INDIA NEPAL, BHUTAN & SRI LANKA

AN EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTION OF CULTURAL, SMALL GROUP TOURS & CRUISES THE INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT Vibrant, colourful, chaotic, exotic and astonishing is a good start but merely scratches the surface of the region that is far more complex, a labyrinthine and heady concoction of history, culture, religion and humanity. The region has fascinated, surprised and delighted western visitors since the 4th century when Alexander the Great’s army were reportedly stupefied at their first sight of Indian elephants. Centuries later, Mark Twain wrote that it was “the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the world combined”. Awe-inspiring Mughal architecture, dreamy shores, ancient temples, the world’s tallest mountains and magnificent palaces are but a few of the delights that tempt visitors to return to India time and time again. We seek not only to ‘amaze and surprise’ the first-time visitor but also to enthral the returning visitor with new and undiscovered treasures. We feature an unrivalled range of tours to the Sub- Continent – the landscapes and hill stations of the North, the Himalayas including Nepal and Bhutan, the splendours of the South including Sri Lanka, the mystical rivers of the East and the scenic splendour of the West – not forgetting the religious heartlands and wildlife of central India.

2 Himachal Pradesh Kullu Valley Dharamsala• •Palampur Amritsar• Anandpur Sahib• •Pragpur Chandigarh • •Shimla •Mussoorie •Kalka •Rishikesh Punjab •Haridwar • NEPAL DELHI • Corbett • National Park Kandani Danda Gurgaon Pokhara• • •Gajner Patan• Gorkha•••Nagarkot BHUTAN Lumbini KATHMANDU Punakha• Rajasthan Bharatpur Uttar Pradesh • • •THIMPHU Dibrugarh• Samode • Chitwan Darjeeling• Paro• •Khimsar• •Agra •Lucknow Assam •Jaisalmer Fatehpur Sikri • • utra •Jorhat Jaipur• •Dholpur Bagdogra ap •Kaziranga Ga hm • •Jodhpur• Karauli• •Gwalior nges ra Guwahati Rohet• Shahpura •Varanasi •Patna B Narlai• Madhya Pradesh Bodhgaya• •Munger Jawai• • Farakka• •Udaipur Ranthambore • •Khajuraho H •Sidhpur West Bengal o Patan• National Park Orchha o •Bandhavgarh g •Kalna

Bajana l • y

Gujarat •Ahmedabad •Jabalpur R

i •Barrackpore v

•Champaner e Velavadar r Rajkot• • •Vadodara •Kanha •Kolkata • •Palitana Sasan Gir •Diu INDIA

Maharashtra Mumbai (Bombay)• •Aurangabad Bay of Bengal •Hyderabad Goa• Badami• Telangana Arabian Karnataka Sea •Hampi

Bangalore •Chennai Hassan• • (Madras) Coorg• •Mysore Tamil Nadu Wayanad• •Bandipur •Pondicherry Calicut• •Tanjore •Ooty •Tiruchirapalli Cochin • • Munnar KumarakomKerala•Madurai •• • Mararikulam Periyar Trincomalee Trivandrum SRI LANKA •• Kovalam Dambulla Polonnaruwa Chilaw Kandy COLOMBO Yala National Park Nuwara Eliya Katharagama Galle

The Jules Verne Difference 4 Glories of Gujarat 36 Jules Verne Key Features 5 Secret India 38 Jules Verne Flexibility 6 Grand Tour of Southern India 40 Jules Verne Quality 7 Splendours of Southern India 42 Travel in India & Beyond 8 Highlights of Southern India 44 Wild India & Beyond 9 Kerala Naturally 46 Grand Tour of India 10 Assam & the Brahmaputra 48 Grand Tour of Northern India 12 The Holy Ganges 50 The Taj Tour 14 Along the Banks of the Hoogly 52 Rajasthan Royals 16 Artisans of Bengal 54 Images of India 18 Discover Nepal 56 India’s Golden Triangle 20 Bhutan & the Himalayas 58 The Tale of the Tiger 22 Three Kingdoms 60 Sikhs & Exiles 24 Grand Tour of Sri Lanka 62 Secret Himalayan India 26 Wild Sri Lanka 64 Highlights of India 28 Secret Sri Lanka 66 Highlights of Northern India 30 India Extensions 68 Return to India 32 India Extra Nights & Accommodation 72 Wild India 34 Terms and Conditions 74 CONTENTS That sense of adventure to discover the world is at the heart of Jules Verne. THE JULES VERNE Established in 1978, our innovative small group escorted tours offer authentic travel with a twist for people who love to see the world. Packed with special touches and DIFFERENCE little extras, our expert guides will show you the true character of each destination and take you beyond the norm, whether your chosen destination is closer to home or far-flung. Fully ABTA and ATOL bonded and winner of many travel awards, in complete confidence. • Inspiring tours to all seven continents • Small groups and privately guided tours • Knowledgeable local guides • Expertly planned and organised

PRICE GUARANTEE & EARLY BOOKING Our 100% Price Guarantee means your holiday price is fixed when you book and you won’t ever pay more, even if our costs increase afterwards, we therefore recommend booking early so that you are covered by our included price guarantee.

HONEST PRICING We take care to offer simple, honest pricing where everything is clearly explained with no hidden extras.

BEST TOUR OPERATOR AWARDS We are proud to have been voted ‘Best Specialist Tour Operator’ by readers of the Times and Sunday Times for three consecutive years and ‘Best Cultural Tour Operator’ by Silver Travel Advisor for two consecutive years.

GUARANTEED GROUP DEPARTURES Most departures in this brochure are guaranteed to operate with four or more passengers, so you can book with full confidence that your tour will operate. If fewer than 4 people are booked we will offer alternative dates at the same price.

HOW TO BOOK Please telephone us on 020 3553 3945, complete our online booking form at vjv.com or send an e-mail to [email protected]. One of our Personal Travel Experts will be pleased to assist you in booking your holiday.

4 JULES VERNE KEY FEATURES

JULES VERNE SIGHTSEEING PROGRAMME JULES VERNE SPECIAL EVENTS This most important of key features indicates that To enhance the experience of Jules Verne travellers, sightseeing is tailored just for our group, taking into we arrange exclusive and memorable special events, account your preferences and our experience over many illuminating the country and peoples you are visiting. years and not combining with other visitors. Sightseeing is Attend a special ceremony, performance, meal or drinks undertaken by expert local guides who we consider to be party at characteristic and spectacular locations; learn the best source of information. A few programmes such as about cooking and the local way of life; discover less cruise itineraries will show ‘Excursions Included’, indicating visited corners or special locations not normally open that sightseeing may be shared with other guests. to the public.

NEW TOUR / IMPROVED ITINERARY SMALL GROUP SIZE Following our customers’ feedback, we also improve Most groups are limited to 18 passengers (see relevant itineraries and introduce new tours, taking into account tour page for exact group sizes). An average group customer requests, special opportunities and changed size of 10 facilitates your passage and allows for accessibility. Please check vjv.com regularly. better exchange of ideas and information with our local specialist guides. Enjoy a more intimate and SINGULAR sociable atmosphere and delve into your destination We have negotiated for single travellers an increased in more detail, getting closer to the places visited number of places/departures without single and experiencing local life in a more personal and supplements (early booking advised). We also feature informal setting. Our limited group sizes also avoid the ‘Solo Group’ departures and try to minimise the single congestion caused by travelling in a large group. supplement charged by hotels and cruise companies.

020 3553 3945 vjv.com 5 JULES VERNE FLEXIBILITY

PRIVATELY GUIDED GROUPS FLY IN STYLE Enjoy a more personal experience Additionally, we offer a discount We offer a choice of airlines with with family or friends, visiting all of 5% for groups of 15 or more options to upgrade to Business Class the programmed sights, but with travelling together on one of our or Premium Economy at best prices. your own private vehicle and driver/ scheduled tours. We can also offer a Business Class: Lie back on soft guide, generally allowing better private tour for groups of 10 or more. fabrics and enjoy gourmet meals access and more flexibility than INDEPENDENT ARRIVAL and world class wines. Full flat-bed larger groups/vehicles. seats are the general standard, with We offer reductions if you wish to We can arrange this either on the seat widths up to 22 inches and book your own arrival and departure published brochure dates or on pitch up to 80 inches. Business Class flights. Internal flights are included alternative dates. passengers have access to a lounge, from the tour start point to end benefit from priority check-in and Supplements shown are based on 2 point. Arrival and departure transfers baggage handling, enjoy a pre-flight guests and will be lower pro rata for are not included but can be added at drink and dedicated crew onboard. 3 or more guests, details on request. an extra cost. The added comfort puts you in Extensions can be added at no START IN STYLE a better frame of mind for arrival privately guided supplement. formalities and the start of your tour. Whether you want a comfortable EXTENSION OPTIONS private journey or are celebrating a British Airways World Traveller Add one of our great destinations special occasion, our transfer service Plus: This bridges the gap between pre- or post-tour including Shimla, is exactly what you need. A vetted, Standard Economy and Business Amritsar, Goa, Varanasi, Indian trained and uniformed chauffeur Class, offering a more comfortable Wildlife, Udaipur, Tigers & Ganges, will arrive in a Mercedes limousine flight for a reasonable cost with Darjeeling, Cochin/Kerala, Marari to whisk you off to the airport and wider seats, greater recline, head Beach, Nepal or a Sri Lanka beach return you home safely. Our partners and foot rest, plus extra leg room stay. are airport specialists with 40 years compared with normal economy We offer pre- and post-tour extra of experience, offering a reliable and and features such as a separate night options at the first and last and trustworthy service. Please speak smaller cabin and noise-cancelling extension hotels. See pages 68-72. to your Jules Verne Personal Travel headphones. Expert for a quotation. Where practical, we include scheduled flights from multiple airports, normally on Emirates or Qatar Airways. Connecting flights via London are available on many tours.

6 JULES VERNE QUALITY

We continually monitor our clients’ comments and ratings via questionnaires, letters and local feedback, always striving to enhance and improve our tours, which have been developed over years to offer the best combination of sightseeing, experiences, hotels and guides. From this brochure the following tours were rated top 10 overall by our customers for 2019:

TOP OVERALL The Tale of the Tiger “A very well organised tour, an excellent guide. The team did an excellent job, guide and driver great.” The Taj Tour “Very well looked after by staff and hotels. Highest level of care and service I have ever experienced. India was amazing and exceeded expectations.”

Houseboat, Kerala Grand Tour of Sri Lanka “Excellent local guide. Friendly, professional and informative. Great variety of events.” Grand Tour of Southern India “Thoroughly enjoyable. Very extensive/hectic - we saw and experienced a lot.” Splendours of Southern India “Really well organised, good mix of temples, culture and experiencing the life of local people. Hotels varied but all excellent. Lovely food throughout.”

Golden Temple, Dambulla, Sri Lanka Along the Banks of the Hoogly “Everything went smoothly. Impressed with the high quality of vessel and hotel in Kolkata.” India’s Golden Triangle “A wonderful experience, busy itinerary. A 1st class guide and driver.” Discover Nepal “Both guide and driver were exceptional. Nothing was too much trouble and their knowledge fantastic.” Images of India Kathmandu, Nepal “Tour manager was fantastic, everything went to plan and went beyond what was required of him. Credit to the company.” Assam & the Brahmaputra “Absolutely amazing. Assam Bengal Navigation are simply wonderful. We loved being off the beaten track and not having to keep unpacking.”

Great One-Horned Rhinoceroses 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 7 TRAVEL IN INDIA & BEYOND

Travel by road is a unique experience and is the best for a special event or for convenience (shown in the way to see village life, bringing you closer to this itinerary as B, L, D). Some meals are left to your choice fascinating country. We normally also include a journey of dining out or relaxing at the hotel (your Indian expert on India’s well-known rail network (best available trains guide will be on hand with suggestions as required). We in air-conditioned class). Journey times mentioned in believe in creating opportunities to sample local cuisine the itinerary are approximate. Early morning starts are of your choice rather than the more standardised hotel made as appropriate to avoid the heat of the day, traffic fare. Whilst illness is less common now, the change of or to allow for a busy day ahead. climate and diet may have an impact so the excellent vegetarian options are a good way to start. Bottled water is normally provided daily in the hotels and buses to avoid dehydration as well as wet wipes after excursions. Tipping is a way of life in India and our SEASONALITY guides will advise you. Tips for porters at hotels and Every region has its own seasonality as befits a vast railway stations are included in the tours. sub-continent. Apr/May are considered the hottest months but best for spotting tigers and visiting the FOOD Himalayas (including Bhutan and Nepal). Dec/Jan can be misty and colder in the mountains but are The choice of food reflects the wide range of India’s otherwise an excellent time to travel, less busy than cuisines as well as some international cuisine. Breakfast peak months of Feb/Nov. In Apr-Sep prices are often is, of course included plus, on occasion lunch or dinner lower and less busy (Jun-Aug have more rainfall).

WEATHER JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC INFORMATION

India (Delhi) 21 1 24 1 31 1 36 1 41 1 39 3 36 9 34 9 34 4 34 1 29 0 23 0 India (Mumbai) 27 1 27 2 29 2 30 2 32 3 30 14 28 24 27 22 28 14 30 3 31 2 28 2 India (Kolkata) 25 1 28 1 33 2 36 3 35 5 34 11 32 16 32 14 32 11 30 5 28 1 26 1 India (Shimla) 16 1 20 1 22 0 26 0 30 0 32 3 32 8 28 7 28 5 24 0 19 0 14 0 India (Cochin) 32 1 32 1 33 1 33 5 32 8 30 12 30 7 30 6 30 7 30 9 31 8 31 3 Bhutan (Thimphu) 1 1 2 2 5 2 9 4 11 4 14 2 16 4 14 4 12 2 10 2 5 1 1 0 Sri Lanka (Colombo) 30 2 31 3 31 5 31 10 31 15 29 7 29 5 29 4 29 9 29 15 29 12 29 7 Nepal (Kathmandu) 18 1 19 2 25 1 28 2 30 5 29 10 29 15 28 14 28 6 27 1 23 0 19 0 Lhasa (Tibet) -2 0 2 0 5 0 8 1 12 1 16 3 16 5 15 5 13 3 9 1 3 0 -1 0

Weather Information: Information supplied by the Meteorological Office, local tourist offices and other sources is given as a guide only. = Average daily maximum temperatures = Average monthly rainfall (where greater than 0.5”)

8 WILD INDIA & BEYOND Many tours reveal the wonderful wildlife of India and beyond. Look for Asiatic Lions at Sasan Gir, birdlife at Keoladeo, crocodiles at Chambal, elephants at Periyar, leopards in remote Rajasthan, one-horned rhinos at Kaziranga National Park. Sri Lanka’s extensive biodiversity reveals varied birdlife, leopards and some of the world’s largest mammals from elephants to blue whales. For many the dream is to view a tiger in the wild – look for tigers on jeep safaris at Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Bandipur, Kaziranga and Chitwan National parks. The dream is becoming a reality on a daily basis for many of our guests at Ranthambore National Park, where tiger numbers and sightings are increasing - we upgrade our Ranthambore safaris to Jeeps instead of larger canters used by most groups, allowing the driver to manoeuvre quickly into better positions for sighting and photography.

020 3553 3945 vjv.com 9 Shimla Amritsar Kandaghat Kalka GRAND TOUR Ambalambala DELHID Agra VaranasiV Jaipur Fatehpur OF INDIA Sikri Kolkata Mumbai INDIA Arabian Sea 23 nights Bay of Bengal From the Golden Temple and hill station in the from north, the Ganges and the temples of Tamil Nadu £4345 Chennai to the backwaters of Kerala and colonial heritage Mahabalipuram Cochinochin Madurai of Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta Alleppey Periyar

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS Flight (1 night), Amritsar (2) Cultural & Natural Wonders Tour Indian Ceremonies & Special dinner Shimla (2), Delhi (2) Jules Verne Sightseeing Learn more about India at the Palki, Jaipur (2), Agra (1), Delhi (1) 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Aarti and Border ceremonies. Breakfast at Brijrama Palace, overlooking the Varanasi (1), Kolkata (2) Local Expert Guides Ghats. Enjoy a Kathakali classical dance Mahabalipuram (2), Madurai (2) Group Size: 4 – 18 performance. Enjoy a cocktail and Periyar (1), Houseboat (1) dinner at Rambagh Palace. Cochin (2), Mumbai (1)

INTRODUCTION DAY 5 Visit the Vice Regal Lodge, museum and the Mall. Afternoon at leisure. B) This arrangement encompasses the mesmerising variety of India, travelling from DAY 6 Travel to Kalka (5 hrs) and board the north to south by road, rail, river and air. Shatabdi Express to Delhi (5 hrs) with light dinner on board. Two nights at the heritage Explore the British colonial legacy including Maidens Hotel. B, D) Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta (Kolkata) and Shimla hill station, once the summer capital. DAY 7 Tour of Old and New Delhi. B, D) Discover the great homes of Hinduism, DAY 8 Visit the Transport Museum. Continue Sikhism, the Mughals and Maharajas. to Jaipur (5 hrs) for two nights at the 5-star From the Himalayas to the Keralan ITC Rajputana. B) backwaters and temples of Tamil Nadu, from DAY 9 Optional morning balloon ride (£180, the sacred Ganges to the tropical Arabian bookable locally). Visit Amber Fort. Visit Sea, this is truly a grand tour of India. the Observatory, City Palace and view the Aarti Ceremony ‘Palace of the Winds’. Cocktail and dinner at ITINERARY Rambagh Palace. B, D) St. Mary’s Church and Marina Beach. Fly DAY 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow DAY 10 Drive to Agra visiting en route to Madurai. Two nights at the 4-star Taj to Amritsar via Delhi. Fatehpur Sikri (6 hrs). Overnight at the 4-star Gateway. B) DAY 2 Two nights at the 5-star Hyatt Hotel. Trident Hotel. Visit the ‘Baby Taj’ and Mughal DAY 18 Visit Meenakshi Temple, a rickshaw Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple. gardens with views of the Taj Mahal. B) ride, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Gandhi DAY 3 Visit the Golden Temple, volunteers DAY 11 Sunrise at the Taj Mahal. Visit Agra Memorial. B) kitchen and Jallianwala Bagh. Optional Fort then continue to Delhi (5 hrs) for DAY 19 Drive to Periyar (5 hrs) for overnight Wagah border (£14, bookable locally). B) overnight at the 5-star Taj Mahal. B) at the ‘CGH Earth’ Spice Village. Visit a spice DAY 4 Early morning train to Ambala DAY 12 Fly to Varanasi for overnight at plantation and afternoon boat ride in Periyar (4 hrs), by road to Kandaghat and ‘Toy Train’ the 4-star Radisson Hotel. Evening Aarti National Park. Kalaraipayattu local martial art to Shimla (6 hrs). Two nights at the 5-star ceremony on the ghats. B) performance. B) Oberoi Cecil Hotel. B, D) DAY 13 Early morning boat ride on the DAY 20 Travel to Alleppey for an overnight Ganges and breakfast at Brijrama Palace. Fly backwaters cruise. Canoe on the smaller to Kolkata for two nights at the 5-star Oberoi canals. B, L, D) Grand. B) DAY 21 Visit Kumbalanghi fishing village. DAY 14 Visit Dalhousie Square, Victoria Continue to Cochin for two nights at the Memorial and St. John’s Church. Take a 4-star boutique ‘CGH Earth’ Eighth Bastion. short tram ride and enjoy a panoramic drive Kathakali classical dance performance. B, L) around colonial Calcutta. B) DAY 22 Walking tour of Fort Cochin. Enjoy DAY 15 Fly to Chennai and transfer to a cooking demonstration and dinner with a Mahabalipuram for two nights at the 4-star local family. B, D) Radisson Temple Bay. B) DAY 23 Fly to Mumbai. Overnight at the DAY 16 Visit the Shore Temple, the five 5-star Oberoi (sea view rooms). Visit Marine Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, and Krishna Drive, Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, Mandapam. B) Dhobi Ghat and Prince of Wales Museum. DAY 17 Return to Chennai to visit the Farewell dinner. B, D) Amber Fort, Jaipur Government Museum, Fort St. George, DAY 24 Return direct flight. B)

10 “We wanted to see the main highlights of India and we did this during this tour. We felt we got to experience the ‘real’ India” Taj Mahal, Agra

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Saturdays Sep 19 £4345 Nov 7 £4645 Oct 10 £4545

2021 – Saturdays Jan 23 £4695 Sep 25 £4595 Feb 6 £4795 Oct 16 £4695 Feb 20 £4895 Nov 13 £4795 Golden Temple, Amritsar Mar 6 £4795

Supplements per person Double for sole use – £1295 (2020 £1195; Sep 2021 £1195) London-Amritsar/Mumbai-London British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £395 British Airways Club World – from £1795 Privately Guided – £1295 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 22 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 7 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of Shimla Mahabalipuram booking, a supplement may apply.

Independent Arrival (see page 6) EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS Save £500 No one can cover all of India on one tour, Arrival or departure transfer £24 so why not make the most of your time? Discover more of India or relax in a resort Note on one of our great range of extensions. This is a full itinerary with visits on foot and some Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath uneven surfaces and inclines. after the flight or stay on post-tour to reflect, relax or explore independently. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 11 Shimla Amritsar GRAND TOUR OF Kandaghat Kalka AmbalaAmbala DELHILHIHI Agra Darjeeling NORTHERN INDIA Jodhpur Jaipur Lucknow Fatehpur Rohet Ranthambore Sikri Bagdogra National Park Varanasi Udaipur 23 nights Explore the heritage of the Moguls, Maharajas from Kolkata and East India Company from holy Amritsar and INDIA Mumbai Varanasi to colonial Calcutta, Delhi, Lucknow and £4545 Bay of Bengal hill stations by way of the ‘Golden Triangle’

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS Flight (1 night), Amritsar (2) Cultural & Natural Wonders Tour Indian Ceremonies, Tiger Talk Shimla (2), Delhi (2) Wildlife Experience & Maharaja’s Residence Darjeeling (2), Kolkata (2) Jules Verne Sightseeing Aarti, Palki and Border ceremonies. Cocktail and dinner in Rambagh Palace. Varanasi (1), Lucknow (1) 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tiger talk by a naturalist. Breakfast at Agra (2), Ranthambore NP (2) Local Expert Guides Brijrama Palace overlooking the Ghats Jaipur (2), Rohet (1) Group Size: 4 – 18 in Varanasi. Udaipur (2), Mumbai (1)

INTRODUCTION DAY 5 Visit the Shimla museum, Vice Regal Lodge, church and stroll along the Mall. B) This grand tour encompasses India’s most iconic cultural, colonial, religious and DAY 6 Travel to Kalka (5 hrs). Shatabdi scenic treasures following the story of the Express train to Delhi (5 hrs) with light Moguls, the Maharajas and the British East dinner on board. Two nights at the heritage India Company. The Moguls came from Maidens Hotel. B, D) central Asia, conquering Delhi and beyond, DAY 7 Visit Jama Mosque, Raj Ghat, National whilst the Maharajas ruled their kingdoms Museum, Gandhi Smriti, Qutab Minar, India throughout and the British extended their Gate and drive past the Red Fort, parliament reach from Kolkata (Calcutta) to Delhi. and Viceroy’s House. B, D) Travel from colonial capitals Calcutta, DAY 8 Fly to Bagdogra. Drive to Darjeeling Lucknow and Delhi to the holy sites of (3 hrs) for two nights at the 4-star Mayfair Varanasi, Amritsar and Agra, from the Hotel. B, D) Brijrama Palace, Varanasi hill stations of Shimla and Darjeeling to DAY 9 Sunrise at Tiger Hill with views over Rajasthan and the home of tigers. the Himalayas. Visit Ghoom Monastery DAY 16 Travel to Ranthambore National Park and enjoy a ‘Toy Train’ ride. Visit the ITINERARY (6 ½ hrs) visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route. Mountaineering Institute, zoological park, Two nights at 4-star family-run Ranthambore DAY 1 Fly from London Heathrow to local market and a tea estate. B, D) Regency. Tiger talk with a naturalist. B, D) Amritsar via Delhi. DAY 10 Fly from Bagdogra to Kolkata. Two DAY 17 Early morning and afternoon game DAY 2 Two nights at Hyatt Hotel. Optional nights at 5-star Oberoi Grand. Sunset cruise drives by jeep. B, L, D) Palki ceremony (£14, bookable locally). D) on the Hoogly River. B, D) DAY 18 Travel to Jaipur (4 hrs). Two nights at DAY 3 Visit the Golden Temple, volunteers DAY 11 Full-day city tour of Kolkata includes the 4-star Trident Hotel. Visit Amber Fort. B) kitchen and Jallianwala Bagh. Wagah Border Dalhousie Square, the flower market, a short DAY 19 Optional morning balloon ceremony. B) tram ride and Victoria Memorial. B) ride (£180, bookable locally). Visit the DAY 4 Train to Ambala (4 hrs), by road to DAY 12 Morning flight to Varanasi. City Palace and Observatory and view Kandaghat then ‘Toy Train’ to Shimla (5 hrs). Overnight at the 4-star Taj Ganges Hotel. ‘Palace of the Winds’. Cocktail and dinner at Two nights at the 5-star Oberoi Cecil. B, D) Visit Sarnath ruins and museum. Evening Rambagh Palace. B, D) Aarti ceremony on the ghats. B) DAY 20 Travel to Rohet (7 hrs) via Jodhpur’s DAY 13 Early morning boat on the Ganges. Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Breakfast at Brijrama Palace and a walk Overnight at the heritage Rohet Garh. B, D) through Varanasi. Travel to Lucknow (7 hrs) DAY 21 Bishnoi village safari. Continue to for overnight at the 5-star Hotel Taj Mahal Udaipur (6 hrs) for two nights at the 4-star Lucknow. B) Trident Hotel. Boat ride to Amrai Restaurant DAY 14 Visit Bada and Chota Imambada, for dinner with views of the lake. B, D) La Martiniere and the Residency. Travel to DAY 22 By boat on Lake Pichola to Agra (6 hrs). Two nights at the 4-star Trident Jagmandir Island. Visit City Palace. B) Hotel. B) DAY 23 Fly to Mumbai. Visit Marine drive, DAY 15 Sunrise at the Taj Mahal. Visit Agra Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus & Prince Fort, ‘Baby Taj’ and Mehtab Bagh with views of Wales Museum. Overnight at the 4-star across to the Taj Mahal. Tea with a local Hotel Trident. Farewell dinner. B, D) family in a colonial bungalow. B) Victoria Memorial, Kolkata DAY 24 Return flight. B)

12 “The tour was extremely interesting. The guide was fantastic. We had amazing experiences in each place we went to” City Palace, Udaipur

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Saturdays Oct 3 £4545 Nov 14 £4595

2021 – Saturdays Feb 13 £4845 Oct 16 £4695 Mar 6 £4745 Oct 30 £4795 Sep 25 £4595 Nov 13 £4895

Victoria Terminus, Mumbai Supplements per person Double for sole use – £995 (2020 £945; Sep 2021 £945) London-Amritsar/Mumbai-London British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £395 British Airways Club World – from £1795 Privately Guided – £995 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 22 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 13 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Independent Arrival (see page 6) Ranthambore National Park Darjeeling Save £500 Arrival or departure transfer £24 EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS Note No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time? This is a full itinerary with visits on foot and some uneven surfaces and inclines. Discover more of India or relax in a resort on one of our great range of extensions. Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath after the flight or stay on post-tour to reflect, relax or explore independently. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

Goa

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 13 THE TAJ TOUR Amritsar Shimla Chandigarh Kalka

DELHI

Agra Jaipur Fatehpur Sikri 13 nights INDIA India’s Golden Triangle, plus holy Amritsar, from Himalayan Shimla & old Bombay featuring India’s Mumbai (Bombay) £2795 Arabian Sea prestigious ‘Taj’ hotels throughout, both historic Bay of Bengal and modern, with dinners included

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENT Flight (1 night) Cultural & Countryside Tour Maharaja’s Residence Amritsar (2) Jules Verne Sightseeing Dine in the Rajput Room at Rambagh Chandigarh (1) 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Palace, the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, now a hotel, and Shimla Area (2) 12 Dinners Included enjoy a cocktail in the famous Polo Bar. Delhi (2), Agra (1) Local Expert Guide Throughout Jaipur (3) Historic / 5-Star Hotels Mumbai (1) Group Size: 4 – 18

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY For the British traveller, ‘Take me to the Taj’ DAY 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow may seem a self-evident request but in India to Amritsar via Delhi. these words might lead you to a Taj hotel DAY 2 Two nights at Amritsar’s best hotel, (even a ‘google search’ for ‘Taj’ brings up the new 5-star Taj Swarna. Optional Palki first ‘Taj Hotels’, one of India’s premier hotel ceremony at the Golden Temple (£14, groups). It thus seems apposite to utilise the bookable locally). D) fine hotels of the Taj group at a special tariff DAY 3 Visit the Golden Temple, volunteers with dinners in the hotels. kitchen and Jallianwala Bagh. Early evening Of course the iconic ‘Taj Mahal’ is the real Wagah Border ‘Change of the Guard’ highlight of this great journey from the ceremony. B, D) Sikhs’ Golden Temple and the hill station DAY 4 Drive to Chandigarh (5 hrs) for of Shimla via Delhi, Agra and Jaipur to Old overnight at the 5-star Taj Chandigarh. Free Rambagh Palace Bombay. Explore India’s religious, colonial, time for shopping or to relax in this unusual Mughal and Maharajas’ heritage whilst Indian ‘new’ town. Visit the Rose Garden staying in some comfort. DAY 10 Visit the ‘Baby Taj’ and Mughal (subject to blooming time). B, D) garden with views to the Taj Mahal. Travel to A recently added feature is stays at two of DAY 5 Visit Le Corbusier’s Capitol Complex. Jaipur, visiting en route Fatehpur Sikri (5 hrs). the Taj group’s latest hotels which add an Drive towards colonial Shimla (6 hrs). Enjoy Three nights at the heritage Jai Mahal Palace, amazing modern twist to the Taj story. Move two nights at the newly opened 5-star now a Taj heritage hotel. B, L, D) from Amritsar’s best hotel to the wonderfully Hotel Taj Theog dramatically sited in the sited Himalayan retreat at Theog, close to DAY 11 Visit the City Palace and Jantar Himalayas above Shimla (1 ½ hrs drive from Shimla. Then experience the legendary Taj Mantar Observatory. Optional Sound & Light Shimla). B, D) hospitality in their classic Delhi hotel, their at Amber Fort (£17, bookable locally). B, D) palaces in Jaipur and finally their original DAY 6 Tour of Shimla includes the Vice Regal DAY 12 Optional morning balloon ride in hotel in old Bombay, as featured in the BBC Lodge, church, Gaiety Theatre and Mall. the Jaipur area (£180, bookable locally). 2 series ‘Hotel India’ focused on life at India’s Afternoon free in Shimla. B, D) Visit Amber Fort, Birla Temple, Albert Hall oldest and most famous hotel. DAY 7 Take the ‘Toy Train’ from Shimla to Museum & view the ‘Palace of the Winds’. Kalka (6 hrs) and board the Shatabdi Express Cocktail in the Polo Bar and dinner at train to Delhi (5 hrs) with light dinner on Rambagh Palace. B, D) board. Two nights at the 5-star Taj Mahal DAY 13 Fly to Mumbai. City tour including Hotel, one of the most distinguished Marine Drive, Gateway of India, Victoria addresses in Delhi. B, D) Terminus, laundries of Dhobi Ghat and the DAY 8 A tour of Delhi including Jama Prince of Wales Museum. Overnight at the Mosque, Raj Ghat, Gandhi Smriti, Humayun’s 5-star Taj Mahal Palace (sea view room in tomb, Railway Museum, India Gate, the Tower Wing overlooking the Gateway of passing the Red Fort, parliament and India). B, D) Viceroy’s House. B, D) DAY 14 Afternoon flight to London. B) DAY 9 Gatimaan Express train to Agra. Visit the historic Agra Fort. Overnight at the 4-star Tajview, Agra (Taj Mahal facing rooms). Visit the Taj Mahal at sunset. Enjoy a cocktail at the Skydeck Bar with view of the Taj Taj Theog Mahal. B, D)

14 “Brilliant tour with really exceptional guide who ensured we got the very best experience at every stage of the itinerary” Taj Mahal, Agra

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Tuesdays Aug 11* £2795 Oct 20 £3295 Sep 15* £2895 Nov 17 £3295 Oct 6 £3195 Dec 8 £3195

2021 – Tuesdays Jan 26 £3345 Sep 14* £2995 Feb 9 £3395 Sep 28* £3295 Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai Feb 23 £3395 Oct 12* £3395 Mar 9* £3345 Oct 26* £3445 Apr 6* £2995 Nov 9 £3495 Aug 24* £2895 Nov 30 £3395

Supplements per person *NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (limited availability) Double for sole use – £995 (Aug-Sep 2020 £695; Apr-Sep 14 2021 £695) London-Amritsar/Mumbai-London British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £395 British Airways Club World – from £1795 Privately Guided – £695 (see page 6)

Price includes Amber Fort, Jaipur Fatehpur Sikri Air travel and taxes, transfers, 12 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 12 dinners, itinerary as described, services of EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS guides and local representatives. If our specially No one can cover all of India on one tour, negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of so why not make the most of your time? booking, a supplement may apply. Discover more of India or relax in a resort on one of our great range of extensions. Independent Arrival (see page 6) Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath Save £500 Arrival or departure transfer £24 after the flight or stay on post-tour to reflect, relax or explore independently. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

Ellora caves

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 15 DELHI RAJASTHAN ROYALS Bikaner Gajner Samode Khimsar Agra Jaipur Dholpur Jodhpur Rohet Rajasthan

Udaipur INDIA 17 nights India ‘from the inside’ – live like a Maharaja, staying from in some of India’s iconic hotels, palaces and smaller royal residences whilst visiting Bombay, £2895 Rajasthan and the ‘Golden Triangle’ Mumbai

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS Flight (1 night) Cultural Tour & Wildlife Experience Maharaja’s Residences Mumbai (1) Jules Verne Sightseeing Enjoy a cocktail in the famous Polo Udaipur (2) 13 Dinners Included Bar at Rambagh Palace, the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Rohet (2), Khimsar (1) 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Historic tour with cocktail and dinner at Gajner (2), Jaipur (3) Historic Hotels Raj Mahal Palace, one of the oldest and Samode (1) No Single Supplement most treasured palaces in Jaipur. Dholpur (2), Delhi (2) Small Group Size: 4 – 16

INTRODUCTION DAY 4 Tour of Udaipur covering the old town, City Palace, Museum and Jagmandir Ancient Rajasthan is a land of contrasts, Island. Dine overlooking the lake. B, D) the desert, lakes, mountains, forests and jungles, home to warrior kings and princes. DAY 5 Travel through the Aravali hills to Experience dramatic forts, majestic palaces, visit the Jain temple complex in Ranakpur. ornate havelis and bejewelled Maharajas. Continue to Rohet (3 hrs) for two nights at Discover palaces of the Maharajas’ and Rohet Garh, a charming heritage hotel. B, D) colonial heritage from Delhi’s India Gate to DAY 6 Bishnoi village safari and a small Mumbai’s Gateway of India. village walk. Afternoon free. B, D) This unique itinerary reveals royal residences DAY 7 Drive to Jodhpur to explore transformed into fine heritage hotels. Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhawan Museum. Continue to Khimsar ITINERARY for overnight at the heritage Khimsar Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur DAY 1 Fly overnight from your chosen Fort. Sunset at Khimsar Dunes Village. B, D) airport to Mumbai. DAY 8 Drive to Bikaner in the Thar Observatory. Historic walk and drink at DAY 2 Overnight at the 5-star Taj Mahal desert. City tour by Tuk Tuk. Two nights in a Rambagh Palace. Optional Sound & Light at Palace, as featured in the BBC 2 series historic suite at Gajner Palace Hotel, which Amber Fort (£17, bookable locally). B) once hosted the Viceroy and Prince of Wales. ‘Hotel India’ focused on life at India’s oldest DAY 12 Optional morning balloon ride in Dine in the historic restaurant. B, D) and most famous hotel (Heritage Wing). the Jaipur area (£180, bookable locally). Visit Heritage tour of the Hotel. Visit Kala Ghoda DAY 9 Visit Junagarh fort and a camel Amber Fort, Birla Temple, Albert Hall & view area followed by a welcome dinner. D) breeding farm. Jeep to Raisar desert camp the ‘Palace of the Winds’. Historic tour with DAY 3 Tour of Mumbai including Marine for a gala dinner with classical dance. B, D) cocktail and dinner at Raj Mahal Palace. B, D) drive, Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus DAY 10 Travel to Jaipur (6 hrs). Three nights DAY 13 Drive to Samode village. Overnight station, Dhobi Ghat and Prince of Wales at Jai Mahal Palace, a heritage 5-star Hotel of at Samode Bagh a heritage hotel and Museum. Fly to Udaipur. Two nights at the Taj group with Mughal gardens. Evening garden retreat of the Samode Royal family the heritage Fateh Prakash Palace on the cooking demo with a local family. B, D) (featured in Monty Don’s Paradise Gardens). lakeside and owned by the Royal family. B) DAY 11 Visit City Palace and Jantar Mantar Dinner at nearby Samode Palace. B, D) DAY 14 Drive to Dholpur (7 hrs). Two nights at the Raj Niwas Palace. Stay in a garden cottage and enjoy a drink in the Palace. B, D) DAY 15 Boat safari in Chambal Sanctuary, home to rich birdlife and gharial crocodiles. Jeep safari viewing Sher Garh Fort. B, D) DAY 16 Drive to Agra and visit the Taj Mahal. Travel by train to Delhi for two nights at the 5-star Taj Mahal Hotel. B) DAY 17 Tour of Delhi includes Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, passing Parliament and Presidents House. Evening cultural dance show with dinner. B, D)

Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai DAY 18 Return flight from Delhi. B)

16 “Excellent venues and guide. Variety of scenery and locations kept the interest up” Amber Fort, Jaipur

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Fridays Sep 18* £2895 Nov 6 £3295

2021 – Fridays Jan 15* £3495 Sep 17* £3295 Jan 29* £3595 Oct 8* £3495 Feb 12, 26 £3695 Oct 22* £3595 Mar 12* £3595 Nov 12 £3695 City Palace, Udaipur Apr 9* £2995

Supplements per person *NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (limited availability) Double for sole use – £995 (Apr/Sep £695) London – Mumbai/Delhi – London British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £395 British Airways Club World – from £1795 Emirates from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham – nil Privately Guided – £695 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 16 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 13 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur Gajner Palace, Bikaner and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply. EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS Independent Arrival (see page 6) No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time? Save £500 Arrival or departure transfer £24 Discover more of India or relax in a resort on one of our great range of extensions. Notes Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath This is a full itinerary with some visits on foot with after the flight or stay on post-tour to uneven surfaces/inclines. Heritage properties rarely reflect, relax or explore independently. have lifts and rooms vary. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

Jaisalmer Fort

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 17 Amritsar IMAGES OF INDIA Shimla Kalka

DELHI INDIA Agra Jaipur Jodhpur 18 nights Ranthambore A wonderful introductory tour to India including from National Park the Taj Mahal, Golden Temple, royal Rajasthan, hill £2995 stations, tigers, heritage hotels and special events from Mumbai Udaipur

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS Flight (1 night) Cultural Tour & Wildlife Experience Remarkable dinners & Tiger Talk Mumbai (1), Udaipur (2) Jules Verne Sightseeing Rooftop dinner in Jodhpur overlooking Jodhpur (1), Jaipur (2) 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Mehrangarh Fort. Dine in the Rajput Room of Rambagh Palace, the former Ranthambore NP (2) No Single Supplement residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur with Agra (2), Delhi (2) Tiger Safaris by Jeep a cocktail at the famous Polo Bar. Tiger Amritsar (2) Local Expert Guide Throughout talk by a naturalist at Ranthambore. Shimla (2), Delhi (1) Group Size: 4 – 18

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY Any visit to India is best started at Mumbai’s DAY 1 Fly overnight direct from your chosen ‘Gateway to India’ and the ‘Golden Triangle’ airport to Mumbai. that comprises Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. DAY 2 Overnight at the 4-star Trident The imperial glory of the Mughals is best Nariman Point, sea view rooms. Visit the shown in the mausoleums, mosques and Prince of Wales Museum and enjoy a palaces of their capitals at Agra and Delhi, heritage walk in the Kala Ghoda area. Enjoy a the highlight the incomparable Taj Mahal. welcome drink with your group. Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur reveal Rajasthan’s DAY 3 Visit Marine Drive, the Gateway of princely heritage and Ranthambore National India, Victoria Terminus, Dhobi Ghat and the Park offers the chance to spot one or more of Dabbawalla lunch carriers. Fly to Udaipur for its increased tiger population. two nights at the 4-star Trident Hotel. B) The era of the British Raj is reflected in the DAY 4 By boat to the City Palace and Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur architectural heritage of Lutyens’ New Delhi Jagmandir Island. By boat to Amrai and the summer hill station capital, Shimla, restaurant for a drink and dinner with one of DAY 12 Optional sunrise visit to the contrasting with Sikhism’s most holy shrine, the most stunning view of the lake. B, D) Taj Mahal (£22, bookable locally). Drive to the spectacular Golden Temple at Amritsar DAY 5 Travel to Jodhpur (6 hrs). Overnight at Delhi (5 hrs). Visit Qutab Minar. Stay two and the dramatic Wagah Border ceremony. the 5-star Taj Hari Mahal. Rooftop dinner at nights at the 5-star Taj Mahal Hotel. B) Train journeys that are part of the Indian Indique restaurant with superb view of the DAY 13 Visit Raj Ghat, Jama Mosque, experience include Shimla’s unforgettable fort. B, D) Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate and drive Narrow gauge ‘Toy Train’ through countless DAY 6 Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant past the Red Fort, parliament and tunnels and over bridges, a scenically Thada. Travel to Jaipur (7 hrs). Two nights at Viceroy’s House. B) spectacular journey. the 4-star Trident Jaipur. Cocktail and dinner DAY 14 Morning Shatabdi train to Amritsar at Rambagh Palace. B, D) (7 hrs) for two nights at the 5-star Taj Swarna. DAY 7 View the Palace of the Winds. Visit the Optional Palki ceremony at the Golden City Palace and Observatory. Cooking demo Temple (£14, bookable locally). B) and dinner with a local family. B, D) DAY 15 Visit the Golden Temple, volunteers DAY 8 Optional morning balloon ride (£180, kitchen and Jallianwala Bagh. Wagah Border bookable locally). Visit Amber Fort. Travel to ‘Change of the Guard’ ceremony. B) Ranthambore (4 hrs). Two nights at the 4-star DAY 16 Travel up into the foothills of the Sawai Villas. ‘Tiger Talk’ by a naturalist. B, D) Himalayas to Shimla by road (8 hrs). Two DAY 9 Morning and afternoon jeep game nights at the 5-star Oberoi Cecil. B) drives looking for tigers and wildlife. B, L, D) DAY 17 Visit the Vice Regal Lodge, museum DAY 10 Drive to Agra (7 hrs). Two nights at and church. Stroll along the Mall. Afternoon the 4-star Trident Agra. Sunset visit to the free. B) iconic Taj Mahal. B, D) DAY 18 Board the ‘Toy Train’ to Kalka (5 hrs). DAY 11 Visit Itmad-Daula (the ‘Baby Taj’) and Shatabdi train to Delhi (4 hrs) with light the Mughal garden with views across the dinner on board. Overnight at the 5-star Taj river to the Taj Mahal. Visit Agra Fort. Sunset Palace Hotel. B, D) rooftop drink with views of the Taj Mahal. B) DAY 19 Return flight. B) Taj Mahal, Agra

18 “A first class trip with a first class guide and associated organisational arrangements. A great small group tour” Golden Temple, Amritsar

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Tuesdays Oct 6* £3095 Nov 3 £3195 Oct 20 £3145 Nov 24 £3195

2021 – Tuesdays Jan 19* £3345 Sep 28* £3395 Feb 2, 16 £3395 Oct 19* £3495 Mar 2* £3345 Nov 9 £3595 Vice Regal Lodge, Shimla Mar 9* £3295 Nov 23 £3545 Apr 13* £2995

Supplements per person *NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (limited availability) Double for sole use – £695 (Feb/Nov 2021 £845; Apr £595) London-Mumbai/Delhi-London British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £395 British Airways Club World – from £1795 Emirates from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham – nil Privately Guided – £750 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 17 nights’ Ranthambore National Park Qutab Minar, Delhi accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 8 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of No one can cover all of India on one tour, booking, a supplement may apply. so why not make the most of your time? Discover more of India or relax in a resort Independent Arrival (see page 6) on one of our great range of extensions. Save £500 Arrival or departure transfer £24 Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath after the flight or stay on post-tour to Note reflect, relax or explore independently. This is a full itinerary with some visits on foot with For details please see pages 68 – 72. some uneven surfaces and inclines.

Se-Cathedral, North Goa

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 19 INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE INDIA DELHI

9 nights Rajasthan Bharatpur Agra The most iconic monuments of India from the from Jaipur Fatehpur Sikri Taj Mahal, Amber and Agra Fort to palaces and abandoned cities including classic hotels and £1795 special Indian experiences

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS Flight (1 night) Cultural & Countryside Tour Special Meals & Drinks Delhi (2 nights) Jules Verne Sightseeing Cocktail at the Polo Bar and dinner at Jaipur (3 nights) 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites the Rajput Room of Rambagh Palace, former home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Agra (2 nights) No & Low Single Supplement Enjoy a cooking demonstration and Delhi (1 night) Local Expert Guide Throughout dinner with a local family; tea at a Solo Group Departure colonial house and sunset rooftop drink Group Size: 4 – 18 with views of the Taj Mahal in Agra.

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY Most people when travelling to a country DAY 1 Fly overnight from your chosen for the first time want to take in all the major airport to Delhi. sights and yet also experience something DAY 2 Transfer to the heritage Maidens more authentic. Our tour enriches a classic Hotel for two nights. Afternoon tour of first-time itinerary with experiences that Delhi including the National Museum, transport its participants closer to the heart Gandhi Smriti and drive past India Gate, of the country. the parliament and Viceroy’s House. Enjoy a The ‘Golden Triangle’ is formed by Jaipur, drink at the hotel meeting your group. Agra and Delhi, including the Amber Fort, DAY 3 Tour of Delhi includes Raj Ghat, Jaipur’s amazing astronomical Observatory Jama Mosque, Humayun’s Tomb with a and the icon of the entire subcontinent, the walk through Sunder Nursery and drive magical Taj Mahal. The rich heritage revealed past the Red Fort. Evening cultural dance Rambagh Palace derives from the rule of Mughals, Maharajas performance with barbeque dinner. B, D) and indeed the British. DAY 4 Early morning train to Jaipur (5 hrs). DAY 7 Drive to Agra, visiting en route The railway stations, present a tableau as Visit Albert Hall Museum. Three nights at the Abhaneri stepwell and take a walk around rich as a bazaar, with all classes and castes on 4-star Trident Hotel. Cooking demonstration its village. Lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace in its thronging platforms – ‘Passage to India’ and dinner with a local family. B, D) Bharatpur. Visit the abandoned city, Fatehpur springs to mind as one waits to travel DAY 5 Optional morning balloon ride Sikri. Continue to Agra for two nights at the through the Indian countryside. in the Jaipur area (£180, bookable 4-star Tajview Agra. B, L) Discover Emperor Akbar’s deserted city locally). Visit Amber Fort and view the DAY 8 Sunrise visit to the iconic Taj Mahal. at Fatehpur Sikri and explore Delhi’s rich ‘Palace of the Winds’. Free time to explore Later visit Agra Fort, home of the Emperors, history including the Qutab Minar of the Jaipur. Cocktail at the Polo Bar and dinner at Itmad-Daula (the ‘Baby Taj’) and the Mughal Delhi Sultanate and the regalia and artistry Rambagh Palace. B, D) gardens, with views across to the Taj. Enjoy of the National Museum. DAY 6 Visit Birla Temple, the City Palace and tea with a local family at a colonial house the Observatory. Afternoon free. B, D) from the British era. Sunset rooftop drink with views of the Taj Mahal. B, D) DAY 9 Return to Delhi (5 hrs). Visit Qutab Minar. Farewell dinner nearby. Overnight at 4-star Hotel Pullman. B, D) DAY 10 Return flight. B) Note: This is a full itinerary with some visits on foot with uneven surfaces and inclines.

Amber Fort, Jaipur

20 “The tour was very well designed so that we fitted in all the most important things to see and do yet didn’t feel rushed. The local guide was superb” Taj Mahal, Agra

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Saturdays Oct 3*, 17 £1995 Nov 21 £1995 Oct 31 £1995 Dec 5* £1945

2021 – Saturdays Jan 16* £1895 Sep 25* £1895 Feb 6 £1995 Oct 16* £1945 Feb 27 £1945 Oct 30* £1945 Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi Mar 13* £1895 Nov 13 £1995 Apr 10* £1795 Nov 27 £1945 Aug 21* £1795 Dec 18 £2095

2020/2021 – Saturdays (Solo Groups) Sep 5* £1895 Sep 11* £1895 Apr 17* £1795

Supplements per person *NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (limited availability) Double for sole use – £295 (Feb/Nov/Dec £345; Apr-Sep £195) British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £395 British Airways Club World – from £1795 Emirates from Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Abhaneri Stepwell Agra Fort Birmingham or Glasgow – £95 Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow – nil Privately Guided – £245 (see page 6) EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS No one can cover all of India on one tour, Price includes so why not make the most of your time? Air travel and taxes, transfers, 8 nights’ Discover more of India or relax in a resort accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and on one of our great range of extensions. 6 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of after the flight or stay on post-tour to booking, a supplement may apply. reflect, relax or explore independently. For details please see pages 68 – 72. Independent Arrival (see page 6) Save £600 Arrival or departure transfer £24

Jaisalmer

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 21 THE TALE OF THE TIGER

DELHI Gurgaon

Rajasthan Bharatpur Samode Agra Fatehpur Sikri Jaipur 10 nights Combine the ‘Golden Triangle’ with India’s natural INDIA from Ranthambore wonders at Ranthambore, Rajasthan’s famous tiger National Park reserve, Keoladeo National Park and Samode Bagh £1995 ‘Paradise Garden’

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS Flight (1 night) Cultural Tour & Wildlife Experience Maharaja’s Residence, Tiger Talk and Delhi (2 nights) Jules Verne Sightseeing Bollywood Show Agra (1 night) 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Cocktail at the Polo Bar and dinner at the Rajput Room of Rambagh Palace, Bharatpur (1 night) 2 Lunches and 6 Dinners former home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Ranthambore NP (2 nights) Tiger Safaris by Jeep An evening talk by a naturalist on tigers, Jaipur (2 nights) Local Expert Guide Throughout with a glass of local wine. Bollywood Gurgaon (1 night) Group Size: 4 – 18 show and light dinner in Gurgaon.

INTRODUCTION curtail hunters and poachers alike. The tiger is still an endangered species but numbers Bharatpur is renowned for the in Ranthambore have increased significantly UNESCO’s World Heritage Site: Keoladeo in recent years and our guests have good Ghana National Park, a wetland and chances to spot one in the wild. To protect significant bird sanctuary ideal for bird tigers further, there are moves to restrict watching. This diverse habitat is home access so a visit sooner rather than later is to 366 bird species, 379 floral species, recommended. The park has a variety of 50 species of fish, 13 species of snakes and other mammals and birds including langurs, 7 species of turtles. Every year this park is spotted (Chital) and sambar deer, nilgai and visited by water birds including the exotic barking Deer. Extensive bird life includes migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central spur flown, jungle fowl, partridge, quails, Asia and Tibet and the rare Siberian cranes. crested serpent eagle, woodpeckers and Ranthambore is the quintessential Rajasthan flycatchers. Ranthambore National Park wildlife park. Dominated by a 1,000 year-old Due to topography and vegetation and the fort, the landscape is dotted with cupolas, determination to find a tiger, game drives temples and memorial stones bearing Drive to Ranthambore (6 hrs) with a farm differ from those in Africa, providing a witness to a fascinating history. The mighty visit and lunch en route at Umaid Lake. Two rewarding and uniquely Indian experience. Mughal Emperor Akbar fought a battle here nights at the 4-star family-run Sawai Vilas. Enjoy a ‘Tiger Talk’ by a naturalist with a but today the tiger rules the thick forest ITINERARY gorges. To hunt the tiger was against tribal drink. B, L, D) beliefs but as hunting became big business, DAY 1 Fly overnight from your chosen DAY 7 Early morning and afternoon game to bag a tiger was the great challenge and airport to Delhi. drives by jeep in Ranthambore National the odds were stacked against the tigers DAY 2 Transfer to the 5-star Taj Mahal Hotel Park. Between safaris time to relax by the whose population was reduced at a time for two nights. Afternoon visit to Lodhi pool. B, L, D) when this was considered normal practice. Gardens and Humayun’s Tomb. D) DAY 8 Early morning game drive by jeep. Almost too late, India realised the very DAY 3 Tour of Delhi visiting Jama Mosque, Travel to Jaipur (4 hrs). Two nights at the existence of the tiger was in jeopardy and Raj Ghat, the National Museum, Gandhi 5-star ITC Rajputana Hotel. B) government intervention was needed to Smriti, India Gate, Qutab Minar and drive DAY 9 Optional morning balloon ride in the past the Red Fort, parliament and the Jaipur area (£180, bookable locally). Visit Viceroy’s House. B) Amber Fort, the City Palace, Observatory and DAY 4 Morning Gatimaan Express train view the ‘Palace of the Winds’. Cocktail and to Agra. Visit Agra Fort. Overnight at the dinner at Rambagh Palace. B, D) 5-star ITC Mughal. Optional visit to the DAY 10 Drive towards Delhi (5 hrs) stopping ‘Baby Taj’ and Mughal garden (£20, bookable en route at Samode for refreshments at locally). B) Samode Bagh, which was featured in Monty DAY 5 Visit the Taj Mahal for sunrise. Drive Don’s Paradise Gardens. Overnight at the to Akbar’s abandoned city of Fatehpur 5-star Taj City Centre Gurgaon. Light dinner Sikri. Visit by rickshaw the bird sanctuary and Bollywood show. B, D) of Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur. DAY 11 Return flight. B) Overnight at the heritage Hotel Laxmi Vilas Note: This is a full itinerary with some visits on foot Palace in Bharatpur. B, D) with uneven surfaces and inclines. DAY 6 Optional visit: Keoladeo National Palace of the Winds, Jaipur Park by rickshaw (£33, bookable locally).

22 “A fabulous introduction to India; a tour that includes some stunning highlights and unexpected treasures” Ranthambore National Park

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Thursdays Oct 8 £2195 Nov 5 £2245 Oct 22 £2195

2021 – Thursdays Jan 21* £2245 Oct 7* £2195 Feb 11 £2245 Oct 21* £2245 Feb 25 £2195 Nov 4 £2295 Taj Mahal, Agra Mar 11* £2195 Nov 18 £2245 Apr 15* £1995 Dec 2* £2195

Supplements per person *NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (limited availability) Double for sole use: 2020 – £445 2021 – £495 (Apr £395) British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £395 British Airways Club World – from £1795 Emirates from Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow – £95 Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow – nil Privately Guided – £245 (see page 6)

Price includes Ranthambore National Park Air travel and taxes, transfers, 9 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 6 dinners, itinerary as described, services of EXTENSION guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of INDIAN WILDLIFE booking, a supplement may apply. 5 nights from £1095 Discover more of India’s wildlife within Independent Arrival (see page 6) Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh Save £600 National Park, including four game drives Arrival or departure transfer £24 and a chance to see tigers, Indian bison, dholes, swamp deer, leopards, bears and birdlife. (Open 16 Oct-Jun) For an alternative extension; please see pages 68 – 72. Bandhavgargh National Park

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 23 SIKHS & EXILES

Dharamsala Amritsar Kangra Pragpur Shimla Kalka

11 nights Off-the-beaten-track to the Golden Temple, from DELHI residence of the Dalai Lama, hill stations and INDIA heritage hotels £1995

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENT Flight (1 night) Cultural Tour & Natural Wonders Fort & High Tea & Cooking Demo Amritsar (2 nights) Jules Verne Sightseeing Visit Kangra Fort on a rock dominating Dharamsala (2 nights) No & Low Single Supplement the valley, thought to be the largest and oldest fort in the Himalayas. Enjoy Pragpur (1 night) 1 Lunch and 6 Dinners a high tea at one of Shimla’s oldest Shimla (3 nights) Local Expert Guide Throughout residences. Learn how to cook Indian Delhi (2 nights) Solo Group Departure dishes in Amritsar and Delhi. Group Size: 4 – 12

INTRODUCTION munch chapatis in Tudor tea rooms and Hindus visit the Christian Church. All may India’s complex religious history is revealed now enjoy the unforgettable narrow gauge in this arrangement for the returning ‘Toy Train’ built by the British traversing traveller, examining the position of Sikhism, countless bridges, tunnels and bends. Buddhism and Christianity in the foothills of the Himalayas. ITINERARY Sikhism, in Indian terms, is a relatively new DAY 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow religion. Founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th to Amritsar via Delhi. century as a reaction against the Hindu caste system, its holy shrine is the spectacular DAY 2 Afternoon arrival. Transfer to the Golden Temple. Their holy book still moves boutique hotel Ranjit Vilas for two nights. daily in and out of the illuminated Temple Afternoon free. Evening cooking demo at the hotel. D) in the devout Palki ceremony, whilst many Kangra Fort thousands of pilgrims are fed daily in the DAY 3 Visit the Golden Temple, volunteers astounding volunteers kitchen. kitchen and Jallianwala Bagh, scene of the DAY 9 Day at leisure or optional tour to 1919 massacre. Optional early evening McLeod Ganj (Upper Dharamsala), named the surrounding area including high tea Wagah Border ‘Change of the Guard’ after the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, is at Wildflower Hall and a gentle walk along ceremony at the India/Pakistan border (£15, the residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Mahasu Ridge (£42, bookable locally). B) Lama, who claimed asylum in 1960 after bookable locally). Later, attend the Palki the Chinese invaded Tibet, and a Tibetan ceremony at the Golden Temple. B) DAY 10 Take the Himalayan Queen ‘Toy Train’ to Kalka (5 hrs). Join the Shatabdi Express community has developed not far from their DAY 4 Drive to Dharamsala (5 hrs/1,700m) train to Delhi (4 hrs), with light dinner on Himalayan homeland. visiting en route Masrur Rock Cut Temples. board. Two nights at the Maidens Hotel, a Two nights at the unpretentious, but Shimla enjoys stunning scenery and was the heritage property. B, D) summer resort for the government of the scenically located, Clouds End Villa. B, L, D) DAY 11‘Return to Delhi’ tour including British Raj. Once a totally ‘white’ paradise, DAY 5 Visit the Tibetan monastery, museum, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, the Red Fort, with only Indians of rank allowed on its library and Norbulingka, which preserves Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell and the Railway Mall, part of its charm today is that children Tibetan arts and crafts. Afternoon village Museum. Cooking demo followed by walk with fine views. B, D) farewell dinner. B, D) DAY 6 Visit Kangra Fort and Museum. DAY 12 Fly to London Heathrow, arriving Travel to Pragpur village. Evening village later the same day. B) walk. Overnight at the heritage hotel Notes: Judge’s Court, a country manor built for This is a full itinerary with some visits on foot over uneven surfaces and inclines. Justice Sir Jai Lal. B, D) Heritage properties are full of charm but rarely have DAY 7 Drive to Shimla (7 hrs/2,000m). En lifts and rooms can vary in size and décor. route stop at Garli heritage village. Stay Travel beyond the main tourist routes in smaller three nights at the heritage Clarkes Hotel, vehicles (3 guests per car all with window seat). located on the Mall. B) Travel is not ‘off-road’ but these vehicles allow for DAY 8 Morning tour of Shimla including the greater contact with local people and easier access whilst still travelling with a small Jules Verne group Vice Regal Lodge, museum and the Mall. through dramatic mountain scenery. Enjoy a high tea at Chapslee House, one of the oldest surviving residences of Shimla, and meet one of the family member. B) Toy Train, Shimla

24 “Great organisation, great itinerary, fantastic value for money” Golden Temple, Amritsar

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Tuesdays Sep 15* £2095 Oct 20* £2195 Oct 6* £2195 Nov 3 £2195

2021 – Tuesdays Jan 19* £2195 Aug 24* £1995 Feb 16, 23 £2295 Sep 21* £2195 Mar 9* £2295 Oct 5* £2245 Dharamsala Mar 23* £2245 Oct 19* £2295 Mar 30* £2195 Nov 2 £2295 Apr 13* £2145 Nov 16 £2195

2020/21 – Tuesdays (Solo Groups) Sep 8* £2095 Sep 7* £2195 Apr 27* £2145

Supplements per person *NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (limited availability) Double for sole use – £345 (Apr-Sep £295) London-Amritsar/Delhi-London British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £395 British Airways Club World – from £1795 Privately Guided – £250 (see page 6) Shimla Agrasen ki Baoli Stepwell, Delhi Price includes EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS Air travel and taxes, transfers, 10 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and No one can cover all of India on one tour, 6 dinners, itinerary as described, services of so why not make the most of your time? guides and local representatives. If our specially Discover more of India or relax in a resort negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of on one of our great range of extensions. booking, a supplement may apply. Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath Independent Arrival (see page 6) after the flight or stay on post-tour to reflect, relax or explore independently. Save £600 Arrival or departure transfer £24 For details please see pages 68 – 72.

River Ganges, Varanasi

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 25 Dharamsala Palampur SECRET HIMALAYAN Kullu Valley Paprola Pragpur Mandi Amritsar INDIA Shimla Anandpur Sahib Kandaghat Chandigarh Mussoorie Rishikesh INDIA 20 nights Haridwar Further off-the-beaten-track by small vehicle on from a unique itinerary revealing the Kullu valley, holy sites of Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, hill £3095 DELHI stations and small heritage hotels

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS Flight (1 night) Cultural & Countryside Tour Indian Ceremonies & Kangra Fort Delhi (1), Haridwar (2) Jules Verne Sightseeing Learn more about India at Aarti, Palki Mussoorie (2), Chandigarh (1) 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Border ceremonies. Visit Kangra Fort, the largest and oldest fort in the Shimla (2), Kullu Valley (3) 2 Lunches and 10 Dinners Himalayas and its museum displaying Palampur (1), Dharamsala (2) Local Expert Guide Throughout the Maharaja’s possessions. Pragpur (1), Amritsar (2) Small Group Size: 4 – 12 Anandpur Sahib (1), Delhi (1)

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY Every region of India has its own special DAY 1 Overnight flight to Delhi direct or via character and unique aspects but only one Dubai from your chosen airport. has the world’s greatest mountain range DAY 2 Visit Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell and the in its name – Himachal Pradesh! This new Red Fort. Overnight at the heritage Maidens. tour explores by small vehicle further into DAY 3 Early morning train to Haridwar the region, reaching the lands of the snow (5 hrs). Two nights at the heritage Haveli Hari topped mountains of the wonderful Kullu Ganga. Evening Aarti ceremony. B, D) Valley. Held back by a shortage of good hotels, the valley now boasts a small hotel of DAY 4 Morning safari in Rajaji National quality, which a recent inspection confirmed Park (closed Sep-Nov 15). At Rishikesh, visit and also identified a series of small and Shantikunj ashram and Laxman and Ram unique hotels to enhance this journey to hill Jhula bridges. Aarti ceremony. B) Kangra Fort stations, holy sites and Himalayan mountain DAY 5 Travel to Mussoorie (4 hrs). Two nights splendour. at the heritage WelcomHotel The Savoy. B) the ‘Toy Train’ to Palampur. Overnight at the Start in the foothills of the Himalayas at DAY 6 Visit the Landour market and bazaar 4-star Rakkh Palampur. B, D) one of the Hindu’s holiest sites, the point and take a walk to Lal Tibba, the highest where the sacred River Ganga descends point in Mussoorie. Afternoon free. B, L) DAY 14 Travel to Dharamsala. Visit the Norbulinka Tibetan Art Centre. Two nights from the mountains to the plains below – DAY 7 Drive to Chandigarh (8 hrs). Visit Le at the unpretentious but scenically located, Haridwar means ‘Gates of God’ in Hindi and Corbusier’s Capitol Complex. Overnight at Cloud’s End Villa. B, D) pilgrims flock here all year to bathe in the the 5-star Taj Chandigarh. B) sacred river and to fill the crystal clear, icy DAY 15 Visit the Tibetan monastery and DAY 8 Visit the Rose Garden when blooming waters with flamed offerings daily at dusk. museum. Village walk with fine views. B, D) period. Drive to Kandaghat (3 hrs), then This fascinating ceremony draws crowds of DAY 16 Visit Kangra Fort and Museum. devotees to Ganga – the life giving Goddess. board the ‘Toy Train’ to Shimla. Two nights at the heritage Clarkes Hotel on the Mall. B) Travel to Pragpur village. Evening village The surrounding temples, the religious walk. Overnight at the heritage hotel DAY 9 Visit the Shimla Museum, Vice Regal goods on sale at the colourful Bara Bazaar Judge’s Court, a country manor. B, D) and the numerous ashrams all reflect the Lodge, church and stroll along the Mall. B) DAY 17 Travel to Amritsar (4 hrs). Two nights spiritual importance of the area – even the DAY 10 Travel to Mandi (4 hrs). Temple walk at the boutique Hotel Ranjit Vilas. Evening ‘Beatles’ were drawn to nearby Rishikesh. and see Victoria Bridge. Drive to Kullu Valley Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple. B) India’s religious heritage is further revealed (4 hrs) for three nights at the boutique in Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama, and Shivadya Resort & Spa. B, L, D) DAY 18 Visit the Golden Temple, volunteer kitchens and Jallianwala Bagh. Afternoon the two main sites of Sikhism, Amritsar and DAY 11 Morning walk in Soel village to a free. Wagah Border ceremony. B, D) the internationally lesser-known Anandpur. Himalayan stream and through the forest Mussoorie and Shimla are contrasting to Dashal village with traditional houses DAY 19 Travel to Anandpur Sahib (4 hrs). Visit hill stations, the latter much visited and and 11th-century Shiva temple. Visit Nagar Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara and the town. well-preserved, the former more forgotten village and its Roerich Art Gallery, walk to High tea at Mr Sodhi’s Haveli. Overnight at but with equally fine views and once home Naggar Castle. B, D) the Anand at The Satluj eco-farm. B, D) to Sir George Everest. DAY 12 Village walk. Afternoon free, perhaps DAY 20 Visit Virasat e Khalsa museum. Drive walk to Sajla waterfall. Later, visit Vashisht to Delhi (7 hrs) for overnight at the 4-star village, temple and hot sulphur springs. Visit Novotel Hotel. B) Old Manali and Hadimba Devi Temple. B, D) DAY 21 Return flight to chosen airport. B) DAY 13 Travel to Paprola (6 hrs) and board

26 “This was a thoroughly professional, well-organised, memorable experience considered to be excellent value for money” Kullu Valley

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Thursdays Sep 17 £3095 Nov 5 £3145 Oct 15 £3145 Nov 12 £3195

2021 – Thursdays Feb 18 £3295 Sep 16 £3295 Mar 4 £3345 Oct 7, 21 £3395 Mar 18 £3395 Nov 4 £3395 Mussoorie Apr 1 £3295 Nov 18 £3445

Supplements per person Double for sole use – £695 (2021 £795) British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £395 British Airways Club World – from £1795 Emirates from Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow – £95 Privately Guided – £595 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 19 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 10 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of Aarti Ceremony, Haridwar Toy Train, Shimla booking, a supplement may apply.

Independent Arrival (see page 6) EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS Save £600; Arrival or departure transfer £24 No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time? Notes Discover more of India or Nepal or relax This is a full itinerary with some visits on foot with in a resort on one of our great range of uneven surfaces and inclines. The weather can be extensions. cold at altitude during February and November. Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath Travel beyond the main tourist routes in smaller after the flight or stay on post-tour to vehicles (3 guests per car all with a window seat). Travel is not ‘off road’ but these vehicles allow for reflect, relax or explore independently. greater contact with local people and easier access For details please see pages 68 – 72. with a small Jules Verne group through dramatic passes and mountain scenery. Heritage properties are charming but rarely have lifts and rooms vary in Bhaktapur City, Nepal size and décor.

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 27 HIGHLIGHTS DELHI

Agra Jaipur Fatehpur Sikri Jodhpur Ranthambore NP OF INDIA Udaipur

Mumbai INDIA

21 nights Bay of Bengal An exceptional new tour combining our successful from Arabian Sea Highlights of North and South India tours covering Chennai £2695 Mahabalipuram the best of India in an affordable itinerary to offer Kumbakonam Cochin Madurai an unforgettable experience Periyar

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES Flight (1 night) Cultural, Countryside & Wildlife Tour Delhi (2), Agra (1) New Tour Ranthambore National Park (2) Jules Verne Sightseeing Jaipur (2), Jodhpur (1), Udaipur (2) 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Mumbai (1), Cochin (2), Periyar (1) 2 Lunches and 11 Dinners Madurai (2), Kumbakonam (1) Local Expert Guides Mahabalipuram (2), Chennai (1) Group Size: 4 – 28

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY A rewarding introductory tour of India DAY 1 Fly overnight to Delhi. through the history, culture, heritage and DAY 2 Transfer to the 4-star Suryaa Hotel for landscapes of India. Travel from Delhi, the two nights. Visit Humayun’s Tomb. D) nation’s capital, Agra for the Taj Mahal, the DAY 3 Drive past the Red Fort, India fabled pink city of Jaipur and Ranthambore Gate, Gandhi Smriti, parliament and reserve for a good chance to glimpse the Viceroy’s House. Visit Qutab Minar. B) elusive tiger in the wild through the scenic and cultural heritage of Rajasthan, a princely DAY 4 Early morning train to Agra. Visit Agra state and land of contrasts with holy sites, Fort. Overnight at the 3-star Clarks Shiraz. impregnable fortresses and magnificent Sunset visit of the Taj Mahal. B, D) palaces of warrior kings and princes, saints DAY 5 Morning visit to Fatehpur Sikri. and mystics. Continue to Ranthambore (7 hrs). Two nights Taj Mahal, Agra Journey southwards to the vibrant, colourful at the 4-star Ranthambore Regency. Tiger city of Bombay (now Mumbai) and verdant talk by a naturalist. B, D) DAY 14 Walking tour of the Fort Cochin Kerala, exploring the former Portugese DAY 6 Morning game drive by canter. area. Travel along the coast to Alleppey for a colony of Cochin, the scenic Western Ghats, Optional afternoon game drive by canter backwaters cruise and lunch. B, L) the British Imperial heritage of Madras (£28, pre-bookable only). B, L, D) DAY 15 Drive to Periyar (4 hrs). Overnight (now Chennai) and the French architecture DAY 7 Travel to Jaipur (5 hrs). Two nights at at the 4-star Cardamom County. Optional of Pondicherry. the heritage Mandawa Haveli Hotel. Visit City Kalaraipayattu martial art show. B, D) Cruises are featured on Lake Udaipur, the Palace and Museum and the Observatory. B) DAY 16 Morning boat ride in Periyar National Keralan backwaters and Periyar lake. DAY 8 Optional morning balloon ride over Park. Travel to Madurai (5 hrs). Two nights at The famed Dravidian temples of Tamil Nadu Jaipur area (£180 bookable locally, weather the 3-star Fortune Pandiyan. B) developed from the 7th century under four dependent). Visit Amber Fort and view the dynasties that ruled Southern India from ‘Palace of the Winds’. Evening cooking demo DAY 17 Visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Kanchipuram, Tanjore and Madurai. with a local family. B, D) take a rickshaw ride to Meenakshi Temple. Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum. B) DAY 9 Drive to Jodhpur (7 hrs). Overnight at heritage Devi Bhawan Hotel. B, D) DAY 18 Travel to Tanjore (3 hrs) to visit Brihadeeshwara Temple and Tanjore Palace DAY 10 Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Museum. Overnight at the 4-star‘CGH Earth’ Thada. Travel to Ranakpur temples for a Mantra Koodam in Kumbakonam. B, D) visit (4 hrs). Continue to Udaipur (3 hrs) Two nights at the 4-star Trident Hotel. B, D) DAY 19 Travel to colonial Pondicherry and visit its museum (4 hrs). Continue DAY 11 Visit City Palace. Optional Lake to Mahabalipuram (3 hrs). Visit the Pichola boat (£11, bookable locally). B, D) Shore Temple. Two nights at the 5-star DAY 12 Fly to Mumbai for overnight at the WelcomHotel Kences Palm Beach. B) 5-star Trident Nariman Point. Visit Marine DAY 20 Visit the temples of Mahabalipuram. Drive, Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, Optional visit to Kanchipuram, a city of Dhobi Ghat and Prince of Wales Museum. B) 1,000 temples (£35, bookable locally). B) DAY 13 Fly to Cochin for two nights at the DAY 21 Travel to Chennai for a city tour. 4-star Hotel Trident. Optional Kathakali Overnight at the 5-star Hablis Hotel. B, D) evening dance show (£4, bookable Meenakshi Temple, Madurai locally). B) DAY 22 Early morning return flight.

28 Mahabalipuram

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Sundays Oct 4 £2745 Nov 1 £2845 Oct 18 £2845 Nov 15 £2795

2021 – Sundays Jan 10 £2795 Apr 4 £2695 Feb 14 £2895 Oct 3, 17 £2845 Mar 7 £2795 Nov 7, 21 £2895 Ranthambore National Park Supplements per person Double for sole use – £795 London/Delhi/Chennai/London British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £395 British Airways Club World – from £1795 Emirates from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow – nil Privately guided – £975 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 20 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 11 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply. City Palace, Udaipur Gateway of India, Mumbai Independent Arrival (see page 6) EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS Save £600 Arrival or departure transfer £24 No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time? Discover more of India or relax in a resort on one of our great range of extensions, pre-tour from Delhi or post-tour from Chennai. Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath after the flight or stay on post-tour to reflect, relax or explore independently. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

Goa

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 29 HIGHLIGHTS OF

DELHI Gurgaon NORTHERN INDIA INDIA Rajasthan Agra Fatehpur Sikri Jodhpur Jaipur

13 nights Bundi Ranthambore Exceptional value visiting many of India’s most from Chittorgarh National Park famous monuments and cities from the Taj Mahal Udaipur Kota and Agra & Amber forts to Udaipur lake and £1745 Jodhpur with a game drive in Ranthambore NP

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES Flight (1 night) Cultural & Countryside Tour Delhi (1), Agra (2) Wildlife Experience Ranthambore National Park (2) Jules Verne Sightseeing Kota (1), Udaipur (2) 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Jodhpur (1) No & Low Single Supplement Jaipur (2) Local Expert Guide Throughout Gurgaon (1) Group Size: 4 – 28

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY A wonderful introduction to India on a DAY 1 Fly overnight from your chosen carefully designed tour which distils the airport to Delhi. authentic Jules Verne experience into a great DAY 2 Overnight at the 4-star Suryaa Hotel. value arrangement including many of India’s Tour of Old Delhi including Jama Mosque, most famous monuments from the iconic Raj Ghat and drive past the Red Fort. D) Taj Mahal and Agra Fort to the dramatically DAY 3 Visit Qutab Minar, Gandhi Smriti, situated Amber Fort and Mehrangarh India Gate and drive past parliament and Fort. Explore the deserted Mughal city of Viceroy’s House. Travel to Agra (5 hrs). Two Fatehpur Sikri and the colonial and old parts nights at the 3-star Hotel Clarks Shiraz. B, D) of the capital, Delhi. DAY 4 Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal Explore Rajasthan’s most famous cities of and Agra Fort. Optional ‘Baby Taj’ & Mughal Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, revealing the gardens (£19, bookable locally). B, D) city palaces of the Maharajas, the wonderful colours of the old city and the legacy of the DAY 5 Morning visit to Fatehpur Sikri. Maharajas. Continue to Ranthambore (7 hrs). Two nights DAY 8 Travel to Chittorgarh Fort for a visit at the 3-star Pugmark Resort. B, D) (4 hrs). Lunch at Pratap Palace. Continue Search for the elusive tiger on a game drive to Udaipur (3 hrs). Two nights at the 4-star DAY 6 Morning game drive by canter. in Ranthambore National Park, where tiger Trident Hotel. B, L, D) numbers and sightings are on the increase. Optional afternoon game drive by canter (£28, pre-bookable only). B, L, D) DAY 9 Visit City Palace. Optional Lake Pichola Sit back and delight in the fascinating boat ride (£11, bookable locally). B, D) images of daily life as you travel by road DAY 7 Travel to Bundi (5 hrs). Visit Sukh through the bustling towns and remote Mahal, Rani Ji ki Baoli stepwell and 84 pillars. DAY 10 Travel to Ranakpur temples for a villages of Rajasthan, bringing you closer to Continue to Kota (4 hrs) to visit the City visit (3 hrs). Continue to Jodhpur (4 hrs) the sights, sounds and bustling activity of Palace and Rao Madho Singh Museum. for overnight at the heritage hotel Devi this fascinating country. Overnight at Umed Bhawan Palace heritage Bhawan. B, D) hotel. B, D) DAY 11 Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Drive to Jaipur (7 hrs) for two nights at the 4-star Trident Jaipur. B, D) DAY 12 Visit City Palace, Observatory and view Palace of the Winds. Optional Sound & Light at Amber Fort (£16, bookable locally). B, D) DAY 13 Optional morning balloon ride in the Jaipur area (£180, bookable locally, weather dependent). Visit Amber Fort. Travel to Delhi (6 hrs). Overnight at the 5-star Taj City Center in Gurgaon. B, D) DAY 14 Return flight. B) Note: Itinerary includes some walking over uneven ground, steep steps and temple visits with shoes off.

Amber Fort, Jaipur

30 “Excellent tour with first class accommodation. Tour guide was knowledgeable and the itinerary varied” Taj Mahal, Agra

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Sundays Sep 20 £1745 Oct 25 £1895 Oct 11 £1845 Nov 8, 22 £1795

2021 – Sundays Jan 17* £1895 Sep 19* £1895 Feb 7, 21 £1945 Oct 10*, 24* £1945 Mar 14* £1945 Nov 14 £1975 Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan Apr 11* £1895 Dec 5* £1995

2020/21 – Sundays (Solo Groups) Sep 13* £1745 Sep 12* £1895 Apr 18* £1895

Supplements per person *NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (limited availability) Double for sole use: 2020 – £445 (Sep £345) 2021 – £475 (Apr/Sep £375) London/Delhi/London British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £395 British Airways Club World – from £1795 Emirates from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur Jain Temple, Ranakpur Birmingham or Glasgow – £95 Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow – nil Privately Guided – £495 (see page 6) EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS Price includes No one can cover all of India on one tour, Air travel and taxes, transfers, 12 nights’ so why not make the most of your time? accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and Discover more of India or relax in a resort 12 dinners, itinerary as described, services of on one of our great range of extensions. guides and local representatives. If our specially Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of after the flight or stay on post-tour to booking, a supplement may apply. reflect, relax or explore independently. Independent Arrival (see page 6) For details please see pages 68 – 72. Save £600 Arrival or departure transfer £24

Golden Temple, Amritsar

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 31 RETURN TO INDIA DELHI

Lucknoww Dholpur Gwalior Varanasi Orchha Khajuraho Bandhavgarh INDIA Jabalpur

17 nights Kanha For the returning visitor to India, revealing India’s from National Park temples, forts, palaces, and religious and colonial Arabian Sea Mumbai heritage and following in the tracks of Kipling’s £2995 ‘Jungle Book’! Bay of Bengal

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS Flight (1 night) Cultural & Countryside Tour Special meals & Hindu Ceremony Mumbai (1), Kanha National Park (2) Jules Verne Sightseeing Breakfast at Brijrama Palace overlooking Bandhavgarh National Park (2) 4 Lunches and 9 Dinners the Ghats along the Ganges. Evening Aarti Ceremony in Varanasi. Khajuraho (2), Orchha (1) 4 Safaris by Jeep Traditional evening meal with one of Gwalior (1), Dholpur (2) Local Expert Guide Throughout Lucknow’s local families to discover the Lucknow (2) Group Size: 4 – 18 Awadhi cuisine. Varanasi (2), Delhi (1)

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY Whilst most visitors start with India’s DAY 1 Fly overnight from your chosen ‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, airport to Mumbai. India is a country that repays repeated DAY 2 On arrival, see the Dabbawalla lunch visits. This rich itinerary includes many carriers. Overnight at the 5-star Trident iconic sights from former Bombay through Nariman Point. Afternoon city tour of the central (Madhya) and northern (Uttar) Mumbai visiting Marine Drive, Gateway provinces (Pradesh) to colonial Lucknow via of India, Victoria Terminus, Dhobi Ghat the forts of Orchha and Gwalior – staying laundries, Prince of Wales Museum and a at heritage and good 4 and 5-star hotels, take a walk in the Kala Ghoda area. so off the beaten track without the need to DAY 3 Fly to Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. sacrifice comfort! Travel to Kanha National Park (6 hrs) for two Travel to India’s holiest place, Varanasi on nights at the Chitwan Jungle Lodge. B, D) Aarti Ceremony, Varanasi the Ganges, Sarnath and the temples of DAY 4 Morning and afternoon game viewing Khajuraho to experience the spirit of India. by jeep in Kanha National Park with time at India has an amazing variety of wildlife, the lodge to relax in between. B, L, D) DAY 12 Visit the local market, village and a as conveyed in Rudyard Kipling’s DAY 5 Travel through the countryside to cooking demonstration. Enjoy a boat safari “Jungle Book”. Bhandhavgarh, with forested Bandhavgarh (5 hrs). Two nights at the at the National Chambal Sanctuary. B) hills interspersed by savannas, boasts the Bandhav Vilas Lodge. Afternoon free. B, L, D) DAY 13 Travel through the countryside of highest density of tigers in India, now Uttar Pradesh to Lucknow (8 hrs) for two arguably the best place to see a tiger but DAY 6 Early morning and afternoon game nights at the 5-star Taj Mahal Lucknow. B) also supporting a rich variety of wildlife viewing by jeep in Bandhavgarh National including leopards, bison, sloths, bears and a Park with time at the lodge to relax between DAY 14 Visit Bada Imambada, Chota myriad of birdlife. the game drives. B, L, D) Imambada, the Residency and La Martiniere. DAY 7 Village walk with a naturalis. Transfer Special evening meal with one of Lucknow’s to Khajuraho (7 hrs) for two nights at the local family to discover Awadhi cuisine. B, D) 4-star Golden Tulip Hotel. B, L) DAY 15 Travel to Varanasi (8 hrs), located on DAY 8 Visit Khajuraho’s western temples. the holy river Ganges, for two nights at the Evening sound and light show. B, D) 4-star Hotel Taj Ganges. B) DAY 9 Travel to Orchha (5 hrs) for overnight DAY 16 Early morning boat on the Ganges at the heritage Amar Mahal. Visit the Fort of followed by breakfast at Brijrama Palace Orchha, dramatically sited and home of the overlooking the Ghats along the Ganges. Bundela kings. B, D) Visit the ruins and museum of Sarnath where Budhha preached. Attend an evening Aarti DAY 10 Drive to Gwalior (4 hrs) for overnight ceremony by the Ganges in Varanasi. B) at the 5-star Usha Kiran Palace. Visit Scindia Palace Museum. B, D) DAY 17 Fly to Delhi. Overnight at the 5-star Taj Palace. B) DAY 11 Visit Gwalior Fort. Travel to Dholpur for two nights at the heritage Raj Niwas DAY 18 Return flight. B) Palace. Welcome drink and dinner. B, D)

32 “Excellent tour, very good accommodation, lots of interest – historical & archaeological – and tigers in the wild!“ Khajuraho Temples

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Tuesday Nov 3 £3095

2021 – Tuesdays Jan 19 £3095 Apr 6 £2995 Feb 16 £3195 Oct 12 £3195 Mar 9 £3145 Nov 16 £3295

Gwalior Fort Supplements per person Double for sole use – £595 (2020 £545; Apr £495) London-Mumbai/Delhi-London British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £395 British Airways Club World – from £1795 Emirates from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham – nil Privately Guided – £995 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 16 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 9 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Bada Imambara, Lucknow Independent Arrival (see page 6) Save £600 EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS Arrival or departure transfer £24 No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time? Discover more of India or relax in a resort on one of our great range of extensions. Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath after the flight or stay on post-tour to reflect, relax or explore independently. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

Jaisalmer Fort

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 33 DELHI

WILD INDIA Shahpurahahpura Bharatpur Dholpur Ranthambore NP

Jawai

Patan Bajana Velavadar INDIA 14 nights Rajkotot A unique Indian wildlife tour through renowned from Sasan Gir national parks and sanctuaries, with bird watching £3695 and game drive experiences, exploring one of the Mumbai richest biodiversity in the World

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS Flight (1 night) Cultural Tour & Wildlife Experience Naturalist Talks, Bush Theme Dinner Bharatpur (1), Dholpur (1) New Tour & beautiful sunset Ranthambore (2) Game Drives by Jeep Three evening wildlife talks by naturalists focussed on tigers, leopards Shahpura (1), Pali (2) Jules Verne Sightseeing and Asiatic lions. Enjoy a bush theme Bajana (1), Velavadar (2) 8 Lunches and 12 Dinners dinner at Blackbuck Lodge & a Sasan Gir (2) Local Expert Guide Throughout memorable sundowner on the top of an Mumbai (1) Group Size: 2 – 8 old fort at Shahpura Bagh.

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY India is home to many fascinating species DAY 1 Fly overnight from your chosen as well as the iconic tiger, whose increasing airport to Delhi. numbers (revealed in the latest census) have DAY 2 Morning arrival and transfer to the led to improved sightings. Novotel Aerocity for wash and change. Drive India’s National Parks reveal a variety of to Bharatpur (5 hrs) for overnight at the mammals and birds from tiger, leopard and heritage hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace. B, D) lion to Langurs, spotted (Chital), Sambar DAY 3 Morning visit by rickshaw to Keoladeo Deer and Nilgai (the largest of India’s National Park, a bird watcher’s paradise. antelopes). Drive to Dholpur for lunch at Raj Niwas By the start of the 20th century, Gir National Palace. Boat safari on the Chambal River, Park was the last refuge in the wild of a natural habitat for gharials, crocodile, the once widely distributed Asiatic Lion, river dolphins, turtles and migratory birds. protected from hunters by the Nawab. It Overnight at Narsingh Bagh resort. B, L, D) reveals similarities but fascinating contrasts DAY 4 Morning jeep safari through the DAY 10 Morning game drive in Little Rann with its slightly larger African relative. Ravines of Chambal visiting Machkund of Kutch, the only ‘sanctuary’ in India for the Leopards are more numerous and Temple, Shergarh Fort and Talab e Shahi. Asiatic Wild Ass, one of the most endangered widespread but harder to spot, the best Afternoon drive to Ranthambore (4 hrs) species in the world. Drive to Velavadar for chance afforded by the rocky Jawai area. for two nights at the Ranthambore Angan two nights at the 4-star Blackbuck Lodge. Keoladeo National Park is a bird sanctuary farm lodge. Enjoy a ‘Tiger Talk’ by a Bush Theme dinner at the hotel. B, L, D) and World Heritage Site. Over 400 species of naturalist. B, L, D) DAY 11 Morning game drive in Blackbuck water birds visit every year, including exotic DAY 5 Early morning and afternoon game National Park, a unique grassland ecosystem, migratory birds from Central Asia and Tibet. drives by jeep in Ranthambore National Park, sanctuary for the blackbucks and a perfect The Indian desert reveals a fascinating one of the best places to see the majestic site for birdwatchers with over 140 species of array of wildlife from the rare blackbuck tiger. Between safaris time to relax. B, L, D) birds. Optional afternoon game drive (£85, (Indian antelope), nilgai and wild asses to DAY 6 Early morning game drive. Drive pre-bookable). B, L, D) varied birdlife. to Shahpura (4 hrs) for overnight at the DAY 12 Drive to Sasan Gir (6 hrs), one of heritage Shahpura Bagh, an authentic home India’s oldest sanctuaries and home to the stay experience in Rajasthan. Sundowner world-famous Asiatic Lion. Two nights at experience by the lake. B) the 4-star Gateway Hotel. Talk on Sasan Gir DAY 7 Morning bird watching before driving National Park and the Asiatic lions. B, D) to Jawai (7 hrs), renowned for leopard DAY 13 Morning game drive in Sasan Gir sightings and bird watching. Naturalist Talk National Park. Time at leisure, then afternoon on the region’s wildlife. Two nights at Jawai game drive. B, L, D) Sagar resort in Pali. B, D) DAY 14 Drive to Rajkot airport visiting en DAY 8 Morning and late afternoon game route Navlakha Palace, Vintage car collection drives for a chance to spot the elusive and Swaminarayan Temple in Gondal. Fly to leopard. B, L, D) Mumbai for overnight at the 5-star Trident DAY 9 Drive to Bajana (7 hrs) visiting en Nariman Point. B, L, D) route Rani ki Vav stepwells in Patan and DAY 15 Return flight to your chosen Modhera Sun Temple. Overnight at Royal airport. B) Asiatic Wild Ass, Little Rann of Kutch Safari Camp. B, D)

34 PRICES New pricesSave REDUCEDshown up to in £200 white

Asiatic Lion, Sasan Gir

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Saturdays Oct 10 £3795 Nov 7 £3995

2021 – Saturdays Jan 23 £3795 Oct 9 £3795 Feb 6, 27 £3895 Oct 23 £3845 Mar 20 £3795 Nov 6 £3895 Apr 10 £3695 Nov 20 £3895 Leopard, Jawai Supplements per person Double for sole use – £995 London – Delhi/Mumbai – London British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £395 British Airways Club World – from £1795 Emirates from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham – nil (extra night may be required) Privately Guided – £495 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 13 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 8 lunches and 12 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply. Blackbuck National Park Independent Arrival (see page 6) EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS Save £600 Arrival or departure transfer £24 No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time? Note Discover more of India or relax in a resort on one of our great range of extensions. This is a full itinerary with some visits on foot with uneven surfaces and inclines. Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath after the flight or stay on post-tour to reflect, relax or explore independently. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 35 Sidhpur Patan Little Rann of Kutch GLORIES OF GUJARAT Bajana via Dubai Ahmedabad INDIA Champaner Vadodara Rajkot Blackbuck NP Velavadar

Sasan Gir Palitana Gir NP 16 nights Diu Exploring Gujarat’s natural, cultural, religious and from princely heritage, visiting the last refuge of the Asiatic Lion and the Little Rann of Kutch £2595 Mumbai

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS Flight (1 night) Cultural Tour & Wildlife Experience Princely Heritage Vadodara (2), Bajana (2) Jules Verne Sightseeing Visit four princely palaces with lunch Ahmedabad (3) Safaris by Jeep included at three: Jambughoda Palace (lunch), Laxmi Vilas Palace (tour), Vijay Velavadar (2) 9 Lunches and 10 Dinners Vilas Palace (lunch) and Orchard Palace Diu (2), Sasan Gir (2) Local Expert Guide Throughout (lunch). Mumbai (1) Group Size: 4 – 18 Flight (1)

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY India continues to astonish, with each region DAY 1 Fly overnight from Heathrow via revealing more amazing discoveries. Gujarat Dubai to Ahmedabad. had as many Maharajas as its northern DAY 2 Transfer to the 4-star Gateway Hotel in neighbour, Rajasthan, but to the south the Vadodara for two nights. Afternoon free. D) Arabian Sea brought influences from Arab to DAY 3 Visit Champaner Fort and mosques. Portuguese, creating a unique heritage with Lunch at Jambughoda Palace. View the palaces, religions and architectural styles. Pithora paintings at a tribal village. B, L, D) Visit Gir National Park, last refuge of the DAY 4 Visit Laxmi Vilas Palace and Baroda Asiatic Lion in the wild! Chance to spot Museum. Continue to Bajana (5 hrs) for two the rare Blackbuck (Indian antelope) in nights at the 4-star Royal Safari Camp. B, D) Blackbuck National Park and wild asses DAY 5 Morning jeep safari in the Little Rann at Little Rann of Kutch. The varied birdlife Laxmi Vilas Palace provides a further great point of interest. of Kutch. Afternoon village safari. B, L, D) DAY 6 Visit the Modhera Sun Temple and As Gandhi’s home region, Gujarat favours DAY 12 Walking tour of Diu visiting the fish Rani ki Vav stepwell at Patan. At Sidhpur, vegetarian food and restricts alcohol market, Diu Fort, and Nagar Seth Haveli. visit the colourful havelis. Continue to consumption except in coastal Diu a former Afternoon at leisure. B) Portuguese enclave, although you can bring Ahmedabad via Adalaj stepwell for three alcohol with you or purchase it by special nights at the 4-star Hyatt Regency. B, L) DAY 13 Visit Somnath Temple. Continue to Sasan Gir for two nights at the 4-star license! DAY 7 Full-day tour of Ahmedabad visiting Gateway Hotel. B, L, D) The countless Jain temples of Palitana, Sidi Saiyad Mosque, Hatheesing Temple, exquisitely carved in marble on the Gandhi Ashram, Dada Hari stepwell and DAY 14 Morning game drive in Sasan Gir Shatrunjaya hills are surely one of the great Shreyas Folk Museum. Thali dinner at the National Park. Optional afternoon game wonders of India, well worth the climb up. historic House of MG. B, D) drive (£75, pre-bookable). B, L, D) Equally Gujarat’s impressive stepwells rival DAY 8 Morning heritage walk of DAY 15 At royal Gondal, visit the palace, Rajasthan and are worth the climb down! Ahmedabad. Visit Mangaldas ki haveli, the prince’s vintage car collection and Manek Chowk, the city museum and Sarkhej Swaminarayan Temple. Lunch at Riverside Roza. B) Palace. Fly from Rajkot to Mumbai for overnight at the 5-star Trident Hotel DAY 9 Travel to Velavadar (3 hrs) for two (sea view rooms). Farewell dinner. B, L, D) nights at the 4-star Blackbuck Lodge. Evening bush theme dinner in the grounds DAY 16 Optional tour of Mumbai including of the lodge. B, L, D) Marine Drive, Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, Dhobi Ghat, Prince of Wales DAY 10 Morning game drive in Blackbuck Museum and take a walk around the Kala National Park. Optional afternoon game Ghoda area (£55, pre-bookable). Return drive (£75, pre-bookable). B, L, D) overnight flight. B) DAY 11 Morning visit to the Jain Temple DAY 17 Arrive London Heathrow. complex at Palitana – 3,800 steps to the top Note: (temple visit can take up to 5 hrs). ‘Dohli’ This is a full itinerary with some visits on foot on uneven surfaces and inclines. Palitana visit carriers may be hired for most of the climb (Day 11) is a gradual but long climb! or wait at Vijay Vilas for lunch at the palace. Travel to Diu (5 hrs). Two nights at 3-star Radhika Beach Resort. B, L) Asiatic Lion, Sasan Gir

36 “A varied and interesting tour with excellent accommodation, fantastic food throughout and a guide who did all he could to make the tour more enjoyable” Jain Temples, Palitana

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room Emirates from Heathrow

2020 – Saturdays Oct 17 £2645 Nov 21 £2695 Nov 7 £2745

2021 – Saturdays Jan 23 £2695 Apr 10 £2595 Feb 13 £2795 Oct 23 £2895 Mar 13 £2745 Nov 6 £2995 Modhera Sun Temple, Patan Supplements per person Double for sole use – £695 (Apr £595) London-Ahmedabad/Mumbai-London Emirates Business Class from £1895 Privately Guided – £795 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 14 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 9 lunches and 10 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Independent Arrival (see page 6) Blackbuck National Park Adalaj Stepwell, Ahmedabad Save £600 Arrival transfer included with group Departure transfer £24 EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time? Discover more of India or Nepal or relax in a resort on one of our great range of extensions. Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath after the flight or stay on post-tour to reflect, relax or explore independently. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

Kathmandu

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 37 SECRET INDIA

16 nights The Karnataka region reveals many hidden gems from from the temples of Hampi, Mysore palaces to hill stations, national parks, the Nilgiri train and £2495 princely Hyderabad

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS Flight (1 night) Cultural & Natural Wonders High Tea & Palace Lunches Bangalore (1) Jules Verne Sightseeing Take high tea at Falaknuma Palace. Mysore (2) 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Enjoy lunches at Lalitha Mahal Palace, built by the Maharaja and Fernhills Ooty (2) 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners Royal Palace. Enjoy high tea at a Coorg Bandipur (1), Coorg (2) Local Expert Guide Throughout family home. Witness the Mysore Palace Hassan (2), Hampi (3) Group Size: 4 – 18 Illumination. Hyderabad (2)

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY Countless temples and royal enclosures DAY 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow survive at Hampi, once capital of a great direct or your chosen airport to Bangalore. Hindu empire, where in the 15th century DAY 2 On arrival use of wash and change more than 100,000 buildings were recorded facilities. Visit Tipu Sultan’s Palace, Chitrakala and flowers and jewels were deemed daily Parishad Art Gallery and Bull Temple. Stay essentials more important than food! It was overnight at the 5-star ITC Windsor Hotel. (B) abandoned after defeat by Muslim sultans, DAY 3 Travel to Mysore (4 hrs) for two nights who in turn fought the British four times at the heritage Royal Orchid Metropole. before Tipu Sultan’s defeat by Wellington. Visit the railway museum and Devyaraja Throughout, the Wadaya Maharajas survived, market. View the evening illumination of building Mysore Palace, complete with Mysore Palace. (B, D) Durbar Hall and Jaganmohan Palace for the DAY 4 Visit Mysore Palace and Jaganmohan Lalitha Mahal Palace, Mysore king’s wedding. The intricate carvings on the Art Palace. Drive up to the temple on temples reveal many lifetimes’ work whilst Chamundi Hills. Lunch at Lalitha Mahal the scenery is varied and dramatic. Palace and visit Srirangapatna, Tipu Sultan’s DAY 12 Travel to Hampi area (7 hrs) for ‘Snooty Ooty’, an old British hill station summer palace. (B, L) three nights at the 4-star Heritage Resort claims the invention of snooker and lies on DAY 5 Drive up to Ooty (5 hrs) for two nights near Hampi. Enjoy sunset overlooking the UNESCO Heritage Nilgiri railway, featured at the heritage Taj Savoy Hotel. Lunch at Hampi. (B, D) on the BBC ‘Indian Hill Railways’ and in the Fernhills Royal Palace. Visit the botanical DAY 13 Travel to the cave temples of Badami film ‘A Passage to India’. gardens, church and local market. (B, L) (3 hrs). Visit the temple complexes of Aihole Coorg country in the Western Ghats and DAY 6 Take the Nilgiri Toy Train and Pattadakal. (B, L) Bandipur National Park are natural highlights (diesel locomotive) to Coonoor (1 hr). Visit a DAY 14 A full-day visit of Hampi including whilst a taste of modern India is provided tea plantation, Sim’s Park botanical garden Virupaksha and Vijaya Vittala temples, by the capital, Bangalore, once a favoured and villages. Lunch at the Taj Gateway Sasivekalu Ganesha, the Stone Chariot; the garden city and Hyderabad, capital of India’s Coonoor. (B, L) royal enclosure, elephant stables, Queens richest princes, the Nizams of Hyderabad. DAY 7 Travel to Bandipur National Park for Bath and Lotus Mahal. Dinner at Hotel overnight at the 3-star Windflower Tusker Malligi. (B, L, D) Trails. Afternoon jungle safari. (B, L, D) DAY 15 Travel into the less-known Telangana DAY 8 Morning jungle safari. Drive to Coorg region to its capital, Hyderabad (9 hrs) region (5 hrs) for two nights at the 3-star for two nights at the 4-star ITC Kakatiya Windflower Coorg. (B, D) Hotel. (B, D) DAY 9 Coffee and spice plantation walk. Visit DAY 16 Visit Fort of Golconda, the the church museum and fort of Madikeri. Archaeological and Nizam Museums, passing Visit a Coorgi home for high tea. (B) Hussain Sagar and the High Court buildings. High Tea and heritage tour at Falaknuma DAY 10 Drive to Hassan (5 hrs) visiting en Palace. (B) route Shravanabelagola Jain Temple and statue. Two nights at the 3-star Hoysala DAY 17 Return direct flight to Heathrow or Village. (B, D) via Dubai to your chosen airport. DAY 11 Visit the temples of Halebeedu and Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad Belur, capitals of the Hoysala empire. (B)

38 “A fantastic tour, everything worked smoothly. All the places were exceptional. Overall great service, accommodation and exceptional guide and driver” PRICES New pricesSave REDUCEDshown up to in £250 white

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Fridays Oct 2 £2695 Dec 18† £3095 Nov 13 £2695

2021 – Fridays Jan 22 £2695 Oct 15 £2695 Feb 19 £2695 Nov 12 £2695 Mar 19 £2595 Dec 17 £2995 Mysore Palace Sep 17 £2495

Supplements per person Double for sole use – £695 British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £545 British Airways Club World – from £2395 *Emirates from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow – nil Privately Guided – £895 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 15 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 7 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of Elephant Stables, Hampi Tea Plantations, Coonoor booking, a supplement may apply.

Independent Arrival (see page 6) EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS Save £600 No one can cover all of India on one tour, Arrival or departure transfer £24 so why not make the most of your time? Discover more of India or relax in a resort Notes on one of our great range of extensions. † Includes Christmas and New Year’s Eve meals. Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath * The later arrival of Emirates flights does not allow after the flight or stay on post-tour to time for wash and change facilities reflect, relax or explore independently. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

Varanasi

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 39 GRAND TOUR OF Hassan Chennai Bangalore (Madras) Mahabalipuram SOUTHERN INDIA Mysore Bandipur INDIA Ootacamund (‘Ooty’) Bay of 20 nights Coimbatore Tanjore Bengal Cochin The temples, palaces, trains, hill stations, villages, Madurai from Arabian waterways and wildlife all go to make up India’s Sea £2995 Kumarakom Periyar exciting southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala Alleppey and Karnataka.

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS Flight (1 night), Mahabalipuram (2) Cultural Tour & Natural Wonders Palace, Dance, Houseboat & Cuisine Tanjore (1), Madurai (2) Jules Verne Sightseeing Illuminated Palace of Mysore; a cooking Periyar (2), Kumarakom (1) 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites demonstration with dinner; special lunches; overnight on a houseboat Houseboat (1), Cochin (2) 7 Lunches and 5 Dinners with a backwaters canoe ride; martial Ooty (2), Bandipur (1) Local Expert Guide Throughout arts and Kathakali classical dance Mysore (2), Hassan (1) Group Size: 4 – 18 performance. Bangalore (2)

INTRODUCTION St. Mary’s Church & Marina Beach. Continue to Mahabalipuram for two nights at the Often people overlook Southern India, 5-star Radisson Resort Temple Bay. B) preferring to explore the ‘Golden Triangle’ in the north, but the full majesty of the south’s DAY 3 Visit Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, temple complexes are equally rewarding. the five Rathas and Krishna Mandapam. B) Crossing the Western Ghats reveals dramatic DAY 4 Drive to Tanjore (7 hrs) via colonial landscapes, hill stations, colonial heritage Pondicherry to visit the Basilica and and even a ‘Toy Train’ with steam locomotive. museum. Overnight at the 4-star Ideal River One of the highlights is a night on a View Resort. B, L, D) houseboat on Kerala’s backwaters. DAY 5 Visit Brihadeeshwara Temple, the art Mysore is renowned for resplendent palaces gallery and Royal Palace Museum. Travel of the illustrious Maharajahs whose hunting to Madurai (5 hrs). Two nights at the 4-star grounds are now national parks with Heritage Madurai Hotel. B) jungle lodges. DAY 6 Take a rickshaw ride. Visit Meenakshi Hopefully recent television programmes Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Gandhi DAY 14 By Nilgiri ‘Toy Train’ to Coonoor set in the lush scenery of Kerala and historic Memorial. B) (1 hr). Visit a tea plantation and lunch at the Cochin (The Good Karma Hospital, The Real DAY 7 Travel to Periyar (5 hrs) to visit a spice historic Taj Hotel. Visit Sim’s Park. B, L) Marigold Hotel) will inspire you to join this plantation. Two nights at the boutique 4-star wide-ranging tour that also includes Ooty DAY 15 Travel to Bandipur National Park for ‘CGH Earth’ Spice Village. ‘Kalaraipayattu’ overnight at the 3-star Windflower Tusker hill station and the fabulous temples of performance, a local martial art. B, D) Madurai, Tanjore and Trichy. Trails. Jungle safari by canter. B, L, D) DAY 8 Morning boat ride in Periyar National DAY 16 Morning jungle safari by canter. ITINERARY Park. Afternoon at leisure. B) Drive to Mysore for two nights at the 5-star DAY 1 Fly overnight from Heathrow direct or DAY 9 Visit a rubber plantation with lunch Radisson Hotel. Visit the railway museum via Dubai to Chennai (former Madras). at a plantation house. Travel to Kumarakom and Devyaraj market. B) (4 hrs) for overnight at the 4-star lakeside DAY 17 Visit Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Art DAY 2 Wash and change facilities. Visit the ‘CGH Earth’ Coconut Lagoon. B, L) Government Museum, Fort St. George, Palace and Chamundi Hills. Lunch at Lalitha DAY 10 Board a Keralan houseboat for an Mahal Palace. Visit Tipu Sultan’s summer overnight backwaters cruise. Canoe on the palace. Mysore Palace illumination. B, L) smaller canals. B, L, D) DAY 18 Transfer to Hassan (3 hrs) visiting the DAY 11 Drive to Cochin. Two nights at 4-star temples of Belur and Halebeedu. Overnight The Fragrant Nature. Visit St. Francis Church, at the 3-star Hoysala Village. B) Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace and DAY 19 Drive to Bangalore (4 hrs). Visit en Chinese fishing nets. Cooking demonstration route the temple of Sravanbelagola. Two and dinner with a local family. B, D) nights at the 5-star ITC Windsor Hotel. B) DAY 12 Visit Kumbalanghi fishing village. DAY 20 Visit Tipu Sultan’s Palace, Chitrakala Kathakali classical dance performance. B, L) Parishad Art Gallery, Bull Temple and drive DAY 13 By train to Coimbatore (4 hrs) then past Vidhan Soudha. B) drive to Ooty (3 hrs) for two nights at the DAY 21 Return flight. B) 4-star heritage Taj Savoy. Visit the botanical Note: Itinerary includes some walking on uneven gardens, church and local market. B) ground. Temple visits include a walk with shoes off. Brihadeeshwara Temple, Tanjore

40 “Excellent guide, very informative & pleasant. Well thought out itinerary” Keralan Backwaters

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Fridays Oct 16 £2995 Dec 11† £3595 Nov 13 £3195

2021 – Fridays Jan 15 £3095 Mar 5 £3095 Jan 22 £3145 Oct 22 £3195 Feb 5 £3195 Nov 5 £3295 Mysore Palace Feb 19 £3195 Dec 3 £3145

Supplements per person Double for sole use: 2020 – £895 (Nov/Dec £995) 2021 – £895 (Feb/Nov £995) British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £545 British Airways Club World – from £2495 *Emirates from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow – nil Privately Guided – £1295 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 19 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 7 lunches and 5 dinners, itinerary as described, services of Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply. EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS No one can cover all of India on one tour, Independent Arrival (see page 6) so why not make the most of your time? Save £600 Discover more of India or relax in a resort Arrival or Departure transfer £24 on one of our great range of extensions, such as Varanasi and the Ganges or on a Notes beach in Goa. † Includes Christmas or New Year’s Eve meal. Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath * The later arrival of Emirates flights does not allow after the flight or stay on post-tour to time for wash and change facilities. reflect, relax or explore independently. Details on request 68 – 72.

Varanasi

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 41 SPLENDOURS OF Chennai (Madras)

to/from Mahabalipuram SOUTHERN INDIA Dubai INDIA Pondicherry

Bay of Bengal Tiruchirapalli 13 nights Tanjore Majestic temples, friendly villages, colonial from Cochin Kumarakom Madurai heritage, verdant hills, the Keralan backwaters plus Mararikulam £2395 Periyar historic Cochin and Madras Alleppey Arabian Sea

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS Flight (1 night) Cultural Tour & Natural Wonders Canoeing the Backwaters, Indian Mahabalipuram (2) Jules Verne Sightseeing Dance & Cooking Pondicherry (1) 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites A canoe ride through the canals of the Keralan backwaters. A cooking Tanjore (1), Madurai (2) 4 Lunches and 6 Dinners demonstration and dinner at the Periyar (2), Kumarakom (1) No or Low Single Supplement home of a local family, and lunch at a Houseboat (1) Local Expert Guide Throughout plantation house. A Kathakali classical Cochin (2) Group Size: 4 – 18 dance performance.

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY Southern India’s history, varied culture, green DAY 1 Fly from your chosen airport via Dubai landscapes and beautiful coastline make any to Chennai (former Madras). visit a rich and diverse experience. DAY 2 On arrival a tour of Chennai visiting Start in eastern Chennai, formerly Madras, the Government Museum, Fort St. George, where the British East India Company started St. Mary’s Church and Marina Beach. Lunch trading and travel across the region of at the excellent Hotel Taj Connemara then Tamil Nadu, viewing its majestic temples, continue to Mahabalipuram for two nights at through hills and tea plantations to the lush the 5-star Radisson Resort Temple Bay. L) Kerala region with its inland waterways and DAY 3 Visit Shore Temple, a World Heritage charming Fort Cochin. monument, Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas The tour is enhanced by the inclusion and Krishna Mandapam. B) of some ‘CGH Earth’ hotels, which are DAY 4 Drive to Pondicherry (3 hrs) for harmonious to the local environment overnight at the 4-star‘CGH Earth’ Palais with high standards – for example at the de Mahe, a boutique hotel in the French DAY 10 Visit a rubber plantation with lunch Spice Village, Periyar, the fine ‘50-mile’ Quarter. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, at a plantation house. Travel to Kumarakom restaurant only uses ingredients from museum and the Sacred Heart Basilica. B) (4 hrs) on Lake Vembanad. Overnight at the within 50 miles and the colonial style DAY 5 Continue south through the Kaveri 4-star‘CGH Earth’ Coconut Lagoon. B, L) bar reflects its hill station history, whilst to the temple of Gangaikondacholapuram ‘Coconut Lagoon’ is only accessible by boat DAY 11 Board a Keralan houseboat for an (3 hrs). Travel to Tanjore (3 hrs) for overnight and the ‘Eighth Bastion’ lies within the Fort overnight backwaters cruise. Canoe through at the boutique hotel Svatma. B, D) Cochin area. the smaller canals. B, L, D) DAY 6 Visit Brihadeeshwara Temple. Other hotels include the Svatma, a member DAY 12 Disembark and drive to Cochin for Continue to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), of the prestigious Relais Chateaux group of two nights at the 4-star boutique ‘CGH Earth’ mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2nd century hotels and the colonial Taj Gateway, set in Hotel Eighth Bastion in Fort Cochin. A BC. Visit the temple complex of Srirangam 62 acres of gardens, with superb views of the walking tour of Fort Cochin includes the and view the Rock Fort. Travel to Madurai city of Madurai. Synagogue, Palace, St. Francis Church (3 hrs).Two nights at the 4-star Taj Gateway and the Chinese fishing nets. Cooking Hotel in Madurai. B, D) demonstration and dinner with a local DAY 7 Enjoy a rickshaw ride to Meenakshi family. B, D) Temple. Visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace and DAY 13 Visit the backwaters fishing village of Gandhi Memorial. B) Kumbalanghi. Afternoon at leisure. Evening DAY 8 Drive up into the Western Ghats to Kathakali classical performance. B, L) Periyar (5 hrs). Visit a spice plantation. Two DAY 14 Return flight via Dubai. B) nights at the 4-star‘CGH Earth’ Spice Village. Note: Itinerary includes some walking over uneven Kalaraipayattu performance, a local martial ground. Temple visits include a walk with shoes off. art. B, D) DAY 9 Morning boat ride in Periyar National Park. Afternoon at leisure. B, D)

Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram

42 “Our tour was lifted from excellent to astonishing by the depth of knowledge and management of our guide” Srirangam Temple, Trichy

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room Emirates from Heathrow or Gatwick

2020 – Sundays Oct 18 £2545 Dec 6 £2645 Nov 8, 22 £2595 Dec 13† £2995

2021 – Sundays Jan 10*, 17* £2595 Apr 11* £2395 Feb 7, 14, £2595 Oct 17* £2495 Feb 28 £2595 Nov 7 £2595 Kerala Mar 7 £2595 Nov 21 £2545 Mar 21* £2545 Dec 5* £2495

Supplements per person *NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (limited availability) Double for sole use: 2020 – £595 2021 – £625 (Apr £545) Emirates from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow – nil Emirates Business Class – from £2095 Privately Guided – £695 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 12 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 4 lunches and Periyar National Park 6 dinners, itinerary as described, services of local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS booking, a supplement may apply. No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time? Independent Arrival (see page 6) Discover more of India or relax in a resort Save £600 on one of our great range of extensions. Arrival or Departure transfer £24 Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath after the flight or stay on post-tour to Note reflect, relax or explore independently. † Includes Christmas and/or New Year’s Eve meal. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

Marari Beach

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 43 HIGHLIGHTS OF Bangalore

SOUTHERN INDIA Mysore INDIA Chennai Kanchipuram Bandipur Mahabalipuram Ootacamund (‘Ooty’) 15 nights Coonoor Pondicherry Exceptional value for a tour from Karnataka’s from Cochin Kumbakonam palaces, parks and hill-station to the backwaters Tanjore £1895 Madurai Periyar of Kerala, the Western Ghats and the temples Alleppey of Tamil Nadu

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES Flight (1 night), Mysore (2) Cultural Tour & Natural Wonders Bandipur (1), Ooty (1) Jules Verne Sightseeing Cochin (2), Alleppey (1) 2 Lunches and 3 Dinners Periyar (1), Madurai (2) Local Expert Guide Throughout Kumbakonam (1) 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Mahabalipuram (2) Group Size: 4 – 24 Chennai (1)

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY India’s magic lies in a vibrant abundance DAY 1 Fly direct from Heathrow to of people and landscapes. Southern India Bangalore. provides a mixture of experiences, from DAY 2 On arrival, breakfast with wash and palaces and national parks to backwaters, change facilities. Drive to Mysore (4 hrs). Two temples and the natural beauty of the nights at the 4-star Grand Mercure. Visit the Western Ghats in three contrasting regions. Devyaraja market and railway museum. B) Karnataka’s treasures include the DAY 3 Visit the palaces of Mysore and extravagant and slightly eccentric Mysore Jagmohan Art and visit Srirangapatna. Palace with its intricate carvings and Evening illumination of Mysore Palace. B) dramatic scenery, the natural beauty of DAY 4 Continue to Bandipur National Park Bandipur and Ooty hill station. Take the for overnight at the 3-star Windflower Tusker Ooty toy train to Coonoor through the Trails. Jungle safari by canter. B, L, D) Meenakshi Temple, Madurai picturesque Nilgiri hills. DAY 5 Optional safari by canter (£24, Kerala’s natural splendour and heritage is pre-bookable). Drive up to Ooty for DAY 9 Drive to Periyar (4 hrs). Overnight revealed. See a way of life from the past on overnight at the 4-star Fortune Sullivan at the 4-star Cardamom County. Optional the backwater cruise, the great old town Court. Visit the botanical gardens, church Kalaraipayattu martial art show. B) of Fort Cochin with its historic buildings and market. B) and scenic lake and landscape of Periyar DAY 10 Morning boat ride in Periyar National National Park. DAY 6 By ‘Toy Train’ to Coonoor (1 hr), by Park. Travel to Madurai (5 hrs). Two nights at road to Cochin via Coimbatore (7 hrs) for two the 4-star Fortune Pandiyan. B) Tamil Nadu’s magnificent temples at nights at the Hotel ‘CGH Earth’ Casino. B) Madurai, Tanjore, and Mahbalipuram DAY 11 Visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace and contrast with colonial Pondicherry and DAY 7 Walking tour of the Fort Cochin area. take a rickshaw ride to Meenakshi Temple. Madras (now Chennai), first colonial capital. Optional evening Kathakali dance show. B) Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum. B) The opportunity is afforded for independent DAY 8 Board a Keralan houseboat for a DAY 12 Travel to Tanjore (3 hrs) to visit exploration or to add optional performances backwaters cruise and lunch. Overnight at Brihadeeshwara Temple. Overnight at and temple visits. the 4-star Lake Canopy in Alleppey. B, L) the 4-star‘CGH Earth’ Mantra Koodam in Kumbakonam. B, D) DAY 13 Travel to colonial Pondicherry and visit its museum (4 hrs). Continue to Mahabalipuram (3 hrs). Visit the Shore Temple. Two nights at the 4-star WelcomHotel Kences Palm Beach. B) DAY 14 Visit the temples of Mahabalipuram. Optional visit to Kanchipuram (£36, pre-bookable), a city of 1,000 temples. B) DAY 15 Travel to Chennai for a city tour. Overnight at the 4-star Hablis Hotel. B, D) DAY 16 Early morning return flight. Note: Itinerary includes some walking over uneven ground. Temple visits include a walk with shoes off. Houseboat, Kerala

44 “Very nice tour, optionals were just right” PRICES New pricesSave REDUCEDshown up to in £150white

Mysore Palace

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Fridays Oct 9 £1895 Nov 6 £1995 Oct 23 £1945

2021 – Fridays Jan 15 £1945 Oct 15 £2045 Feb 5, 19 £1995 Nov 12 £2095 Mar 12 £1945 Brihadeeshwara Temple, Tanjore Supplements per person Single supplement – £565 British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £545 *Emirates from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow – nil

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 14 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 3 dinners, itinerary as described, services of local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Independent Arrival (see page 6) Ooty Toy Train Save £600 Arrival or Departure transfer £24 EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS Note No one can cover all of India on one tour, * The later arrival of Emirates flights does not allow time for wash and change facilities. so why not make the most of your time? Discover more of India or relax in a resort on one of our great range of extensions. Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath after the flight or stay on post-tour to reflect, relax or explore independently. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

Goa

INDIA 020 3533 3945 vjv.com 45 KERALA NATURALLY Wayanad Calicut INDIA

Palakkad

Kerala Arabian Sea Cochin Munnar

Kumarakom Periyar 17 nights Alleppey The remote north, verdant rainforest, Indian from Ocean, backwaters, the verdant Western Ghats, £2695 Trivandrum historic Cochin and Calicut, including a homestay Kovalam and local cuisine

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS Flight (1 night) Cultural & Natural Wonders Tour Kerala Revealed Calicut (1) Jules Verne Sightseeing A variety of activities exploring Wayanad (2), Palakkad (1) 6 Lunches and 5 Dinners Kerala’s arts and crafts, heritage, nature, martial arts and way of life. Enjoy a Cochin (3), Munnar (1) Local Expert Guide Throughout homestay and local cuisines. Periyar (2), Kumarakom (2) Group Size: 4 – 18 Houseboat (1) Kovalam (2), Flight (1)

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY Kerala is naturally blessed as one of the most DAY 1 Fly overnight from Heathrow to beautiful areas of India, known as ‘God’s own Calicut (now Kozhikode) via Abu Dhabi. country’ for its lush vegetation, fertility and DAY 2 Overnight at the 5-star Raviz Resort & scenic splendour. Almost anything grows Spa Kadavu in Calicut. Visit a market, temple here, indeed one has the impression that area and Sweetmeat Street market. D) simply dropping a net into the sea or a seed DAY 3 At Beypore visit an Uru wooden boats into the land brings automatic reward. workshop. Travel to Wayanad (3 hrs) for two Kerala is a unique area, isolated at the south nights at the ‘CGH Earth’ Wayanad Wild. B) western tip of India and largely cut off from DAY 4 Visit a Shiva temple and take tea in the rest of India by the forested mountains of Wayanad. Visit Uravu charity focused on the Western Ghats. The influence of first the bamboo work and a village walk and local Portuguese in 1498 gave way to the Dutch, lunch in Thrikkaipetta. Visit the heritage & then the British and East India Company. tribal museum and learn archery. B, L) Trade was based, primarily, on products such as spices, cashews and tobacco. DAY 5 Transfer to Planters Retreat, Palakkad DAY 12 Drive to Kumarakom (4 hrs). Visit a (5 hrs) for an overnight family homestay. rubber factory and Mudackayam ‘Britisher’ The population is one of the most literate of Welcome drink and a tour of the spices, Club. Lunch with local historian George India and follows a mix of religions, mainly rubber and cocoa plantations. Enjoy a Abraham, author of ‘Path to the Hills’ and Hindu, Muslim and Christian. Kerala is a home-cooked dinner. B, L, D) ‘Gentleman’s Train to Western Ghat’. Visit the pioneer in the world of Ayurvedic medicine churches of Valiya Pally & Cherriapalli. Two DAY 6 Visit a plantation and rice paddy. After and uses age old techniques to fight illness. nights at ‘CGH Earth’ Coconut Lagoon. B, L) Ayurvedic treatments are available in lunch with your homestay family, continue many hotels. to Cochin (4 hrs) for three nights at the 4-star DAY 13 Relax at this fine hotel, perhaps The Fragrant Nature, well-situated on the visit the butterfly garden or book a spa Kerala’s scenic beauty is best appreciated Fort Cochin peninsula. B, L, D) treatment. Evening cultural performance. B) from its backwaters which reach deep into areas unapproachable by road. Tableaux DAY 7 Visit Fort Cochin, the Dutch and DAY 14 Morning at leisure. Board a Keralan of rural life drift by and glimpses of homes, Mattancherry palaces, Synagogue, Chinese houseboat for an overnight backwaters farms, churches, mosques and temples fishing nets and St. Francis’ church. Visit a cruise. Canoe on the small canals. B, L, D) delight the eye. Brahmin community and Konkini family. B) DAY 15 Disembark and drive to Kovalam Cochin, Kerala’s largest city, displays DAY 8 Visit a fisherman’s beach and (4 hrs) for two nights at the 4-star enchanting architecture, heritage and market. Breakfast at a local house. Tuk tuk to Travancore Heritage overlooking the sea. colonial history. This is also evident in the market. Kathakali dance performance. B) Tour of Trivandrum includes Padmanabha Swami Temple, the Kuthiramalika Palace, Kerala’s current (Trivandrum) and former DAY 9 Drive to Munnar (4 hrs). Walk through the zoological gardens, observatory and (Calicut) capitals and the hill stations a tea plantation with picnic lunch. Visit the Vizhinjam Port. B) of Munnar and Periyar high in the tea museum and local markets. Overnight at Western Ghats. the 4-star Tall Trees. B, L) DAY 16 Visit Kanyakumari Devi and Suchindram temples and Vivekananda Discover Kerala’s highlights, with, naturally, DAY 10 Travel to Periyar (3 hrs) for two Memorial Rock. Farewell dinner. B, D) time to relax and absorb its scenic beauty nights at the 4-star‘CGH Earth’ Spice Village. on a houseboat, on the lagoon, on the coast ‘Kalaripayattu’ martial art performance. B) DAY 17 Free day and late checkout before early hours return flight to London via Abu and in the mountains. Get to know the local DAY 11 Experience the village life and farms Dhabi. B) people and their way of life. of Kumily by foot and jeep. Boat ride in Periyar National Park. B)

46 “First experience of a tour in India. Loved it. Guide was brilliant and supportive and knowledge was outstanding” Tea Plantations, Munnar

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room Etihad from Heathrow

2020 – Thursday Nov 19 £2695

2021 – Thursdays Jan 14 £2695 Mar 11 £2695 Feb 11 £2795 Nov 18 £2795

Supplements per person Kerala Backwaters Double for sole use: 2020 – £795, 2021 – £845 Etihad Business Class – from £1795 Privately Guided – £895 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 16 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 5 dinners, itinerary as described, services of local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Independent Arrival (see page 6) Save £600 Arrival or Departure transfer £24

Padmanabha Swami Temple, Kovalam Chinese Fishing Nets, Cochin

EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time? Discover more of India or relax in a resort on one of our great range of extensions. Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath after the flight or stay on post-tour to reflect, relax or explore independently. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

Durbar Square, Kathmandu

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 47 ASSAM & THE Dibrugarh

Majuliajuli Sibsagar to Delhi Steemer Ghat NeamatiGhat anga rk Kazir nal Paark BRAHMAPUTRA Guwahati NationalNatio P r e v i

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a r 11 nights B via Exclusive cruises along India’s iconic Brahmaputra from Dubai river including Kaziranga National Park, home of the one-horned Rhino, Majuli island of £2495 Kolkata (Calcutta) monasteries and old Calcutta

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES Flight (Day 1), Kolkata (2 & 3) Wildlife & Riverscapes Guwahati / Steemer Ghat (4) Exclusive Small Ship Sailing Kaziranga NP / Vishnath (5) Complimentary Cabin Selection Cruising (6), Kaziranga NP (7) Jules Verne Sightseeing Cruising (8), Majuli Island (9) UNESCO Site: Kaziranga National Park Sibsagar (10), Dibrugarh / Guaranteed Departure Delhi (11), Return Flight (12) Group Size: 2 – 34

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY DAY 7 Jeep safari in the Kaziranga Eastern Range, a grassland favoured by From its origins in south-western Tibet, the DAY 1 Fly overnight from your chosen rhinoceros. B, L, D) Brahmaputra breaks through the Himalayas airport to Kolkata via Dubai. DAY 8 Sail upstream calling at a small village in great gorges before flowing for some DAY 2 Transfer to the 5-star Oberoi Grand for for an insight into rural India. B, L, D) 1,800 miles through Assam and Bangladesh. two nights. Welcome dinner. D) DAY 9 Arrive at Majuli Island, known for The river was a vital artery for the East India DAY 3 Visit the flower market and take a its Hindu monasteries and dance-drama Company and daily passenger services cruise on the Hoogly. Visit Victoria Memorial, performance. Visit a monastery at continued until the 1950s with paddle Dalhousie Square, St. John’s Church and a Auniati with an eclectic museum. Dance steamers playing a vital role in bringing panoramic drive around colonial Calcutta. performance at Kamalbari Monastery. Sail to troops and evacuating casualties during the Visit the book market and Jain temple. B) battles of Imphal and Kohima in 1944. Neamati Ghat on the opposite bank. B, L, D) DAY 4 Fly to Guwahati. Transfer to Steemer DAY 10 Visit a tea estate. Drive to Sibsagar, Venture deep into rural Assam, where here Ghat (4 hrs) close to Kaziranga National capital of the kings of Assam until the 1820’s. the river is broad and mighty. Sail past Park to board the RV Charaidew II for a Their culture and architecture is a delightful temples, tea plantations, alongside wildlife seven-night cruise. Traditional Assamese amalgam of Indian and Asian influence. Visit sanctuaries and historical monuments dance performance on board. B, L, D) and meeting gentle, tribal peoples whose the temples with stupa-like profiles and DAY 5 Early morning jeep safari in exposure to tourism has been minimal. palaces. B, L, D) Kaziranga’s Central Range, home to the DAY 11 Disembark. Transfer to Dibrugarh Also discover the vibrant former colonial world’s largest population of the Indian airport (5 hrs) passing through the colonial capital of Calcutta (Kolkata), still known One-horned Rhinoceros. Cruise upstream town and major base for American flights to for its colonial-era avenues, grand Victoria along the park border, looking out for China in WWII. Fly via Guwahati to Delhi for Memorial and cricket ground. wildlife. Arrive at Vishnath for a walking tour overnight at the 5-star ITC Maurya. B) You may be inspired by the 2017 visit by and visit its Shiva temple. B, L, D) DAY 12 Return flight via Dubai. B) the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge to the DAY 6 Full-day sailing up the Brahmaputra, national park of Kaziranga – this cruise opportunity to sight Gangetic dolphins RV CHARAIDEW II allows visits to this unique home for the while passing remote villages. Evening one-horned rhinos, as well as elephants, arrival at Dhansiri Mukh. B, L, D) Operated by Assam Bengal Navigation the deer, buffalo and outstanding birdlife. RV Charaidew II launched in early 2019. 18 air-conditioned cabins with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and French balconies. 12 standard twin/double cabins (240 sq. ft.) and two Luxury front cabins (350 sq. ft.) on the Upper Deck. Two double cabins and two single cabins (all 170 sq. ft.) on the Main Deck. The crew are mainly Indian, the currency the Indian Rupee (Pounds, Euro and U.S. Dollar, Visa/Master cards accepted), the language English and WiFi (free/limited). The vessel has a comfortable saloon and bar, dining room, open sun deck, spa and gym. Tea, coffee and water are complimentary. For more details, please see vjv.com. RV Charaidew II

48 “Absoloutely amazing. Assam Bengal Navigation are simply wonderful. We loved being off the beaten track and not having to keep unpacking” DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room – Main Deck cabin Emirates from Heathrow or Gatwick

2020 – Wednesday Nov 4 £2695

2021/2022 – Wednesdays Mar 24 £2595 Mar 23 £2695 Apr 21 £2495 Apr 16 £2495 Nov 3 £2895

Supplements per person Double for sole use – £995 (Apr 16 £795) Upper Deck (twin or double) – £295 Upper Deck double for sole use – £1295 (Apr 16 £1095) Upper Deck Luxury cabin – £795 Emirates from Manchester or Birmingham – nil London-Kolkata/Delhi-London Emirates Business Class – from £2095

Price includes Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 7-night cruise, 3 nights’ at 5-star hotels, breakfast daily, 1 dinner, full board on cruise, excursions, cruise director, local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Independent Arrival (see page 6) Save £650 EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS Arrival or departure transfer £24 No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time? Note Discover more of India or relax in a resort Embarkation is sometimes at simple landing stages. on one of our great range of extensions. Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath after the flight or stay on post-tour to reflect, relax or explore independently. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 49 THE HOLY GANGES to Delhi Chunar Ghazipur Maner Patna Varanasi Buxar Ganges

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OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES Flight (Day 1), Kolkata (2 & 3) Culture & Riverscapes Patna / Start of Cruise (4) Complimentary Cabin Selection Maner / Goghra (5), Buxar (6) Small Ship Sailing Ghazipur (7), Varanasi / Sarnath (8) Excursions Included Chunar / Ramnagar (9) Full Board on Cruise Varanasi (10), Delhi (11) No Single Supplement Return Flight (12) Group Size: 4 – 24

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY DAY 8 Set sail for Varanasi. Boisterous, flamboyant, frenetic and many more Travellers familiar with India will know that DAY 1 Fly overnight from your chosen adjectives are used to catch the essence cruising is the perfect way to enjoy this airport to Kolkata. of Varanasi. Visit Sarnath, where Buddha magical country. Far away from the frenetic DAY 2 Transfer to the 5-star Oberoi Grand for preached and the archaeological museum roads, life on board offers a grandeur of two nights. Welcome drink and dinner. D) with the ‘Ashokan Lion’, inspiration for the scenery and a tranquillity that is unique. DAY 3 Cruise on the Hoogly River. Visit the Indian flag. B, L, D) So, a cruise on India’s most famous river flower and book market, Jain temple, Victoria presents an opportunity not to be missed, DAY 9 Sail to Chunar to visit the old Memorial, St. John’s Church and a panoramic viewing this great river from the water. British cemetery, Mughal fort and tombs. drive around colonial Calcutta. B) Enjoy carpet weaving and Chunar pottery At holy Varanasi visit the various Ghats DAY 4 Fly to Patna and embark on the demonstrations, before calling at Ramnagar where the living seek purification and the RV Rajmahal for a seven-night cruise. B, D) to visit the Maharaja’s palace, museum and dead salvation. Lining the Ganges with a Durbar Hall. B, L, D) collision of colours and an assault on the DAY 5 Cruise upstream to Maner to visit a senses, this is one of the seven Hindu holy small Moghul tomb. Pass the confluence DAY 10 Morning boat ride on the Ganges cities with temples jostling for space in its with the River Sone to the busy port of to see the colourful bathing ghats. Walking tangle of ancient streets. Sailing between Doriganj. Moor overnight near the River tour of Varanasi. Evening Aarti ceremony on here and Patna is a journey through history Goghra. B, L, D) the Ganges. B, L, D) and Hinduism. From Mughal tombs and DAY 6 Sail past Ballia towards Buxar, famous DAY 11 Disembark and fly to Delhi for a Maharaja’s palace, to bathing ghats and for the battle in 1764, which together with overnight at the 5-star ITC Maurya. B) relics of the British Raj, it is exotic and Plassey, laid the foundations of the British DAY 12 Return flight. B) chaotic, in fairly equal measure. Raj. Visit the memorial on the battlefield Note: Alcohol is not available between Patna and Our cruising partner, Assam Bengal and the old East India Company cemetery. Buxar due to local state regulations. Navigation, has now successfully pioneered Rickshaw ride to the ghats of Buxar. B, L, D) this cruise between Varanasi and Patna, quiet DAY 7 Cruise past Chausa to Ghazipur, RV RAJMAHAL and remote parts of the river contrasting centre for legal opium production. Visit the Operated by Assam Bengal Navigation, with hectic Varanasi. Cruises operate only tomb of Lord Cornwallis, responsible for the the RV Rajmahal was built in Kolkata with during August and September when water British defeat at Yorktown. B, L, D) extra-shallow draught and a lower profile levels are at their best for cruising. than conventional designs to enable it to cruise further upstream than most vessels. Comfortable saloon, sundeck, bar, dining room and small spa. Tea, coffee and water are complimentary. Cold towel service, welcome drink and shoe cleaning are offered after each excursion. 22 Main and Upper Deck cabins with four Main Deck Single cabins, all are air-conditioned with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and French balconies. WiFi (free/limited). For more details, please see vjv.com.

Varanasi

50 “This was a great trip. We love The Oberoi Grand in Kolkata. The cruise was great, the staff, food and accommodation were all fabulous” River Ganges, Varanasi

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin room/Main Deck cabin Emirates from Heathrow or Gatwick

2020 – Tuesdays Aug 18* £2495 Sep 1* £2795

2021 – Tuesdays Aug 24* £2395 Sep 7* £2795

Supplements per person *NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (Main Deck single cabin – limited availability) Victoria Memorial, Kolkata Main Deck double for sole use – £695 (Aug 18 £445; Aug 24 £495) Upper Deck – £295 Upper Deck double for sole use – £945 (Aug 18 £695; Aug 24 £745) Emirates from Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow – nil London-Kolkata/Delhi-London Emirates Business Class – from £2095

Price includes Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 7-night cruise, 3 nights’ hotel, breakfast daily, full board on cruise, local expert guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply. Ramnagar Fort RV Rajmahal Independent Arrival (see page 6) INDIA EXTENSIONS Save £700 Arrival or departure transfer £24 No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time? Discover more of India or relax in a resort on one of our great range of extensions. Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath after the flight or stay on post-tour to reflect, relax or explore independently. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

Darjeeling

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 51 ALONG THE BANKS Darjeeling

Gan OF THE HOOGLY ges English Bazaar Farakka

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OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES Flight (Day 1), Kolkata (2) Culture & Riverscapes Farakka / Cruise Start (3), Gaur (4) Exclusive Sailing (Except Feb / Apr 2021) Baranagar / Murshidabad (5) Complimentary Cabin Selection Khushbagh / Katwa (6) Excursions Included Matiari / Mayapur (7), Kalna (8) Full Board on Cruise Chandernagore / Barrackpore (9) Guaranteed Departure Kolkata (10), Return Flight (11) Group Size: 2 – 24

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY DOWNSTREAM DAY 6 Walk to Khushbagh, a Moghul-style garden. Cruise to the battlefield of Plassey, Much has been written about the British DAY 1 Fly overnight from your chosen where in 1757 Clive of India defeated love affair with India, with books ranging airport to Kolkata via Dubai. Siraj-ud-Daulah. Visit the obelisk and moor from M.M. Kaye’s ‘The Far Pavilions’ to William DAY 2 A busy waterway in Kolkata and near Katwa. B, L, D) Dalrymple’s ‘White Mughals’. This love affair India’s only major riverine port; it assumes DAY 7 Visit the brass-working village of manifests itself in many ways; the rhythm of an almost backwater feel the further it gets Matiari and the temples of Mayapur. B, L, D) tranquil days in rural communities, ancient from the city, hemmed by rural life and rarely temples and cities, medieval towns and visited ruins. Visit the Jain temple, college DAY 8 Sail to Kalna. Travel to the terracotta palaces. All these and more can be found in street, book market and take a tram ride. temples by rickshaws. Visit Imambara on the this unique cruise of some 250 miles through Welcome drink, dinner and overnight at the outskirts of Kolkata. B, L, D) rural countryside away from the tourist trail, 5-star heritage Oberoi Grand hotel with a DAY 9 Sail to Chandernagore and visit its affording the less common opportunity to fusion of classical Victorian and traditional museum and sail past the Dutch settlement observe Indian life from the comfort of a Indian style architecture. D) of Chinsura. At Barrackpore, walk through charming small river vessel. DAY 3 By train to Farakka (6 hrs). Embark the cantonment past the Semaphore Tower, The River Hoogly, once an artery for the on the RV Sukapha or RV Rajmahal for a Government House, the Temple of Fame and jute trade and East India Company between seven-night cruise. B, D) Flagstaff House. B, L, D) Calcutta and the Ganges, had no long DAY 4 Full-day excursion to Gaur, close to DAY 10 Sail under the Howrah Bridge to distance passenger vessels since 1850 with the English Bazaar (now the town of Malda), central Kolkata for overnight. Drive around the advent of the railway but does reveal once one of India’s great cities, which has colonial Calcutta and visit Victoria Memorial, nowadays interesting local passenger and many mosques and palace remains. B, L, D) Dalhousie Square and St. John’s Church. B) cargo vessels and ferries. DAY 5 Sail down the Hoogly proper to DAY 11 Return flight to your chosen airport Discover monuments from the East India Baranagar. Continue to Murshidabad to via Dubai. B) Company, the Mughals and one of India’s visit the Nawab’s Hazarduari Palace, Katra most romantic places – the ancient capital Mosque and the 18th-century palaces of RV SUKAPHA & RV RAJMAHAL of the Nawabs of Bengal, Murshidabad, now Nashipara and Katgola. B, L, D) a village, its mansions, mosques and tombs Operated by Assam Bengal Navigation, surrounded by rice paddies and mango both vessels have a saloon, dining room, orchards. sundeck and WiFi (free/limited). Cabins are air-conditioned with private facilities, hairdryer and safe. Food is a mix of Assamese (milder than most Indian cuisine) and continental. Wines, beer and spirits are available. Complimentary tea, coffee and water. The RV Sukapha (launched 2006) has 12 Upper Deck cabins and a single cabin on the Main Deck. The newer and more spacious RV Rajmahal (launched 2014) has a small spa and 14 Upper Deck, four Main Deck and four Main Deck single cabins with French RV Sukapha balconies.

52 “An absolutely fabulous tour which we would recommend to anyone who loves India” PRICES New pricesSave REDUCEDshown up to in £400 white

Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room – Main Deck cabin (RV Rajmahal), Upper Deck cabin (RV Sukapha) Emirates from Heathrow or Gatwick

2020 – Wednesdays (10 nights) RV Sukapha Downstream Oct 7 £1995 Nov 18 £2595

2021/2022 – Tuesdays (10 nights) RV Rajmahal Downstream Feb 16 £2695 Apr 12* £2495 Apr 13 £2295 Katra Mosque, Murshidabad

2021/2022 – Tuesday (11 nights) RV Rajmahal Upstream± Oct 25* £2695 Feb 21* £2795

Supplements per person *NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (limited availability) Single supplement – £495 Double for sole use – £695 Upper Deck – £295 (RV Sukapha – nil) Upper Deck Double for sole use – £995 Emirates from Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow – nil Emirates Business Class – from £2095

RV Rajmahal Kalna Temples Price includes Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 7-night cruise, 2/3 nights’ hotel, breakfast daily, EXTENSION – DARJEELING 1 dinner, full board on cruise, excursions, cruise Extend in Darjeeling for two nights at the director, local guides and representatives. If our 4-star Mayfair with sightseeing included. specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply. Downstream Itinerary – from £695 Fly to Bagdogra and transfer to Darjeeling Independent Arrival (see page 6) for two nights. Fly Bagdogra to Delhi for Save £600 overnight before return flight to London. Arrival or departure transfer £24 Upstream Itinerary – from £695 By train to Siliguri for overnight. Drive to Note Darjeeling for two nights. Fly to Kolkata ± The upstream itinerary operates in reverse and for overnight before return flight to UK. has an extra night in Kolkata. See vjv.com for full itinerary. Darjeeling

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 53 ARTISANS OF BENGAL Nabadwip Mayapur

Kalna Phulia Guptipara INDIA

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o Embark on our new Artisans themed cruise along from H the Hoogly river through the heart of Bengal £2095 Bally Bridge discovering traditions with manifestations of Via Dubai Kolkata artisans, renowned weavers, writers and poets

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES Flight (Day 1) Culture and Riverscapes Kolkata (2) New Cruise Bally Bridge (3) Excursions Included Bandel (4) No Single Supplement Kalna (5) Full Board on Cruise Mayapur (6) Local Expert Guides Fulia (7), Kolkata (8 – 11) Group Size: 8 – 30#

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY The Ganga has witnessed the rise of vibrant DAY 1 Fly overnight to Kolkata via Dubai. civilisations with mesmerising creativity, DAY 2 Embark RV Bengal Ganga. Visit the science and healing. Bengal, the point Weaver’s Studio and Textile Study Centre. where the Ganga meets the sea provides Introduction to the fabulous fabrics and abundance of spiritual and material wealth. weaves you will see. L, D) Join our new themed cruise on the Hoogly DAY 3 Tour of Kolkata, viewing the British river and immerse yourself in the heart of colonial buildings. Visit St. John’s Church, Bengal, the artisans, weavers, writers and Victoria Memorial Museum. Overnight by poets who inspired the Bengali Renaissance. Bally Bridges. B, L, D) Follow the faint sounds of weaving from villages on the river and learn about DAY 4 Sail to Bandel, founded by Portuguese thriving ancient crafts of the communities settlers. Visit the Hoogly Imambara, a Shiya Kolkata who settled here turning river islands into pilgrimage centre. B, L, D) renowned centres for fabrics. DAY 5 Sail to Kalna. Cycle rickshaw to Rajbari It is 90 years since the cotton town of Temple Complex. Visit a local weaver’s home DAY 10 Explore College Street Book Market Darwen in Lancashire welcomed Gandhi to see the traditional weaving of muslin and the flower market. Visit Kumartuli, a and mill-owners tried to influence him cloth, a cotton fabric of plain weave. Visit the potters’ quarter famous for sculpting, clay by showing the hardship the textile local market. B, L, D) idols and Sholapith (reed) handicrafts. Farewell dinner. B, L, D) industry was suffering due to the Indian DAY 6 Sail to Nabadwip. Explore the independence movement boycott. Gandhi riverbank to see the locals engaged in DAY 11 Disembark for your return flight. B) said “My dear, you have no idea what handloom weaving. Sail to Mayapur, poverty is.” Gandhi held a passionate home of the Krishna Consciousness RV BENGAL GANGA view on handlooms’ role in the nation’s Movement. Experience the fascinating Operated by Heritage River Cruises, the economy and promoted spinning for rural culture. Walk through the pilgrim’s 200 ft. RV Bengal Ganga was built in 2004. self-employment. Today, handlooms occupy bazaar. B, L, D) Designed as a replica of the colonial style second place to agriculture in providing DAY 7 Sail downstream to Guptipara, ‘Clyde’ steamers, popular at the height of livelihood to the people of Bengal. producing the finest rice in West Bengal. Visit Empire. The vessel has 28 cabins. the Temple complex with fantastic terracotta The vessel has a lounge bar, dining room works. Visit a potter’s home. Visit Phulia and observation deck. Meals comprise buffet specialised in jacquard and jamdani saree breakfast and lunch and served dinner. weaving. B, L, D) Complimentary tea, coffee and water are DAY 8 Sail to Chandernagore, a French available. colony in 1673. Explore the colonial All cabins have their own air-conditioning buildings. Visit the Sacred Heart Church, units, mini-safe, luggage storage, wardrobe the oldest university in India. Moor in and hairdryer, bath robes and slippers. Main Kolkata. B, L, D) Deck Twin cabin (145 sq. ft.) Upper Deck DAY 9 Visit Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb. Twin cabin (145 sq. ft.) Upper Deck Premier View the Kalighat Temple for the Pattachitra cabin (224 sq. ft.) Wifi is free and available in paintings. Visit the Indian Museum. B, L, D) the public areas (limited). More details on vjv.com.

54 RV Bengal Ganga

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double Main Deck cabin Emirates from Heathrow

2020 Sep 23* (Wed) £2095 Nov 27 (Fri) £2195

2021 Jan 12* (Tue) £2295 Mar 31*(Wed) £2095 Mar 6 *(Sat) £2195

Supplements per person Spinners *NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (limited availability) Main Deck double for sole use – £495 Upper Deck – £295; Upper Deck double for sole use – £1295; Premium Cabin – £495 Emirates from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow – nil Emirates Business Class – from £2095

Price includes Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 9 night cruise, full board on cruise, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Independent Arrival (see page 6) Mayapur Kalna Save £600 Arrival or departure transfer £24

EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS Notes No one can cover all of India on one tour, Excursions are on foot and may be over uneven so why not make the most of your time? ground and inclines. Discover more of India or relax in a resort #The vessel takes up to 56 passengers but groups will on one of our great range of extensions. be divided for sightseeing. The programme may be Add extra nights pre-tour to draw breath altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites. after the flight or stay on post-tour to reflect, relax or explore independently. For details please see pages 68 – 72.

Tiger Hill, Darjeeling

INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 55 DISCOVER NEPAL NEPAL Pokhara Kandani Danda Pokhara Lakeside Gorkha Nagarkot KATHMANDU Lumbini Chitwan

12 nights via Doha or Dubaiubai Nepal’s natural splendour and cultural heritage from INDIA from the Himalayas and the birthplace of Buddha to the jungle, the homeland of the Gurkhas and £2695 legendary Kathmandu

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES Flight (1 night) Cultural & Natural Wonders Tour Kathmandu (2) Jules Verne Sightseeing Chitwan (2), Lumbini (1) Improved Itinerary Pokhara Lakeside (1) 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Pokhara Kandani Danda (2) 5 Lunches and 8 Dinners Gorkha (1) Local Expert Guide Throughout Kathmandu Area (2) Group Size: 2 – 8#

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY Nepal remains an essentially agrarian DAY 1 Fly overnight from your chosen society, where most live in relatively airport to Kathmandu via Doha. inaccessible rural areas on subsistence DAY 2 Arrive Kathmandu farming little altered in hundreds of years. (altitude 1,400 metres) for two nights at the The architectural heritage of Nepal retains 4-star Aloft Hotel located in the centre. its old world charm and, whilst synthesising DAY 3 Optional morning flight over Chinese and Indian influence, undoubtedly the Himalayas and Mount Everest embodies a spirit of its own. The friendliness, (weather permitting) approx. US$250 cheerfulness and welcoming nature of the – bookable locally. Visit Narayanhiti Nepalese is legendary. Discover the stupas Palace Museum (former Royal Palace). of Kathmandu, experience the wildlife of Visit Boudhanath stupa. Visit Kathmandu Chitwan National Park, enjoy the panorama Durbar Square, take a rickshaw ride Chitwan National Park of the Himalayan peaks from Pokhara in the to Thamel and the courtyards of Annapurna area and view the immensity of ‘Babarmahal revisited’. Dinner with cultural Everest from a special ‘mountain’ flight. DAY 7 Drive to Pokhara, Lakeside (7 hrs). dance performance. B, D) Overnight at the 3-star Atithi Resort & Spa. Both the Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini are DAY 4 Drive to Chitwan (6 hrs). Two nights at Visit Barahi Temple. Enjoy a lake cruise. B) recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites, the 4-star Kasara resort on the National Park DAY 8 Visit the Gurkha and Mountain the latter known as the birthplace of Buddha border. Ox cart ride to Tharu village. B, L, D) and the former comprising three contrasting museums, Seti gorge, Devi’s Falls and the Old DAY 5 Canoe ride and jungle walk. Jeep towns, each with its own temples, Durbar Bazaar. Drive up to Kandani Danda for two safari inside the National Park. Tharu cultural Square and individual character. nights of the famed hospitality of the 4-star show and dinner. Talk by a jungle naturalist Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, stunningly The heritage of the Gurkhas from central on elephants and rhinos. B, L, D) located above the Pokhara Valley at over Nepal is explored at their museum in DAY 6 Travel to Lumbini (4 hrs) for overnight 2,000 metres. B, L, D) Pokhara and in their homeland of Gorka at the 4-star Hokke Hotel. Visit Lumbini from where King Prithvinarayan Shah once DAY 9 Sunrise view of the Annapurna range Garden, Maya Devi temple and monasteries, ruled all of Nepal. (weather permitting). A bird watching walk and take a rickshaw ride. B, D) and village walk. Afternoon free. B, L, D) DAY 10 Drive to Gorkha (5 hrs). Overnight at Gorkha Gaun Resort. Visit Gorkha Museum (Tallo Durbar). B, L, D) DAY 11 Drive to Kathmandu (5 hrs) visiting the Manakamana Temple by cable car. Two nights at the 4-star Hotel Vivanta by Taj at Patan in the Kathmandu area. B) DAY 12 Sightseeing of Patan including the Bahal Courtyards. Visit Swayambhunath, Bhaktapur and Thangka Painting School. Singing bowl experience. Farewell dinner with a local family and Everest summiteer or Sherpa. B, D) DAY 13 Return flight via Doha. B) Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge

56 “Superb tour. Amazing itinerary. Our guide went all out to make our trip so wonderful” Boudhanath Temple, Kathmandu

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room Qatar from Heathrow or Manchester

2020 – Saturdays Oct 17 £2795 Nov 14 £2695 Oct 31 £2745

2021 – Saturdays Feb 20 £2695 Oct 16 £2895 Mar 20 £2795 Nov 6 £2845 Apr 17 £2845 Nov 20 £2795 Pokhara Supplements per person Double for sole use – £495 (2020 £445) Qatar or Emirates from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester – nil London- Dubai/Doha - London Qatar/Emirates Business Class – from £2095 Privately guided – £345 (see page 6)

Extra nights – Kathmandu Vivanta by Taj/Aloft Hotel (per night) – £85 Single supplement – £59 Arrival and departure transfers included

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 11 nights’ Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini Patan accommodation, breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 8 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply. Travel to Nagarkot (2,175m) for two nights at the 4-star Club Himalaya on Windy Hill Independent Arrival (see page 6) with views of the Himalayas. Enjoy a walk around the villages and hillsides. Return Save £700 Arrival or departure transfer £24 flight from Kathmandu. Breakfast daily. 2 nights – £245; Single supplement – £75 Note Alternatively add extra nights in # To facilitate road travel and access, vehicles carry a Kathmandu pre-tour or post-tour or join maximum of 8 people, each with their own guide. an extension in India. For details please see pages 68 – 72. Nagarkot, Nepal

NEPAL 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 57 BHUTAN & THE via Dubai NEPAL Punakha KATHMANDU Paro Thimphu HIMALAYAS BHUTAN

12 nights INDIA In royal footsteps to the happy Himalayan from mountain kingdom of Bhutan, plus Nepal’s Kolkata cultural heritage and old Calcutta £3695 via Dubai

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES Flight (1 night) Cultural & Natural Wonders Tour Kolkata (2 nights) Jules Verne Sightseeing Thimphu (3 nights) 6 Lunches and 9 Dinners Punakha (1 night) Local Expert Guides Paro (2 nights) Group Size: 6 – 18 Kathmandu Area (3 nights)

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY Bhutan is a country whose heritage is closely DAY 1 Fly overnight from your chosen guarded by its rulers and where by their own airport to Kolkata via Dubai. admission happiness comes before profit. In DAY 2 Transfer to the 5-star Oberoi the words of one government minister “we Grand for two nights. Afternoon visit to have deliberately safeguarded the ancient Victoria Memorial, Dalhousie Square, way of life in all its aspects… a policy of St. John’s Church, Howrah Bridge, Jain restricted tourism and socio-economic temple, markets and colonial Calcutta. development is followed”. Nestling in the DAY 3 Heritage walk from Bow Barracks to Eastern Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan the Burra Bazaar. Visit Kalighat Temple and has changed little and spirituality permeates take a tram ride. B) every aspect of daily life. The Buddhist philosophy that all life is sacred is deeply DAY 4 Fly to Paro in the kingdom of Bhutan. Boudhanath Temple, Kathmandu engrained, evidence being its estimated Transfer to the 3-star Hotel Riverview in 770 bird species and astonishing variety of Thimphu for three nights. View Buddha rhododendrons, orchids, wildlife and forests. Dordenma. B, L, D) DAY 10 Fly along the Himalayas to The architectural heritage of Nepal retains DAY 5 Visit the Institute of Traditional Kathmandu for three nights at the 4-star its old world charm, notwithstanding 2015’s Medicine, Institute of Zorig Chusum Vivanta By Taj in Patan area. B, D) earthquake which damaged some temples (painting) and National Library. B, L, D) DAY 11 Optional morning flight over and palaces, and, whilst synthesising DAY 6 Visit the Cheri Gompa Monastery the Himalayas and Mount Everest Chinese and Indian influence, undoubtedly (uneven footpaths, 60 minutes steep (weather permitting), approx. US$250 – embodies a spirit of its own. The walk). Visit the National Memorial Chorten bookable locally. Sightseeing of Patan with friendliness, cheerfulness and welcoming and craft emporium, Tashichho Dzong a singing bowl performance. Later explore nature of the Nepalese is legendary. The (royal citadel) and Weekend market. B, L, D) Kathmandu including a rickshaw ride. B, D) Kathmandu Valley is recognised as UNESCO DAY 7 Cross Dochula Pass (over 3,000m) DAY 12 Visit Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. World Heritage site, comprising of three viewing Buddhist chortens, Mani walls, Afternoon sightseeing of Bhaktapur. B, D) contrasting towns, each with its own prayer flags and Bhutan’s highest Himalayan DAY 13 Return flight from Kathmandu via temples and individual character. peaks to Punakha for a night at the 3-star YT Dubai. B) Hotel. Walk to the Chimi Lhakhang temple. Notes: This is a full itinerary with visits on foot with Visit Punakha Dzong, the former capital and some uneven surfaces and inclines. Tiger’s Nest walk coronation site. Evening walk. B, L, D) is a trek of up to 2 ½ hours to the cafe/viewpoint (uphill can be by pony at additional cost, downhill is DAY 8 Travel to Paro (4 hrs). Visit Ta Dzong on foot). (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and the The itinerary reaches 3,100 metres (10,000 feet) 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang temple. Two and is not suited to those predisposed to conditions nights at the 3-star Hotel Olathang. B, L, D) aggravated by high altitude. DAY 9 By road and on foot to Taktsang Gompa known as Tiger’s Nest TRAVEL IN BHUTAN Monastery (uneven footpaths, 60-90 The Bhutan hotels provide adequate lodging minutes’ walk to the tea house for a good in rooms with private facilities but do not view, then 60 minutes more difficult walk fully match international standards in terms to the monastery). Visit a local family of food, service and standard. On occasion, and traditional farmhouse. Walk around other hotels of similar standard may be used. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata Paro. B, L, D)

58 “Our guide and driver in Bhutan were fantastic, knowledgeable, patient, helpful, kind and funny – we loved them” Taktsang Gompa, Paro

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room Emirates/Fly Dubai from Heathrow

2020 – Saturday Oct 17 £3695

2021 – Saturdays Feb 13 £3795 Oct 23 £4095 Mar 13 £3995 Nov 13 £4095

Supplements per person Punakha Dzong, Bhutan Double for sole use – £595 (2021 £645) Emirates from Manchester – nil Emirates Business Class – from £2095 Privately Guided – £145 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 11 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 9 dinners, itinerary as described, services of local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Independent Arrival (see page 6) Save £600 Arrival or departure transfer £24 Rinpung Dzong, Bhutan Buddha Dordenma Temple, Thimphu

EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS Travel to Nagarkot (2,175m) for two nights at the 4-star Club Himalaya on Windy Hill with views of the Himalayas. Enjoy a walk around the villages and hillsides. Return flight from Kathmandu. Breakfast daily. 2 nights – £245; Single supplement – £75 Alternatively add extra nights in Kathmandu or Dubai pre-tour or post-tour or join an extension in India. For details see pages 68 – 72. Nagarkot, Nepal

INDIA / BHUTAN / NEPAL 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 59 THREE KINGDOMS

CHINA BEIJING

19/21 nights Lhasa TIBET Shigatse Gyantse from NEPAL BHUTAN Meet the Mountain People of the Himalayas with KATHMANDU Punakha Nagarkot ParoTHIMPHU visits to Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan, Land of the £6895/ Thunder Dragon £7295 to Delhi

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENT Flight (1 night) Cultural & Natural Wonders Tour Tibetan Open-air Performance Beijing (2), Lhasa (3) Jules Verne Sightseeing Enjoy an evening outdoor performance Shigatse (2), Lhasa (1) 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the background of Lhasa’s splendid landscape. Hear the story of Princess Kathmandu (3), Nagarkot (2) UK Tour Manager (2021) Wencheng of Tang Dynasty marrying Thimphu (2) Local Expert Guides Tubo King Songtsen Gambo Punakha (2) Bhutan & Tibet Travel Permits Included 1,300 years ago. Paro (2), Delhi (1) Group Size: 6 – 18

INTRODUCTION DAY 3 Visit the iconic Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the best preserved sections. B, L, D) Journey across the ‘Roof of the World’ and delve into the fascinating world of mountain DAY 4 Fly to Lhasa. Three nights at the lore in the Kingdoms of Tibet, Nepal and 4-star St. Regis Hotel. Time at leisure to Bhutan. Explore the cultural heritage of the acclimatise. B, D) fabled cities of Lhasa, Shigatse, Kathmandu, DAY 5 Visit Potala Palace, a symbol of Tibetan Paro and Thimphu. Enjoy the natural Buddhism and once winter palace of the splendour in the most magnificent mountain Dalai Lama, the 7th-century Jokhang Temple vista on Earth as we travel from the highest and a local bazaar on Barkhor Street. B, L, D) plateau, in the shadow of the greatest DAY 6 Explore the monasteries of Drepung mountain. and Sera, then Norbulingka, once summer Tibet has always exerted a fascination on residence of the Dalai Lama, a masterpiece of visitors from the West – partly by its isolation Tibetan art built in the 18th century. B, L, D) and partly by there being no divide between DAY 7 Enjoy the countryside and clear blue the religious and secular in its unique past. In waters of Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier Lhasa, the 1,000-room 7th-century Potala two nights at the 3-star Hotel River View. Visit en-route to Gyantse. Visit Pelkor Temple and the National Memorial Chorten. B, L, D) Palace is one of the architectural wonders of continue to Shigatse for two nights at the DAY 16 Visit Zorig Chusum Institute, National the world, with 13 levels of red, white and 3-star Shandong Mansion. B, L, D) gold, while the Jokhang temple is Tibet’s Library and Gagyel Lhundrup Centre. B, L, D) DAY 8 Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery and the most holy place and the spiritual centre with DAY 17 Drive over Dochu La Pass to Nalanda Summer Palace of the Panchen Lamas. B, L, D) golden canopies, gilded Banners of Victory Buddhist Institute, enjoy lunch with the and the large gold Wheel of Law. DAY 9 Travel to Lhasa following the mighty monks and learn of their education and This journey sets Bhutan firmly in the Brahmaputra River. Return to the 4-star lifestyle. Continue to Punakha for a two context of its Himalayan neighbours. This St. Regis Hotel for overnight. Princess night stay at the 3-star YT Hotel. Visit small and remote Kingdom, The Land of the Wencheng performance. B, L, D) Punakha Dzong, the coronation venue for Thunder Dragon only opened itself to the DAY 10 Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to Bhutan’s kings. Evening exploration of the outside world in the 1960s, with spirituality Nagarkot for two nights at the 4-star Club town. B, L, D) permeating every aspect of daily life in a Himalaya. B) DAY 18 Morning hike to Khamsum Yuelley determined, methodical pursuit of that most DAY 11 Morning hike to Nagarkot Buddha Namgyal Chorten. Drive to Talo village and elusive of concepts – national happiness. Peace Garden. B) visit Wolkaha Nunnery. B, L, D) Across the Three Kingdoms, explore DAY 12 Travel to ancient Newa City of DAY 19 Travel to Paro for two nights at the stunning alpine valleys, turquoise lakes and Bhaktapur, the ‘place of devotees’. Continue 3-star Olathang Hotel. Drive to the north end snow-capped peaks that rise above shadowy to Kathmandu for three nights at the 5-star of the valley to visit the National Museum gorges and terraced pastures, interspersed Hyatt Regency. B, D) at Ta Dzong, continue to Rinpung Dzong with fluttering prayer flags and fortress-like DAY 13 Visit Patan’s and Kathmandu’s Durbar and the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang Dzongs, seemingly unchanged by time. squares, explore Swayambhunath stupa and temple. B, L, D) ITINERARY 2021 enjoy a rickshaw ride in Thamel. B, D) DAY 20 By road and on foot to Taktsang DAY 14 Visit the stupa of Boudhanath, the Monastery, known as Tiger’s Nest. Evening DAY 1 Fly overnight Heathrow to Beijing. Thangka Painting School and the Hindu family home visit. B, L, D) DAY 2 Transfer to 4-star Park Plaza cremation site of Pashupatinath. Dinner with DAY 21 Fly to Delhi, overnight at the 5-star Wangfujing Hotel for two nights. Enjoy a an Everest Summiteer Sherpa. B, D) Taj Palace Hotel. Farewell dinner. B, D) Peking duck dinner. D) DAY 15 Fly to Paro. Transfer to Thimphu for DAY 22 Return flight to London. B)

60 “The tour was astonishing: the cultural heritage, contemporary dissonances, and our world in the 21st century” Yamdrok Lake

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room British Airways from Heathrow

2020 – Wednesday (19 nights) Sep 2 £6895

2021 – Wednesdays (21 nights) Apr 21 £7295 Sep 1 £7395

Supplements per person Single supplement – £1495 British Airways World Traveller Plus – from £395 Durbar Square, Kathmandu British Airways Club World – from £1795

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 18/20 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 12 lunches and 18 dinners, itinerary as described, Bhutan and Tibet travel permits, UK Tour Manager (2021), services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Independent Arrival Save £600 Arrival transfer £50 Departure transfer £24

The Potala Palace, Lhasa Notes 2020 itinerary is without the two nights at Nagarkot. Excursions are generally on foot with some uneven EXTENSIONS & EXTRA NIGHTS surfaces and inclines. Tiger’s Nest walk is trek of Why not make the most of your time? up to 2 ½ hours to the cafe/viewpoint, this journey Discover more of India or relax in a resort can be taken on foot, or by pony at an additional on one of our great range of extensions. charge, the downward journey is on foot. There is an optional, challenging but extremely rewarding final Add extra nights post-tour to reflect, relax section to the trek that takes you to the monastery. or explore independently. The itinerary reaches altitudes of up to 5,400m. For details please see pages 68 – 72. (17,717 ft.) and is not suited to travellers predisposed to conditions which may be aggravated by high altitude.

CHINA / TIBET / NEPAL / BHUTAN / INDIA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 61 SRI LANKA GRAND TOUR Anuradhapura Kalpitiya

Dambulla Polonnaruwa OF SRI LANKA Chilaw

Kandy

COLOMBO Nuwara Eliya 11 nights Nanu Oya Yala National Park Visit a wonderful array of ancient sites, hill from stations, national parks, temples and wildlife on an £2095 enchanting tear-drop shaped island Indian Ocean Galle

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES SPECIAL EVENT Flight (1 night) Cultural, Countryside & Wildlife Tour Spices of Sri Lanka Colombo (1), Galle (1) Jules Verne Sightseeing Visit a spice garden to learn Yala National Park (1) 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites about the different spices used in Sri Lankan cooking. Enjoy a traditional Nuwara Eliya (1) Rail Journey Included lunch followed by a curry cooking Kandy (2) Local Expert Guide Throughout demonstration. Dambulla (3) No Single Supplement / Solo Group Chilaw (1) Group Size: 4 – 28

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY The island of Sri Lanka offers tremendous DAY 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow variety in terms of flora, fauna and to Colombo. topography, with a fascinating history and DAY 2 Overnight in Colombo at the 4-star well-preserved ancient sites. Jules Verne are Mövenpick Colombo. D) strong advocates of supporting tourism in DAY 3 Colombo panoramic city tour areas affected by local external factors, as including ‘Fort’ the former British demonstrated with our offer of competitive administrative centre, Pettah, the prices to this magical island. Kayman’s Gate and the Dutch Church. Visit a The 5th-century fortress Citadel of turtle hatchery en route to Galle and visit the Sigiriya sits vertiginously high above the Old Dutch Fort. Overnight at the 4-star surrounding jungle on a massive rock and is Le Grand Hotel. B) best known for its views and rock paintings. DAY 4 Drive to Yala (4 hrs). Jeep safari at Yala The 11th-century city of Polonnaruwa National Park, home to leopards, elephants contains a fascinating range of ancient and crocodiles. Overnight at the 4-star DAY 7 Morning at leisure. Visit the Royal buildings and Anuradhapura was the first Jetwing Yala Hotel in Yala National Park. B) Botanical Gardens, renowned for its orchid capital city of Sri Lanka. Dambulla is home to DAY 5 Travel to Nuwara Eliya, visit the collection and vast range of plants, palm a beautifully painted cave temple and Kandy ancient Buddhist temple of Buduruwagala trees, spices and medicinal plants. B) houses the island’s most sacred Buddhist and scenic area of Ella en route. Overnight at relic at its lakeside Temple of the Tooth. DAY 8 Visit a tea plantation and factory. the 4-star Grand Hotel. B, L) Continue to the Habarana area. Enjoy a Venturing further into the scenic heartlands DAY 6 By rail from Nanu Oya to Peradeniya, ‘Spices of Sri Lanka’ special event and a visit of the country, the delightful hill station near Kandy (subject to change due to local to Dambulla Cave Temple. Three nights at of Nuwara Eliya is visited and there is the conditions and schedule amendments). Visit the 4-star Jetwing Lake, Dambulla. B, L, D) opportunity to spot some of Sri Lanka’s best the Temple of the Tooth. Stay two nights known wildlife in Yala National Park. DAY 9 Optional excursion to the at the 4-star Golden Crown Hotel. Evening 5th-century iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress† cultural show. B) (bookable locally, approx. $60). Afternoon visit to the ancient Polonnaruwa ruins. B) DAY 10 Visit the ruins of Anuradhapura previously one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka. Afternoon at leisure. B) DAY 11 Travel to the 4-star Anantaya Resort & Spa Hotel (4 hrs) in Chilaw for an afternoon at leisure and overnight stay. B) DAY 12 Return flight, arriving London Heathrow later the same day. B) Note: † Optional excursion on Day 9 involves many steps and steep inclines.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

62 “Excellent local guide. Friendly, professional and informative. Great variety of events” Polonnaruwa

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow

2020 – Wednesdays May 6 £2095 Nov 4 £2245 Oct 21* £2095 Nov 18 £2245

2021 – Wednesdays Jan 20 £2345 Apr 14 £2245 Feb 3 £2395 May 5* £2145 Feb 24 £2395 Oct 20* £2145 Dambulla Cave Temple Yala National Park Mar 10 £2295 Nov 17 £2295

2021 – Wednesday (Solo Group) Jun 2 £2145

Supplements per person *NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (limited availability) Double for sole use – £395 (2020 £365) SriLankan Airlines Business Class – from £1345 Privately Guided – £395 (see page 6)

Extra nights – Chilaw Anantaya Resort (per night) – £90 (2020 £80) Double for sole use – £70 (2020 £60) Half board – £20; Full board – £35 Galle Departure transfer – £40

Price includes EXTENSION – KALPITIYA Air travel, UK departure taxes, transfers, 10 nights’ Enjoy three nights at the Seth Dev Lagoon accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and located in Kalpitiya town and surrounded 2 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially by lush palm trees with the beach a few negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of steps away. Pool, bar, restaurants, WiFi booking, a supplement may apply. (free) and 22 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer and satellite TV. Includes a jeep Independent Arrival (see page 6) safari in Wilpattu National Park, a visit Save £650 to the Dutch Fort and boat safari on the Arrival transfer £25 Kalpitiya Lagoon. Departure transfer £40 3 nights – £345 (Apr-Jun £275) Single supplement – £135 (Apr-Jun £90)

SRI LANKA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 63 WILD SRI LANKA SRI LANKA Bay of Bengal Dambulla

Negombo Kandy

COLOMBO Nuwara Eliya

Wellawaya Yala National Park 10 nights Kalutara Explore the natural world of this unique island in from search of some of world’s largest mammals, the £2345 Udawalawe National Park Blue Whale and Sri Lankan elephant Galle Indian Ocean

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES Flight (1 night) Countryside & Wildlife Tour Negombo (1 night) Jules Verne Sightseeing Dambulla (2 nights) 2 Lunches and 6 Dinners Nuwara Eliya (2 nights) Local Expert Guide Throughout Wellawaya (2 nights) Group Size: 4 – 20 Galle (2 nights)

INTRODUCTION to Dambulla (3 ½ hrs) for two nights at the 4-star Paradise Resort & Spa Hotel. B, D) Sri Lanka is a gem to discover with much more to offer than culture, history and DAY 4 Optional excursion to Dambulla golden sandy beaches. The island’s isolation Cave Temple (approx. $14) or Sigiriya Rock from the mainland and varied climatic Fortress (approx. $54). Afternoon jeep safari conditions means it is one of the finest at Hurulu Eco Park. B, D) environments in Asia for spotting wildlife, DAY 5 Travel to Nuwara Eliya visiting the with an extensive biodiversity normally only Botanical Gardens of Kandy en route. Two found across an entire continent. nights at the 3-star St. Andrews Hotel. B, L) Vast areas of Sri Lanka are protected, with DAY 6 Visit Moon Plains for spectacular National Parks ideal for spotting wild views of the Sri Lankan countryside and nine elephants such as Udawalawe and Hurulu peaks. Afternoon tour of Gregory Lake. B) Eco Park included on the tour. DAY 7 Visit the Elephant Transit Home (3 hrs) Bird spotting opportunities are in abundance which retrieves, rehabilitates and releases throughout Sri Lanka including the Grey orphaned elephants into the wild. Jeep DAY 10 Mirissa whale watching excursion Hornbill, Hanging-parrot, Emerald-collared safari at Udawalawe National Park. Travel to by boat in search of Blue, Sperm, Bryde’s Parakeet and Small Barbet. Whale watching Wellawaya area for two nights at the 3-star and Pilot whales, plus four types of dolphin. is a must on the south coast where the Blue Jetwing Kaduruketha Hotel. B, L, D) Later, visit a turtle hatchery. B, D) Whale forms a distinct resident population. DAY 8 Morning birdwatching excursion at DAY 11 Return flight to London the lake of the hotel grounds. Afternoon Heathrow. B) ITINERARY excursion to Yala National Park in search DAY 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow of the sloth bear, leopard and wild water ACCOMMODATION to Colombo. buffalo. B, D) Jetwing Lagoon, Negombo: A 4-star DAY 2 Transfer to the 4-star Jetwing Lagoon DAY 9 Travel towards Galle. Visit the hotel with 55 air-conditioned rooms with Hotel in Negombo for overnight. D) bio-diverse Kanneliya Forest Reserve. restaurant, bar, pool, spa and WiFi (free). Two nights at the 4-star Le Grand Hotel in DAY 3 Morning bird watching boat trip at Paradise Resort & Spa Hotel, Dambulla: Galle. B) Muthurajawela, a wetland ecosystem. Travel A 4-star hotel nestled in the jungle area of Dambulla. 67 air-conditioned rooms, restaurant, bar, pool, spa and WiFi (free). St. Andrews Hotel, Nuwara Eliya: A colonial style 4-star hotel, with 56 rooms located in the hill country town of Nuwara Eliya. Bar, restaurant and WiFi (free). Jetwing Kaduruketha, Wellawaya: An eco-friendly boutique 3-star hotel with 25 rooms located in the peaceful village surroundings of Wellawaya. Bar, restaurant, pool, spa and WiFi (free). Le Grand, Galle: Overlooking Galle Fort and the Indian Ocean sits this attractive 4-star hotel with 57 air-conditioned rooms, pool, restaurants, bar, spa and WiFi (free).

64 “The itinerary was excellent” DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow

2021 – Saturdays Jan 23 £2345 Feb 20 £2395 Feb 6 £2445 Mar 6 £2345

Supplements per person Double for sole use – £345 SriLankan Airlines Business Class – from £1345 Privately Guided – £595 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel, UK departure taxes, transfers, 9 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 6 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Independent Arrival (see page 6) Save £650 Arrival transfer £30 Departure transfer £60

Notes All optional excursions are bookable locally. Optional excursions on day 4 and the Kanneliya Forest Reserve excursion on day 9 involve many steps and steep inclines. EXTENSION – KALUTARA Relax at the 4-star Citrus Waskaduwa Hotel, located on the southwest beachfront of Kalutara with half board included. Enjoy an unspoiled 400m long beach and stunning Indian Ocean views. Restaurant, bars, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 150 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar, tea/coffee-making facilities and satellite TV. 3 nights – £325 Single supplement – £215

SRI LANKA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 65 Jaffna SECRET SRI LANKA SRI LANKA

Wilpattu National Trincomalee Park Bay of Kalpitiya Anuradhapura Bengal

Chilaw Dambulla 10 nights Explore the undiscovered areas of the north, from including wildlife, temples and less crowded Indian coastal areas £1875 COLOMBO Ocean

OVERVIEW KEY FEATURES Flight (1 night) Cultural, Countryside & Wildlife Tour Kalpitiya (1 night) Jules Verne Sightseeing Anuradhapura (2 nights) 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Jaffna (2 nights) 5 Lunches and 9 Dinners Trincomalee (2 nights) Local Expert Guide Throughout Dambulla (1 night) Group Size: 4 – 25 Chilaw (1 night)

INTRODUCTION ITINERARY Explore the emerging northern region of DAY 1 Fly overnight from Heathrow to Sri Lanka which has retained its unique style Colombo. and culture after being off-limits during DAY 2 Transfer to the Seth Dev Lagoon in decades of civil war, ending in 2009. Since Kalpitiya for overnight. D) then, the region has developed significantly DAY 3 Enjoy a boat trip to Wilpattu National and slowly detached itself from a period of Park for a full day Jeep safari. Perhaps spot isolation to transition into one of Sri Lanka’s the Sri Lanka Jungle fowl with many owls, best kept secrets. terns, gulls, eagles, kites and buzzards. Two Wilpattu National Park, named after the nights at the 3-star Lake Forest Hotel in hundreds of ponds scattered over the vast Anuradhapura. B, L, D) area, is known for leopard sightings and DAY 4 At leisure or take an optional home to thirty species of mammal, including excursion to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first the sloth bear, water buffalo and spotted capital (approx. $90 bookable locally). B, D) deer. The immense bird population of the park includes the painted stork, open bill DAY 5 Visit ‘Purana Gama’ an ancient village. ACCOMMODATION and little cormorant. Continue to Jaffna by road (4 hrs). Two All hotels have restaurant, bar, WiFi, nights at the 4-star North Gate Jetwing The regional capital of Jaffna offers a wide air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe Hotel. B, L, D) cross-section of influences, including and satellite TV. Muslim, Portuguese, Dutch, British and DAY 6 Visit Kadurugoda Temple and Seth Dev Lagoon: Located in the town of Sinhalese, with colourful temples set next Dambakola Patuna. Curry cookery Kalpitiya with a pool and 22 rooms. demonstration including lunch. Later, visit to huge churches, and streets dotted with Lake Forest Hotel: A peaceful 3-star hotel the Nallur Hindu Temple and the Dutch ancient Dutch and British residences. located amongst many tree species with Fort. B, L, D) Trincomalee, preferred for its beaches, 22 rooms and pool in Anuradhapura. DAY 7 Travel to Trincomalee (5 hrs) famous has a sense of charm and character with North Gate Jetwing Hotel: A 4-star hotel for its deep-water natural harbour. Two faded colonial buildings and a picturesque with 44 rooms in the centre of Jaffna. seafront. nights at the 4-star Trinco Blu Hotel. B, D) Trinco Blu Hotel: A 4-star hotel in the port DAY 8 Optional whale (Sep-Oct) or city of Trincomalee on Uppuveli beach with dolphin watching (Nov-Mar) by boat 81 rooms and pool. (approx. $80 bookable locally). Afternoon tour of Trincomalee includes the British War Jetwing Lake Hotel: A 4-star hotel in Cemetery, Koneswaram Hindu Temple, the the quiet surroundings of Dambulla with Dutch Fort and Marble Beach. B, D) 94 rooms, pool, spa and gym. DAY 9 Visit the ancient site of Polonnaruwa. Anantaya Resort & Spa Hotel: A 4-star Continue to Dambulla. Visit Dambulla Cave hotel in the charming coastal town of Temple in the evening. Overnight at the Chilaw, with a sandy beach on one side and 4-star Jetwing Lake Hotel. B, L, D) charming lagoon on the other. Pool, spa and 87 rooms. DAY 10 Farm visit in Melsiripura. Continue to the 4-star Anantaya Resort & Spa Hotel in Chilaw for overnight. B, L, D) DAY 11 Return flight to Heathrow. B) Note: Dambulla on Day 9 involves many steps.

66 “Our guide was fantastic. A nice, caring and knowledgeable person” PRICES New pricesSave REDUCEDshown up to in £200 white

Nallur Hindu Temple

DEPARTURES & PRICES per person in a twin/double room SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow

2020 – Fridays Oct 23 £1945 Nov 20 £1995

2021 – Fridays Feb 5 £1945 Mar 19 £1895 Feb 19 £1995 Oct 29 £1875 Mar 5 £1945 Nov 12 £1895

Polonnaruwa Supplements per person Double for sole use – £425 SriLankan Airlines Business Class – from £1345 Privately Guided – £345 (see page 6)

Price includes Air travel and taxes, transfers, 9 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 9 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Independent Arrival (see page 6) Save £650 Arrival transfer £40 Jaffna Departure transfer £40

EXTRA NIGHTS – CHILAW The 4-star Anantaya Resort & Spa is perfectly located with a sandy beach on one side and charming lagoon on the other. Restaurants, pool, bar, spa, WiFi (free) 87 air-conditioned rooms, safe, satellite TV, tea/coffee making facilities. Anantaya Resort (per night) – £80 (2021 £90); Double for sole use – £60 (2021 £70) Half board – £20; Full board – £35; Departure transfer – £40

SRI LANKA 020 3553 3945 vjv.com 67 INDIA EXTENSIONS

Time to relax or see even more of India! Also please consider adding extra nights before the tour if you would like to draw breath after the flight to India or stay on to reflect, relax or No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most explore independently. Extra nights can also be added to most extensions. of your time in India by choosing further experiences? We invite Please talk to one of our knowledgeable Personal Travel Experts you to customise your tour by adding one or more extensions from to let us know what you are looking for and they will work out the our great range shown on the following pages. Relax in a resort or best way. Sometimes extra transfers, internal flights and nights are discover more of India with our specialist guides. recommended or needed, and sometimes two extensions can be combined into a more logical sequence.

3 nights 5 nights from from £395 £1195

AMRITSAR & THE GOLDEN TEMPLE DARJEELING HILL STATION

Explore the home of Sikhism and the iconic Golden Temple. A taste of Victorian England in the Himalayas. DAY 1 By Shatabdi Express train from Delhi to Amritsar DAY 1 Fly to Bagdogra. Transfer to Darjeeling (3 hrs/2,100m) for (6 hrs). Two nights at the 4-star Hyatt Hotel. Wagah Border three nights at the 4-star Mayfair Hotel. (B, D) DAY 2 Sunrise at ‘Change of the Guard’ ceremony. (B, D) DAY 2 Visit the Golden Tiger Hill. Visit Ghoom Monastery. ‘Toy Train’ to India’s highest Temple, volunteers kitchen and Jallianwala Bagh. Evening Palki station and visit a tea garden. (B, D) DAY 3 Visit the Tibetan ceremony. (B) DAY 3 Fly to Delhi for overnight at the 4-star Refugee Centre, Mountaineering Institute and Observatory Novotel AeroCity. (B) DAY 4 Return flight to London. (B) hill. (B, D) DAY 4 Fly to Kolkata and transfer to the 5-star Oberoi Prices from £445 (Apr-Sep £395) Grand for overnight. (B) DAY 5 Tour of Kolkata. Fly to Delhi for Single supplement – £125 overnight at the 4-star Novotel AeroCity. (B) DAY 6 Return flight. (B) Prices from £1195; Single supplement – £345

6 nights 4 nights from from £895 £545

SHIMLA & AMRITSAR SHIMLA HILL STATION

The former colonial summer capital and the Golden Temple. The former colonial summer capital amidst stunning DAY 1 Train from Delhi to Chandigarh (4 hrs), road to Shimla mountains. (4 hrs/2,000m). Three nights at the 5-star Oberoi Cecil Hotel. (B) DAY 1 Train to Chandigarh (4 hrs) then by road to Shimla DAY 2 Visit the Vice Regal Lodge, museum and Mall. (B) (4 hrs/2,000m). Three nights at the 5-star Oberoi Cecil Hotel. (B) DAY 3 At leisure. (B) DAY 4 ‘Toy Train’ to Solan (3 hrs), by road DAY 2 Visit the Vice Regal Lodge, museum and the Mall. (B) and train to Amritsar (7 hrs). Two nights at the 4-star Hyatt DAY 3 At leisure. (B) DAY 4 ‘Toy Train’ to Solan (3 hrs), by road Hotel. (B, D) DAY 5 Visit the Golden Temple, volunteers kitchen and train to Delhi (5 hrs). Overnight at the 4-star Novotel and Jallianwala Bagh. Wagah Border ‘Change of the Guard’ AeroCity. (B, D) DAY 5 Return flight. (B) ceremony. Evening Palki ceremony. (B) DAY 6 Fly to Delhi. Prices from £545 Overnight at the Novotel AeroCity. (B) DAY 7 Return flight. (B) Single supplement – £195 Prices from £895; Single supplement – £295

68 4 nights 5 nights from from £995 £845

JAISALMER TIGERS & GANGES

In the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is known as the Holy Haridwar & Rishikesh, once visited by ‘The Beatles’! Look “Golden City” due to its yellow sandstone architecture. Explore for tigers in India’s first national park (open 14 Nov-May) one of the most popular historic outposts in Rajasthan. DAY 1 Train to Haridwar (4 hrs). Two nights at the heritage DAY 1 Fly to Jaisalmer. Three nights at the 5-star Marriott Haveli Hari Ganga. Aarti ceremony. (B) DAY 2 Jeep safari in Resort and Spa. (B, D) DAY 2 City tour of Jaisalmer including Rajaji NP. At Rishikesh, see Shantikunj ashram & Laxman & Ram visit of Gadhisar Lake, Patwo Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli and bridges. Aarti ceremony. (B) DAY 3 Travel to Corbett (4 hrs). Two a short walk inside the fort. Evening free at leisure. (B) DAY 3 nights at 4-star Jim’s Jungle Retreat. (B, L, D) DAY 4 Morning Afternoon excursion to the Sam dunes. Enjoy a camel cart ride and afternoon jeep safaris in Corbett NP. (B, L, D) DAY 5 Train to and sunset at the dunes. (B) DAY 4 Fly to Delhi. Overnight at Delhi (6 hrs) for overnight. (B) DAY 6 Return flight. (B) the 4-star Novotel Aero City. (B) DAY 5 Return flight. (B) Prices from £845; Single supplement – £375 Prices from £995; Single supplement – £295

3 nights 3 nights from from £595 £595

VARANASI & THE GANGES UDAIPUR LAKE & PALACE

Explore the iconic sacred Hindu site on the Ganges and Sarnath. Stay two nights in Udaipur, the city of lakes and Maharajas. DAY 1 Fly to Varanasi. Two nights at the 4-star Taj Gateway DAY 1 Fly to Udaipur and transfer to your chosen hotel for two Hotel. Aarti ceremony. (B) DAY 2 Morning boat on the Ganges nights. Evening boat ride on Lake Pichola. (B) DAY 2 Visit the to see cremation sites and bathing ghats. Visit the Buddhist City Palace and Museum. (B) DAY 3 Fly to Delhi for overnight at site of Sarnath. (B) DAY 3 Fly to Delhi. Overnight at the 4-star the 4-star Novotel AeroCity. (B) DAY 4 Return flight. (B) Novotel AeroCity. (B) DAY 4 Return flight. (B) Prices from: Prices from £695 (Apr-Sep £595) 4-star Trident Hotel – £695 (Apr-Sep £595) Single supplement – £195 (Apr-Sep £145) Single supplement – £195 (Apr-Sep £125) Upgrade to Nadesar Palace, Varanasi – £695 Upgrade to the 5-star Taj Lake Palace – £1295 (Apr-Sep £895) Single supplement – £595 Single supplement – £895 (Apr-Sep £495)

020 3553 3945 vjv.com 69 INDIA EXTENSIONS CONTINUED

3 nights 5 nights from from £645 £1095

AJANTA & ELLORA CAVES INDIAN WILDLIFE

Explore Aurangabad and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage India’s National Parks (open 16 Oct-Jun) are home to tigers, Caves, as featured on ‘Joanna Lumley’s India’. Indian bison, dholes, swamp deer, leopards, bears and birdlife. DAY 1 Train from Mumbai to Aurangabad (7 hrs) for two nights DAY 1 Fly to Jabalpur. Drive to Kanha National Park (5 hrs). at the 4-star Vivanta by Taj. (B) DAY 2 Visit Ajanta caves and Two nights at Chitvan Jungle Lodge. (B, L, D) DAY 2 Two Daulatabad Fort. (B) DAY 3 Explore Ellora caves. Fly to Mumbai game drives. (B, L, D) DAY 3 Drive to Bandhavgarh NP (7 hrs) for overnight at the 5-star Lalit Hotel. (B) DAY 4 Return flight to for two nights at Bandhav Vilas. (B, L, D) DAY 4 Two game London. (B) drives. (B, L, D) DAY 5 Travel to Jabalpur (5 hrs) and fly to Delhi. Prices from £645 Overnight at the 4-star Novotel AeroCity. (B, L) DAY 6 Return Single supplement – £195 flight. (B) Prices from £1095 Single supplement – £295

5 nights 5 nights from from £995 £995

NORTH GOA SOUTH GOA

Relax on the Arabian Sea and explore Goa’s Portuguese heritage. Relax on the Arabian Sea. DAY 1 Fly to Goa for four nights at the 5-star Taj Fort Aguada. DAY 1 Fly to Goa for four nights at the 5-star Taj Exotica Hotel facilities include restaurants, bars, pool, gym, WiFi (free). Resort. Hotel facilities include restaurants, bars, pool, gym, WiFi (B) DAY 2 At leisure. (B) DAY 3 Tour of Old Goa includes Se (free). (B) DAYS 2–4 At leisure. (B) DAY 5 Fly to Delhi. Overnight Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, drive past St. Augustine tower at the 4-star Novotel AeroCity. (B) DAY 6 Return flight. (B) and nunnery of St. Monica. Visit the Christian Arts Museum. (B) Prices from £1395 (Apr-Sep £995) DAY 4 At leisure. (B) DAY 5 Fly to Delhi. Overnight at the 4-star Single supplement – £885 (Apr-Sep £455) Novotel AeroCity. (B) DAY 6 Return flight. (B) Prices from £1095 (Apr-Sep £995) Single supplement – £595 (Apr-Sep £495)

70 4 nights 5 nights from from £1195 £945

TADOBA TIGER RESERVE COCHIN & KERALAN BACKWATERS

Explore Tadoba National Park, a tiger reserve. Stay at Tiger Inland waterways of Kerala and historic Cochin. Trails Resort, a wildlife resort and conservation focused lodge DAY 1 Fly to Cochin. Two nights at the 4-star ‘CGH Earth’ Hotel adjacent to the park’s entry. Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom. (B) DAY 2 At leisure. (B) DAY 3 DAY 1 Fly to Nagpur. Transfer to Tadoba (4hrs) for three nights Cruise the backwaters on a houseboat and overnight. (B, L, D) at the Tiger Trails Tadoba. (B, D) DAY 2 Early morning and DAY 4 Cochin sightseeing and Kathakali dance performance. afternoon Jeep safaris in Tadoba National Park. (B, L, D) Overnight at the 4-star ‘CGH Earth’ Hotel Eighth Bastion. (B) DAY 3 Early morning and afternoon Jeep safaris. (B, L, D) DAY 5 Fly to Delhi for overnight at the 4-star Novotel AeroCity DAY 4 Transfer to Nagpur (4hrs) and fly to Mumbai. Overnight or add a stay at ‘CGH Earth’ Marari Beach. (B) DAY 6 Return at the 4-star Trident Nariman Point. (B) DAY 5 Return flight. (B) flight from Delhi. (B) Prices from £1195; Single supplement £995 Prices from £1045 (Apr-Sep £945) Single Supplement – £395 (Apr-Sep £345)

3 nights 6 nights from from £495 £1045

MARARI BEACH NEPAL

Relax at the ‘CGH Earth’ Marari Beach Resort in Mararikulam. Stay in Nagarkot with views of the Himalayas. Visit Kathmandu. DAY 1 Transfer to the 4-star ‘CGH Earth’ Marari Beach Resort DAY 1 Fly to Kathmandu (1,400m). Drive to Nagarkot (2,100m). in Mararikulam for three nights. The hotel is set on 55 acres of Two nights at 3-star Club Himalaya. (B) DAY 2 Sunrise over lawn, restaurant, pool, Ayurvedic centre & 62 air-conditioned the mountains. Walk around the villages. (B) DAY 3 Travel cottages. It is located beside a large white sandy beach from to Kathmandu. Visit Bhaktapur. Three nights at 5-star Hotel where the local fisherman set sail. (B) DAYS 2–3 At leisure. (B) Vivanta by Taj in Patan area. (B) DAY 4 Optional flight over the DAY 4 Transfer to Cochin for your return flight. (B) Himalayas. Visit Boudhanath and Patan. Singing bowl demo. (B) Prices from £495 DAY 5 Kathmandu tour. Dinner at ‘Rum Doodle’. (B, D) Single supplement – £345 DAY 6 Fly to Delhi. Overnight at the 4-star Novotel AeroCity. (B) Half board – £65 DAY 7 Return flight. (B) Prices from £1045; Single supplement – £295

020 3553 3945 vjv.com 71 INDIA ACCOMMODATION

In recent years we have upgraded our tours to the most suitable hotels in each location, reflecting a combination of character, comfort and style. Our India hotels receive consistently good ratings from our customer questionnaires and in response we do change or upgrade hotels as much as possible. India has rapidly increased and improved its hotels, with Indian groups such as Taj (including Gateway and Vivanta hotels), Oberoi (including Trident Hotels), ‘CGH Earth’ and ITC to the forefront. Most of our selected hotels offer excellent restaurants, enticing bars, refreshing pools and the majority now offer free WiFi. Bedrooms normally feature air-conditioning, private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, TV and tea/coffee making facilities (please check vjv.com for individual hotel descriptions and images).

Trident Hotel Udaipur Rambagh Palace

Add one or more nights at your first or final hotel, or at your extension hotel (sometimes required for extensions). Prices are per person per night in a twin/double room (single supplement shown in brackets) and include breakfast daily. Transfer to/from airport £24 per person. Check the relevant tour on vjv.com for hotel descriptions/images. Christmas and New Year supplements may apply to extra nights.

CITY HOTELS OCT-MAR APR-SEP CITY HOTELS OCT-MAR APR-SEP

Amritsar Ranjit Vilas, Hyatt £49 (£28) £45 (£25) Goa Taj Exotica (deluxe sea view) £259 (£210) £150 (£115) Amritsar Taj Swarna £89 (£49) £79 (£49) Hyderabad ITC Kakatiya £99 (£68) £89 (£58) Bangalore ITC Windsor £95 (£72) £85 (£65) Kathmandu Aloft Hotel £85 (£59) £85 (£59) Bangalore Fairfield by Marriott £62 (£29) £62 (£29) Kathmandu Vivanta by Taj Patan £85 (£59) £85 (£59) Calicut Welcom Raviz £79 (£48) £65 (£38) Kolkata Oberoi Grand £105 (£44) £75 (£39) Chennai ITC Grand Chola £74 (£55) £63 (£49) Kovalam Travancore Heritage £84 (£49) £64 (£39) Chennai Hotel Hablis £59 (£35) Kumarakom ‘CGH Earth' Coconut Lagoon £145 (£84) £69 (£44) Chennai Welcome Chennai £65 (£45) £65 (£45) Mahabalipuram Radisson Resort Temple Bay £99 (£69) £79 (£59) Cochin ‘CGH Earth’ Eighth Bastion £95 (£58) £72 (£42) Marari ‘CGH Earth' Marari Beach £165 (£79) £85 (£50)

Darjeeling New Elgin, Mayfair £95 (£59) £90 (£55) Mumbai Trident Nariman Point (sea view) £104 (£55) £89 (£55)

Delhi Maidens £94 (£39) £60 (£34) Mumbai Taj Mahal Palace (tower wing sea view) £129 (£109) £95 (£69)

Delhi Pullman £84 (£52) £64 (£39) Mumbai Taj Mahal Palace (palace wing city view) £195 (£179) £160 (£135)

Delhi Suryaa £69 (£54) £44 (£29) Mumbai Taj Mahal Palace (palace wing sea view) £245 (£219) £209 (£179) Delhi Novotel AeroCity £79 (£44) £60 (£34) Shimla Oberoi Cecil £85 (£49) £85 (£49)

Delhi Taj Palace (Diplomatic Enclave) £105 (£67) £75 (£40) Shimla Clarkes £80 (£35) £80 (£49) Delhi Taj Mahal £125 (£80) £75 (£45) Udaipur Trident Hotel £78 (£35) £52 (£27) Gurgaon Taj City Center £75 (£49) £59 (£35) Varanasi Gateway Hotel Ganges £73 (£44) £48 (£26) Goa Taj Fort Aguada £185 (£135) £155 (£115) Vadodara Gateway Hotel £64 (£42) £53 (£32)

Goa Taj Exotica (garden view room) £225 (£190) £149 (£95) Dubai Taj Dubai £110 (£95) £85 (£65)

72 TOP TOURS FOR ACCOMMODATION OBEROI HOTELS In 2019, these Indian Sub-Continent tours and cruises Mr Oberoi worked for The Cecil Hotel in Shimla for Mr were rated top for accommodation by our customers. Clarke and in 1934 took over the hotel, renaming it Clarke’s. In 1948 he acquired the classic Oberoi Grand Along the Banks of the Hoogly in Calcutta and the Oberoi Cecil, (all 3 hotels feature Assam & the Brahmaputra on Jules Verne tours). He then developed new, luxury The Taj Tour Oberoi hotels plus the more affordable but excellent Trident Hotels – all with a high standard of service. Grand Tour of Sri Lanka The Tale of the Tiger Splendours of Southern India Secret India Grand Tour of Southern India India’s Golden Triangle

Rajasthan Royals Oberoi Grand, Kolkata Oberoi Cecil, Shimla

CGH HOTELS ITC HOTELS This family owned enterprise started in 1954 in The former ‘Indian Tobacco Company’ has now moved Southern India. Its eco-friendly ethos has created into the hotel business, creating modern luxury city some unique hotels that combine high comfort hotels with excellent facilities in classic Indian style and service and local experiences with sustainable that reflects the local style. and responsible tourism and commitment to the environment and the local communities.

Spice Village, Periyar Palais de Mahe, Pondicherry ITC Mughal, Agra ITC Grand Chola, Chennai

PALACES TAJ HOTELS Our independent palace and heritage hotels reveal The first Taj Hotel, the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai fascinating histories, often with the original noble opened in 1903 when the founder was allegedly owners still in residence. Following loss of direct rule, refused entry to another hotel. Taj Hotels created the many Maharajas converted palaces into hotels, each first palace hotel at Rambagh, home of the Maharaja amazing in different ways! Discover India from the of Mumbai. Other landmark hotels followed including inside, your experience does not pause at a modern Udaipur’s Lake Palace. Now Taj offers a great range of hotel but continues with ‘royal’ hospitality. hotels according to region, setting and budget.

Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur Gajner Palace, Bikaner Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai Taj Theog, Shimla

020 3553 3945 vjv.com 73 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The following terms and conditions (‘booking conditions’) form the basis of your contract with incur the additional costs of changing the name on the air ticket plus all other alteration charges Jules Verne. Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations. By and additional fees equivalent to what it may cost us at the time. Changes may be made up asking us to confirm your booking, we are entitled to assume that you have had the opportunity to 7 days prior to departure if possible (if not then normal cancellation charges will apply). An to read and have read these terms and conditions and agree to them. Except where otherwise administration charge will also be made of £50 per person for requests made more than 61days stated, these booking conditions only apply to holiday arrangements which you book with us in before departure, and £100 per person within 61 days before departure. In the case of lead the UK and which we agree to make, provide or perform (as applicable) as part of our contract name changes then the new lead passenger will be deemed to have accepted the full terms and with you. All references in these booking conditions to ‘holiday’, ‘booking’, ‘contract’, ‘package’, conditions of the existing contract. If you request to change all the names on a booking, this will ‘tour’ or ‘arrangements’ mean such holiday arrangements unless otherwise stated. In these be considered as a cancellation and new booking and full cancellation charges will apply. booking conditions, ‘you’ and ‘your’ means all persons named on the booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date) or any of them, as the context requires and ‘lead name’ 7. To Cancel your Booking means the person who makes the booking. ‘We’, ‘us’ and ‘our’ means Jules Verne. Should you wish to cancel your tour, the lead name must notify us as soon as possible. Cancellation will take effect from the day we are notified. No portion of amendment charges or 1. The Booking Agreement Credit Card charges is refundable in the event of cancellation. Any contract between you and us is subject to these Booking Conditions. The contract shall be The scale of cancellation charges detailed is calculated as a percentage of your invoice according governed by and construed in accordance with English law and is subject to the jurisdiction of the to the number of days prior to departure that written notice of cancellation is received by us: Courts of England and Wales. Alternatively it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of Scotland or the law of Northern Ireland and shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Prior to Departure Date: More than 60 days Deposit only / 42 – 60 days 50% or deposit, the Courts of those countries respectively if you are domiciled there. whichever is higher / 33 – 41 days 60% or deposit, whichever is higher / 15 – 32 days 90% of final invoice / Less than 15 days 100% of final invoice. 2. Your Financial Protection We would strongly recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance which provides The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 require us to provide cover against loss of deposit or cancellation fees. security for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked and for your repatriation in the event of our insolvency. 8. Cancellation of Tours by Us We hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number In the unlikely circumstances of cancellation of a tour or holiday by us we will offer you the choice 11234, Jules Verne Ltd). When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday* from of an alternative tour of equivalent value (if available) or a tour of lower value if you require it (if us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can available) in which case we will refund to you the difference in price between the original booking get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. For further and the tour of lower value; or we will make you a prompt refund of any monies paid by you to us information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk. under the original booking. *The air inclusive holidays and flights we arrange are ATOL protected providing either the person Tours are based on a minimum number of passengers, generally a number under 8 but variable who pays for the booking is present in the UK when the booking is made or the first leg of any according to destination, in order to operate. Should this not be reached, or become unlikely flight or flights we arrange for you commences in the UK. to be reached, we reserve the right to continue to operate (with local guides instead of a tour We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed manager if one has been advertised) or, up to 8 weeks prior to departure, to cancel this tour for all on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the passengers including those booked under Independent Arrival. In these circumstances we would supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you not be liable to pay you any compensation or make refunds for associated costs such as visas, with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to independently booked regional or international flights, parking, airport hotels etc. accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and In the event that it is necessary for us to cancel or make a significant change to a tour in other you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative circumstances, we will offer compensation to you, where appropriate, as detailed below. A ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an change of flight time of less than 12 hours, airline (except where otherwise stated), type of aircraft alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (if advised) or destination airport, change of London airport, or changes of hotel to ones of similar (or your credit card issuer where applicable). price or category, will all be treated as minor changes. If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services Compensation amount per person for period prior to departure date when a cancellation or listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of significant change is notified by us: insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) More than 61 days = NIL, 61 to 42 days = £20, 41 to 15 days = £35, 14 or fewer days = £50. you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign We are not liable to pay compensation to you where: absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to a) The package is cancelled because the number of persons who agree to take it is less than the the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit minimum number of persons required as set out above and we have provided advice of the card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another cancellation at least 61 days prior to the departure date of your tour or holiday, or body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. b) The package is cancelled by reason of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our We are also a member of ABTA (ABTA Number V1661). When you buy a package holiday that does control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been not include a flight, protection is provided by way of a bond held by ABTA The Travel Association. exercised. Please go to www.abta.com for a copy of the guide to ABTA’s scheme of Financial Protection. If you book arrangements other than a flight or package holiday (e.g. accommodation only), the 9. Changes to the Scheduled Programme financial protection referred to above does not apply. The tours scheduled in our brochure are planned many months in advance and sometimes changes may be necessary although we would normally expect to be able to provide you with the 3. To Make a Booking services confirmed by us in respect of your original booking. To make a booking please telephone us (020 7633 6700) at which time you will be asked to make The arrangements featured in our brochure are by their very nature complex with services from the appropriate non-refundable deposit of between £250 to £450 per person or full payment many different airlines, hotels and transportation companies. Due to demand for flights, hotels (A higher, variable deposit may apply to certain programmes. Details will be advised at time of and accommodation and transportation over which we have no control, it is not always possible to booking). Payment may be made by credit card or debit card. On receipt of your deposit, we will guarantee flight or other transport departures, the aircraft type or other type of transportation, or send you a confirmation/invoice. It is important to check the details on the invoice when you accommodation. Flight or other transportation timings and carriers are stated to you for guidance receive it. If any details appear to be incorrect or incomplete, please contact us immediately as it only. Final details will be shown on your tickets or sent with your Joining Instructions, approximately may not be possible to make changes later. We regret we cannot accept any liability if we are not two weeks prior to travel. We reserve the right to make changes. We will make every effort to notified of any inaccuracy (for which we are responsible) in any document within 10 days of our provide as much advance notification as possible but we feel it is only fair to warn you of possible sending it out (5 days for airline tickets). We will do our best to rectify any mistake notified to us variations. Where these are significant you may be entitled to compensation as set out above. outside these time limits but you must meet any costs involved in doing so. Force Majeure Changes or Cancellation: We may have to make changes to your tour or holiday 4. Out of Date Range Flight Upgrades in the event of force majeure and if we have to cancel or change your tour or holiday in any way We will issue an invoice recording the arrangements reserved for you and will take a deposit. A because of this, we will not be liable to pay compensation to you. Force majeure is for example, contract between us will then come into existence on the basis that the price payable will be that circumstances where performance and/or prompt performance is prevented by war, threat of applicable when the airline releases the seats and the timings and other flight details will be those war, riot, civil disturbance, natural or nuclear disasters, industrial dispute (defined below), terrorist confirmed at that time which may be different to those advised at the time of booking. When the activity, fire, or adverse weather conditions. Industrial dispute is defined as a dispute between airline seats become available to book we will tell you the price and other flight details and give a person, other than ourselves, supplying services comprised in a package holiday and (a) his you 7 days to tell us whether you wish to continue with the booking on the basis of the confirmed employee and/or (b) any other person whose services affect the performance of the package price and other details or cancel and receive a full refund. If you wish to continue with the holiday, which we cannot reasonably be expected to overcome by substituting comparable booking, we will issue a revised invoice. In the event that flight seats do not become available, you alternative arrangements. Very rarely, we may be obliged by ‘force majeure’ to change or will receive a full refund of your deposit. We will have no other liability and will not be responsible terminate your holiday after departure but before the scheduled end of your time away. This for refunding the cost of any services booked in conjunction with the flights. is extremely unlikely but if this situation does occur, we regret we will be unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain any refunds from our suppliers), pay you any compensation or meet any 5. Tour Balance costs or expenses you incur as a result. The balance due must be paid to us at least 61 days before you travel. If this is not done then Airline Carriers: In accordance with EU regulations we are required to advise you of the actual air we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you and make cancellation charges. carrier operating your flight/connecting flight/transfer. We do this by listing carriers to be used If you ask us not to cancel, promising to make payment but failing to do so, you must pay the or likely to be used on the relevant brochure pages and/or your holiday confirmation invoice. Any cancellation charges depending on the date we reasonably treat your booking as cancelled. Your changes to the actual airline after you have received your tickets will be notified to you as soon failure to pay the balance in these circumstances could result in cancellation charges of up to as possible and in all cases at check – in or at the boarding gate. Such a change is deemed to be a 100% of the final invoice. If you book 61 days or less before departure, then the full amount must minor change. be paid when you book. Rail Travel: All itineraries that involve the use of rail travel are subject to amendment according to the 6. To Change your Booking conditions of carriage of the railways board or other agency which governs rail travel in the country Change or Addition to your Booking: Please note that it will not be possible to make changes in which the railway journey is undertaken. Delays may occur depending on the priority given to within 28 days of your scheduled departure date. If you want to change any part of your holiday the passage of the train upon which you are travelling because the train is required to give way to arrangements after the invoice has been issued, we will do our best to make the change, but it other railway traffic. In particular where the train is crossing a border between two countries, your may not be possible. Any request for changes must be made by the person who made the original attention is drawn to the section headed ‘Border Crossings’ below. booking. We may ask you to put these in writing. If it is possible to make the change, it will be Border Crossings: In some countries lengthy delays may be experienced at border crossings subject to an administration charge of £30 per person, and payment of any further costs incurred between two countries. Such delays are subject to the discretion of the national or local authorities as a result of the change such as the cost of replacement visa, re – ticketing costs of scheduled regulating the border crossing. We cannot offer any accurate estimate of the length of such delay. transport, costs associated with changed group numbers. Scheduled airlines normally regard River Boats and Cruises: All itineraries that include river and coastal cruising are subject to name changes as a cancellation and rebooking, and any alteration may incur a 100% cancellation amendment according to river or sea conditions at the time of travel which includes water levels charge in respect of the air fare. If it is not possible for us to make changes for whatever reason, (high and low), weather conditions such as fog and technical issues with locks, bridges and the you have the choice of proceeding with the holiday as originally booked, or of cancelling and vessels themselves. Where such variations affect the itinerary a replacement programme by land paying cancellation charges in accordance with the scale shown below. If any change can be will be arranged. Most waterways are controlled by statutory authorities who can also impose made, you must check whether it will invalidate your insurance cover, in which case it may be restrictions without notice. necessary to take out alternative, additional or new cover depending on the circumstances. Name Spellings: It is essential that the names of all passengers you give us at the time of booking are 10. Important Notes exactly the names (including forenames) that are shown on those persons’ passports. In many cases, Accommodation Outside the UK: The standard of accommodation, whether in hotels or on and in order to guarantee your special airfare, tickets must be issued within two weeks of your date rail, ship or boat, will vary according to the standards available in the country in which the of booking and any subsequent changes, including changes to the spelling of names, amendments accommodation is being provided and should be judged by the standards of that country. In and cancellations, will incur costs up to the full value of the air ticket, regardless of the time period. some countries the standards will be basic and not of the level associated with a conventional Name Changes (where you transfer your booking to another person): Name changes will similarly package holiday. If you are in any doubt about the suitability to your own requirements of the facilities,

74 vjv.com 020 3553 3945 transportation, accommodation or conditions prevailing in any country through which the tour (c) Should you suffer death, personal injury or illness as a result of an activity not forming part passes, then you should make written enquiry with us as we cannot be held responsible for failure of holiday arrangements, booked with us, we give you advice, guidance and, at our discretion, to meet your requirements if these are not made known to us. Whilst every effort will be made to financial assistance where appropriate up to a limit of £5,000. The financial assistance to enable meet reasonable requests, they cannot be guaranteed. legal action to be taken against the person responsible for your death, personal injury or illness. Hotel rooms are generally available between noon and 3pm for check-in and are to be vacated Should you recover any costs against a third party in respect of such legal action or be insured between 10am and noon irrespective of your arrival or departure times, details of which will be in respect of such costs and recover the same via insurers any costs actually incurred by us for confirmed by your hotel. Hotels will generally make provision to secure your luggage until rooms which you are given assistance shall be recoverable from any costs recovered by you. Further, the are available. financial assistance is per booking form, not per person. Any request for assistance under this On occasion it may be possible to obtain day-rooms subject to availability and extra payment. section must be made within 90 days of the incident occurring. Special Requests: Any special request or requirement which is essential to your booking (such 14. Feedback and Complaints Procedure as specific dietary requirements, wheelchair assistance or special facilities for certain medical Your feedback is really important to us. At the end of your holiday you should receive a Jules Verne conditions) must be made known to us in writing before you book. We will contact our suppliers questionnaire to complete as we would like to know what you enjoyed about your tour and what and the request will only become a term of your contract with us if we confirm in writing that the we could improve. request can be met and your booking proceeds on that basis. We are also happy to pass on any If you have cause for complaint while you are on tour you must notify the Jules Verne Tour other reasonable requests that you may have such as desired location of hotel rooms or airline Manager, local representative, or local agent and give them the opportunity to help you there and seats or other requirements as to meals, but they cannot be guaranteed and will not form part of then. If you do not raise concerns immediately, this may affect our ability to investigate and take our contract. No compensation will be payable if such requests are not fulfilled. remedial action and it may impact on the way your complaint is dealt with later. Locally Booked Excursions/Activities: Whilst you are away you may be offered the opportunity If a problem remains unresolved during your holiday, the lead passenger (the person who made to buy optional excursions and activities. These are provided by independent local companies, the booking) should make a complaint in writing to Jules Verne within 28 days of the completion which are neither owned nor controlled by Jules Verne, and for whom we act only as an agent (if of the holiday. Please remember to quote your booking reference number and daytime telephone we make the booking for you). If you decide to buy an excursion or activity, your contract will be number. We will reply to you within 28 days of receipt of your letter, as laid down by the ABTA Tour made with the local company which provides it and it will not form part of your contracted holiday Operator’s Code of Conduct. arrangements with us. The contract may be subject to the excursion/activity provider’s terms and conditions, some of which may exclude or limit its liability to you, and will be governed by local We are a member of ABTA, membership number V1661. We are obliged to maintain a high standard law and jurisdiction. We accept no liability for any breach of contract or negligent act or omission of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct and we certainly hope that we can settle any holiday of any excursion/activity provider. Some excursions/activities may contain an element of risk or complaints amicably. However, should this prove not to be the case, you may refer any dispute require a good level of physical fitness, and, if in doubt, you should make direct inquiries with the relating to our contract to arbitration under a scheme arranged by ABTA which is approved by the local provider before deciding to buy and check that you are covered by your travel insurance Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to policy. The same principle applies to any shop purchases in which you are involved, even where use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving the shop is recommended by a local supplier or guide. We would therefore advise that you take disputes can be found on www.abta.com. The scheme provides for a simple and inexpensive method care to establish exactly what you are buying and also take into account any difficulties that you of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability for you in respect of costs. The scheme might later find in returning faulty goods to the supplier. does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5,000 per person or £25,000 per booking form. Neither does it apply to claims which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their Behaviour: If in our reasonable opinion or in the opinion of any airline pilot, hotel manager, tour consequences, although claims which include an element of minor injury or illness can be considered leader or other person in authority, your behaviour is causing, or is likely to cause, danger, upset subject to a limit of £1,500 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person, in respect of this or damage to property or persistently affecting the enjoyment of others, we reserve the right to element. The application for arbitration and Statement of Claim must be received by ABTA within 18 terminate your holiday. Should this happen, no refund or compensation would be paid and we months of the date of return from the holiday. Outside this time limit arbitration under the scheme would have no further responsibility for your holiday arrangements including return travel. may still be available if we agree, but the ABTA Code does not require such agreement. You must also Passports and Visas: It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of all necessary travel have previously registered your complaint via ABTA to qualify for arbitration. and health documents before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must We both agree that English Law (and no other) will apply to your contract and to any dispute, be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport claim or other matter of any description (hereinafter referred to as “claim”) which arises between or into any country due to failure on your part to carry all required documentation. If failure to have us (except as set out below). We both also agree that any claim (and whether or not involving any any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty or personal injury) must be dealt with under the ABTA arbitration scheme (if the scheme is available expenses being imposed on or incurred by us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly. for the claim in question and you wish to use it) or by the Courts of England and Wales only unless, 11. Fitness to Travel, Disabilities, and Mobility in the case of Court proceedings, you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In this case, proceedings Overseas services are not covered by the Equality Act 2010, and facilities that are expected and must either be brought in the Courts of your home country or those of England and Wales. If required in the UK are not available in many of our destinations. If you have a disability or any issue proceedings are brought in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have your contract with mobility you should be aware that our tours may involve significant distances, embarkations and claim governed by the law of Scotland/Northern Ireland as applicable (but if you do not so and disembarkations, visits to places that lack lifts or ramps, and areas of steep or rough terrain. choose, English law will apply). Tours, or parts of tours, may be unsuitable for those with disabilities or restricted mobility. Our 15. Carriers and Other Suppliers brochures and our website contain a guide on Fitness to Travel. Our tours are not normally For portions of your itinerary involving air transport, cruising, or travel by coach, car, train, or ferry, manageable for those with walking difficulties. Please consider this issue as carefully as we have, you will be subject to the operational terms and conditions of the carrier and the regulations ask for our advice, and do not undertake a tour that is unsuited to yourself or another member of under which they operate. Airlines operate under international and (where appropriate) European your party. Whilst we are committed to making every reasonable adjustment to provide access to conventions, treaties and regulations in regard to delay, cancellation, and denied boarding which our tours for those affected, our escorts and guides are responsible for the progress of the tour and have specific provisions regarding claims for compensation. Such claims, and those for loss or for the tour group as a whole so cannot be relied upon to provide individual support or assistance damage to your baggage, should be made directly to the airline. Although we will always use our such as pushing wheelchairs or carrying bags. Should you or any of your party require a carer or best efforts to ensure that your tour is delivered as promised, we cannot be held responsible for assistance with mobility, then you accept responsibility for including a suitably qualified person in delays, for necessary changes to your itinerary, or for other adverse occurrences or mishaps that your booking. are outside our control or could not have been foreseen or forestalled, and no compensation for In making your booking, you confirm that you and all of your party are fit to take this tour, and such events or their consequences will be due from us. For any claims to be considered, you must that you have declared to us any disability or special need which is likely to affect the progress communicate the failure locally to the supplier and to ourselves at the earliest opportunity. of the tour or the delivery to other travellers. If we reasonably consider that we are unable to properly accommodate the particular needs of the person concerned, we must reserve the right 16. Flights and Airlines to decline their reservation or, if full details are not given at the time of booking, decline or cancel We reserve the right to amend the carrier, type of aircraft or timings on any of the itineraries. When the reservation when we become aware of these details. You must also promptly advise us when you travel with an airline, scheduled or otherwise, the Conditions of Carriage of that airline apply. any significant change in the condition or disability occurs or if any such medical condition or Some of these will limit or even exclude liability. These conditions are the subject of International disability develops after your booking has been confirmed. If we consider at any time that the tour Agreements between countries. We can normally advise you of the Conditions, or copies can be is unsuitable, we will try to provide alternative arrangements which overcome the issues and will made available upon request. offer them to you at an appropriate cost. Alternatively, we reserve the right to cancel the booking. Voluntary Denied Boarding: On rare occasions passengers at the airport may be approached by the Should you or any of your party commence a tour without previously disclosing a disability or airline and offered, with appropriate compensation, a move to a later flight. If this is accepted you special need, and you are unable to take part in the activities or to keep to the daily schedule of should be aware that as a result you may incur additional costs for separate transfer arrangements the tour group, we reserve the right either to make whatever arrangements and engage whatever at your destination. additional assistance we deem necessary for you to continue the tour, separately from the group if Flight Delays: Flight timings are provided by airlines. They are subject to air traffic control necessary, or else to make arrangements for your return to the UK without completing the tour. In restrictions, weather conditions, the need for constant maintenance and the ability of passengers either case you will be responsible for all additional costs. to check in on time. There is no guarantee that the flights will depart at the time shown either in It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of all recommended and required vaccination the brochure, on your invoice or on the tickets. The timings are estimates only. When booking and health precautions in good time before departure, and to have any member of your party who connecting flights, rail or car parking or indeed any arrangements that rely on flight timings, you may have doubts about their fitness consult with their own doctor. are strongly advised to allow for possible variations. In the event of a flight being delayed, be it outward, onward or homeward, the relevant airline will make arrangements, dependent on the 12. Prices and Taxes time of day and duration of the delay. No Surcharge Guarantee – The price of your tour which we confirm to you at the time of booking, Direct Flights: Where a flight is described as direct, this means that no change of aircraft is including any increases or reductions applied at that time, is fully guaranteed and is not subject to necessary. Stops may be made en route for re-fuelling or to pick up/set down passengers. We do any surcharges. not however provide details of such stops where applicable in our documentation. Prices do not include – Travel Insurance, optional excursions, tipping, overseas airport taxes (where Air Travel: Airline schedules are quoted as known at the time of going to press, but are subject to indicated), any government or tourist taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication of possible alterations. Details in respect of flight timings, duration of flights and points of stop-over our brochure. en route will be sent with your confirmation invoice and with your final travel documents. 13. Jules Verne’s Responsibility Community List: In accordance with EU directive (EC) no. 2111/2005, Article 9, we are required to (a) Where you do not suffer personal injury or death, we accept liability should any part of bring to your attention the existence of a ‘Community List’ which contains details of air carriers your holiday arrangements booked with us not be as described in the brochure from which that are subject to an operating ban within the EU Community. The Community List is available for you have made your booking and not be of a reasonable standard. We will pay you reasonable inspection at http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm. compensation (limited to a maximum of three times the amount paid) unless there has been no fault on our part or that of our suppliers and the reason for the failure in your holiday 17. Brochure Description and Prices arrangements could not have been foreseen or avoided by us or our suppliers even if all due care Important Notice: Unfortunately, it is inevitable that some of the prices and details contained had been exercised. We will use this maximum sum to assess the appropriate sum due to you in the within our brochures may have changed since the brochures were printed. We must reserve the circumstances of your particular complaint. right to make such changes and to correct errors in advertised prices. You will be informed about any changes to any of the relevant details within this brochure when you book and before you (b) Should you suffer death or personal injury as a result of an activity forming part of your holiday enter into a contract with us as part of our commitment to quality customer service. arrangements booked with us, we accept responsibility unless there has been no fault on our part or that of our suppliers and the cause was your own fault, the actions of someone unconnected Whilst we endeavour to ensure that the most up-to-date and correct prices are shown on our website with your holiday arrangements or one which neither we nor our suppliers could have anticipated and in our brochures, there may on occasion be an incorrect price shown, due to an unfortunate or avoided even with the exercise of all due care. Where such death or personal injury arises in the error. When we become aware of any such error, we will endeavour to notify you at the time of course of air travel, rail travel, sea travel or hotel accommodation, the amount of compensation booking (if we are then aware of the mistake) or within 7 days of the time of booking, or as soon as you will receive is limited in accordance with the provisions of any applicable International reasonably possible. We must reserve the right to cancel the booking if you do not wish to accept Conventions (the 1999 Montreal Convention, the Warsaw Convention as amended by the Hague the price which is actually applicable to the holiday, in which case you will be given the choice to Protocol in 1955, the 1961 Berne Convention, the 1974 Athens Convention and the 1962 Paris amend your booking to an alternative holiday at the correct price. We reserve the right to change any Convention as amended). Copies of these Conventions may be obtained by writing to us, please of the services or facilities or prices described in the brochure at any time before a contract is made allow at least 28 days for the provision of such information. between us. If there is any change we will tell you before you enter into a contract.

020 3553 3945 vjv.com 75 INSPIRING TOURS TO ALL SEVEN CONTINENTS • SMALL GROUPS AND PRIVATELY GUIDED TOURS KNOWLEDGEABLE LOCAL GUIDES • INDIVIDUAL CHARACTER HOTELS EXPERTLY PLANNED AND ORGANISED

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96 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BE Sales & Information: Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm Personal visitors are welcome on weekdays, by appointment only. Printed February 2020 E&OE February Printed Reservations 020 3533 3945 | email: [email protected]