders,

art, history, and Pacific and Maori cultures. “Dine-around”

tonight at a choice of select local restaurants. Meals BD

13. MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS & TE ANAU

Tauck’s charter flight brings you to Blenheim and the

Marlborough Sounds on New Zealand’s South Island,

prized for its seafood and wine-growing expertise.

Celebrate the bounty of land and sea today on a wine

and green-lipped mussel cruise, then fly to Manapouri

(Te Anau); dine at your hotel this evening. Meals BLD

Ayers Rock


14. CRUISE THE MILFORD SOUND

A dramatic drive takes you through the unparalleled

scenery of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. Set

off aboard a private boat (with a naturalist onboard) for a

luncheon cruise among the sheer cliffs and glacier-hewn

inlets of beautiful Milford Sound. Back at your hotel,

enjoy a “Taste of Fiordland” dinner this evening. Meals BLD

15. WINERY LUNCH & MORE IN QUEENSTOWN

Travel across beautiful South Island landscapes to

Queenstown. Have lunch at the Amisfield Winery, set in an

iconic stone building with gorgeous mountain views and

known for its Pinot Noir; rest of the day is free. Meals BL

16. JET BOAT & HELICOPTER ADVENTURES

Queenstown is known for outdoor adventures, as you’ll

discover on today’s jet boat excursion* through the rapids

and narrow gorges of Skippers Canyon on the Shotover

River; it’s followed by another thrill – a helicopter ride* over

stunning scenery. Enjoy a Skyline gondola ride at your

leisure and enjoy the rest of the day as you wish. Meals BD

17. A STEAMSHIP CRUISE & COUNTRY LIFE

Board the steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake

Wakatipu en route to the Walter Peak High Country Farm

for an authentic New Zealand farm experience; watch farm

dogs rounding up sheep, see how shearing has been done

through the ages, and enjoy a barbecue dinner before

returning to Queenstown in the early evening. Meals BD

18. AUCKLAND’S MAORI CULTURE

Tauck’s charter flight brings you to Auckland, the “City of

Sails.” Visit the Auckland Museum, housing the world’s

largest collection of Maori and Polynesian artefacts, for a

concert and special Maori cultural experience. Continue

to your waterfront luxury hotel for a two-night stay.

Dinner is at leisure in the hotel this evening. Meals BLD

19. WAIHEKE ISLAND WINE & AUCKLAND

Take a ferry to nearby Waiheke Island, a free-spirited

mecca of farmland, forest and beaches – and boutique

vineyards. A sightseeing drive around the island brings you

to Mudbrick Vineyard for lunch and a wine tasting, before

heading back to Auckland by return ferry. We invite you to

join us for a farewell reception and dinner. Meals BLD

20. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Auckland. Fly home anytime. A transfer is

included from Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour to Auckland

Airport. Allow three hours for check-in at the airport. Meals B


BEGINS MELBOURNE08⁄ , 11⁄ , 15⁄ , 18⁄ , 22⁄ , 29⁄ Jan 01⁄ , 05⁄ , 08⁄ , 12⁄ , 19⁄ , 22⁄ , 26⁄ Feb

01⁄ , 05⁄ , 08⁄ , 12⁄ , 15⁄ , 19⁄ , 26⁄ Mar 02⁄ , 16⁄ , 23⁄ Apr 13 Aug 03, 17, 24 Sep

01, 04⁄ , 08⁄ , 11, 15⁄ , 22, 25⁄ , 29⁄ Oct 01, 05, 12, 26 Nov 03, 10, 17, 20 Dec

⁄ = Sold Out!


from £9040 per person double plus on-tour air; specific dates apply – enquire at time

of booking.


PRICE PER PERSON

International Airfare is additional. Contact Tauck for

rates on international air for travel originating in the UK (subject

to availability). Please enquire about additional hotel nights

before or after your tour.

Total price does not include the Sydney – Wellington

trans-Tasman flight on Day 11, which must be

purchased with your international air ticket.

Hot Air Balloon – Day 6: additional £160 per person

(ask at booking).

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*), participation is at your own risk; a




Night 1,2 THELANGHAM,MELBOURNE Melbourne, Aus.

Night 3 SAILSINTHEDESERT Ayers Rock, Aus.

Night 4-6 SILKYOAKSLODGE Mossman, Aus.

Night 7-10 SHANGRI-LAHOTEL,SYDNEY Sydney, Aus.

Night 11,12 COPTHORNEHOTEL Wellington, NZ WELLINGTONORIENTALBAY

Night 13,14 DISTINCTIONTEANAU Te Anau, NZ HOTEL&VILLAS

Night 15-17 SOFITELQUEENSTOWN Queenstown, NZ HOTELANDSPA

Night 18,19 SOFITELAUCKLAND Auckland, NZ VIADUCTHARBOUR

January–March;17September–09December

*LAND PRICE + ON-TOUR AIR (6 exclusive charter flights) = TOTAL PER PERSON


April–16September



10–31December



ACTIVITY2

PACE

3


pace level details.

110


BEGINS MELBOURNE04, 25⁄ Jan 15⁄ Feb 09⁄ Apr 18 Oct 19 Nov ⁄ = Sold Out!



PRICE PER PERSON





Hot Air Balloon, Day 7 – add £160 per person (ask at booking).

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*), participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.


January – March; 17 September – 09 December



April – 16 September



GREAT

BARRIER

REEF

Sydney

NORTHERN

TERRITORY

SOUTH

AUSTRALIA

QUEENSLAND

NEW SOUTH

WALES

VICTORIA

PACIFIC

OCEAN

AUSTRALIA

Melbourne

Uluru(Ayers Rock)

Cairns

YOUR 11-DAY AUSTRALIA ADVENTURE begins

in Melbourne, Victoria’s capital city, with a two-night stay

at the award-winning hotel, The Langham, Melbourne.

Guided sightseeing here includes a laneways tour, the

Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Garden. Fly

via Tauck’s exclusive air charter throughout Australia –

first, to the desert Outback for a look at Aboriginal traditions

and a sunset champagne reception at mystical Uluru (Ayers

Rock) with an overnight stay at the award-winning Sails in

the Desert. Beach and rainforest fun is in store during three

nights at Thala Beach Nature Reserve in Queensland,

an eco resort where rainforest meets beach – enjoy a

cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef, Skyrail Rainforest

Cableway, a crocodile farm visit, and a private lagoon

cruise. Soar over the Atherton Tablelands on an optional

hot air balloon* ride (additional cost of £160), then fly off to

cosmopolitan Sydney for a four-night stay at the five-star

InterContinental Sydney. Go inside the iconic Sydney

Opera House on a guided tour, then get a completely

different view from aboard a private luncheon cruise on

Sydney Harbour. Taste your way through some of Sydney’s

trend-setting eateries on a “Foodie Tour,” and enjoy a special

farewell evening at a restaurant in the heart of the city.

Go to tauck.co.uk for complete day-by-day itinerary.

SPOTLIGHT ON AUSTRALIA

ACTIVITY2

PACE2


pace level details.

Uluru



BEGINS WELLINGTON14⁄ Jan 04⁄ , 25⁄ Feb 19⁄ Apr 28 Oct 29 Nov ⁄ = Sold Out!

Go to tauck.co.uk for up-to-the-minute space availability; additional departure dates


PRICE PER PERSON


on international air originating in the UK (subject to availability).

Please enquire at time of booking about additional hotel nights



at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.


SCENE STEALING LANDSCAPES welcome you

to New Zealand for a 10-day journey that includes natural

spas, bucolic vineyards, majestic mountains, carved canyons

and charming cities. Begin in picturesque Wellington with a

two-night stay at the Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental

Bay. Guided sightseeing includes a tour of the Te Papa

Tongarewa National Museum, chronicling the country’s

natural and cultural treasures on five floors of exhibits. Aboard

Tauck’s exclusive air charter throughout New Zealand, fly

first to Blenheim for a luncheon cruise – with local wine and

green-lipped mussels – on Marlborough Sounds before flying

on to Te Anau for two nights at Distinction Te Anau Hotel &

Villas. Scenic treasures await on a Milford Sound cruise and

a drive to Queenstown where lunch is served at a lakefront

winery known for its Pinot Noir. Adventure is on the menu

during three nights at the Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and

Spa with jet boating*, a helicopter* ride, a gondola lift and a

steamship cruise across Lake Wakatipu for a sheep-shearing

demonstration and a barbecue dinner. Another private

charter flight lands in Auckland for a two-night stay at Sofitel

Auckland Viaduct Harbour; here you’ll experience Maori

traditions and a concert at the Auckland Museum plus a

journey by ferry to Waiheke Island for wine tasting and lunch.

Go to tauck.co.uk for complete day-by-day itinerary.

SPOTLIGHT ON NEW ZEALAND

FiordlandNat’l Park

Milford Sound

PACIFIC

OCEANNEW ZEALAND

TASMANSEA

Auckland

MarlboroughSounds

Te Anau

Queenstown

Blenheim Wellington

Queenstown

SOUTH PACIFIC

January – March; 17 September – 09 December



April – 16 September



ACTIVITY2

PACE2


pace level details.

112

Have fun together. Sleep in tents in Africa’s backyard. Zip line in a

Costa Rican rainforest. Swim with sea lions in Lima. Bond with loved

ones. Sea turtles in Tortuguero. Window seats on safari game drives.

Meet the Maasai. Try something new. Pottery painting in Peru. Jungle

river rafting. Snorkelling in the Galápagos. Laugh with new friends.

Spectacled bears in Cusco. Reconnect. A hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti. Chocolate making in San José. Family dinners.

Llamas, alpacas and Pasos in Peru. Picnic in a wildlife-filled crater in Tanzania. Incan ruins. Cruise to equatorial islands time forgot.

Lions, elephants, giraffes and rhinos. Swahili lessons. Hikes. Horseback rides. Swimming pools. Howler monkeys. Cool hotels.

Boating. The best time ever! Moments of a lifetime inspire priceless lifelong memories. Find your family treasures with Tauck Bridges.

114

YOUR FAMILY’S SAFARI OF A LIFETIME... Ballooning over the Serengeti,

making friends in a Maasai boma, driving in the bush as Africa’s majestic Big Five appear before

your eyes, staying in premium safari lodges... With the aid of field equipment such as FLIR® thermal

imaging cameras and camera traps, wildlife viewing is enhanced as you discover life in Tanzania’s

national parks by day... and get an unusual glimpse of nocturnal activity.

1. ARRIVE ARUSHA, TANZANIA

Tour departs: Kilimanjaro International Airport. A transfer

from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arumeru River

Lodge is included. Your African lodge, set in dreamlike

tropical gardens, is located on the grounds of an

old coffee farm. It’s the perfect spot to rest up for

tomorrow’s exciting expeditions at Mount Kilimanjaro or

Arusha National Park with your fellow family explorers!

2. KILIMANJARO OR ARUSHA NAT’L PARKS A choice of adventures awaits your family today. You can

choose to hike with us in Kilimanjaro National Park – home

to Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the world’s highest mountains.

While you won’t be going all the way to the top, you’ll take

TANZANIA: A GRAND FAMILY SAFARI

Arusha National Park

Tarangire NationalPark


Ngorongoro Crater


TANZANIA

KENYALAKE

VICTORIA

Oldupai Gorge

Karatu

Mt. Kilimanjaro(19,341 ft.)

KilimanjaroNational Park


AFRICA

Earth Journeys Highlights…


• Departureslimitedtonomorethan30guests

• Staysatpremiumsafarilodgesinprimelocations;privategamedrivesinopen-topsafarivehicles;hotairballoonrideovertheSerengetiatdawn;learningMaasaitraditionsonavisittoaboma;picnicsunderthevastAfricansky,andmuchmore


• 27meals;gratuitiestoTauckDirector,driversandlocalguides;servicecharges,taxes,admissionfeesandporterage

family heads out of camp for an afternoon game drive,

have your camera at the ready; we’ll try to catch sight,

and pictures, of zebra, gazelles, buffalo, antelope and lots

of lumbering elephants. Your well-earned dinner is served

back at your camp this evening. Meals BLD

4. WILDLIFE VIEWING ON TWO GAME DRIVES

Wake up to the sounds of the bush this morning and hop

aboard your open-top safari vehicle – six passengers to a

car and a window seat for everyone – as you make tracks

for the river circuit in Tarangire National Park; the promise

of water in the rivers and swamps attracts African wildlife

like elephants, giraffes, impalas, and ostriches looking to

quench their thirst. Have lunch back at the lodge with time

to cool off in the swimming pool before embarking on an

afternoon game drive in the park for an opportunity to see

more animals. Your day ends under the setting sun with a

magical sundowner, when the sky turns crimson colours,

followed by a leisurely buffet dinner. Meals BLD

an exciting walk up (and down) Kilimanjaro’s Marangu Trail,

keeping an eye out for inquisitive monkeys and abundant

birds. After hiking back down, visit the open-air Chagga

Live Museum to learn about daily life for the Chagga tribe.

Alternatively, your family can join an experienced local guide

and head out to Arusha National Park for a full day of game

viewing and a picnic lunch in the park. Look for giraffe,

zebra, buffalo, baboons, waterbuck, flamingoes, and more

during your drive. Everyone returns to the lodge for our

welcome reception and dinner. For added family fun, learn

how to make and play an African drum tonight. Meals BLD

3. TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

It’s off on a game drive as you set out for a two-night stay

in a comfortable tented camp in Tarangire National Park –

the place where life began, according to Maasai legend,

immortalised in many movies about Africa. Marvel at the

classic African savannah stretching out all around you; the

wildlife-rich plains are studded with baobab trees. As your

Meet the Maasai

116

5. A MAASAI BOMA / ON TO NGORONGORO

Depart for the Ngorongoro Highlands, stopping on the

way in a Maasai boma, a nomadic village of small huts

made of mud and cow dung for sleeping and cooking.

Can you picture living here with your family? During your

visit, villagers will show you their spear-throwing and

bow-and-arrow skills. Enjoy lunch with a view of Lake

Manyara, a bird-lover’s paradise, before visiting a local

primary school to talk with the children and their teacher.

After arriving at your lodge, there will be time for swimming,

lawn games, and elephant dung paper crafts. Meals BLD

6. GAME VIEWING INSIDE AN AGE-OLD CRATER

All aboard for a game drive and a bush lunch in the

Ngorongoro Crater, part of the Ngorongoro Conservation

Area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ancient

Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact, unflooded caldera

in the world, formed by the collapse of the centre of a

volcano; often called Africa’s “Garden of Eden,” it is home

to almost every species in Africa... except the giraffe, which

can’t negotiate the steep incline down into the caldera.

Keep a lookout for lions, Black Rhinos (this is one of the

best places to spot them), and elephants. Back at the

lodge in Karatu after a buffet dinner, pack your duffel bags

for your upcoming three-night stay at a safari lodge located

in the very heart of Serengeti National Park. Meals BLD

7. OLDUPAI GORGE & THE SERENGETI

En route to the Serengeti, stop at Oldupai Gorge, where

the earliest known man walked upright some 3.6 million

years ago! Take a few steps back in time yourself during

a visit and lecture at the Oldupai Museum, founded

by the renowned archaeologist Mary Leakey in 1979.

It houses paleoanthropological artefacts and fossils

that were unearthed nearby during the more than two

decades that she and her husband, Louis, worked in the

region, and includes some of the earliest known human

remains. After lunch, embark across the seemingly

endless plains on an awe-inspiring game drive in

Serengeti National Park, before arriving at the luxury Four

Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. Meals BLD

8. HOT AIR BALLOONING OVER THE SERENGETI

Rise early this morning for a whole new perspective on

the vast landscapes and remarkable wildlife of Serengeti

National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – an

unforgettable ride in a hot air balloon* that soars over

the Serengeti’s savannah and open woodlands, home

to herds of grazing animals and the carnivores that

prey on them. Touch down for a champagne breakfast



BEGINS ARUSHA10⁄ , 13, 17⁄ , 19, 20⁄ , 24⁄ , 27⁄ , 29 Jun 01⁄ , 08, 11⁄ , 15, 18, 22⁄ , 25, 29 Jul 01⁄ , 05, 12, 16 Aug 19, 21, 23⁄ Dec ⁄ = Sold Out!

Dates in green indicate special holiday departures.


Group size limited to 30! All departures are limited to 30 guests to

ensure a more intimate safari experience.

PRICE PER PERSON

£340 Child Savings: Children 11 and under

Children under 18 must be booked in a room with at least

one adult. Triples are usually a two-bedded room plus one

rollaway cot, when available. Quad accommodations are

not available on this tour.

Gratuities to Tauck Director, drivers & local

guides are included.

International Airfare is additional. Contact Tauck

for rates on international air for travel originating in the UK (subject to

availability). Please enquire at time of booking about additional hotel nights


Recommended age: 8+. Minimum age for this trip is 5; children must

be at least 8 or older to participate in the hot air balloon ride on Day 8.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions,

participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.



Night 1,2 ARUMERURIVERLODGE Arusha

Night 3,4 TARANGIRESAFARILODGE Tarangire National Park

Night 5,6 TLOMALODGE Ngorongoro – Karatu

Night 7-9 FOURSEASONS Serengeti National SAFARILODGESERENGETI Park

June–August

*LAND PRICE + ON-TOUR AIR (1 flight) = TOTAL PER PERSON

Double £4780 + £180 = £4960

Triple £4740 + £180 = £4920

Single £5317 + £180 = £5497

HolidayDepartures–December


Double £5290 + £200 = £5490

Triple £5270 + £200 = £5470

Single £5844 + £200 = £6044

ACTIVITY2

PACE

4


pace level details.

in the bush, followed by a morning game drive closer

to the animals you may have spotted from on high.

Look for zebras, hyenas, elephants, leopards, great

herds of buffalo, smaller groups of giraffes, and lots of

eland, topi, kongoni, impala, Grant’s gazelle and more.

Return to your lodge for lunch and discover local Maasai

traditions. Your whole family can learn about Maasai

crafts and local conservation projects in classes at the

lodge’s impressive Discovery Centre, and will have the

opportunity to take a nature walk with the Centre’s

Maasai staff. Have dinner tonight at your leisure. Meals BLD

9. FAREWELL TO THE SERENGETI

Enjoy a farewell game drive in Serengeti National

Park this morning after breakfast, for a last chance

to experience the unforgettable spectacle of Africa’s

circle of life. Serengeti National Park, one of the

best-known wildlife sanctuaries in the world, has the

greatest concentration of plains game in Africa, including

wildebeests, Thomson’s gazelles and zebras, and lions

and cheetahs who are often close by. Look for them

as you drive through stunning landscapes. Enjoy a final

sundowner before our farewell dinner and Maasai fun in

the lodge’s traditionally styled Boma restaurant. Meals BLD

10. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Kilimanjaro International Airport. Fly to Arusha

and have lunch on the outskirts at Cultural Heritage, a

unique Tanzanian cultural centre. Before your late evening

flight home, a day room for relaxing, repacking, and

buffet dining is reserved for you at Arumeru River Lodge.

A transfer is also included from the lodge to Kilimanjaro

International Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for

your flight check-in at the airport. Meals BLD


CARIBBEAN

SEA

PACIFIC

OCEAN

NICARAGUA

COSTA RICA

San José

El Tanque

LiberiaParqueNacionalTortuguero

TortugueroParque Nacional

Volcán Arenal

Peñas Blancas River

La Fortuna

Vandara Hot Springs

Bahía Papagayo Guanacaste

ON THIS FAMILY ADVENTURE, EXPLORE EMERALD LANDSCAPES ALIVE WITH LOCAL COLOUR... Zip line through the treetops of the rainforest canopy,

home to a host of tropical birds and exotic wildlife. Float down a jungle river and meet a family who has

called it home for generations. See a real volcano up close. Taste pineapple fresh from the field, and

tree-ripened chocolate, artfully made. Observe monkeys, turtles, toucans and other animals on their own

turf, and learn about daily life in one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth.

1. ARRIVE SAN JOSÉ

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, InterContinental Costa Rica. A

transfer is included from Juan Santamaria International

Airport to InterContinental Costa Rica in the heart of Costa

Rica’s capital city, San José. Your family will stay in Deluxe

Rooms at your hotel. Meet the other families who will be

exploring this island paradise with you over the next week

at a welcome reception and dinner this evening. Meals D

2. TOUCANS, CHOCOLATE & TORTUGUERO

Pay a morning visit to the Toucan Rescue Ranch, where

you’ll meet some of the toucans, sloths, monkeys,

otters, macaws, and other sick, injured, and confiscated

wildlife who live here while they are rehabilitated with the

COSTA RICA: JUNGLES AND RAINFORESTS Arenal

118


LATIN AMERICA

Earth Journeys Highlights…


•Familyadventureincludesziplininginthelushrainforestcanopy;jungleriver-raftingadventurewithawildlifeexpert;privatehomevisitwithalocalfarmfamily

•Guidedpineappleplantationtour;hands-ondemonstrationtolearnhowtomakeartisanchocolate;visittotheToucanRescueRanchtomeetthewildlifecaredforthere

•ExplorationofTortugueroNationalParkbyboatandlandwithexpertnaturalists

•20meals;gratuitiestoTauckDirectors,driversandlocalguides;airporttransfersasnoted;admissionfees,mosttaxes,porterageandservicecharges

coconuts, and the “tree of life” they come from, during

a coconut demonstration. Later, if you like, join us for a

canal boat cruise inside Tortuguero National Park, the

best way to see it, or relax at your resort. If you travel

with us in July and August, after dinner you’ll go on a

special trip to the beach at night for a chance to see

endangered green sea turtles making their way out of the

sea to lay their eggs on the black sand beach. Meals BLD

4. RAINFOREST ZIP LINING & A PINEAPPLE TOUR

Depart your rainforest lodge by boat this morning for a

short flight to the Arenal region, home of Arenal Volcano,

7,000 years old – and still alive! Since 2010 the volcano

has been “sleeping,” with no eruptions or lava flows, but

it’s still a breathtaking sight. Check out its picture-perfect

symmetrical cone shape. You’ll get an extraordinary

bird’s-eye view of the volcano during a thrilling zip-line

ride* at Sky Trek Adventure Park, where you’ll soar over

and through the treetops of the rainforest canopy (voted

“Best Zip-lining Tour in Costa Rica” by Travel + Leisure).

Guests who aren’t interested in zip lining can take a nature

goal of returning them to the wild, whenever possible.

Next, learn everything you ever wanted to know about

chocolate at an artisan chocolatier! Take part in a

hands-on demonstration of transforming cacao fruit into

chocolate, do a little tasting, and have lunch. Later,

a boat transports you to Aninga Lodge, your rustic

rainforest retreat adjacent to Tortuguero National Park

and surrounded by canals, where most travel is by

water, and howler monkeys provide a wake-up call in the

morning. Have dinner at your lodge this evening. Meals BLD

3. GO WILD IN TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

The wilderness surrounding your rainforest lodge near

the entrance to Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National

Park is home to 60 kinds of mammals, 57 species of

amphibians, 111 varieties of reptiles and more than 309

recorded species of birds! Begin the day with a morning

canal cruise for some bird-spotting and nature viewing

with our local guides, then return to your lodge for

lunch. This afternoon, take a boat to explore the village

of Tortuguero; learn about the medicinal benefits of

120

120

walk instead. Afterward, head to the Royal Corin Thermal

Water Spa & Resort, your family’s home away from home

for the next two nights – just steps from the volcano. Your

family will have a free afternoon to relax and make the most

of your resort’s amenities – perhaps enjoying the hot spring

and freshwater pools or the thermal steam garden sauna.

Dinner is served at your resort this evening. Meals BLD

5. LIFE ALONG THE PEÑAS BLANCAS RIVER

This morning, you’ll climb aboard a pontoon raft for a

gentle float trip* on the Peñas Blancas River through the

rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths,

iguanas and crocodiles, as well as toucans, herons and

kingfishers. Visit a farming family who has lived on the river

all of their lives to see what daily life is really like in a virgin

forest where the locals make do without electricity and the

trip to town means travelling by canoe! Next, you’re off on

a “pineapple tour” to discover one of Costa Rica’s most

delicious treasures. Taste succulent pineapples fresh from

the field, learn secrets for choosing the best pineapples at

the supermarket, and sample local pineapple treats. Return

to your resort for free time on your own and fun. Dine at

your leisure at the resort this evening. Meals BLD

6. ACROSS THE INTERIOR TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN

This morning leave the Arenal region and make your way

across Costa Rica’s interior to the province of Guanacaste

on the Pacific Ocean. On the way, stop in the sabanero

(cowboy) town of Cañas for lunch on the banks of the

Corobici River. After lunch, continue on to your luxurious

beachfront resort and spa, El Mangroove, on scenic Playa

Panama – playa means beach. Your afternoon is free for

family fun and relaxing at your environmentally friendly

resort, where man meets mangrove (and beach). Meals BLD

STAY TWO NIGHTS AT ROYAL CORIN

THERMAL WATER SPA & RESORT

Paradise found! Your resort in La Fortuna is an enchanting

setting for family fun for all ages – within sight of spectacular

Arenal Volcano. The whole family will love the hot spring pools,

fed by underground rivers beneath the volcano, a natural

miracle – colourless, mineral-rich, and odourless. You’ll also

want to check out the waterfalls and the freshwater pool.

For pampering, there’s the spa, not to mention the thermal

steam garden sauna. Towel off in your spacious guest room

complete with balcony or terrace.

Pe–as Blancas River


7. OUTDOOR FUN & A BEACHFRONT FAREWELL A day of outdoor delights awaits your family this morning

at Vandara Adventure Park & Spa, open today exclusively

for Tauck – the only other “adventurers” will be your

fellow Tauck travellers! You can choose from activities

including horseback riding, a zip-line adventure*, a

waterslide, a dip in volcanic hot springs, or a massage!

After enjoying a farm-to-table lunch at the park’s

restaurant, featuring products from its own organic

garden, return to your oceanfront resort for a free

afternoon. Play on the beach, swim in the pool, check

out the spa... This evening your family and new friends

gather for a celebration of all things tropical at our

farewell reception on the beach, complete with traditional

Costa Rican music brought to you by a marimba band,

followed by a farewell dinner. Meals BLD

8. JOURNEY HOMETour ends: Guanacaste. Fly home anytime. A transfer from

El Mangroove to Liberia International Airport is included.

You should allow a minimum of three hours for your flight

check-in at the airport. Meals B


BEGINS SAN JOSÉ11 Feb 11, 18, 25⁄ Mar 01, 15 Apr 10, 17, 24 Jun 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 Jul 05, 12 Aug 21,23⁄ ,27Dec

⁄ = Sold Out!

Dates in green indicate special holiday departures.


PRICE PER PERSON


Children under 18 must be booked in a room with at least one

adult. Triple and quad accommodations are two-bedded rooms.

Gratuities to Tauck Director, drivers and local guides

are included.





Recommended age: 8+

Children must be 8 or older to experience the zip line ride.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*), participation is at your own risk and a

signed liability waiver will be required. Nighttime beach visit on Day 3 for the possibility

of seeing sea turtles is only offered on July – August departures.


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1 INTERCONTINENTALCOSTARICA San JoséNight 2,3 ANINGALODGE TortugueroNight 4,5 THEROYALCORINTHERMAL La Fortuna

WATERSPA&RESORT

Night 6,7 ELMANGROOVE Guanacaste

February–April


Double £2440 + £100 = £2540 Triple £2290 + £100 = £2390 Quad £2290 + £100 = £2390 Single £3049 + £100 = £3149

June–August



HolidayDepartures–December



Watch our video at tauck.co.uk/familycostarica

ACTIVITY

3

PACEGo to page 133 for activity and

pace level details.

3

Arenal Volcano

122

GALÁPAGOS: WILDLIFE WONDERLAND

Bartolomé

EQUATOR

Baltra

Santa Cruz

PACIFICOCEAN

GALÁPAGOSISLANDS

Santiago(James) Island

Rábida


Puerto Egas

Genovesa (Tower) Island

Prince Philip’s StepsDarwinBay

Buccaneer Cove

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

PACIFICOCEAN

Guayaquil

ECUADOR

QuitoBaltra

1. ARRIVE QUITO, ECUADOR

Tour begins: Swissôtel Quito. A transfer is included from Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport to the elegant Swissôtel Quito, located in the commercial district, some 2,700 metres above “seal level.” Get acclimated to the elevation and settle in tonight for tomorrow’s early start.

2. AT THE MIDDLE OF THE WORLD IN QUITO

Sightseeing begins at la mitad del mundo (the Equator) where you put one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time! Next, visit the Inti Ñan Museum and have lunch at a restaurant perched on the edge of Pululahua Volcano. Then set off with a guide in Quito’s colonial quarter; this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates to Quito’s founding in 1534. See Carondelet Palace (the president’s palace); the cathedral; city hall; and the archbishop’s palace. The evening’s festivities begin with a toast and entertainment at a historic mansion, which is followed by a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel, Swissôtel Quito. Meals BLD

3. M FLY TO THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT

Hop on a plane for your flight to Baltra Island, the starting point of your Galápagos cruise* aboard Tauck’s expeditionary ship, Santa Cruz II. Your first cruise stop is a wet landing, which means stepping into knee-deep water and wading to shore on Santa Cruz Island’s Playa


LATIN AMERICA

Earth Journeys Highlights…•�� On-tour�film�vignettes�custom-made�for�Tauck�

by�BBC�Earth�natural�history�experts�plus�other�select�BBC�Earth�touches

•� �4-night�family�Galápagos�cruise�aboard�the�90-guest�Santa Cruz II;�entrance�fee�to�Galápagos�National�Park�included�

•� �Two�nights�in�Quito�with�a�visit�to�the�Equator

•� �Airport�transfers�as�noted�

•� �18�meals;�gratuities�to�Tauck�Directors,�local�guides,�drivers,�naturalists,�and�ship�staff;�service�charges,�most�taxes,�and�porterage

•� �Aboard�ship�daily�cocktail�hour,�all�day�soft�drinks,�and�wine�and�beer�with�dinner�are�included

las Bachas. This glorious white-sand beach is a nesting

area for the East Pacific green sea turtle, one of the rare

species whose ancestors lived in the time of the dinosaurs.

Explore areas around lagoons that attract pintail ducks and

long-legged wading birds like flamingoes and stilts. Back

on the ship, meet the captain and ship’s officers, get a

briefing on tomorrow’s activities from onboard naturalists,

and enjoy a welcome cocktail or soda. Meals BLD

4. M SANTIAGO ISLAND LOCALSToday discover Santiago (James) Island, a favourite

haunt of pirates and whalers of old. Take a panga ride

along Buccaneer Cove and see how many different

seabirds – frigates, pelicans, boobies – you can spot.

Snorkel off the panga, if you like, and keep an eye out

for the Galápagos sea lions who are happy to share

the waters. A wet landing at Puerto Egas brings further

opportunities to spot seabirds, fur seals and marine

iguanas, who, unlike other lizards, forage for food in the

sea. Next up, more snorkelling and swimming! Meals BLD

5. M “NOISY” RÁBIDA & BARTOLOMÉ VIEWSGet ready to get wet as we wade ashore onto the red-sand

beach of Rábida Island, also known as Jervis Island. Rábida

offers great snorkelling from the beach. And if you like, go

exploring on a glass-bottom boat ride. This afternoon, an

excursion brings you to Bartolomé Island for a hike up to

the island’s summit for views of James Island and Pinnacle

Rock. Or head for Pinnacle Rock aboard a panga with

opportunities to see Galápagos penguins, the only penguins

who live north of the Equator in the wild. Meals BLD

6. M GENOVESA BIRD LIFE & MORERide aboard a panga along the cliffs of Genovesa

(Tower) Island and make a dry landing at Prince Philip’s

Steps. Climb the stairs for a hike across the island. This

afternoon, cruise to Darwin Bay for a wet landing, bird

spotting and an optional nature hike. We invite you to join

us this evening for the captain’s farewell dinner. Meals BLD

7. DISEMBARK / FLY TO GUAYAQUILDisembark Santa Cruz II on Santa Cruz Island for a visit

to a tortoise reserve to observe a rare form of wildlife that

continues to thrive in the Galápagos – the giant tortoise –

and efforts being made by the Ecuadorian National Park

Service to preserve and protect life on the islands for future

generations. Late morning, fly to Guayaquil; later, we invite

you to join us for a farewell party at your hotel. Meals BD

8. HOMEWARD BOUNDTour ends: Guayaquil. Fly home anytime. A transfer

is included from Wyndham Guayaquil to Guayaquil’s

José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport; allow a

minimum of three hours for flight check-in. Meals B

124

SPECIAL DECEMBER DEPARTURE!*

Spend the holidays in the Galápagos with your family on

our exclusive 8-day 22 December cruise departure for

Tauck Bridges families priced from £4,760 plus on-tour air

per triple; same itinerary at a great time to travel!

FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1,2 SWISSÔTEL�QUITO� Quito

Night 3-6 ABOARD�SANTA CRUZ II Galápagos Islands

Night 7 WYNDHAM�GUAYAQUIL� Guayaquil


BEGINS QUITO31 Mar 14�Apr 09⁄ , 19, 23⁄ �Jun 07⁄ , 17, 21�Jul 04⁄ , 18 Aug 22* Dec�⁄ = Sold Out!


PRICE PER PERSON


Children under 18 must be booked in a room with at least one adult. Triples are not

available for more than two adults, age 18 or older, sharing a room. Interconnecting

cabins (subject to availability) can be booked onboard Santa Cruz II. Quads

will be accommodated in two double rooms. Aboard ship, triple cabins are two beds and

a pull out couch; they are limited to two adults (age 18 or older) sharing a room with one

child under age 18. In hotels, triples are usually a two-bedded room plus one rollaway bed.

Gratuities to Tauck Director, local guides and ship staff included. Aboard

ship daily cocktail hour, all day soft drinks, and wine and beer with dinner are included.


for travel originating in the UK (subject to availability). Please enquire at booking about

additional hotel nights before or after your tour.

Recommended age: 8+

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at

your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required. Departures are hosted by one Tauck

Director for approx. every 40 guests. We may not visit each of the islands in the order outlined,

but we typically visit two different sites per day. Our Galápagos itinerary is subject to change

due to wildlife encounters, atmospheric conditions and Galápagos National Park directives.

Departures of 19 Jun & 17 Jul visit different islands than those noted in the itinerary.


3

ACTIVITY

2

PACE See page 133 for details.

March – 16 July*LAND PRICE + ON-TOUR AIR (2 flights) = TOTAL PER PERSON

M Explorer�Double�Cabin�– Double £3990 R £270 U £4260 Horizon�Deck Triple N/A Single £5064 R £270 U £5334

M Explorer�Triple�Cabin�– Double N/A Horizon�Deck Triple £3890 R £270 U £4160 Single N/A

M Explorer�Double�Cabin�– Double £4090 R £270 U £4360 Expedition�Deck Triple N/A Single £5184 R £270 U £5454

M Explorer�Double�Cabin�– Double £4190 R £270 U £4460 Panorama�Deck Triple N/A Single £5274 R £270 U £5544

M Darwin�Suite Double £4570 R £270 U £4840 Triple N/A Single £5694 R £270 U £5964

17 July – August*LAND PRICE + ON-TOUR AIR (2 flights) = TOTAL PER PERSON

M Explorer�Double�Cabin�– Double £3790 R £270 U £4060 Horizon�Deck Triple N/A Single £4788 R £270 U £5058

M Explorer�Triple�Cabin�– Double N/A Horizon�Deck Triple £3740 R £270 U £4010 Single N/A

M Explorer�Double�Cabin�– Double £3890 R £270 U £4160 Expedition�Deck Triple N/A Single £4908 R £270 U £5178

M Explorer�Double�Cabin�– Double £3990 R £270 U £4260 Panorama�Deck Triple N/A Single £4998 R £270 U £5268

M Darwin�Suite Double £4360 R £270 U £4630 Triple N/A Single £5428 R £270 U £5698

Complete with her own glass-bottom boat and pangas for island

landings, the state-of-the-art expeditionary ship Santa Cruz II is

perfect for your family’s magical 4-night Galápagos Islands cruise.

SANTA CRUZ II From top to bottom, this state-of-the-art 5-deck Galápagos expedition

ship is designed to take just 90 guests in air-conditioned comfort to

remote tropical islands inhabited by wildlife happy to welcome you

ashore. There are 50 cabins aboard with private bathrooms and a host

of personal amenities. Public spaces are generously sized with wide

hallways and broad stairwells and are handsomely appointed with

contemporary décor. Enjoy dining areas inside and out, an elegant bar

and lounge, a fitness centre and Jacuzzi, plus a well-stocked library

where you can read up on the “locals” you meet and the locales you

explore on daily shore excursions with our onboard naturalists. The

ship is ideal for dolphin and whale watching, and carries her own

glass-bottom boat and pangas onboard. You can view deck plans

and ship specifications on TauckÕs website.


MYSTICAL PERU

LATIN AMERICA


BRAZIL

MachuPicchu

Cusco

PACIFIC

OCEAN

Lima

Sacred Valley

YucayValley

PERU

BOLIVIA

1. ARRIVE LIMA

Tour begins: JW Marriott Hotel Lima. A transfer is

included from Lima Airport to the JW Marriott Hotel Lima,

located in one of the city’s best neighbourhoods. Most

international flights arrive late in the evening, so tonight

settle into your room for a snack and a good night’s rest.

You’ll meet your fellow family travellers tomorrow morning!

2. SEA LIONS, COLONIAL LIMA & BONES

We’re off for a seaside boating adventure this morning

to meet the locals who live in the coastal waters off San

Lorenzo Island; put on your wet suits for a swim with playful

sea lions, before heading back to the hotel for a change

of clothes and cultural experience. Explore Colonial Lima,

a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Francisco Pizarro’s

THE HEIGHT OF ADVENTURE and centuries-old mysteries come together for your family as you swim with sea lions,

wander through catacombs, meet llamas and alpacas, paint pottery, get blessed by a shaman, explore the Sacred Valley by horse or raft,

see Peruvian Pasos dance, play games with local schoolchildren, ride the rails to the “lost city” of Machu Picchu, learn about spectacled

“Paddington” bears, visit mysterious Incan monuments, take a chocolate-making class, and learn to play a pan flute!

126

tomb in la Catedral de Lima, then go underground at the

Convento de San Francisco to explore catacombs stacked

with ancient colonial bones. Join us this evening for a

fun-filled welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Meals BLD

3. SCHOOLYARD GAMES AND A SHAMAN

Fly to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, where

you’ll board our private coach for a drive to the Sacred

Valley. It’s play time when you visit a local school; the

children can’t wait to invite you to join in their traditional

games. Later, meet a local shaman, believed to have

special healing abilities, who blesses your journey and

shares spiritual stories about the Sacred Valley and Machu

Picchu. Tonight’s dinner is at the 17th-century colonial

house that your hotel is built around. Meals BLD

4. PASOS, RAFTING OR RIDING, POTTERY FUN

You have a choice of activities* today. One possibility is to

join us for a horseback riding adventure through a small

village and along a countryside trail. Another choice is to

don a wet suit for a river rafting adventure that’s fun for all

ages. Or you can get pampered with a one-hour massage

at the hotel’s spa. Everyone meets up for a barbecue

lunch at a private ranch, followed by a show starring the

country’s beautiful smooth-gaited Peruvian Pasos; these

horses are protected as part of the Patrimonio Cultural

Travelling Well Includes…

• Visits to mystical Machu Picchu and sacred Sacsayhuamán

• Scenic train travel through Andean vistas aboard Peru’s Vistadome train in premier class

• Guided exploring in 400-year-old catacombs in Lima and swimming with sea lions

• Pottery painting & games with local schoolchildren

• A choice of a river rafting adventure, horseback riding, or a one-hour massage in the Sacred Valley

• A tasty chocolate-making demonstration and a visit to an alpaca and llama farm in Cusco

• Airport transfers on arrival and departure as noted

• 19 meals; gratuities to Tauck Director, local guides & drivers; service charges, taxes and porterage

(Cultural Heritage) of Peru. This afternoon, you’re in for

something different – discover the meanings behind the

sacred markings of ancient Peruvian cultures at a renowned

pottery studio, then let your creative spirit, and inspiration,

take over as you paint your own ceramic masterpiece.

Dinner is at leisure at your hotel this evening. Meals BLD

5. A RAIL RIDE TO A LOST INCAN CITY

Pack just enough clothes in your Tauck-provided duffel

bag for an overnight stay in a valley near a mist-shrouded

mountain. Board your Vistadome train for Aguas Calientes,

then drive up to the “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu,

hidden from the western world until archaeologist Hiram

Bingham accidentally stumbled upon it in 1911. Spend the

afternoon exploring this ancient citadel, a World Heritage

Site, with our expert guides. Stay overnight up here in the

clouds in a whitewashed casita at a pueblo-style hotel,

where dinner is at your leisure. Meals BLD

6. DAILY LIFE, BEARS, AND ONWARD TO CUSCO

Spend the morning as you please. You might choose to take

a guided nature walk on the grounds of your hotel to see

the collection of orchids and herbs that thrive here. Another

possibility is to head into the colourful market in Aguas

Calientes for an eye-opening parade of locally made arts

and crafts, including woven tapestries, ponchos, jewellery,

and more. Or listen to a private talk by a naturalist who will

tell you all about the nearly extinct spectacled bears once

found throughout the Andes, like the author Michael Bond’s

famously charming and marmalade-loving Paddington Bear

from “darkest Peru,” and visit the spectacled bears who

live on the grounds of the hotel. After lunch, board the

Vistadome for a rail ride down to Ollantaytambo station.

Continue on your journey as you drive to Cusco for a

two-night stay in the historic heart of the city. Meals BLD

Cusco


7. INCAS, CHOCOLATE, AND ALPACAS

Built in the shape of a puma, Cusco abounds with both

Incan relics and Spanish colonial architecture. Visit one

of the most mysterious Incan sites today when you

explore Sacsayhuamán (also known as Sacsahuaman), a

walled complex near the old city of Cusco, at an altitude

of 3,650+ metres. This UNESCO World Heritage site will

astound you with its advanced construction techniques.

Massive stones, one of which weighs an estimated 70

tons, fit together so perfectly that no blade of grass or

steel can slide between them. There is no mortar to hold

them together even though they are joined in complex

and irregular surfaces that would be difficult to replicate

by the most experienced modern-day stone mason.

You’ll also take part in a hands-on, mouth-watering,

chocolate-making class at the ChocoMuseo, with goody

bags for everyone! Then meet the four-footed residents

of the region at a local farm, where you will get tips on

telling the difference between an alpaca and a llama.

Following a free afternoon, music is on the menu this

evening during our farewell dinner; learn how to play

Peruvian pan flutes – yours to take home. Meals BD

8. JOURNEY HOME

Tour ends: Lima. Fly from Cusco to Lima for lunch; rooms

have been reserved for you at the JW Marriott Hotel Lima,

whether you choose to fly out tonight or stay overnight and

fly out in the morning. A transfer is included to Lima Airport

from the JW Marriott Hotel Lima. Allow a minimum of three

hours for your flight check-in at the airport. Meals BL

Peruvian Pasos


BEGINS LIMA10, 24 Jun 01, 15, 22 Jul 05 Aug


PRICE PER PERSON


Children under 18 must be booked in a room with at least one adult. Triples are

usually a two-bedded room with a rollaway cot or a sofa bed. Quad accommodations

are not available on this tour.

Gratuities to Tauck Director, drivers & local guides are included.





Recommended age: 8+

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day

descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability

waiver will be required.


FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONSNight 1,2 JW MARRIOTT HOTEL LIMA Lima

Night 3,4 ARANWA SACRED VALLEY HOTEL Urubamba

Night 5 INKATERRA MACHU PICCHU Aguas Calientes PUEBLO HOTEL

Night 6,7 JW MARRIOTT HOTEL CUSCO Cusco



ACTIVITY

3

PACE

4


pace level details.

LANDTOURS BOOKING CONDITIONS FOR TAUCK TOURS

These are the Booking Conditions of LANDTOURS LTD T/A TAUCK,

(a company registered under number 00725478, with its registered

office at Mutual House, 70 Conduit Street, London W1S 2GF, and

whose trading address is at 301 Watling Street, Radlett WD7 7LA)

(“We”, “Us”, “Our”, “Landtours”) for the sale of Tauck holidays.

General Information

Please read these Booking Conditions carefully. They include important

information you will need to know before you book a Tauck Exotics holiday

with Us, and contain information about the Tauck holiday you have booked

and form part of the contract entered into between you and Landtours for

your travel arrangements. These Booking Conditions are subject to change

and the applicable terms will be confirmed to you at the time of booking.

The entire Booking Conditions form the contract between you and

Landtours for a Tauck holiday, as available from Landtours.

Terms of the Contract

Tauck’s inclusive tours are organised by Tauck Inc. (detailed below) and

offered for sale in the United Kingdom by Landtours Ltd of 301 Watling Street,

Radlett WD7 7LA (“Landtours”), who contracts with you for the sale of the

Tauck holiday, upon these Booking Conditions and the information contained

in the brochure. Although all of the information contained in the brochure and

these Booking Conditions has been described in accordance with the latest

information available at the time of printing, Landtours reserves the right to

make changes, though any change will be notified to you before you conclude

a contract with Landtours t/a Tauck.

Land arrangements and Carriage by Sea for your Tauck holiday purchased with

Landtours are provided by Tauck Inc. of 10 Westport Road, Wilton, CT 06897.

Your Contract for a Tauck holiday is with Landtours in the UK and your holiday is

performed by Tauck Inc. (the supplier of your Tauck holiday), whose Conditions

of Carriage are expressly incorporated into these Booking Conditions. The

Contract with Landtours is concluded when Landtours issues a confirmation

invoice to you for the Tauck holiday. Full payment of the balance shown on the

confirmation invoice is required no later than 90 days prior to departure, in

accordance with Clause 4 of these Booking Conditions. Failure to pay in full by

this time may result in cancellation of your holiday and forfeit of your deposit.

2018 prices are per person.

Prices include all accommodations, airport (excluding travel to/from

your home to the airport) and train transfers as noted, entertainment,

special dinners, land and cruise transportation, sightseeing, shore

excursions, luggage handling, and services of local guides, naturalists

and Tauck representatives as detailed in the brochure. Meals are

included as specified in the brochure. Complimentary basic Internet is

included where available in hotel rooms; service levels are not

guaranteed. All appropriate gratuities for bellmen, doormen, dining

room servers, ship staff and local guides are included and no

additional sums will be required to be paid by you for such services.

Hotel & Ship Accommodations – Tauck’s price includes all hotel and ship

accommodations. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples

are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended

for comfort; aboard ship, triples may include a sofa or upper berth.

Cruise Pricing – Doubles are priced for two people sharing a room or

cabin; two-bedded rooms or cabins with a private bath are usually

reserved for doubles. Triples are often a two-bedded room plus a

rollaway bed and are not recommended for comfort.

Some travel arrangements (e.g. flight tickets purchased specifically from

certain airlines) may not be refundable or transferable after your booking has

been made and any alteration request may incur a cancellation charge of up

to 100% of that particular part of the holiday arrangements. Please see page

129 for further details on cancellation charges that may apply to you.

Luggage Handling and Restrictions

Luggage handling is included in the tour cost. Due to space restrictions, we

ask that you please limit your checked baggage to one suitcase per person

weighing no more than 23 kg (50 pounds) and with overall dimensions (length

+ width + height) not exceeding 62 inches. Most airlines require that checked

luggage does not exceed the weight of 23 kg per piece. Luggage exceeding

the maximum restrictions is subject to expensive overage fees or is at risk of

being left behind. Many airlines are now charging fees for checked luggage,

regardless of the number of bags. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently,

and often without notice; therefore Tauck cannot be held liable for additional

fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline. We urge you to check with

your airline before travelling to verify current number, size and weight limits.

Additionally, guests on tour should limit their hand luggage to a small carry-on

piece and only those items needed during the day. Most modern sightseeing

motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or large items. Space under

seats or in overhead racks is typically small, and designed to accommodate

items like coats, hats, handbags, small camera bags, etc. Items too large to

fit underneath seats or in overhead racks must be stored in the luggage bays

beneath the motor coach and may not allow for access during daytime travel.

Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility

Tauck makes every effort to operate all holidays as advertised. Tauck

reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing,

ports, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Please refer to

Clause 7 for further information.

Hotel Rooms Before or After Holidays

To avoid jet lag, many guests prefer to make hotel arrangements before

their cruise or tour departs. As a service, Tauck will make hotel reservations

before or after your holiday subject to availability, upon request. Hotel

charges will be added to your cruise or tour cost. Airport transfers will be

included for these bookings.

Personal Expenses

Phone calls, hotel room service, laundry, airline excess luggage charges

and other optional incidental extras are not included.

Photography and Video on Tour

Occasionally, Tauck will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow

guests or your Tauck Director on tour for print, Internet and other

promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any

marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director.

Single Rooms

Since hotel rates are per room, the price for rooms occupied by one person is

higher than those where two or more persons share the cost of a room.

1. Your Holiday Contract

1.1 Booking Procedure and Deposit: In order to make a booking, please

contact your ABTA Travel Agency or Landtours directly. All monies you pay to

the travel agent are held by him on behalf of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust

at all times. This is subject to the agent’s obligation to pay it to Us for so long as

we do not fail. If we fail, any money held at the time by the agent, or

subsequently accepted from you by him, is and continues to be held on behalf

of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any

obligation to pay that money to Us. The holiday arrangements shown in the

brochure are flexible – if you wish to extend your stay pre- or post-holiday,

upgrade your flights or make any other arrangements, please put full details in

writing at the time of booking to:

BOOKING CONDITIONS

128

Landtours Ltd. t/a Tauck

301 Watling Street

Radlett

Hertfordshire WD7 7LA United Kingdom

Tel: 0800 810 8020 Email: [email protected]

Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Tour Only Arrangements: If you book arrangements with the Company

that do not include flights, your arrangements are protected by way of a bond

with ABTA. This means that in the unlikely event of our insolvency, your tour

can’t be provided, you will receive your money back or, if your tour has

started, arrangements will be made for you to be able to continue as planned

(please see Clause 2 of these Booking Conditions for further details).

Deposit Date: To hold space up to time of “Final Payment,” a deposit for

each tour booked must be received by the “Deposit Due Date” or space is

automatically released. Some travel arrangements (for example, flight tickets

purchased specifically with certain airlines) may not be refundable or

transferable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request may

incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that particular part of the holiday

arrangements (as further detailed in Clause 6.2). Deposits are taken at the time

of booking to reflect the costs incurred in getting your travel arrangements in

place for you, which may include the total cost of your airfares, together with

the following standard deposits for Tauck holidays:

£200 per person – Costa Rica Land Tours; Mystical Peru

£350 per person – Cuba Land Tours

£350 per person – Africa and Israel / Jordan Land Tours

£350 per person – Most Asia Land Tours

£350 per person – Australia / New Zealand Land Tours

£400 per person – Most South America Land Tours

£600 per person – India Land Tours

£650 per person – Latin America / Galápagos Cruises

£1000 per person – Japan Cruise

The amount of deposit payable in respect of your Tauck holiday will be

confirmed to you at the time of your booking.

Final Payment is due as specified on the invoice. Bookings without full

payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Final

Documents are sent by express post at least 3 weeks prior to tour

departure. They include joining instructions, itinerary, luggage tags, and

other pertinent information.

*Force Majeure: means in the event of any unusual, unforeseeable or

extraordinary circumstances beyond our (or Tauck Inc.’s) control, including

(but not limited to) an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared),

terrorism, riot, accident, natural or nuclear disaster, outbreak of disease,

industrial dispute, fire, adverse or severe weather conditions or other event

or circumstance beyond our (or Tauck Inc.’s) control that contributes to or

results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the

absence of such event or occurrence, Landtours reserves the right to issue

a credit to you for use against a future Tauck holiday in lieu of a refund to

you as detailed in these Booking Conditions, however this does not affect

your statutory right to a refund if requested.

1.2 Cancellation Fees: Cancellations result in costly charges from travel

and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by cancelling

confirmed bookings. Therefore, the fees listed below will apply, as per

Clause 6 below.

Land Journeys

> 60 days – Deposit amount

60 – 8 days – 25% of tour cost

< 8 days – 50% of tour cost

Cruises

> 90 days – Deposit amount

90 – 46 days – 50% of tour cost

< 45 days – 100% of tour cost

Time of cancellation will be when notice from you is received in Landtours’

offices as detailed above in accordance with Clause 6.1.

1.3 When you make a booking for an air holiday package with Us where

Landtours is your air holiday package provider, you guarantee that you have the

authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these

Booking Conditions. Bookings are made either at our offices when you visit our

offices, over the telephone or via email. A binding contract (on you and each

member of your party) for an air holiday package with Landtours will exist

between us as soon as we issue our confirmation invoice to you (in hard copy

or by email if you have provided Us with your email address). This contract is

made on the terms of these Booking Conditions, which are governed by English

Law, and the jurisdiction of the English Courts. You may, however, choose the

law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you wish to do so.

1.4 All travel arrangements which we provide or which are sold through Us

are not an offer by Us to sell any travel arrangements, but an invitation to you

to make an offer to Us or to the suppliers of the arrangements. We are free to

accept that offer on our own behalf when we are entering into the contract for

the travel arrangements with you under Clause 1.3, or to reject it.

2. Your Financial Protection

2.1 Customer Protection: Landtours complies with the bonding

requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA Licence Number ATOL

9895). Landtours provides full financial protection for the package holidays

that we sell. For flight-based holidays, this is through the Air Travel

Organiser’s Licence (detailed above). In the unlikely event of our insolvency,

the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to

refund any money you have paid to Us for an advance booking. For further

information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk.

When you buy a package holiday that doesn’t include a flight, protection of

your monies paid is provided by way of a bond held by Landtours as a

member of ABTA (ABTA membership number Y2225). This gives you

reassurance when booking with Landtours that the monies you pay to

Landtours will be secure in the unlikely event of our insolvency.

We will provide you with the services you have bought (or a suitable alternative).

In some cases, where we aren’t able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an

alternative ATOL holder (where a flight-inclusive package is sold to you), or an

alternative provider where you have purchased a package holiday that doesn’t

include a flight, may provide you with the services you have bought or a

suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those

circumstances the alternative ATOL holder (or alternative provider) will perform

those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by

you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder or provider. However,

you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an

alternative ATOL holder or provider, in which case you will be entitled to make a

claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable), or

through our bond held for non-flight inclusive packages.

2.2 When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from Us

you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected,

where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact

if things go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will

provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable

alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so

for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the

services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You

agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will

perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be

paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you

also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative

ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL

scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers

identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or

a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for

reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment

to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return

for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any

claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-

provision of the services, including any claim against Us, the travel agent (or

Your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims

may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you

have claimed under the ATOL scheme.


2.3 If you book an air package holiday with Us under Clause 1.3, then we will

provide you with financial protection in accordance with this Clause 2.3. The

Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992

(“Package Travel Regulations”) require Us to provide security for the monies

that you pay for the package holidays offered by Us directly as your tour

operator and booked by you, and for your repatriation in the event of our

insolvency. We provide this security by way of an ATOL (number 9895)

administered by the Civil Aviation Authority and a bond held by ABTA.

The price of our air holiday packages includes the amount payable per person

as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This

charge is included in the prices for your air package holiday confirmed to you at

your time of booking and will be shown separately on your confirmation invoice.

2.4 In accordance with EU Regulation 2111/2005 we are required to

advise you of the actual carrier operating your flight/connecting flight/

transfer. We do this by listing carriers to be used or likely to be used and

details of these will be supplied to you at the time of booking. You will be

advised of the specific airline operating your flight and aircraft type with your

flight ticket confirmation and flight schedules. Any changes to the actual

airline after you have received your ticket confirmation will be notified to you

as soon as possible and in all cases at check-in or at the boarding gate. A

change of airline, aircraft type or alteration of your outward/return flights by

less than 12 hours is deemed to be a minor change.

2.5 If you book arrangements other than an air holiday package with us under

Clause 2.1, the financial protection referred to above in Clause 2.3 does not

apply. Any financial protection given in connection with your booking otherwise

than in accordance with Clause 2.3 will be detailed in the relevant Supplier Terms.

3. ABTA

As mentioned above, we are a Member of ABTA. We are obliged to maintain

a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also

offer you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of

this contract. The scheme is arranged by ABTA and administered

independently. It is a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on

documents alone with restricted liability on you for costs. The upper limit on

claims is £5,000 per person and £25,000 per booking form. The scheme

doesn’t apply to claims which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness

or their consequences. It can however deal with claims which include an

element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of £1,500 on the amount

the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element.

Your request for arbitration must be received by ABTA within eighteen

months of the date of return from the holiday. For injury and illness claims,

you can request the ABTA Mediation Procedure and we have the option

to agree to mediation. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s

assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com.

4. Your Holiday Price

4.1 We reserve the right to alter the prices of any of the holidays quoted by

Us. You will be advised of the current price of the holiday that you wish to

book before your contract is confirmed.

4.2 When you make your booking with us for an air holiday package under

Clause 1.3, you must pay a deposit in accordance with Clause 1.1. Full details to

be advised at the time of booking. The balance of the price of your travel

arrangements must be paid at least 10 weeks before your departure date, or

earlier if required by our suppliers and notified to you at the time of booking. If the

deposit and/or balance are not paid in time, we reserve the right to cancel your

travel arrangements. If the balance is not paid in time we shall retain your deposit.

When we are acting as agents for other principal(s) or supplier(s) if full

payment is not received by the balance due date we will notify the

principal(s) or supplier(s) who may cancel your booking and charge

cancellation fees as per the Supplier Terms.

4.3 The price of your travel arrangements is fully guaranteed and will not

be subject to any surcharges.

We regret that no credit or refund is possible for any unused services provided in

the cost of your holiday. If you decide to alter your travel arrangements whilst

abroad, this is your own responsibility and we are not responsible for any extras

or difficulties that may arise with onward travel and as a result of such

alterations. No credit or refund is possible for any lost, mislaid, stolen or

destroyed documents which could be the subject of a claim on your insurance.

The provisions of this Clause 4.3 do not apply when we are acting as agents

for other supplier(s) or principal(s) and any terms relating to price changes in

such circumstances will be set out in the relevant Supplier Terms.

When we are acting as agents for other supplier(s) or principal(s) then we shall

be entitled to charge the fees set out in our Menu of Travel Services. We shall

notify of your total costs at the time of booking. Please ask for further details.

5. If You Change Your Booking

5.1 If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued to you for an air package

holiday provided by Us, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any

way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our

utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request

for changes to be made must be in writing from the person who made the

booking. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of £25, and any

further cost we incur in making this alteration. You should be aware that these

costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made

and you should contact Us as soon as possible.

Note: Certain travel arrangements (e.g. Apex Tickets) may not be changeable

after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a

cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

5.2 The provisions of Clause 5.1 above do not apply when we are acting

as agents for other supplier(s) or principal(s) and any terms relating to

changes to a customers booking in such circumstances will be set out in

the relevant Supplier Terms.

6. If You Cancel Your Holiday

6.1 You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements

with Us for an air package holiday at any time by serving written notification

from the person who made the booking or your travel agent on your behalf. It

must be received in writing at our offices. Since we incur costs in cancelling

your travel arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation

charges up to the maximum shown in Clause 1.2 above.

Note: If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your

insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

6.2 If you cancel or amend your booking for your holiday arrangements

when you are booking under Supplier Terms, then the principal(s) or

supplier(s) may charge the cancellation or amendment charge shown in

their Supplier Terms (which may be 100% of the cost of the travel

arrangements) and you must pay Us the cancellation or amendment charge

set out at Clause 16 below in addition to any cancellation or amendment

charges of the relevant supplier(s) or principal(s).

7. If We Change or Cancel Your Holiday

7.1 When we are acting as principal for bookings made by you for air package

holidays with Us, we may need to make changes to your travel arrangements,

although this is unlikely. We do plan the arrangements many months in

advance and occasionally, we may have to make changes and we reserve the

right to do so at any time. Most of these changes will be minor and we will

advise you of them at the earliest possible date. We also reserve the right in

any circumstances to cancel your travel arrangements. For example, if the

minimum number of clients required for a particular travel arrangement is not

reached, we may have to cancel it. However, we will not cancel your travel

arrangements less than 8 weeks before your departure date, except for

reasons of force majeure or failure by you to pay the final balance. If we are

unable to provide the booked travel arrangements, you can either have a

refund of all monies paid or accept an offer of alternative travel arrangements of

comparable standard from Us, if available (we will refund any price difference if

the alternative is of a lower value). If it is necessary to cancel your travel

arrangements, we will pay to you compensation as set out in this clause.

Any changes to the actual airline after you have received your tickets will be

notified to you as soon as possible and in all cases at check-in or at the

boarding gate. Such a change is deemed to be a minor change. Other

examples of minor changes include alteration of your outward/return flights

by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, change of accommodation

to another of the same standard.

130

If we make a major change to your holiday, we will inform you as soon as

reasonably possible if there is time before your departure. You will have the

choice of either accepting the change of arrangements, accepting an offer of

alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from Us if available

(we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or

cancelling your booked holiday and receiving a full refund of all monies paid.

In all cases, except where the major change arises due to reasons of force

majeure, we will pay compensation as detailed in the chart below.

The compensation that we offer does not exclude you from claiming more if

you are entitled to do so.

We will not pay you compensation if we have to cancel or change your

travel arrangements in any way because of a Force Majeure event (as

defined in Clause 1.1).

Period before

departure

Where we make

a major change,

which is accepted

Where we cancel a

Tauck holiday, or a

major change is made

which is not accepted

60+ days Nil Nil, deposit refund only

59-30 days £15£15 plus credit / refund

under Clause 1.1

29-7 days £20£20 plus credit / refund

under Clause 1.1

6 days –

day of departure£30

£30 plus credit / refund

under Clause 1.1

7.2 If you are notified by Us that your booking is cancelled when your

booking is with a different principal(s) or supplier(s), then the principal(s) or

supplier(s) will have their own terms relating to cancellation charges and

these will be detailed in their Supplier Terms. Therefore, we would draw

your attention to the cancellation provisions in the Supplier Terms as you

must pay the cancellation charges set out therein.

8. If You Have a Complaint

8.1 When you have booked an air package holiday with Us, we will deal

with any complaints you may have in accordance with this Clause 8.1. If

you have a problem during your holiday, please inform the Tauck

representative immediately, who will endeavour to put things right. If your

complaint is not resolved locally, please follow this up within 28 days of your

return home by writing to our Customer Services Department at Landtours

Limited t/a Tauck, 301 Watling Street, Radlett, Herts WD7 7LA, giving your

booking reference and all other relevant information. Please keep your letter

concise and to the point. This will assist Us to quickly identify your

concerns and speed up our response to you.

It is strongly recommended that you communicate any complaint to your

Tauck representative while on holiday.

If you fail to follow this simple procedure we will have been deprived of the

opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst you were in

resort and this may affect your rights under this contract.

8.2 If you are not booking with Us for an air package holiday, then because

the contract(s) for your travel arrangements is between you and the

principal(s) or supplier(s) under the Supplier Terms, any queries or concerns

relating to the travel arrangements should be addressed to them. If you have

a problem whilst on holiday, this must be reported to the principal/supplier or

their local supplier or agent immediately. If you fail to follow this procedure

there will be less opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint. The

amount of compensation you may be entitled to may be reduced or you may

not receive any at all depending upon the circumstances. If you wish to

complain when you return home, write to the principal/supplier. You will see

the name and address plus contact details in any confirmation documents

we send you. We will of course assist you with this if required – please

contact Customer Services. If the matter cannot be resolved and it involves

Us or another ABTA Member then it can be referred to the arbitration scheme

arranged by ABTA (please see more at www.abta.com).

9. Our Liability to You

9.1 When you have booked an air package holiday with Us directly and if

the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed

by Us or our suppliers, we will pay you appropriate compensation if this has

affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements, as detailed further

below. However we will not be liable where any failure in the performance of

the contract is due to: you; or a third party unconnected with the provision

of the travel arrangements and where the failure is unforeseeable or

unavoidable; or unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our

control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all

due care had been exercised; or an event which we or our suppliers, even

with all due care, could not foresee or forestall.

Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to

a maximum of two times the cost of your travel arrangements. Our liability will

also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to:

(a) The contractual terms of the companies that provide the transportation for

your travel arrangements. These terms are incorporated into this contract; and

(b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention

in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the

Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in

respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of

compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and

loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit

of any limitation of compensation contained in these or any conventions.

Under EU law (Regulation 261/2004) you have rights in some circumstances to

refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding,

cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU

airports and will also be available from airlines. However reimbursement in such

cases will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from Us.

Your right to a refund and/or compensation from Us is set out in Clause 6. If any

payments to you are due from Us, any payment made to you by the airline will

be deducted from this amount. In the unlikely event of your flight services being

subjected to lengthy delay, arrangements for meals, overnight accommodation,

etc., should be met by your airline. Conditions of carriage applicable to the

relevant airline for your booking are available on request.

9.2 Please note that the order of events on itineraries is subject to

alteration due to local circumstances, unscheduled closures, etc. However,

every effort will be made to include all elements of the programme during

the tour dates or a suitable alternative which will be notified to you.

9.3 The provisions of Clause 9.1 above do not apply when we are acting

as agents for other supplier(s) or principal(s) and any terms relating to

liability to customers booking in such circumstances will be set out in the

relevant Supplier Terms.

9.4 Our Responsibility and International Conventions – Landtours accepts

responsibility for ensuring that all elements of your holiday are as described

in the brochure and are of a reasonable standard. Local laws and

regulations of the relevant country will be relevant in assessing performance

of the services included in the Tauck holiday. In the event of a complaint by

a Guest, this Contract will be regarded as having been performed if local

laws and regulations relating to those services have been satisfied, even if

the laws of England and Wales have not been met. If you and/or any other

person included in your booking suffers injury, death or loss of or damage

to property as a result of the non performance or improper performance of

any service which Landtours is contractually obliged to provide, then

Landtours’ liability, if any, to pay compensation shall be governed by the

international conventions which govern such services. This limitation applies

whether or not any particular international convention has been signed or

ratified by the UK; or as any particular convention may be applicable by the

operation of UK Law. Examples of applicable conventions are the Athens

Convention adopted at Athens on 13th day of December 1974 and the

Protocol thereto adopted as of November 1976 ( herein after referred to as

the ‘Athens Convention’) or where applicable from 1st January 2013 EU

Regulation 392/2009, relating to the carriage of passengers and their

luggage by sea and the Warsaw Convention 1929 (whether as amended by

the Hague Protocol 1955 or the Montreal Protocol 1999 or otherwise) and

the Montreal Convention 1999 relating to the international carriage of

passengers and their luggage by air. The Montreal Convention may be

found at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/263/contents/made.


10. Prompt assistance in resort

If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly

performed as a result of failures attributable to a third party unconnected

with the provision of the services, or as a result of failures due to unusual

and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of

which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised,

or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not

foresee or forestall, and you suffer an injury or other material loss, we will

offer you such prompt assistance as is reasonable in the circumstances.

11. Passport, Visa and Immigration Requirements

We can provide general information about the passport and visa

requirements for your holiday, but your specific passport and visa

requirements, and other immigration requirements are your responsibility

and you should confirm these with the relevant Embassies and/or

Consulates. Any information supplied by Us on these or related matters

(such as climate, when to travel, clothing, baggage, personal items, etc.) is

given as general guidance and in good faith but we do not accept liability

for any decisions made on the basis of the information supplied.

The passport, visa and health requirements at the time of booking can be

viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website (www.fco.gov.uk).

It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in

possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance

with any other immigration requirements, before you travel. If you or any

member of your party is not a British Citizen or holds a non-British Passport,

you must check passport and visa requirements with the embassy or

consulate of the country(ies) to or through. Neither we, nor the principal(s) or

supplier(s), accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have

not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements.

Passports / Visas: British passengers should carry a full British

Passport, valid for at least 6 months after the end of your holiday. Other

nationalities should also carry a full passport. Visas may be required for

some ports of call. Please check with Landtours. It is your responsibility

to ensure that you have valid and appropriate travel documentation

including passports and visas for each person travelling with you for

eligibility to travel to all destinations on your tour. In addition to

immigration and customs requirements, the US Government and others

place restrictions on the carriage of persons whose names appear on

Government watch lists or who are deemed legally ineligible to travel. It

is your sole responsibility to ensure your legal eligibility to travel. You are

advised to check with the appropriate Government authority to

determine the necessary documents and travel eligibility requirements. If

you or anyone travelling with you become ineligible to travel for any

reason, or are travelling without proper documentation, then you will not

be allowed to travel. Under no circumstances shall Landtours be liable

for any costs, damages or expenses whatsoever incurred by you or

anyone else as a result of such denial of boarding.

International Cruise Regulations: Travellers must provide their passport

number and date of birth to Landtours at the time of booking for all cruises

or you may be denied boarding.

12. Excursions

Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst

you are on holiday are not part of your air package holiday provided by Us.

For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be with the

operator of the excursion or tour and not with Us. We are not responsible

for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens

during the course of its provision by the operator.

13. Your Information

Once you have confirmed your details (and those of your party) with Us, we

will proceed to confirm the booking with Us (or if acting as an agent, we will

book your travel arrangements with the relevant principal(s) or supplier(s)).

Please check that all names, dates and timings are correct on receipt of all

documents and advise Us of any errors immediately. Any changes to these

details will incur the charges stated above. Please ensure that the names

given are the same as in the relevant passport. Save as expressly set out in

these Booking Conditions, only the necessary booking information that you

provide to Us will be passed on to the relevant suppliers of your travel

arrangements or other persons necessary for the provision of your travel

arrangements. This includes Tauck Inc., who will be providing the tour

element of your Tauck holiday. The information may also be provided to

public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as

required by law. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to Us

such as details of any disabilities, or dietary and religious requirements.

Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking

companies. If you are travelling to the United States, the US Customs and

Border Protection will receive this information for the purposes of preventing

and combating terrorism and other transnational serious crimes. If you travel

outside the European Economic Area, controls on data protection may not

be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. If we cannot pass this

information to the relevant suppliers, whether in the EEA or not, we will be

unable to provide your booking. Please note that, in addition to Landtours

contacting you after the provision of your Tauck holiday, Tauck Inc. may also

contact you following your Tauck holiday with details of other holidays / tours

provided by Tauck that may be of interest to you. We will provide Tauck Inc.

with your contact details for this purpose, unless you inform us that you do

not wish to receive such approaches in future. In making this booking, you

consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons for the

purposes set out in this Clause 13 (and our data protection policy, which is

available upon request) for you and those persons included in your booking.

14. Insurance and Health Requirements

14.1 We require you as a condition of your contract with Us for an air package

holiday that we are supplying to you, for you to have in place relevant travel

insurance protection. Travel insurance is your entire responsibility and an

essential pre-requisite to booking a holiday with Us. You must ensure that you

(and all members of your party) have sufficient travel insurance in place to cover

you, together with your personal property, at all times and for all potential risks.

You must ensure that your insurance covers you for the full duration of your

holiday including, but not limited to, medical expenses, injury, death,

repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, and in respect of any sports or

activities that you may wish to do whilst on your holiday. You must also ensure

that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities

included in your holiday. Evidence of sufficient cover will need to be provided at

time of booking. If you do not have holiday insurance cover at the time of

booking, you may personally be liable for cancellation charges. For all clients

arranging their own insurance, we must receive full details of the insurance

company, policy number and 24-hour emergency contact number. It is

imperative that you familiarise yourself with the details and conditions of your

policy and that you notify your insurance company of any pre-existing medical

condition. Failure to do so can invalidate the insurance cover.

14.2 Health Requirements and Insurance: You represent and

warrant that you and everyone travelling with you are physically and

otherwise fit to travel. The tour visits many destinations in a number of

countries, often with difficult terrain, water crossings or in developing

countries where facilities available to guests in those countries may not

be sufficient if you (or anyone in your group) is not able to walk without

assistance or accompaniment. There may also be restrictions (due to

the types of tours that you may contemplate joining) on the equipment

or additional aides that you (or a member of your group) may wish to

bring with you for your comfort or ease if you are not able to walk or

manoeuvre without assistance or accompaniment. You therefore need

to check with Landtours at the time of booking to see whether the

proposed tour that you and your group wish to join are appropriate for

you and all members of your group. Landtours may ask you to go

through various questions to check whether travelling on the proposed

tour is possible for you and all members of your group, and may make

suggestions for how the tour could be taken with certain adjustments (if

required), or whether a different tour may need to be offered to you, in

order to fit with any requirements that you or any member of your group

may need to have in place in terms of assistance or accompaniment to

be able to enjoy their holiday. Regretfully, we cannot provide individual

assistance to a guest for walking, dining or other personal needs.

132

You are solely responsible for checking (on your own behalf and on behalf

of all those in your group) with your (or the group member’s) doctor as to

which vaccination (including from any specific illness or exposure to

animals) or medication are recommended or required for those countries for

those travelling and for any assistance that may be required.

Landtours (or its suppliers, including the supplier of the Tauck holiday)

cannot accept any responsibility for your failure to comply with the

necessary medical, passport or visa requirements.

All passengers must have adequate insurance cover against cancellation,

illness, repatriation, loss of luggage, etc. You should advise Landtours of

the name of your own insurer for the insurance policy that you have taken

out that will provide you with adequate insurance cover.

14.3 Many principals/suppliers require you to take out travel insurance

as a condition of your booking with them and details of this will be set

out in your relevant Supplier Terms. In any event, we strongly advise

that you take out a policy of insurance in order to cover you and your

party against the cost of cancellation by you; the cost of assistance

(including repatriation) in the event of accident or illness; loss of

baggage and money; and other expenses. If we have issued your policy

please check it carefully to ensure that all the details are correct and

hat all relevant information has been provided by you (e.g. pre-existing

medical conditions). Failure to disclose relevant information will affect

your insurance.

15. Documentation

All documents (e.g. invoices/tickets/insurance policies) that require to be

posted will be sent to you by First Class post. Once documents leave our

offices we will not be responsible for their loss unless such loss is due to

our negligence. If tickets or other documents need to be reissued all costs

must be paid by you. You can ask for delivery by other means subject to

the charges stated below.

Please ensure that all your travel, passport, visa and insurance

documents are in order and that you arrive in plenty of time for checking

in at the airport. It may be necessary to reconfirm your flight with the

airline prior to departure. Please ask Us for details at least 72 hours

before your outbound flight. You should take a note of any reference

number or contact name when reconfirming. If you fail to reconfirm you

may be refused permission to board the aircraft and you are unlikely to

receive any refund.

16. Reasonable Behaviour

When you book accommodation through Us, you accept responsibility for

the proper conduct of all members of your party during your stay. We

reserve the right at any time to terminate the stay of any party member(s)

whose behaviour is such, in the reasonable opinion of the accommodation

provider or Us, to cause or to be likely to cause danger, upset, harassment

or distress to anyone else or damage to other persons or to property. No

refund will be given in the event of you, or any member or your party, being

requested to leave accommodation in such circumstances.

Furthermore, we shall be under no obligation whatsoever to pay

compensation to you or any member of your party, or meet any costs or

expenses (including but not limited to alternative accommodation) you, or

any member of your party, may occur as a result of your stay being

terminated due to reasons under this Clause 16.

If you, or any member of your party, cause damage to the accommodation

in which you are staying or to any property of suppliers of tours, excursions

or other elements of your holiday arrangements, you must fully reimburse

the accommodation provider or relevant supplier concerned for the cost of

the damage before the end of your holiday (if the cost has been established

by then), or as soon as it has been established if later. You must also

indemnify Us for the full amount of any claim (including all legal costs) made

against Us by the accommodation provider or any relevant supplier or third

party as a result of such damage caused.

We reserve the right to ask you to pay a breakages deposit in respect of any

travel arrangements booked with Us where our suppliers request breakages

deposits are payable and we will notify you of details of such breakages

deposits at the time of your booking. If you do not pay any required breakages

deposit, then we reserve the right to refuse to take your booking, although we

will endeavour to agree to alternative arrangements with you, which will be

confirmed at the time of booking and included in your contract for the booking

made by you. If we have agreed with you that the breakages deposit will be

made by taking details of your credit/debit card for the agreed sum and will

only be payable if breakages are caused by you, or a member of your party,

and we are required to make payment to the supplier for any such breakages,

then you authorise Us to take such agreed payment sum. We will notify you in

writing if we are required to take such payments.

17. Minors

If you are not 18 years old, you are considered at law to be a minor and we

will therefore require your parent(s)/guardian to sign a Form of Consent

relating to your booking at the time of booking and pay a breakages

deposit (on the balance due date) as per the Form of Consent. A Form of

Consent can be obtained from Us upon request.

If you are 18 years old or over, then you will be required to sign the Booking

Form on your own behalf (and on behalf of the people listed in your party)

and you agree to the terms of these Booking Conditions on your own

behalf (and on behalf of the members of your party).

Please note that in accordance with Air Navigation Orders in order to qualify for

infant status, a child must be under 2 years of age on the date of its return flight.


Special thanks go to our guests, friends, families, travel partners

and suppliers for the photography featured in this brochure.

Earth Journeys is a partnership between BBC Worldwide

and Tauck. BBC Worldwide is a commercial company

that is owned by the BBC. No money from the license

fee was used to develop this product. The profits we

make from it go back to BBC programme-makers to

help fund great new BBC programmes.

Activity & pace icons on all of our trips give you a better idea of physical

activity level – higher numbers mean more active journeys.

Activity Icon1. Walking / standing for up to one hour at a time,

stairs and level ground

2. Walking / standing for one to three kilometres at a time, uneven steps & cobblestones

3. Active hiking, biking & walking for one to three kilometres, up hills & uneven terrain

4. Active walking, hiking, biking & sea kayaking with distances of 5+ kilometres for up to 3 hours at a time

Pace Icon1. Generally easy – with time to rest and relax

2. Moderate – with some early morning starts

3. Often robust – long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times

4. Consistently robust – very full and active days, extended travel times, and may include use of different modes of local transport

ACTIVITY & PACE LEVELS

PACE1 2

3 4

ACTIVITY1 2

3 4

PRICED IN # OF

JOURNEY PAGE # GBP FROM DAYS TYPE

AFRICA

Magic of Morocco 52 £3,990 10 Land

Botswana, South Africa & Zambia 56 £6,890 12 Land

Kenya & Tanzania: A Classic Safari 60 £5,970 13 Land

Tanzania: Serengeti to Zanzibar 64 £3,860 10 Land

South Africa: An Elegant Adventure 68 £5,490 12 Land

LATIN AMERICA

Cruising Cuba: A Cultural Gem 74 £6,890 11 Cruise

Cuba: A Cultural Odyssey 78 £5,740 12 Land

Cuba: Connecting with People and Culture 82 £4,390 7 Land

Essence of South America 84 £4,890 14 Land

Patagonia 88 £4,390 11 Land

Empire of the Incas: Peru & Bolivia 92 £3,990 12 Land

Costa Rica – Pura Vida 96 £2,480 8 Land

The Panama Canal & Costa Rica 100 £4,840 11 Cruise

AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND

Grand Australia & New Zealand 106 £6,140 20 Land

Spotlight on Australia 110 £3,580 11 Land

Spotlight on New Zealand 111 £3,170 10 Land

ASIA

Indochina: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos 18 £4,290 16 Land

Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 22 £4,470 16 Land

China, the Yangtze River & Hong Kong 26 £4,590 16 Land

Essence of Japan 30 £7,090 13 Land

Cruising the Land of the Rising Sun 34 £8,270 14 Cruise

Northern India & Nepal 38 £7,340 17 Land

A Portrait of India 42 £5,480 18 Land

Israel & Jordan 46 £4,140 14 Land

Tanzania: A Grand Family Safari 114 £4,740 10 Family

Costa Rica: Jungles & Rainforests 118 £2,140 8 Family

Galápagos: Wildlife Wonderland 122 £3,740 8 Family

Mystical Peru 125 £2,740 8 Family

BRIDGES


EXOTICS JOURNEYS CALENDAR

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Call your preferred travel agent or

Tauck on 0800 810 8020 or

visit tauck.co.uk

Landtours Ltd. t/a Tauck

301 Watling Street

Radlett

Hertfordshire

WD7 7LA

United Kingdom

See your preferred travel agent

UK 2018

Book by 31 December 2017 and enjoy more time to explore with Time on Tauck!

Travellers from the United Kingdom enjoy more time to explore with “Time on Tauck”

giving guests one FREE hotel night at Tauck’s hotel before or after any 2018 Exotics journey.

Your hotel and trip must be booked by 31 December 2017 (new bookings only, subject to availability)

and your deposit must be paid at booking. Certain other restrictions apply; enquire at booking.

Tauck’s Time on Tauck

SMALL SHIP CRUISING

Cultural journeys & expeditions

are all inclusive and carefully

choreographed to experience

the best of land and sea;

Tauck’s uncommon access

ashore provides exclusive

destination experiences.

RIVER CRUISING

Combining our 90+ years’

destination knowledge with

cruising aboard the most

elegant custom-crafted

riverboats in Europe, every

river cruise features Tauck

Exclusive events ashore.

TAUCK BRIDGES

FAMILY HOLIDAYS

Our adventures are designed

for doing, seeing, and

learning as a family. Filled with

interactive fun for all ages,

trips are led by talented Tauck

Directors who connect with

both kids and adults.

TAUCK EVENTS

Once-in-a-lifetime travel

experiences built around

themes linked to one iconic

location, sporting event,

or cultural phenomenon;

featuring multi-night stays at

just one premier hotel.

CULTURIOUS SMALL

GROUP IMMERSION

Small group cultural

immersion, averaging 20

guests; smaller groups mean

hands-on exploring off the

beaten path with stays at

boutique hotels and premier

city-centre addresses.

WORLD DISCOVERY

Travel on fully guided land

tours in destinations the

world over. Our 90+ years’

experience means you enjoy

exclusive travel experiences,

premium accommodations,

dining featuring local

cuisines and more.