Exotic Burma Escorted Group Tour November 2011
Misty mountain scenery in the Golden Triangle
We are proud to have received a number of awards over recent years. We have been the Daily Telegraph Ultra Travel Best Small Tour Operator winner and runner-up for the previous two years and, similarly, have been the winner or runner-up of the Guardian and Observer’s Best Small Tour Operator award for the past four years as well as featuring in Wanderlust magazine’s Top 10 Tour Operators for the past eight years. The readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine have also voted us their Favourite Specialist Tour Operator 2010.
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 tour operators 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.
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Contents
An introduction to our Exotic Burma tour ______4 Day by day summary of your travel arrangements______5 Prices ______7 Tour Information ______8 Why travel with us?______9 Your itinerary in detail______10 Accommodation information ______23 Charity support ______28 General information ______30 Terms and conditions ______33 Booking form ______back page
An introduction to our Exotic Burma group tour
With years of experience in operating tours to Burma, we have drawn on our indepth, first-hand knowledge of the country to create this new tour that focuses on indigenous tribes and cultures, remote towns and hill trekking. The tour may be of particular interest for those who have already visited the ‘must sees’ or for those more adventurous travellers who simply prefer the road less travelled. The tour starts in northern Thailand where the country converges with Burma and Laos, a region known as the Golden Triangle. From here you cross the border to Kengtung in Burma's far eastern corner to explore this quaint town nestled in the Shan hills. A day is spent trekking to nearby Ann, Palaung and Akha tribes followed by another day exploring the former British hill station of Loimwe and the colourful, bustling Kengtung market. A stay in the pretty hill town of Kalaw gives the opportunity for a little relaxation or further trekking, before travelling onto Inle Lake. From here you travel south by boat to the graceful and remote pagodas of Thar Khauk, hidden deep in Pa-O country. Travelling west via Rangoon, the tour takes in the ancient Rakhine capital of Mrauk U with fine examples of sandstone temples recalling its halcyon days. You also travel further afield along the Lay Mro River to visit the Chin tribes whose history is portrayed on the intricately tattooed faces of female elders. A mix of accommodation is used throughout the tour including some simple yet comfortable hotels; however any compromise is rewarded with an extraordinary insight into the life and culture of the Burmese people.
Climate The best time to visit Burma is between November and March. The weather is likely to be generally dry and hot throughout the day with temperatures dropping slightly in the evenings. At
Inle Lake it has been to known to be very cold first thing in the morning and in the evening. You may encounter some rain although showers are likely to be short lived. Mark’s profile After five years working at IBM, Mark headed off to spend time in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia. Mark’s trip was destined for a year-long adventure in Australia, but this was cut short after three months when he realised that Southeast Asia had everything he had been looking for. He returned to Asia and relocated to southern Thailand for 12 months where he taught English at a junior school and stayed within some of the lesser known towns in the region. On moving back to the UK, Mark’s love of reportage photography took him along the media route working for both the regional and national press. Mark’s passion for Southeast Asia and first hand knowledge of the region coupled with his enthusiasm for photography meant that Audley Travel provided the perfect opportunity to keep in touch with the area. Since joining Audley, Mark has travelled extensively in Burma and again in Thailand as well as Indochina topping up his knowledge of the region and giving him the chance to enable others to see the culture, Mark at the Indein temple complex near Inle Lake architecture and diversity that captivates him. Outside of Audley Mark enjoys playing the guitar, reading novels and • Ann tribe near Kengtung, taken by Mark Robinson taking part in sports.
Please feel free to contact Mark with any enquiries about this tour. His direct line is 01993 838 107 and his email address is [email protected] 4 An introduction to our Exotic Burma tour Day by day summary
1 Friday 18 Fly from London Heathrow Terminal Three to Bangkok. Overnight on board the aircraft. November 2011
2 Saturday 19 In Bangkok connect with your flight to Rangoon. On arrival in Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake November 2011 Burma you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Evening Deluxe Room at leisure. Breakfast is included
3 Sunday 20 Cross the river to Dala and make the journey to the small Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake November 2011 town of Twante. Visit the Mingalar orphanage and Paya Deluxe Room Ngoto village, where the Audley sponsored school is located. Breakfast is included Although the school will be closed for teaching, the group will be able to visit the village.
Late afternoon visit the shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda.
4 Monday 21 Return to the airport for your flight to Tachilek. On arrival Private Hotel, Kengtung November 2011 you will be transferred along a reasonably good sealed road 1 x Superior for 2 (Twin) - (in comparison to other roads in Burma!) to the charming Breakfast and lunch are included town of Kengtung in far eastern Shan State. Your accommodation for the next three nights is a simple hotel in the town centre. It is clean and functional.
5 Tuesday 22 Today you have the opportunity to discover some stunning Private Hotel, Kengtung November 2011 scenery and meet several hill tribe villages that inhabit the 1 x Superior for 2 (Twin) - town's surrounding mountains. A trekking route will take you Breakfast and lunch are included to the area of Pin Tauk where you will trek to visit villages of Akha and Ann tribes. The Ann live on the higher slopes to the Akha tribes and are more commonly known as the Black Teeth.
6 Wednesday 23 From Kengtung you will be driven through the mountains to Private Hotel, Kengtung November 2011 Loimwe, which literally translates as misty mountain. At 1600 1 x Superior for 2 (Twin) - metres above sea level, Loimwe commands a magnificent Breakfast and lunch are included view of the surrounding area and enjoys a temperate climate. Once an outpost of the British there are still many colonial buildings and also a Catholic church. The main attraction enroute to Loimwe is the scenery which passes through forests and terraced rice fields.
7 Thursday 24 Fly to Heho today (the airport for Inle Lake) and transfer by Amara Resort, Kalaw November 2011 road to the charming hill station of Kalaw. You will have the 1 x Deluxe Room for 2 (Twin) - rest of the day at your own leisure. Breakfast and lunch are included
8 Friday 25 Explore the surrounding countryside from your hotel on Amara Resort, Kalaw November 2011 foot, visiting a number of villages including the Palaung tribe 1 x Deluxe Room for 2 (Twin) - that inhabit the hills around Kalaw. Breakfast and lunch are included
9 Saturday 26 Continuing your tour of Shan state, you will be transferred to Golden Island Cottages, Inle November 2011 the beautiful Inle Lake for a stay in simple accommodation Lake staffed by the local Pa-O community. 1 x Superior room for 2 (Twin) Breakfast and lunch are included
Day by day summary 5 Day by day summary
10 Sunday 27 More easily accessible by boat, the lost temples of Tha Khauk Golden Island Cottages, Inle November 2011 pagoda complex are a five hour journey from Inle Lake (the Lake return journey takes less time) and are rarely visited by 1 x Superior room for 2 (Twin) tourists. The boat journey will take you along a long canal to Breakfast and lunch are included the south of Inle Lake through many villages to Sakar, once the seat of a Shan prince. Now all that remains are graceful pagodas and stucco sculptures gradually lost to nature and almost forgotten.
11 Monday 28 Return to the airport at Heho and fly to Rangoon. You will Savoy Hotel, Rangoon November 2011 have time at leisure for relaxing or sightseeing. 1 x Deluxe Room for 2 (Twin) - Breakfast and lunch are included
12 Tuesday 29 Today fly from Rangoon to Sittwe, a former garrison town in Noble Hotel, Sittwe November 2011 Rakhine state sitting on the confluence of the Kaladan River 1 x Standard room for 2 (Twin) and the Bay of Bengal. As your flight will not arrive until the - Breakfast and lunch are afternoon we include a night in Sittwe to allow for a safe boat included journey onto Mrauk U the following day during daylight hours. Although not the most aesthetically pleasing town, Sittwe has an eclectic mix of mosques, pagodas and monasteries and an Anglican church representing the mix of inhabitants that call Sittwe home.
13 Wednesday 30 Travel the 50 mile journey up the Kaladan River to the old Mrauk U Princess, Mrauk U November 2011 Rakhine capital of Mrauk U for two full days exploring the 1 x Village House for 2 (Twin) - remains of the old kingdoms and nearby Chin villages. All meals are included
14 Thursday 01 Spend the day seeking out the abandoned temples and Mrauk U Princess, Mrauk U December 2011 religious shrines around Mrauk U, a site on the banks of the 1 x Village House for 2 (Twin) - Aungdat Chaung River where three kingdoms once had their All meals are included capital. Today, Mrauk U is a charming and sleepy town with friendly, laid-back inhabitants.
15 Friday 02 Head further afield by boat along the Lay Mro River to Mrauk U Princess, Mrauk U December 2011 explore several traditional Chin villages. As well as being 1 x Village House for 2 (Twin) - invited into the local schools, you will have chance to meet All meals are included the Chin families who live here. Many of the female elders still bear testament to the age-old custom of facial tattooing.
16 Saturday 03 Return to Sittwe by boat in time for your flight to Rangoon. Savoy Hotel, Rangoon December 2011 On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. 1 x Deluxe Room for 2 (Twin) - Breakfast and lunch are included
17 Sunday 04 Enjoy a full day tour of Rangoon accompanied by your guide. Savoy Hotel, Rangoon December 2011 Tonight you have a farewell dinner at one of the city's finest 1 x Deluxe Room for 2 (Twin) - restaurants, Le Planteur. Breakfast and dinner are included
18 Monday 05 This morning the group is transferred to the airport for your December 2011 flight to Bangkok. In Bangkok connect with your flight to London Heathrow. Early evening arrival into the UK.
6 Day by day summary Prices
Arrangements as specified per person ______£3,995 ...... Please note the following supplements and/or upgrade options per person: Single supplement ______£650 Single entry tourist visa for Burma ______£55 ...... Per person deposit required to confirm these arrangements______£599
Optional carbon off-setting for your flights per person (see General Information section for further details)______£15
The deposit required is detailed above. In most cases the deposit is 15% of the total cost or £200 per person (whichever is the greater), however in some instances a larger deposit is required in order to secure particular services. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions section at the back of this booklet. Please note if you confirm your booking within 60 days of your departure date full payment is required at the time of booking.
How to book Included in the price If you have any questions regarding the tour or would like to • International long-haul flights as specified in the itinerary with hold a no obligation option for a place on the tour, please feel UK airport taxes. free to contact Mark on 01993 838 107 who will be delighted to • All short-haul flights as specified in the itinerary. assist you. To confirm an option, please send us a completed • Full-time services of an experienced local guide and Western booking form and the deposit specified above, plus any tour leader. applicable visa charge. The deposit can be paid by cheque, bank • Sightseeing and entrance fees. transfer or credit / debit card. Please make cheques payable to • Private coach transfers where specified. Audley Travel. • All boat journeys and excursions. • Twin share accommodation as specified. Payment by credit card • All lunches are included throughout the trip except on the first Please note that we do not charge a fee on deposit payments by day of the tour in the Golden Triangle and last day in Rangoon, credit card, except when a deposit is more than 15%. In this where a farewell dinner will be arranged instead. Lunch and situation a charge will apply. Credit card fees are detailed on the dinner is included at the Mrauk U Princess Resort. Most booking form. We charge a credit card fee due to the high fees lunches will be at local restaurants or in picnic form and dinners charged to tour operators by the credit card companies. We (other than those mentioned) will be at your own arrangement. have chosen to make this transparent rather than including it within the trip price. You may therefore wish to pay the balance Not included in the price by bank transfer, debit card or personal cheque. • Local airport departure taxes - payable locally on each
departure (10 USD from Rangoon)
• Visa for Burma. Audley Travel can arrange this for you – see
price above. • Travel insurance. • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, etc. • Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary). • Any camera or video fees at any sites. Visas
Burma UK and US citizens visiting Burma (Myanmar) require a visa. The Audley Travel visa service will send UK clients the appropriate forms and apply for the visa on your behalf. Your passport will be required for a few days for the visa to be stamped in. You must enter Burma within three months of the visa being issued. Ordinary tourist visas are valid for one month of stay within Burma. Clients resident in the US or Canada will be sent details of our visa agent who will apply for the visa on your behalf. Thailand UK citizens, along with the citizens of 38 other countries, do not currently require a visa for stays of up to 30 days in Thailand if arriving by air, but your passport must be valid for six months after the date of return to the UK. Passport holders from 21 other countries can obtain a fifteen day visa on arrival. Other nationalities need to apply for a visa in advance. If you are crossing into Thailand from one of its land borders UK citizens are permitted to stay for fifteen days without a visa. 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.
Prices 7 Tour Information
Tour managers and local guides An experienced English-speaking local guide 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.
Alongside a local guide, the Exotic Burma group tour will be led by Carol Daily life on Ngapali beach, Burma Turner. Carol has been taking groups to the Himalayan region for over ten Extending your trip years, during which time she has funded After or before the tour, you have the and managed several school building option to extend your trip, maybe with and community projects in East Tibet. a few days relaxing by the beach or Her interest in ethnic minorities led her discovering a nearby region on a short from Yunnan in SW China to Burma tour. You may also choose to break where, in wonderful unspoilt scenery the journey to and from Burma with a often beyond the normal tourist trails, stop over in Bangkok. On any Public transport in Burma tribal cultures remain strong and extension, you will be looked after by colourful. our carefully selected local agent. Home truths Please contact Mark to discuss the We aim to provide accurate and options for extending your stay. detailed information and to make you aware of the less positive aspects of the Activity level – Medium to High journey you are undertaking, some The vast majority of this trip does facts you should be aware of are require a significant level of physical outlined below: fitness or agility. You should also be
aware and prepared for the following Internal flight schedules are often on this trip: changed at short notice. Generally, the • Trekking in the Kengtung and timings only alter by an hour or two, Kalaw hills will involve some steep but changes are sometimes more climbs on uneven ground for serious. If any of your flights are around four to five hours over the changed after booking we will notify course of the day. you and amend your itinerary • accordingly. Serious changes can result At Inle Lake longtail boats are used in additional costs which in some cases to transport you to your will have to be met by you. accommodation on the lake, as well as for sightseeing. A certain level of Group size dexterity is required for stepping in and out of the boats. The group size is kept to a maximum of • Some of the roads in Burma are 16, this ensures that the trip is a more poorly maintained making some personal experience and that you can Carol Turner journeys quite bumpy. always hear and speak to your tour • To reach some of the temples in manager and guides. The small group Mrauk U may require scrambling size also ensures that your experience over uneven ground. You may also of a particular sight is not marred by Dining be asked to remove your footwear presence of too many people. All lunches are included throughout the to enter some of the temples. tour except on the first day of the tour • Single Travellers in the Golden Triangle and last day in It may on occasion be necessary to We especially welcome single travellers Rangoon, where a farewell dinner will carry your own luggage particularly on our tours. You have two options, be arranged instead. Lunch and dinner when crossing the Thai/Burmese you can choose to share a room with is included at the Mrauk U Princess border. another single traveller on the tour and Resort. Most lunches will be at local pay the standard tour price or you can restaurants or in picnic form and choose to guarantee sole occupancy of dinners (other than those mentioned) Please also refer to the General a room, in which case a supplement is will be at your own arrangement. Information section for further information payable. on health requirements for group tours.
8 Tour information Why travel with us?
Quality service when you are travelling We take a good deal of care when choosing our travel partners overseas, taking into account their quality of service, guides and vehicles. We have built up many long-standing relationships, ensuring that they deliver the level of service demanded by Detailed travel documents Audley clients. Our local guides and drivers, where appropriate, are the Approximately two to three weeks people you will meet. In many cases we before you travel we will send you all know them personally, in all cases we your travel documents presented in a ensure that they are of the highest convenient travel organiser. As well as calibre. They are there to do much your full itinerary and air tickets, there more than show you specific sights and will also be additional information such The New Mill, our offices on the outskirts of provide factual information. They will as recommended restaurants and Witney in west Oxfordshire be able to tell you about local life, practical tips. A few days before you culture, cuisines and customs; and, travel your specialist will call you to Reputation and quality where applicable, act as translator. In have a final talk through your itinerary Well over 80% of our clients have certain parts of the world a specialist and answer any last minute questions travelled with us in the past or have guide is more appropriate, for example, you may have. had Audley recommended to them. a wildlife expert. When you book with us you are assured of quality arrangements if only for the fact that we simply cannot afford to risk our excellent reputation. Our service has been recognised by Responsible travel the readers of well-known publications We have a firm commitment to including the Guardian & Observer, the minimising the environmental and Daily Telegraph and Wanderlust social impact of travel, and strive to magazine, where we have consistently ensure that a visit from an Audley featured in their ‘best tour operator’ client has a positive effect on the awards for a number of years. destination. We have a firm commitment to the principles of Personal service ‘responsible travel’ and have been We are committed to offering you a First class guides awarded AITO 5 star status (the very personal service, with all your highest achievable) for our policies and arrangements being handled by one A smooth journey practises. We continue to work with country specialist. They will remain We have procedures in place for AITO, and a number of other bodies, your one point of contact and will take dealing quickly and efficiently with to improve our policies. For more responsibility for the smooth operation mishaps from minor flight time details please refer to our website of your trip. They are supported by a alterations to more fundamental (www.audleytravel.com/rt) where you team of specialists for that region and a changes. If problems do occur we will will find details of our responsible professional administration and rapidly rearrange your itinerary to travel policy and also our Travellers’ management team. make best use of your time given the Code. If you are particularly interested changed circumstances, not simply in these issues, your country specialist From the moment you contact us, we cancel part of your trip or leave you will be able to tell you more. are here to answer your questions sitting in an airport waiting for hours accurately and honestly, be they about for a rescheduled flight. Importantly, in Legal liability specific arrangements or any more these situations we will do everything We are a UK company and hence must general queries you may have. We are possible to minimise any extra costs fully comply with English law. When experienced travellers with a thorough involved – in the vast majority of cases booking with us you can rest assured and in-depth knowledge of our no extra charges will be made. If a that your arrangements are carefully specialist destinations, and the benefit problem does occur while you are planned as we have a reputation to of this experience is yours throughout. travelling you can contact us on our 24 maintain and are legally liable for any When we do not know the answer to hour number. We will do everything in omissions or negligent acts. You may a question we will endeavour to find our power to rectify the problem not find you have this level of out and get back to you as soon as immediately rather than allow it to reassurance if you make your own possible. spoil your trip. travel arrangements independently.
[ Why travel with us? 9 Itinerary in detail
Friday London to Bangkok 18 November, 2011 Thai Airways - Flight No: TG917 - Dep: 21:35 - Arr: 15:55 - (next day); Class: Economy class; Non-stop flight
Saturday Bangkok to Rangoon 19 November, 2011 Thai Airways - Flight No: TG305 - Dep: 17:50 - Arr: 18:45 - (same day); Class: Economy class; Non-stop flight Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Transfer from Airport to Hotel Breakfast is included transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide
On arrival, once you have cleared any airport immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
Burma introduction During its years of isolation Burma 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 Burmese girl with thanaka on her face the south. Burma has a great deal to offer, from archaeological wonders to beaches, hill tribe villages, crumbling colonial buildings and touring the Irrawaddy River that bisects this rural land.
Please note that Travellers Cheques are not accepted in Burma. Credit cards will also be of limited use as only a very few hotels accept them. Please ensure that you have enough US dollars cash for your trip in NEW dollar bills as hotels, shops, restaurants and money changers will not accept old or damaged notes.
Rangoon introduction Now known as Yangon, Rangoon is the former capital of Burma and 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 stream of devotees bringing offerings to the various shrines within the temple complex. No visit to Burma is complete without at least a few hours spent at the Shwedagon. The city has an eclectic mix of cultures and religions, with the golden spires of many ancient pagodas glistening in the heat of the day alongside modern-day Hindu and Chinese temples, cathedrals and mosques. The bustling streets and narrow alleys of downtown Rangoon 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. Rangoon is well-known for its shops and markets, the most famous of which is the 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.
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Sunday Visit to local school and orphanage 20 November, 2011 Shared excursion with driver and guide
After the devastating effects of Cyclone Nargis in May 2008, Audley wanted to Chatrium Hotel Royal raise funds to help a community affected by one of the worst natural disasters of Lake recent times. Our local agent in Burma helped us to identify a small primary school Breakfast is included in Paya Ngoto village which had been virtually destroyed and was in desperate need of a donor to help rebuild the school and move the 55 students out of temporary bamboo classrooms back into the main schoolhouse. After months of fundraising and the hard work of a local contractor and workforce, the school was completed and the children moved back into their brighter, larger and better equipped schoolhouse. This is a project that we are immensely proud of and we would like to encourage all of our clients to visit, particularly as so many generously donated and supported our fundraising efforts. A total of 62 children now attend the school on a regular basis, helping literacy rates in the area to increase significantly.
The Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon is ** Although the school will be closed for teaching on Sunday it will still be possible the holiest Buddhist site in Burma to visit the school and the surrounding area.
In the same area is an orphanage called Mingalar which is run by a local head monk. Before the dreadful cyclone in 2008 the orphanage had 100 children to look after. Within weeks of the cyclone that number had risen to over 500. A total of 20 monks and novices plus 10 volunteers provide a home and education for these 500 children in what has become a considerable logistical concern. Donations come in from the local community and from abroad but it is often a daily struggle to raise enough money to feed all the children. Audley, in conjunction with our local agents, have decided to help the orphanage. It is a short drive from the school at Paya Ngoto and is easy to combine into one trip. Lunch can be provided at the orphanage and visitors are encouraged to offer whatever skills they have, such as English lessons or computer skills, to the children.
The day would start by catching the local ferry over the Yangon river to the small town of Dala. Here a driver will be waiting to take you the hour or so to Mingalar Orphanage. Paya Ngoto village is a ten minute drive from here and you will need to walk for around five minutes from the road side through picturesque rural scenes to reach the school. You will then be met at the road side on the far side of the village for the drive back to Rangoon. Rangoon: Shwedagon sunset Shared excursion with driver and guide Late afternoon you will explore vibrant central Rangoon followed by an early evening visit to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. You will witness the magical atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon and darkness falls in this most holy of places.
Monks walk to the entrance of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon
Itinerary in detail 11 Itinerary in detail
Monday Transfer from hotel to airport 21 November, 2011 transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide
You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in plenty of time for Private Hotel, Kengtung your onward flight. Breakfast and lunch are included
Rangoon to Tachilek Air Mandalay - Flight No: TBC - (same day); Economy class; Two stops enroute Transfer from Tachilek to Kengtung transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide
Once you have completed any border formalities your guide will help you to your awaiting vehicle in readiness for the three and a half hour journey to the delightful town of Kengtung. The drive passes through beautiful, untouched scenery of far eastern Shan State along a reasonably well paved road. There will be three or four Ann tribe, Kengtung stops along the way at various checkpoints.
Kengtung introduction
The town of Kengtung (Kyaing Tong) is situated in the far eastern part of Shan state. This old, sleepy colonial town was opened up to foreign visitors in 1993 and is a seldom seen part of Burma with remote mountain valleys and stunning natural beauty. The surrounding area is inhabited by the Khun, Wa, Ann, Akha, Palaung and Lahu hill tribes.
The Ann village near Kengtung sits happily on the hillside, Burma
Afternoon tour of Kengtung shared excursion with your driver and guide
Your time in Kengtung is flexible and your guide will advise on the best use of your time here. This afternoon you could head to the traditional pottery works at Yan- Gone village on the northern outskirts of the town. For a panoramic view of Kengtung head to Lone Tree Hill to the south of the town, stopping at the wood monastery Wat Pha That Jom Mo on your way up. Just before sunset head to the picturesque Naung Tung Lake for a stroll, a perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of this sleepy town as the locals end their working day at the numerous tea-shops scattered around the edge of the lake.
12 Itinerary in detail Itinerary in detail
Late afternoon at Naung Tung lake, Kengtung
Tuesday Trekking from Kengtung 22 November, 2011 shared trek with your guide
The Shan hills surrounding Kengtung are home to a variety of ethnic tribes Private Hotel, Kengtung including Khun, Ann, Wa, Shan, Akha, Palaung and Lahu villages. A typical day's Breakfast and lunch are trekking in the area involves an hour's drive through scenic countryside and rice included fields to a small Lahu village before an hour's walk up into the hills to an Akha tribe.
It is better to arrive late morning as many of the villagers will be out in the fields.
From here you will walk further into the mountains to visit an animist Anh tribe. It is quite common to be invited into the home of the village Shaman who will offer tea and a recital of the tribe’s traditional music. After a picnic lunch at Pin-Tauk waterfall your hike continues taking in further Akha tribes as well as red and silver Palaung, many of which can be seen working in the fields in their traditional dress. One of the most traditional villages around Kengtung is Pan-Kwai on Hokyin mountain. The village lies approximately an hour and a half drive from Kengtung towards Tachileik. Be warned - the roads in this area are very bumpy! Akha hill-tribe village, Kengtung
A village elder in Num Lin Mai, near Kengtung
Wednesday Day trip to Loimwe and surrounding villages 23 November, 2011 shared excursion with your driver and guide
Itinerary in detail 13 Itinerary in detail
terraced rice fields. Loimwe, translated as 'misty mountain', is at an altitude of over 1600 meters above sea level and commands a magnificent view of the surrounding area as well as a temperate climate. Once an outpost of the British army, many colonial buildings remain and also a Catholic Church. Late afternoon you will be back in Kengtung.
Trekking near Kengtung
Thursday Transfer from Kengtung to Tachilek airport 24 November, 2011 transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide
This morning you will travel from Kengtung to Tachilek. The journey should take Amara Resort, Kalaw approximately three hours and takes you through the stunning Shan scenery. Breakfast and lunch are included Tachilek to Heho Air Mandalay - Flight No: TBC - (same day); Economy class; Non-stop flight
Heho airport to Kalaw travel by shared vehicle with your driver, accompanied by your guide
On arrival at Heho airport you will be met and transferred to the pretty colonial hill station town of Kalaw. The drive takes approximately two and a half hours.
Colourful Pa-O tribal women in the Shan state
Market days in Kalaw attract many hill tribes of the surrounding area
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 a magnificent pine forest. Of the 111 houses built by the British in Kalaw around the turn of the century, a great many still remain in various states of decay and disrepair. Most are now occupied by favoured government or military officials, although some are still eerily silent, apparently undisturbed since their owners left 50 or more years ago. The former Kingswood school is now a military hospital, and the race track is very overgrown, but Christian services are still held at the Anglican Church and are apparently attended by Shan people educated by American missionaries. The old golf course is in a reasonable state of repair and it is possible to play a few holes or a whole round if you wish!
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Kalaw, view across the Shan State
Friday Trekking in the hills around Kalaw 25 November, 2011 shared trek with your guide
You will leave your hotel mid-morning to begin a three hour trek through beautiful Amara Resort, Kalaw cultivated land to Taryaw village. Here you can spend time studying the native way Breakfast and lunch are of the Palaung tribes that inhabit this area. From here you will head to the included viewpoint a further 45 minutes up the hill. Lunch will be taken here before you descend to Kalaw by a different route.
The itinerary is subject to change and your guide will be able to discuss the best route for you on the day.
Saturday Kalaw to Inle Lake 26 November, 2011 transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide
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Golden Island Cottages, Inle Lake Breakfast and lunch are included
Kalaw, Burma
Food and people alike on their way to market, Kalaw Inle Lake introduction
The shallow waters of Inle Lake stretch for 35 kilometres, ringed by small fishing villages and majestic rolling hills. The Intha people live on the lake, building their houses on stilts and travelling across the lake using their bizarre style of leg rowing. The best way to explore is by boat: in a day trip you can visit the various cottage industries such as silk weaving and cheroot rolling, watch blacksmiths and silversmiths at work and see the floating market that moves between the area’s villages on a five-day rota.
A Burmese woman tending her crops, Inle Lake
Sunday Day excursion to the Tha Khauk Pagoda complex 27 November, 2011 shared excursion with your guide
The Thar Khauk temple complex has up until now been hidden deep in Pa-O Golden Island Cottages, country until its recent discovery. The pagodas are situated in the village of Sakar, Inle Lake a five hour journey by boat from Nyaung Shwe near to Inle Lake. The journey Breakfast and lunch are takes you through picturesque scenery and the remote villages of Nampan, included Taungto, Kyauktaing and Naung Po. You will have the opportunity to stop at these villages to observe the daily life of the local people. This is a wonderful chance to venture further into Shan State and to see some of Burma's most spectacular vistas.
16 Itinerary in detail Itinerary in detail
A leg rower transports his goods on one of the channels to Inle Lake
Monday Inle Lake to Heho Airport 28 November, 2011 transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide
Depending on which hotel you are staying in on the lake, the journey by boat to Savoy Hotel, Rangoon Nyaung Shwe takes about half an hour and allows you to catch a last glimpse of life Breakfast and lunch are on this magical lake as you pass by stilted villages and floating islands. At Nyaung included Shwe you will meet your driver who will transfer you to the airport which takes approximately one hour. Heho to Rangoon Air Mandalay - Flight No: TBC - (same day); Economy class; Non-stop flight
Rangoon introduction
Now known as Yangon, Rangoon is the former capital of Burma and 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 Monks walk to the entrance of the presence. In contrast to this, the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda is perhaps the Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon most vivid demonstration of how seriously the Burmese take their Buddhist faith, with a stream of devotees bringing offerings to the various shrines within the temple complex. No visit to Burma is complete without at least a few hours spent at the Shwedagon. The city has an eclectic mix of cultures and religions, with the golden spires of many ancient pagodas glistening in the heat of the day alongside modern-day Hindu and Chinese temples, cathedrals and mosques. The bustling streets and narrow alleys of downtown Rangoon 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. Rangoon is well-known for its shops and markets, the most famous of which is the 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.
Itinerary in detail 17 Itinerary in detail
Local people worshipping at the Shwedagon Pagoda
Transfer from Airport to Hotel transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide
On arrival, once you have cleared any airport immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
Tuesday Transfer from Hotel to Airport 29 November, 2011 transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide
You will be collected from your hotel and taken by private transfer to the airport Noble Hotel, Sittwe in plenty of time for your onward flight. Breakfast and lunch are included Rangoon to Sittwe Air Mandalay - Flight No: 6TTBC - (same day); Economy class; Non-stop flight
Sittwe introduction
A former garrison town in the days of the British Empire, today Sittwe is a lovely, sleepy little tropical town. The area has miles of untouched beaches and many undiscovered islands lie offshore. The town itself is interesting to explore with the harbour area being of particular interest. The locals are friendly and welcoming to visitors who are a rarity in these parts.
The enormous Lokananda pagoda dwarfs worshippers entering at the west gate
The main road in Sittwe
18 Itinerary in detail Itinerary in detail
Transfer from Airport to Hotel transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide
On arrival, once you have cleared any airport immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Half day tour of Sittwe shared excursion with your driver and guide
The Sittwe market is not to be missed. There is a huge fish section and if you are there when they bring in a new catch the aromas can be particularly pungent! There is also a large area selling nothing but bananas. There are two main temples in the town; one shaped like the Shwedagon in Rangoon (Gyi Bay Chaun Paya), and one covered in little mirrors which make it glisten in the sun (Payagyi). You can also visit the Rakhine state cultural museum and a Buddhist museum in a small monastery.
The Iron temple in Sittwe
Wednesday Sittwe to Mrauk U by Mrauk U Princess boat 30 November, 2011 transfer by shared boat with your guide
On arrival in to Sittwe you are taken to the river jetty and board the Mrauk U Mrauk U Princess, Princess' private boat with your guide. The journey up the Kaladan River and its Mrauk U tributary the Aungdat Chang is scheduled to take four or five hours, but can take All meals are included much longer. Rolling hills, small villages and the odd hilltop pagoda drift by as you head inland. This is a wonderful opportunity to see rural life in this far flung corner of Burma at first-hand.
Mrauk U introduction
Mrauk-U which straddles the Aungdat Chang river has the feel of a lost city. It is an archaeological site of vastly underestimated importance and also an area of great natural beauty set amidst rolling hills. The heavy rain during the monsoon makes One of the many hill-top temples in Mrauk U this region a haven for fruit growing and there are many verdant rice terraces dotted around the area. The farmers will smile at you as they work in the fields with some of the weirdest and wonderful temples in Southeast Asia as their back drop.
Itinerary in detail 19 Itinerary in detail
Thursday Discovering Mrauk-U 01 December, 2011 shared excursion with your driver and guide
During your time here you will explore on foot, by jeep and by ox-cart. You will Mrauk U Princess, visit the palace ruins and the small museum contained within the old walls. You Mrauk U will also visit several pagodas which lie within easy reach of the small town. The All meals are included most famous is the Shittaung pagoda which has a maze like interior and contains allegedly eighty thousand Images of the Lord Buddha. Our favourite is the moss covered Kothaung temple, often overrun with grazing goats. The town also has two very pretty lakes both close to the centre. The sightseeing is quite active, so you will need sturdy sandals (whatever you wear on your feet, you need to be ready to take them off to go inside the temple compounds).
A Burmese boy relaxes in the grounds of the Andaw pagoda
Kothaung, temple of the 90,000 Buddha images at Mrauk U
Friday Discovering Mrauk-U - Day 2 02 December, 2011 shared excursion with your driver and guide
Today you will travel a little further a field to the small village of Sun-Oe on the Mrauk U Princess, bank of Lay Mro river. From here you travel upriver through mountain ranges to Mrauk U visit Khone-Chaung Chin village home to the tattooed Chin women. The custom of All meals are included tattooing faces is no longer practiced by young women. On your return to Mrauk- U you can stop to visit the remote Chaw May Chin village, which has preserved a traditional way of life.
Tattooed Chin tribes near Mrauk U
The custom of facial tattoos with Chin tribeswomen is disappearing
20 Itinerary in detail Itinerary in detail
Saturday Mrauk U to Sittwe by Mrauk U Princess boat 03 December, 2011 transfer by shared boat with your guide
Leaving Mrauk-U you travel back down river to Sittwe by the Mrauk U Princess Savoy Hotel, Rangoon private boat. The journey is quicker in this direction as you are travelling with the Breakfast and lunch are flow of the river. It is worth taking some snacks for the journey as there is not included always very much available on the boat. On arrival in Sittwe you will be transferred to the airport for your lunchtime flight.
Sittwe to Rangoon Air Mandalay - Flight No: 6TTBC - (same day); Economy class; Non-stop flight
Transfer from Airport to Hotel transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide Mrauk U, Burma On arrival, once you have cleared any airport immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
Orange Seller, Rangoon
Sunday Rangoon: Full Day Tour 04 December, 2011 shared excursion with your driver and guide
To begin your exploration of Rangoon we recommend you start with a visit to the Savoy Hotel, Rangoon National Museum. Although the museum is sparse in places, one exhibit worth Breakfast and dinner are paying attention to is the glittering Lion Throne of King Thibaw, an extraordinary included work of art which stands over twenty feet tall and is covered with carvings depicting scenes from Burmese mythology. Also of interest are the Mandalay Regalia, a collection of gem studded arms and displays on Burmese prehistory, crafts and musical instruments.
A visit to the old colonial city centre is also a must. Using the Buddhist temple of Sule Paya as your landmark, your guide will give you a great insight into the colonial architecture which makes this city one of the most exotic in Southeast Asia. The Sule Paya is rumoured to be over 2000 years old but has been rebuilt and repaired many times over the centuries. A hair of the Buddha is said to be held in the Colonial buildings, Rangoon central stupa and the golden zedi stands 46 metres high.
The afternoon takes you shopping for souvenirs at the large, covered 'Scott' (now renamed Bogyoke) market. Close by is the Holy Trinity Anglican church which houses a book containing the names of all the Christian soldiers who fell in the Burma campaign - a page is turned in memory everyday and you may look through the record if you wish. Services are still held in English and the priest will be happy to talk to you.
Itinerary in detail 21 Itinerary in detail
Towards the end of the day a visit to the bustling Chinatown section of Rangoon will give you the opportunity to people watch and admire a few of the 100 or so Chinese temples which are prevalent in the area.
Your excursion will culminate with an evening visit to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. You will witness the magical atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon and darkness falls in this most holy of places.
This evening you have a farewell dinner at Le Planteur.
The Shwedagon pagoda shines bright in the evening
Monday Transfer from Hotel to Airport 05 December, 2011 transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide
You will be collected from your hotel and taken by private transfer to the airport in plenty of time for your onward flight. Rangoon to Bangkok Thai Airways - Flight No: TG304 - Dep: 09:50 - Arr: 11:45 - (same day); Class: Economy class; Non-stop flight
Bangkok to London Thai Airways - Flight No: TG916 - Dep: 13:30 - Arr: 19:35 - (same day); Class: Incense sticks burn below the Economy class; Non-stop flight enormous reclining Buddha in Rangoon
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.
22 Itinerary in detail Accommodation
OUR ACCOMMODATION GRADING SYSTEM Your accommodation is described on the following pages. Please do not hesitate to call us if you require any further information about any of the properties. We classify accommodation into the following categories. These are for your guidance only, they are based on the opinions of our staff and are therefore quite subjective. Basic: Very primitive accommodation where we are not aware of anything better in the region. Simple: Clean and simple but limited facilities. Medium: A good standard of accommodation, reasonable range of facilities. First Class: A high standard of accommodation with a wide range of facilities. Deluxe: Superb accommodation with facilities and service to match. Opulent: The world’s most unashamedly luxurious hotels, resorts and lodges.
Accommodation 23 Accommodation
CHATRIUM HOTEL ROYAL LAKE First Class
This modern hotel is located along the shores of Kandawgyi Lake and offers 303 comfortable guest rooms. With a good range of facilities including a swimming pool and selection of restaurants, the Chatrium offers good value accommodation in the city and is within walking distance of the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Ch i H l R
PRIVATE HOTEL, KENGTUNG Basic
The Private Hotel is a simple hotel with not much character but it is well located on a quiet avenue and within walking distance of the town centre. The hotel is constructed out of local materials such as teak and pine. All superior rooms have ensuite facilities, air-conditioning (but it might not work!) and private verandas.
Our opinion: This is a basic hotel with simple amenities but fine for a few nights stay.
24 Accommodation Accommodation
AMARA RESORT, KALAW Medium
This colonial residence, originally built in 1909 and restored in 2002 in tradition and style, is surrounded by a cottage garden with ancient trees and brightly coloured flowers. Guests can expect spectacular views over Kalaw and the Shan Mountains from the 4 double bedrooms with open fireplaces. The dining room serves traditional Burmese or European food.
Our opinion: The most luxurious and atmospheric property in Kalaw, this colonial hotel is a great base to explore the local area and embark on some treks. The cooler air and tranquil forest atmosphere make this a great hotel to relax and lose yourself in a good book.
GOLDEN ISLAND COTTAGES, INLE LAKE Medium
Wonderfully atmospheric bungalows built in a traditional style on stilts over the lake. Golden Island Cottages is a cooperative project, run and staffed by the local Pa O people. Revenue from the property is utilised for development within the community. There is a good restaurant and on some evenings there is traditional Shan dance and music.
Our opinion: A wonderful place to stay but you are isolated. You cannot get a boat to the mainland after dusk.
Accommodation 25 Accommodation
SAVOY HOTEL, RANGOON Medium
A comfortable hotel with colonial charm in the heart of the capital. The hotel has an attractive restaurant and bar, extensive wine cellar and a large pool area where you can relax in peaceful surroundings.
Our opinion: A good standard of accommodation with adequate facilities noted for its character and relaxed, informal atmosphere.
NOBLE HOTEL, SITTWE Simple
The Noble is a small, 20 room hotel in the centre of Sittwe and is one of only a few hotels in the town. All rooms have air-conditioning and ensuite facilities. Sittwe is an interesting port town to explore before making the journey on to Mrauk U and the Noble is satisfactory for a one night stay.
Our opinion: Basic accommodation and the best available. Rooms are a little on the small size.
26 Accommodation Accommodation
MRAUK U PRINCESS, MRAUK U First Class
The newest property in Mrauk U covers 38 acres of land alongside paddy fields and a river creek. Each of the 21 Garden Villa Bungalows are the same size and offer gorgeous views west towards the sunset, yet each room has its own individual styling. The hotel will form a comfortable base for visiting Mrauk U's forgotten kingdom.
Accommodation 27 Charity support
Audley has been supporting carbon reduction projects through Friends of Conservation since 2005 and in addition to this each individual department also supports a charity or charities of their choice with a yearly financial donation. These charities are close to their hearts and the team often chooses to fundraise to add to this amount. The Southeast Asia team have chosen to support Who Will, who work in Cambodia, and the World Land Trust’s project in Borneo. Please ask your specialist if you would like to find out more as in most instances they will have visited the charity themselves, or one of their colleagues will have.
About Who Will Introducing a new concept in childcare, Who Will is a charity that cares for orphans and disadvantaged children in Cambodia. In 2007 UNICEF estimated that there were approximately 600,000 orphans in Cambodia. There are many Non Government Organisations working in Cambodia that aim to help and look after these children. Who Will is one of those, but uniquely believes that wherever possible children should be raised in a family environment and residence in an orphanage should only be considered as a last resort. To make this idea a reality, Who Will are building a village, which is located approximately 30 miles from Phnom Penh. Ultimately the village will comprise of 10 family homes, two classrooms, a multi-use building (computer room, library, office and clinic in one), community hall and staff quarters. Each of the family homes will house up to 12 children and a house mother, who is responsible for bringing up her family of orphans. In the future as the project evolves the house mothers will be replaced with married couples. This will allow children to grow up in a real family environment and ensure that the children do not carry the unjustified stigma, which occurs in Cambodia of ‘coming from an orphanage’.
Children at playing between classes at the Who Will village
Audley and Who Will in the Future So far the charity has completed three of the houses and the children moved into their new homes in 2009. Fundraising is underway so that the rest of the village can be completed. For those who would like to see the project in action we can arrange for you to visit the village and donations are gratefully accepted by the charity. The Southeast Asia team at Audley will be fundraising over the year in order to add to our annual contribution to Who Will in Cambodia.
If you would like further information please speak one of our Cambodia specialists on 01993 838 160.
28 Charity support Charity support
The World Land Trust (WLT) and their work in Borneo WLT is a UK charity, established in 1989, which works internationally to help create nature reserves, by funding the purchase of privately owned land that has high conservation value. They have identified land in the lower Kinabatangan flood plain area of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo that connects two already protected government owned reserves. The incredibly high levels of bio- diversity found in the Kinabatangan river basin is attributed to the seven distinct and different ecosystems found in the area, which provide a habitat and source of food for a vast array of animals and plant life. Of particular note are the endangered Bornean orang-utan, nine other species of primates including the proboscis monkey and western tarsier, the Bornean pygmy elephant and all eight species of hornbill. If this land is not purchased as part of this initiative, it will become another palm oil plantation. Palm oil is used in 1/10 products found in British supermarkets and is also a popular bio-fuel. The palm oil industry has allegedly been responsible for a 50% reduction in orang-utan habitat between 1992 – 2003. If this specific tract of land becomes a plantation it would create two separate “wildlife islands” unable to sustain viable animal populations, especially acute for the orang-utan. However, linking these areas up will create a much larger “wildlife corridor” helping to ensure the future prosperity of all species in this unique ecosystem.
Leopard Cat, Kinabatangan River basin, Sabah, Borneo
Audley and The World Land Trust (WLT) in Borneo The Southeast Asia team will be raising funds through various events and initiatives to help the WLT continue with land purchases in the lower Kinabatangan River basin. The first tract of land identified as a key purchase was recently secured by WLT having raised £343,000 for its purchase. Now they plan to continue this programme in this area of Borneo with new land acquisition targets in the pipeline in order to ensure the survival of this unique ecosystem and its threatened inhabitants.
If you would like further information about this WLT project, please speak to your Southeast Asia Specialist on 01993 838 100 or visit the WLT website www.worldlandtrust.org/projects/malaysia.htm
Charity support 29 General Information
Financial security Travel insurance Health We hold an Air Travel It is advisable to take out your travel It is essential that you see your GP or a Organiser's Licence insurance at the time of booking your travel clinic before travelling to make (ATOL) issued by the Civil trip as cover will commence for pre- sure that you have taken all the Aviation Authority (ATOL departure cancellation from the policy necessary health precautions. Some number 4817). When you buy an issue date. This will, therefore, provide vaccinations require more than one ATOL protected air inclusive holiday* cover should you have to cancel your visit with a period of weeks between from us, you will receive a trip for an insured reason such as injections. You should visit your GP at confirmation invoice from us (or via illness or serious accident. least six weeks before departure. For our authorised agent through which up to date medical advice you may wish you booked) confirming your We strongly recommend that you and to call the Medical Advisory Service for arrangements and your protection all members of your party are Travellers Abroad (MASTA). under our ATOL. In the unlikely event adequately insured, protecting against of our insolvency the CAA will ensure unforeseen circumstances that could MASTA Traveller’s Health Line that you are not left stranded abroad otherwise spoil your travels. Cover Before travelling abroad, you can and will arrange to refund any money should include emergency medical telephone 0906 550 1402 (premium you have paid to us for an advance expenses, personal accident and rate call 60p/minute) to obtain a booking. repatriation. In addition, we strongly ‘Health Brief’ specifically tailored to recommend that you include baggage, your journey. Your brief will give *The air inclusive holidays we arrange personal liability and cancellation cover. information about immunisation and are ATOL protected providing either malaria as well as any Foreign Office the person who pays for the booking is We are working with Endsleigh advice and the latest health news. Their present in the UK when the booking is Insurance Services Limited to offer you lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a made or the first leg of any flight or a range of excellent single and multi- week. MASTA, 52 Margaret Street, flights we arrange for you commences trip policies. These include: London W1W 8SQ. Internet: in the UK. For further information, www.masta.org visit the ATOL website at • Personal Accident cover www.atol.org.uk • Repatriation cover Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Not all holiday or travel services • Baggage cover The majority of international airlines offered and sold by us will be • Personal Liability cover now issue advice on how to lessen the protected by the ATOL scheme. Those • Overseas legal expenses risk of DVT, however, if you have any arrangements which are not protected • Cancellation or curtailment charge concerns, we recommend that you by our ATOL are covered by insurance cover consult your doctor. arranged by the IGI insurance company. This insurance means your These policies also cover over 80 Pre-existing medical money will be refunded or you will be sports and activities as standard and conditions/Disabled passengers returned to the starting point of your you can add cover for more It is essential that you advise us before contracted arrangements if already adventurous activities such as white booking if you have any disability or abroad in the unlikely event of our water rafting up to grade 4, trekking up pre-existing medical condition which being unable to provide your holiday to 6,000 metres and scuba diving up to may affect your holiday or any special due to our insolvency. Please ask us to 40 metres, to name a few. requirements as a result of any confirm what protection will apply to disability or medical condition your booking. This is only a summary of the cover (including any which affect the booking provided. The policy document can be process) so that we can assist you in read in full on Endsleigh’s website, considering the suitability of the which can be accessed by following the arrangements and/or making the link below. booking.
To receive a quote and to book your Full details must be confirmed in travel insurance online please go to writing at the time of booking and www.endsleigh.co.uk/AudleyTravel whenever any change in the condition or call our dedicated team at or disability occurs. You must also Endsleigh on 0800 028 0063. Please promptly advise us if any medical let them know you are travelling condition or disability which may affect with Audley when you call them for your holiday develops after your a quote. booking has been confirmed. The nature of many of the destinations featured within our brochures means that in the majority of cases they are unsuitable for those who are wheelchair bound or have a lack of
30 General Information General Information
mobility. We will be delighted to currently require visas, in advance of no change of aircraft is scheduled but discuss the feasibility of creating a travel, for the following destinations touchdowns will be made en route tailor-made itinerary for you that takes featured in our brochures: Armenia, either to refuel or to board or into consideration your level of Australia, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Burma, disembark passengers. On non-stop mobility. China, Cuba, Gabon, Georgia, India, flights no change of aircraft is required Iran, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, and no stops are made en route. On our escorted group tours the Tour Madagascar (not necessary for 2009 Virtually all of the flights that we use Leader is, unfortunately, unable to offer travel), Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, are direct and many are non-stop. additional assistance to passengers with Libya, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Exact details will be given with your limited mobility and all such assistance Russia, São Tomé & Príncipe, Syria, itinerary. will need to be provided by whoever Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tibet, the passenger is travelling with. We Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Premium Economy, Business and may request that you provide a letter Vietnam and Zambia. (Visitors to Syria First Class from your doctor confirming your can get visas on arrival but we will If you require business or first class fitness to travel. need to send your passport details flights these can be arranged on most prior to travel). Visas may be required airlines at very competitive rates. High altitude for other countries but can be Premium economy can be arranged on Your itinerary may include sections arranged on arrival. certain airlines, please call us for where the altitude exceeds 10,000 feet details. (3,048 metres). If you suffer from We are normally able to obtain visas circulation, heart or respiratory on your behalf, please ask for details at Specific seat requests problems we advise that you consult the time of booking. Non-British We will do all we can to try to reserve with your doctor before confirming passport holders should check with the a specific seat for you, if you have a your booking. relevant embassies as visa preference. However, whilst airlines requirements may be different to those may allow us to request seats, they will Smoking of British passport holders. It is your not guarantee any specific seat Airlines do not permit smoking on the responsibility to ensure you have the reservation. If this is important to you, aircraft. At the request of the majority correct documentation and visa it is always best to arrive for your flight of our clients we do not allow smoking stamp(s). Failure or inability to obtain early, regardless of having made this on any form of transport used for our all required visas for whatever reason request in advance. Please make it clear escorted group tours. Stops are does not entitle you to cancel without on your booking form if you have a regularly made where you will be able paying the applicable cancellation specific request. to smoke. For smokers travelling on a charges. tailor-made tour we request that you Flight amendments check with your driver or guide Travel advice We generally use special ‘inclusive whether smoking is permitted in the The Foreign and Commonwealth tour’ fares when we purchase your air vehicle. Office Travel Advice Unit monitors all tickets from the airlines. While these overseas destinations and offers safety fares are very good value they are Health and safety standards advice to British travellers. You can inflexible in terms of changes and offer no refunds once the tickets are issued. Each country has its own regulations contact the service on 0845 850 2829 Once your flight is confirmed the and enforcement levels relating to or visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel airlines will charge an amendment fee health and safety standards. These do or insist on the purchase of a not always match the very high Carbon off-setting completely new ticket if you make standards we are used to in the UK. Please let your specialist know if you changes. We therefore recommend that you would like to carbon offset your flights. follow a few precautionary safety We work with Friends of Conservation Internal flights procedures. Always check where the and all offsetting payments are donated Smaller local airlines are often more nearest fire exit is and how to raise the through them. For more details visit likely to change their schedule at short fire alarm. Do not enter a swimming www.audleytravel.com/offset. The notice. We will endeavour to inform pool before checking the water depth suggested amounts are in line with the you of any changes in advance of first. For more suggestions please see DEFRA’s current guidelines for the travelling but this may not always be the Important Information section in cost per tonne of carbon. If you wish possible. your Travel Organiser. to ensure that Gift Aid is included
please donate directly via Frequent Flyer Clubs Passport and visa information for www.audleytravel.com/offset If you collect points through any of the British Citizens airline frequent flyer clubs please Flights and airlines Passengers must hold a passport which provide your membership details on is valid for at least six months following The difference between a direct flight the booking form and we will ensure the return date of your holiday. British and a non-stop flight can cause that these are recorded against your passport holders (full British Citizens) confusion. To clarify, on a direct flight flight reservation. Please note that on
General Information 31 General Information
some of our specially negotiated Travel in the developing world time of booking or to overseas ‘inclusive tour’ fares points are not Many of our destinations are in the customers who have booked directly always awarded. developing world where attitudes, with the member. Members have to infrastructure, priorities, lifestyles and comply with UK Government UK airport hotels, car parking and cultures are very different from our Regulations in this respect. Members lounges own. This is often the very reason to submit details of their bonding and guarantee arrangements to the We are able to arrange airport hotel visit the destination but certain aspects Association on a regular basis. accommodation, car parking, meet and may be frustrating. We always advise greet services and airport lounge that the first thing you should pack is Accurate brochures and web sites access in the UK, subject to availability. your sense of humour. This can prove All members do their utmost to ensure To arrange any of these services please invaluable when travelling over rougher that all their brochures and other call our Reservations Administration roads, waiting for a delayed aircraft and publications, print or electronic, clearly Team on 01993 838 051. communicating with hotel staff whose and accurately describe the holidays first language is not English. and services offered. Hotel information Data Protection Act There is frequent confusion over the Professional service and continual We will hold your name, address and terminology used for bed arrangements improvements any other details you supply us with on in hotel rooms. A ‘double’ is All members are committed to high our database. This information will be recognised as meaning a room with a standards of service and believe in used to make your travel arrangements double bed, this may be two single regular and thorough training of and to send you information about beds pushed together. A ‘twin’ is a employees. Members continually seek Audley Travel. In order to make your room with two single beds. Please note to review and improve their holidays. travel arrangements we will need to that all rooms are allocated at the They listen to their customers and pass your details to companies and discretion of the hotel and cannot be always welcome suggestions for individuals outside the EC where less guaranteed. improving standards. stringent data protection controls may
be in place. We will not pass on your Single rooms Monitoring standards details to third parties for any other Single rooms tend to be smaller than AITO endeavours to monitor quality purposes. double or twin rooms, however, many standards regularly. All customers hotels do not have single rooms, in should receive a post-holiday AITO Quality Charter: which case you will be allocated a twin questionnaire the results of which are or double room. The Association of Independent scrutinised by the Association. Tour Operators Special dietary requirements AITO is the association for Responsible tourism Special diets should be requested on independent and specialist holiday All members acknowledge the the booking form, however, it is companies. Our member companies, importance of AITO’s Responsible unrealistic to expect special diets to be usually owner-managed, strive to Tourism guidelines, which recognise catered for in some of the destinations create overseas holidays with high the social, economic and environmental we feature. We will advise the hotels levels of professionalism and a shared responsibilities of tour operating. and airlines of your request but we concern for quality and personal Those demonstrating their cannot guarantee their availability. service. The Association encourages achievements beyond the pure the highest standards in all aspects of acceptance of this principle are Brochure and itinerary accuracy tour operating. recognised by the award of 2 or 5 star We thoroughly check all the status. information that is included within our Exclusive membership brochures and individual tour AITO sets criteria regarding Customer relations itineraries, however, changes do occur ownership, finance and quality which All members endeavour to deal swiftly and errors are occasionally made. must be satisfied before new and fairly with any issues their Airlines may change their schedules, companies are admitted to customers may raise. In the unlikely roads may close and government membership. All members are required event that a dispute between an AITO regulations may alter. Should there be to adhere to a Code of Business member and a customer cannot be any changes to the travel arrangements Practice which encourages high settled amicably, AITO’s low-cost you have booked we will do our best operational standards and conduct. Independent Dispute Settlement to keep you informed of the situation Service may be called upon by either prior to departure. Financial security side to bring the matter to a speedy An AITO member is required to and acceptable conclusion. Audley is a protect money paid by customers to member of the Association of the member for any holiday sold under Independent Tour Operators. To the AITO logo. This protection applies contact the Association, visit to customers who are in the UK at the www.aito.co.uk or call 020 8744 9280.
32 General Information Terms and conditions
Please read the following conditions carefully. All holidays we have contracted to provide will be held by them on our can reasonably expect to have a major effect on your are sold by us subject to these conditions and the other behalf. If you book your holiday through a travel agent who holiday. Significant changes are likely to include the general information in this booklet, our brochures and is not a member of ABTA, all payments must be made to following changes when made before departure; a change quotations. us directly and not your travel agent. of accommodation to that of a lower official classification Audley Travel Group Ltd (whose administrative offices are or standard for the whole or a major part of the time you at New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxon OX29 9SX) 2. If you change your holiday are away*, a change of accommodation area for the whole are members of the Association of Independent Tour If, after the contract between us has come into existence, or a major part of the time you are away, a change of UK Operators. Audley Travel Group Ltd (hereafter referred you want to change your holiday we will do our best to outward departure time or overall length of time you are to as ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) offers a number of products and the pass your request to the relevant supplier, however we away of twelve or more hours, or a change of UK trading names we use are ‘Audley’, and ‘Audley Travel’. In cannot guarantee that such changes can be made. Where a departure airport to one which is more inconvenient for these Terms & Conditions, ‘you’ and ‘your’ means all change can be made, we will charge for any additional costs you (except as between Gatwick and Heathrow). persons named on the booking, or any of them as incurred including any costs imposed or incurred by any of applicable (including anyone who is added or substituted at our suppliers, and including for example cancellation *Please note: A change affecting a stay in a hotel during a a later date). charges that may be incurred for sectors cancelled. You tour where the hotel itself is not the focus of the tour, does should note, for example, that a change of name on or not constitute a significant change. Your contract with us and all matters arising out of it are other alteration to an airline ticket will usually incur a 100% governed by English law. We both agree that any dispute, cancellation charge and full rebooking fee. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will claim or other matter which arises out of or in connection tell you as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before with this contract or your holiday, will be dealt with by the 3. If you cancel your holiday departure, we will offer you the choice of the following AITO Arbitration Scheme - see clause 9 or the Courts of If you have to cancel part of the booking or cancel the options:- England and Wales only unless, in the case of Court entire booking once it has been confirmed by us, written proceedings, you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In notification must be sent to us by recorded delivery post or (a) (for significant changes) accepting the changed this case, proceedings may be brought in the Courts of by email. As proof of receipt by email of your notification to arrangements or your home country. If proceedings are brought in Scotland cancel you must receive and retain written or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have your acknowledgement from Audley Travel. Charges will be (b) purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar contract governed by the law of Scotland/Northern Ireland applied from the date the letter is received, or the email is standard to that originally booked if available. Please note: as applicable. If you do not so choose, English law will apply. acknowledged by Audley Travel, according to the scale Due to the original and individual nature of our holidays it below. The charges are applied as a percentage of the total frequently may not be possible to offer you a comparable 1. Paying for your holiday holiday cost excluding any amendment charges and any holiday to that originally booked. (i) The procedure for making a booking is shown in your amounts paid in addition to the deposit at the time of itinerary quotation and on our website. All bookings are booking or before balance due date (see clauses 1(ii) and (c) cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which case subject to these terms and conditions and by asking us to I(iv)) which are non refundable in the event of cancellation. you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you confirm your booking, the person who makes the booking have paid to us. is taken to have accepted these booking conditions on The following cancellation charges apply if your final balance behalf of all persons named on the booking. Once we have due date is 8 weeks prior to departure. Please note, You must advise us of your decision within 7 days of the received the applicable payment(s) due at the time of different cancellation charges apply in relation to certain date on which we notified you of the significant change or booking (see below), we will, subject to availability of the products – please see your quote for details. cancellation. Please note, the above options are not requested arrangements, send you your invoice. It is at the available where any change made is a minor one. A minor point when we issue this to you that a valid contract will Period before departure Cancellation change is any change which, taking account of the come into existence between us. Please check your date within which written Charge information you have given us at the time of booking or confirmation/invoice and all tickets/documents carefully as notification is received at Per Person which we can reasonably be expected to know as a tour soon as you receive them and contact us immediately if our offices operator, we could not reasonably expect to have a you think any details are incorrect. We regret we cannot significant effect on your confirmed holiday. accept any liability if we are not notified of any inaccuracies Up to balance due date Deposit only (for which we are responsible) in any document within ten Balance due date-43 days 30% If we have to make a significant change or cancellation we days of our sending it out (five days for tickets).We will do 42-29 days 60% will pay you the compensation set out below subject to the our best to rectify any mistake notified to us outside these 28-3 days 90% following exceptions. Compensation will not be payable time limits but you must meet any costs involved in doing Within 2 days 100% and no liability beyond offering the above mentioned so. choices can be accepted where (1) we are forced to make Alterations or cancellations by you after a change or cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable (ii) The deposit is part payment of the holiday. The deposit commencement of travel and unused services circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of required will be shown on the quotation page of your We will do our best to implement any changes to your which we could not have avoided even with all due care or itinerary. In addition to the deposit, full or part payment of arrangements you request once they have commenced, but (2) we have to cancel because the minimum number of certain elements of your holiday (such as flights) may be we cannot guarantee this will be possible. In the event of bookings necessary for us to operate your holiday has not required at the time booking or at some point between such amendments being made you will be liable for any been reached - in this case we will notify you no less than booking and balance due date. Also see clause I (iv). The cancellation charges that may be levied for the services 60 days before departure. Please note: all escorted group deposit and all such additional payments are non refundable originally booked, and for the cost of booking the revised trips are based on group arrangements involving a given except as set out in clause 4. The balance must be paid not arrangements and the arrangements themselves. As a basic minimum number of passengers. No compensation will be later than the date specified on the invoice. This is normally principle, no refunds will be paid to clients who do not payable and the above options will not be available if we no less than 8 weeks before the departure date. However, complete a tour. However where we ourselves are able to cancel as a result of your failure to comply with any there are a few destinations or trip components that obtain a refund from hotels or principals for services not requirement of these booking conditions entitling us to require payment no less than 90 days before the departure used, we will pass this on to you, less any reasonable cancel (such as paying on time). date which will be specified on your invoice and quotation. administration charges. Please note if we do not receive all payments due (including Period of notification of Compensation any surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we are THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE change before scheduled per person entitled to assume that you wish to cancel your booking. In If you have taken out holiday insurance you may, depending departure date this case, we will be entitled to keep all amounts paid or on the detail of your policy, be able to recover the due at that date. If we do not cancel straight away because cancellation charges, check your policy for details. Never More than 60 days Nil you have promised to make payment, you must pay the travel without insurance, the unexpected can always 60-43 days £10 cancellation charges shown in clause 3 depending on the happen. It is your responsibility to ensure you are 42-29 days £20 date we reasonably treat your booking as cancelled. adequately covered by insurance. Please read your policy 28-15 days £30 and take it on holiday with you. 14-0 days £40 (iii) Full payment is required at the time of booking for all bookings made after balance due date as above. 4. If we change your holiday In the unlikely event that we become unable to provide a We start planning the holidays we offer many months in significant proportion of the services you have booked after (iv) On occasions, we may be asked by suppliers to make advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and you depart, we will make alternative arrangements for you payment to them earlier than normal. Such requests may, correct errors in itineraries and other details both before at no extra charge, or, if this is impossible, or you do not for example, be made in order to secure accommodation and after bookings have been confirmed and cancel accept these alternative arrangements for a good reason, and other services during periods of peak demand. Whilst confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid we will provide you with transport back to the point where suppliers may have no contractual right to make such changes and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do your holiday arrangements with us commenced. If we are requests, failure to comply with them may result in the loss so. However, we promise we will only cancel your forced by ‘force majeure’ (see clause 5) to change or of confirmed arrangements. Where this situation arises, we confirmed booking after balance due date where you have terminate your holiday after departure but before the reserve the right to ask you to make payment of the failed to comply with any requirement of these booking scheduled end of your time away, we regret we will be requested sum within a stipulated period and prior to conditions entitling us to cancel (such as paying on time) or unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain any refunds balance due date. We will of course endeavour to avoid where we are forced to do so as a result of ‘force majeure’ from our suppliers), pay you any compensation or meet any doing so if we can. Any such early payment will be non as defined in clause 5 below. We will not cancel after this costs or expenses you incur as a result except as set out refundable except as set out in clause 4. date for any other reason. above.
(v) If you are booking your holiday through one of our Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a 5. Force majeure authorised travel agents the balance must be paid to the ‘significant change’. A significant change is a change made Except as set out in these terms and conditions, we cannot agent two weeks prior to the applicable balance due date as before departure which, taking account of the information accept liability or pay any compensation where the specified on the invoice and quotation. All payments made you give us at the time of booking and which we can performance or prompt performance of our contractual to one of our authorised travel agents for the arrangements reasonably be expected to know as a tour operator, we obligations is prevented or affected, or you otherwise Terms and conditions 33 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 34 Terms and conditions Terms and conditions
You undertake to behave with propriety and in such a on a particular itinerary or programme, this information 14. Prices and Brochure Accuracy manner as in no way causes or is likely to cause distress, should be regarded as a term of the contract. Please note, the information and prices shown in our danger or annoyance to other clients and/or any third party brochures and/or quotations may have changed by the time or damage to property. If, in the view of ourselves, our The hotel classifications given in our brochure, quotations you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is employees, agents or suppliers, you are in breach of this and dossiers and fact sheets are for guidance only. They are made to ensure the accuracy of the brochures, quotations clause, we reserve the right to terminate your contract and not based on any national or international classification and prices at the time of printing or when they are given to neither we nor the providers of any of the services in system, they are the opinions of our staff or agents and are you, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must question will have any further contractual obligations to you quite subjective. therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen either in respect of covering any expenses, paying any holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. compensation or refunds, or arranging for your return 11. Special requests home. If you have any special request, you must advise us in 15. Honeymoon Gift Service writing at the time of booking. Although we will endeavour All honeymoon bookings and use of Audley's Honeymoon When you book with us, you accept responsibility for any to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, Gift Service are subject to our terms & conditions. It is damage or loss caused by you. Full payment for any such we regret we cannot guarantee any request will be met important to note that in the unfortunate event of the damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely unless we have specifically confirmed this. For your own cancellation of your booking you will be responsible for all known) must be paid direct at the time to the protection, you should obtain confirmation in writing from cancellation charges as detailed in our Terms & Conditions. accommodation owner or manager or other supplier. If the us that your request will be complied with (where it is Audley also reserve the right to charge a £150 actual cost of the loss or damage exceeds the amount paid possible for us to give this) if your request is important to administration fee to cover refunding all monies to your where estimated, you must pay the difference once known. you. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or guests. These refunds will only be made once all If the actual cost is less than the amount paid, the difference passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of the special cancellation charges have been paid. As the client, you will will be refunded. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible request on your confirmation invoice or any other take on the responsibility for the full payment of the for meeting any claims subsequently made against us documentation is not confirmation that the request will be booking as the amount of your guest contributions cannot (together with our own and the other party’s full legal met. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special be guaranteed. costs) as a result of your actions. requests are subject to availability. Audley Travel Group Limited. Registered Address: New You must ensure that all your travel documents, full We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 9SX. passports, visas, vaccination certificates, currency and any booking which is specified to be conditional on the Registered in England with Company Reg. No. 3190720. travellers cheques are in order and valid for travel. All costs fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be VAT Reg. No.676420523. October 2009 incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by treated as ‘standard’ bookings subject to the above you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are provisions on special requests. refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. We If you have any medical problem or disability which may are able to give general advice on these matters for British affect your holiday, please tell us before you confirm your citizens holding a British passport. However, non-British booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the citizens and non British passport holders should check with chosen arrangements. In any event, you must give us full their embassy or consulate vis-a-vis current requirements. details in writing at the time of booking. You must also See also our General Information section. promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents has been confirmed. If we reasonably feel unable to results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being properly accommodate the particular needs of the person imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us concerned, we must reserve the right to decline their accordingly. reservation or, if full details are not given at the time of booking, cancel when we become aware of these details. The name on your airline tickets must be the name that appears on your full passport. 12. Your financial protection We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) issued Please note that if you believe that we have stated orally by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 4817). that a particular facility or service should be available, but is When you buy an ATOL protected air inclusive holiday* not in the brochure or in writing from us, please make from us, you will receive a confirmation invoice from us (or reference to it on the booking form so that we may via our authorised agent through which you booked) confirm it to you when accepting your booking. confirming your arrangements and your protection under our ATOL. In the unlikely event of our insolvency the CAA 9. Complaints will ensure that you are not left stranded abroad and will Should you have any complaints about any aspect of your arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an holiday arrangements, you must inform our local advance booking. representative or tour leader immediately and the supplier of the arrangements concerned. Problems can most easily * The air inclusive holidays we arrange are ATOL be dealt with on the spot. Please note, if you do not report protected providing either the person who pays for the a problem or complaint which, if it had been reported at booking is present in the UK when the booking is made or the time it occurred could have been resolved there and the first leg of any flight or flights we arrange for you then we cannot accept any liability in respect of that commences in the UK. For further information, visit the problem or complaint. It is sensible to expect a client ATOL website at http://www.atol.org.uk travelling in the developing world to be reasonably resourceful if things go wrong. If you experience any Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will difficulties, contact us in the UK on our 24 hour emergency be protected by the ATOL scheme. Those arrangements telephone service. The number will be found on your pre- which are not protected by our ATOL are covered by departure information and with your tickets. In the unlikely insurance arranged by IGI insurance company. This event that an acceptable solution cannot be found, you insurance means your money will be refunded or you will should then write to us within 28 days of your return with be returned to the starting point of your contracted full details of your complaint. If you fail to follow this arrangements if already abroad in the unlikely event of our complaints procedure, your right to claim the being unable to provide your holiday due to our insolvency. compensation you may otherwise have been entitled to For further details visit www.audleytravel.com/protect may be affected or even lost as a result. Please ask us to confirm what protection will apply to your If we cannot reach an amicable solution to any dispute you booking. do have the right to refer the dispute to the Association of Independent Tour Operators which operates an 13. Excursions Independent Dispute Service (details on request) for Please note that we do not provide or arrange excursions resolution of the dispute by a mediator provided the claim other than those listed in your itinerary and forming part of does not involve personal accident, injury or illness. the arrangements booked and paid for in the UK. Our local representatives or guides may put you in touch with local 10. The brochure and quotation organisers of excursions if you request but we can have no We have taken every care in ensuring that the information liability for such excursions, as your contract for such in the brochure and given in quotations/itineraries is excursions will be with a local company providing the correct at the time of publication. However we are sure services and not with us. you will appreciate that subsequently minor alterations may arise. We reserve the right to change any of the prices, services or other particulars contained in this brochure or any quotation at any time before we enter into a contract with you. If there is any change we will notify you before we enter into such contract. Where we state that additional information, a fact sheet or a dossier is available
Terms and conditions 35