Explore Asia Spring - Summer 2012
Out of the ordary tours for everyone
Great Outdoors · Local Customs · Charming Hospitality · Traditional Cooking · Stimulating Art · Intriguing Architecture 2 map asia & contents
Shanghai china Mekong 1 Feng Shui mysteries of South-East China River 1 >> pages 4 - 5 Red River Xiamen 2 Nature and self-explore at the laos Nam Cat Tien National Park 4 Hanoi Inle Lake Luang philippine sea >> pages 6 - 7 Prabang Halong bay myanmar Vientiane 3 Discovering the Cambodian countryside >> pages 8 - 9 6 Golden Rock vietnam thailand south Yangon Hué china 4 Shangri Lao expedition Hpa-an Pakse sea >> pages 10 - 11 Mawlamyine Kanchanaburi
5 Hua Hin explorer Bangkok Siem Reap Battambang >> pages 12 - 13 5 Pursat cam- Kampong Chnnang 6 Rivers, rocks and caves by Elephant Coach bodia Phnom Penh >> pages 14 - 15 3 2 Ho Chi 7 Houseboat cruise in the Belum rainforest Minh City >> pages 16 - 17
8 Orangutan encounter >> pages 18 - 19 malaysia Lake Temenggor 7 malaysia Kuala Lumpur
indian ocean indonesia indonesia Pangkalan Bun Mountain 8 National Park >> Australia from page 20 Tanjung Puting Point of Interest introduction 3
out of the ordinary tours for everyone
Our programmes take individual and small group travel in a new direction. They are for travellers who don’t want to experience what everyone else already has.
They are for the seekers of a truly authentic and sustainable travel experience in the great outdoors, of local customs and charming hospitality, flavourful traditional cooking, stimulating art, and intriguing architecture. come explore with us. 4 china • april–october 2012
Feng Shui mysteries of South-East China
Highlights h Visit the fortified villages of the Hakka, a UNESCO World Heritage site h The remarkable Taiji astrological villages of Zhejiang province h Discover the fascinating village of Bagua with its Eight Diagram design
This itinerary unveils some of the Day 1, xiamen by boat). Walking tour of this historical Day 7, jinhua–shaoxing best kept secrets of ancient Chinese h Arrive at Xiamen airport. Meet and island including Hi-Heaven museum h Drive to Dongyang. Visit Luzhai village culture south of the Yangtze greet by your local guide. Visit South with Nanyin opera and puppet show. ancient building group of Ming and river. The villages were designed Putuo Temple, followed by city orienta- Return by boat to Xiamen. Transfer Qing dynasties. “The Imperial Palace in line with Feng Shui, the ancient tion tour. to airport for the flight to Hangzhou. in northern China, Luzhai in southern Chinese beliefs on how to orient Transfer to hotel. China”, says the expression. Continue buildings to receive positive energy. Day 2, xiamen–yongding– to Shaoxing, where the famous writer Go back in history on the island of xiamen Day 5, hangzhou–zhuge– Lu Xun’s was born, and visit the Shaox- Gulangyu and marvel at the ancient h Full-day excursion to explore the tra- jinhua ing rice wine factory (including tasting). trade port of Zaytun, gateway of the ditional Hakka (“guest people”) earth h Visit the West lake and Six Harmony Try the local specialities during dinner maritime Silk Road. fortified villages of Yongding (240 km pagoda. Transfer to Zhuge Bagua Vil- at the famous Xianheng restaurant. roundtrip). lage, with its unique laberynthic layout based on the Eight Diagrams, the core Day 8, shaoxing–anchang– Day 3, xiamen–quanzhou– of Feng Shui. Continue by road to Jinhua. shanghai xiamen h Visit Shaoxing ancient street. Drive to h Full-day excursion to discover the Day 6, jinhua–yuyuan– Anchang old water village by the canal. ancient trade port of Quanzhou, known guodong–jinhua Transfer by road to Shanghai. formerly as “Zaytun”, with its maritime h Full-day excursion to the astonishing museum and the twin pagodas. Yuyuan ancient Taiji astrological village Day 9, shanghai and Guodong ancient village. See the h Leisure day in Shanghai. Transfer to Day 4, xiamen–hangzhou ancestral temples, old theatre stages Pudong airport. h 1 Morning visit to Gulang Island (7 mins and water gates. china • april–october 2012 5
1 · Yongding Chengqi Lou 2 · West lake 3 · Zhuge village 4 · Yongding, Chuxi Village 5 · Zhuge village
2 3
Travel Period April – October 2012
Travel Duration 9 days / 8 nights
Group Size 2 – 9 persons
Included in the Tour Accommodation with meals as indicated. All transfers by road. Tours by A/C vehicle. Entrance fees with services of English- speaking guides. Domestic flight from Xiamen to Hangzhou.
Excluded from the Tour International flight tickets. Tips for local guides, drivers and 4 porters. Other meals than the ones mentioned. Optional tours. Personal expenses. Visa fee. Excess luggage charges.
Programme subject to change.
5 6 vietnam • all year round
Nature and self-explore at the Nam Cat Tien National Park
Highlights h Bird watching and wildlife spotting at the Nam Cat Tien National Park h Explore by bike the beauty of Da Lat, riding down to the coast h Stay in the middle of nature at Forest Floor Lodge, a fully restored colonial villa
Da Lat, the “Eternal Spring city”, day 1, ho chi minh city– day 3, nam cat tien–da lat day 5, da lat–Phan Thiet used to be a favorite hill resort nam cat tien h Visit the bear rehabilitation centre h Leave the “Eternal Spring” city thanks to its moderate climate, h Leave the bustling city for the quiet and see the efforts to rescue and re towards Phan Thiet beaches by bike. romantic atmosphere and beautiful jungle. Check in and enjoy a welcome habilitate endangered bears/primates. The 90 km route can be customised landscape. The combination of Da lunch. h After lunch, drive to Da Lat with a to the rider’s fitness level. Lat, Nam Cat Tien National Park and h Around mid afternoon, get started stop at a waterfall and tea plantations. h The road winds through pine forested Phan Thiet beach, allows a slow jour- with a light trek through the forest. h Dinner in town. Accommodation at valleys and coffee plantations, then ney back to nature and self-explore. h After dinner, take a night drive into Ana Mandaras Villas Dalat. longs into a flat road next to dragon An exciting ride down to the laid- the Nam Cat Tien National Park using fruit plantations whilst approaching back beach resort is the best way of a spotlight to view nocturnal wildlife. day 4, da lat and Phan Thiet. ending your adventure in Vietnam. h First night at the Forest Floor Lodge. surroundings h Arrive at the chosen resort for your h After breakfast, take a downhill beach stay. Check-in. day 2, nat cam tien ride in the Da Lat area, passing through h Option: Biking down to Nha Trang, national park beautiful pine forested hills, valleys a neighbouring beach resort of Phan h Early morning, trek to the crocodile dotted with picturesque farms as far Thiet. lake with many chances to see fasci- as Dankia lake. nating varieties of bird life, larger mam- h Visit city landmarks in the afternoon, mals as well as Siamese crocodiles. get on board a steam locomotive train This is one of the last places in the ride or stroll through colorful local world where endangered crocodiles market can be seen in the wild. h Dinner at hotel.
1 vietnam • all year round 7
1 · Nam Cat Tien National Park 2 · Ana Mandara Da lat overview 3 · Da lat biking surrounding 4 · Forest Floor Lodge, interior 5 · Forest Floor Lodge, exterior
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Travel Period All year round
Travel Duration 5 days / 4 night
Group Size 2 – 10 persons
Included in the Tour All transfers with guide from Ho Chi Minh city until Phan Thiet. 2 nights at Forest Floor Lodge at Nam Cat Tien National Park. 2 nights at a colonial Villa Resort in Dalat on shared twin basis with daily breakfast. Tours, meals (no drink) as per programme.
4 Excluded from the Tour Accommodation in Phan Thiet and tour. Transfer to next desti- nation. Personal expenses. Tipping.
Programme subject to change.
5 8 cambodia • all year round
Discovering the Cambodian countryside
Highlights h Travel on a bamboo train, Tuk Tuk and wooden boat and ride a bike for a tour along Sangke River h Be amazed by the talented and unexpected circus show performed by teenagers h Live a simple life like a Cambodian on the Tonle Sap lake
Take some time off your busy work Day 1: PHNOM PENH/ h Continue by car to the south of Visit a floating village and observe the schedule to relax and travel down BATTAMBANG Battambang for the biking tour along numerous birds at Prek Toal. Lunch box memory lane in the Cambodian h Pick up from hotel and transfer by the Sangker river (12 km). on board. Arrival at Siem Reap. countryside. Use unique modes of road to Battambang. En route, visit h After lunch, visit “The Well of Shadows”, h March to July: Overland transfer to transport to enjoy the beautiful Udong, an ancient capital of the latter a monument to the Khmer Rouge ge Siem Reap. On the way, visit silk farm of landscape and visit some of the most stages of the Khmer Empire. nocide in the Wat Somrong Knong area Puok. Lunch at local restaurant in Siem important sites of the Khmer Empire. h Visit the Trolaeng Keng pagoda in by Tuk Tuk. Discover how people in the Reap and visit the Angkor National Discover the rich handicraft skills Banteay Longvek, the ancient capital neighbouring villages produce “Psar Museum. Drop off at hotel. of the Cambodians and take the city from 1529 to 1593. The route Prohoc”, a typical Cambodian fish paste, opportunity to talk to villagers and continues to a pottery ware village and sticky rice stuffed in bamboo. witness their daily lives. in Kampong Chnang, the largest h Visit the Wat Ek Phnom temple and fishing port on the Tonle Sap river. ancient houses at Wat Kor village. h After lunch, short stop at Pursat h Enjoy the special circus show at the province to discover the marble and Phare Ponleu Selpak school. Young wood carving hand-made products. people perform a mix of disciplines, h Arrive at Battambang. Dinner and from acrobatics to live music. overnight at hotel. h Dinner. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 2: BATTAMBANG DAY 3: BATTAMBANG/SIEM REAP h Travel on the bamboo train, set up by h August to February: Enjoy a boat the villagers in order to facilitate the cruise to Siem Reap on the Sangker
1 transportation of goods and people. river and cross the Tonle Sap lake. cambodia • all year round 9
1 · Bamboo train 2 · Fisherman on the Tonle Sap Lake 3 · Circus by Phare Ponleu Selpak 4 · Rice field in Battambang 5 · Silk centre in Puok
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Travel Period All year round
Travel Duration 3 days / 2 nights
Group Size 1 – 15 persons
Included in the Tour Overnight in Battambang with daily breakfast. All meals included. A/C car/coaster. Bamboo train/Tuk Tuk/boat trip. Tours with English-speaking local guide (other languages subject to availability at extra charge). Circus show at Phare Ponleu Selpak in Battambang (every Monday and Thursday). 4 All entrance fees. Water and fresh towels during tour. Excluded from the Tour Travel insurance. Domestic and international airfare. Visa for Cambodia: 20 USD per person. Personal expenditures such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, tips etc. Other services not mentioned in the programme. Surcharge non-English speaking guide. Overnight in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Programme subject to change.
5 10 laos • all year round
Shangri Lao expedition
Highlights h Follow the footsteps of a German explorer and visit Huay Sae Valley by elephant h Participate in the elephants’ morning bath h Cruise on a bamboo raft, watching the traditional life of farmers and fishermen
On 20 October 1883, Dr. Neis, a Day 1, Luang Prabang – life of farmers and fishermen along h Before lunch, learn about the Mahout German explorer, visited the Huay Shangri Lao Camp the Nam Khan river. and their way of life. Relax before Sae Valley on the back of an elephant. h A short drive of 15 km takes you to h Back at your luxury tent, enjoy the returning to Luang Prabang. Follow his track and enjoy a truly the Shangri-Lao Explorer Camp, where swimming pool or walk to the nearby unique 2-day/1-night itinerary, you enjoy an introductory tour of the village. taking the same route as the original camp. Learn about and feed elephants, h In the evening, a delicious barbecue is explorer and travelling across the and relax by the riverside. served under the starry sky. Enjoy the Nam Khan River. h The expedition starts with a 1h 30’ unique natural surroundings of your tent. elephant ride across the Nam Khan River, across hills to a hidden valley. Day 2, Elephant bath – Huay Sae Valley is the place for a Mahout Camp – Luang Prabang luxury lunch of fine Lao food and wine. h Rise at dawn, walk through the forest Depending on the water level, you can to pick up the elephants and, together take a swim in the natural pools. with the Mahouts, walk back to the h In the early afternoon, trek for 1h 30’, river to participate in the morning bath crossing rivers over bamboo bridges of the large mammals. and passing waterfalls. Horses take h Ride bareback on the elephant, wash care of your bags and accompany it and scrub it, under the supervision of you along fields and forest, towards the Mahout (“elephant keeper” in Lao). the river. h Rest and enjoy your breakfast at the h Cruise on a bamboo raft back to riverside, watching the sun rising over
1 the camp, watching the traditional the mountains. laos • all year round 11
1 · Bamboo raft 2 · Trail of falls 3 · Elephant taking bath 4 · Shangri Lao explorer camp 5 · Shangri Lao tent
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Travel Period All year round
Travel Duration 2 days / 1 night
Group Size 1 – 8 persons
Included in the Tour Accommodation in tented camp with breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner. Transfers from and back to hotel in Luang Prabang, tour and activities with English-speaking guide as per programme. Introduction to elephants activities and the Mahout life.
4 Excluded from the Tour Personal expenses. Extra drinks. Travel to and from Laos. Visa Programme subject to change.
5 12 thailand • all year round
Hua Hin explorer
Highlights h Explore the quiet back roads by bike and visit temples off the beaten track h Visit Thailand’s largest National Park, Kaeng Krachan h Discover the award-winning Monsoon Valley vines
A couple of hours south-west of DAY 1, BANGKOK–AMPAWA to stop at Hua Hin Hills vineyards for Bangkok lies a fertile lowland with h Transfer to the Damnoen Saduak lunch, located on a former elephant a network of canals, orchards and floating market, a canal packed with corral where wild Asian elephants used a huge forest reserve – a tranquil small boats selling just about every- to be domesticated. region and lifestyle that most visitors thing. Embark on a long-tailed boat h After lunch, ride to visit a temple. to Thailand never see. Cycle through ride through the network of canals. Overnight in Hua Hin. this amazing landscape and discover h We start our bike ride along country hidden temples and real Thai life. roads, cycling through orchards and DAY 4, PRANBURI-BANGKOK temples and finish at a canal side hotel. h Cycle through fishing villages, schools and temples, passing along the coast DAY 2, AMPAWA–KAENG KRACHAN and an excellent view point. h Take in traffic-free roads and trails h The ride ends at a local restaurant with beautiful scenery, entering Kaeng for lunch before heading back to Hua Krachan National Park, cycling over a Hin or Bangkok. large dam and alongside a crystalline lake. h Stop at a secluded hotel set in won- derfully landscaped grounds.
DAY 3, KAENG KRACHAN–HUA HIN h Ride through pineapple fields to visit
1 the Dao Cave. Cycle for 10 more km thailand • all year round 13
1 · Cycling in Kaeng Krachan National Park 2 · Local life 3 · Floating market of Damnoen Saduak 4 · Cycling 5 · Pineapple fields
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Travel Period Every Wednesday, all year round
Travel Duration 4 days / 3 nights
Group Size 2 – 16 persons
Included in the Tour 3 nights standard accommodation with full board. All transfers by A/C vehicles. Supported vehicles, bike and helmet rental. Soft drinks and cold water while riding. Tour accompanied by an English-speaking cycle guide.
4 Excluded from the Tour Alcoholic beverages. Soft drinks and other beverages in the evenings. Tips for guides. Personal travel insurance. Optional tours and other meals than mentioned.
Programme subject to change.
5 14 myanmar 2012 • all year round
Rivers, rocks and caves by Elephant Coach
Highlights h Be amazed by the sacred Golden Rock, perched on the edge of a cliff h Visit the limestone caves of Nayinnyi and Kawgoon h Travel on an antique post-colonial Chevrolet passenger bus, the Elephant coach
Discover the mystic region around DAY 1, Golden Rock h Continue to Hpa-An, stopping at DAY 4, An unforgetable train Hpa-An and Mawlamyne, in southern h Pick up at hotel in the morning and Nayinnyi and Kawgoon Caves on the ride experience Myanmar, which is still undeveloped drive to Thanatpin. Stop at a tree shrine way. Both caves are set inside lime- h Enjoy another colourful way of local for most aspects of tourism. Step dedicated to a legendary “Nat” (spirit), stone rock formations. Dinner transportation. Rise early and take back in time by travelling on one as well as the four giant Buddha images and overnight at hotel in Hpa An. the local train for 3 hours to Tathon. of the most exclusive means of trans- in the Kyaik Pun Pagoda. Learn about your fellow travellers port in Myanmar: a lavishly restored h After lunch at a local restaurant in DAY 3, The charming town life while the train rattles through the post-Colonial Chevrolet passengers Bago, continue to the Kin Pun base- of Mawlamyine countryside. bus, the Elephant Coach. It combines camp. The tour takes you to one of h Start your day with a Myanmar-style h Upon arrival in Thaton, your Elephant the original carriage with today’s Myanmar’s most revered Buddhist breakfast in one of the local tea shops. Coach awaits you for a safe and luxury luxury comfort. place of pilgrimage: the “Golden h Visit the colourful local market and journey back to Yangon. Lunch is Rock” (or Kyaiktiyo), which amazingly the Shweyinhmayw Pagoda located served at local restaurant en route. balances at the edge of a cliff. Dinner on the bank of the Thanlwin river. at hotel. Drive past a rubber plantation, reach Thanbyuzayat, south of Mawlamyine, DAY 2, Caves and limestone which used to be the western terminal rock formations of the infamous Burma-Siam Death h After breakfast, departure to Hpa Railway. An, the capital of the Kayine State. h In the afternoon, return to Maw- En route, stop in Thathon, the former lamyine. Discover its rich historical capital of the Mon Kingdom, the place buildings, in colonial style architecture. h 1 where Buddhism started in Myanmar. Dinner and overnight at hotel. myanmar 2012 • all year round 15
1 · Bago 2 · Golden rock 3 · River by Hpa An 4 · Elephant coach 5 · Mawlamyaing strand road
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Travel Period All year round
Travel Duration 4 days / 3 nights
Group Size 2 – 8 persons
Included in the Tour Private luxury bus transportation from/to Yangon. English-speaking guide. Full board.
Excluded from the Tour Personal expenditures, such as drinks and souvenirs
4 Programme subject to change.
5 16 malaysia • all year round
Houseboat cruise in the Belum rainforest
Highlights h Experience the idyllic bliss of the Temenggor lake from the boathouse h Explore one of the world’s oldest rainforest and visit an indigenous village h A chance to see the very rare Rafflesia flower, the largest in the world
One of the last untouched forest Day 1, Kuala Lumpur to is moored near a salt-lick where animals Day 3, Banding island – reserves in Malaysia, the Belum- Banding island go to supplement their salt intake. Onward journey Temengor rainforest covers an area h Depart Kuala Lumpur for Banding h After breakfast, spend time kayaking of 300,000 hectares. Its massive lake island on lake Temenggor, where we Day 2, Rafflesia site – or bamboo rafting before we take a and secluded inlets host an incredible stop enroute for lunch. Orang Asli village leisure cruise back to the jetty. variety of wildlife, a unique biological h Upon arrival, board the houseboat h Early breakfast before we proceed h Relax and soak in the serenity of the paradise. The area is rich with fresh followed by a briefing on the facilities, to a Rafflesia site (trek takes between rainforest before your onward journey. water fish and is home to elephants, programme and procedures before 20–45 minutes depending on the site) tigers, rhinoceros, honey bears, we start our cruise. to admire the largest flower in the tapirs and various species of birds. h Admire the scenic landscape and world. Visit an Orang Asli (indigenous Discover how the indigenous minority look out for birdlife in the area such minority) village. in Malaysia (Orang Asli) lives. as Hornbills, eagles and Kingfishers h We then head to the Sg.Enam base- (binoculars are available on board). camp, where we do a short trek to a h We dock at Teluk Gadong bay, where waterfall for a packed lunch picnic. you can go jungle trekking to see flora h Cruise along the animal “hot-spots” and fauna, kayaking, bamboo rafting in search of wildlife. or try your hand at fishing (strictly h We dock in a secluded bay for the catch & release). second night. After dinner, sit back h After a BBQ dinner is served on and star gaze (weather permitting) or board, sit back, relax and listen to the simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity symphony of the jungle. You may even of this rainforest, which is reputed to
1 hear the roar of tigers as the houseboat be at least 130 million years old. malaysia • all year round 17
1 · The rare Rafflesia 2 · The houseboat 3 · A Rhinocerous Hornbill 4 · Part of the jungle trail 5 · A herd of elephants by the lake
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Travel Period All year round
Travel Duration 3 days / 2 nights
Group Size 2 – 11 persons
Included in the Tour Return transfers. Houseboat cruise. Meals and activities as highlighted in the programme: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners.
Excluded from the Tour Alcoholic beverages for the cruise can be requested in advance. 4 Separate charges will be applied upon consumption. Personal expenditures such as souvenirs, tips, and other services not included in the programme. Programme subject to change.
5 18 indonesia • april–november 2012
Orangutan encounter
Highlights h Trek with rangers throught the rainforest to feed the orangutans h Early morning visit to the lively floating markets in Lok Baitan h Discover Kembang island, habitat of long-tailed macaques
Discover one of the only places in DAY 1, PANGKALAN BUN – En route, stop at Pondok Tanguy, the DAY 4, BANJARMASIN – FLOATING the world where orangutans can be TANJUNG PUTING rehabilitation centre for the ex-captive MARKET – AIRPORT seen in their natural habitat. Native h Transfer to Kumai by boat, a traditional orangutans. h In the early morning (5am), leave to Indonesia, the orangutans come Klotok wooden river boat with a roof, h At Camp Leakey you can trek into the the boat jetty to visit the the lively and from the Indonesian “Orang hutan”, from where you can view the rainforest. rainforest with your expert guide and colourful floating market in Lok Baitan. or “Man of the forest”. Proboscis h There is an optional programme to the forestry rangers sighting wild oran- h Trip to Kembang island, about 45 monkeys, Gibbons, Tarsiers and other visit a rehabilitation centre for orphaned gutans, gibbons, macaques, and birds. minutes ride from the floating market primate species can be seen in Central orangutans, where playful and friendly h Afternoon visit to the orangutan feed- in South Kalimantan. The name of Kalimantan, Borneo island, amid baby orangutans are taught the first ing station. the island is “Kembang Island”, in dense forest and fascinating wildlife. steps in fending themselves in the jungle. the middle of the Barito river, habitat Advance booking is required and rates DAY 3, RIMBA LODGE – of long-tailed macaques and several are advised upon booking. BANJARMASIN species of birds. h In the afternoon, we explore the quiet h In the morning, cruise back to Kumai river by Klotok while observing the harbor for approximately 3 hours, then Proboscis monkeys. proceed to the airport to catch your flight to Banjarmasin, the “River city” DAY 2, ORANGUTAN (estimated departure at 13.40, esti- EXPLORATION AT CAMP LEAKEY mated arrival at Banjarmasin at 15:20). h Travel by boat for 2 hours to Camp h In the afternoon, walk to the nearby Leakey, in the Tanjung Putting Na- river and explore the town from tional Park, where adult orangutans the other side by small canoe along
1 are reintroduced to the rainforest. the canal. indonesia • april–november 2012 19
1 · Rivers of Kalimantan 2 · River banks 3 · Orangutans 4 · Floating market 5 · Local children
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Travel Period April – November 2012
Travel Duration 4 days / 3 nights
Group Size 2 – 10 persons
Included in the Tour Twin share accommodation. 2 nights at Rimba Lodge in AC room/1 night at Swiss Belhotel – Superior Room. Land transportation by A/C car with English-speaking guide. Charter wooden boat (Klotok). Wooden canoe to the Canal in Banjarmasin. Charter wooden boat to the float market. 4 All entrance fee, donations. National park ranger. Excluded from the Tour Domestic flight ticket. Domestic airport taxes. Visa on arrival. Personal expenditures. Other meals and optional tours not specified in the programme. Travel Insurance. Tipping.
Programme subject to change.
5 20 map australia & contents
Arafura Sea
1 Dive, see and be seen >> page 22 Arnhem Land Ubirr Rock Art 2 Jørn Utzon and the Sydney Opera House >> page 23
Great barrier reef indian ocean 1 coral sea
Brisbane australia
2 Sydney
great australian Melbourne bight
tasmania Mountain National Park Point of Interest introduction 21
coral sea out of the ordinary tours for everyone
Our programmes take individual and small group travel in a new direction. They are for travellers who don’t want to experience what everyone else already has.
They are for the seekers of a truly authentic and sustainable travel experience in the great outdoors, of local customs and charming hospitality, flavourful traditional cooking, stimulating art, and intriguing architecture.
come explore with us. 22 australia · all year round
Dive, see and be seen
Highlights h Complete your diving certification with training and leisure dives h Underwater sightseeing at the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world h Enjoy an unforgettable night dive
This tour offers you the opportunity day 1 day 3–5 skills and gain some experience. The to learn how to dive and practise h Learn the basics of scuba diving with h Depart for a 3-days/2-nights of night dive will show you the marine your new skills in what is considered experienced instructors. The class and fantastic diving and snorkelling on life like you have never seen it before. a diver’s heaven: Australia’s Great the pool are both in the diver training the Great Barrier Reef. There will be h Return from the reef on the last day. Barrier Reef. It’s the world’s largest centre. opportunities to do 9 dives on a variety The programme includes three break- coral reef system and it won’t disap- of exclusive outer reef sites. fasts, three lunches and two dinners. point you. Rich marine life will be day 2 h Complete your diving certification even more spectacular during the h Start the pool training and continue with 4 training dives, followed by 5 unforgettable night dive. with the scuba diving academic training. more leisure dives to enjoy your new
1 · Great Barrier Reef
Travel Period All year round except Sunday
Travel Duration 5 days / 4 nights
Group Size 1 – 32 persons
Included in the Tour PADI Gold Open Water certification. Manual and dive book. Dives. Accommodation and meals as per itinerary. Dive insurance and all dive equipment.
Excluded from the Tour Pre and post tour accommodation. Meals and activities not included in the itinerary. All beverages and personal expenses.
1 Programme subject to change. sydney, australia · all year round 23
Jørn Utzon and the Sydney Opera House
Highlights h Learn about the architect behind the Sydney Opera House h Discover how this iconic building was built h Visit the inside of the Opera House with your private guide
This tour offers participants an h The first part of the tour offers an ramic skin of Sydney Opera House will the sails, dramatic twist and turns and insight into the visionary world in-depth portrait of the enigmatic be charted. Utzøn’s unrealised 1960’s visit one of the working venues. of Jørn Utzon, the architect of the architect of the Sydney Opera House, interiors are explained using his own World Heritage Sydney Opera House. Jørn Utzon, and a narrative of this drawings and models. We also bring Discover his ideas and work methods iconic building. you up-to-date on the current Opera and enjoy a unique visit to the inside h Learn about his inspiration, working House refurbishment, which occupied of this iconic building. methods and influences. The develop- him during the last ten years of his life. ment of his ideas and their realisation h Be inspired by a private guided tour in the platform, concrete shells and ce- of the Sydney Opera House. See inside
1 · Sydney Opera House at night / 2 · The Essential Private tour
Travel Period All year round
Travel Duration 3 – 4 hours
Group Size Min. 1 person
Included in the Tour Walking tour and a private guided tour.
Excluded from the Tour Food or drinks.
Programme subject to change.
1 2 Explore Africa Explore India Spring - Summer 2012 Spring - Summer 2012
Out of the ordary Out of the ordary tours for everyone tours for everyone
Great Outdoors · Local Customs · Great Outdoors · Local Customs · Charming Hospitality · Traditional Cooking · Charming Hospitality · Traditional Cooking · Stimulating Art · Intriguing Architecture Stimulating Art · Intriguing Architecture Cover image © Photographer Stephan Brauchli· www.stephanbrauchli.com Explore Africa Explore India
out of the ordinary tours for everyone Explore the Middle East Explore North America Spring - Summer 2012 Spring - Summer 2012 Spring - Summer 2012 Out of the ordary Out of the ordary tours for everyone tours for everyone
Great Outdoors · Local Customs · Great Outdoors · Local Customs · come explore with us. Charming Hospitality · Traditional Cooking · Charming Hospitality · Traditional Cooking · Stimulating Art · Intriguing Architecture Stimulating Art · Intriguing Architecture www.k uoni - dmc.com Explore the Middle East Explore North America