Classic Burma (Myanmar) Escorted Group Tour 28 February 2018

Bagan (Pagan), Bagan (Pagan)

We are very proud to have received a number of awards over recent years from The Times, The Guardian and Observer, The Telegraph newspaper and Ultratravel magazine, and Wanderlust, as voted by their readers. We are a Which? Recommended Provider achieving the maximum five star rating across all categories and have also won awards with The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Condé Nast Traveller. Additionally, we have 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 ______6 Flights & visas ______8 Day by day summary of our Classic Burma (Myanmar) arrangements ______9 Price ______11 Why travel with us? ______12 Introduction to the region ______13 Photographs of the region ______16 Your itinerary in detail ______18 Accommodation information ______34 Charity support ______40 General information ______41 Terms and conditions ______44

4 Meet our specialists 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.

Meet our specialists 5 Introduction to our Classic Burma (Myanmar) tour

 Introduction to the tour With years of experience in operating tours to Burma, we have designed this very comprehensive tour. It includes the main points of interest such as Yangon's shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda, the stilted villages of Inle Lake, wonderfully evocative Mandalay and the thirty square miles of temples and pagodas at Bagan. The tour also includes a day trip to the colonial hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) with its pretty botanical gardens and quaint houses. There is also a two night cruise, which traverses the Ayeyarwady River between Bagan and Mandalay, and a visit to Green Hill Valley elephant camp near Kalaw. We are also offering an optional hot air balloon flight over Bagan at sunrise - worth every penny to get a different perspective on the temples of Bagan.

 Home truths Burma 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 Burma on page 12 for further information. Please note that Travellers Cheques are not accepted in Burma and the situation regarding the use of credit cards and ATM's is constantly changing.

 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 the single supplement will apply), or to guarantee sole occupancy of a room, a supplement of £2,390 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.

 Local guides An experienced English-speaking local tour leader will meet you on arrival in Burma and travel with you throughout your time in the destination. 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 and all meals on-board the Paukan and daily dinner at Inle Lake are included. There is a welcome dinner at The Red Canal and a farewell dinner at Le Planteur as well as an additional five lunches and three dinners, all of which are included in the tour. If you have any special dietary requirements please do let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

 Tipping Please note that tipping is not included in the cost of the trip. We will include some suggested tipping guidelines in your final itinerary prior to travel.

 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 Burma with a stop over in Bangkok. On any extension, you will be looked after by our carefully selected local agent. Please contact Alex, Charlotte, or Will to discuss options on 01993 838105.

 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

6 Introduction to our Classic Burma (Myanmar) tour Introduction to our Classic Burma (Myanmar) tour

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, Charlotte or Will to discuss options on 01993 838 105.

 Activity levels - low 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 a few elements which involve getting in and out of boats or walking on rough un-surfaced paths and so a certain degree of physical dexterity will be required. An experienced guide will be on hand to help anyone should they need it. Some excursions also involve an option to climb steps or paths which may be steep, loose and/or wet underfoot. You should also be aware and prepared for the following on this trip:

* At Inle Lake long-tail boats are used to transport you from the gateway town of Nyaung Shwe to your accommodation on the lake, as well as for sightseeing. A certain level of dexterity is required for stepping in and out of the boats.

* At the Green Hill Valley elephant camp there is the option to take a walk through the countryside, but you do not have to join in with this.

* Some of the roads in Burma are poorly maintained making some journeys quite bumpy.

* It may on occasion 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.

Visas Burma UK citizens visiting Burma (Myanmar) require a visa. Ordinary tourist visas are valid for one month from (Myanmar) the date of entry into Burma. You must enter Burma 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 Burmese 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://evisa.moip.gov.mm/. You may enter by air or overland through Tachilek, Myawaddy and Kawthaung if using an E-Visa.

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

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 Classic Burma (Myanmar) tour 7 Important Information

FLIGHTS We are currently not holding any international flights for you.

British Airways Seat Requests Please note that British Airways now charge a fee for reserving specific seats in advance of check-in. If you wish to take advantage of this service please speak to your specialist and they will advise you of the per person fee (variable by class of booking and destination) and the process to follow. If you don’t wish to pay, seats will either be allocated on check-in at the airport, or 24 hrs pre-departure for those checking-in online. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Burma (Myanmar) Flights in Myanmar (Burma) 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. IMPORTANT: Zika virus outbreak Whilst Zika virus has not yet officially been identified in Burma at the current time, it is present in neighbouring countries and has the potential to spread into Burma or may already be present. Although the condition itself is relatively mild, there is thought to be a link between Zika virus infection and abnormalities in newborn babies. Infection is therefore a risk for anyone who is pregnant or may be planning on becoming pregnant. If you have any medical questions at all we advise that you seek professional advice from your doctor.

There is currently no vaccine against Zika. Mosquito bite prevention remains the most effective way to avoid infection. The mosquitoes which transmit Zika bite predominantly during the daytime and at dawn and dusk, both indoors and outdoors. Precautions against getting bitten are essential. These include covering up where possible in loose clothing with long sleeves and long trousers, using a mosquito net if sleeping or resting in unscreened accommodation day or night, and using a suitable insect repellent on exposed skin. 50% DEET is considered to be the most effective, has the longest duration of action and needs fewer applications per day. If you feel unwell and have a high fever or other symptoms either during or after travel, seek prompt medical help. Make sure you mention your travel history. RV Paukan 2007 Health & Safety note Not suitable for families with young children under 12 years old as balconies in some cabins and communal areas have design features which could present a hazard to young children. Adults should take care when using the balconies. If you are uncomfortable with this situation please talk to your specialist who will be able to advise on alternative accommodation options. Hotel by the Red Canal Health and safety note Some rooms at this hotel have balcony balustrades which do not meet the EU recommended height and have design features which could present a hazard to young children. Families with children will therefore be allocated alternative room types wherever possible. Adults should take care when using the balconies. If you are uncomfortable with this situation please talk to your specialist who will be able to advise on alternative accommodation options. Inle Princess Resort Health and safety note Some rooms at this hotel have balcony balustrades which do not meet the EU recommended height or have design features which could present a hazard to young children. We therefore recommend that families with young children do not stay in the water front bungalows and will therefore be allocated alternative room types wherever possible. If you are uncomfortable with this situation please talk to your specialist who will be able to advise on alternative accommodation options.

8 Important Information Day by day summary

1 Wednesday 28 Fly from London to Bangkok with British Airways. Overnight on board the aircraft February 2018

2 Thursday 01 After a short transit in Bangkok you will board your onward Hotel by the Red Canal, March 2018 flight to Mandalay. On arrival, once the group have cleared Mandalay immigration formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel. Shan suite - Breakfast and The afternoon is left free to recover from the long flight welcome dinner included before enjoying a short excursion to Mandalay Hill where you can watch the sun set over the surrounding area. After returning to the hotel you will be treated to a grand welcome dinner, giving opportunity to meet the other members of the group.

3 Friday 02 Head out to visit the many ancient kingdoms that had their Hotel by the Red Canal, March 2018 capitals around Mandalay. You will explore Inwa (Ava) which Mandalay will be navigated by horse drawn cart and Amarapura, home Shan suite - Breakfast at hotel to U Bein's bridge. You will also make a stop en-route at and lunch at Small River Waso monastery. Restaurant included

4 Saturday 03 Today journey to the former hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin Hotel by the Red Canal, March 2018 (Maymyo). With a cooler climate this area is famed for its Mandalay botanical gardens and colonial buildings. Shan suite Breakfast at hotel and lunch at Club Terrace restaurant are included

5 Sunday 04 There is a little time this morning for further sightseeing in RV Paukan 2007 , Mandalay March 2018 Mandalay before boarding the RV Paukan to begin your cruise 1 x Superior cabin, Main Deck down the Ayeyarwady to Bagan. Today`s highlight is a visit to (Twin) for 2 - All Breakfast at Mingun - a former ancient capital of the area. hotel and lunch & dinner on board

6 Monday 05 As part of your cruise you will also visit the final ancient city - RV Paukan 2007 , Mandalay March 2018 Sagaing. A coach tour around the site with other cruise 1 x Superior cabin, Main Deck passengers will give you the chance to see the beauty of this (Twin) for 2 - All meals are region close up. included

7 Tuesday 06 The final day of the cruise sees you arrive in Bagan. The 3000 Bagan Thande Hotel, Bagan March 2018 temples spread over 40 square kilometres are quite a sight (Pagan) when viewed from the river, and this is a great introduction Deluxe River View room - to the area. En route to the hotel the group will visit some of Breakfast and home hosted the temples around Bagan. This evening a home hosted dinner are included dinner has been arranged for the group.

8 Wednesday 07 **Optional: This morning there is the opportunity to take a Bagan Thande Hotel, Bagan March 2018 dawn balloon flight over the temples of Bagan. This is highly (Pagan) recommended as it is an amazing way to view the temples Deluxe River View room - and abandoned stupas that dot the plains of Bagan. Breakfast at hotel and lunch at Mt Popa Resort are included After breakfast the group will venture into the hills above Bagan to visit Mount Popa, home of the revered nat shrines and volcanic outcrop, as well as the small town of Salay.

9 Thursday 08 You have a full day discovering the majestic temples and ruins Bagan Thande Hotel, Bagan March 2018 of Bagan today. They are an awe inspiring sight as they cover (Pagan) such a vast area and you will visit many of the most Deluxe River View room interesting temples. Breakfast and dinner at ART restaurant are included

Day by day summary 9 Day by day summary

10 Friday 09 After a flight to Heho you will be transferred to Kalaw. This Amara Mountain Resort, Kalaw March 2018 afternoon you have an optional tour of Kalaw with your Deluxe room guide or you may prefer to have some time at leisure. Breakfast and dinner included

11 Saturday 10 Early morning transfer to Green Hill Valley elephant camp. Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake March 2018 Here you have the opportunity to spend time with elephants Lake Front chalet - All meals and learn more about these wonderful animals. You may also are included enjoy a gentle trek through the countryside and plant tress in the nursery. A picnic lunch is served at the main camp before transferring to Shwe for the boat journey to you hotel on Inle Lake.

12 Sunday 11 You have a full day tour of the picturesque Inle Lake by boat. Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake March 2018 The tour will take in several interesting pagodas and Lake Front chalet - All meals monasteries. are included

13 Monday 12 The group has another day to explore Inle Lake as well as the Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake March 2018 fascinating temple complex at Indein. This evening a special Lake Front chalet dinner will be held in the resorts wine cellar. All meals are included

14 Tuesday 13 Leaving Inle Lake you head to Heho airport for the flight to Belmond Governor's Residence, March 2018 Yangon. On arrival you may wish to further explore Yangon Yangon (Rangoon) with your guide or you may prefer to have some time at Deluxe room - Breakfast leisure. included

Later this afternoon you will head out to witness to the beautiful Shwedagon pagoda at sunset before taking a walk down 19th street to meet the locals.

15 Wednesday 14 A full day of sightseeing taking in the colonial history of the Belmond Governor's Residence, March 2018 city as well as a stop at a local tea shop. Yangon (Rangoon) Deluxe room - Breakfast included

16 Thursday 15 Venture out of central Yangon by train to the town of Bago Belmond Governor's Residence, March 2018 where you tour the surroundings including the Htaukkyant Yangon (Rangoon) WW2 cemetery. Return to Yangon late afternoon where you Deluxe room - Breakfast at will have some time to relax before enjoying a farewell dinner hotel and farewell dinner at Le at Le Planteur. Planteur included.

17 Friday 16 An early morning transfer to the airport for your March 2018 international flight to Bangkok. Transit in Bangkok and fly to London with British Airways arriving in this evening.

10 Day by day summary Prices

Arrangements as specified per person ______£5,610 ...... Please note the following supplements and/or upgrade options per person: Single Supplement ______£2,390 Single entry tourist visa for Myanmar (Burma) ______£90 ...... Per person deposit required to confirm these arrangements ______£842 Optional carbon off-setting for your flights per person (see General Information section for further details) ____ £21 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. By paying the deposit you are confirming you have read and agree to our Terms and Conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking.

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 a member of the Alex, Will or Charlotte  All transfers and excursions as specified on 01993 838 105 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. Please see below for Not included in the price more information on paying by credit card.  Meals not indicated within your itinerary

 Where applicable, local airport departure taxes; payable Payment by credit card locally on departure in some locations Please note that we do not charge a fee on deposit payments by credit card, except when a deposit is more than 15%. In  Where applicable, locally payable car hire related this situation a charge will apply. Credit card fees are charges, including optional excess reduction detailed on the booking form. Balance or full payment is  Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, etc. subject to a 1.20% fee on most credit cards, except for  Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary) AMEX which is 2.00%. We make a credit card charge due to  Any camera or video fees at any sites the high fees passed on to tour operators by the credit card  Entrance fees and other costs when on 'free time’ companies: we do not make a profit on this charge. We have  Travel insurance (see general information section) chosen to make this transparent rather than including it within the trip price. You may therefore wish to pay the balance by bank transfer, debit card or personal cheque.

Terms and Conditions The Terms and Conditions that apply to all of our holidays are detailed at the back of this booklet. By paying the deposit you are confirming you have read and accept the Terms and Conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking.

Prices 11 Why travel with us?

Personal service Detailed travel documents A smooth journey We are committed to offering you a Approximately two weeks before you We have procedures in place for very personal service, with all your travel we will send you all your travel dealing quickly and efficiently with arrangements handled by one country documents presented in a convenient mishaps from minor flight time specialist. They will remain your one travel organiser. In addition to your full alterations to more fundamental point of contact and will take itinerary and airplane tickets, there will changes. If problems do occur we will responsibility for the smooth operation also be additional information such as rapidly rearrange your itinerary to of your trip. They are supported by a recommended restaurants and practical make the best use of your time given team of specialists for that region and a tips. A few days before you travel your the changed circumstances, not simply professional administration and specialist will call you to have a final talk cancel part of your trip or leave you management team. through your itinerary and answer any sitting in an airport waiting for hours last-minute questions you may have. for a rescheduled flight. Importantly, in From the moment you contact us, we these situations we will do everything are here to answer your questions You can also view your itinerary on our possible to minimise any extra costs accurately and honestly, be they about Travel Companion app for your involved – in the vast majority of cases specific arrangements or any more convenience. no extra charges will be made. If a general queries you may have. This problem does occur while you are level of service is followed through travelling you can contact us on our from enquiry to booking right to when 24-hour number. you return from your trip. We are experienced travellers with a thorough and in-depth knowledge of our destinations, and you benefit from this Responsible travel experience. When we do not know the We have a firm commitment to answer to a question we will find out minimising the environmental impact of and get back to you as soon as travel, and strive to ensure that a visit possible. from an Audley client has a positive effect on the destination. We have a firm commitment to the principles of “responsible travel” and work with Reputation and quality Support while you’re away AITO, and a number of other bodies, Well over 80% of our clients have We take a good deal of care when to continually improve our policies. travelled with us in the past or have choosing our travel partners overseas, For more details please refer to our had Audley recommended to them. taking into account their quality of website: www.audleytravel.com/rt When you book with us you are service, guides and vehicles. We have where you will find details of our assured of quality arrangements. Our built up many long-standing responsible travel policy and also our service has been recognised by the relationships, ensuring that they deliver Travellers’ Code. If you are particularly readers of well-known publications the level of service demanded by interested in these issues, your country including the Guardian & Observer, the Audley clients. Our local guides and specialist will be able to tell you more. Telegraph, the Times and Wanderlust drivers, where appropriate, are the magazine, where we have consistently people you will meet. In many cases we featured in their “best tour operator” know them personally; in all cases we awards for a number of years. We are ensure that they are of the highest also a Which? recommended company, calibre. They are there to do much assuring you of our service and quality. more than show you specific sights and provide factual information. They will be able to tell you about local life, culture, cuisines and customs, and, where applicable, act as translators. In certain parts of the world a specialist guide is more appropriate, for example, a wildlife expert.

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

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

Introduction During its years of isolation, Burma (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 Buddhism 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. Burma has a great deal to offer, from archaeological wonders to beaches, hill tribe villages, crumbling colonial buildings and the mighty Ayeyarwady River that bisects this rural land.

Useful information when travelling in Burma:

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 Burma 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 Burma. 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 Burma 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 as flight schedules in Burma are likely to change at short notice, 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 Burma, and particularly in the more visited areas such as Bagan and Mandalay, you will encounter lots of children with beaming smiles and 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, purchase school books and pay for 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.

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

0 Avg Max Day Temperature ( C) Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Heho Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 5 4 6 49 163 208 216 273 256 189 67 11

Introduction to the region 13 Introduction to Burma (Myanmar)

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) Kalaw Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 5 5 7 49 167 227 241 281 259 187 66 12

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

Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)

Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Bagan (Pagan) Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 4 2 2 27 144 301 316 283 232 175 50 9

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

Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)

Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Yangon (Rangoon) Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 5 2 6 17 307 567 577 624 381 206 62 7

14 Introduction to the region Introduction to Burma (Myanmar)

Introduction to the region 15 Introduction to Burma (Myanmar)

Top: Patient fisherman on Inle Lake Left: Plains of Bagan Lower left: Sellers at market, Kalaw

16 Photographs of the region Introduction to Burma (Myanmar)

Top: The Shwedagon pagoda shines bright in the evening Left: Monks, Mandalay Hill Right: Parasols from Pathein are famed throughout Burma (Myanmar)

Photographs of the region 17 Itinerary in Detail

Wednesday London Heathrow Terminal: 5 to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi 28 February, 2018 British Airways - Flight No: BA 9 - Dep: 15:00 - Arr: 09:25 - (next day) - Duration: 11hr 25min; Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Thursday Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Mandalay 01 March, 2018 Bangkok Airways - Flight No: PG 709 - Dep: 12:05 - Arr: 13:25 - (same day) - Duration: 01hr 50min; Class: Economy; Non-stop flight

Hotel by the Red Canal,

Mandalay Mandalay introduction Breakfast and lunch are Mandalay is a large and sprawling city whose centre is dominated by the enormous included Mandalay Fort, which 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 the Second World War. The city of Mandalay only started to take its shape in 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. Surrounding Mandalay, there are interesting remnants of several former royal capital cities dating from different periods in the region's history; including Inwa (Ava), Amarapura, Sagaing and Mingun.

Main focal points in the city include Mandalay Hill in the northeast, Shwenandaw Kyaung - a large monastery constructed of golden teak and the former home of Mandalay Hill King Mindon, Mahamuni Paya , which houses one of Myanmar's most famous seated

Buddha images, and Kuthodaw Paya - home to the world's largest book.

U Bein Bridge near Mandalay

Transfer from airport to hotel group-tour transfer On arrival, once all of the group members have collected their luggage, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Sunset on Mandalay Hill Group tour excursion. After arriving at the foot of Mandalay Hill at dusk, you can choose to climb the 1,729 steps (barefoot) to the summit, passing the stalls of fortune tellers and betel sellers, until you reach the Two Snake Pagoda. With the Shan Hills behind you, a stunning panorama of Myanmar's old capitals presents itself, with the Ayeyarwady and the plains fading in to the distant haze. If you are feeling less energetic, it is possible to drive halfway up the hill, where an escalator takes you to the very top.

18 Itinerary in Detail Itinerary in Detail

Looking over city from the viewpoint on Mandalay Hill, Burma (Myanmar)

Friday Mandalay's handicrafts and nearby ancient cities 02 March, 2018 group tour excursion Spend the morning discovering the principal places of interest in Mandalay. The city

Hotel by the Red Canal, is of great religious, cultural and historical significance and is also the handicraft Mandalay centre of the country. You will see Buddha statues being sculpted from marble, Breakfast and lunch are wood-carving and families who still practice the age-old art of Burmese puppetry. included There will also be the opportunity to visit families involved in gold-leaf making

where gold is manually hammered until it is fine enough to use to create souvenirs and jewellery. The local people also use gold-leaf to adorn the various Buddha images throughout the country.

You will visit the Shwenandaw monastery, a magnificent intricately carved wooden building. Once part of the old Mandalay Palace it was dismantled and rebuilt outside the palace walls after being deemed likely to bring bad fortune following the death of King Mindon inside the building. As a result it was the only building from the palace to survive the devastating fire that destroyed the Royal Palace as the Allies fought to retake Mandalay at the end of the Second World War. If time allows you Pony and trap at Inwa will also visit Kuthodaw, a vast array of slabs inscribed with the teachings of the

Lord Buddha at the foot of Mandalay Hill. The emphasis on this tour is variety and hence the itinerary only visits one or two pagodas and temples.

After lunch in a local restaurant you will head out of Mandalay to the ancient city of Inwa (Ava) which was capital of a Burmese kingdom for nearly 400 years until power shifted to Amarapura in 1841. The best 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 Aung Mye 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 of which remains in particularly good condition.

Next you head to the former capital of Amarapura where you can visit some of the small pagodas that remain as well as the impressive U Bein's bridge. Constructed in teak and 1.6 kilometres in length, it spans the entire width of Taungthaman lake. Enjoy the magical views at sunset here before returning to the hotel.

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Sunset at U-Bein Teak Bridge, Mandalay

Saturday Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) colonial hill station 03 March, 2018 group tour excursion You will make an early start to escape the heat of Mandalay, and head for the hill

Hotel by the Red Canal, station of Pyin U Lwin, which is a two-hour drive. Mandalay Breakfast and lunch are Established by the British, as a retreat from soaring summer temperatures, the included small town of Pyin U Lwin still retains a much-anglicised 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 Colonal 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 Burma, due to its cooler temperatures. During British rule, Pyin U Lwin was also an important educational centre, with the Government English High Schools such as St Albert's, St Joseph's Convent, St Mary's, St Michael's and Colgate, all based here. All Saints Anglican Church, Pyin U Lwin

Maymyo was renamed to Pyin U Lwin in 1989, when the government abandoned colonial titles to the original Myanmar names before British rule. When Norman Lewis visited in the 1950s, he wrote that 'it was like Reading at the end of a very dry August'. Perhaps a little more imagination is required today, but the small town retains quite an English feel. Lunch today will be at a local restaurant in Pyin U Lwin.

The jewel in Pyin U Lwin’s crown is the magnificent mature botanical gardens, with rose beds and orchid houses reminiscent of the royal gardens at Kew. You may simply relax and stroll around the lake here - more adventurous souls can take the very steep path to the Dadtaw Kyaint waterfall a few kilometres from Pyin U Lwin. Water tumbles more than 30.48 metres over a rocky cliff, hitting the jade green pool below with such a force as to create a natural Jacuzzi to swim in!

You will return to Mandalay for the night.

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Vegetables grown in the lush mountain regions are distributed throughout Burma (Myanmar)

Sunday Transfer from your hotel to the riverside 04 March, 2018 group-tour transfer You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the jetty, giving you plenty

RV Paukan 2007, of time to board before the ship sets sail. Mandalay

All meals are included

Paukan Cruise: 'Royal Mandalay to Ancient Bagan' - Day One (2 Nights) unaccompanied boat journey A short cruise on the famous Ayeyarwady River is a relaxing interlude during a tour of Myanmar. The Paukan vessels navigate the river between Mandalay and Bagan, offering a fascinating insight into traditional life in the villages situated along this intriguing waterway. You will board the Paukan at 12 noon at the Gawein jetty and cast off around 30 minutes later. The cruise begins with a welcome cocktail and briefing in the saloon or on the sundeck, followed by lunch at 1pm.

After cruising upstream for approximately two hours you will disembark at the Mingun Pagoda for an escorted tour of the colossal remains of King Bodawpaya's unfinished pagoda and the world's largest intact bell. Please note that this is a group excursion with a fixed itinerary. The vessel will moor overnight at a sandbank mid- stream. After dinner, you may have the chance to watch a dance and drama performance by the Mandalay Arts School on the sundeck, otherwise you can simply sit back with a drink whilst enjoying the sunset from the top deck.

The itinerary is set by the RV Paukan and is subject to change at short notice depending on local river conditions.

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Nuns walk past the cracked and unfinished Mingun Pagoda

Monday Paukan Cruise: 'Royal Mandalay to Ancient Bagan' - Day Two 05 March, 2018 (2 Nights)

unaccompanied boat journey RV Paukan 2007, Early this morning, the Paukan continues downstream for approximately

Mandalay two hours. You can admire the beauty of the river as the sun rises whilst relaxing All meals are included on the sundeck or outside your cabin. After breakfast, passengers wishing to visit

Sagaing can go ashore with the assistance of the Ship Manager. The peaceful and picturesque Sagaing Hills were once the capital of an autonomous Shan kingdom during the 14th - 18th centuries. Today, this tranquil place is an important centre for Buddhism; with numerous monasteries and nunneries scattered on the green slopes of the rolling hills and valleys.

Rejoining the boat, you resume your journey downriver; stopping in the late afternoon to visit Yandabo. This village specialises in pot making and is where the Anglo-Burmese war agreement was signed on 24th February, 1826, effectively marking the end of Burma's independence until after the Second World War, when it was finally regained from the British. After continuing to cruise along the river for the rest of the day, the boat will moor overnight near the village of Shwe Nann Tint.

Sail boats drift along the Ayeryawaddy River

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Tuesday Paukan Cruise: 'Royal Mandalay to Ancient Bagan' - Day Three 06 March, 2018 (2 Nights)

unaccompanied boat journey Bagan Thande Hotel, The boat will cast off in the early morning for the final leg of the journey. Enjoy

Bagan (Pagan) sunrise near Bagan as you tuck into breakfast, disembarking at the Aye Yar jetty at Breakfast and dinner are around 10.15am. Your guide and driver will be waiting on the shore to greet you. included

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 Theravada Buddhism in the mid-11th century that the 'golden period' of Bagan commenced. 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. Sun Deck, RV Paukan, Mandalay

It was in honour of this new-found religious fervour that Anawrahta ordered temples to be erected; the most notable being the Shwezigon Pagoda. 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 51.81-metre 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 was considered by many as a region haunted by nats (spirits). The earthquake in 1975 destroyed almost half the pagodas, and 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.

Dawn balloon flight over the temples of Bagan

Transfer from the riverside to your hotel group-tour transfer Once you have disembarked and been met at the jetty you will have a morning of

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sightseeing en route to the hotel. You have your first glimpse of this stunning landscape dotted with over 3,000 temples and stupas. After exploring one or two of the main temples with your guide, continue on to the hotel in time for lunch (not included) and your rooms should also then be ready for check-in.

Afternoon at leisure

A home hosted dinner has been arranged for this evening.

Wednesday Dawn Balloon Flight over Bagan (Optional) 07 March, 2018 shared excursion with guide The Balloons over Bagan experience is a fantastic way to see the temple landscape

Bagan Thande Hotel, of Bagan from the breath-taking perspective of a hot air balloon. The team will pick Bagan (Pagan) you up from your hotel and take you over to the landing site early this morning, Breakfast and lunch are making the most of the cooler and calmer air. Pick-up time is normally around included 5.30am - 6am. Once briefed, you will board your basket and take to the air. The

flight will last approximately 50 minutes and the direction is changeable as this is dictated by the wind, but from your vantage point you will be able to take in the best views of the 3,000 temples and pagodas as the sun rises, with the Ayeyarwady River visible in the distance.

After landing safely by the Ayeyarwady River, you will be provided with refreshments and a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate and reflect on your once-in- a-lifetime experience. You will then be transferred back to your hotel.

There are some safety precautions outlined by the team of Balloons over Bagan Mystical Mount Popa that we would like you to consider before committing to the trip:

1. Unfortunately, children under the age of eight are not permitted to fly.

2. Passengers over 125 kilograms (280 lbs) are required to pay a 100% surcharge on the fee of the balloon

3. Passengers with mobility issues must note that boarding the balloon can be quite difficult, although help is at hand. You must be able to stand unaided for the duration of the flight. No sticks are allowed.

4. As the wind is a major factor in the operation of the flight, the take-off and landing site does vary daily, and flights can be postponed at the last minute if winds are too strong.

5. Balloons are required to fly above 300ft and are not permitted to pass over, or land in the central monument zone (this loosely translates as Old Bagan, which includes all of the major historic temples such as Ananda, Shwesandaw and Shwezigon). If it's deemed that the wind direction will carry the balloon over this area, all balloon companies are required to cancel the flight on the day and a full refund will be given

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Balloons over Bagan

Salay and Mount Popa Group tour excursion. An hour's drive to the southeast of Bagan, en route to Mount Popa, lies the charming town of Salay, an important centre of Buddhism, with many working monasteries. The town is also well-known for its unique style of Bagan-era architecture, which still exists today. Highlights include Payathonzu, Hkinkyiza Kyaung and the Salay U Pone Nya museum (please note that this is a government- run entity). Like many towns in Myanmar, you will also see some interesting, yet dilapidated, colonial buildings, giving the town a wonderful sense of history.

Continuing on from Salay, you head towards Mount Popa. Rising 1,518 metres above sea level, Mount Popa is an extinct volcano, covered in forests, and is considered one of the most sacred places in Myanmar. Its last recorded eruption happened in 442 BC, and is said to have created the huge volcanic outcrop on the lower flank of the mountain that has given way to the name of Popa Taung Kalat.

Popa Taung Kalat is considered the abode of 37 Nats, the spirits of Myanmar's animist faith, which are historical or legendary figures who suffered tragic deaths and who are now believed to exist as ghosts in places such as forests, mountains, trees and lakes. On arrival, you will visit the small shrine that sits at the foot of the outcrop which is dedicated to the Nats (each one represented by a gaudy, mannequin-like figure), to which pilgrims direct their prayers for success in business, a happy married life and sound health. The belief in Nat worship is older than Buddhism, and also shrouded in legend; do ask your guide to interpret a number of the myths surrounding the Nats and Mount Popa itself.

Accompanied by troops of monkeys, climb the 777 steps to the monastery that sits atop Popa Taung Kalat. It takes about half an hour to reach the summit, and whilst there, take a rest and enjoy the spectacular views across the crater. Return to Bagan by coach, with a stop at a small village producing palm sugar products - you will have a chance to try the local toddy! You will arrive back at your hotel in the late afternoon.

Lunch today will be at Popa Mountain Resort.

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Thursday Full day discovering Bagan's temples and ruins 08 March, 2018 Group tour excursion Today you have a full day to explore the fantastic temples of Bagan. The guide will

Bagan Thande Hotel, organise the day depending on the interest of the group. An in-depth tour and Bagan (Pagan) commentary will be available if there are people interested, and the guide will be Breakfast and lunch are sure to pick out the most interesting spots. You will break for lunch at a local included restaurant and to have a rest during the midday heat, before heading out again in

good time to watch the 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 pagodas in Bagan, it plays host to its annual festival in January/February, when pilgrims from all over the country gather Bagan, Burma (Myanmar) to celebrate the wisdom of Buddha with music, worship and plenty of high spirits.

Dhammayangyi - Built by the merciless King Narathu 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 be 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 later produced throughout the country.

Thatbyinnyu - Standing proud as the tallest pagoda in Bagan, Thatbyinnyu was built by King Alaungsithu (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, as it was constructed during a transitional time, and so has an air of an experiment in its new form.

Village girl relaxing, Bagan, Burma (Myanmar)

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Friday Transfer from hotel to airport 09 March, 2018 group-tour transfer The group will be met at the hotel and transferred directly to the airport in time

Amara Mountain Resort, for your flight. Kalaw

Breakfast is included

Bagan (Pagan) to Heho 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, but it is the primary gateway to the main sites in the region, such as Kalaw, Pindaya and Inle Lake.

Kalaw, Pa-O girl

Pa O elder at the Aung Ban market, near Inle Lake, Burma (Myanmar)

Transfer from Heho airport to Kalaw group tour transfer On arrival at Heho airport the group will be met and transferred to the pretty colonial hill station of Kalaw. This scenic drive takes approximately one to one and a half hours through the Shan countryside.

Kalaw introduction Kalaw’s climate is much more pleasant than the baking heat of the dry zone, although in the winter it can get quite cool at night and early in the morning. The town is set amongst magnificent pine forests, and the area has become very popular with trekkers. Of the many houses built by the British in Kalaw at the turn of the century, a few still remain, in various states of decay and disrepair. Most are now occupied by government or military officials, although some are still eerily silent, apparently undisturbed since their owners left 60 or more years ago. There are a number of private colonial residences located close to the Amara Resort, should you have a particular interest in colonial history. The former Kingswood school is now a military hospital, and the race track is very overgrown; however, Christian services are still held at the Anglican Church, and are attended by Shan people educated by American missionaries.

Kalaw has a significant population of Nepalese Gurkhas and Indian Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims who were brought to Kalaw by the British to build the railway line. Their influence is visible in the town, with many local restaurants offering traditional Indian and Nepalese dishes, with a Burmese twist.

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Kalaw, view across the Shan State

Afternoon exploring of Kalaw (Optional) groups tour excursion This afternoon you have time to explore Kalaw with you guide on a colonial tour of its highlights followed by sunset from Taintaung. Or you may prefer to have some time at leisure and explore on your own.

Saturday Morning visit to Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp and transfer 10 March, 2018 onto Inle Lake

group tour transfer and shared excursion Inle Princess Resort, Inle An early start is called for this morning, around 07:00, for the transfer to Green

Lake Hill Valley elephant camp. The road journey will take approximately 60 minutes. All meals are included The Green Hill elephant camp is set amongst 150 acres of preserved landscape, and

is a new initiative set up to focus on protecting the local ecology, elephants and traditions of the local people. The area is also home to a variety of bird life, butterflies, orchids and bamboo forests. Visitors have the chance to learn about the daily lives of these magnificent gentle giants at the same time as taking in some wonderful Shan countryside away from the busier tourist routes. The camp offers a number of different packages aimed at all levels of interest and fitness. Some combine light treks or walks whilst others incorporate more strenuous overnight trekking options. You will learn the skills of the mahout (elephant driver) and be introduced to the traditions of the elephant keepers or mahouts. This particular package is aimed at those with an interest in elephants but who don't wish to do Burma (Myanmar) too much trekking. On arrival at the camp you will receive some light refreshments and then take a short walk down (5 - 10 minutes) to the river to join the elephants at bath time - you are able to join in the bathing duties if you would like to. You then enjoy an exploration of the forest area, this is a great opportunity to see butterflies, birds and orchids within this conservation area. You are also welcome to plant regional trees from the nursery, to help them in their forest recovery efforts. A picnic lunch is then served at the main camp after which the group will depart, and travel on to Nyaung Shwe where you will board a local long boat for the journey to your hotel. The boat trip will take approximately half an hour and will allow you to catch glimpses of lake life as you pass by stilted villages and floating islands.

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 (meaning 'sons of the lake') people live on the lake in stilted houses and travel across the water using a bizarre style of leg

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rowing, which involves standing on one leg at the stern of the boat while the other leg is wrapped around the oar. This style of rowing evolved as the lake's reeds and floating plants make it difficult to see above them when sitting down.

Inle lake stretches for 35 kilometres, and is best explored by boat. On a day trip you can visit local villages, where silk weaving and cheroot rolling are a way of life. You can also 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 Taung Tho on the western shores of the lake. Nearly 200 stupas have been discovered here, and it is still relatively undeveloped. However, 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 on Inle Lake

Sunday Boat trip on Inle Lake 11 March, 2018 Group tour excursion Around Inle Lake there are many small villages that connect to the main lake by

Inle Princess Resort, Inle means of narrow canals. Once out on the lake you may see the unique leg-rowing Lake fishermen who stand up on their boats to give them a bird's-eye view of the fish in All meals are included the very shallow waters. You may also be able to visit some of the villagers in their

homes above the silk- and cotton-weaving looms where they work. The Phaung Daw Oo Paya 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 to the paya you can see the ornate boats that carry these revered images around the lake.

Lunch today will be at a local restaurant.

Burmese fisherman at Inle Lake, Inle Lake

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They start them young, Inle Lake, Burma (Myanmar)

Monday Indein excursion 12 March, 2018 Group tour excursion Today you head off the lake down one of the tributary rivers to the Indein temple

Inle Princess Resort, Inle complex. The journey takes you through some beautiful scenery and you are Lake welcome to stop off at any of the tribal Pa-O villages along the way. Indein temple All meals are included complex is a collection of over one thousand zedi-style stupas in various degrees of

disrepair or, in some cases, badly repaired. There is little information about the history of this complex but during peak season it can attract fairly large numbers of visitors, something local vendors have quickly latched on to!

Lunch today will be at a local restaurant.

Tuesday Inle Lake to Heho airport 13 March, 2018 group tour transfer The group will depart the hotel by boat and make the journey to Nyaung Shwe

Belmond Governor's which takes about half an hour and will allow you to catch a last glimpse of daily life Residence, Yangon on the lake. At Nyaung Shwe you will be met by your driver who will then drive (Rangoon) the group to Heho airport which takes approximately one hour. All meals are included

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

Yangon (Rangoon) introduction Now known as Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar still retains much of its 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 Colonial architecture of Yangon stream of devotees bringing offerings to the various shrines within the temple complex.

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

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Bogyoke 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.

Yangon, Burma (Myanmar)

Transfer from airport to hotel Group tour transfer. On arrival, once all of the group members have collected their luggage, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

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.

Sunset over Shwedagon, Yangon, Burma (Myanmar)

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Wednesday Morning tour of colonial Yangon 14 March, 2018 group tour excursion Yangon dates to 1852, when British troops seized a village near the mouth of the

Belmond Governor's Ayeyarwady River during the Second Anglo-Burmese War. The capital was moved Residence, Yangon from Mawlamyine, and Yangon (at the time known as Rangoon) became the seat of (Rangoon) power for British Burma. It wasn't until the early 20th century that most of the All meals are included 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 features kept the elements at bay, these structures are still performing the functions for which they were designed.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will begin a morning tour of the city's colonial architecture, including the High Court, Central Telegraph Office, the Strand Hotel and Custom House, stopping to enjoy traditional refreshments at a local tea shop. After the tour, which lasts approximately four hours, you will be driven back to your hotel for lunch (included) and some time to relax. The Secretariat in donwtown Yangon (Rangoon), Burma (Myanmar)

Further sightseeing in Yangon with your guide or time at leisure recommendations for your free time - not included Here are a few ideas for exploring the city, either with your guide or on your own.

A ride on a trishaw or a stroll around downtown Yangon will give you opportunities to gain a real insight into local Burmese life. The downtown architectural landscape is an eclectic mix: you will pass Buddhist pagodas, Hindu and Chinese temples, Islamic mosques, Anglican cathedrals and even a synagogue all mixed together with government buildings, shops, makeshift and permanent markets, with a faded colonial façade. The most prominent pagoda in this area is the Sule Pagoda on the junction of Mahabandoola and Sule Paya Roads. This temple is said to enshrine a hair of the Buddha, and is 2000 years old. If you are in the area during the late afternoon, offices close for the day, so it is worth visiting the pagoda, as locals come to pay their respects before heading home for the evening. From here continue west along Mahabandoola Road for an early evening stroll through the busy Indian and Chinese quarters of the city, where every street is crammed with shops and street vendors.

Markets are integral to Burmese life, and the Indian market on Anawrahta Street - where vociferous merchants sell sweet-smelling cinnamon bark, tropical fruit, fiery chilies, medicinal herbs and fish of every description - is well worth a visit. If you wish to hunt for some souvenirs, the busiest and most colourful bazaars are the Aung San Market or Scott Market. Myanmar has some incredibly good value handicrafts and art pieces on display, and the Scott Market is a great place to pick up various artworks. It is open from 10am-5pm but closed on Mondays and public holidays. Hledon Market (closed on public holidays) is best known for its fresh fruit, vegetables and meats. This is a very local market and is best visited in the morning.

If shopping (or browsing!) is of interest, Yangon has a burgeoning art scene, with many galleries now open in various parts of the city. Furthermore, there are many excellent souvenir and antique shops, including Augustine, Bondon (in Scott Market) and Daw Mya Mya Sein (lacquer-ware only), as well as a few independent antique shops on Dhammazedi Road.

Myanmar is a spiritual country and most males are expected to spend some time studying in a monastery. A visit to the Kalaywa Tawya Monastery, where over 1300 monks and novices reside, is also highly recommended. You will be able to witness them gathering to partake in their midday meal, which is the last of the day.

A relatively unpublicised religious monument is the enormous reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatkyi, a short distance northeast of the Shwedagon Pagoda. The building

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that houses the Buddha is surrounded by fortune tellers, who will be happy to offer astrological and palm readings.

Thursday Bago and Htaukkyant Second World War Cemetery 15 March, 2018 group tour excursion You will have an early start this morning, in order for you to transfer to Yangon

Belmond Governor's train station in time for you to board the morning carriage to Bago (Pegu). The Residence, Yangon trains in Myanmar are basic but, for a short journey, offer a wonderful insight into (Rangoon) local travel as you mix with local passengers. The train journey takes approximately All meals are included two hours from Yangon to Bago, weaving through the countryside before you

disembark at the lakeside town. The driver will meet you at the station, and the group and your guide will then show you the sights of Bago, from the gargantuan Shwemawdaw Paya to the Shwethalyaung reclining buddha. Lunch has been arranged at a local restaurant, so you are able to enjoy some of the local cuisine. From Bago you drive to the Htaukkyant Second World War cemetery, a place of peace and contemplation. Over 6465 soldiers, seamen and airmen are laid to rest here. The beautifully maintained grounds are a moving tribute to the men and women who fell in the campaigns of the Second World War. You will then return to Yangon, arriving at around 3pm.

Farewell dinner at Le Planteur shared excursion with English speaking guide This evening a farewell dinner has been planned for the group at Le Planteur Restaurant. You will be collected at the hotel and transferred to the restaurant. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Le Planteur serves delicious French delicacies alongside an international menu of fine meats and freshly caught fish.

Friday Departure transfer from hotel to airport 16 March, 2018 group-tour transfer The group will be collected at the hotel and transferred directly to the airport in

plenty of time for your flight.

Yangon (Rangoon) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airways - Flight No: PG 706 - Dep: 06:05 - Arr: 08:20 - (same day) - Duration: 01hr 45min; Class: Economy; Non-stop flight

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to London Heathrow Terminal: 5 British Airways - Flight No: BA 10 - Dep: 11:15 - Arr: 17:20 - (same day) - Duration: 13hr 05min; 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.

Itinerary in Detail 33 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.

34 Accommodation Accommodation

HOTEL BY THE RED CANAL, equipped with en suite bathrooms, air MANDALAY conditioning, Wi-Fi, a TV with DVD Medium player and a safe.

The restaurant, Spice Garden, serves Set parallel to the Red Canal - from Indian and Burmese dishes as well as a which the hotel gets its name - is this small selection of international fare, quaint, boutique property. Located while the Canopy Bar provides a away from the bustling city centre, the relaxing place to enjoy a drink. There is hotel makes use of teak and other local also a small pool set in attractive gardens, a gym and a cosy computer materials, giving it a cosy and height of 1.1 metres. For this reason, and reading room. traditional style not found in many of families with children will only be the larger resorts in Mandalay. accommodated in Chin and Kachin Please be aware that rooms located on Rooms on the ground floor. The 25 rooms are stylishly finished, the upper floor (Shan and Rakhine Rooms) have balcony balustrades that although on the compact side, and are Our opinion: do not meet the EU recommended split into four categories named after This is the first boutique some of the Myanmar's ethnic tribes: accommodation of a good standard in Kachin, Chin, Shan and Rakhine. Chin Mandalay and is a welcome option and Shan Suites benefit from a private alongside the bigger, international-style balcony or terrace overlooking the properties that dominate the city. peaceful stream, waterfall and However, service and facilities are a swimming pool. Kachin and Rakhine little less sophisticated and the rooms, rooms are located on the ground floor, while attractive and well-equipped, are with the former offering a private very small. outdoor shower and a water feature in the back yard. All rooms are well-

Accommodation 35 Accommodation

RV PAUKAN 2007, MANDALAY views. On the main deck are ten First Class superior cabins, all with twin beds, while the lower deck The Paukan fleet, operated by Ayravata accommodates three small cabins Cruises, takes its name from Paukan suitable for single travellers. There is a Rarma - a city dating back to 846 AD, sun deck with a stage for evening which later became Bagan, the capital cultural performances, and a bar and of the first Burmese Empire founded by lounge for relaxation, while the upper King Anawrahta in the 11th century. deck has a lecture/film room with an The Paukan 2007 was built at the LCD projector and screen. shipyards in Yangon and can carry up to 55 passengers, looked after by a The dining room serves both local and crew of 30. With 29 en suite cabins international cuisine, and can cater to spanning three decks, the boat offers a specific dietary requirements when comfortable and relaxing means of informed in advance. Two massage experiencing life on the Ayeyarwady suites offering traditional Myanmar River. massages can be found on the lower deck for those seeking complete Elegantly furnished, with traditional relaxation.

Burmese motifs and elements of colonial style, the Paukan draws on the heritage of the company's original Scottish-built steamer from 1947. On the upper deck are 14 deluxe cabins - six with double beds and eight with twin beds - as well as two bow suites offering more living space and prime

36 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 with an unrivaled central location overlooking the Ayeyarwady River. All 92 rooms are clean, comfortable and offer en suite facilities. The property is set in well- tended grounds, with a small swimming pool and spa providing a welcome relief from the heat of the Bagan plains. The hotel has two restaurants with a delightful riverside restaurant on site, serving a range of international and local cuisine, while breakfast is served in the garden when the weather is fine.

Our opinion: Simple but well-located accommodation with an air of faded grandeur. We always endeavour to secure the riverside rooms, which command pleasant views from their

terrace.

AMARA MOUNTAIN RESORT, KALAW Medium

Beneath the Shan hills you will find the Amara, set amidst the fragrant pine forests of Kalaw. This atmospheric property was originally built in 1909 and has been carefully restored. It offers ten spacious and comfortable en suite guest rooms with open fireplaces and tasteful décor that blends Asian and European styles. The restaurant has great forest views and serves both local and Burmese cuisine. There is also a small spa, and booking treatments in advance is recommended. Activities offered by the resort include mountain biking, trekking, bird watching, golfing and even visiting the nearby caves.

Our opinion: This colonial-era property is the most comfortable base from which to explore the local area.

Accommodation 37 Accommodation

INLE PRINCESS RESORT, INLE the spa, which offers three luxury LAKE treatment rooms, and a pleasant pool Medium area.

Situated on the banks of the river Our opinion: leading to the lake, around 30 minutes Although of a rustic design, the resort by boat from the small town of Nyaung offers a high standard of Shwe (or a 15 minute drive by road), accommodation and attention to detail, the Inle Princess offers guests a rendering it a popular option on the wonderfully atmospheric stay. The 45 lake. You will approach the resort on a stilted chalets are built in traditional boat rowed by a local using the unique Shan style, making use of local one-legged rowing technique - a little materials, and offer generous touch to enhance the tranquillity of space with a good range of amenities. your stay.

For the cooler winter months (December to February), the chalets have large clay wood ovens which are lit in the early evening to provide additional warmth.

The hotel has a good restaurant on the shores of the lake, which combines the finest and freshest ingredients from the resort's garden and from around the lake to create traditional Shan dishes, as well as European and other ethnic cuisines. Guests may also make use of

38 Accommodation Accommodation

BELMOND GOVERNOR'S The stunning fan-shaped swimming RESIDENCE, YANGON pool and comfortable sunbeds provide (RANGOON) a great opportunity to relax and enjoy First Class the peaceful surroundings. From the hotel, you can easily regale your spirit Once the home of the Governor of with a visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda Burma's southern states, this beautiful or negotiate the bustling Bogyoke teak mansion dates back to the 1920s. (Scott) Market. Today, it stands majestically amidst beautifully tended gardens and lotus Our opinion: ponds in the quiet Embassy Quarter of The service and attention to detail Yangon. renders this one of our favourite properties in Yangon. It is the perfect The hotel's 45 deluxe Rooms and two place to rest after a long flight, or for junior suites, are all stylishly decorated relaxing at the end of your stay. It is with teak furniture, tropical cottons also ideal for those who wish to stay in and silks. All rooms are well appointed, a quiet area of the city. Taxis to the but some rooms are without a bath Shwedagon or Scott Market are easy to and have a shower only. arrange through the hotel. Please note, however, that early check-in is not

guaranteed due to its popularity, and The Mandalay Restaurant and Mindon first class (slightly lower) as the hotel rooms are made available to guests Lounge serve a choice of French- lacks a few facilities of a deluxe from 1pm onward. inspired and traditional Burmese dishes property, and some rooms are without in the refined dining room, or outside bathtubs, only having a shower. on one of the many shady verandas. In many respects, the Governor's Early evening, enjoy a cocktail or Residence could be given a deluxe aperitif at the charming Kipling Bar. rating. However, we chose to rate it

Accommodation 39 Charity support

Each of our regional teams supports a charity or charities in that region. This is one that is close to their hearts and the team fundraise through the year. Additionally, we have an overall company charity of the year, to find out more visit: www.audleytravel.com/rt. The Southeast Asia team has chosen to support The Goodwill Centre in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

About The Goodwill Centre Recovering from its recent turbulent history, Cambodia is one of the world’s poorest countries. Poverty is obvious to foreign visitors and particularly affects the younger generation, who are struggling to rebuild an education system which came close to eradication in the 1970’s.

The Goodwill Centre is a small, unique project which aims to address these issues through education and life skills training, enabling children to break out of the poverty trap and take control of their future. With a regular staff of four, the centre caters for over 160 children and young adults who have limited access to schooling, fresh water and basic sanitation.

The charity encourages participation in a range of activities outside school hours, aiming to keep children off the streets. Classes are offered in English and Khmer literacy, computer studies, basic science and arts and crafts. With a strong hygiene program, it promotes health, physical education and has its own ambitious football team. This safe environment encourages play, teamwork and the development of social skills.

Current work and future plans The centre plays a vital role in the local community as it assists with school fees, organises monthly food drops and has established a soap making project with the women in the village to supplement their income. It also provides medical care, a helpline to refer children to specialised clinics and an emergency transport service to the hospital in Phnom Penh.

In the future, it hopes to create a nursery room, employ a full time Khmer carer and outreach worker and launch a nutrition programme providing one free meal a day to disadvantaged children.

Audley are amazed at the difference the Goodwill Centre makes to the everyday lives of the children and what has been achieved here with so little. The Southeast Asia team will also be fundraising throughout the year to add to our contribution.

For more information please visit http://goodwillcentersihanoukville.wordpress.com or ask your specialist.

40 Charity support General information

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

General information 41 General information

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

Vietnam**. We generally use special ‘inclusive tour’ On our escorted group tours the Tour Visas may be required for other countries fares when we purchase your air tickets Leader is, unfortunately, unable to offer but can be arranged on arrival. from the airlines. While these fares are additional assistance to passengers with * British Citizens travelling to the USA very good value they are inflexible in terms limited mobility and all such assistance require an ESTA – please speak to your of changes and offer no refunds once the will need to be provided by whoever the specialist for more information tickets are issued. Once your flight is passenger is travelling with. We may ** Visitors to Vietnam can obtain a visa on confirmed the airlines will charge an request that you provide a letter from arrival but require a letter of authorisation amendment fee or insist on the purchase of your doctor confirming your fitness to from ourselves – please speak to your a completely new ticket if you make travel. specialist changes. High altitude Internal flights Your itinerary may include sections We are normally able to obtain visas on Smaller local airlines are often more likely where the altitude exceeds 10,000 feet your behalf, please ask for details at the to change their schedule at short notice. (3,048 metres). If you suffer from time of booking. Non-British passport We will endeavour to inform you of any circulation, heart or respiratory problems holders should check with the relevant changes in advance of travelling but this we advise that you consult with your embassies as visa requirements may be may not always be possible. 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) for all sectors of your journey. Failure or inability to obtain all required visas for whatever reason does not entitle you to cancel without paying the applicable cancellation charges.

42 General information General information

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 customers with the member under the recorded against your flight reservation. occasionally made. Airlines may change AITO logo. This financial protection Please note that on some of our specially their schedules, roads may close and applies to customers who are resident in negotiated ‘inclusive tour’ fares points are government regulations may alter. Should the UK at the time of booking and to most not always awarded. there be any changes to the travel overseas customers who have booked arrangements you have booked we will do directly with the member. In doing so, the Carbon offsetting our best to keep you informed of the member must comply with UK government You can choose to offset the CO2 situation prior to departure. regulations. Members are required to emissions from your flight with submit details of their financial protection ClimateCare who operate a number of Travel in the developing world arrangements to AITO on a regular basis carbon reduction programmes around Many of our destinations are in the Accurate brochures and web sites the world. The cost is detailed alongside developing world where attitudes, All members do their utmost to ensure the cost of your trip. Please tick the infrastructure, priorities, lifestyles and that all their brochures and other relevant box on the booking form and cultures are very different from our own. publications, print or electronic, clearly and add in the amount. For more details visit This is often the very reason to visit the accurately describe the holidays and www.audleytravel.com/offset. The destination but certain aspects may be services offered. suggested contributions are based on the frustrating. We always advise that the first CO2 expended on an average flight to thing you should pack is your sense of Professional service and continual improvement your destination country. We offset the humour. This can prove invaluable when All members are committed to high carbon from our own research trips. travelling over rougher roads, waiting for a standards of service and believe in regular delayed aircraft and communicating with and thorough training of employees. UK airport hotels, car parking and hotel staff whose first language is not Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their lounges English. customers and always welcome suggestions We are able to arrange airport hotel for improving standards. accommodation, car parking, meet and Data Protection Act greet services and airport lounge access We will hold your name, address and any Monitoring standards in the UK, subject to availability. To other details you supply us with on our AITO endeavours to monitor quality arrange any of these services please call database. This information will be used to standards regularly. All customers should us on 01993 838 051. make your travel arrangements and to send receive a post-holiday questionnaire the you information about Audley Travel. In results of which are scrutinised by the Hotel information order to make your travel arrangements Association. There is often confusion over the we will need to pass your details to terminology used for bed arrangements companies and individuals outside the EU Sustainable tourism in hotel rooms. A ‘double’ is recognised where less stringent data protection All Members acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Sustainable Tourism ethos, as meaning a room with a double bed, controls may be in place. We will not pass which recognises the social, economic and this may be two single beds pushed on your details to third parties for any environmental responsibilities of tour together. A ‘twin’ is a room with two other purposes. operating. single beds. Please note that all rooms are allocated at the discretion of the AITO Quality Charter: Customer relations hotel and cannot be guaranteed. The Association of Independent Tour All members endeavour to deal swiftly and Operators fairly with any issues their customers may Single rooms raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute Single rooms tend to be smaller than AITO is the Association for independent between an AITO member and a customer double or twin rooms, however, many and specialist holiday companies. Our cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low- hotels do not have single rooms, in which member companies, usually owner- cost Independent Dispute Settlement case you will be allocated a twin or managed, strive to create overseas holidays Service may be called upon by either side with high levels of professionalism and a to bring the matter to a speedy and double room. shared concern for quality and personal acceptable conclusion. service. The Association encourages the Special dietary requirements highest standards in all aspects of tour Special diets should be requested on the Audley Travel is a member of the operating. Association of Independent Tour booking form; however, it is unrealistic Operators. To contact the Association, to expect special diets to be catered for Exclusive membership visit www.aito.com or call 020 8744 9280. in some of the destinations we feature. AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, We will advise the hotels and airlines of finance and quality which must be satisfied your request but we cannot guarantee before new companies are admitted to their availability. If you have an airborne membership. All members are required to nut allergy you must make us aware at adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational the time of booking as most airlines standards and conduct. require this information in advance of travel.

General information 43

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, and by paying a deposit, the person have paid to us. who makes the booking is taken to have accepted these The following cancellation charges apply if your final balance booking conditions on behalf of all persons named on the due date is 8 weeks prior to departure. Please note, You must advise us of your decision within 7 days of the booking. Once we have received the applicable payment(s) different cancellation charges apply in relation to certain date on which we notified you of the significant change or due at the time of booking (see below), we will, subject to products – please see your quote for details. cancellation. Please note, the above options are not availability of the requested arrangements, send you your available where any change made is a minor one. A minor invoice. It is at the point when we issue this to you that a Period before departure Cancellation change is any change which, taking account of the valid contract will come into existence between us. Please date within which written Charge information you have given us at the time of booking or check your confirmation/invoice and all tickets/documents notification is received at Per Person which we can reasonably be expected to know as a tour carefully as soon as you receive them and contact us our offices operator, we could not reasonably expect to have a immediately if you think any details are incorrect. We significant effect on your confirmed holiday. regret we cannot accept any liability if we are not notified Up to balance due date Deposit only of any inaccuracies (for which we are responsible) in any Balance due date-43 days 30% If we have to make a significant change or cancellation we document within ten days of our sending it out (five days 42-29 days 60% will pay you the compensation set out below subject to the for tickets).We will do our best to rectify any mistake 28-3 days 90% following exceptions. Compensation will not be payable notified to us outside these time limits but you must meet Within 2 days 100% and no liability beyond offering the above mentioned any costs involved in doing 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 for all elements of your 28-15 days £30 trip. Please read your policy 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

44 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 45 Terms and conditions

You undertake to behave with propriety and in such a additional information, a fact sheet or a dossier is available The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust manner as in no way causes or is likely to cause distress, on a particular itinerary or programme, this information Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the danger or annoyance to other clients and/or any third party should be regarded as a term of the contract. Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours or damage to property. If, in the view of ourselves, our Regulations 1992 for Audley Travel (ABTOT Membership employees, agents or suppliers, you are in breach of this The hotel classifications given on our website, in our clause, we reserve the right to terminate your contract and brochures, quotations and dossiers and fact sheets are for number 5297) and in the event of their insolvency, neither we nor the providers of any of the services in guidance only. They are not based on any national or protection is provided for the following: question will have any further contractual obligations to you international classification system, they are the opinions of 1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to either in respect of covering any expenses, paying any our staff or agents and are quite subjective. The the UK; compensation or refunds, or arranging for your return photographs that appear in the accommodation section of 2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a home. your quotation are indicative only and may not be of the country other than the UK; and exact room you have been quoted for. 3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of When you book with us, you accept responsibility for any the UK, which are sold to customers outside of the damage or loss caused by you. Full payment for any such 11. Special requests UK. damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely If you have any special request, you must advise us in known) must be paid direct at the time to the writing at the time of booking. Although we will endeavour 1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not accommodation owner or manager or other supplier. If the to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note actual cost of the loss or damage exceeds the amount paid we regret we cannot guarantee any request will be met. that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by where estimated, you must pay the difference once known. For your own protection, you should obtain confirmation ABTOT when purchased directly with Audley Travel. If the actual cost is less than the amount paid, the difference in writing from us that your request will be complied with will be refunded. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible (where it is possible for us to give this) if your request is 13. Excursions for meeting any claims subsequently made against us important to you. Confirmation that a special request has Please note that we do not provide or arrange excursions (together with our own and the other party’s full legal been noted or passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of other than those listed in your itinerary and forming part of costs) as a result of your actions. the special request on your confirmation invoice or any the arrangements booked and paid for in the UK. Our local other documentation is not a guarantee that the request representatives or guides may put you in touch with local You must ensure that all your travel documents, full will be met by the relevant supplier. All special requests are organisers of excursions if you request but we can have no passports, visas, vaccination certificates, currency and subject to availability. liability for such excursions, as your contract for such travellers cheques are in order and valid for travel. All costs excursions will be with a local company providing the incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. services and not with us. you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are any booking which is specified to be conditional on the refused entry onto any transport or into any country due fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be 14. Prices and Brochure Accuracy to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. We treated as ‘standard’ bookings subject to the above Please note, the information and prices shown on our are able to give general advice on these matters for British provisions on special requests. website, in our brochures and/or quotations may have citizens holding a British passport. However, non-British changed by the time you come to book your holiday. citizens and non-British passport holders should check with If you have any medical problem or disability which may Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the their embassy or consulate vis-a-vis current requirements. affect your holiday, please tell us before you confirm your website, brochures, quotations and prices at the time of See also our General Information section. booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the printing or when they are given to you, regrettably errors chosen arrangements. In any event, you must give us full do occasionally occur. You must therefore ensure you If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents details in writing at the time of booking. You must also check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability with us at the time of booking. imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us which may affect your holiday develops after your booking accordingly. has been confirmed. If we reasonably feel unable to 15. Honeymoon Gift Service properly accommodate the particular needs of the person All honeymoon bookings and use of Audley's Honeymoon The name on your airline tickets must be the name that concerned, we must reserve the right to decline their Gift Service are subject to our Terms & Conditions. It is appears on your full passport. reservation or, if full details are not given at the time of important to note that in the unfortunate event of the booking, cancel when we become aware of these details. cancellation of your booking you will be responsible for all Please note that if you believe that we have stated orally cancellation charges as detailed in our Terms & Conditions. that a particular facility or service should be available, but is 12. Your financial protection Audley also reserve the right to charge a £150 not in the brochure or in writing from us, please make We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by the administration fee to cover refunding all monies to your reference to it on the booking form so that we may Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 4817). When you guests. These refunds will only be made once all confirm it to you when accepting your booking. buy an ATOL protected flight-inclusive holiday* from us, cancellation charges have been paid. As the client, you will you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists the flight, take on the responsibility for the full payment of the 9. Complaints accommodation, car hire and/or other services that are booking as the amount of your guest contributions cannot Should you have any complaints about any aspect of your financially protected, where you can get information on be guaranteed. holiday arrangements, you must inform our local what this means for you, and who to contact if things go representative or tour leader immediately and the supplier wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Audley Travel Group Limited. Registered Address: New of the arrangements concerned. Problems can most easily Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 9SX. be dealt with on the spot. Please note, if you do not report ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, Registered in England with Company Reg. No. 3190720. a problem or complaint which, if it had been reported at where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for VAT Reg. No.125454721. September 2014. the time it occurred could have been resolved there and reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may then we cannot accept any liability in respect of that provide you with services you have bought or a suitable problem or complaint. It is sensible to expect a client alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept travelling in the developing world to be reasonably that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder resourceful if things go wrong. If you experience any will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any difficulties, contact us in the UK on our 24 hour emergency money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract telephone service. The number will be found on your pre- to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree departure information and with your tickets. In the unlikely that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an event that an acceptable solution cannot be found, you alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled should then write to us within 28 days of your return with to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit full details of your complaint. If you fail to follow this card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers complaints procedure, your right to claim the identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide compensation you may otherwise have been entitled to the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an may be affected or even lost as a result. alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make If we cannot reach an amicable solution to any dispute you a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL do have the right to refer the dispute to the Association of scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or Independent Tour Operators which operates an benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims Independent Dispute Service (details on request) for which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the resolution of the dispute by a mediator provided the claim non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, does not involve personal accident, injury or illness. the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable).You also agree that any such claims may be re- 10. The brochure and quotation assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums We have taken every care in ensuring that the information you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. in the brochure and given in quotations/itineraries is correct at the time of publication. However we are sure *The air inclusive holidays and flights we arrange are ATOL you will appreciate that subsequently minor alterations may protected providing they are made available in the UK. For arise. We reserve the right to change any of the prices, further information, visit the ATOL website at services or other particulars contained in this brochure or www.atol.org.uk any quotation at any time before we enter into a contract with you. If there is any change we will notify you before Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will we enter into such contract. Where we state that be protected by the ATOL scheme.

46 Terms and conditions