Intrepid Escorted Group Tour

14 November 2015

Burmese Monks

We are proud to have received a number of awards over recent years including Top Tour Operator in the 2012 Wanderlust Readers’ Travel Awards. We have also won recent awards in the Sunday Times Travel Magazine, The Telegraph, Condé Nast Traveller and the Guardian and Observer. Additionally, we have been awarded AITO's maximum five stars for our responsible travel policies and achieved two stars from the Best Company organisation for our great working environment.

These awards are widely recognised as being the most respected in the travel industry as they are professional surveys of the publications’ readerships. With over 500 travel companies for you to choose from in the UK alone, we hope you find these awards are an additional reassurance of the quality of service you can expect from Audley.

Contents

Introduction to tour ______5 Day by day summary of our Intrepid Myanmar arrangements 8 Price ______10 Why travel with us? ______11 Introduction to the region ______12 Photographs of the region ______16 Itinerary in detail ______18 Accommodation information ______35 Charity support ______42 General information ______43 Terms and conditions ______46 Booking form ______back page

Meet our Myanmar Specialists

Audley have been arranging trips to Myanmar for our clients for over 15 years. Since the release from house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi and the announcement that she now welcomes careful visitors, demand has grown and we now have 12 Myanmar specialists. They have explored all corners of the country and are passionate about ensuring that every trip we create considers how to travel responsibly in Myanmar. We raised funds to rebuild a school after the 2008 cyclone and we are constantly looking for ways to preserve the culture, heritage and environment of this beautiful country.

4 Meet our specialists Introduction to our Intrepid Myanmar tour

Introduction to the tour

With years of experience in operating tours to Myanmar, we have designed this intrepid tour on where you experience Myanmar’s highlights as well as several off the beaten track locations and events, including the Taunggyi Fire Balloon Festival.

Beginning in Yangon, you explore its suburbs on the circle train and spend sunset at the majestic Shwedagon which will grant you an introduction to the city and its charming people. Next is Pyin Oo Lwin with its grand colonial homes and botanical gardens. Continue your journey by train through remote jungle clad landscape and over the Goteik Viaduct to Hsipaw. Visit with its deserted ancient cities where temples and monastic culture are plentiful. The impressive U Bein’s bridge makes for a wonderful backdrop at sunset. Next you travel off the beaten track to home to sandstone caves of Hpo Win Daung and rock hewn temples. With over 3,000 temples is an archaeological site not to be missed; an optional balloon flight is a real highlight. Travel to Taunggyi to witness the annual hot air balloon festival, a lively occasion which is great fun to watch. Next visit Inle Lake which provides you with the chance to explore the lake and small stilted villages by boat as well as watching the unique leg-rowing fishermen. Spend time trekking in the hills around Kyaingtung and surrounding villages, a charming but seldom visited area. Venture overland into Thailand and spend your last night relaxing in the Golden Triangle.

Home Truths

Myanmar is a country where things are changing faster than we can type them! We try to keep on top of the changes, but please let us know if while you are travelling you spot any information that is now outdated. We aim to provide accurate and detailed information and to make you aware of the less positive aspects of the journey you are undertaking, some facts you should be aware of are outlined below: Internal flight schedules are often changed at short notice, and sometimes the airline as well as the timings may change. Please see the Introduction to Myanmar for further information.

The local currency in Myanmar is kyat although US dollars are also accepted in many places. A number of private banks operate a number of Foreign Exchange bureaux in Yangon and also at the key domestic airports around the country - Bagan, Mandalay and Heho. Amounts are limited to around US$500 per transaction at some bureaux and you will need to show your passport or at least be able to give your passport number. Your local guide will be able to assist you with exchanging money throughout your trip. Exchange rates vary but as a general rule expect 770-800 kyat per one US dollar. Larger notes attract a better exchange rate.

The use of credit cards, whilst now more common since the country has opened up to tourism and foreign investment, can at times be unreliable. Please note that payment by credit card for sundries at hotels and in restaurants can incur a surcharge of between 4-7% on each transaction. We would still suggest that you travel with a supply of US dollars in new bills. Euros are also now accepted at some international standard hotels and can be exchanged into Kyat at the new exchange bureaus in cities and at airports, although US dollars are still the preferred currency.

ATMs are now commonplace in Myanmar although please be aware that exchange rates and commission charges may not be competitive. They dispense in Kyat and you can take out a maximum of 300,000 Kyat (around $300) per transaction and three transactions are permitted per day.

Single Travellers

Although we welcome single travellers, due to the complicated logistics of this tour, the single supplement can make this an expensive option. There are two options for single travellers; you can choose to share a room with another single traveller on the tour and pay the standard tour price (this option will only be available if another single traveller of the same sex is also willing to share otherwise a single supplement will apply), or to guarantee sole occupancy of a room, a single supplement of £1,160 will be payable. Please note that due to limited numbers of rooms at some of the lodges on the tour, we are only able to accept a maximum of two single travellers unless you are prepared to share a room.

Group Size

The group size is kept to a maximum of 16, this ensures that the trip is a more personal experience and that you can always hear and speak to your guides. The small group size also ensures that your experience of a particular sight is not marred by presence of too many people.

There is a minimum requirement of eight passengers to run this tour, so the first eight people to book will be done so on a provisional basis until minimum numbers are reached. Deposits for those first eight people will be fully refunded should the tour not operate.

Introduction to our Intrepid Myanmar tour 5 Introduction to our Intrepid Myanmar tour

Local guide

An experienced English-speaking local tour leader will meet you on arrival in Myanmar and travel with you throughout your time in the destination. When you cross over the border into Thailand you will be handed over to a Thai guide who will accompany you for the last day of the tour. Our local guides are carefully selected for their in-depth knowledge, interpretation, and ability to manage large groups as well as their skills as charming hosts.

Dining

Daily breakfasts are included throughout your trip. There is a welcome dinner in Yangon and a farewell dinner in Chiang Rai as well as an additional five lunches and seven dinners, all of which are included in the tour. Other meals than those mentioned will be at your own arrangement and restaurant recommendations will be provided for your benefit prior to travel. If you have any special dietary requirements please do let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Extending your trip

You have the option to extend your trip, maybe with a few days relaxing by the beach or discovering a nearby region on a short tour. You may also choose to break the journey to and from Myanmar with a stopover in Bangkok. On any extension, you will be looked after by our carefully selected local agent. Please contact Alex, Angela, Jack or Mark on 019993 838105 to discuss options.

Health & Fitness Requirements

To ensure that all participants get the most out of the tour, it is important that you are fully aware of the level of activity and fitness and medical health required to successfully complete this itinerary. Please read this dossier carefully prior to confirming your place on the tour, and having established the facts, it is your responsibility to contact us with any concerns regarding individual levels of fitness, health or ability. Please be aware that our tour leaders have the right to exclude customers from the tour if they feel they are not sufficiently fit, healthy or able to complete the tour without affecting its safety, comfort or smooth progress. If you would like to discuss any of these issues further please call Alex, Angela, Mark or Jack on 01993 838 105.

Activity Levels - Medium

The vast majority of this trip does not require any significant level of physical fitness or agility but you should be physically active. However, there are many elements which involve getting in and out of boats or walking on rough unsurfaced paths and so a certain degree of physical dexterity will be required. Some excursions also involve an option to climb steps or paths which may be steep, loose and/or wet underfoot. Although speed is not required, a medium level of fitness is advisable. An experienced guide will be on hand to help anyone should they need it. There are a significant number of long drives in the itinerary and many of the roads in Myanmar are poorly maintained making journeys quite bumpy at times. Finally it may also be necessary to carry your own luggage through airports or from the vehicles to hotels and vice versa. Please also refer to the General Information section for further information on health requirements for group tours.

Early starts and logistics

There are a number of early starts in the itinerary. For this reason we have built in time at leisure, often in the middle of the day, when you can relax. There are also long days in the vehicle, often on bumpy roads, due to the distances covered during this itinerary and the remoteness of the areas visited. The vehicle will stop regularly for comfort breaks, but this tour would not be recommended for those who find it uncomfortable to be seated for large periods of time.

Standard of accommodation

The accommodation included in this group tour is a mix of a 'Medium' & "Simple" standard. These hotels are typically comfortable and clean but have been selected due to their locations and the accessibility to unique experiences. The quality of food is usually good but simple, be sure to tell your specialist if you have any special dietary requirements.

6 Introduction to our Intrepid Myanmar tour Introduction to our Intrepid Myanmar tour

Visas Myanmar UK citizens visiting Myanmar require a visa. Ordinary tourist visas are valid for one month from the date (Burma) of entry into Myanmar. You must enter Myanmar within three months of the visa being issued. If you choose to use the Audley Travel visa service, we will send you the appropriate forms in good time. The visa application process with the Myanmar Embassy has been known to be quite erratic but on average takes two weeks to complete. With this in mind we strongly urge people to apply as soon as they receive the forms from us. Alternatively, and providing you are of an eligible nationality, it is possible to apply for an E-Visa online. The charge is US$50 and takes around one week to process the visa. Applications can be submitted at http://www.myanmarevisa.gov.mm.

Please note your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date of return to the UK and you must have at least two full blank pages available.

Thailand UK citizens, along with the citizens of 38 other countries, do not currently require a visa for stays of up to 30 days in Thailand if arriving by air, but your passport must be valid for six months from the date of entry into Thailand. Passport holders from 21 other countries can obtain a fifteen day visa on arrival. Other nationalities need to apply for a visa in advance. If you are crossing into Thailand from one of its land borders UK citizens are permitted to stay for fifteen days without a visa. This can be extended with an additional fee of 500 baht a day (up to a limit of 30 days) which is paid on departure

Important Note: We cannot under any circumstances guarantee that your visa application for any country will be accepted. However, in our experience refusals are extremely rare. Visa information is given in good faith and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.

Introduction to our Intrepid Myanmar tour 7 Day by day summary

1 Saturday 14 Start your adventure by flying London to Bangkok with EVA Overnight on board the aircraft November 2015 Air.

2 Sunday 15 On arrival in Bangkok connect with your flight to Yangon. Hotel M, Yangon November 2015 Once through immigration you will be met by your guide and Executive room driver and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. No meals are included today

3 Monday 16 This morning explore the colonial heritage of the city of Hotel M, Yangon November 2015 Yangon on foot and take a short journey on the circle train Executive room as well as a stop at a local teashop. Late afternoon visit the Breakfast and dinner are spectacular highlight of Yangon - the . The included day ends with some exploration of 19th street where you have the chance to try a beer with the locals. This evening a welcome dinner has been arranged giving you the opportunity to get to know the rest of the group.

4 Tuesday 17 After a flight to Mandalay you travel by road to the former Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin, Pyin Oo November 2015 hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin. With a cooler climate this area is Lwin (Maymyo) famed for its botanical gardens and fruit produce as well as its Deluxe room colonial buildings which you explore on arrival. Breakfast and lunch are included

5 Wednesday 18 Head north by train which takes you through some of the Riverside @ Hsipaw Resort, November 2015 's most picturesque countryside and across the Hsipaw impressive Goteik Viaduct. The train makes a slow and Deluxe room steady journey through remote jungle clad landscape towards Breakfast and dinner are Hsipaw. included

6 Thursday 19 Spend the day exploring the small and atmospheric town of Riverside @ Hsipaw Resort, November 2015 Hsipaw. Hsipaw Deluxe room Breakfast and dinner are included

7 Friday 20 Today the group will return to Mandalay by road, most of the Ayeyarwaddy River View Hotel, November 2015 day will be spent travelling. Mandalay Deluxe room Breakfast and dinner are included

8 Saturday 21 The group will head out to visit the many ancient Ayeyarwaddy River View Hotel, November 2015 kingdoms that had their cities around Mandalay. You will Mandalay explore , the oldest dating from 1760, (Ava) Deluxe room which is best explored by horse cart, and the surrounding Breakfast and lunch are included hills as well as visiting which is famous as the home of U Bein`s bridge.

9 Sunday 22 Enjoy a fascinating and diverse morning spent discovering Win Unity Resort Hotel, November 2015 Mandalay`s various sights and attractions. Highlights include Monywa the railway bazaar, jade market and private cyclo ride. Superior room Breakfast is included

10 Monday 23 Start the day by visiting Monywa's main sights. Continuing the Win Unity Resort Hotel, November 2015 tour with time spent at Shwe Ba Hill and Po Win Daung Monywa Temple complex. The complex is an impressive network of Superior room richly decorated caves containing over 400,000 Buddha Breakfast and lunch are included statues carved from sandstone.

8 Day by day summary Day by day summary

11 Tuesday 24 Continue on your journey towards Pakokku where you will Bagan Thande Hotel, Bagan November 2015 board a river boat and meander down to Bagan taking in life (Pagan) on the river as you go. En-route to the hotel in Bagan you Deluxe River View room may have time to explore some of the temples before dinner. Breakfast and dinner are included

12 Wednesday 25 This morning there is the opportunity to take a dawn balloon Bagan Thande Hotel, Bagan November 2015 flight over the temples of Pagan. This is highly recommended (Pagan) as you will be rewarded with amazing views over the temples Deluxe River View room and abandoned stupas that dot the plains of Pagan. Breakfast and lunch are included

The group has a full day discovering the majestic temples and ruins of Pagan today. They are an awe inspiring sight as they cover such a vast area and you will visit many of the most interesting temples.

13 Thursday 26 Fly to Heho today and transfer to Nyaung Shwe where you Royal Nadi Resort, Nyaung November 2015 then have time to relax before tonight's excursion. Held once Shwe a year, the Taunggyi Balloon Festival is a great event to see. Lake view villa The festival really comes to life as the sun starts to drop and Breakfast and dinner box are the large balloons float upwards in to the sky by candle light. included Expect to see giant elephant, owl, fish and oxen vying for the prize to be the largest most creative of balloons.

14 Friday 27 Board a longtail boat and travel across the beautiful Inle Lake. Ann Heritage Lodge, Inle Lake November 2015 During the day you have chance to visit the Taungto five day Deluxe room market and local pottery village. After a full day exploring Breakfast and dinner are continue to the hotel where dinner has been arranged as it included has been a busy day.

15 Saturday 28 You have another full day tour of the picturesque Inle Lake Ann Heritage Lodge, Inle Lake November 2015 by boat. Today takes in several interesting pagodas and Deluxe room monasteries as well as visiting the stilted villages known for Breakfast and dinner are weavers and cheroot makers. included

16 Sunday 29 Leaving Inle Lake you head back to Nyaung Shwe by boat and Princess Hotel, Kyaingtong November 2015 on to Heho airport by bus. Take the short flight to Superior room Kyaingtong and spend the afternoon discovering the town. Breakfast is included

17 Monday 30 Today you have the opportunity to discover some stunning Princess Hotel, Kyaingtong November 2015 scenery and meet several hill tribe villages that inhabit the Superior room town's surrounding mountains. A trekking route will take you Breakfast and lunch are included to the area of Pin Tauk where you will trek to visit villages of Akha and Ann tribes. The Ann live on the higher slopes than the Akha tribes and are more commonly known as the Black Teeth.

18 Tuesday 01 Venture overland today to the border town of Tachilek. You The Legend Boutique River December 2015 bid farewell to Myanmar and cross into Thailand for the drive Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai to Chiang Rai. You have the rest of the day at leisure before Deluxe Studio this evening's farewell dinner. Breakfast and dinner are included

19 Wednesday 02 Transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Bangkok December 2015 where you connect with your flight to London.

Day by day summary 9 Prices

Arrangements as specified per person ______£4,595 ...... Please note the following supplements and/or upgrade options per person: Single Supplement ______£1,160 Single entry tourist visa for Myanmar (Burma) ______£65 ...... Per person deposit required to confirm these arrangements ______£920 Optional carbon off-setting for your flights per person (see General Information section for further details) ____ £23 The deposit required is shown above and relates to the itinerary detailed in this quotation. For Burma bookings we have to ask for more than our standard 15% as most hotels and all boats in Burma require at least partial payment at the time of booking. These are the payment and cancellation conditions imposed by our providers. Anything paid as part of your deposit is likely to be non- refundable, so please make sure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance to ensure you are covered should you need to cancel. Please note if you confirm your booking within 60 days of your departure date full payment is required at the time of booking. The date will be specified on your invoice. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions section at the back of this booklet for full details.

How to book Included in the price If you have any questions regarding the tour or would like to  All flights as specified in the itinerary hold a no obligation option for a place on the tour, please  Twin share accommodation as specified feel free to contact Alex, Angela, Nicki, Will or Mark on  All transfers and excursions as specified 01993 838105 who will be delighted to assist you. To  Services of experienced local guides confirm an option, please send us a completed booking form  Sightseeing and entrance fees and the deposit specified above. The deposit can be paid by  Meals as specified in the itinerary cheque, bank transfer or credit / debit card. Please make cheques payable to Audley Travel. Not included in the price

 Meals not indicated within your itinerary. Payment by credit card  Where applicable, local airport departure taxes; payable Please note that we do not charge a fee on deposit payments locally on departure in some locations. by credit card, except when a deposit is more than 15%. In this situation a charge will apply. Credit card fees are  Where applicable, locally payable car hire related detailed on the booking form. We charge a credit card fee charges, including optional excess reduction. due to the high fees charged to tour operators by the credit  Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, etc.. card companies. We have chosen to make this transparent  Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary). rather than including it within the trip price. You may  Any camera or video fees at any sites. therefore wish to pay the balance by bank transfer, debit  Entrance fees and other costs when on 'free time’. card or personal cheque.  Travel insurance (see general information section).

10 Prices Why travel with us?

Quality service when you are travelling We take a good deal of care when choosing our travel partners overseas, taking into account their quality of service, guides and vehicles. We have built up many long-standing relationships, ensuring that they deliver the level of service demanded by Detailed travel documents Audley clients. Our local guides and drivers, where appropriate, are the Approximately two to three weeks people you will meet. In many cases we before you travel we will send you all know them personally, in all cases we your travel documents presented in a ensure that they are of the highest convenient travel organiser. As well as calibre. They are there to do much your full itinerary and travel more than show you specific sights and documents, there will also be The New Mill, our offices on the outskirts of provide factual information. They will additional information such as Witney in west Oxfordshire be able to tell you about local life, recommended restaurants and culture, cuisines and customs; and, practical tips. A few days before you Reputation and quality where applicable, act as translator. In travel your specialist will call you to Well over 80% of our clients have certain parts of the world a specialist have a final talk through your itinerary travelled with us in the past or have guide is more appropriate, for example, and answer any last minute questions had Audley recommended to them. a wildlife expert. you may have. When you book with us you are assured of quality arrangements if only for the fact that we simply cannot afford to risk our excellent reputation. Our service has been recognised by the readers of well-known publications Responsible travel including the Guardian & Observer, the We have a firm commitment to Daily Telegraph and Wanderlust minimising the environmental and magazine, where we have consistently social impact of travel, and strive to featured in their ‘best tour operator’ ensure that a visit from an Audley awards for a number of years. client has a positive effect on the destination. We have a Personal service firm commitment to the principles of We are committed to offering you a First class guides ‘responsible travel’ and have been very personal service, with all your awarded AITO 5 star status (the arrangements being handled by one A smooth journey highest achievable) for our policies and country specialist. They will remain We have procedures in place for practises. We continue to work with your one point of contact and will take dealing quickly and efficiently with AITO, and a number of other bodies, responsibility for the smooth operation mishaps from minor flight time to improve our policies. For more of your trip. They are supported by a alterations to more fundamental details please refer to our website team of specialists for that region and a changes. If problems do occur we will (www.audleytravel.com/rt) where you professional administration and rapidly rearrange your itinerary to will find details of our responsible management team. make best use of your time given the travel policy and also our Travellers’ changed circumstances, not simply Code. If you are particularly interested From the moment you contact us, we cancel part of your trip or leave you in these issues, your country specialist are here to answer your questions sitting in an airport waiting for hours will be able to tell you more. accurately and honestly, be they about for a rescheduled flight. Importantly, in specific arrangements or any more these situations we will do everything Legal liability general queries you may have. We are possible to minimise any extra costs We are a UK company and hence must experienced travellers with a thorough involved – in the vast majority of cases fully comply with English law. When and in-depth knowledge of our no extra charges will be made. If a booking with us you can rest assured specialist destinations, and the benefit problem does occur while you are that your arrangements are carefully of this experience is yours throughout. travelling you can contact us on our 24 planned as we have a reputation to When we do not know the answer to hour number. We will do everything in maintain and are legally liable for any a question we will endeavour to find our power to rectify the problem omissions or negligent acts. You may out and get back to you as soon as immediately rather than allow it to not find you have this level of possible. spoil your trip. reassurance if you make your own travel arrangements independently.

[ Why travel with us? 11 Introduction to Myanmar (Burma)

Key facts: Population: 50.02 million Currency: Myanmar Kyat Land area: 678.50 thousands square kilometres Time difference: GMT+6 1/2 hours Major languages spoken: Burmese Capital city: Naypyidaw

Introduction During its years of isolation Myanmar became frozen in time, capturing an enchanting country of geographical variety and natural beauty. A nation rich in culture, the friendly locals can be seen dressed in longyis and smoking cheroots. Their deep- rooted belief in and spirit worship is evident in the many ornate pagodas and temples that sprinkle the area, from the Himalayan foothills to the jungles of the south. Myanmar has a great deal to offer, from archaeological wonders to beaches, hill tribe villages, crumbling colonial buildings and touring the Ayeywarwady River that bisects this rural land.

Useful information when travelling in Myanmar:

Whilst newer vehicles are gradually being seen on the roads the majority of the vehicles used in the tourist industry are older models, safe but basic, and not to the standard of developed countries. Furthermore, the wear and tear on vehicles is high due to the condition of local roads, which are at their worst after the monsoon period (June to October) when heavy rain can wash away road surfaces leaving huge potholes behind. Some overland journeys can be quite bumpy and when a flight is possible, it is often the preferred mode of transport.

You should be aware that flying internally in Myanmar presents a number of challenges. Local flight schedules are subject to change without warning.

There are concerns over the safety standards of some airlines operating in Myanmar. However, the EU does not currently include any of these airlines on its list of carriers which are banned from operating within the EU on the basis that they are operating below essential safety levels. This list is applicable to all carriers whether they operate international and/or domestic flights inside or outside the EU. The British FCO notes the concerns over safety standards but does not offer any advice on individual airlines.

The domestic airlines in Myanmar operate a circular network which means that depending on your itinerary some of your flights may go via one or two airports before reaching your final destination. Please note that flight schedules in Myanmar are likely to change at short notice and exact timings will be confirmed upon your arrival. Your guide will ensure that your flights are reconfirmed on your behalf. The overhead lockers on the ATR aircraft used for internal flights are a little shallower than on larger aircraft. Large items of hand luggage may have to go in the hold.

Please note that whilst we are aware of and plan for the most prominent festivals throughout the country, pagoda ceremonies can happen at any time without any warning as they are often instigated by a donation or event in the local community. Depending on which hotel you are staying at, it may be possible to hear music and chanting from nearby pagodas.

On your travels in Myanmar and particularly in the more visited areas such as Bagan and Mandalay you will encounter lots of children with beaming smiles and lots of inquisitive chatter. In most cases they simply want to interact with tourists and learn a little about where you have come from but unfortunately the practice of handing out money and gifts directly to the children by tourists is commonplace and some children now expect it. If you would like to help a local community, we would suggest a donation to a local school or monastery as teachers and village elders will be able to allocate funds for various purposes. Donations can help mend roofs, buy rice for poor families, school books and medicines. Your guide will be able to help arrange this or help purchase some of these items which you can give in person to a local school or monastery.

Yellow fever - please note that if you are travelling to Myanmar from a country that is considered to have a risk of yellow fever by the World Health Organisation (WHO) then you may be asked to provide proof of vaccination against the disease upon arrival. Please see the 'populations at risk' section of the WHO website for further details and consult with your GP for up to date advice http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs100/en/index.html.

12 Introduction to the region Introduction to Myanmar (Burma)

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)

Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Inle Lake Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 5 3 5 46 161 188 198 257 241 179 63 12

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)

Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Kyaingtong (Kengtung) Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 16 9 17 49 166 184 246 259 184 134 78 23

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)

Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Mandalay Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 4 2 1 37 140 123 74 130 155 177 39 7

Introduction to the region 13 Introduction to Myanmar (Burma)

14 Introduction to the region

Top: Bagan, Myanmar Left: Stilted village, Inle Lake Lower left: Shwenandaw , Mandalay

16 Photographs of the region

Top: A Burmese woman tending her crops, Inle Lake, Myanmar Left: Young Nun, Myanmar Right: Aka hill-tribe lady, Kyaingtong, Myanmar

Photographs of the region 17 Itinerary in Detail

Saturday London Heathrow to Bangkok 14 November, 2015 Eva Airways - Flight No: BR 68 - Dep: 21:20 - Arr: 15:45 - (next day) Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Sunday Bangkok to Yangon (Rangoon) 15 November, 2015 Thai Airways - Flight No: TG 305 - Dep: 18:05 - Arr: 18:50 - (same day) Class: Economy; Non-stop flight

Hotel M, Yangon

(Rangoon) Yangon (Rangoon) introduction No meals are included Now known as Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar still retains much of its today colonial character. The grand buildings of the downtown area and the old mansions in the diplomatic quarter are clear testament to the former British presence. In contrast to this, the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda is perhaps the most vivid demonstration of how seriously the Burmese take their Buddhist faith, with a stream of devotees bringing offerings to the various shrines within the temple complex. No visit to Myanmar is complete without at least a few hours spent at the Shwedagon. The city has an eclectic mix of cultures and religions, with the golden spires of many ancient pagodas glistening in the heat of the day alongside modern- day Hindu and Chinese temples, cathedrals and mosques. The bustling streets and narrow alleys of downtown Yangon capture the diversity of this intriguing city: tea- houses are layered with the smoke of cheroots, the markets of Chinatown burst with an unfathomable array of goods and the aromas of freshly-milled spices and freshly-cooked snacks are carried on a breeze from the Indian Quarter. Yangon is well-known for its shops and markets, the most famous of which is the Bogyoke Monk at Shwedagon Pagoda Aung San Market (or Scott Market), as well as for a burgeoning and well-respected art scene. Galleries and antique shops have been established in various parts of the city, presenting the visitor with many tempting shopping opportunities.

Colonial architecture in Yangon Arrival transfer from airport to hotel group tour transfer

On arrival once all of the group members have cleared any immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Evening at leisure

18 Itinerary in Detail Itinerary in Detail

Monday Explore colonial Yangon 16 November, 2015 group tour excursion

Yangon dates to 1852 when British troops seized a village near the mouth of the Hotel M, Yangon Ayeyarwady River during the Second Anglo-Burmese War. The capital was moved (Rangoon) from Mawlamyine and Yangon (at the time known as Rangoon) became the seat of All meals are included power for British Burma. It wasn't until the early 20th Century that most of the city's grand public buildings were erected. Today the old surpasses the new as Yangon’s Anglo-Indian architecture still provides the ideal living environment for the climate. Built in an age when air-conditioning was unknown and architectural nuances kept the elements at bay, these structures are still performing the functions for which they were designed.

The group will be met at the hotel this morning to begin a tour of the city's colonial architecture including the High Court, Central Telegraph Office, the Strand Hotel and Custom House, stopping to enjoy a traditional refreshment at a local Yangon, Myanmar teashop.

During the tour you will also visit Yangon railway station where you will board the circle train for a short and interesting journey; as the name suggests the train line operates in a circle around the city's perimeters. The train journey explores suburban Yangon and allows you to meet commuters as they go about their daily lives, a great introduction to the charming people of the city. Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset group tour excursion

Around 4pm in the afternoon you will head out for a visit to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. Visiting at this time affords a wonderful opportunity to people watch as the city's residents come to pay their respects after finishing work or school. It is worth finding a quiet spot to sit and soak up this magical atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon and darkness falls in this most sacred of places. After a visit to the Pagoda your guide will accompany you to 19th Street. This small side street in Chinatown comes to life at dusk as locals gather here after work to enjoy cold draft beers and a BBQ. Find a busy stall and order a cold Myanmar Beer (cost included) and enjoy the hustle and bustle of this popular spot.

Welcome dinner group tour excursion

This evening a welcome dinner has been arranged at a local restaurant giving you chance to get to know the rest of the group.

The Shwedagon pagoda shines bright in the evening

Itinerary in Detail 19 Itinerary in Detail

Tuesday Transfer from hotel to airport 17 November, 2015 group tour transfer

The group will be collected from the hotel and transferred directly to the airport in Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin, Pyin time for your flight. Oo Lwin (Maymyo) Breakfast and lunch are Yangon (Rangoon) to Mandalay included To be advised - Flight No: TBA - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Mandalay introduction

Mandalay is a large and sprawling city whose centre is dominated by the enormous Mandalay Fort that measures two kilometres in length on each side. The fort once contained the royal city and the fabled Glass Palace, however this was almost entirely reconstructed as a result of the damage inflicted during World War II. The city of Mandalay only started to take its shape around 1857 and lasted only briefly as Myanmar's capital from 1861 until the British takeover of Upper Burma (as it was then known) in 1885. Around Mandalay there are many interesting remnants Monk in Amarapura collecting alms of several former royal capitals dating from different periods in the regions history; Inwa (Ava), Amarapura, Sagaing and . Main focal points in the city include in the northeast, Shwenandaw Kyaung (a large monastery constructed of golden teak and the former home of King Mindon), Mahamuni Paya (housing one of Myanmar's most famous seated Buddha images) and Kuthodaw Paya (home to the world's largest book).

Mandalay Hill overlooks the Palace and surrounding moat Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin by road group tour transfer

Once all of the group have collected their luggage you will depart Mandalay and head to Pyin Oo Lwin. The journey takes around two hours on a windy road which takes you across plains before climbing into the hills to reach the former hill- station. Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) introduction

Established by the British as a retreat from soaring summer temperatures the small town of Pyin Oo Lwin still retains a much anglicized feel. The colonial presence in the town can be traced back to the end of the 19th Century when the British arrived after capturing Mandalay at the conclusion of the Third Burmese War. The town was renamed Maymyo (May Town) after Colonel May, the commander of the post and a veteran of the Indian Mutiny. In 1896 a permanent military post was established in the town and it later became a hill station and the summer residence of the British Government in Myanmar due to its cooler temperatures. During British rule Pyin Oo Lwin was also an important educational centre with the

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Government English High Schools such as St. Albert's, St. Joseph's Convent, St. Mary's, St. Michael's and Colgate all based here. Maymyo was renamed to Pyin Oo Lwin in 1989 when the government abandoned colonial titles to the original Myanmar names before British rule.

Local Transport in Pyin U Lwin, Myanmar Exploring the former hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin group tour excursion

The main attraction of Pyin Oo Lwin are the mature botanical gardens with rose beds and orchid houses reminiscent of the formal gardens at Kew. A very pleasant afternoon can be spent here simply relaxing and strolling around the lake. The gardens are situated 3605 feet above sea level and located in 437 acres which include countless specimens of Myanmar's natural resources: there are 589 local and foreign tree species, 75 bamboo species, 75 croton species, 300 orchid species and open parkland. The Gardens were established in 1915 by Alex Rodger, a Forest Research Officer, and Lady Charlotte Wheeler Cuffe, a noted botanist from the famous Kew Botanical Gardens. By 1942 it contained 178 species of orchids, today it has the biggest collection of these plants in Myanmar. You are free to spend as much or as little time here and your guide will either accompany you or leave you to wander at leisure.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then explore the town itself with its charming colonial properties including the town's centrepiece - the Purcell Tower, as well as the colourful local market.

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Wednesday Journey from Pyin Oo Lwin to Hsipaw via the Goteik viaduct 18 November, 2015 group tour transfer by road and rail

From Pyin Oo Lwin the group will be driven to the station at Naung Cho, a Riverside @ Hsipaw journey of about 75 minutes, to board the local train to Naung Pein. The train will Resort, Hsipaw have made a very early departure from Mandalay (4:45am) and continues up to Breakfast and dinner are Lashio, arriving there at 8pm, so delays can be expected, but departure from Naung included Cho is usually around 10:15hrs.

Boarding your train at Naung Cho, you sit in the hard seat carriage with open windows and all the hustle and bustle of every day train travel in Myanmar carrying on around you. It is a great chance to enjoy a snapshot of life in Myanmar away from the tourist scene. This part of the rail journey travels over the famous Goteik Viaduct and the views from the viaduct are impressive. After crossing the viaduct the following stop is Naung Pein, a small town deep in Shan territory, around midday. From here the group will be driven by bus onto the small town of Hsipaw, a journey of around two hours. Hsipaw introduction

Hsipaw was once the royal capital of a small Shan state of its own. Due to the Hsipaw, Myanmar altitude it is a cool retreat and has a relaxed atmosphere that attracts a wide

variety of travellers who mainly come to town to organise short treks and walks into the surrounding hills. One of Hsipaw's main attractions is the old Shan Palace which has a fascinating history, and has recently reopened to the public - please consult your guide before visiting though as it is still a private residence and permission may need to be sought before you visit. If you find yourself with an hour or so to kill you could relax at Mrs Popcorns Organic Cafe on the edge of town. A tranquil garden cafe serving freshly made fruit juices and smoothies and a small range of tasty snacks. Sit back in one of the lazy chairs under the shade of a fruit tree and relax after your journey or excursion.

Hsipaw, Myanmar

Thursday Day exploring Hsipaw 19 November, 2015 group tour excursion

The group will set off from the hotel after breakfast and begin the four hour round Riverside @ Hsipaw trip walking tour passing a local noodle factory on the outskirts of Hsipaw before Resort, Hsipaw heading into the countryside and the surrounding Shan villages. During your walk Breakfast and dinner are through the scenic villages and paddy fields you will be able to witness numerous included cottage industries that provide the main income to these communities such as seasonal crops, bamboo hand fans, soya cakes, basket weaving and cheroot rolling. This is a pleasant way to spend a morning enjoying some beautiful scenery around a town that sees few visitors. Return to the hotel where you will have some free time to rest and have some lunch before heading out this afternoon.

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Travel to the riverside where the group will board a local boat and travel upstream to the confluence of the Namtu and Dotawaddy Rivers. The journey takes you through some beautiful scenery dotted with small villages only accessible by boat. On the return journey, if time allows, there may be opportunity to stop at a Buddhist Monastery and a small rural village which the train to Lashio passes through. The locals, if not working in the fields, will be pleased to welcome you as not many tourists visit this part of Shan state.

Shan Palace, Hsipaw, Myanmar

Friday Hsipaw to Mandalay by road 20 November, 2015 group tour transfer

After breakfast the group will make the journey to Mandalay. You will travel along a Ayeyarwaddy River View long and windy road that affords fantastic views of the Shan hills. Travelling time is Hotel, Mandalay approximately six hours along with stops en-route for lunch and to allow you to Breakfast and dinner are stretch your legs. included

Hsipaw, Myanmar

Saturday Exploring the Ancient cities of Sagaing, Inwa (Ava) & 21 November, 2015 Amarapura group tour excursion with English speaking guide Ayeyarwaddy River View Hotel, Mandalay The group will be collected from the hotel this morning to begin your days’ Breakfast and lunch are exploration of the ancient cities surrounding Mandalay. On the western bank of the included Ayeyarwady River lie the Sagaing Hills, one of the most beautiful places in Asia with many magical and peaceful pagodas to explore. Sagaing was a former capital of an autonomous Shan kingdom during the 14th Century and again in the 18th Century albeit for a short time. Today this tranquil area is an important centre for Buddhism with numerous monasteries and nunneries scattered all over the hill. The winding lanes are a treasure to explore with many old buildings and flowering bougainvillea. One of the most interesting temples at the top of the hill is the Ponnyashin Pagoda - the views over Mandalay and the Ayeyarwady from here are stunning.

Next you will travel to the ancient city of Inwa (Ava) was capital of a Burmese kingdom for nearly 400 years until power shifted to Amarapura in 1841. The best Largest book in the world, Mandalay way to explore this 'lost city' is by pony and trap which will take you along dusty

paths to the brick and stucco monastery of Aungmye Bonzan, built in 1818, the impressive teak monastery of Bagaya Kyaung which is supported by 267 teak posts and the former dilapidated watchtower known locally as the 'leaning tower of Ava'. Scattered amongst this dry and arid landscape are numerous crumbling zedi and other reminders of a former royal city such as the swimming baths and the vast entrance gates, one remains in particularly good condition. Whilst in Ava you will have lunch at a local restaurant.

Driving south from Mandalay, you reach the former capital of Amarapura where you will take a boat ride on the lake to watch sunset at the impressive U Bein's Bridge. Constructed in teak and nearly a mile in length it spans Taungthaman lake. The group will then travel back to Mandalay city and return to the hotel.

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U Bein's teak bridge is the longest of it's kind in the world, Mandalay

Sunday Mandalay morning explorer tour 22 November, 2015 group tour excursion

Mandalay has a surprising amount to offer for those who know where to find it. Win Unity Resort Hotel, This half day tour has been designed to reveal Mandalay from a diverse and Monywa interesting perspective. Breakfast is included

Your day begins with a visit to the local jade market. Hosting up to 40,000 people at its peak, this is where wholesalers, jewellers and locals looking for something special to give as a gift, come to peruse and buy jade*. After walking through the market you come to a lovely tea house where you can stop to try a cup of local tea or coffee and watch the locals go about their daily business. You can also opt to eat breakfast here if you wish as it serves a tasty selection of Indian breads, vegetables, eggs and noodles. Then it’s off to the railway bazaar, a fascinating market experience where the locals ply their trade on the railway track only to have to scatter each time a train comes along. A vibrant cacophony of sights, smells and Po Win Hill Temple roof sounds offering a host of photo opportunities this market is a must see for anyone who is keen to see a unique side of life in Myanmar.

* Please note that the market is closed on the Sabbath, which occurs 4 times a month according to the waxing, waning, full and new moon. The exact date of the Sabbath is not always known too far in advance so your trip may need to be adjusted once it is known. Please also note lunch is not included today however your guide will be able to recommend suitable options Travel from Mandalay to Monywa by road group tour transfer

After spending the morning exploring Mandalay the group will travel to Monywa. The distance between Mandalay and Monywa is approximately 140 kilometres and the journey takes around four hours. It is possible to make various stops along the way, dependent on time, which will increase the length of the journey to around six hours. Monywa introduction

Monywa is the capital of Sagaing Division with a population of over 500,000. It sits on the banks of the Chindwin River and is primarily a main trading point for produce heading south towards Mandalay or upriver to Homalin and beyond to India. During British rule it was a busy port town for teak exporters and a small number of colonial houses can be found along the river road, near to the main jetty. There is also a lively night market located between the statue of General Aung San to the clock tower roundabout where you can find lots of local delicacies. Highlights of the city include Bodhi-taunt Pagoda (One thousand Bodhi

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trees), Shwe Thar Laung (a 333 ft reclining Buddha), Bay Kyun Setkyar (a 412ft standing Buddha, which is the largest in Myanmar), Shwe Ba Hill and Po Win Temple, an impressive network of sandstone caves containing, it is claimed, over 400,000 Buddha images.

Buddhas at Po Win Hill.

Monday Full day exploring Monywa, Shwe Ba Hill and Po Win Daung 23 November, 2015 Temple complex group tour excursion Win Unity Resort Hotel, Monywa An exploration of Monywa this morning takes in the highlights including visits to Breakfast and lunch are the three major pagodas in and around the town including the Bodhi-ta-taung included Pagoda (one thousand Bo Trees), the Kyauka Shweguni Pagoda and the magnificent Thanbodhyi Pagoda with over 500,000 Buddha images.

The group will then be driven down to the riverside where a local boat takes you over the other side of the Chindwin river to Nyaung Bin Gyi Village. Here a local pick up truck will be waiting for you and you will be driven off into the remote countryside, passing quintessential rural scenes and farm land. After approximately 45 minutes you will arrive at Shwe Ba Hill. This is where, according to legend, one monk single-handedly carved a series of temples out of the rock with his bare hands. The result, whoever was actually responsible for it, is a small complex of subterranean temples and streets, all hewn from the local bedrock. It is an impressive achievement and the lack of visitors makes it a quite unique site to visit.

Leaving Shwe Ba Hill you go on to Po Win Daung Temple complex. This is a series

of cave temples, niches and rock pagodas spread over a hillside which date back to Girl at Shwe Ba the 17th century (though local legend attributes the construction to a 4th century alchemist!). It is a really scenic spot and is also home to some ancient murals depicting the demise of Buddha and various scenes from Buddhist hell. After everyone has finished exploring the group will return to the hotel.

Tuesday Journey from Monywa to Bagan by road and river 24 November, 2015 group tour transfer

The first part of today's journey is by road from Monywa to Pakokku which takes Bagan Thande Hotel, approximately three hours including stops. The first stop is about an hour out of Bagan (Pagan) Monywa where you will stop at Ma U Lay, a delightful village where you can enjoy a Breakfast and dinner are walk and witness local incense stick makers, traditional spinners, weavers and included goldsmiths. The next stop is at the small town of Pakhangyi, approximately twenty minutes from Pakokku, where there is an old wooden Monastery dating back to 1868 and one of the oldest outside of Mandalay. If the group would like to, it may be possible to make a stop here. Depending on timings the group may also have the opportunity to visit the market in Pakokku on arrival.

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In Pakokku you will change modes of transport and board a local boat for a peaceful journey along the Ayeyarwaddy River to Bagan, which takes approximately two hours. Arriving into Bagan this afternoon allows the group chance to enjoy some sightseeing en-route to the hotel. You will have your first glimpse of this stunning landscape dotted with over 3,000 temples and stupas. After exploring a few of the temples with your guide continue onto the hotel and your rooms should be ready for check in. Bagan (Pagan) introduction

Though Bagan had been a major city since King Pyinbya moved the capital here in AD874, it was not until the Bamar King Anawrahta converted to Some of the temples of Bagan, Buddhism in the mid 11th century that the 'golden period' of Bagan commenced. Myanmar In 1057 he overwhelmed the Mon capital of Thaton, capturing over 30,000

prisoners, including the Mon royal family. Yet the influence of the Mons was key to the development of Bagan. During Anawrahta's 33 year reign the Mon language became the official Royal language instead of Pali and Sanskrit, and Theravada Buddhism became the state religion. It was in honour of this new found religious fervour that Anawrahta ordered temples to be erected, the most notable being the . It was however under the reign of King Kyanzittha (1084-1113) that temple construction reached new heights, perhaps the most famous being the Ananda with its 170ft golden hti or stupa.

By the start of the 13th century Bagan had become known as the 'city of four million pagodas' and a complex system of irrigation supported extensive rice cultivation on the otherwise arid plain on which Bagan sits. The end of Bagan’s dominance was heralded when King Narathihapate assassinated an ambassador of Kublai Khan bringing down on himself and his people the considerable wrath of the Mongol empire in 1287.

Over the next four of five centuries Bagan was left to the elements and considered by many as a region haunted by nats (spirits). The earthquake in 1975 destroyed almost half of the pagodas although what remains today may be just a glimpse of Bagan at the height of its powers it is without a doubt a remarkable footprint of a once glorious period in Myanmar's history.

Ananda Temple from balloon

Hosted dinner in Bagan shared excursion with an English speaking guide

This evening dinner has been arranged for the group.

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Wednesday Dawn Balloon Flight over Bagan (Optional) 25 November, 2015 shared excursion with guide

The Oriental Ballooning experience is a fantastic way to see the temple landscape Bagan Thande Hotel, of Bagan from the comfort and safety of a hot-air balloon. The team will pick you Bagan (Pagan) up from your hotel and take you over to the landing site early this morning to Breakfast and lunch are make the best use of the cooler and calmer air. Pick-up time is normally around included 5.30-6am. Once briefed, you will board the basket and take to the air floating over Bagan's pagodas on a flight lasting just under an hour. Although dictated by the NOTE wind, you will usually land by the banks of the Ayeyarwady River where you enjoy a light snack and celebratory glass of wine after which you will be transferred back to The balloon flight your hotel. is a highly recommended optional extra, but we will need to ask your weight!

Bagan, Myanmar

Balloons over Bagan Full day discovering Bagan's temples and ruins group tour excursion

Today you have a full day to explore the fantastic temples of Bagan. The guide will organise the day depending on the interest of the group. An in-depth tour and commentary will be available if there are people interested, and the guide will be sure to pick out the most interesting spots and make sure that you have a well- paced day. Break for lunch at a local restaurant and a rest during the midday heat before heading out again in good time for sunset. The tour normally begins at Bagan market which you can explore before visiting the museum (fees to be paid locally). The Bagan museum houses some of the precious relics removed from the temples and pagodas over time, many of which were only discovered in the 1975 earthquake. Afterwards you begin your tour of the temples and ruins.

Highlights include:

Ananda - Considered one of the most beautiful in Bagan, it plays host to its annual festival in January/February. Pilgrims from all over the country gather here to celebrate the wisdom of Buddha with music, worship and plenty of high spirits.

Dhammayangyi - Built by the merciless King as a supposed sign of atonement for his evil rule, Dhammayangyi Pahto is more commonly referred to as the "bad luck" temple. Legend has it that its impeccable brickwork was a result of the King threatening to amputate the masons' arms should he able to fit a pin between the bricks.

Shwezigon - This beautifully ornate stupa decorated in gold-leaf is supposed to house one of four replicas of the Buddha's tooth, all of which are scattered in pagodas around Bagan. It is said that if you visit all four in one day, you will receive prosperity and luck. The shape of the large bell here is believed to be the prototype of all bells produced later throughout the country.

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We have tried to plan your stay in Bagan to coincide with the Shwezigon Festival which is celebrated over a two week period during November. Pilgrims from all over Myanmar journey to the pagoda for its historic and religious significance. Your guide will try to include some time for the group to join in with the celebrations.

Thatbyinnyu - Standing proud as the tallest pagoda in Bagan, Thatbyinnyu was built by King (1113-1163) as one of the earliest creations of a double-storey temple. Its style is quite different from similarly tall temples built later on, given that it was constructed during a transitional time and so has an air of an experiment in its new form.

Dhammayangyi Temple, Bagan

Thursday Transfer from hotel to airport 26 November, 2015 group tour transfer

The group will be met at the hotel and transferred directly to the airport in time Royal Nadi Resort, for your flight. Nyaung Shwe Breakfast and dinner box Bagan (Pagan) to Heho are included To be advised - Flight No: TBA - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Heho introduction

Heho is a small town in Shan State, in the east of Myanmar. The town itself is generally not considered an attraction in itself but is the primary gateway to the main sites in the region such as Kalaw, Pindaya and Inle Lake.

Sunset on the Ayeyarwady, Bagan, Myanmar

Markets provide a sensory overload of colour and aroma, Myanmar

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Heho airport to Nyaung Shwe by road group tour transfer

On arrival at Heho airport the group will travel to Nyaung Shwe by road, the journey time is around one hour. Check in to the hotel and you then have some time at leisure to relax. Nyaung Shwe introduction

Nyaung Shwe is the gateway town for those travelling onto Inle Lake. Despite being a tourist hub with a number of guesthouses and restaurants, the town is still a busy trading post for the villages on the lake.

Burmese Monks collecting alms An evening at the Taunggyi Balloon Festival group tour excursion

At around 4:00pm the group will be collected from the hotel and journey to Taunggyi to witness the annual balloon festival. This is a lively, sometimes chaotic, affair where locals set up and let loose a wide variety of homemade hot air balloons, some successfully, some not! It is a very local occasion and great fun to watch. Please bear in mind though that weather conditions may affect the number of balloons flying so it is not possible to guarantee the number of balloons taking part. After an evening enjoying the festival the group will travel back to the hotel arriving around midnight.

Friday Transfer to Inle Lake and day exploring Taungto 5 day market 27 November, 2015 and Kyauktaing pottery village group tour transfer Ann Heritage Lodge, Inle Lake The group will depart the hotel and travel by longtail boat and make the journey to Breakfast and dinner are Inle Lake which allows you to catch a last glimpse of daily life on the lake. The day included will be spent exploring many aspects of this beautiful lake. During the day the group will visit the Taungto five day market and Kyauktaing pottery village. Head off the lake down one of the tributary rivers to explore a temple complex with its collection of abandoned stupas. Today takes you through some beautiful scenery and there is opportunity to stop off at some of the local villages along the way to observe village life. Keep your camera handy and also be sure to use plenty of sun cream because you are exposed for most of the day. After a full day exploring the lake and surrounding area make the boat journey to the hotel where upon arrival you will check in. As it has been a busy day dinner had been included at the hotel this evening.

Inle Lake, Myanmar

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Inle Lake introduction

Ringed by small fishing villages and majestic rolling hills, Inle Lake offers a scenic insight into rural life in Myanmar. The Intha people live on the lake in stilted houses and travel across the water using a bizarre style of leg rowing. The lake stretches for 35 kilometres and the best way to explore is by boat. On a day trip you can visit local villages where silk weaving and cheroot rolling are a way of life, watch blacksmiths and silversmiths at work, and see the floating market that moves between the area's villages on a five day rota. Within the vicinity of Inle Lake lies the temple complex of Indein, situated along a pretty tributary and surrounded by Pa-O villages, as well as Taungto on the western shores of the lake. Nearly two hundred stupas have been discovered here and it is still relatively undeveloped. A part of the lake's shoreline is now a designated hotel zone, which will see significant development over the next few years and could potentially impact the scenic beauty of this particular area. We will be making a conscious effort to avoid hotels in this zone.

Fisherman, Inle Lake

Saturday Full day visiting Inpawkhone & Nampan villages and the 28 November, 2015 floating gardens of Inle group tour excursion Ann Heritage Lodge, Inle Lake The day starts early and you will be collected from your hotel to start your Breakfast and dinner are exploration of Inle Lake. Around Inle Lake there are many small villages which included connect to the main lake by means of narrow canals. Once out on the lake you may see the unique leg-rowing fishermen who stand up on their boats to give them a bird's eye view of the fish in the very shallow waters. During the day you will visit Inpawkhone village which is famous for its silk and cotton hand weaving. The village is also well known for its Lotus weaving, a process that is used to create monk's robes, and the longyis created here are distributed throughout the country. The group will also visit the Phaung Daw Oo Paya which is one of the holiest sites in this area of Shan State as it houses a collection of five highly-revered small Buddha images. These are now unrecognisable as devout Buddhists have adorned them with gold leaf. During the Phaung Daw Oo festival in October four of these images are transported around the lake, spending each night in a different village. Adjacent Travelling back from school, Inle Lake, to the paya you can see the ornate boats that carry these revered images around Myanmar the lake. During your boat trip on Inle Lake you will also visit a cheroot-rolling

workshop. From take a short canoe trip that will take you into the local stilt villages. This gives you a real flavour of daily life on the lake, particularly as the tourist boats are not able to negotiate the small canals, so you will have lots of spectators and 'hellos'! Return to the hotel where dinner has been arranged for the group this evening.

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The floating gardens on Inle Lake, Myanmar

Sunday Inle Lake to Heho airport 29 November, 2015 group tour transfer

The group will depart the hotel by boat and make the journey to Nyaung Shwe Princess Hotel, which takes about half an hour and will allow you to catch a last glimpse of daily life Kyaingtong (Kengtung) on the lake. At Nyaung Shwe you will be met by your driver who will then drive Breakfast is included the group to Heho airport which takes approximately one hour.

Heho to Kyaingtong (Kengtung) To be advised - Flight No: TBA - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Kyaingtong (Kengtung) introduction

The town of Kyaingtong is situated in the far eastern part of Shan state. This sleepy town has had an interesting past and has played host to Chinese traders, British officials in the late 19th century, pilgrims and missionaries as well as famous writers. Somerset Maugham devoted two chapters of his 1930 travel book to the Kyaingtong market. The area was opened up to foreign visitors in 1993 and is a seldom seen part of Myanmar with remote mountain valleys and stunning natural beauty. The town and surrounding area is an eclectic blend of many cultures, Monks at Teak Monastery, Inle Lake including Shan, Burmese and Thai, which renders this part of the country deeply

fascinating and rather enchanting. The ethnic villages that inhabit the hills include the Khun, Wa, Ann, an animist tribe, Akha, Palaung and Lahu tribes which have all in part managed to preserve their ancient customs and heritage as well as their traditional dress.

Kyaingtong is a rewarding destination providing you have a sense of adventure! The tourist infrastructure in this part of the country is generally of a much lower standard than other, more popular destinations in Myanmar. We work with two basic family-run hotels that do not have the same level of service or attention to detail that can be found in the hotels of Yangon or Mandalay for example. Vehicles and guides are arranged through these hotels so it is harder to have direct control over their quality. We do our utmost to secure the best vehicles and guides available in the region but please do be prepared for lower standards than in other areas. As the country has opened up, a better standard of vehicle is crossing the border from Thailand and used by these hotels. The local guides may not have excellent English, but they do have good local knowledge however, and

communicate well with the tribal communities. You will be accompanied by a local guide, and one from one of the larger cities to help logistically.

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Sunset over Nuang Tung lake, Kengtung Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Kyaingtong group tour transfer

Collect all of your luggage and then transfer from the airport to your hotel in Kyaingtong. The journey should take approximately twenty to thirty minutes.

Afternoon tour of Kyaingtong group tour excursion

Head out this afternoon on a short tour of Kyaingtong. The group will visit the traditional pottery works at Yan-Gone village on the northern outskirts of the town. For a panoramic view of Kyaingtong head to Lone Tree Hill to the south of the town, stopping at the wood monastery Wat Pha That Jom Mo on your way up. Just before sunset head to the picturesque Naung Tung Lake for a stroll, a perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of this sleepy town as the locals end their working day at the numerous tea-shops scattered around the edge of the lake.

Monday Day spent trekking in the Shan hills 30 November, 2015 group tour excursion

The Shan hills surrounding Kyaingtong are home to a variety of ethnic tribes Princess Hotel, including Khun, Ann, Wa, Shan, Akha, Palaung and Lahu villages. Your guide will be Kyaingtong (Kengtung) able to suggest the best itinerary for the group depending on everyone's ability and Breakfast and lunch are how far you wish to travel. A typical day's trekking in the area involves an hour's included drive through scenic countryside and rice fields to a small Lahu village before an hour's walk up into the hills to an Akha tribe. It is better to arrive late morning as many of the villagers will be out in the fields. From here you will walk further into the mountains to visit an animist Ann tribe. It is quite common to be invited into the home of the village Shaman who will offer tea and a recital of the tribe's traditional music. After a picnic lunch your hike continues taking in further Akha tribes as well as red and silver Palaung, many of which can be seen working in the fields in their traditional dress. At the end of the day travel back to Kyaingtong where you will be dropped off at the hotel.

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Ann tribe, Kengtung

The Ann village near Kengtung sits happily on the hillside, Myanmar

Tuesday Travel overland to Tachilek border crossing and onto Chiang 01 December, 2015 Rai group tour transfer The Legend Boutique River Resort & Spa, Today you will venture overland to the border town of Tachilek. The journey Chiang Rai should take approximately three hours and takes you through the stunning Shan Breakfast and dinner are scenery. From Tachilek town centre, it is not too far from the bridge that marks included the border between Myanmar and Thailand. There is quite a humdrum of organised chaos with officials, those passing the border and taxis, but your guide will always be on hand to assist. Here at the border you will bid farewell to you guide from Myanmar and be welcomed by your Thai guide. After forms are stamped and exchanged, you will cross the bridge and head into Mae Sai, the border town on the Thai side. To give you an idea it usually takes about 30 minutes to pass through the border. Once into Thailand it is about a one hour drive to your hotel in Chiang Rai. A farewell dinner has been arranged this evening. Chiang Rai introduction

Chiang Rai is situated 180 kilometres north of Chiang Mai and is known as the gateway to the Golden Triangle. The city was founded in the 1200s when King Burmese Girl resting in front of paddy Mangrai, ruler of Chiang Saen, went searching for his favourite elephant that had fields run away to the south. On this journey he discovered the Kok River and decided to establish the walled city of Chiang Rai on its banks. At this time it was part of the Lanna kingdom, and it suffered for many years from wars with the Burmese. It became a Thai territory in 1786 and a province in 1910.

Famous for being the original home of the emerald Buddha (now found in Bangkok), Wat Phra Kaew is the city’s most revered temple. There are many other temples in the town that are worth exploring. Chiang Rai is also a popular starting point for expeditions into the Golden Triangle. Activities include trekking, rafting and elephant riding.

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Wat Rong Khun in the Chiang Rai province

Wednesday Transfer from your hotel to Chiang Rai airport 02 December, 2015 group tour transfer

This morning, once the group have all checked out, you will make the transfer to the airport to arrive in plenty of time for your flight. The journey is relatively short and should take around twenty to thirty minutes. Chiang Rai to Bangkok Bangkok Airways - Flight No: PG 232 - Dep: 09:45 - Arr: 11:05 - (same day); Class: Economy; Non-stop flight

Bangkok to London Heathrow Couple from the Akha tribe, Chiang Rai Eva Airways - Flight No: BR 67 - Dep: 13:10 - Arr: 19:10 - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Evening arrival into Heathrow

Important Notes  Flight times and the daily order of sightseeing are subject to change.  Transfer times are approximate and subject to local conditions at the time of travel.  All flight times are local.

34 Itinerary in Detail Accommodation

OUR ACCOMMODATION GRADING SYSTEM Your accommodation is described on the following pages. Please do not hesitate to call us if you require any further information about any of the properties. We classify accommodation into the following categories. These are for your guidance only, they are based on the opinions of our staff and are therefore quite subjective. Basic: Very primitive accommodation where we are not aware of anything better in the region. Simple: Clean and simple but limited facilities. Medium: A good standard of accommodation, reasonable range of facilities. First Class: A high standard of accommodation with a wide range of facilities. Deluxe: Superb accommodation with facilities and service to match. Opulent: The world’s most unashamedly luxurious hotels, resorts and lodges.

Accommodation 35 Accommodation

HOTEL M, YANGON (RANGOON) Medium

Located in a quiet residential area in the exclusive Golden Valley, the recently opened Hotel M is a great option for anyone looking to experience a ‘greener’, more laid-back side of Yangon. The hotel consists of 38 carefully appointed rooms, a gym, swimming pool and restaurant. Due to its close proximity to Inya Lake, an area home to some of the city’s best dining options, the property is an extremely convenient choice for any self-confessed foodies.

HOTEL PYIN OO LWIN, PYIN OO LWIN (MAYMYO) Simple

Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin is located near the lake and provides a central base to explore the historical town of Maymyo. The accommodation has 36 rooms spread over 18 bungalows and is set around lush tropical gardens. The hotel also has an indoor pool (not heated), bar and lounge.

36 Accommodation Accommodation

RIVERSIDE @ HSIPAW RESORT, HSIPAW Simple

Situated across the river from Hsipaw, Riverside @ Hsipaw Resort is a lovely little getaway from the hustle and bustle of this small town and perfectly situated for river excursions. There is a small local village and monastery to explore within easy walking distance.

This friendly resort features 20 simple but spacious guest rooms with air conditioning, each with their own terrace overlooking the river and town beyond. There are a good range of facilities including wi-fi in public areas, a lovely garden where you can relax after a day trekking or sightseeing in the Shan Hills as well as a riverside restaurant offering Shan, Western and Chinese cuisine.

It has a complimentary boat to take you the one minute across the river when you do venture into town.

AYEYARWADDY RIVER VIEW HOTEL, MANDALAY Medium

This hotel sits on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River on the western edge of Mandalay. The hotel has 56 guest rooms and offer great river or city views from all rooms and feature a number of modern amenities. There is a restaurant located on the ground floor, where a buffet breakfast can be taken, and an open-air roof top restaurant called the Sky Bar. This is a great spot to enjoy a sundowner or enjoy al fresco dining in the evening. The hotel also has a small pool for a refreshing dip at the end of a full day sightseeing around Mandalay.

Our opinion: Whilst the rooms are clean and comfortable they are somewhat lacking in style and character.

Accommodation 37 Accommodation

WIN UNITY RESORT HOTEL, MONYWA Medium

The Win Unity Resort Hotel is situated on Kan Thar Yar Lake in Monywa and has 117 cottage-style semi-detached bungalows with four room categories: Deluxe Lake View, Deluxe, Superior and Standard. Each of the rooms has its own veranda overlooking the resort's landscaped gardens. This is a quiet and peaceful spot which has reasonable facilities including a spa, gym and swimming pool. You can choose to dine in the air-conditioned restaurant or on the terrace overlooking the swimming pool.

Our opinion: The Win Unity is by far the best available in the city and offers a comfortable and functional base for a short stay in Monywa.

Please note that there is a monastery nearby and on occasions you may hear the monks chanting, mostly in the early mornings or evenings.

38 Accommodation Accommodation

BAGAN THANDE HOTEL, BAGAN (PAGAN) Medium

The Thande is one of the oldest hotels in the area having opened in 1922 for the visit of King Edward VIII. This is a good value hotel which has an unrivalled central location and overlooks the Ayeyarwady river. All 78 rooms are clean, comfortable and offer en suite facilities and the hotel is set in well-tended grounds with a small swimming pool that provides a welcome relief from the heat of the Bagan plains. The hotel has a delightful riverside restaurant serving a range of international and local cuisine, and breakfast is served in the garden when the weather is fine.

Our opinion: Simple accommodation that has an air of faded grandeur, however we do endeavour to secure the riverside rooms that command spectacular views from their terrace.

ROYAL NADI RESORT, NYAUNG SHWE Medium

Royal Nadi Resort is located beside the Nadi Mingalar Lake (Nyaung Shwe), Bawrithatt Village, which lies between Shwe Nyaung and Nyaung Shwe. It is a ten minute drive from Nyaung Shwe Township and a 45 minute drive from Heho Airport.

The 74 rooms are surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains and the lake of Shan state. There are three two-storey buildings, each containing ten superior rooms as well as 15 standalone bungalows and 24 bikes are on offer for exploring the lakefront villas. Each room is well surroundings, with a shuttle bus equipped with Wi-Fi access, air to Nyaung Shwe Jetty also available. conditioning, a safe, satellite TV and During your stay, you can dine at the mini fridge. all-day restaurant, which serves Myanmar, Shan, Chinese and European The staff is happy to provide cuisine, relax on the lakeside terrace information on nearby places of whilst taking in beautiful views, or treat interest, and complimentary mountain yourself at the health spa.

Accommodation 39 Accommodation

ANN HERITAGE LODGE, INLE LAKE Medium

This small property resides on the western shore of Inle Lake. All twenty rooms are well appointed with modern facilities, full air conditioning, a private living room with international television channels and en suite bathrooms. The cottages near the front have superb panoramic views of the lake, but will be a little noisier as a result. The hotel has an excellent restaurant with good views of the lake, as well as boasting a small swimming pool. The hotel also has a small raft for special dining events on the lake itself. uncommon to hear prayers and chanting or festivities very early in the morning or Our opinion: Ann Heritage Lodge is a late into the evening. Unfortunately as it is well-located addition to a number of good associated with religious ceremonies the value properties located directly on Inle hotel is unable to intervene and ask for Lake. However, as a result of its location, noise restrictions. engine noise from passing boats can be heard early morning. Furthermore, due to its proximity to a local monastery it is not

PRINCESS HOTEL, KYAINGTONG (KENGTUNG) Simple

The Princess is a simple hotel without much character but it is well located. The central market is a five minute walk away along with local shops and restaurants. All Superior rooms have basic en suite facilities, air-conditioning (that can be very noisy!), a fridge and television (flat screen with BBC news). A simple Western-style breakfast is served in the small restaurant downstairs.

Our opinion: This is a basic hotel with simple amenities but the best option in the town. Staff are very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. I would recommend taking a pair of ear plugs with you as the air-conditioning units are quite old and noisy.

40 Accommodation Accommodation

THE LEGEND BOUTIQUE RIVER RESORT & SPA, CHIANG RAI Medium

The Legend Resort located just outside of the main city centre on the banks of the Mae Kok River is a comfortable option for a short stay before either travelling further into northern Thailand or overland into Laos. The resort has 78 contemporary style rooms, including a number of pool villas and offer views of either the river or the lush gardens. Facilities include a riverside restaurant, an intimate Thai restaurant, a spa and swimming pool.

Our opinion: A comfortable resort with a relaxing riverside setting.

Accommodation 41 Charity support

Audley has been supporting carbon reduction projects through Friends of Conservation since 2005 and in addition to this, each individual department also supports a charity or charities of their choice with a yearly financial donation. These charities are close to their hearts and the team often chooses to fundraise to add to this amount. The Southeast Asia team has chosen to support STREETS International, who work in Vietnam. Please ask your specialist if you would like to find out more as in most instances they will have visited the charity themselves, or one of their colleagues will have.

About STREETS International STREETS International is an innovative social enterprise initiative with the purpose to develop and operate sustainable programs for street kids and disadvantaged youth in Southeast Asia and throughout the world. STREETS prepares vulnerable, orphaned and other disadvantaged young people for careers in hospitality. In developing economies around the world, tourism is often one of the first and largest sectors to experience growth and expansion. The STREETS initiative is designed to match the resource demands of the growing hospitality sectors with the needs of disadvantaged youth. It provides them with the highest levels of training to prepare them for careers in culinary arts and hospitality service. The 18-month programme incorporates many components, including classroom instruction, hands-on work experience, housing and all the necessary social and community support. This is the first real chance for many disadvantaged young adults to escape from a life of poverty and on the streets, gaining self-sufficiency through a successful career in hospitality.

Audley and STREETS International in the Future The first STREETS Restaurant Café and Training Center opened in Hoi An, Vietnam, in 2009. Since opening, it has touched the lives of close to 100 young adults. Of the first two graduating classes, 100% were employed within months of graduation at the top resorts and restaurant in Central Vietnam.

STREETS plans on opening its next programme in SAPA Vietnam. They will work with children of disadvantaged ethnic minority groups living in the area.

For those who would like to see the project in action we can arrange for you to visit the STREETS Restaurant Café in the historic central district of Hoi An. Donations are gratefully accepted by the charity. The Southeast Asia team at Audley will be fundraising over the year in order to add to our annual contribution to STREETS International in Vietnam.

If you would like to find out more about STREETS please ask your specialist or visit www.streetsinternational.org

42 Charity support Terms and conditions

Travel insurance Thomson (in partnership with AXA) (0845 Financial security It is advisable to take out your travel 366 2212) offer cancellation cover up to We hold an Air Travel insurance at the time of booking your £20,000 per person, American Express Organiser's Licence (ATOL) trip as cover will commence for pre- (0800 232 277) offer cancellation cover up issued by the Civil Aviation departure cancellation from the policy to £12,500 per person and Insure and Go Authority (ATOL number issue date. This will, therefore, provide (0844 888 2787) offer cancellation cover 4817). All the flight-inclusive holidays* that cover should you have to cancel your trip up to £7,500 per person. This information we provide are financially protected by the for an insured reason such as illness or can also be found on our website ATOL scheme. When you pay, you will be serious accident. www.audleytravel.com/insurance supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please with links to the insurers’ websites. ask for it and check to ensure that We strongly recommend that you and all everything you booked is listed on it. members of your party are adequately Clients over 65 years of age Please see our booking conditions for insured, providing financial protection Many companies now offer cover to people further information about financial against unforeseen circumstances. Cover over 65 years of age. However, if you are protection and should include medical expenses and finding it difficult to get cover you could try www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate repatriation in the event of accident or Age UK (0845 600 3348) or Saga (0800 for further information on the ATOL illness. In addition, we strongly 015 0757) both of whom currently have no Certificate. recommend that you have cover for upper age limit on their policies. See also personal belongings, delay at your the companies referred to under pre- *The flight inclusive holidays we arrange outward or homeward point of existing medical conditions below. This are ATOL protected providing they are departure, personal liability, overseas information can also be found on our made available in the UK. For further legal expenses and cancellation. If you are website www.audleytravel.com/insurance information, visit the ATOL website at undertaking any sports or adventurous with links to the insurers’ websites. www.atol.org.uk activities, including trekking, on your trip Pre-existing medical conditions you should also make sure that your If you have a pre-existing medical policy covers these. Please also ensure condition, there are a number of Not all holiday or travel you read the policy conditions and companies that may be able to help you. P J services offered and sold by us will be exclusions. Hayman / Free Spirit (0845 230 5000) will protected by the ATOL scheme. Those The type of trips we create and the consider most pre-existing medical package arrangements which are not requirements of Audley clients vary conditions and they have no upper age limit protected by our ATOL are covered by a greatly. We have therefore listed below a on single trip policies. Age UK (0845 600 topp policy underwritten by Travel and number of companies who offer policies 3348) and Insure and Go (0844 888 2787) General Insurance Company plc. This which may suit these varying will also consider a number of pre-existing insurance means your money will be requirements. You can find links to the conditions and may be able to help. Cancer refunded or you will be returned to the companies' websites, at Travel Insurance Services (0845 880 0163) starting point of your contracted www.audleytravel.com/insurance. specialise in travel insurance for people arrangements if already abroad in the Other companies and policies are also with non-terminal cancer and have no unlikely event of our being unable to available. We are unable to provide you upper age limit on their policies. This provide your holiday due to our insolvency. with more detailed information and you information can also be found at (For more details please see Section 12 of should contact the company concerned www.audleytravel.com/insurance the Terms and Conditions.) In these directly for this. Please note this is with links to the insurers’ websites. instances you will not receive an ATOL general information only. We are not Non-UK residents certificate with your invoice. providing any specific advice on travel If you are not a UK resident you will insurance or recommending any usually need to get insurance in your Health particular policy or insurer. country of residence. Some insurance It is essential that you see your GP or a travel clinic before booking your trip and Trips of up to £5,000 pp companies, such as Columbus Direct (0845 before travelling to make sure that you A large number of companies offer 888 8893), will consider policies for non- have taken all the necessary health insurance policies which include cover for UK residents. This information can also be precautions. Some vaccinations require cancellation charges of up to the full found on our website more than one visit with a period of weeks holiday cost. American Express (0800 www.audleytravel.com/insurance between injections. You should visit your 232 277), Insure and Go (0844 888 2787) with links to the insurers’ websites. GP at least six weeks before departure. For and the Post Office (0800 294 2292) all Once you have a travel insurance policy in up to date medical advice you may wish to have policies that you may like to place, please let your specialist know who use the Medical Advisory Service for consider. This information can also be your insurance company is and your policy found at www.audleytravel.com/insurance Travellers Abroad (MASTA). number. with links to the insurers’ websites. MASTA Traveller’s Health Brief The above information is provided in good Before travelling abroad, you can visit Trips over £5,000 pp faith and is correct to the best of our It can be more challenging to get www.masta-travel-health.com to obtain a knowledge. No liability is, however, ‘Health Brief’ specifically tailored to your insurance which includes cover for accepted for any errors and all information journey. Your brief will give information cancellation charges of up to the full must be checked directly with the about immunisations and malaria as well as holiday cost for higher value trips. A insurance company. any Foreign Office advice and the latest number of companies do, however, offer health news. such policies.

Terms and conditions 43 Terms and conditions

Other health information services are Smoking Travel advice available, including www.nathnac.org and Airlines do not permit smoking on the The Foreign and Commonwealth Office www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk aircraft. At the request of the majority of Travel Advice Unit monitors all overseas our clients we do not allow smoking on any destinations and offers safety advice to Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) form of transport used for our escorted British travellers. To view the advice you The majority of international airlines now group tours. Stops are regularly made can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. issue advice on how to lessen the risk of where you will be able to smoke. For DVT, however, if you have any concerns, smokers travelling on a tailor-made tour Flights and airlines we recommend that you consult your we request that you check with your driver The difference between a direct flight and a doctor. or guide whether smoking is permitted in non-stop flight can cause confusion. To Pre-existing medical the vehicle. clarify, on a direct flight no change of conditions/Disabled passengers aircraft is scheduled but touchdowns will It is essential that you advise us before Health and safety standards be made en route either to refuel or to booking if you have any disability or pre- Each country has its own regulations and board or disembark passengers. On non- existing medical condition which may enforcement levels relating to health and stop flights no change of aircraft is required affect your holiday, or any special safety standards. These do not always and no stops are made en route. Exact requirements as a result of any disability match the very high standards we are used details of your route will be given in your or medical condition (including any which to in the UK. We therefore recommend itinerary. affect the booking process) so that we that you follow a few precautionary safety Premium Economy, Business and can assist you in considering the procedures. Always check where the First Class suitability of the arrangements and/or nearest fire exit is and how to raise the fire If you require business or first class flights making the booking. It will also enable us alarm. Do not enter a swimming pool these can be arranged on most airlines at to make sure you receive the relevant before checking the water depth first. For very competitive rates. Premium economy level of assistance when you fly. more suggestions please see the Important can be arranged on certain airlines, please Information section in your Travel call us for details. Full details must be confirmed in writing Organiser. at the time of booking and whenever any Specific seat requests change in the condition or disability Passport and visa information for We will do all we can to try to reserve a occurs. You must also promptly advise us British Citizens specific seat for you, if you have a if any medical condition or disability Passengers must hold a passport which is preference. However, whilst airlines may which may affect your holiday develops valid for at least six months following the allow us to request seats, they will not after your booking has been confirmed. return date of your holiday. British guarantee any specific seat reservation. If The nature of many of the destinations passport holders (full British Citizens) this is important to you, it is always best to we travel to means that in the majority of currently require visas, in advance of travel, arrive for your flight early, regardless of cases they are unsuitable for those who for the following destinations featured in having made this request in advance. Please are wheelchair-bound or have a lack of our brochures and on our website: make it clear on your booking form if you mobility. We will be delighted to discuss Australia, Bhutan, Burma, China, Cuba, have a specific request. the feasibility of creating a tailor-made India, Kenya, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea Flight amendments itinerary for you that takes into (also available on arrival), Russia, Tanzania, We generally use special ‘inclusive tour’ consideration your level of mobility. Tibet, Uganda, the USA*, Uzbekistan and fares when we purchase your air tickets

Vietnam**. from the airlines. While these fares are On our escorted group tours the Tour Visas may be required for other countries very good value they are inflexible in terms Leader is, unfortunately, unable to offer but can be arranged on arrival. of changes and offer no refunds once the additional assistance to passengers with * British Citizens travelling to the USA tickets are issued. Once your flight is limited mobility and all such assistance require an ESTA – please speak to your confirmed the airlines will charge an will need to be provided by whoever the specialist for more information amendment fee or insist on the purchase of passenger is travelling with. We may ** Visitors to Vietnam can obtain a visa on a completely new ticket if you make request that you provide a letter from arrival but require a letter of authorisation changes. your doctor confirming your fitness to from ourselves – please speak to your travel. specialist Internal flights Smaller local airlines are often more likely High altitude to change their schedule at short notice. Your itinerary may include sections We are normally able to obtain visas on We will endeavour to inform you of any where the altitude exceeds 10,000 feet your behalf, please ask for details at the changes in advance of travelling but this (3,048 metres). If you suffer from time of booking. Non-British passport may not always be possible. circulation, heart or respiratory problems holders should check with the relevant we advise that you consult with your embassies as visa requirements may be doctor before confirming your booking. different to those of British passport

holders. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation and visa stamp(s). Failure or inability to obtain all required visas for whatever reason does not entitle you to cancel without paying the applicable cancellation charges.

44 Terms and conditions Terms and conditions

Frequent Flyer Clubs Accuracy of information Financial security If you collect points through any of the We thoroughly check all the information An AITO member is required to arrange airline frequent flyer clubs please provide that is included within our brochures, financial protection for all holidays and your membership details on the booking website and individual tour itineraries, other arrangements (including form and we will ensure that these are however, changes do occur and errors are accommodation only) booked by recorded against your flight reservation. occasionally made. Airlines may change customers with the member under the Please note that on some of our specially their schedules, roads may close and AITO logo. This financial protection applies negotiated ‘inclusive tour’ fares points are government regulations may alter. Should to customers who are resident in the UK not always awarded. there be any changes to the travel at the time of booking and to most arrangements you have booked we will do overseas customers who have booked Carbon offsetting our best to keep you informed of the directly with the member. In doing so, the Please let your specialist know if you situation prior to departure. member must comply with UK government would like to carbon offset your flights. regulations. Members are required to We work with Friends of Conservation Travel in the developing world submit details of their financial protection (FOC) and all offsetting payments are Many of our destinations are in the arrangements to AITO on a regular basis. donated through them. For more details developing world where attitudes, Accurate brochures and web sites visit www.audleytravel.com/offset. The infrastructure, priorities, lifestyles and All members do their utmost to ensure suggested amounts are in line with cultures are very different from our own. that all their brochures and other DEFRA’s current guidelines for the cost This is often the very reason to visit the publications, print or electronic, clearly and per tonne of carbon. If you wish to destination but certain aspects may be accurately describe the holidays and ensure that Gift Aid is included please frustrating. We always advise that the first services offered. donate directly via the FOC website. thing you should pack is your sense of humour. This can prove invaluable when Professional service and continual UK airport hotels, car parking and travelling over rougher roads, waiting for a improvements lounges delayed aircraft and communicating with All members are committed to high We are able to arrange airport hotel hotel staff whose first language is not standards of service and believe in regular accommodation, car parking, meet and English. and thorough training of employees. greet services and airport lounge access Members continually seek to review and in the UK, subject to availability. To Data Protection Act improve their holidays. They listen to their arrange any of these services please call We will hold your name, address and any customers and always welcome suggestions us on 01993 838 051. other details you supply us with on our for improving standards. database. This information will be used to Monitoring standards Hotel information make your travel arrangements and to send AITO endeavours to monitor quality There is often confusion over the you information about Audley Travel. In standards regularly. All customers should terminology used for bed arrangements order to make your travel arrangements receive a post-holiday questionnaire, the in hotel rooms. A ‘double’ is recognised we will need to pass your details to results of which are scrutinised by the as meaning a room with a double bed, companies and individuals outside the EU Association. this may be two single beds pushed where less stringent data protection together. A ‘twin’ is a room with two controls may be in place. We will not pass Sustainable tourism single beds. Please note that all rooms on your details to third parties for any All members acknowledge the importance are allocated at the discretion of the other purposes. of AITO’s Sustainable Tourism guidelines, hotel and cannot be guaranteed. which recognise the social, economic and AITO Quality Charter: environmental responsibilities of tour Single rooms The Association of Independent Tour operating. Those demonstrating their Single rooms tend to be smaller than Operators achievements beyond the pure acceptance double or twin rooms, however, many AITO is the association for independent of this principle are recognised by the hotels do not have single rooms, in which and specialist holiday companies. Our award of two to five star status. Audley has case you will be allocated a twin or member companies, usually owner- achieved five star status. double room. managed, strive to create overseas holidays Customer relations with high levels of professionalism and a Special dietary requirements All members endeavour to deal swiftly and shared concern for quality and personal Special diets should be requested on the fairly with any issues their customers may service. The Association encourages the booking form; however, it is unrealistic raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute highest standards in all aspects of tour to expect special diets to be catered for between an AITO member and a customer operating. in some of the destinations we feature. cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low- We will advise the hotels and airlines of Exclusive membership cost Independent Dispute Settlement your request but we cannot guarantee AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, Service may be called upon by either side their availability. If you have an airborne finance and quality which must be satisfied to bring the matter to a speedy and nut allergy you must make us aware at before new companies are admitted to acceptable conclusion. Audley is a member the time of booking as most airlines membership. All members are required to of the Association of Independent Tour require this information in advance of adhere to a Code of Business Practice Operators. To contact the Association, travel. which encourages high operational visit www.aito.co.uk or call 020 8744 9280. standards and conduct.

Terms and conditions 45

Terms and conditions

Please read the following conditions carefully. All holidays we have contracted to provide will be held by them on our can reasonably expect to have a major effect on your are sold by us subject to these conditions and the other behalf. If you book your holiday through a travel agent who holiday. Significant changes are likely to include the general information in this booklet, our brochures and is not a member of ABTA, all payments must be made to following changes when made before departure; a change quotations. us directly and not your travel agent. of accommodation to that of a lower official classification Audley Travel Group Ltd (whose administrative offices are or standard for the whole or a major part of the time you at New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxon OX29 9SX) 2. If you change your holiday are away*, a change of accommodation area for the whole are members of the Association of Independent Tour If, after the contract between us has come into existence, or a major part of the time you are away, a change of UK Operators. Audley Travel Group Ltd (hereafter referred you want to change your holiday we will do our best to outward departure time or overall length of time you are to as ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) offers a number of products and the pass your request to the relevant supplier, however we away of twelve or more hours, or a change of UK trading names we use are ‘Audley’, and ‘Audley Travel’. In cannot guarantee that such changes can be made. Where a departure airport to one which is more inconvenient for these Terms & Conditions, ‘you’ and ‘your’ means all change can be made, we will charge for any additional costs you (except as between Gatwick and Heathrow). persons named on the booking, or any of them as incurred including any costs imposed or incurred by any of applicable (including anyone who is added or substituted at our suppliers, and including for example cancellation *Please note: A change affecting a stay in a hotel during a a later date). charges that may be incurred for sectors cancelled. You tour where the hotel itself is not the focus of the tour, does should note, for example, that a change of name on or not constitute a significant change. Your contract with us and all matters arising out of it are other alteration to an airline ticket will usually incur a 100% governed by English law. We both agree that any dispute, cancellation charge and full rebooking fee. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will claim or other matter which arises out of or in connection tell you as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before with this contract or your holiday, will be dealt with by the 3. If you cancel your holiday departure, we will offer you the choice of the following AITO Arbitration Scheme - see clause 9 or the Courts of If you have to cancel part of the booking or cancel the options:- England and Wales only unless, in the case of Court entire booking once it has been confirmed by us, written proceedings, you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In notification must be sent to us by recorded delivery post or (a) (for significant changes) accepting the changed this case, proceedings may be brought in the Courts of by email. As proof of receipt by email of your notification to arrangements or your home country. If proceedings are brought in Scotland cancel you must receive and retain written or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have your acknowledgement from Audley Travel. Charges will be (b) purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar contract governed by the law of Scotland/Northern Ireland applied from the date the letter is received, or the email is standard to that originally booked if available. Please note: as applicable. If you do not so choose, English law will apply. acknowledged by Audley Travel, according to the scale Due to the original and individual nature of our holidays it below. The charges are applied as a percentage of the total frequently may not be possible to offer you a comparable 1. Paying for your holiday holiday cost excluding any amendment charges and any holiday to that originally booked. (i) The procedure for making a booking is shown in your amounts paid in addition to the deposit at the time of itinerary quotation and on our website. All bookings are booking or before balance due date (see clauses 1(ii) and (c) cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which case subject to these terms and conditions and by asking us to I(iv)) which are non refundable in the event of cancellation. you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you confirm your booking, the person who makes the booking have paid to us. is taken to have accepted these booking conditions on The following cancellation charges apply if your final balance behalf of all persons named on the booking. Once we have due date is 8 weeks prior to departure. Please note, You must advise us of your decision within 7 days of the received the applicable payment(s) due at the time of different cancellation charges apply in relation to certain date on which we notified you of the significant change or booking (see below), we will, subject to availability of the products – please see your quote for details. cancellation. Please note, the above options are not requested arrangements, send you your invoice. It is at the available where any change made is a minor one. A minor point when we issue this to you that a valid contract will Period before departure Cancellation change is any change which, taking account of the come into existence between us. Please check your date within which written Charge information you have given us at the time of booking or confirmation/invoice and all tickets/documents carefully as notification is received at Per Person which we can reasonably be expected to know as a tour soon as you receive them and contact us immediately if our offices operator, we could not reasonably expect to have a you think any details are incorrect. We regret we cannot significant effect on your confirmed holiday. accept any liability if we are not notified of any inaccuracies Up to balance due date Deposit only (for which we are responsible) in any document within ten Balance due date-43 days 30% If we have to make a significant change or cancellation we days of our sending it out (five days for tickets).We will do 42-29 days 60% will pay you the compensation set out below subject to the our best to rectify any mistake notified to us outside these 28-3 days 90% following exceptions. Compensation will not be payable time limits but you must meet any costs involved in doing Within 2 days 100% and no liability beyond offering the above mentioned so. choices can be accepted where (1) we are forced to make Alterations or cancellations by you after a change or cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable (ii) The deposit is part payment of the holiday. The deposit commencement of travel and unused services circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of required will be shown on the quotation page of your We will do our best to implement any changes to your which we could not have avoided even with all due care or itinerary. In addition to the deposit, full or part payment of arrangements you request once they have commenced, but (2) we have to cancel because the minimum number of certain elements of your holiday (such as flights) may be we cannot guarantee this will be possible. In the event of bookings necessary for us to operate your holiday has not required at the time booking or at some point between such amendments being made you will be liable for any been reached - in this case we will notify you no less than booking and balance due date. Also see clause I (iv). The cancellation charges that may be levied for the services 60 days before departure. Please note: all escorted group deposit and all such additional payments are non refundable originally booked, and for the cost of booking the revised trips are based on group arrangements involving a given except as set out in clause 4. The balance must be paid not arrangements and the arrangements themselves. As a basic minimum number of passengers. No compensation will be later than the date specified on the invoice. This is normally principle, no refunds will be paid to clients who do not payable and the above options will not be available if we no less than 8 weeks before the departure date. However, complete a tour. However where we ourselves are able to cancel as a result of your failure to comply with any there are a few destinations or trip components that obtain a refund from hotels or principals for services not requirement of these booking conditions entitling us to require payment no less than 90 days before the departure used, we will pass this on to you, less any reasonable cancel (such as paying on time). date which will be specified on your invoice and quotation. administration charges. Please note if we do not receive all payments due (including Period of notification of Compensation any surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we are THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE change before scheduled per person entitled to assume that you wish to cancel your booking. In If you have taken out holiday insurance you may, depending departure date this case, we will be entitled to keep all amounts paid or on the detail of your policy, be able to recover the due at that date. If we do not cancel straight away because cancellation charges, check your policy for details. Never More than 60 days Nil you have promised to make payment, you must pay the travel without insurance, the unexpected can always 60-43 days £10 cancellation charges shown in clause 3 depending on the happen. It is your responsibility to ensure you are 42-29 days £20 date we reasonably treat your booking as cancelled. adequately covered by insurance. Please read your policy 28-15 days £30 and take it on holiday with you. 14-0 days £40 (iii) Full payment is required at the time of booking for all bookings made after balance due date as above. 4. If we change your holiday In the unlikely event that we become unable to provide a We start planning the holidays we offer many months in significant proportion of the services you have booked after (iv) On occasions, we may be asked by suppliers to make advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and you depart, we will make alternative arrangements for you payment to them earlier than normal. Such requests may, correct errors in itineraries and other details both before at no extra charge, or, if this is impossible, or you do not for example, be made in order to secure accommodation and after bookings have been confirmed and cancel accept these alternative arrangements for a good reason, and other services during periods of peak demand. Whilst confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid we will provide you with transport back to the point where suppliers may have no contractual right to make such changes and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do your holiday arrangements with us commenced. If we are requests, failure to comply with them may result in the loss so. However, we promise we will only cancel your forced by ‘force majeure’ (see clause 5) to change or of confirmed arrangements. Where this situation arises, we confirmed booking after balance due date where you have terminate your holiday after departure but before the reserve the right to ask you to make payment of the failed to comply with any requirement of these booking scheduled end of your time away, we regret we will be requested sum within a stipulated period and prior to conditions entitling us to cancel (such as paying on time) or unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain any refunds balance due date. We will of course endeavour to avoid where we are forced to do so as a result of ‘force majeure’ from our suppliers), pay you any compensation or meet any doing so if we can. Any such early payment will be non as defined in clause 5 below. We will not cancel after this costs or expenses you incur as a result except as set out refundable except as set out in clause 4. date for any other reason. above.

(v) If you are booking your holiday through one of our Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a 5. Force majeure authorised travel agents the balance must be paid to the ‘significant change’. A significant change is a change made Except as set out in these terms and conditions, we cannot agent two weeks prior to the applicable balance due date as before departure which, taking account of the information accept liability or pay any compensation where the specified on the invoice and quotation. All payments made you give us at the time of booking and which we can performance or prompt performance of our contractual to one of our authorised travel agents for the arrangements reasonably be expected to know as a tour operator, we obligations is prevented or affected, or you otherwise

46 Terms and conditions Terms and conditions

suffer any loss or damage (as more fully described in clause (c) an event or circumstance which we or the supplier of 8. Flights and your responsibility 7 (i) below) as a result of circumstances amounting to the service(s) in question could not have predicted or The flight details shown in your itinerary quotation are for ‘force majeure’. In these terms and conditions ‘force avoided even after taking all reasonable care (see clause 5) guidance only and are subject to change. Final details will be majeure’ means any event or circumstances which we or confirmed on your travel documentation, sent the supplier of the services in question could not foresee (d) the fault of anyone who is not carrying out work for us approximately 14 days prior to departure. The times or avoid even with all due care. Such events and (generally or in particular) at the time. shown on all tickets are local times and check in for both circumstances may include, whether actual or threatened, outward and return flights is at least 3 hours prior to the war, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil action, decisions by In addition, we will not be responsible where you do not departure times on the travel documents. It is possible that governments or governing authority, technical or enjoy your holiday or suffer any problems because of a flight times may be changed even after tickets have been maintenance problems with transport, changes of schedules reason you did not tell us about when you booked your dispatched - we will contact you as soon as possible if this or operational decisions of air carriers, terrorist activity, holiday or where any problems you suffer did not result occurs. industrial action, natural or nuclear activity, from any breach of our contract or other fault of ourselves epidemics/pandemics, adverse weather conditions, fire and or, where we were responsible for them, our suppliers or In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005 all similar events outside our control. agents or where any losses, expenses, costs or other sum Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the you have suffered relate to any business. existence of a “Community list” which contains details of 6. Surcharges air carriers who are subject to an operating ban within the Once the price of your chosen holiday has been confirmed Please note: we cannot accept responsibility for any EU. The Community list is available for inspection at at the time of booking, we will only increase or decrease it services which do not form part of our contract. This http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/ in the following circumstances. Price increases or decreases includes, for example, any additional services or facilities flywell_en.htm. In accordance with EU Regulations we are after booking will be passed on by way of a surcharge or which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) (or, if the refund. A surcharge or refund (as applicable) will be for you where the services or facilities are not advertised in actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will payable, subject to the conditions set out in this clause, if our brochure and we have not agreed to arrange them as operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. Where we are transportation costs (e.g. fuel, scheduled airfares and any part of our contract and any excursion you purchase during only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of other airline surcharges which are part of the contract your holiday. booking, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator) carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change or dues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing (ii) The promises we make to you about the services we to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract - confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible. If the airports change. and the laws and regulations of the country in which your carrier with whom you have a confirmed reservation claim or complaint occurred - will be used as the basis for becomes subject to an operating ban as above as a result of Even in the above cases, only if the amount of the increase deciding whether the services in question had been which we/ the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable in our costs exceeds 2% of the total cost of your holiday properly provided. If the particular services which gave rise alternative the provisions of clause 4 will apply. Any change (excluding any amendment charges), will we levy a to the claim or complaint complied with local laws and in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, and/or aircraft surcharge. If any surcharge is greater than 10% of the cost regulations applicable to those services at the time, the type (if advised) will not entitle you to cancel or change to of your holiday (excluding any amendment charges), you services will be treated as having been properly provided. other arrangements without paying our normal charges will be entitled to cancel your booking and receive a full This will be the case even if the services did not comply except where specified in these conditions. refund of all monies you have paid to us (except for any with the laws and regulations of the UK which would have amendment charges) or alternatively purchase another applied had those services been provided in the UK. The We can accept no responsibility if you arrive late for the holiday from us as referred to in clause 4 ‘If we change your exception to this is where the claim or complaint concerns check in and miss your flight as a result nor can we accept holiday’. Please note that travel arrangements are not the absence of a safety feature which might lead a responsibility for any loss by you of your holiday/flight travel always purchased in local currency and some apparent reasonable holiday maker to refuse to take the holiday in tickets, vouchers or coupons. changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to question. contractual and other protection in place. Air travel is subject to operational decisions of carriers and (iii) We limit the maximum amount we may have to pay airports which may result in delays and diversions. Please A refund will only be payable if the decrease in our costs you for any and all claims or parts of claims which do not note that minor carriers sometimes change the departure exceeds 2% as set out above. Where a refund is due, we involve personal injury, illness or death. Except where loss time of short-haul or domestic flights at short notice, and in will pay you the full amount of the decrease in our costs. of and/or damage to luggage or personal possessions is some instances, schedules shown in the computers of concerned or a lower limitation of liability applies to your intercontinental carriers differ from those actually flown by You have 14 days from the issue date printed on the claim, the maximum amount we will have to pay you for smaller local carriers. We advise you that it is your surcharge invoice to tell us if you want to cancel or such non personal injury claims if we are found liable to you responsibility to be meticulous in locally reconfirming purchase another holiday where applicable. If you do not on any basis is twice the price (excluding any amendment directly with the carrier operating the flight. We accept no tell us that you wish to do so within this period of time, we charges) paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in liability for the consequences of flights missed owing to the are entitled to assume that you will pay the surcharge. Any total. This maximum amount will only be payable where passenger’s failure to reconfirm. surcharge must be paid with the balance of the cost of the everything has gone wrong and you have not received any holiday or within 14 days of the issue date printed on the benefit at all from your holiday. Clients flying in economy class to long-haul destinations surcharge invoice, whichever is the later. should be aware that flights are often full and you may not Where we are found liable for loss of and/or damage to any be able to get seats together. We also recommend that We reserve the right to make changes to and correct luggage or personal possessions (including money), the you check in early for a long flight, and in any case not less errors in quoted prices at any time before your holiday is maximum amount we will have to pay you is £150 per than 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. confirmed. We will advise you of any error of which we are person affected as you are assumed to have taken out aware and of the then applicable price at the time of adequate insurance at the time of booking. Please also see If your flight is cancelled or delayed, your flight ticket is booking. clause 7(iv) below. downgraded or boarding is denied by your airline in circumstances which would entitle you to claim (iv) Where any claim or part of a claim concerns or is compensation or any other payment from the airline under 7. Our responsibility based on any travel arrangements (including the process of EC Regulation No 261/2004 - the Denied Boarding (i) We promise to make sure that all parts of the holiday getting on and/or off the transport concerned) provided by Regulations 2004, you must pursue the airline for the we have agreed to arrange, perform or provide as part of any air, sea, rail or road carrier or any stay in a hotel, the compensation or other payment due to you. All sums you our contract with you are arranged, performed or maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay receive or are entitled to receive from the airline provided with reasonable skill and care. This means that, you will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for concerned by virtue of these Regulations represent the full subject to these booking conditions, we will accept that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to amount of your entitlement to compensation or any other responsibility if, for example, you suffer death or personal you on any basis is the most the carrier or hotel keeper payment arising from such cancellation, delay, downgrading injury or your contracted holiday arrangements are not concerned would have to pay under the international or denied boarding. This includes any disappointment, provided as promised or prove deficient as a result of the convention or regulation which applies to the travel distress, inconvenience or effect on any other failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers to arrangements or hotel stay in question (for example, the arrangements. The fact a delay may entitle you to cancel use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or Warsaw Convention as amended for international travel by your flight does not automatically entitle you to cancel any providing, as applicable, your contracted holiday air and/or for airlines with an operating licence granted by other arrangements even where those arrangements have arrangements. Please note, it is your responsibility to show an EU country, the EU Regulation on Air Carrier Liability been made in conjunction with your flight. We have no that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish for national and international travel by air, the Athens liability to make any payment to you in relation to the to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be Convention for international travel by sea and COTIF, the Denied Boarding Regulations or in respect of any flight responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers Convention on International Travel by Rail). Please note: cancellation or delay, downgrading of any flight ticket or do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the Where a carrier or hotel would not be obliged to make denial of any boarding as the full amount of your course of their employment (for employees) or carrying any payment to you under the applicable International entitlement to any compensation or other payment (as out work we had asked them to do (for agents and Convention or Regulation in respect of a claim or part of a dealt with above) is covered by the airline's obligations suppliers). We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to under the Denied Boarding Regulations. If your airline does death, loss (including loss of enjoyment), damage, expense, you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any not comply with these rules, you should complain to the cost or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you Air Transport Users’ Council on 020 7240 6061 which results from any of the following:- have received or are entitled to receive from the transport www.auc.org.uk provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question. (a) the fault of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of We cannot accept liability for any delay unless it has a their party or (v) You must provide ourselves and our insurers with all material effect on your holiday arrangements. See clause 4. assistance we may reasonably require. You must also tell us (b) the fault of a third party not connected with the and the supplier concerned about your claim or complaint provision of your holiday which we could not have as set out in clause 9 below. predicted or avoided or

Terms and conditions 47 Terms and conditions

You undertake to behave with propriety and in such a on a particular itinerary or programme, this information protect customers’ pre-payments for packaged travel manner as in no way causes or is likely to cause distress, should be regarded as a term of the contract. services which are not covered by the ATOL scheme in the danger or annoyance to other clients and/or any third party unlikely event of our financial failure. This policy will cover or damage to property. If, in the view of ourselves, our The hotel classifications given in our brochure, quotations the following; employees, agents or suppliers, you are in breach of this and dossiers and fact sheets are for guidance only. They are - a refund of such pre-payments if customers have not yet clause, we reserve the right to terminate your contract and not based on any national or international classification travelled, or neither we nor the providers of any of the services in system, they are the opinions of our staff or agents and are - making arrangements to enable the holiday to continue if question will have any further contractual obligations to you quite subjective. customers have already travelled, or either in respect of covering any expenses, paying any - returning customers to the starting point of their compensation or refunds, or arranging for your return 11. Special requests contracted holiday arrangements with Audley Travel where home. If you have any special request, you must advise us in applicable writing at the time of booking. Although we will endeavour Customers’ pre-payments are protected by a topp policy. When you book with us, you accept responsibility for any to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, In the unlikely event of financial failure please contact the damage or loss caused by you. Full payment for any such we regret we cannot guarantee any request will be met claims helpline on 0870 0137 965. damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely unless we have specifically confirmed this. For your own known) must be paid direct at the time to the protection, you should obtain confirmation in writing from A copy of the policy is available on request. In the instances accommodation owner or manager or other supplier. If the us that your request will be complied with (where it is where topp protection applies you will not receive an actual cost of the loss or damage exceeds the amount paid possible for us to give this) if your request is important to ATOL certificate with your invoice. For further details visit where estimated, you must pay the difference once known. you. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or www.audleytravel.com/protect If the actual cost is less than the amount paid, the difference passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of the special will be refunded. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible request on your confirmation invoice or any other 13. Excursions for meeting any claims subsequently made against us documentation is not confirmation that the request will be Please note that we do not provide or arrange excursions (together with our own and the other party’s full legal met. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special other than those listed in your itinerary and forming part of costs) as a result of your actions. requests are subject to availability. the arrangements booked and paid for in the UK. Our local representatives or guides may put you in touch with local You must ensure that all your travel documents, full We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. organisers of excursions if you request but we can have no passports, visas, vaccination certificates, currency and any booking which is specified to be conditional on the liability for such excursions, as your contract for such travellers cheques are in order and valid for travel. All costs fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be excursions will be with a local company providing the incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by treated as ‘standard’ bookings subject to the above services and not with us. you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are provisions on special requests. refused entry onto any transport or into any country due 14. Prices and Brochure Accuracy to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. We If you have any medical problem or disability which may Please note, the information and prices shown in our are able to give general advice on these matters for British affect your holiday, please tell us before you confirm your brochures and/or quotations may have changed by the time citizens holding a British passport. However, non-British booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is citizens and non British passport holders should check with chosen arrangements. In any event, you must give us full made to ensure the accuracy of the brochures, quotations their embassy or consulate vis-a-vis current requirements. details in writing at the time of booking. You must also and prices at the time of printing or when they are given to See also our General Information section. promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability you, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must which may affect your holiday develops after your booking therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents has been confirmed. If we reasonably feel unable to holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being properly accommodate the particular needs of the person imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us concerned, we must reserve the right to decline their 15. Honeymoon Gift Service accordingly. reservation or, if full details are not given at the time of All honeymoon bookings and use of Audley's Honeymoon booking, cancel when we become aware of these details. Gift Service are subject to our terms & conditions. It is The name on your airline tickets must be the name that important to note that in the unfortunate event of the appears on your full passport. 12. Your financial protection cancellation of your booking you will be responsible for all We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by the cancellation charges as detailed in our Terms & Conditions. Please note that if you believe that we have stated orally Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 4817). When you Audley also reserve the right to charge a £150 that a particular facility or service should be available, but is buy an ATOL protected flight-inclusive holiday* from us, administration fee to cover refunding all monies to your not in the brochure or in writing from us, please make you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists the flight, guests. These refunds will only be made once all reference to it on the booking form so that we may accommodation, car hire and/or other services that are cancellation charges have been paid. As the client, you will confirm it to you when accepting your booking. financially protected, where you can get information on take on the responsibility for the full payment of the what this means for you, and who to contact if things go booking as the amount of your guest contributions cannot 9. Complaints wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL be guaranteed. Should you have any complaints about any aspect of your Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the holiday arrangements, you must inform our local ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, Audley Travel Group Limited. Registered Address: New representative or tour leader immediately and the supplier where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 9SX. of the arrangements concerned. Problems can most easily reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may Registered in England with Company Reg. No. 3190720. be dealt with on the spot. Please note, if you do not report provide you with services you have bought or a suitable VAT Reg. No.125454721. July 2013. a problem or complaint which, if it had been reported at alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept the time it occurred could have been resolved there and that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder then we cannot accept any liability in respect of that will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any problem or complaint. It is sensible to expect a client money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract travelling in the developing world to be reasonably to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree resourceful if things go wrong. If you experience any that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an difficulties, contact us in the UK on our 24 hour emergency alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled telephone service. The number will be found on your pre- to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit departure information and with your tickets. In the unlikely card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers event that an acceptable solution cannot be found, you identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide should then write to us within 28 days of your return with the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an full details of your complaint. If you fail to follow this alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of complaints procedure, your right to claim the insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make compensation you may otherwise have been entitled to a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL may be affected or even lost as a result. scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims If we cannot reach an amicable solution to any dispute you which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the do have the right to refer the dispute to the Association of non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, Independent Tour Operators which operates an the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where Independent Dispute Service (details on request) for applicable).You also agree that any such claims may be re- resolution of the dispute by a mediator provided the claim assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums does not involve personal accident, injury or illness. you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.

10. The brochure and quotation *The air inclusive holidays and flights we arrange are ATOL We have taken every care in ensuring that the information protected providing they are made available in the UK. For in the brochure and given in quotations/itineraries is further information, visit the ATOL website at correct at the time of publication. However we are sure www.atol.org.uk. you will appreciate that subsequently minor alterations may arise. We reserve the right to change any of the prices, Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will services or other particulars contained in this brochure or be protected by the ATOL scheme. In compliance with the any quotation at any time before we enter into a contract UK Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours with you. If there is any change we will notify you before Regulations 1992 an insurance policy has been arranged we enter into such contract. Where we state that with Travel & General Insurance Company plc, authorised additional information, a fact sheet or a dossier is available and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, to

48 Terms and conditions