Saturday, 22 September 2012 08:24

China

Written by

Day 1: Arrive Beijing

Transfer via: International Flight on your own arrangement
Upon arriving at the Beijing airport, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or step out into this amazing metropolis for an adventure on your own.

Day 2: Beijing

Sites visited: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven
On this day you will visit Tiananmen Square, and the magnificent Forbidden City. In the afternoon, you will marvel at the spectacular Temple of Heaven.

Day 3: Beijing

Sites visited: Sacred Road, Great Wall, Jade Gallery
Special Dinner: Peking Duck Dinner
You will visit to the magnificent Great Wall (Mutianyu section), Jade Gallery and Sacred Road. In the evening you will be taken out for an incredible Peking Duck Banquet for dinner.

 Day 4: Beijing / Xian

Sites visited: Summer Palace
After breakfast, you will visit the exquisite Summer Palace. In the afternoon you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to your next destination-Xian. Upon arriving in Xian, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax, or step out to discover what this amazing city has to offer.

Day 5: Xian

Sites visited: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Walls, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian Art Ceramics Factory
You will visit the incredible life-size Terracotta Warriors and Art Ceramics Fatcory in the morning. After lunch, you will visit the Ancient City Walls and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Day 6: Xian / Guilin

Transfer via: Domestic flight arranged
Sites visited: Great Mosque
After breakfast, you will tour The Great Mosque and visit the local Muslim community before being escorted to the airport for your flight to your next destination-Guilin. Upon your arrival in Guilin, the most scenic city in China, your personal guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax, or step out into this dynamic city for a little adventure on your own.

Day 7: Guilin / Longsheng / Guilin

Sites visited: Longji, Zhuang People, Yao People
Today's excursion will bring you to Longsheng Autonomous County. After your tour of this breathtaking area, you will be driven back to Guilin (2-hour drive).

 Day 8: Guilin / Yangshuo

Sites visited: Li River Cruise, West Street(Yangshuo)
After breakfast, you will be driven to Zhujiang Pier (40-minute drive) to start your boat cruise down the picturesque Li River, which is the highlight of any visit to Guilin, until you get to Yangshuo County. Along the river, you will be inspired by breathtaking views of peaks and pinnacles, crystal-clear water and picturesque pastoral views of rice paddies and water buffaloes. Visitors feel they have stepped into a traditional Chinese painting. After checking into your hotel, you will be free to explore Yangshuo and its famous West Street.

 Day 9: Guilin / Hong Kong

Sites visited: Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Guilin South China Sea Water Pearl Museum
Today, you will be driven back to Guilin (1.5-hour drive), where you will tour Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, Pearl Museum and Reed Flute Cave before your guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong. Upon your arrival at Hong Kong, a vibrant metropolis, our local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at your own leisure.

Day: 10  Hong Kong

Sites visited: Victoria Peak, Aberdeen, Repulse Bay, Jade Market, Wong Tai Sin Temple
Today, you will explore Hong Kong's unique blend of Chinese heritage and colonial influences. Your tour will include Victoria Peak, the floating community of Aberdeen and Repulse Bay of Hong Kong Island,and the Wong Tai Sin Temple and the Jade Market in Kowloon.

Day 11: Hong Kong / Final departure

Transfer via: International Flight on your own arrangement
Free in the day until our local guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.

Additional Info

  • Days 11 Days
  • Package First-Taste-of-China Tour (Route B)
  • Attractions
Saturday, 22 September 2012 08:16

Chile

Written by

Days 1 & 2: Santiago

Stay in downtown Santiago at your selected Hotel and have an afternoon tour of the highlights of the city.

Day 3: Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales

Fly to Punta Arenas where you will be driven towards the national park for a night in the sleepy town of Puerto Natales, at your selected Hotel.

Days 4 & 5: Torres del Paine

Transfer into the Torres del Paine national park, to stay for two nights at remote selected Hotel, which is perfectly positioned for hiking and exploring the mountain scenery.

Days 6 & 7:

Cross into a different part of the park to stay two nights at your selected Hotel with lovely views from the sitting room and close to the Grey glacier.

Days 8 & 9: The Lake District

Leave the park and fly north from Punta Arenas to Puerto Montt, to stay for two nights in the Lake District, at a comfortable Hotel of your choice. Have an excursion to the Osorno volcano or Petrohue Falls.

Days 10 & 12: The Atacama Desert

Fly up to Calama to start a three day adventure in the Atacama desert region. Choose a Hotel which offers comfortable base from which to see the geysers and stunning arid landscapes.

Days 13 & 15: The wine valleys

Return to Santiago and transfer one hour south of the city to the wine region, to stay at a comfortable hotel on the estate of the Santa Rita vineyard.

Additional Info

  • Days 15 Days
Saturday, 22 September 2012 08:12

Canada

Written by

Day 1: Arrive - Vancouver

Fly from the home to Vancouver and on arrival make your own way to your hotel.

Day 2: Vancouver

Day at leisure in Vancouver. There are plenty of sights to see in this cosmopolitan city including Stanley Park, Chinatown, historic Gastown, and the shops of Robson Street.

Day 3: Vancouver

Leave the city behind and join a four hour trip to explore B.C.'s coastal temperate rainforests. Here you will be able to marvel at the massive ancient cedars, hemlocks and Douglas firs as well as learn all about the eco systems of the forest.

Day 4: Vancouver - Kamloops

This morning you will board the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer train, travelling from Vancouver to Kamloops where you disembark for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Kamloops - Jasper

Your Rocky Mountaineer journey continues today from Kamloops to Jasper in the Canadian Rockies. Be sure to keep an eye out for Mount Robson as you approach Jasper.

Day 6: Jasper

Collect your hire car from downtown Jasper. The day is yours to explore Jasper town and its surrounding national park.

Day 7: Jasper

Spend a second full day exploring the beauty of Jasper National Park.

Day 8: Jasper - Lake Louise

Drive south from Jasper, along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, to Lake Louise. There are many breathtakingly beautiful lakes and glaciers to admire en route.

Day 9: Lake Louise

Spend a day enjoying the glorious scenery around Lake Louise. Nearby Moraine Lake is also well worth exploring and the area offers lots of opportunities for seeing wildlife.

Day 10: Lake Louise - Banff

Drive from Lake Louise to Banff where you have the afternoon free to explore this bustling town.

Day 11: Banff

Day at leisure in Banff. You may wish to visit the hot springs, take a gentle float down the Bow River or take the gondola to the stunning summit of Sulphur Mountain.

Day 12: Banff – Calgary - Departure

This morning drive to Calgary Airport to drop off your hire car prior to boarding your overnight flight back to home.

Additional Info

  • Days 12 Days
Saturday, 22 September 2012 08:04

Australia

Written by

Day 1: Sydney

Arrive Sydney and transfer to hotel of your choice. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: City Sightseeing Tour

Breakfast at hotel. Your Full day tour introduces you to the highlights of Sydney including the city, See Sydney’s world renowned city sights: Harbour Bridge, Cadman’s Cottage, the sails of the Opera House, Darling Harbour and vibrant Kings Cross. Enjoy lunch on the famous Sydney Harbour travelling aboard the Magistic cruise vessel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Blue Mountains & Wildlife Park

Breakfast at hotel. Full day visit to Blue Mountains. Enjoy a morning break in the township of Leura. Enjoy a stop at Govett's Leap and have the opportunity to enjoy the Fairfax Heritage Walk. Visit an Australian wildlife park. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Sydney - Melbourne

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for your flight to Melbourne. Arrive Melbourne and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Melbourne Highlights

Breakfast at hotel. Join your coach and will pick you up from your hotel for your transfer to the corner of Flinders & Russell Street at Federation Square, the departure point of your tour. At 8.10am join your coach to commence a morning tour of Melbourne. View examples of Melbourne architectural splendour including St. Pauls Cathedral and the Princess and Regent Theatres. See the Royal Exhibition Buildings and Federation Square, stroll around Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. View the Fitzroy Gardens and see Captain Cook’s Cottage (entry at own expense). See the bustling Queen Victoria Market and Albert Park, home to the Australian Grand Prix. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance and see the Southbank waterfront precinct. Cross the Bolte Bridge for great city views. Tour concludes at 12.00pm at Federation Square.

Day 6: Ballarat - Sovereign Hill (Mon, Wed, Thu & Sat)

Breakfast at hotel. Absorb the history of the goldrush era at Sovereign Hill, Visit the Eureka Stockade Center and learn of the notorious days of rebellion. Wander the main street to visit goldsmiths, craftsmen and traders, Watch traditional skills being practised using age-old techniques by wood turners and metallurgists. Lunch at own expense. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Melbourne - Brisbane - Gold Coast

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for your flight to Brisbane. Arrive Brisbane and transfer to Hotel at Surfers Paradise. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Sea world or Movie world

Breakfast at hotel. Full day visit to Sea world or Movie world. Late afternoon, transfer back to hotel and at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Dreamworld

Breakfast at hotel. Full day visit to Dreamworld. Lunch on own arrangement. Late afternoon, transfer back to hotel and at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Gold Coast - Brisbane - Cairns

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Brisbane airport. Arrive Cairns. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Kuranda Rainforest Tour

Breakfast at hotel. Travel aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the picturesque village of Kuranda with free time to browse or visit the Australian butterfly Sanctuary (optional). Continue to Rainforestation Nature Park for (BBQ) lunch, performance by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Troupe with the Dreamtime Walk. Visit the Koala and Wildlife Park. Return to Cairns with a birds eye view of the rainforest, on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Green Island Tour

Breakfast at hotel. Full day visit to Green Island. Coach transfer to board your cruise for the crossing to Green Island. Enjoy 5 ½ hours on Green Island with a coral viewing tour in the semi-sub, glass bottom boat tour or snorkel gear and fish feeding. Tea/ Coffee and BBQ lunch also included. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Cairns

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for the departure flight.

Additional Info

  • Days 13 Days / 12 Nights
Saturday, 22 September 2012 08:01

Vietnam

Written by

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi.

You will be met by representative and transferred to your chosen hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Hanoi sightseeing

This morning, start with a half day to visit Ho Chi Minh complex. Visit Ba Dinh Square, where silent sentries guard the marble and granite mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh lies in state. (Subject to opening times the interior of the mausoleum can be visited). See the simple cottage where Uncle Ho lived and worked, Nearby, visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum, an extraordinary tribute in abstract form to the life of the 'father of the country' and the evolution of Vietnamese independence.

French architecture is a feature of Hanoi, and the nearby former Governor's Residence is a fine example. The last stop before lunch will be the One Pillar Pagoda. Following lunch, enjoy an orientation of the tree-lined streets of Hanoi, resplendent with French colonial architecture, including the recently restored Opera House. Pass by Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Lake of the Restored Sword from the legend that surrounds it en-route to one of the city's fascinating museums.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and then dedicated to Confucius, it is a serene retreat from the busy streets outside, and later became Vietnam's first university. Then take to the streets on foot for a walking tour of the Ancient Quarter or 36 Streets District. This densely populated corner of the city was once a centre of commerce where goods were sold under the street name of a particular guild. Still a thriving community of sellers today, you will see street names such as Sugar Street, Tin Street and Paper Street. Ancient homes and temples are interspersed with stores in this souvenir hunter's paradise!

Day 3: Hanoi to Hue.

Today fly to Hue, the former capital of Vietnam. After check-in to your hotel, enjoy a boat ride on the Perfume River to visit the Seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda.

Day 4: Hue to Danang/Hoi An.

This morning, take a short, flight to Danang. On arrival, you will drive overland via the cloudy pass with a visit to the idyllic fishing village of Land Co and the Cham Museum. Situated in a quiet area of Da Nang City, the Cham Museum was built in 1915. The kingdom of Champa controlled what is now south and central Vietnam from approximately 192 through 1697. At present, the museum houses 297 stone and terracotta sculptural works made between the 7th and the 15th centuries. These are impressive works typical of the Cham culture. From here, continue on to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries with period architecture and relaxed lifestyle.

Day 5: Hoi An/Danang - Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon).

This morning enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Hoi An’s ancient town, visiting the former merchant houses, the 400 year old Japanese Covered Bridge and colourful markets. Later transfer over land from Hoi An into Danang and fly to Ho Chi Minh city.

Upon arrival into Ho Chi Minh, you will be met by representative and transferred to your chosen hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Ho Chi Minh City is the main commercial centre of the southern part of Vietnam. French colonial influences are still present with cafes and shops which add to the ever changing city. Ho Chi Minh City is famous for colourful Chinese Temples and sculptures depicting local deities. Trading from clothing to food can all be seen and experienced at the Ben Thanh Market.

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City

A full day tour includes a visit to the former Presidential Palace which is now preserved as a museum, including the underground communications bunker headquarters for the Saigon Government during the American War. Continue to the History Museum, which houses an excellent display tracing the origins of the indigenous Vietnamese. Visit Notre Dame, an impressive neo-Romanesque cathedral in the centre of city. Remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Later explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and experience the vast underground network of tunnels built first as a defence against the French, and later expanded during the American war. It was from here that the North Vietnamese waged their guerrilla warfare. You will marvel at their ingenuity and resilience. See secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms. The more adventurous may explore the deeper second, and even third level tunnels. For those preferring to remain above ground, there is ample opportunity to view excavated areas from above. Your guide will advise you of the length and level of difficulty of each tunnel before entering - some are easily accessed by stairs.  Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh to your next stop

The day is free until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Additional Info

  • Days 7 Days
  • Package Classic Vietnam - Southbound
  • Attractions Hanoi - Hue - Danang - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City
Saturday, 22 September 2012 07:42

Indonesia - Bali

Written by

Day 1: Medan - Brastagi - Parapat

Pick up from the hotel and depart by minivan to Parapat (a town on the easthern shore of Lake Toba).

On the way you'll stop in Brastagi, is a picturesque hill town in the Karo Highlands, 70km from Medan on the back road to Lake Toba. The setting is dominated by two volcanoes: Gunung Sinabung to the west and the smoking Gunung Sibayak to the north; Sibolangit, the Botanical Nature reserve and the traditional Karo Batak village of Peceren; Sipiso piso waterfall, this impressive waterfall is at the northern end of Lake Toba. Long House of Batak Simalungun Kings and Panorama of Toba Lake.

In the afternoon you”ll arrive in Parapat and check in to the hotel.

Lunch and dinner at own arrangement

Day 2: Lake Toba Tour

After an early breakfast, depart by motorboat to Samosir Island, a wedge-shaped island almost as big as Singapore - created by a subsequent upheaval between 30,000 and 75,000 years ago. On Samosir Island go on an excursion to Simanindo, the former King Sidauruk's long house; Ambarita the stone court of justice of the former kings; the village and the traditional Batak Toba Village and the tomb of King Sidabutar at Tomok Village.

In the afternoon back to Parapat for overnight stay.

Lunch and dinner at own arrangement

Day 3: Parapat - Medan - Jakarta

After breakfast, depart by minivan to Medan via the plantation road of Pematang Siantar and Tebing Tinggi. On the way stop at cocoa, palm oil and rubber plantations.

Afterward proceed to the airport for your onward flight to Jakarta.

Upon arrival at Jakarta airport, go on a city tour - visit the Sunda Kelapa harbor, an old port with magnificent Makassar schooners (pinisi). These brightly painted sailing ships are one of the finest sights in Jakarta and Fatahillah Square, the center of old Batavia.

Check in to the hotel. Overnight.

Lunch and dinner at own arrangement  

Day 4: Jakarta - Cirebon

After breakfast, depart by minivan for sightseeing transfer to Cirebon (it is located on the north coast, near the border with Central Java - this multi ethnic city blends Sundanese and Javanese cultures and language, with Chinese culture thrown in for good measure.

In the afternoon you'll arrive in Cirebon. Explore the Kraton - the oldest and best preserved of Cirebon's Kratons. Built in 1527, its architectural style is a curious blend of Sundanese, Javanese, Islamic, Chinese and Dutch styles.

Check into the hotel. Overnight.

Lunch and dinner at own arrangement 

Day 5: Cirebon - Train to Yogyakarta

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by minivan to the railway station to catch the train to Yogyakarta (Executive Class). 

A truly breathtaking journey which passes the rural countryside and rice fields. The train takes about 6 hours (food and snacks available on the train). Upon arrival in Yogyakarta,  you will be met by our representative and directly transfered  to hotel.

Lunch and dinner at own arrangement

Day 6: Yogyakarta - Borobudur Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by minivan for full day sight seeing tour to discover the majestic 89th Buddha's shrine of Borobudur Temple. Its intricate Buddhist and bas-reliefs are considered the largest, most complete collection in the world.

En route visit Mendut with its charming Buddha's statue and small Pawon temple with its typical village.

Rest of the afternoon is free at own leisure. 

Lunch and dinner at own arrangement 

Day 7: City Walk - Prambanan Tour

After breakfast depart by minivan to visit the Sultan's Palace, browse to bird market and walk further on to Taman Sari ( once a splendid pleasure park of palaces, pools and waterways for the sultan and his entourage.)

Continue by minivan to Kota Gede, it has been famous since the 1930s as the center of Yogya's silver industry; and a traditional batik factory. Afterward proceed to Prambanan temple, the biggest Hindu temple complex in Java. It was constructed in the middle of the 9th century - around 50 years later than Borobudur.

Lunch and dinner at own arrangement

Day 8: Yogyakarta - Makassar

After breakfast, at your leisure until at the appropriate time you will be transfered to the airport to catch the flight to Makassar.

Upon arrival at Hasanuddin airport in Makassar, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Dinner will be provided at the hotel. 

Day 9:  Makassar - Rantepao

Breakfast at the hotel. By minivan depart for city tour in Makassar visiting Fort Rotterdam, the old Dutch fortress; Paotere anchorege, the Buginese boat harbor.

Afterward set out on long drive to Toraja highlands (approx drive time - 8 hours.) This trip  takes you hrough the traditional Buginese houses and the magnificent mountain. You will have a coffee-stop at Puncak Lakawan.

Late afternoon arrive in Rantepao, check in to the hotel for accommodation and dinner.

Lunch at own arrangement 

Day 10: Toraja High Land Tour

Early breakfast at the hotel. A full day excursion to visit Lemo.

What you should know: The most interesting burials area in Tana Toraja. The sheer rock face has a whole series of balconies for tau tau.

The biggest balcony has a dozen figures, with white eyes and black pupils and outstretched arms like spectators at a sports event; Londa, is a very extensive burial cave at the base of a massive cliff face. Inside the cave is a collection of coffins, many of them rotted away, with the bones either scattered or thrown into piles; Kete Kesu, which is reputed for its woodcarving and the traditional houses. The remarkable architecture of their houses are designed in a boat shape (very similar to the buffalo horn), help to carry the spirit through to heaven reflects their concept to the hereafter.

In the afternoon back to the hotel. 

Day 11: Rantepao

After breakfast, rest of the day free at own leisure or explore the city.

Lunch and dinner at own arrangement.

Day 12: Toraja - Makassar - Bali

Early breakfast at the hotel. Depart by minivan to Makassar. This trip will takes 8 hours. You'll proceed to the airport for your onward flight to Denpasar, Bali. Upon arrival at Denpasar airport you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

Lunch and dinner at own arrangement

Day 13:  Kintamani - Besakih Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by minivan for a full day tour to Kintamani and Besakih.

On the way visit to Batu Bulan, to see the colorful and exciting Barong dance; Mas, a village famous for its impressive woodcarvings; the holy springs of Tirta Empul at Tampak Siring; Kintamani, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Batur, with ribbons of black lava running down from its peak into the valley below. Continue to Besakih Temple at the foot of Mount Agung, through rice field terraces. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.

Dinner at own arrangement .

Day 14: Bali

Breakfast at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or join some optional tours such as rafting at Ayung river or sunset excursion to Tanah Lot.

Lunch and dinner at own arrangement

Day 15: Bali - Denpasar - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. At leisure to explore the city before you head out to your destination.

Additional Info

  • Days 15 Days
Saturday, 22 September 2012 06:44

Argentina

Written by

Days 1 & 2: Buenos Aires

 Spend your first 2 nights in Buenos Aires at your selected Hotel.

Days 3 & 4: North of Salta: Jujuy and Humahuaca

 Fly to Jujuy where you will be met and driven to the village of Tilcara and Posada de Luz, your base for 2 nights. Visit the Quebrada de Humahuaca and villages of Humahuaca, Uquia and Purmamarca while all the time admiring the surrounding colourful rock formations.

Days 5 & 7: Altiplano

 Driven up and over an Andean pass at 4,100 m to enter the desert and see your first salt lake, Salinas Grandes. Continue further west through the desert to reach the small town of Susques and Hotel el Unquillar. Visit the beautifully maintained church before heading south, further into the desert passing various mines, volcanoes and crossing 'The Labyrinth' with unique formations of sand and rock. The small village of Tolar Grande is your base for 2 nights staying in simple but comfortable hostal managed by the local community. Cross Salar Arizaro to visit the cone of Arita Volcano before reaching a hidden oasis surrounded by the coloured mountains.

Days 8 & 9: Salta

 Driven back to Salta through San Antonio de los Cobres passing the famous railway line 'Tren a las Nubes'. Spend your final night at your selected Hotel where you can relax and unwind after you tour of the desert. Fly back to Buenos Aires for international connections.

Additional Info

  • Days 9 Days
Page 5 of 5