Classic Myanmar (Burma) Escorted Group Tour
19 February 2015
The temples of Bagan, Myanmar
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Contents
Meet our specialists______4 Introduction to tour ______6 Day by day summary of our Classic Myanmar (Burma) arrangements ______8 Price ______10 Why travel with us? ______11 Introduction to the region ______12 Photographs of the region ______16 Itinerary in detail ______18 Accommodation information ______34 Airline info ______39 Charity support ______40 General information ______41 Terms and conditions ______44 Booking form ______back page
Workers in rice fields have a catch up, Myanmar
CONTACT This tour has been put together by: Quality of Service
Angela Jordan Most companies claim to offer first Myanmar Specialist class service, but very few genuinely Direct Line: 01993 838 114 set out to achieve it. At Audley we are wholeheartedly devoted to Telephone: 01993 838 100 offering you first class service from Fax: 01993 838 010 the moment we start planning your E-mail: trip until after your return. If you feel [email protected] that our standards at any time drop below your expectations or you have After graduating from Leeds University, Angela worked any suggestions about how we could improve our in conference and events sales before taking a career service, then please contact the Southeast Asia Manager, break to pursue her lifelong passion of travel. Following Natalie Lewis on 01993 838 101 or email 12 months exploring Southeast Asia, Australia, New [email protected] Zealand and China she reluctantly returned to the UK, frequently finding herself reminiscing about the We may record telephone calls to ensure quality of service and for wonderful sights, cultures and wildlife of Southeast Asia. training purposes. Her love of the region led her to embark on a month in the rainforest, volunteering at an Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo. This experience proved to be life changing, leading to a change of career, and now Angela spends her days passing on her knowledge and passion for Southeast Asia to others. Since joining Audley, Angela has been lucky enough to have travelled back to the area many times, visiting the incredibly diverse countries of Borneo, Malaysia, Indonesia and most recently Myanmar. Outside of work, Angela is a keen photographer, scuba diver and enjoys great food.
4 Meet our specialists Meet our Myanmar Specialists
Audley have been arranging trips to Myanmar for our clients for over 15 years. Since the release from house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi and the announcement that she now welcomes careful visitors, demand has grown and we now have 12 Myanmar specialists. They have explored all corners of the country and are passionate about ensuring that every trip we create considers how to travel responsibly in Myanmar. We raised funds to rebuild a school after the 2008 cyclone and we are constantly looking for ways to preserve the culture, heritage and environment of this beautiful country.
Meet our specialists 5 Introduction to our Classic Myanmar (Burma) tour
• Introduction to the tour With years of experience in operating tours to Burma, or Myanmar as it is now known, we have designed this very comprehensive tour. It includes the main points of interest such as Yangon's shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda, the stilted villages of Inle Lake, wonderfully evocative Mandalay and the thirty square miles of temples and pagodas at Bagan. The tour also includes a day trip to the colonial hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) with its pretty botanical gardens and quaint houses. There is also a two night cruise, which traverses the Ayeyarwady River between Bagan and Mandalay, and a visit to Green Hill Valley elephant camp near Kalaw. We are also offering an optional hot air balloon flight over Bagan at sunrise - worth every penny to get a different perspective on the temples of Bagan.
• Home Truths Myanmar is a country where things are changing faster than we can type them! We try to keep on top of the changes, but please let us know if while you are travelling you spot any information that is now outdated. We aim to provide accurate and detailed information and to make you aware of the less positive aspects of the journey you are undertaking, some facts you should be aware of are outlined below:
Internal flight schedules are often changed at short notice, and sometimes the airline as well as the timings may change. Please see the introduction to Myanmar on page 12 for further information.
Please note that Travellers Cheques are not accepted in Myanmar and the situation regarding the use of credit cards and ATM's is constantly changing. It is best to take enough US dollars cash for your trip in NEW dollar bills as hotels, shops, restaurants and money changers will not accept old, damaged, discoloured notes or those with CB serial numbers. For further information on money please see the introduction to Myanmar on page 12.
• Single Travellers We welcome single travellers on our tours. You have two options, you can choose to share a room with another single traveller on the tour and pay the standard tour price or you can choose to guarantee sole occupancy of a room, in which case a supplement is payable.
• Group Size The group size is kept to a maximum of 16, this ensures that the trip is a more personal experience and that you can always hear and speak to your guides. The small group size also ensures that your experience of a particular sight is not marred by presence of too many people.
• Local Guides An experienced English-speaking local tour leader will meet you on arrival in Myanmar and travel with you throughout your time in the destination. Our local guides are carefully selected for their in-depth knowledge, interpretation, and ability to manage large groups as well as their skills as charming hosts.
• Dining Daily breakfasts and all meals on-board the Paukan and at Inle Lake are included. There is a Welcome dinner at The Governor's Residence and a Farewell dinner at Le Planteur as well as an additional nine lunches and two dinners, all of which are included in the tour. Other meals than those mentioned will be at your own arrangement and restaurant recommendations will be provided for your benefit prior to travel. If you have any special dietary requirements please do let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
• Extending You have the option to extend your trip, maybe with a few days relaxing by the beach or discovering a nearby region on a short tour. You may also choose to break the journey to and from Myanmar with a stop over in Bangkok. On any extension, you will be looked after by our carefully selected local agent. Please contact Angela to discuss options.
• Health & Fitness Requirements To ensure that all participants get the most out of the tour, it is important that you are fully aware of the level of activity and fitness and medical health required to successfully complete this itinerary. Please read this dossier carefully prior to confirming your place on the tour, and having established the facts, it is your responsibility to contact us with any concerns regarding individual levels of fitness, health or ability. Please be aware that our tour leaders have the right to exclude customers from the tour if they feel they are not sufficiently fit, healthy or able to complete the tour without affecting its safety, comfort or smooth progress. If you would like to discuss any of these issues further please call Angela on 01993 838 114.
6 Introduction to our Classic Myanmar (Burma) tour Introduction to our Classic Myanmar (Burma) tour
• Activity Levels - Low The vast majority of this trip does not require any significant level of physical fitness or agility. However, there are a few elements which involve getting in and out of boats or walking on rough unsurfaced paths and so a certain degree of physical dexterity will be required. An experienced guide will be on hand to help anyone should they need it. Some excursions also involve an option to climb steps or paths which may be steep, loose and/or wet underfoot. You should also be aware and prepared for the following on this trip:
* High altitude - there are no high altitude elements on this tour.
* At Inle Lake longtail boats are used to transport you from the gateway town of Nyaung Shwe to your accommodation on the lake, as well as for sightseeing. A certain level of dexterity is required for stepping in and out of the boats.
* At the Green Hill Valley elephant camp there is the option to take a walk through the countryside, but you do not have to join in with this.
* Some of the roads in Myanmar are poorly maintained making some journeys quite bumpy.
* It may on occasion be necessary to carry your own luggage through airports or from the vehicles to hotels and vice versa.
Please also refer to the General Information section for further information on health requirements for group tours.
Visas Myanmar UK citizens visiting Myanmar (Burma) require a visa. Ordinary tourist visas are valid for one month from (Burma) the date of entry into Myanmar. You must enter Myanmar within three months of the visa being issued. If you choose to use the Audley Travel visa service, we will send you the appropriate forms in good time. The visa application process with the Burmese embassy has been known to be quite erratic but on average takes two weeks to complete. With this in mind we strongly urge people to apply as soon as they receive the forms from us.
Please note your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date of return to the UK and you must have at least two full blank pages available.
Important Note: We cannot under any circumstances guarantee that your visa application for any country will be accepted. However, in our experience refusals are extremely rare. Visa information is given in good faith and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.
Introduction to our Classic Myanmar (Burma) tour 7 Day by day summary
1 Thursday 19 Fly from London to Bangkok with Thai Airways. Overnight onboard the aircraft. February 2015
2 Friday 20 In Bangkok you will transit to your flight to Yangon. Once The Governor's Residence, February 2015 through immigration you will be met by your guide and driver Yangon (Rangoon) and transferred to your hotel in the leafy Embassy Quarter of Deluxe room the city. Dinner is included
A welcome dinner has been arranged this evening at the Governor's Residence giving you the opportunity to get to know the rest of the group.
3 Saturday 21 This morning you will explore the colonial heritage of the city The Governor's Residence, February 2015 of Yangon including a stop at a local teashop. You will return Yangon (Rangoon) to the hotel for lunch and then in the afternoon you will visit Deluxe room the spectacular highlight of Yangon - the Shwedagon Pagoda. Breakfast and lunch are included The day ends with some exploration of 19th street where you have the chance to try a beer with the locals.
4 Sunday 22 After a flight to Heho you will be transferred to Inle Lake Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake February 2015 with a stop for lunch and wine tasting at the Red Mountain Lake Front chalet vineyard. All meals are included
Dinner is also included at the hotel this evening.
5 Monday 23 You have a full day tour of the picturesque Inle Lake by boat. Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake February 2015 The tour will take in several interesting pagodas and Lake Front chalet monasteries. All meals are included
6 Tuesday 24 The group has another day to explore Inle Lake as well as the Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake February 2015 fascinating temple complex at Indein. Lake Front chalet All meals are included
7 Wednesday 25 You have a morning at leisure before transferring to Nyaung Amara Mountain Resort, Kalaw February 2015 Shwe by boat and onto Kalaw by road. After a late lunch at Deluxe Room the hotel you have the rest of the afternoon free to explore Breakfast and lunch are included Kalaw town and surrounding countryside.
8 Thursday 26 Early this morning transfer to Green Hill Valley elephant Hotel by the Red Canal, February 2015 camp. Here you have the opportunity to bathe an elephant Mandalay and learn more about these wonderful animals. You may also Kachin suite enjoy a gentle trek through the countryside and planting All meals are included trees in the nursery. A picnic lunch will be served at the main camp before transferring to the airport for your afternoon flight to Mandalay.
9 Friday 27 A full day tour to explore Mandalay itself and some the Hotel by the Red Canal, February 2015 handicraft industries that are based here. You will also visit Mandalay two of the ancient capitals in the region. Inwa (Ava) where Shan suite you can tour the ruins by horse cart, and Amarapura where Breakfast and lunch are included you will see the iconic U Bein`s bridge.
10 Saturday 28 Today you will visit the colonial hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin Hotel by the Red Canal, February 2015 (Maymyo). With a cooler climate this area is famed for its Mandalay gardens and fruit produce - make sure you try the Shan suite strawberries! Breakfast and lunch are included
11 Sunday 01 Boarding the RV Paukan today you begin your cruise down RV Paukan 1947, Mandalay March 2015 the Ayeyarwady River to Bagan. Today`s highlight is the visit Upper Deck cabin to Mingun and the Sagaing Hills. All meals are included
8 Day by day summary Day by day summary
12 Monday 02 As part of your cruise you will also visit the final ancient RV Paukan 1947, Mandalay March 2015 capital - Sagaing. A coach tour around the site with other Upper Deck cabin cruise passengers will give you the chance to see the beauty All meals are included of this region close up.
13 Tuesday 03 The final day of the cruise sees you arrive in Bagan. The 3000 Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary March 2015 temples spread over 40 square kilometres are quite a sight Resort, Bagan (Pagan) when viewed from the river, and this is a great introduction Deluxe River View room to the area. Breakfast and dinner are included The day is spent exploring some of the temples around Pagan before dinner and a traditional puppet show at Nandar restaurant.
14 Wednesday 04 Today`s trip takes in the nearby nat shrine at Mount Popa Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary March 2015 and the interesting village of Salay. This is a great opportunity Resort, Bagan (Pagan) to get out into the countryside. Deluxe River View room Breakfast and lunch are included
15 Thursday 05 This morning there is the opportunity to take a dawn balloon Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary March 2015 flight over the temples of Bagan. This is highly recommended Resort, Bagan (Pagan) as you will be rewarded with amazing views over the temples Deluxe River View room and abandoned stupas that dot the plains of Bagan. Breakfast and lunch are included
After breakfast the group will venture out for a full day discovering the majestic temples and ruins of Bagan.
16 Friday 06 Travel to the airport for the morning flight to Yangon. Enjoy The Governor's Residence, March 2015 lunch at the Governor's Residence and this afternoon you Yangon (Rangoon) have the option of further sightseeing in Yangon with your Deluxe room guide or time at leisure. All meals are included
This evening a farewell dinner for the group has been arranged at Le Planteur restaurant.
17 Saturday 07 Start your day with an early transfer to the station for the Breakfast and lunch are included March 2015 morning train to Bago. Upon arrival the group will have time Overnight onboard the aircraft. to explore and enjoy the local cuisine in Bago before a visit to the Htaukkyant Second World War Cemetery. Return to Yangon this afternoon where the group has day use of rooms at a simple hotel prior to the transfer to the airport this evening for the flight to Bangkok. In Bangkok connect with your onward flight with Thai Airways onto London.
18 Sunday 08 Early morning arrival back into London. March 2015
Day by day summary 9 Prices
Arrangements as specified per person ______£5,850 ...... Please note the following supplements and/or upgrade options per person: Single Supplement ______£2,750 Single entry tourist visa for Myanmar (Burma) ______£65 ...... Per person deposit required to confirm these arrangements ______£1,170 Optional carbon off-setting for your flights per person (see General Information section for further details) ____£23 The deposit required is shown above and relates to the itinerary detailed in this quotation. For Myanamar bookings we have to ask for more than our standard 15% as most hotels and all boats in Myanmar require at least partial payment at the time of booking. These are the payment and cancellation conditions imposed by our providers. Anything paid as part of your deposit is likely to be non-refundable, so please make sure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance to ensure you are covered should you need to cancel. Please note if you confirm your booking within 60 days of your departure date full payment is required at the time of booking. The date will be specified on your invoice. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions section at the back of this booklet for full details.
How to book Included in the price If you have any questions regarding the tour or would like to • All flights as specified in the itinerary hold a no obligation option for a place on the tour, please • Twin share accommodation as specified feel free to contact Angela Jordan on 01993 838 114 who • All transfers and excursions as specified will be delighted to assist you. To confirm an option, please • Services of experienced local guides send us a completed booking form and the deposit specified • Sightseeing and entrance fees above. The deposit can be paid by cheque, bank transfer or • Meals as specified in the itinerary credit / debit card. Please make cheques payable to Audley Travel. Not included in the price
• Meals not indicated within your itinerary Payment by credit card • Where applicable, local airport departure taxes; payable Please note that we do not charge a fee on deposit payments locally on departure in some locations by credit card, except when a deposit is more than 15%. In • this situation a charge will apply. Credit card fees are Where applicable, locally payable car hire related detailed on the booking form. We charge a credit card fee charges, including optional excess reduction • due to the high fees charged to tour operators by the credit Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, etc. • card companies. We have chosen to make this transparent Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary) rather than including it within the trip price. You may • Any camera or video fees at any sites therefore wish to pay the balance by bank transfer, debit • Entrance fees and other costs when on 'free time’ card or personal cheque. • Travel insurance (see general information section)
10 Prices Why travel with us?
Quality service when you are travelling We take a good deal of care when choosing our travel partners overseas, taking into account their quality of service, guides and vehicles. We have built up many long-standing relationships, ensuring that they deliver the level of service demanded by Detailed travel documents Audley clients. Our local guides and drivers, where appropriate, are the Approximately two to three weeks people you will meet. In many cases we before you travel we will send you all know them personally, in all cases we your travel documents presented in a ensure that they are of the highest convenient travel organiser. As well as calibre. They are there to do much your full itinerary and travel more than show you specific sights and documents, there will also be The New Mill, our offices on the outskirts of provide factual information. They will additional information such as Witney in west Oxfordshire be able to tell you about local life, recommended restaurants and culture, cuisines and customs; and, practical tips. A few days before you Reputation and quality where applicable, act as translator. In travel your specialist will call you to Well over 80% of our clients have certain parts of the world a specialist have a final talk through your itinerary travelled with us in the past or have guide is more appropriate, for example, and answer any last minute questions had Audley recommended to them. a wildlife expert. you may have. When you book with us you are assured of quality arrangements if only for the fact that we simply cannot afford to risk our excellent reputation. Our service has been recognised by the readers of well-known publications Responsible travel including the Guardian & Observer, the We have a firm commitment to Daily Telegraph and Wanderlust minimising the environmental and magazine, where we have consistently social impact of travel, and strive to featured in their ‘best tour operator’ ensure that a visit from an Audley awards for a number of years. client has a positive effect on the destination. We have a Personal service firm commitment to the principles of We are committed to offering you a First class guides ‘responsible travel’ and have been very personal service, with all your awarded AITO 5 star status (the arrangements being handled by one A smooth journey highest achievable) for our policies and country specialist. They will remain We have procedures in place for practises. We continue to work with your one point of contact and will take dealing quickly and efficiently with AITO, and a number of other bodies, responsibility for the smooth operation mishaps from minor flight time to improve our policies. For more of your trip. They are supported by a alterations to more fundamental details please refer to our website team of specialists for that region and a changes. If problems do occur we will (www.audleytravel.com/rt) where you professional administration and rapidly rearrange your itinerary to will find details of our responsible management team. make best use of your time given the travel policy and also our Travellers’ changed circumstances, not simply Code. If you are particularly interested From the moment you contact us, we cancel part of your trip or leave you in these issues, your country specialist are here to answer your questions sitting in an airport waiting for hours will be able to tell you more. accurately and honestly, be they about for a rescheduled flight. Importantly, in specific arrangements or any more these situations we will do everything Legal liability general queries you may have. We are possible to minimise any extra costs We are a UK company and hence must experienced travellers with a thorough involved – in the vast majority of cases fully comply with English law. When and in-depth knowledge of our no extra charges will be made. If a booking with us you can rest assured specialist destinations, and the benefit problem does occur while you are that your arrangements are carefully of this experience is yours throughout. travelling you can contact us on our 24 planned as we have a reputation to When we do not know the answer to hour number. We will do everything in maintain and are legally liable for any a question we will endeavour to find our power to rectify the problem omissions or negligent acts. You may out and get back to you as soon as immediately rather than allow it to not find you have this level of possible. spoil your trip. reassurance if you make your own travel arrangements independently.
[ Why travel with us? 11 Introduction to Myanmar (Burma)
Key facts: Population: 50.02 million Currency: Myanmar Kyat Land area: 678.50 thousands square kilometres Time difference: GMT+6 1/2 hours Major languages spoken: Burmese Capital city: Naypyidaw
Introduction During its years of isolation Myanmar became frozen in time, capturing an enchanting country of geographical variety and natural beauty. A nation rich in culture, the friendly locals can be seen dressed in longyis and smoking cheroots. Their deep- rooted belief in Buddhism and spirit worship is evident in the many ornate pagodas and temples that sprinkle the area, from the Himalayan foothills to the jungles of the south. Myanmar 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.
Useful information when travelling in Myanmar:
Please note that Travellers Cheques are not accepted in Myanmar and the use of credit cards, whilst now more common since the country has opened up to tourism and foreign investment, can at times be unreliable. Please note that payment by credit card for sundries at hotels and in restaurants can incur a surcharge of between 4-7% on each transaction. We would still suggest that you travel with a supply of US dollars in new bills. Euros are also now accepted at some international standard hotels and can be exchanged into Kyat at the new exchange bureaus in cities and at airports, although US dollars are still the preferred currency.
In late 2011 the rules on importing new vehicles into Myanmar were relaxed. Whilst newer vehicles are gradually being seen on the roads the majority of the vehicles used in the tourist industry are older models, safe but basic, and not to the standard of developed countries. Furthermore, the wear and tear on vehicles is high due to the condition of local roads, which are at their worst after the monsoon period (June to October) when heavy rain can wash away road surfaces leaving huge potholes behind. Some overland journeys can be quite bumpy and when a flight is possible, it is often the preferred mode of transport.
You should be aware that flying internally in Myanmar presents a number of challenges. Local flight schedules are subject to change without warning. The domestic airlines also all work together to try and accommodate the current number of visitors and will regularly change passengers from one airline to another without notifying Audley. This means that we are unable to guarantee that you will be flying with the airline that is shown in your itinerary.
Our local representatives will try and keep you updated of any changes but some may not be made until the moment you receive your boarding pass. The following airlines operate domestic flights in Myanmar on the routes that we use in our itineraries. It is possible that you could fly with any of these providers if last minute changes are made:
Asian Wings Yangon Airways Air Mandalay Air Bagan Air Kanbawza
There are also concerns over the safety standards of some airlines operating in Myanmar. However, the EU does not currently include any of these airlines on its list of carriers which are banned from operating within the EU on the basis that they are operating below essential safety levels. This list is applicable to all carriers whether they operate international and/or domestic flights inside or outside the EU. The FCO notes the concerns over safety standards but does not offer any advice on individual airlines.
The domestic airlines in Myanmar operate a circular network which means that depending on your itinerary some of your flights may go via one or two airports before reaching your final destination. Please note that flight schedules in Myanmar are likely to change at short notice and exact timings will be confirmed upon your arrival. Your guide will ensure that your flights are reconfirmed on your behalf. The overhead lockers on the ATR aircraft used for internal flights are a little shallower than on larger aircraft. Large items of hand luggage may have to go in the hold.
Please note that whilst we are aware of and plan for the most prominent festivals throughout the country, pagoda ceremonies can happen at any time without any warning as they are often instigated by a donation or event in the local community. Depending on which hotel you are staying at, it may be possible to hear music and chanting from nearby pagodas.
On your travels in Myanmar and particularly in the more visited areas such as Bagan and Mandalay you will encounter lots of
12 Introduction to the region Introduction to Myanmar (Burma)
children with beaming smiles and lots of inquisitive chatter. In most cases they simply want to interact with tourists and learn a little about where you have come from but unfortunately the practice of handing out money and gifts directly to the children by tourists is commonplace and some children now expect it. If you would like to help a local community, we would suggest a donation to a local school or monastery as teachers and village elders will be able to allocate funds for various purposes. Donations can help mend roofs, buy rice for poor families, school books and medicines. Your guide will be able to help arrange this or help purchase some of these items which you can give in person to a local school or monastery.
Yellow fever - please note that if you are travelling to Myanmar from a country that is considered to have a risk of yellow fever by the World Health Organisation (WHO) then you may be asked to provide proof of vaccination against the disease upon arrival. Please see the 'populations at risk' section of the WHO website for further details and consult with your GP for up to date advice http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs100/en/index.html.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
0 Avg Max Day Temperature ( C)
0 Mandalay Avg Min Night Temperature ( C) Avg Hours of Sunshine
Monthly Rainfall (mm) 4 2 1 37 140123 74 130 155 17739 7
J F M A M J J A S O N D
0 Avg Max Day Temperature ( C) Avg Min Night Temperature (0 Bagan (Pagan) C)
Avg Hours of Sunshine Monthly Rainfall (mm) 4 2 2 27 144 301 316 283 232 175 50 9
J F M A M J J A S O N D
0 Avg Max Day Temperature ( C) Avg Min Night Temperature (0 Yangon (Rangoon) C)
Avg Hours of Sunshine Monthly Rainfall (mm) 5 2 6 17 307 567 577 624 381 206 62 7
Introduction to the region 13 Introduction to Myanmar (Burma)
14 Introduction to the region
Top: A few of the majestic temples of Bagan, Myanmar Left: Riverine life, Inle Lake, Myanmar Lower left: Yangon, Myanmar
16 Photographs of the region
Top: Burmese girl with thanaka on her face Left: Burmese Monks Right: Train travel in Myanmar requires a lot of patience
Photographs of the region 17 Itinerary in Detail
Thursday London to Bangkok 19 February, 2015 Thai Airways - Flight No: TG917 - Dep: 21:35 - Arr: 15:55 - (next day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight
Friday Bangkok to Yangon (Rangoon) 20 February, 2015 Thai Airways - Flight No: TG305 - Dep: 17:55 - Arr: 18:40 - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight
The Governor's Residence, Yangon Yangon (Rangoon) introduction (Rangoon) Now known as Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar still retains much of its Dinner only colonial character. The grand buildings of the downtown area and the old mansions in the diplomatic quarter are clear testament to the former British presence. In contrast to this, the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda is perhaps the most vivid demonstration of how seriously the Burmese take their Buddhist faith, with a stream of devotees bringing offerings to the various shrines within the temple complex. No visit to Myanmar is complete without at least a few hours spent at the Shwedagon. The city has an eclectic mix of cultures and religions, with the golden spires of many ancient pagodas glistening in the heat of the day alongside modern- day Hindu and Chinese temples, cathedrals and mosques. The bustling streets and narrow alleys of downtown Yangon capture the diversity of this intriguing city: tea- Colonial buildings, Yangon houses are layered with the smoke of cheroots, the markets of Chinatown burst with an unfathomable array of goods and the aromas of freshly-milled spices and freshly-cooked snacks are carried on a breeze from the Indian Quarter. Yangon is well-known for its shops and markets, the most famous of which is the Bogyoke 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.
The Shwedagon pagoda shines bright in the evening Arrival transfer from airport to hotel group tour transfer
On arrival once all of the group members have cleared any immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Welcome dinner at the Governor's Residence group tour excursion
So the group can to get to know one other we have arranged a welcome dinner this evening at the Governor's Residence
18 Itinerary in Detail Itinerary in Detail
Saturday Morning tour of colonial Yangon 21 February, 2015 group tour excursion
Yangon dates to 1852 when British troops seized a village near the mouth of the The Governor's Ayeyarwady River during the Second Anglo-Burmese War. The capital was moved Residence, Yangon from Mawlamyine and Yangon (at the time known as Rangoon) became the seat of (Rangoon) power for British Burma. It wasn't until the early 20th Century that most of the Breakfast and lunch are city's grand public buildings were erected. Today the old surpasses the new as included Yangon’s Anglo-Indian architecture still provides the ideal living environment for the climate. Built in an age when air-conditioning was unknown and architectural nuances kept the elements at bay, these structures are still performing the functions for which they were designed.
After breakfast at your hotel you will begin a morning tour of the city's colonial architecture including the High Court, Central Telegraph Office, the Strand Hotel and Custom House, stopping to enjoy a traditional refreshment at a local teashop. After the tour which lasts approximately four hours you will be driven back to your hotel for lunch (included) and some time to relax. Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset group tour excursion
Monks are provided with alms at the Around 4pm in the afternoon you will head out for a visit to the famous Shwedagon pagoda, Yangon Shwedagon Pagoda. Visiting at this time affords a wonderful opportunity to people
watch as the city's residents come to pay their respects after finishing work or school. It is worth finding a quiet spot to sit and soak up this magical atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon and darkness falls in this most sacred of places. After a visit to the Pagoda your guide will accompany you to 19th Street, this small side street in Chinatown comes to life at dusk as locals gather here after work to enjoy cold draft beers and a BBQ. Find a busy stall and order a cold Myanmar Beer (cost included) and enjoy the hustle and bustle of this popular spot.
Sunset over Shwedagon, Yangon, Myanmar
Sunday Transfer from hotel to airport 22 February, 2015 group tour transfer
The group will be collected from the hotel and transferred directly to the airport in Inle Princess Resort, Inle time for your flight. Lake All meals are included Yangon (Rangoon) to Heho Asian Wings - Flight No: YJ751 - Dep: 11:00 - Arr: 12:10 - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight
Itinerary in Detail 19 Itinerary in Detail
Heho introduction
Heho is a small town in Shan State, in the east of Myanmar. The town itself is generally not considered an attraction in itself but is the primary gateway to the main sites in the region such as Kalaw, Pindaya and Inle Lake.
A Burmese woman tending her crops, Inle Lake, Myanmar
Markets provide a sensory overload of colour and aroma, Myanmar Heho to Inle Lake via Red Mountain vineyard group tour transfer
The group will be met at Heho airport and you will travel on to Nyaung Shwe to have lunch at View Point, a local restaurant. Along the way you will see locals travelling using a fabulous array of vehicles including trucks, motorbikes, water buffalo carts and horse-drawn carts.
After lunch you will visit Red Mountain Vineyard which is set on the hillside, overlooking Inle Lake, the perfect location for enjoying a spot of Burmese wine- tasting. Open daily from 9am-4pm, the vineyard is the brainchild of French winemaker, Francois Raynal. The grape varieties are grown locally on site from plants imported from France and Spain and selected after much experimentation. The cool climate and soil has led to the production of Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and some fortified wines. You will have time to see the factory, the vine yards & the best view of the lake while tasting the wine.
Afterwards transfer to the jetty at Nyaung Shwe where you will board a local long boat for the journey to your hotel, which will take approximately half an hour and will allow you to catch glimpses of lake life as you pass by stilted villages and floating islands. Inle Lake introduction
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.
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Fisherman, Inle Lake
Monday Boat trip on Inle Lake 23 February, 2015 group tour excursion
Around Inle Lake there are many small villages which connect to the main lake by Inle Princess Resort, Inle means of narrow canals. Once out on the lake you may see the unique leg-rowing Lake fishermen who stand up on their boats to give them a bird's eye view of the fish in All meals are included the very shallow waters. You may also be able to visit some of the villagers in their homes above the silk and cotton weaving looms where they work. The Phaung Daw Oo Paya is one of the holiest sites in this area of Shan State as it houses a collection of five highly-revered small Buddha images. These are now unrecognisable as devout Buddhists have adorned them with gold leaf, During the Phaung Daw Oo festival in October four of these images are transported around the lake, spending each night in a different village. Adjacent to the paya you can see the ornate boats that carry these revered images around the lake.
Lunch today will be at a local restaurant. A welcoming Burmese man sends his greetings
The Floating Gardens on Inle Lake, Myanmar
Tuesday Indein excursion 24 February, 2015 group tour excursion
Today you head off the lake down one of the tributary rivers to the Indein temple Inle Princess Resort, Inle complex. The journey takes you through some beautiful scenery and you are Lake welcome to stop off at any of the tribal Pa-O villages along the way. Indein temple All meals are included complex is a collection of over one thousand zedi style stupas in various degrees of disrepair, or in some cases, badly repaired. There is little information about the history of this complex but during peak season can attract fairly large numbers of
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visitors, something local vendors have quickly latched on to!
Lunch today will be at a local restaurant .
Local craftsmen sell their products near Inle Lake
Wednesday Transfer from Inle Lake to Kalaw 25 February, 2015 group tour transfer
After a morning at leisure the group will check out of the hotel at around 10:00 Amara Mountain Resort, and depart Inle Lake to return to the town of Nyaung Shwe by boat. From here Kalaw you will be driven towards the airport at Heho and on to the town of Aungban Breakfast and lunch are where the road splits in two directions - one towards Kalaw and the other to included Pindaya, it will then take approximately one hour to reach Kalaw.
Afternoon at leisure in Kalaw or time exploring with your guide (optional) Kalaw introduction
Kalaw’s climate is much more pleasant than the baking heat of the dry zone, although in the winter it can get quite cool at night and early in the morning. The town is set amongst magnificent pine forests and the area has become very popular with trekkers. Of the many houses built by the British in Kalaw around the turn of the century, a few still remain in various states of decay and disrepair. Most are now occupied by government or military officials, although some are still eerily silent, apparently undisturbed since their owners left 50 or more years ago. There Kalaw, Pa-O girl are a number of colonial private residences, located close to the Amara Resort, if
you do have a particular interest in colonial history. The former Kingswood school is now a military hospital and the race track is very overgrown, however Christian services are still held at the Anglican Church and are attended by Shan people educated by American missionaries.
Kalaw has a significant population of Nepali Gurkhas and Indian Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims who were brought to Kalaw by the British to build the railway line. Their influence is visible in the town with many local restaurants offering traditional Indian and Nepalese dishes with a Burmese twist.
Kalaw, Myanmar
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Thursday Morning visit to Green Hill Valley elephant camp 26 February, 2015 shared excursion with an English speaking guide
An early start is called for this morning, around 07:00, for the transfer to Green Hotel by the Red Canal, Hill Valley elephant camp. The road journey will take approximately 60 minutes. Mandalay
All meals are included The Green Hill elephant camp is set amongst 150 acres of preserved landscape, and is a new initiative set up to focus on protecting the local ecology, elephants and traditions of the local people. The area is also home to a variety of bird life, butterflies, orchids and bamboo forests. Visitors have the chance to learn about the daily lives of these magnificent gentle giants at the same time as taking in some wonderful Shan countryside away from the busier tourist routes. The camp offers a number of different packages aimed at all levels of interest and fitness. Some combine light treks or walks whilst others incorporate more strenuous overnight trekking options. You will learn the skills of the mahout (elephant driver) and be introduced to the traditions of the elephant keepers or mahouts.
This particular package is aimed at those with an interest in elephants but who don't wish to do too much trekking. On arrival at the camp you will receive some light refreshments and then take a short walk down (5 - 10 minutes) to the river to Mandalay, Mahamuni join the elephants at bath time - you are able to join in the bathing duties if you would like to. You then enjoy an exploration of the forest area, this is a great opportunity to see butterflies, birds and orchids within this conservation area. You are also welcome to plant regional trees from the nursery, to help them in their forest recovery efforts.
A picnic lunch is then served at the main camp after which the group will depart, approximately 12:00 - 12:30, and travel to Heho airport in time for your onward afternoon flight. The journey to the airport will take around 2 hours. Heho to Mandalay To be advised - Flight No: TBA - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight
Mandalay introduction
Mandalay is a large and sprawling city whose centre is dominated by the enormous Royal Palace, now almost entirely reconstructed after the damage inflicted during the Second World War. Whilst wandering around the centre of Mandalay be wary of the myriad of motor-bikes and other vehicles and please take extra caution when crossing the road. Whilst exploring keep your eyes peeled for the many traditional craftsmen, including marble sculptors who will be proud to tell you that their Buddha images are often made to order and exported to Thailand, Taiwan, China and the US. Around Mandalay there are many interesting remnants of several former capitals dating from different periods in the region's history.
Mandalay Hill overlooks the Palace and surrounding moat
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Transfer from airport to hotel group tour transfer
On arrival once all of the group members have collected their luggage, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
Friday Mandalay's handicrafts and nearby ancient cities 27 February, 2015 group tour excursion
Spend the morning discovering the principle places of interest in Mandalay. The city Hotel by the Red Canal, is of great religious, cultural and historical significance and is also the handicraft Mandalay centre of the country. You will see Buddha statues being sculpted from marble, Breakfast and lunch are wood-carving and families who still practice the age-old art of Burmese puppetry. included There will also be the opportunity to visit families involved in gold-leaf making where gold is manually hammered until it is fine enough to use to create souvenirs and jewellery. The local people also use gold-leaf to adorn the various Buddha images throughout the country.
You will visit the Shwenandaw monastery, a magnificent intricately carved wooden building. Once part of the old Mandalay Palace it was dismantled and rebuilt outside the palace walls after being deemed likely to bring bad fortune following the death of King Mindon inside the building. As a result it was the only building from the palace to survive the devastating fire that destroyed the Royal Palace as the Sunset, Mandalay Hill Allies fought to retake Mandalay at the end of World War II. If time allows you will also visit Kuthodaw, a vast array of slabs inscribed with the teachings of the
Lord Buddha at the foot of Mandalay Hill. The emphasis on this tour is variety and hence the itinerary only visits one or two pagodas and temples.
After lunch in a local restaurant you will head out of Mandalay to the ancient city of Inwa (Ava) was capital of a Burmese kingdom for nearly 400 years until power shifted to Amarapura in 1841. The best way to explore this 'lost city' is by pony and trap which will take you along dusty paths to the brick and stucco monastery of Aungmye Bonzan, built in 1818, the impressive teak monastery of Bagaya Kyaung which is supported by 267 teak posts and the former dilapidated watchtower known locally as the 'leaning tower of Ava'. Scattered amongst this dry and arid landscape are numerous crumbling zedi and other reminders of a former royal city such as the swimming baths and the vast entrance gates, one remains in particularly good condition.
Next you head to the former capital of Amarapura where you can visit some of the small pagodas that remain as well as the impressive U Bein's bridge. Constructed in teak and nearly a mile in length it spans the entire width of Taungthaman lake. Enjoy the magical views at sunset here before returning to the hotel.
Pony and trap, Ava
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Saturday Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) colonial hill station 28 February, 2015 group tour excursion
You will make an early start to escape the heat of Mandalay and head for the hill Hotel by the Red Canal, station of Pyin U Lwin which is a two hour drive. Mandalay
Breakfast and lunch are Established by the British as a retreat from soaring summer temperatures the small included town of Pyin U Lwin still retains a much anglicized feel. The colonial presence in the town can be traced back to the end of the 19th Century when the British arrived after capturing Mandalay at the conclusion of the Third Burmese War. The town was renamed Maymyo (May Town) after Colonal May, the commander of the post and a veteran of the Indian Mutiny. In 1896 a permanent military post was established in the town and it later became a hill station and the summer residence of the British Government in Burma due to its cooler temperatures. During British rule Pyin U Lwin was also an important educational centre with the Government English High Schools such as St. Albert's, St. Joseph's Convent, St. Mary's, St. Michael's and Colgate all based here. Maymyo was renamed to Pyin U Lwin in 1989 Monks' procession at Amarapura when the government abandoned colonial titles to the original Myanmar names before British rule. When Norman Lewis visited in the 1950's he wrote that 'it was
like Reading at the end of a very dry August'. Perhaps a little more imagination is required today, but the small town retains quite an English feel. Lunch today will be at a local restaurant in Pyin U Lwin.
The jewel in Pyin U Lwin’s crown is the magnificent mature botanical gardens with rose beds and orchid houses reminiscent of the royal gardens at Kew. You may simply relax and stroll around the lake here - more adventurous souls can take the very steep path to the Dadtaw Kyaint waterfall a few kilometres from Pyin U Lwin. Water tumbles more than 100 feet over a rocky cliff hitting the jade green pool below with such a force as to create a natural jacuzzi to swim in!
You will return to Mandalay for the night.
Vegetables grown in the lush mountain regions are distributed throughout Myanmar
Sunday Transfer from your hotel to the riverside 01 March, 2015 group tour transfer
You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the jetty giving you plenty RV Paukan 1947, of time to board before the ship sets sail. Mandalay All meals are included Royal Mandalay (Mingun & Sagaing) to Ancient Bagan aboard RV Paukan - Day One unaccompanied boat journey
A short cruise on the famous Ayeyarwady River is a relaxing interlude during a tour of Myanmar. The Paukan vessels ply the river between Mandalay and Bagan
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and offer a great insight into traditional life and villages along this intriguing waterway. You will board the Paukan at noon at the Gawein jetty and cast off around half an hour later. The cruise begins with a welcome drink and briefing in the saloon or on the sundeck, followed by lunch. After cruising upstream for several hours you will disembark at the Mingun Pagoda for an escorted tour of the colossal remains of King Bodawpaya's unfinished pagoda and the world's largest intact bell. Please note this is a group excursion with a fixed itinerary. The vessel will moor overnight at a sandbank mid-stream. After dinner you can duck out of the dining room to enjoy a sunset on the top deck if you are not interested in Mandalay Hill overlooks the Palace and surrounding moat seeing the dance and drama performance.
The itinerary is set by the RV Paukan and is subject to change at short notice depending on local river conditions.
Nuns walk past the cracked and unfinished Mingun Pagoda
Monday Royal Mandalay (Mingun & Sagaing) to Ancient Bagan aboard 02 March, 2015 RV Paukan - Day Two unaccompanied boat journey RV Paukan 1947, Mandalay Early this morning the Paukan continues downstream for several hours. You can All meals are included admire the beauty of the river while relaxing on the sundeck or outside your cabin. After breakfast passengers wishing to visit Sagaing can go ashore with the assistance of the Ship Manager. The peaceful and picturesque Sagaing Hills were once the capital of an autonomous Shan kingdom during the 14th to 18th centuries. Today this tranquil place is an important centre for Buddhism with numerous monasteries and nunneries scattered on the slopes. Rejoining the boat, you continue cruising downriver to Bagan stopping in the late afternoon to visit Yandabo. This village specialises in pot making and is where the Anglo-Burmese war agreement was signed in 1826. The boat will moor overnight near the village of Shwe Nann Tint.
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Shwenandaw Kyaung
Views of Sagaing, Mandalay, Myanmar
Tuesday Royal Mandalay (Mingun & Sagaing) to Ancient Bagan aboard 03 March, 2015 RV Paukan - Day Three unaccompanied boat journey Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort, Bagan Cast off early morning for the final leg of the journey. Enjoy sunrise near Bagan and (Pagan) disembark at the Aye Yar jetty at around 9.30am after breakfast. Your guide and Breakfast and dinner are driver will be waiting on the shore to greet you. included Bagan (Pagan) introduction
Though Bagan had been a major city since King Pyinbya moved the capital here in AD874, it was not until the Bamar King Anawrahta converted to Theravada Buddhism in the mid 11th century that the 'golden period' of Bagan commenced. In 1057 he overwhelmed the Mon capital of Thaton, capturing over 30,000 prisoners, including the Mon royal family. Yet the influence of the Mons was key to the development of Bagan. During Anawrahta's 33 year reign the Mon language became the official Royal language instead of Pali and Sanskrit, and Theravada Buddhism became the state religion. It was in honour of this new found religious fervour that Anawrahta ordered temples to be erected, the most notable being the Shwezigon Pagoda. It was however under the reign of King Kyanzittha (1084-1113) that temple construction reached new heights, perhaps the most famous being the Ananda with its 170ft golden hti or stupa. A sail boat drifts along the Ayeryawaddy River in Bagan By the start of the 13th century Bagan had become known as the 'city of four million pagodas' and a complex system of irrigation supported extensive rice cultivation on the otherwise arid plain on which Bagan sits. The end of Bagan’s dominance was heralded when King Narathihapate assassinated an ambassador of Kublai Khan bringing down on himself and his people the considerable wrath of the Mongol empire in 1287.
Over the next four of five centuries Bagan was left to the elements and considered by many as a region haunted by nats (spirits). The earthquake in 1975 destroyed almost half of the pagodas although what remains today may be just a glimpse of Bagan at the height of its powers it is without a doubt a remarkable footprint of a once glorious period in Myanmar's history.
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Bagan, Myanmar Transfer from the riverside to your hotel group tour transfer
Once you have disembarked and been met at the jetty you will have a morning of sightseeing en-route to the hotel. You have your first glimpse of this stunning landscape dotted with over 3,000 temples and stupas. After exploring one or two of the main temples with your guide continue onto the hotel in time for lunch (not included) and your rooms should also then be ready for check in. Afternoon tour of Bagan temples and ruins group tour excursion
After everyone has checked in and had time to have lunch, the group will head out to further explore the stunning temples of Bagan. Your guide will introduce you to the main temples and ruins along with their history before ending the day by watching sunset from the river bank or one of the many pagodas. Dinner and traditional puppet show at Nandar Restaurant shared excursion with an English speaking guide
This evening the group will travel to Nanda Restaurant to enjoy dinner and a traditional puppet show. In a delightful garden setting, this restaurant provides some superb Burmese set menus where you can try a variety of local specialties in picturesque and hygienic surroundings. Daung Lann meals (a tray spilt into many small spaces each containing a curry or rice dish) are a particularly good choice here. There is an excellent traditional Burmese puppet show performed here in the evenings
Wednesday Salay and Mount Popa 04 March, 2015 group tour excursion
An hour's drive to the southeast of Bagan, en route to Mount Popa, lies the Bagan Thiripyitsaya charming town of Salay, an important centre of Buddhism with many working Sanctuary Resort, Bagan monasteries. The town is also well-known for its unique style of Bagan-era (Pagan) architecture which still exists today. Highlights include Payathonzu, Hkinkyiza Breakfast and lunch are Kyaung and the Salay U Pone Nya museum (please note that this is a government included run entity). Like many towns in Myanmar you will also see some interesting yet dilapidated colonial buildings giving the town a wonderful sense of history.
Continuing on from Salay you head towards Mount Popa. Rising 1518 metres above sea level, Mount Popa is an extinct volcano covered in forests and is considered one of the most sacred places in Myanmar. It's last recorded eruption happened in 442 BC and is said to have created the huge volcanic outcrop on the lower flank of the mountain that has given way to the name of Popa Taung Kalat.
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Popa Taung Kalat is considered the abode of 37 nats, the spirits of Myanmar's animist faith which are historical or legendary figures who suffered tragic deaths and who are now believed to exist as ghosts in places such as forests, mountains, trees and lakes. On arrival you will visit the small shrine that sits at the foot of the outcrop which is dedicated to the nats (each one represented by a gaudy, mannequin-like figure) to which pilgrims direct their prayers for success in business, a happy married life and sound health. The belief in Nat worship is older than Buddhism and also shrouded in legend, do ask your guide to interpret a number of the myths surrounding the nats and Mount Popa itself. Sunset Cruise on the Ayeyarwady, Bagan, Myanmar Accompanied by troops of monkeys, climb the 777 steps to the monastery that sits
atop Popa Taung Kalat. It takes about half an hour to reach the summit and whilst there take a rest and enjoy the spectacular views across the crater. Return to Bagan by coach with a stop at a small village producing palm sugar products, you will have chance to try the local toddy! You will arrive back at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Lunch today will be at Popa Mountain Resort.
Mystical Mount Popa
Thursday Dawn Balloon Flight over Bagan (Optional) 05 March, 2015 shared excursion with guide
The Balloons over Bagan experience is a fantastic way to see the temple landscape Bagan Thiripyitsaya of Bagan from the comfort and safety of a hot-air balloon. The team will pick you Sanctuary Resort, Bagan up from your hotel and take you over to the landing site early this morning to (Pagan) make the best use of the cooler and calmer air. Pick-up time is normally around Breakfast and lunch are 5.30-6am. Once briefed, you will board the basket and take to the air floating over included Bagan's pagodas on a flight lasting just under an hour. Although dictated by the wind, you will usually land by the banks of the Ayeyarwady River where you enjoy a light snack and celebratory glass of wine after which you will be transferred back to your hotel.
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NOTE The balloon trip is optional but highly recommended. We will have to ask your weight however!
View of Bagan, from balloon
Hot Air Balloon, take off site Bagan Full day discovering Bagan's temples and ruins group tour excursion
Today you have a full day to explore the fantastic temples of Bagan. The guide will organise the day depending on the interest of the group. An in-depth tour and commentary will be available if there are people interested, and the guide will be sure to pick out the most interesting spots and make sure that you have a well- paced day. Break for lunch at a local restaurant and a rest during the midday heat before heading out again in good time for sunset. The tour normally begins at Bagan market which you can explore before visiting the museum (fees to be paid locally). The Bagan museum houses some of the precious relics removed from the temples and pagodas over time, many of which were only discovered in the 1975 earthquake. Afterwards you begin your tour of the temples and ruins.
Highlights include:
Ananda - Considered one of the most beautiful in Bagan, it plays host to its annual festival in January/February. Pilgrims from all over the country gather here to celebrate the wisdom of Buddha with music, worship and plenty of high spirits.
Dhammayangyi - Built by the merciless King Narathu as a supposed sign of atonement for his evil rule, Dhammayangyi Pahto is more commonly referred to as the "bad luck" temple. Legend has it that its impeccable brickwork was a result of the King threatening to amputate the masons' arms should he able to fit a pin between the bricks.
Shwezigon - This beautifully ornate stupa decorated in gold-leaf is supposed to house one of four replicas of the Buddha's tooth, all of which are scattered in pagodas around Bagan. It is said that if you visit all four in one day, you will receive prosperity and luck. The shape of the large bell here is believed to be the prototype of all bells produced later throughout the country.
Thatbyinnyu - Standing proud as the tallest pagoda in Bagan, Thatbyinnyu was built by King Alaungsithu (1113-1163) as one of the earliest creations of a double-storey temple. Its style is quite different from similarly tall temples built later on, given that it was constructed during a transitional time and so has an air of an experiment in its new form.
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Ananda Pahto, Bagan, Myanmar
Friday Transfer from hotel to airport 06 March, 2015 group tour transfer
The group will be met at the hotel and transferred directly to the airport in time The Governor's for your flight. Residence, Yangon (Rangoon) Bagan (Pagan) to Yangon (Rangoon) All meals are included To be advised - Flight No: TBA - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight
Transfer from airport to hotel group tour transfer
On arrival once all of the group members have collected their luggage, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Further sightseeing in Yangon with your guide or time at leisure recommendations for your free time - not included
Here are a few ideas for exploring the city either with your guide or on your own;
Some of the temples of Bagan, A ride on a trishaw or a stroll around downtown Yangon will give you Myanmar opportunities to gain a real insight into local Burmese life. The downtown
architectural landscape is an eclectic mix; you will pass Buddhist pagodas, Hindu and Chinese temples, Islamic mosques, Anglican cathedrals and even a synagogue all juxtaposed against government buildings, commercial shops, makeshift and permanent markets all against a background of a faded colonial facade. The most prominent pagoda in this area is the Sule Pagoda on the intersection of Mahabandoola and Sule Paya Road. This temple is said to enshrine a hair of the Buddha and is 2,000 years old. If you are in the area during the late afternoon, offices close for the day so it is worth paying a visit to the pagoda, as locals come to pay their respects before heading home for the evening. From here continue west along Mahabandoola Road for an early evening stroll through the busy Indian and Chinese quarters of the city where every street is crammed with shops and street vendors.
Markets are integral to Burmese life and the Indian market on Anawrahta Street where vociferous merchants sell sweet smelling cinnamon bark, tropical fruit, fiery chillies, medicinal herbs and fish of every description, is well worth a visit. If you wish to hunt for some souvenirs the busiest and most colourful bazaar is the Aung San market or Scott Market. Myanmar has some incredibly good value handicrafts and art pieces on display in the various markets and craft shops which are abundant throughout the country and the Scott Market is a great place to pick up various pieces. It is open from 10am to 5pm but closed on Monday and public holidays.
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Hledon Market (closed on public holidays) is best known for its fresh fruit, vegetables and meats. This is a very local market and is best visited in the morning.
If shopping (or browsing!) is of interest, Yangon has a burgeoning art scene with many galleries now opening in various parts of the city. Furthermore there are many excellent souvenir and antique shops including Augustine, Bondon (in Scott Market), Daw Mya Mya Sein (lacquer-ware only) as well as a few independent antique shops on Dhammazedi Road.
Myanmar is a spiritual country and most males are expected to spend some time studying in a monastery. A visit to the Kalaywa Tawya Monastery where over 1,300 monks and novices reside is also highly recommended. You will be able to witness them gathering to partake in the midday meal, which is the last of the day.
A relatively unpublicised religious monument is the enormous reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatkyi a short distance northeast of the Shwedagon Pagoda. The building which houses the Buddha is surrounded by fortune tellers who will be happy to offer astrological and palm readings. Farewell dinner at Le Planteur shared excursion with an English speaking guide
This evening a farewell dinner has been planned for the group at the Le Planteur Restaurant. You will be collected at the hotel and transferred to the restaurant. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Le Planteur serves delicious French delicacies alongside an international menu of fine meats and freshly caught fish.
Saturday Bago and Htaukkyant Second World War Cemetery 07 March, 2015 group tour excursion
An early start this morning in order for you to transfer to Yangon train station in time for you to board the morning carriage to Bago (Pegu). The trains in Myanmar are basic but for a short journey offer a wonderful insight into local travel as you mix with local passengers. The train journey takes approximately two hours from Yangon to Bago weaving through countryside before disembarking at the lakeside town. The driver will meet you at the station and the group and your guide will then show you the sights of Bago from the gargantuan Shwemawdaw Paya to the Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha. Lunch has been arranged at a local restaurant so you are able to experience some of the local cuisine. From Bago you drive to the Htaukkyant Second World War cemetery, a place of peace and contemplation. Over 6,465 soldiers, seamen and airmen are laid to rest here. The beautifully maintained grounds are a moving tribute to the men and women who fell in the
Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda campaigns of the Second World War. Returning to Yangon you will arrive around 3pm. Day use of rooms at a simple hotel has been arranged for the group so you are able to freshen up prior to your flight. Departure transfer from hotel to airport group tour transfer
The group will be collected at the hotel and transferred directly to the airport in plenty of time for your flight. Yangon (Rangoon) to Bangkok Thai Airways - Flight No: TG306 - Dep: 19:40 - Arr: 21:35 - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight
Sunday Bangkok to London 08 March, 2015 Thai Airways - Flight No: TG910 - Dep: 00:15 - Arr: 06:20 - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight
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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.
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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.
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THE GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE, stunning fan-shaped swimming pool and YANGON (RANGOON) comfortable sun-beds provide a great First Class opportunity to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Once the home of the Governor of Burma's southern states, this beautiful Our opinion: The service and attention teak mansion dates back to the 1920s. to detail renders this one of our favourite Today it stands majestically amidst properties in Yangon. It is the perfect beautifully tended gardens and lotus place to rest after a long flight or for ponds in the quiet Embassy Quarter of relaxing at the end of your stay, it is also Yangon. The hotel's 45 Deluxe Rooms ideal for those who wish to stay in a quiet and two Junior Suites, are all stylishly area of the city. Taxis to the Shwedagon decorated with teak furniture, tropical or Scott Market are easy to arrange cottons and silks. All rooms are well- through the hotel. Please note however appointed but some rooms are without that early check-in is not guaranteed due a bath and have a shower only. The to its popularity and rooms are made Mandalay Restaurant and Mindon available to guests from 1pm onwards. Lounge serve a choice of French- inspired and traditional Burmese dishes In many respects the Governor's Residence in the refined dining room or outside could be given a Deluxe rating. However on one of the many shady verandas. we chose to rate it First Class (slightly Early evening enjoy a cocktail or lower) as the hotel lacks a few facilities of aperitif at the charming Kipling Bar. a Deluxe property and some rooms are From the hotel you can easily regale without bathtubs and only have a shower. your spirit with a visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda or negotiate the bustling Bogyoke (Scott) Market. The
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INLE PRINCESS RESORT, INLE LAKE Medium
Situated on the banks of the river leading to the lake, around half an hour by boat from the small town of Nyaung Shwe (or 15 minutes drive by road), the Inle Princess offers guests a wonderfully atmospheric stay. The 45 stilted chalets are built in traditional Shan style making use of local materials and offer generous space and a good range of amenities (although rooms do not have televisions). For the cooler winter months of December to February, the chalets have large clay wood ovens which are lit in the early luxury treatment rooms. evening to provide additional warmth. The hotel has a good restaurant on the Our opinion: Although of a rustic shores of the lake, which combines the design, the resort offers a high standard of finest and freshest of ingredients from accommodation and attention to detail the resort's garden and around the lake rendering it a popular option on the lake. to create traditional Shan dishes as well The approach into the resort is by one- as European and other ethnic cuisine. legged rower, a little touch to enhance the There is also a spa offering three tranquillity of your stay.
AMARA MOUNTAIN RESORT, KALAW Medium
Beneath the Shan hills you will find the Amara, set amidst the fragrant pine forests of Kalaw. This atmospheric property was originally built in 1909 and has been carefully restored. It offers 10 spacious and comfortable guest rooms with open fireplaces and tasteful decor. The restaurant has great forest views and serves both local and Burmese cuisine.
Our opinion: This colonial-era property is currently the most comfortable base from which to explore the local area.
36 Accommodation Accommodation
HOTEL BY THE RED CANAL, MANDALAY Medium
Set parallel to the Red Canal, from which the hotel gets its name, is this quaint and cosy boutique-style property. Located in a quiet part of the city, the hotel makes good use of teak and local materials, providing it with a cosy and traditional style not found in many of the larger resorts in Mandalay. The 25 rooms are stylishly finished although a little on the compact side. Split into four categories named after some of the Myanmar's ethnic tribes; Kachin, Chin, Shan and Rakhine. Chin and Shan Suites benefit from a private accommodation of this standard in balcony or terrace. The restaurant Mandalay and is a welcome option serves Indian and Burmese dishes as alongside the bigger, international-style well as a small selection of international properties that dominate the city. fare. A small outdoor pool set in However, service and facilities are a little attractive gardens is an ideal retreat less sophisticated and the rooms are on during the heat of the day. the smaller side.
Our opinion: This is the first boutique
RV PAUKAN 1947, MANDALAY The Paukan 1947 today retains the First Class colonial elements such as teak and ironwood decks, old brass fittings and The Paukan 1947 (renamed from the teak-walled spacious cabins and Pandaw 1947 in 2011) was one of six operates short and longer cruises on boats commissioned after World War the Ayeyarwady and Chindwin Rivers. II by the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company With 16 ensuite cabins on two decks, (IFC) which after the country's six on the Main Deck and ten on the independence was nationalised and Upper Deck, a sun deck furnished with became the Inland Water Transport steamer chairs, sun loungers and rattan Board (IWTB). Built on the Clyde in armchairs for all 32 passengers, a dining Scotland in 1947 by the well-known room and a small salon, this is an shipbuilders Yarrow and Co, she intimate and relaxing vessel for arrived in Myanmar in 1950 and began exploring Myanmar's famous the run between Mandalay and Bhamo waterways. near the Chinese border, carrying both cargo and passengers. In 1998 a newly- setup Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, founded by historian Paul Strachan, chartered her from the IWTB and renovated her into a comfortable cruise boat that plied the Ayeyarwady between Bagan and Mandalay. In 2003, she was taken over by Ayravata Cruises and underwent a major renovation at the Yangon dockyards.
Accommodation 37 Accommodation
BAGAN THIRIPYITSAYA enjoy alfresco meals throughout the SANCTUARY RESORT, BAGAN day. The various menus, offering a (PAGAN) range of local, Asian and Western fare, First Class take advantage of vegetables and herbs grown in the resort's own garden. The With an enviable location on the banks Pavilion Lounge is a perfect spot for of the Ayeyarwady River, the enjoying a sundowner. There is a large Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort has 76 swimming pool and highly-regarded guest rooms set in extensive gardens. spa. The bungalow-style rooms have either garden or river views and have the Our opinion: A well-run property with a usual amenities to make for a good range of facilities. The Riverview comfortable stay. The eight river-facing suites offer a greater level of comfort and suites offer some of the most tasteful could be rated as first class but the accommodation in Bagan. Each open standard bungalow accommodation, whilst onto a wide veranda from which to clean and functional, only makes the hotel view dramatic sunsets and comprise a worthy of a medium grade overall. separate living area to the bedroom (some have four-poster beds) and well- appointed bathrooms that include a large terrazzo bathtub. The suites are located away from the main reception and restaurant to ensure privacy and quiet. The restaurant benefits from a large terrace looking out to the pool and river beyond, where guests can
38 Accommodation Airline
Thai Airways International was founded in 1960 as the national carrier of the Kingdom of Thailand.. It operates domestic, regional and intercontinental flights radiating from its home base in Bangkok to key destinations aroound the world and within Thailand. The airline has received many Skytrax awards, including 'The Best Airline in the World' in 2006.
First Class (Royal First) Economy • Flat beds • Personal entertainment screens on selected flights • Personal entertainment screen • Complimentary bar and refreshments • Your choice of when to eat • Choice of main course • Welcome glass of Dom Perignon/ Bollinger • In flight entertainment Pre-order meals • • On demand movies Pyjamas and slippers • • On demand TV programmes Airport lounges • • Music Priority check-in desks • Interactive games Business Class (Royal Silk) • Language courses • Airport lounges • Toys, games and books for children • 10.4" LCD entertainment screen • Choice of main dish • Priority check-in desks
Airline 39 Charity support
Audley has been supporting carbon reduction projects through Friends of Conservation since 2005 and in addition to this, each individual department also supports a charity or charities of their choice with a yearly financial donation. These charities are close to their hearts and the team often chooses to fundraise to add to this amount. The Southeast Asia team has chosen to support STREETS International, who work in Vietnam. Please ask your specialist if you would like to find out more as in most instances they will have visited the charity themselves, or one of their colleagues will have.
About STREETS International STREETS International is an innovative social enterprise initiative with the purpose to develop and operate sustainable programs for street kids and disadvantaged youth in Southeast Asia and throughout the world. STREETS prepares vulnerable, orphaned and other disadvantaged young people for careers in hospitality. In developing economies around the world, tourism is often one of the first and largest sectors to experience growth and expansion. The STREETS initiative is designed to match the resource demands of the growing hospitality sectors with the needs of disadvantaged youth. It provides them with the highest levels of training to prepare them for careers in culinary arts and hospitality service. The 18-month programme incorporates many components, including classroom instruction, hands-on work experience, housing and all the necessary social and community support. This is the first real chance for many disadvantaged young adults to escape from a life of poverty and on the streets, gaining self-sufficiency through a successful career in hospitality.
Audley and STREETS International in the Future The first STREETS Restaurant Café and Training Center opened in Hoi An, Vietnam, in 2009. Since opening, it has touched the lives of close to 100 young adults. Of the first two graduating classes, 100% were employed within months of graduation at the top resorts and restaurant in Central Vietnam.
STREETS plans on opening its next programme in SAPA Vietnam. They will work with children of disadvantaged ethnic minority groups living in the area.
For those who would like to see the project in action we can arrange for you to visit the STREETS Restaurant Café in the historic central district of Hoi An. Donations are gratefully accepted by the charity. The Southeast Asia team at Audley will be fundraising over the year in order to add to our annual contribution to STREETS International in Vietnam.
If you would like to find out more about STREETS please ask your specialist or visit www.streetsinternational.org
40 Charity support General Information
Travel insurance Thomson (in partnership with AXA) (0845 Financial security It is advisable to take out your travel 366 2212) offer cancellation cover up to We hold an Air Travel insurance at the time of booking your £20,000 per person, American Express Organiser's Licence (ATOL) trip as cover will commence for pre- (0800 232 277) offer cancellation cover up issued by the Civil Aviation departure cancellation from the policy to £12,500 per person and Insure and Go Authority (ATOL number issue date. This will, therefore, provide (0844 888 2787) offer cancellation cover 4817). All the flight-inclusive holidays* that cover should you have to cancel your trip up to £7,500 per person. This information we provide are financially protected by the for an insured reason such as illness or can also be found on our website ATOL scheme. When you pay, you will be serious accident. www.audleytravel.com/insurance supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please with links to the insurers’ websites. ask for it and check to ensure that We strongly recommend that you and all everything you booked is listed on it. members of your party are adequately Clients over 65 years of age Please see our booking conditions for insured, providing financial protection Many companies now offer cover to people further information about financial against unforeseen circumstances. Cover over 65 years of age. However, if you are protection and should include medical expenses and finding it difficult to get cover you could try www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate repatriation in the event of accident or Age UK (0845 600 3348) or Saga (0800 for further information on the ATOL illness. In addition, we strongly 015 0757) both of whom currently have no Certificate. recommend that you have cover for upper age limit on their policies. See also personal belongings, delay at your the companies referred to under pre- *The flight inclusive holidays we arrange outward or homeward point of existing medical conditions below. This are ATOL protected providing they are departure, personal liability, overseas information can also be found on our made available in the UK. For further legal expenses and cancellation. If you are website www.audleytravel.com/insurance information, visit the ATOL website at undertaking any sports or adventurous with links to the insurers’ websites. www.atol.org.uk activities, including trekking, on your trip Pre-existing medical conditions you should also make sure that your If you have a pre-existing medical policy covers these. Please also ensure condition, there are a number of Not all holiday or travel you read the policy conditions and companies that may be able to help you. P J services offered and sold by us will be exclusions. Hayman / Free Spirit (0845 230 5000) will protected by the ATOL scheme. Those The type of trips we create and the consider most pre-existing medical package arrangements which are not requirements of Audley clients vary conditions and they have no upper age limit protected by our ATOL are covered by a greatly. We have therefore listed below a on single trip policies. Age UK (0845 600 topp policy underwritten by Travel and number of companies who offer policies 3348) and Insure and Go (0844 888 2787) General Insurance Company plc. This which may suit these varying will also consider a number of pre-existing insurance means your money will be requirements. You can find links to the conditions and may be able to help. Cancer refunded or you will be returned to the companies' websites, at Travel Insurance Services (0845 880 0163) starting point of your contracted www.audleytravel.com/insurance. specialise in travel insurance for people arrangements if already abroad in the Other companies and policies are also with non-terminal cancer and have no unlikely event of our being unable to available. We are unable to provide you upper age limit on their policies. This provide your holiday due to our insolvency. with more detailed information and you information can also be found at (For more details please see Section 12 of should contact the company concerned www.audleytravel.com/insurance the Terms and Conditions.) In these directly for this. Please note this is with links to the insurers’ websites. instances you will not receive an ATOL general information only. We are not Non-UK residents certificate with your invoice. providing any specific advice on travel If you are not a UK resident you will insurance or recommending any usually need to get insurance in your Health particular policy or insurer. country of residence. Some insurance It is essential that you see your GP or a travel clinic before booking your trip and Trips of up to £5,000 pp companies, such as Columbus Direct (0845 before travelling to make sure that you A large number of companies offer 888 8893), will consider policies for non- have taken all the necessary health insurance policies which include cover for UK residents. This information can also be precautions. Some vaccinations require cancellation charges of up to the full found on our website more than one visit with a period of weeks holiday cost. American Express (0800 www.audleytravel.com/insurance between injections. You should visit your 232 277), Insure and Go (0844 888 2787) with links to the insurers’ websites. GP at least six weeks before departure. For and the Post Office (0800 294 2292) all Once you have a travel insurance policy in up to date medical advice you may wish to have policies that you may like to place, please let your specialist know who use the Medical Advisory Service for consider. This information can also be your insurance company is and your policy Travellers Abroad (MASTA). found at www.audleytravel.com/insurance number. with links to the insurers’ websites. MASTA Traveller’s Health Brief The above information is provided in good Before travelling abroad, you can visit Trips over £5,000 pp faith and is correct to the best of our It can be more challenging to get www.masta-travel-health.com to obtain a knowledge. No liability is, however, ‘Health Brief’ specifically tailored to your insurance which includes cover for accepted for any errors and all information journey. Your brief will give information cancellation charges of up to the full must be checked directly with the about immunisations and malaria as well as holiday cost for higher value trips. A insurance company. any Foreign Office advice and the latest number of companies do, however, offer health news. such policies.
General Information 41 General Information
Other health information services are Smoking Travel advice available, including www.nathnac.org and Airlines do not permit smoking on the The Foreign and Commonwealth Office www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk aircraft. At the request of the majority of Travel Advice Unit monitors all overseas our clients we do not allow smoking on any destinations and offers advice to British Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) form of transport used for our escorted travellers. In order to be fully informed of The majority of international airlines now group tours. Stops are regularly made safety issues, crime rates, political stability issue advice on how to lessen the risk of where you will be able to smoke. For and local customs you can view the advice DVT, however, if you have any concerns, smokers travelling on a tailor-made tour at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. we recommend that you consult your we request that you check with your driver doctor. or guide whether smoking is permitted in Flights and airlines Pre-existing medical the vehicle. The difference between a direct flight and a conditions/Disabled passengers non-stop flight can cause confusion. To It is essential that you advise us before Health and safety standards clarify, on a direct flight no change of booking if you have any disability or pre- Each country has its own regulations and aircraft is scheduled but touchdowns will existing medical condition which may enforcement levels relating to health and be made en route either to refuel or to affect your holiday, or any special safety standards. These do not always board or disembark passengers. On non- requirements as a result of any disability match the very high standards we are used stop flights no change of aircraft is required or medical condition (including any which to in the UK. We therefore recommend and no stops are made en route. Exact affect the booking process) so that we that you follow a few precautionary safety details of your route will be given in your can assist you in considering the procedures. Always check where the itinerary. suitability of the arrangements and/or nearest fire exit is and how to raise the fire Premium Economy, Business and making the booking. It will also enable us alarm. Do not enter a swimming pool First Class to make sure you receive the relevant before checking the water depth first. For If you require business or first class flights level of assistance when you fly. more suggestions please see the Important these can be arranged on most airlines at Information section in your Travel very competitive rates. Premium economy Full details must be confirmed in writing Organiser. can be arranged on certain airlines, please at the time of booking and whenever any call us for details. change in the condition or disability Passport and visa information for occurs. You must also promptly advise us British Citizens Specific seat requests if any medical condition or disability Passengers must hold a passport which is We will do all we can to try to reserve a which may affect your holiday develops valid for at least six months following the specific seat for you, if you have a after your booking has been confirmed. return date of your holiday. British preference. However, whilst airlines may The nature of many of the destinations passport holders (full British Citizens) allow us to request seats, they will not we travel to means that in the majority of currently require visas, in advance of travel, guarantee any specific seat reservation. If cases they are unsuitable for those who for the following destinations featured in this is important to you, it is always best to are wheelchair-bound or have a lack of our brochures and on our website: arrive for your flight early, regardless of mobility. We will be delighted to discuss Australia, Bhutan, Burma, China, Cuba, having made this request in advance. Please the feasibility of creating a tailor-made India, Kenya, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea make it clear on your booking form if you itinerary for you that takes into (also available on arrival), Russia, Tanzania, have a specific request. consideration your level of mobility. Tibet, Uganda, the USA*, Uzbekistan and Flight amendments
Vietnam**. We generally use special ‘inclusive tour’ On our escorted group tours the Tour Visas may be required for other countries fares when we purchase your air tickets Leader is, unfortunately, unable to offer but can be arranged on arrival. from the airlines. While these fares are additional assistance to passengers with * British Citizens travelling to the USA very good value they are inflexible in terms limited mobility and all such assistance require an ESTA – please speak to your of changes and offer no refunds once the will need to be provided by whoever the specialist for more information tickets are issued. Once your flight is passenger is travelling with. We may ** Visitors to Vietnam can obtain a visa on confirmed the airlines will charge an request that you provide a letter from arrival but require a letter of authorisation amendment fee or insist on the purchase of your doctor confirming your fitness to from ourselves – please speak to your a completely new ticket if you make travel. specialist changes. High altitude Internal flights Your itinerary may include sections We are normally able to obtain visas on Smaller local airlines are often more likely where the altitude exceeds 10,000 feet your behalf, please ask for details at the to change their schedule at short notice. (3,048 metres). If you suffer from time of booking. Non-British passport We will endeavour to inform you of any circulation, heart or respiratory problems holders should check with the relevant changes in advance of travelling but this we advise that you consult with your embassies as visa requirements may be may not always be possible. doctor before confirming your booking. different to those of British passport
holders. It is your responsibility to ensure
you have the correct documentation and visa stamp(s). Failure or inability to obtain all required visas for whatever reason does not entitle you to cancel without paying the applicable cancellation charges.
42 General Information General Information
Frequent Flyer Clubs Accuracy of information Financial security If you collect points through any of the We thoroughly check all the information An AITO member is required to arrange airline frequent flyer clubs please provide that is included within our brochures, financial protection for all holidays and your membership details on the booking website and individual tour itineraries, other arrangements (including form and we will ensure that these are however, changes do occur and errors are accommodation only) booked by recorded against your flight reservation. occasionally made. Airlines may change customers with the member under the Please note that on some of our specially their schedules, roads may close and AITO logo. This financial protection applies negotiated ‘inclusive tour’ fares points are government regulations may alter. Should to customers who are resident in the UK not always awarded. there be any changes to the travel at the time of booking and to most arrangements you have booked we will do overseas customers who have booked Carbon offsetting our best to keep you informed of the directly with the member. In doing so, the Please let your specialist know if you situation prior to departure. member must comply with UK government would like to carbon offset your flights. regulations. Members are required to We work with Friends of Conservation Travel in the developing world submit details of their financial protection (FOC) and all offsetting payments are Many of our destinations are in the arrangements to AITO on a regular basis. donated through them. For more details developing world where attitudes, Accurate brochures and web sites visit www.audleytravel.com/offset. The infrastructure, priorities, lifestyles and All members do their utmost to ensure suggested amounts are in line with cultures are very different from our own. that all their brochures and other DEFRA’s current guidelines for the cost This is often the very reason to visit the publications, print or electronic, clearly and per tonne of carbon. If you wish to destination but certain aspects may be accurately describe the holidays and ensure that Gift Aid is included please frustrating. We always advise that the first services offered. donate directly via the FOC website. thing you should pack is your sense of humour. This can prove invaluable when Professional service and continual UK airport hotels, car parking and travelling over rougher roads, waiting for a improvements lounges delayed aircraft and communicating with All members are committed to high We are able to arrange airport hotel hotel staff whose first language is not standards of service and believe in regular accommodation, car parking, meet and English. and thorough training of employees. greet services and airport lounge access Members continually seek to review and in the UK, subject to availability. To Data Protection Act improve their holidays. They listen to their arrange any of these services please call We will hold your name, address and any customers and always welcome suggestions us on 01993 838 051. other details you supply us with on our for improving standards. database. This information will be used to Monitoring standards Hotel information make your travel arrangements and to send AITO endeavours to monitor quality There is often confusion over the you information about Audley Travel. In standards regularly. All customers should terminology used for bed arrangements order to make your travel arrangements receive a post-holiday questionnaire, the in hotel rooms. A ‘double’ is recognised we will need to pass your details to results of which are scrutinised by the as meaning a room with a double bed, companies and individuals outside the EU Association. this may be two single beds pushed where less stringent data protection together. A ‘twin’ is a room with two controls may be in place. We will not pass Sustainable tourism single beds. Please note that all rooms on your details to third parties for any All members acknowledge the importance are allocated at the discretion of the other purposes. of AITO’s Sustainable Tourism guidelines, hotel and cannot be guaranteed. which recognise the social, economic and AITO Quality Charter: environmental responsibilities of tour Single rooms The Association of Independent Tour operating. Those demonstrating their Single rooms tend to be smaller than Operators achievements beyond the pure acceptance double or twin rooms, however, many AITO is the association for independent of this principle are recognised by the hotels do not have single rooms, in which and specialist holiday companies. Our award of two to five star status. Audley has case you will be allocated a twin or member companies, usually owner- achieved five star status. double room. managed, strive to create overseas holidays Customer relations with high levels of professionalism and a Special dietary requirements All members endeavour to deal swiftly and shared concern for quality and personal Special diets should be requested on the fairly with any issues their customers may service. The Association encourages the booking form; however, it is unrealistic raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute highest standards in all aspects of tour to expect special diets to be catered for between an AITO member and a customer operating. in some of the destinations we feature. cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low- We will advise the hotels and airlines of Exclusive membership cost Independent Dispute Settlement your request but we cannot guarantee AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, Service may be called upon by either side their availability. If you have an airborne finance and quality which must be satisfied to bring the matter to a speedy and nut allergy you must make us aware at before new companies are admitted to acceptable conclusion. Audley is a member the time of booking as most airlines membership. All members are required to of the Association of Independent Tour require this information in advance of adhere to a Code of Business Practice Operators. To contact the Association, travel. which encourages high operational visit www.aito.co.uk or call 020 8744 9280. standards and conduct.
General Information 43 Terms and conditions
Please read the following conditions carefully. All holidays we have contracted to provide will be held by them on our can reasonably expect to have a major effect on your are sold by us subject to these conditions and the other behalf. If you book your holiday through a travel agent who holiday. Significant changes are likely to include the general information in this booklet, our brochures and is not a member of ABTA, all payments must be made to following changes when made before departure; a change quotations. us directly and not your travel agent. of accommodation to that of a lower official classification Audley Travel Group Ltd (whose administrative offices are or standard for the whole or a major part of the time you at New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxon OX29 9SX) 2. If you change your holiday are away*, a change of accommodation area for the whole are members of the Association of Independent Tour If, after the contract between us has come into existence, or a major part of the time you are away, a change of UK Operators. Audley Travel Group Ltd (hereafter referred you want to change your holiday we will do our best to outward departure time or overall length of time you are to as ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) offers a number of products and the pass your request to the relevant supplier, however we away of twelve or more hours, or a change of UK trading names we use are ‘Audley’, and ‘Audley Travel’. In cannot guarantee that such changes can be made. Where a departure airport to one which is more inconvenient for these Terms & Conditions, ‘you’ and ‘your’ means all change can be made, we will charge for any additional costs you (except as between Gatwick and Heathrow). persons named on the booking, or any of them as incurred including any costs imposed or incurred by any of applicable (including anyone who is added or substituted at our suppliers, and including for example cancellation *Please note: A change affecting a stay in a hotel during a a later date). charges that may be incurred for sectors cancelled. You tour where the hotel itself is not the focus of the tour, does should note, for example, that a change of name on or not constitute a significant change. Your contract with us and all matters arising out of it are other alteration to an airline ticket will usually incur a 100% governed by English law. We both agree that any dispute, cancellation charge and full rebooking fee. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will claim or other matter which arises out of or in connection tell you as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before with this contract or your holiday, will be dealt with by the 3. If you cancel your holiday departure, we will offer you the choice of the following AITO Arbitration Scheme - see clause 9 or the Courts of If you have to cancel part of the booking or cancel the options:- England and Wales only unless, in the case of Court entire booking once it has been confirmed by us, written proceedings, you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In notification must be sent to us by recorded delivery post or (a) (for significant changes) accepting the changed this case, proceedings may be brought in the Courts of by email. As proof of receipt by email of your notification to arrangements or your home country. If proceedings are brought in Scotland cancel you must receive and retain written or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have your acknowledgement from Audley Travel. Charges will be (b) purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar contract governed by the law of Scotland/Northern Ireland applied from the date the letter is received, or the email is standard to that originally booked if available. Please note: as applicable. If you do not so choose, English law will apply. acknowledged by Audley Travel, according to the scale Due to the original and individual nature of our holidays it below. The charges are applied as a percentage of the total frequently may not be possible to offer you a comparable 1. Paying for your holiday holiday cost excluding any amendment charges and any holiday to that originally booked. (i) The procedure for making a booking is shown in your amounts paid in addition to the deposit at the time of itinerary quotation and on our website. All bookings are booking or before balance due date (see clauses 1(ii) and (c) cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which case subject to these terms and conditions and by asking us to I(iv)) which are non refundable in the event of cancellation. you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you confirm your booking, 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 44 Terms and conditions Terms and conditions
suffer any loss or damage (as more fully described in clause (c) an event or circumstance which we or the supplier of 8. Flights and your responsibility 7 (i) below) as a result of circumstances amounting to the service(s) in question could not have predicted or The flight details shown in your itinerary quotation are for ‘force majeure’. In these terms and conditions ‘force avoided even after taking all reasonable care (see clause 5) guidance only and are subject to change. Final details will be majeure’ means any event or circumstances which we or confirmed on your travel documentation, sent the supplier of the services in question could not foresee (d) the fault of anyone who is not carrying out work for us approximately 14 days prior to departure. The times or avoid even with all due care. Such events and (generally or in particular) at the time. shown on all tickets are local times and check in for both circumstances may include, whether actual or threatened, outward and return flights is at least 3 hours prior to the war, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil action, decisions by In addition, we will not be responsible where you do not departure times on the travel documents. It is possible that governments or governing authority, technical or enjoy your holiday or suffer any problems because of a flight times may be changed even after tickets have been maintenance problems with transport, changes of schedules reason you did not tell us about when you booked your dispatched - we will contact you as soon as possible if this or operational decisions of air carriers, terrorist activity, holiday or where any problems you suffer did not result occurs. industrial action, natural or nuclear activity, from any breach of our contract or other fault of ourselves epidemics/pandemics, adverse weather conditions, fire and or, where we were responsible for them, our suppliers or In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005 all similar events outside our control. agents or where any losses, expenses, costs or other sum Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the you have suffered relate to any business. existence of a “Community list” which contains details of 6. Surcharges air carriers who are subject to an operating ban within the Once the price of your chosen holiday has been confirmed Please note: we cannot accept responsibility for any EU. The Community list is available for inspection at at the time of booking, we will only increase or decrease it services which do not form part of our contract. This http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/ in the following circumstances. Price increases or decreases includes, for example, any additional services or facilities flywell_en.htm. In accordance with EU Regulations we are after booking will be passed on by way of a surcharge or which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) (or, if the refund. A surcharge or refund (as applicable) will be for you where the services or facilities are not advertised in actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will payable, subject to the conditions set out in this clause, if our brochure and we have not agreed to arrange them as operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. Where we are transportation costs (e.g. fuel, scheduled airfares and any part of our contract and any excursion you purchase during only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of other airline surcharges which are part of the contract your holiday. booking, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator) carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change or dues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing (ii) The promises we make to you about the services we to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract - confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible. If the airports change. and the laws and regulations of the country in which your carrier with whom you have a confirmed reservation claim or complaint occurred - will be used as the basis for becomes subject to an operating ban as above as a result of Even in the above cases, only if the amount of the increase deciding whether the services in question had been which we/ the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable in our costs exceeds 2% of the total cost of your holiday properly provided. If the particular services which gave rise alternative the provisions of clause 4 will apply. Any change (excluding any amendment charges), will we levy a to the claim or complaint complied with local laws and in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, and/or aircraft surcharge. If any surcharge is greater than 10% of the cost regulations applicable to those services at the time, the type (if advised) will not entitle you to cancel or change to of your holiday (excluding any amendment charges), you services will be treated as having been properly provided. other arrangements without paying our normal charges will be entitled to cancel your booking and receive a full This will be the case even if the services did not comply except where specified in these conditions. refund of all monies you have paid to us (except for any with the laws and regulations of the UK which would have amendment charges) or alternatively purchase another applied had those services been provided in the UK. The We can accept no responsibility if you arrive late for the holiday from us as referred to in clause 4 ‘If we change your exception to this is where the claim or complaint concerns check in and miss your flight as a result nor can we accept holiday’. Please note that travel arrangements are not the absence of a safety feature which might lead a responsibility for any loss by you of your holiday/flight travel always purchased in local currency and some apparent reasonable holiday maker to refuse to take the holiday in tickets, vouchers or coupons. changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to question. contractual and other protection in place. Air travel is subject to operational decisions of carriers and (iii) We limit the maximum amount we may have to pay airports which may result in delays and diversions. Please A refund will only be payable if the decrease in our costs you for any and all claims or parts of claims which do not note that minor carriers sometimes change the departure exceeds 2% as set out above. Where a refund is due, we involve personal injury, illness or death. Except where loss time of short-haul or domestic flights at short notice, and in will pay you the full amount of the decrease in our costs. of and/or damage to luggage or personal possessions is some instances, schedules shown in the computers of concerned or a lower limitation of liability applies to your intercontinental carriers differ from those actually flown by You have 14 days from the issue date printed on the claim, the maximum amount we will have to pay you for smaller local carriers. We advise you that it is your surcharge invoice to tell us if you want to cancel or such non personal injury claims if we are found liable to you responsibility to be meticulous in locally reconfirming purchase another holiday where applicable. If you do not on any basis is twice the price (excluding any amendment directly with the carrier operating the flight. We accept no tell us that you wish to do so within this period of time, we charges) paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in liability for the consequences of flights missed owing to the are entitled to assume that you will pay the surcharge. Any total. This maximum amount will only be payable where passenger’s failure to reconfirm. surcharge must be paid with the balance of the cost of the everything has gone wrong and you have not received any holiday or within 14 days of the issue date printed on the benefit at all from your holiday. Clients flying in economy class to long-haul destinations surcharge invoice, whichever is the later. should be aware that flights are often full and you may not Where we are found liable for loss of and/or damage to any be able to get seats together. We also recommend that We reserve the right to make changes to and correct luggage or personal possessions (including money), the you check in early for a long flight, and in any case not less errors in quoted prices at any time before your holiday is maximum amount we will have to pay you is £150 per than 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. confirmed. We will advise you of any error of which we are person affected as you are assumed to have taken out aware and of the then applicable price at the time of adequate insurance at the time of booking. Please also see If your flight is cancelled or delayed, your flight ticket is booking. clause 7(iv) below. downgraded or boarding is denied by your airline in circumstances which would entitle you to claim (iv) Where any claim or part of a claim concerns or is compensation or any other payment from the airline under 7. Our responsibility based on any travel arrangements (including the process of EC Regulation No 261/2004 - the Denied Boarding (i) We promise to make sure that all parts of the holiday getting on and/or off the transport concerned) provided by Regulations 2004, you must pursue the airline for the we have agreed to arrange, perform or provide as part of any air, sea, rail or road carrier or any stay in a hotel, the compensation or other payment due to you. All sums you our contract with you are arranged, performed or maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay receive or are entitled to receive from the airline provided with reasonable skill and care. This means that, you will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for concerned by virtue of these Regulations represent the full subject to these booking conditions, we will accept that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to amount of your entitlement to compensation or any other responsibility if, for example, you suffer death or personal you on any basis is the most the carrier or hotel keeper payment arising from such cancellation, delay, downgrading injury or your contracted holiday arrangements are not concerned would have to pay under the international or denied boarding. This includes any disappointment, provided as promised or prove deficient as a result of the convention or regulation which applies to the travel distress, inconvenience or effect on any other failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers to arrangements or hotel stay in question (for example, the arrangements. The fact a delay may entitle you to cancel use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or Warsaw Convention as amended for international travel by your flight does not automatically entitle you to cancel any providing, as applicable, your contracted holiday air and/or for airlines with an operating licence granted by other arrangements even where those arrangements have arrangements. Please note, it is your responsibility to show an EU country, the EU Regulation on Air Carrier Liability been made in conjunction with your flight. We have no that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish for national and international travel by air, the Athens liability to make any payment to you in relation to the to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be Convention for international travel by sea and COTIF, the Denied Boarding Regulations or in respect of any flight responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers Convention on International Travel by Rail). Please note: cancellation or delay, downgrading of any flight ticket or do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the Where a carrier or hotel would not be obliged to make denial of any boarding as the full amount of your course of their employment (for employees) or carrying any payment to you under the applicable International entitlement to any compensation or other payment (as out work we had asked them to do (for agents and Convention or Regulation in respect of a claim or part of a dealt with above) is covered by the airline's obligations suppliers). We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to under the Denied Boarding Regulations. If your airline does death, loss (including loss of enjoyment), damage, expense, you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any not comply with these rules, you should complain to the cost or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you Air Transport Users’ Council on 020 7240 6061 which results from any of the following:- have received or are entitled to receive from the transport www.auc.org.uk provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question. (a) the fault of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of We cannot accept liability for any delay unless it has a their party or (v) You must provide ourselves and our insurers with all material effect on your holiday arrangements. See clause 4. assistance we may reasonably require. You must also tell us (b) the fault of a third party not connected with the and the supplier concerned about your claim or complaint provision of your holiday which we could not have as set out in clause 9 below. predicted or avoided or Terms and conditions 45 Terms and conditions
You undertake to behave with propriety and in such a on a particular itinerary or programme, this information protect customers’ pre-payments for packaged travel manner as in no way causes or is likely to cause distress, should be regarded as a term of the contract. services which are not covered by the ATOL scheme in the danger or annoyance to other clients and/or any third party unlikely event of our financial failure. This policy will cover or damage to property. If, in the view of ourselves, our The hotel classifications given in our brochure, quotations the following; employees, agents or suppliers, you are in breach of this and dossiers and fact sheets are for guidance only. They are - a refund of such pre-payments if customers have not yet clause, we reserve the right to terminate your contract and not based on any national or international classification travelled, or neither we nor the providers of any of the services in system, they are the opinions of our staff or agents and are - making arrangements to enable the holiday to continue if question will have any further contractual obligations to you quite subjective. customers have already travelled, or either in respect of covering any expenses, paying any - returning customers to the starting point of their compensation or refunds, or arranging for your return 11. Special requests contracted holiday arrangements with Audley Travel where home. If you have any special request, you must advise us in applicable writing at the time of booking. Although we will endeavour Customers’ pre-payments are protected by a topp policy. When you book with us, you accept responsibility for any to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, In the unlikely event of financial failure please contact the damage or loss caused by you. Full payment for any such we regret we cannot guarantee any request will be met claims helpline on 0870 0137 965. damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely unless we have specifically confirmed this. For your own known) must be paid direct at the time to the protection, you should obtain confirmation in writing from A copy of the policy is available on request. In the instances accommodation owner or manager or other supplier. If the us that your request will be complied with (where it is where topp protection applies you will not receive an actual cost of the loss or damage exceeds the amount paid possible for us to give this) if your request is important to ATOL certificate with your invoice. For further details visit where estimated, you must pay the difference once known. you. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or www.audleytravel.com/protect If the actual cost is less than the amount paid, the difference passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of the special will be refunded. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible request on your confirmation invoice or any other 13. Excursions for meeting any claims subsequently made against us documentation is not confirmation that the request will be Please note that we do not provide or arrange excursions (together with our own and the other party’s full legal met. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special other than those listed in your itinerary and forming part of costs) as a result of your actions. requests are subject to availability. the arrangements booked and paid for in the UK. Our local representatives or guides may put you in touch with local You must ensure that all your travel documents, full We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. organisers of excursions if you request but we can have no passports, visas, vaccination certificates, currency and any booking which is specified to be conditional on the liability for such excursions, as your contract for such travellers cheques are in order and valid for travel. All costs fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be excursions will be with a local company providing the incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by treated as ‘standard’ bookings subject to the above services and not with us. you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are provisions on special requests. refused entry onto any transport or into any country due 14. Prices and Brochure Accuracy to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. We If you have any medical problem or disability which may Please note, the information and prices shown in our are able to give general advice on these matters for British affect your holiday, please tell us before you confirm your brochures and/or quotations may have changed by the time citizens holding a British passport. However, non-British booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is citizens and non British passport holders should check with chosen arrangements. In any event, you must give us full made to ensure the accuracy of the brochures, quotations their embassy or consulate vis-a-vis current requirements. details in writing at the time of booking. You must also and prices at the time of printing or when they are given to See also our General Information section. promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability you, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must which may affect your holiday develops after your booking therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents has been confirmed. If we reasonably feel unable to holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being properly accommodate the particular needs of the person imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us concerned, we must reserve the right to decline their 15. Honeymoon Gift Service accordingly. reservation or, if full details are not given at the time of All honeymoon bookings and use of Audley's Honeymoon booking, cancel when we become aware of these details. Gift Service are subject to our terms & conditions. It is The name on your airline tickets must be the name that important to note that in the unfortunate event of the appears on your full passport. 12. Your financial protection cancellation of your booking you will be responsible for all We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by the cancellation charges as detailed in our Terms & Conditions. Please note that if you believe that we have stated orally Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 4817). When you Audley also reserve the right to charge a £150 that a particular facility or service should be available, but is buy an ATOL protected flight-inclusive holiday* from us, administration fee to cover refunding all monies to your not in the brochure or in writing from us, please make you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists the flight, guests. These refunds will only be made once all reference to it on the booking form so that we may accommodation, car hire and/or other services that are cancellation charges have been paid. As the client, you will confirm it to you when accepting your booking. financially protected, where you can get information on take on the responsibility for the full payment of the what this means for you, and who to contact if things go booking as the amount of your guest contributions cannot 9. Complaints wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL be guaranteed. Should you have any complaints about any aspect of your Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the holiday arrangements, you must inform our local ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, Audley Travel Group Limited. Registered Address: New representative or tour leader immediately and the supplier where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 9SX. of the arrangements concerned. Problems can most easily reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may Registered in England with Company Reg. No. 3190720. be dealt with on the spot. Please note, if you do not report provide you with services you have bought or a suitable VAT Reg. No.125454721. July 2013. a problem or complaint which, if it had been reported at alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept the time it occurred could have been resolved there and that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder then we cannot accept any liability in respect of that will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any problem or complaint. It is sensible to expect a client money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract travelling in the developing world to be reasonably to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree resourceful if things go wrong. If you experience any that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an difficulties, contact us in the UK on our 24 hour emergency alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled telephone service. The number will be found on your pre- to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit departure information and with your tickets. In the unlikely card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers event that an acceptable solution cannot be found, you identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide should then write to us within 28 days of your return with the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an full details of your complaint. If you fail to follow this alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of complaints procedure, your right to claim the insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make compensation you may otherwise have been entitled to a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL may be affected or even lost as a result. scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims If we cannot reach an amicable solution to any dispute you which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the do have the right to refer the dispute to the Association of non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, Independent Tour Operators which operates an the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where Independent Dispute Service (details on request) for applicable).You also agree that any such claims may be re- resolution of the dispute by a mediator provided the claim assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums does not involve personal accident, injury or illness. you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.
10. The brochure and quotation *The air inclusive holidays and flights we arrange are ATOL We have taken every care in ensuring that the information protected providing they are made available in the UK. For in the brochure and given in quotations/itineraries is further information, visit the ATOL website at correct at the time of publication. However we are sure www.atol.org.uk. you will appreciate that subsequently minor alterations may arise. We reserve the right to change any of the prices, Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will services or other particulars contained in this brochure or be protected by the ATOL scheme. In compliance with the any quotation at any time before we enter into a contract UK Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours with you. If there is any change we will notify you before Regulations 1992 an insurance policy has been arranged we enter into such contract. Where we state that with Travel & General Insurance Company plc, authorised additional information, a fact sheet or a dossier is available and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, to
46 Terms and conditions