ASIA ON SALE - travel key€¦ · TOP 5 THINGS TO DO & SEE. START: COCHIN FINISH: CHENNAI INCLUDES...

ASIA ON SALE

Imagine the stories

ON SALE UNTIL 28 FEBRUARY 2018

SMALL GROUP JOURNEYSWith a guaranteed maximum of only 16 travellers, our Small Group Journeys offer you the chance to experience Asia like an insider. With the perfect balance of organised experiences and flexibility, you will have an authentic travel experience within Asia.

INTRODUCING INDIA

4 KERALA India’s verdant southern state, criss-crossed with tropical waterways, backed by tea, spice and rainforest-covered hills is home to arguably the mainland’s finest beaches.

5 THE HIMALAYAS In the Himalayas, stay in a house boat on the Kashmir lake, walk from village to village in Almore, stay on a colonial-era tea estate and marvel at stunning peak views in Darjeeling.

2 AGRAWitness the world’s most famous monument to love, the Taj Mahal, visit at dawn, when the pearly white exterior changes colours and textures with the rising sun.

3 RAJASTHAN India’s desert state offers colour and culture like no other desert in the world. Explore hilltop forts and royal palaces, visit villages and colourful bazaars or spot wildlife from a jeep.

1 DELHIDiscover India’s history-rich capital including chaotic Old Delhi, its Red Fort and huge Jama Masjid, grand New Delhi, the elegant Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.

A kaleidoscope of colour and activity, India is home to dramatic forts, deserts, spice hills, tranquil backwaters, thriving cities and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a long-time India devotee, discover a side of India that fits with your interests. Welcoming people, ancient traditions and diverse landscapes make it one of Asia’s most rewarding destinations.

TOP 5THINGS TO DO & SEE

START: COCHIN FINISH: CHENNAI INCLUDES• 11 nights hotel accommodation • Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 2 dinners• Transport in air-conditioned vehicles • Small group touring• Entrance fees (except camera fees)• Tour Leader (when group size reaches 10 or more) • Local English-speaking guides• Return transfers

Prices based on low season 2018 departures Prices based on low season 2018 departures

8 DAYS FROM $1,869* 12 DAYS FROM $3,125*per person twin share

per person twin share

TASTE OF INDIA SECRETS OF SOUTH INDIA

TAJ MAHAL, AGRA

RANTHAMBORE PARK

Delhi(2 nights)

Agra & Taj Mahal(1 night)

RanthamboreNational Park(2 nights)

Jaipur(2 nights)

INDIA

NEPAL

TIBETPAKISTAN

StartFinish

Road route

INDIA

SRI LANKA

Cochin(2 nights)

Pondicherry (2 nights)

Kumbakonam (2 nights)

Madurai (2 nights)Thekkady

Periyar National Park (1 night)

Chennai

Mahabalipuram (1 night)

Karaikudi (1 night)

StartFinish

Road route

SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE, MADURAI

START: DELHI FINISH: JAIPURINCLUDES• 7 nights hotel accommodation • Breakfast daily, 3 dinners• 2 jeep safaris • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles (except jeep safaris)• Small group touring• Entrance fees (except camera fees)• Tour leader (when group size reaches 10 or more) • Local English-speaking guides• Return transfers

• Wander among the vibrant food markets of Old Delhi and sample the authentic flavours of India, from sweet chai to fresh naan, and embark on a thrilling rickshaw ride through the city.

• Visit the lively Sikh temple, and see the huge communal kitchen which prepares free daily meals for thousands of devotees of all faiths to the temple.

• Join a local family in the old city of Jaipur for dinner and see how the delicious dishes you will sample are prepared.

Our Insider Experiences• Take an early morning countryside walk through a traditional

Tamil Village, gaining insights into their everyday lives. • Try a delicious sweet coffee which is ‘pulled’ in the traditional

way at an authentic local coffee house. • Visit Madurai’s colourful fruit and vegetable market including

iconic ‘banana alley’.

Our Insider Experiences

COCHIN

SAVE$932*per couple

SAVE$1,560*per couple

RIVER CRUISINGWith a commitment to unique experiences, authentic encounters and responsible travel, a river cruise will show you the major sites, plus reveal the hidden secrets of Asia that few travellers get to see. Insider Journeys has a proud preferred partnership with Heritage Line to bring you boutique vessels on the mighty Mekong. Its flagship cruise ship, the Jahan incorporates the features, style and service level of a deluxe hotel. Sister ship to The Jahan, Jayavarman is a boutique cruise vessel with 27 staterooms, operating since 2009.

TONLE SAP LAKE

JAYAVARMAN

THE MEKONG, THE JAHAN MEKONG

JAYAVARMANTHE JAHAN

START: HANOI (Vietnam) FINISH: SIEM REAP (Cambodia)INCLUDES• 10 nights hotel accommodation • 8 nights cruise accommodation • Breakfast daily, 8 lunches, 8 dinners • 2 internal flights within Asia • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles

(except tuk-tuk and cyclo touring) • Private and join-in touring • Entrance fees• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers

START: SAIGON (Vietnam) FINISH: SIEM REAP (Cambodia)INCLUDES• 4 nights hotel accommodation • 7 nights cruise accommodation • Breakfast daily, 7 lunches, 7 dinners • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles

(except tuk-tuk and cyclo touring)• Private and join-in touring• Entrance fees• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers




VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & THE MEKONG SAIGON TO ANGKOR

TONLE SAP LAKE, CAMBODIA

THE MEKONG

MEKONG RIVER

S StartF Finish

Air routeRoad routeBoat cruise

CAMBODIA

Kampong ChhangKampong Cham

Phnom Penh

Tan Chau(7 nights on boat)

My Tho

Cu Chi

Cai Be

THAILAND LAOS

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) (2 nights)

Hoi An (2 nights)

VIETNAM

Hanoi (2 nights)

Halong Bay (1 night on boat)

DanangHue (2 nights)

✈

✈

Tonle Sap Lake

Angkor Wat & Siem Reap (2 nights)

S StartF Finish

Road routeBoat cruise

CAMBODIA

Kampong ChhangKampong Cham

Phnom Penh

Tan Chau

My ThoCai Be

THAILAND LAOS

VIETNAM

Tonle Sap Lake


(7 nights on boat)

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) (2 nights)

• Explore the turquoise waters of Halong Bay on a luxury converted junk.

• Enjoy a traditional Khmer dance performance on-board your river cruise.

• Visit local villages and markets throughout Vietnam and Cambodia.

• Discover the remote pre-Angkorian temples of Wat Hanchey and Wat Nokor.

Our Insider Experiences• Spend 8 luxurious days cruising along the mighty Mekong River. • Enjoy a sampan tour of the colourful Cai Be floating markets for

an insight into local life. • Cruise through Tonle Sap Lake and discover the floating villages. • See sunrise over Angkor Wat and explore the mysteries Temples

of Angkor.




MEKONG AND BEYOND

Prices based on low season 2018 departures

START: SIEM REAP (Cambodia) FINISH: HANOI (Vietnam)INCLUDES• 7 nights hotel accommodation• 8 nights cruise accommodation • Breakfast daily, 1 brunch, 7 lunches, 9 dinners• 2 internal flights within Asia • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles (except tuk-tuk touring)• Small group touring • Entrance fees• Tour Leader (when group size reaches 10 or more)• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers

16 DAYS FROM $3,869* per person twin share

S StartF Finish


CAMBODIA

(7 nights on boat )

Kampong Chhang Kampong Cham

Phnom Penh

Tan Chau

My ThoCai Be

THAILAND LAOS

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) (1 night)

Hoi An (2 nights)

VIETNAM

Hanoi (2 nights)

Halong Bay (1 night on boat)

CHINA

Danang

✈

✈

Haiphong

Tonle Sap Lake


ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA


MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM

• Explore the bustling streets and local markets in Hanoi, and gain inside knowledge on the best local dishes to try.

• Join the disadvantaged youth receiving training at Streets Café for a memorable market walk, learning about local produce as well as this excellent initiative.

• Escape the crowds by entering Angkor Wat’s seldom-used East Gate before dawn. Explore by torchlight before watching the sunrise majestically over Angkor Wat’s spires.


INTRODUCING VIETNAM

4 SAPAExplore Vietnam’s mountainous region which is home to colourful ethnic hilltribe people. Trek to fascinating villages and absorb breathtaking natural beauty.

5 HALONG BAYCruise among 3,000 limestone karst islands emerging from jade green water, an unforgettable experience. Visit on a day trip, or enjoy a magical overnight cruise.

2 HOI AN & DANANGDanang is your gateway to long stretches of white sand beaches, while charming Hoi An, a former trading port offers a rich mix of cultural influences.

3 HANOIGraceful Hanoi is Vietnam’s modern-day capital. Classic colonial architecture, authentic cuisine, and a millennium of history and culture give Hanoi her elegance.

1 SAIGON & THE MEKONG DELTAGateway to the Mekong Delta, experience the energy of Saigon, where luxury hotels, traditional markets and French-colonial grandeur intertwine.

Vietnam’s natural beauty, contagious energy and unforgettable cuisine make it one of our favourite destinations, but it is the unfailingly friendly local people that make Vietnam a place to return to, time and time again. Come and experience the country that we first fell in love with.


Hanoi(1 night)

Sapa(3 nights)

VIETNAM

LAOS

CHINA

S StartF Finish

Road route

Prices based on low season 2018 departuresPrices based on low season 2018 departures

THAILAND LAOS

Cu Chi

Mekong Delta Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) (3 nights)

Hoi An (2 nights)

Hue (1 night)

CAMBODIA VIETNAM

Hanoi (2 nights; 4 nights with Sapa extension)

Halong Bay(1 night on boat)

Sapa (3 nights)

Danang

Haiphong

S StartF Finish

Air routeRoad routeBoat cruiseOPTIONALEXTENSION

START/FINISH: HANOI INCLUDES• 4 nights hotel accommodation • Breakfast daily, 1 dinner• Transport in air-conditioned vehicles • Small group touring • Entrance fees• Tour leader (when group size reaches 10 or more) • Local English-speaking guides• Return transfers

START: SAIGON FINISH: HANOIINCLUDES:• 8 nights hotel accommodation • 1 night cruise • 2 internal flights within Asia• Breakfast daily, 1 brunch 2 lunches, 2 dinners• Transport in air-conditioned vehicles • Small group touring • Entrance fees• Tour leader (when group size reaches 10 or more)• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers

5 DAYS FROM $749*10 DAYS FROM $1,485* per person twin share


SAPA EXPLORERHIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM

HALONG BAY

MEKONG DELTA

SAPA

SAPA

• Meet the inspiring young adults with disabilities at the Spiral Foundation in Hue and spend time with them as they help you create a souvenir out of recycled materials

• Explore the bustling streets and local markets in Hanoi, and gain inside knowledge on the best local dishes to try

Our Insider Experiences • Know you are helping to support hilltribe communities and Sapa’s environment with a stay at the charming Topas Ecolodge, perched on a mountrain’s edge

• Delve deeper into the lives of the Red Dzao people as you encounter one of Vietnam’s most fascinating minority groups

• Take a memorable walk through the Black H’mong villages of Hau Thao and Saseng to gain valuable insights into this mountain-dwelling community


SAVE$740*per couple

SAVE$382*per couple

INTRODUCING MYANMAR

4 INLE LAKE A magical place home to stilt houses, fishing communities and diverse hilltribe groups who trek here to meet at the riverside markets.

5 BEACH ESCAPES Not yet widely known, Myanmar’s unspoilt beaches are some of Asia’s finest. Discover pristine Ngapali and the stunning Mergui Archipelago, with accommodation to suit everyone.

2 MANDALAYBuilt at the foot of Mandalay Hill by the Irrawaddy River, this historic pagoda-filled town was Myanmar’s last royal capital and is now a cultural and religious centre.

3 BAGAN Unforgettable Bagan is set on Myanmar’s sweeping central plains. Dotted with thousands of ancient temples, its endless spires are best viewed at sunset.

1 YANGON (RANGOON) British-colonial architecture meets an emerging art and restaurant scene in this riverside hub, home to the impressive golden Shwedagon Pagoda.

Exotic Myanmar (Burma) has been largely off most travellers’ radars until recently. Now opening up, discover its diverse cultures and landscapes, which offer a real sense of adventure. Cruise the Irrawaddy River, explore temple-covered plains and venture to beautiful beaches and forested hills.


MYANMAR REVEALED


START/FINISH: YANGON (Rangoon) INCLUDES• 12 nights hotel accommodation• 2 nights cruise accommodation• Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 3 dinners• 1 day train• 3 internal flights within Asia• Local boat transport • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles• Small group touring • Entrance fees • Tour Leader (when group size reaches 10 or more)• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers


Yangon(3 nights)

Mandalay (2 nights)

Bagan(2 nights)

Kalaw (2 nights)Heho

MYANMAR

THAILAND

LAOSInle Lake (3 nights)

(2 nights on boat)

Ngapali Beach

CHINA

S StartF Finish


TEMPLES OF BAGAN


• Take a fun local train ride through the beautiful Shan Hills – a great opportunity to meet people and get a real feel for local life

• Enjoy a heart-warming visit to a convent on Sagaing Hill to share lunch with the resident nuns

• Spend a memorable day with the elephants, helping to wash and feed these amazing animals

• Interact with locals at a local beer station or teahouse in Mandalay


SHWEDAGON PAGODA

INTRODUCING CAMBODIA

4 SOUTH COAST Discover white sand beaches, colonial towns, seaside villages and the idyllic off-shore islands of Cambodia’s South Coast.

5 BATTAMBANG Immerse yourself in the charms of rural Cambodian life in this vibrant regional hub, home to a local circus, museum, the bamboo train and well-preserved Art Deco buildings.

2 SIEM REAPCruise the floating villages of tranquil Tonle Sap Lake, and enjoy Siem Reap’s unexpected treasures, from chic eateries and relaxing spas to hidden art galleries.

3 PHNOM PENH With its riverside setting and colonial-era architecture, discover Cambodia’s buzzing capital. Take a tuk-tuk or a cyclo to explore its stunning temples and monuments.

1 TEMPLES OF ANGKOR Experience Angkor Wat’s magic as you begin exploring before the crowds. Further afield, discover the secrets of Ta Prohm and remote Boeng Mealea.

The magnificent temples of Angkor draw many travellers to Cambodia, but the country has much more to offer. Discover Tonle Sap Lake and its fishing communities, the reinvigorated capital of Phnom Penh, and the beautiful South Coast. Its warm people and fragrant cuisine are truly memorable.


HIGHLIGHTS OF CAMBODIA


START: PHNOM PENH FINISH: SIEM REAPINCLUDES• 6 nights hotel accommodation • Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 1 dinner • Small group touring • Entrance fees• Transport in air-conditioned vehicles (except tuk-tuk and cyclo touring) • Tour leader (when group size reaches 10 or more)• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers


ROYAL PALACE, PHNOM PENH

SAVE$550*per couple

• Savour a home-cooked lunch at the Santuk Silk Farm near Kampong Thom. • Glide through Phnom Penh’s fascinating streets on a traditional cyclo ride. • Escape the crowds by entering Angkor Wat’s seldom-used East Gare before

dawn. Explore the grounds by torchlight before watching the sun rise over the spires of Angkor Wat.

• Enjoy a traditional khmer style breakfast at a local restaurant at the temples of Angkor.


CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

THAILAND

Phnom Penh(2 nights)

Kampong Thom(1 night)

Angkor Wat & Siem Reap(3 nights)

Tonle Sap Lake

Battambang (2 nights)

LAOS

S StartF Finish

Road routeOPTIONALEXTENSION

TONLE SAP LAKE

INTRODUCING LAOS

4 VANG VIENG Vang Vieng is home to river scenery, caves and dramatic limestone karst formations. Enjoy adventure activities or relax amidst the beautiful surrounds.

5 VIENTIANEGetting to know Laos’ compelling capital, with its idyllic Mekong setting and grand monuments. Gain a unique insight into Lao culture with a ‘baci’ blessing in a local home.

2 SOUTHERN LAOS Experience an authentic taste of rural Laos in this little-visited region. Explore the stunning 4,000 islands, spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin and visit waterfalls.

3 PLAIN OF JARSExperience the mysterious Plain of Jars in the rugged countryside. The origins of the jars remain steeped in legend, offering a unique immersion into Laos’ history.

1 LUANG PRABANG Discover the glittering temples of captivating Luang Prabang. Witness monks collecting alms, shop for hilltribe textiles or enjoy a picnic at Kuang Si Falls.

Laos is home to mesmerising landscapes, compelling history and enchanting people including its hilltribe groups. Experience the gentle pace of life in a place reminiscent of old world Asia. Explore Buddhist temples, lively markets and the languid Mekong River on an unforgettable journey.


START: VIENTAINE FINISH: LUANG PRABANG INCLUDES• 5 nights hotel accommodation • Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 2 dinners • 1 internal flight within Asia • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles

(except tuk-tuk touring)• Small group touring• Entrance fees• Tour Leader (when group size reaches 10 or more)• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers

START: CHIANG RAI (Thailand) FINISH: VIENTIANE (Laos) INCLUDES• 7 nights hotel accommodation• Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 2 dinners • 1 internal flight within Asia• 1 cruise• Transport in air-conditioned vehicles

(except tuk-tuk touring)• Small group touring• Entrance fees• Tour Leader (when group size reaches 10 or more)• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers


Mekong River

THAILAND

VIETNAM

LAOSVientiane

(2 nights)

Pakse (1 night)

Done Khone (2 nights)

Bolaven Plateau (1 night)

Luang Prabang (3 nights)Pakbeng (1 night)

Huay Xai

Chiang Rai(1 night)

4,000 Islands

ChampasakDone Daeng (2 nights)

CAMBODIA

S StartF Finish

Air routeRoad routeBoat cruiseOPTIONALEXTENSION



HIGHLIGHTS OF LAOS LAOS EXPERIENCE

PATUXAI MONUMENT, VIENTIANE ROYAL PALACE, LUANG PRABANG

PHA THAT LUANG LUANG PRABANG

Vientiane(2 nights)

Luang Prabang(3 nights)

LAOS

VIETNAM

THAILAND

Mekong River

S StartF Finish

Air route

• Savour a traditional Lao coffee at a local coffee stall in Vientiane. • Receive a traditional Lao blessing at a ‘baci’ ceremony in a local

family’s house. • Meet Luang Prabang locals over a game of petanque, the

national pastime. • Enjoy a fun private cooking demonstration at Tamarind cooking

school before sitting down to enjoy the feast.

Our Insider Experiences• Feast on a traditional Lao ‘ jaew’ dips in a local home to the tune of

a traditional musical performance.• Meet Luang Prabang locals over a game of petanque, the

national pastime. • Take part in a fun ‘bamboo-themed’ Lao cooking class in a

beautiful village setting. • Receive a traditional Lao blessing at a ‘baci’ ceremony in a local

family’s house.


SAVE$522*per couple

SAVE$832*per couple

INTRODUCING INDOCHINA

4 SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS Join a group of like-minded fellow travellers and delve into the culture, heritage and natural landscapes of Indochina.

5 RIVER CRUISESCruise along the Mekong and immerse yourself in the waterways which unite the people of this incredible region.

2 CAMBODIA Known for the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, the bustling reinvented capital of Phnom Penh and lazy days spent exploring the tranquil South Coast.

3 LAOSSee sparkling temples, stay in peaceful lodges, and explore the little-visited 4,000 Islands region for a trip well and truly beyond the reach of modernity.

1 VIETNAM Discover stunning natural beauty, exciting cuisine and fascinating culture, both old and new. Its friendly local people make Vietnam a place to return too.

Footloose Tours are ideal for independent travellers wanting a unique yet flexible experience and great value for money. Travel with a maximum of 20 other travellers, while enjoying the freedom to choose from a range of day tours and dining options in each destination.


THAILANDLAOS

Cu Chi Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) (3 nights)

Hoi An (2 nights)

Hue (1 night)

CAMBODIA VIETNAM

Halong Bay(1 night on boat)

Danang

HaiphongS StartF Finish


Hanoi(2 nights)

FOOTLOOSE VIETNAM


START: SAIGON FINISH: HANOI INCLUDES• 8 nights hotel accommodation • 1 night cruise• Breakfast daily, 1 brunch, 1 lunch, 1 dinner • 2 internal flights within Asia • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles • Group touring • Entrance fees• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers


HALONG BAY

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL, SAIGON

• Discover the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels and gain an insight into the role they played during the Vietnam War.

• Wander the charming streets of Hoi An, and discover the traditional houses and temples.

• Sample locally sourced seafood as you enjoy a delicious lunch while cruising the emerald waters of Halong Bay.


SAVE$550*per couple

FOOTLOOSE LAOS


START: VIENTIANE FINISH: LUANG PRABANGINCLUDES• 5 nights hotel accommodation • Breakfast daily• 1 internal flight within Asia• Group touring• Transport in air-conditioned vehicles

(except tuk-tuk touring) • Entrance fees• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers

6 DAYS FROM $595* per person twin share

KUANG SI FALLS

Vientiane(2 nights)

Luang Prabang(3 nights)

LAOS

VIETNAM

THAILAND

Mekong River

S StartF Finish

Air route

PHA THAT LUANG, VIENTIANE

• Gain a fascinating insight into Vientiane as you visit the city’s must-see attractions.

• Spend time wandering through the quiet streets of charming, World Heritage listed Luang Prabang.

• Relax at Kuang Si Falls, considered to be the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Laos.


SAVE$300*per couple

FOOTLOSE CAMBODIA


START: PHNOM PENH FINISH: SIEM REAPINCLUDES• 4 nights hotel accommodation • Breakfast daily• 1 internal flight within Asia• Group touring • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles (except tuk-tuk touring)• Entrance fees• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers

5 DAYS FROM $379* per person twin share

ROYAL PALACE, PHNOM PENH

Phnom Penh(2 nights)

Angkor Wat & Siem Reap(2 nights)

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

THAILAND

Tonle Sap Lake

S StartF Finish

Air route

TA PROHM

SAVE$192*per couple

• Gain an insight into Cambodia’s chilling past during a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum.

• Visit Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. • Explore the iconic temples of Angkor including Angkor Wat, Bayon and

Ta Prohm.


INTRODUCING SRI LANKA

4 NATIONAL PARKSSri Lanka is home to an abundance of wildlife. Yala is known for daily leopard sightings while Udawalawe is home to the Sri Lankan elephant.

5 CULTURAL TRIANGLE With vast remains of ancient Buddhist civilisations, rock top palaces and hill caves, Anuradhapura, Dambulla and Sigiriya are known as the Cultural Triangle.

2 THE SOUTH COAST From long stretches of beach to intimate coves, stunning beaches line the coast of Sri Lanka. Stay in a small villa or at a stylish resort with plenty of local style.

3 KANDYAt the centre of Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second city and religious capital, lies the Temples of the Tooth, holding a sacred relic of Lord Buddha.

1 GALLEExplore Galle Fort, with its ramparts fronting the Arabian Sea and its quaint cobbled lanes home to old trading houses, mosques and temples, antique shops and cafes.

SriLankan Airlines now flying Melbourne to Colombo direct.

Sublime Sri Lanka is bursting with a rich array of attractions and welcoming people. It's beautiful coast and endless palm-fringed beaches are well known. Beyond the coast lie ancient Buddhist cities, verdant tea-covered hills, colourful temples, wildlife experiences and beautiful tropical scenes.


SRI LANKA

Anuradhapura (2 nights)

Colombo(2 nights)

Sigiriya (2 nights)Kandy (2 nights)Nuwara Eliya (1 night)

Tissa (2 nights)Yala National Park

Weligama(1 night)

Galle/Hikkaduwa(2 nights)

Ella

INDIA

StartFinish

Road routeRail route

START/FINISH: COLOMBOINCLUDES• 8 nights hotel accommodation • Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 1 dinner• Transport in air-conditioned vehicles• Small group touring• Entrance fees• Tour Leader • (when group size reaches 10 or more)• Local English-speaking guides• Return transfers

START/FINISH: COLOMBOINCLUDES• 14 nights hotel accommodation • Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 4 dinners• 2 jeep safaris• Small group touring • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles

(except jeep safaris)• Entrance fees• Tour Leader (when group size reaches 10 or more)• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers




TASTE OF SRI LANKA SRI LANKA DISCOVERY

ANURADHAPURA

INDIA

SRI LANKA

Anuradhapura(2 nights)

Colombo(2 nights)

Sigiriya (2 nights)

Kandy (2 nights)

StartFinish

Road route

YALA NATIONAL PARKSIGIRIYA ROCK

NUWARA ELIYA



• Visit one of Anuradhapura’s most revered Buddhist temple sites where a fantastic atmosphere is created by the many visiting pilgrims.

• See how locals enjoy breakfast on the go, and try some delicacies from a local café.

Our Insider Experiences• Enjoy a cooking demonstration and a delicious lunch in a

beachside setting. • Search for the world’s largest creature, the Blue whale on a

morning cruise off the coast of Sri Lanka (Nov to Apr). • Visit one of Anuradhapura’s most revered Buddhist temple

sites where a fantastic atmosphere is created by the many visiting pilgrims.


DAY 1: COLOMBO TO NEGOMBOOn arrival in Colombo, transfer to your beachside hotel in nearby Negombo.DAY 2: NEGOMBO TO ANURADHAPURADrive approximately five hours to the 4th century BC capital, Anuradhapura. Enjoy an afternoon tour of the ancient ruins including the gigantic stupas, second in size to the pyramids of Egypt, and the Sri Maha Bodhi which is said to be the oldest documented tree on earth. DAY 3: ANURADHAPURA TO SIGIRIYATravel to Sigiriya and climb the famous rock fort or view it from below. With its rock art, spectacular location and sweeping views, it’s not hard to see why this is Sri Lanka’s most popular attraction.DAY 4: SIGIRIYA TO KANDYEn route to Kandy, stop at the hilltop cave temples at Dambulla, a gallery of Buddhist art. Visit a spice garden and learn more about the island’s famous produce. In the afternoon, arrive in the hill city of Kandy.DAY 5: KANDY CITY TOURDiscover Kandy’s highlights on a city tour. Visit the upper lake, gem museum and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. In the evening, see the famous Kandy Cultural Show and afterwards visit the famous Dalada Maligawa – Kandy’s revered and spectacular Temple of the Tooth. DAY 6: KANDY TO COLOMBO Venture from Kandy to Colombo, the country’s capital. In the afternoon, experience the hustle and bustle of the commercial area of ‘Fort’ and drive past the noisy bazaar area of Pettah or Pitakotuwa. Visit the Wolvendaal Dutch Church, built in 1749, and drive through ‘Cinnamon Gardens’, Colombo’s residential area.DAY 7: COLOMBO Enjoy free time until your departure transfer.

DAYS 1-2: COLOMBO TO SIGIRIYA VIA NEGOMBOOn arrival in Colombo, transfer to your beachside hotel in nearby Negombo. Drive through the Sri Lankan countryside to Sigiriya.DAY 3: ANURADHAPURA & MIHINTALEVisit the beautiful Buddhist site of Anuradhapura, with Sri Lanka’s oldest religious remains including huge stupas and the ancient Sri Mahabodhi tree. Climb to Mihintale with its dramatic views over the surrounding countryside.DAYS 4-5: SIGIRIYA, POLONNARUWA & DAMBULLA CAVES Choose to climb Sigiriya Rock or admire it from the base. Drive to Polonnaruwa, where some of the finest ancient royal remains are found. Explore the hilltop caves of Dambulla.DAYS 6-7: SIGIRIYA TO KANDYDrive into the hills to Kandy. In the evening, attend a cultural show and visit the spectacular Temple of the Tooth. Visit a colourful marketplace, the lake circuit and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.DAY 8: KANDY TO NUWARA ELIYAEnjoy another scenic drive through the beautiful Sri Lankan hills to Nuwara Eliya, with a stop at a tea estate.DAY 9: NUWARA ELIYA TO TISSADescend from the hills to Tissa, your base for visiting Yala National Park.DAY 10: YALA NATIONAL PARKSri Lanka’s most famous national park is home to a great diversity of wildlife including leopards which you have the opportunity to find on jeep safaris. DAY 11: TISSA TO GALLETravel the scenic coast road to the historic fort town of Galle. DAYS 12-13: GALLETake a walking tour around atmospheric Galle. On your last day, transfer 2.5 hours to the airport for your onward journey.




SPIRIT OF SRI LANKA SRI LANKA – AN ISLAND JOURNEY

SRI LANKAAnuradhapura (1 night)

Colombo(1 night)

Sigiriya (1 night)

Dambulla

Kandy (2 nights)Negombo (1 night)

INDIA StartFinish

Road route

Anuradhapura

Colombo

Sigiriya (4 nights)DambullaKandy (2 nights)

Nuwara Eliya (1 night)

YalaNational Park

Tissa ( 2 nights)

Galle (2 nights)

Negombo (1 night)

INDIA

SRI LANKA

StartFinish

Road route

DAMBULLACOLOMBO

SIGIRIYA ROCK NUWARA ELIYA

SAVE$546*per couple


INTRODUCING BHUTAN Bhutan is a land shrouded in mystery, with soaring mountain peaks, picturesque valleys and delightful people. The nation has long resisted outside influence, including television until recent times. Bhutan’s breathtaking mountain scenery, charming people and ancient relics and temples make discovering more about this little-known destination a richly rewarding experience. A stay in a Bhutanese-style lodge provides an insight into the local way of life and offers the opportunity for meaningful cultural exchange.

TAKTSHANG GEOMBA

BUDDHA DORDENMA TEMPLE

BHUTAN

BHUTAN TRONGSA

THIMPU BHUTAN

THIMPHU BHUTAN

HIGHLIGHTS OF BHUTAN


START/FINISH: PAROINCLUDES• 9 nights hotel/lodge accommodation • Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily• Transport in air-conditied vehicles • Small group touring • Entrance fees • Tour leader (when group size reaches 10 or more)• Local English-speaking guides• Bhutan visa • Return transfers

10 DAYS OR 13 DAYS FROM $3,549* per person twin share

TAKTSANG GOEMBA (TIGER’S NEST) MONASTERY

TRASHIGANG DZONG

BHUTAN

Punakha(2 nights; 3 nights with extension)

Thimpu(2 nights)

Trongsa (2 nights; 1 night with extension)Paro(3 nights)

INDIA

Bumthang (3 nights)

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Road routeOPTIONALEXTENSION

• Witness Bhutan’s stunning beauty as you climb to the dizzying heights of the Taktsang Goemba or ‘Tiger’s Nest’ monastery, the country’s most famous site, located on a sheer cliff-side above the Paro Valley.

• Journey over several oh Bhutan’s scenic passes, and witness spectacular Himalayan views (if weather permits) – scenes that will stay with you for a lifetime.

• Drive out of Paro to the highest road pass in the country at nearly 4,000 metres above sea level, enjoying superb scenery, villages and monasteries.

• Take short rural walks into villages and scenic areas of mountain valleys.



INTRODUCING JAPAN

4 SHIKOKUThis timeless island is Japan’s fourth largest. Venture to the island by train and discover picturesque hiking trails, castles, hot springs and art.

5 KYUSHUJapan’s third largest island, Kyushu offers beautiful landscapes, bustling cities and historical remnants. Its unique cuisine is a highlight.

2 HAKONETranquil Hakone offers a slice of old-world Japan. Its charming streets and inns are backed by stunning views of iconic Mt Fuji.

3 KYOTOExplore Japan’s cultural centre, Kyoto. Discover teahouses, the captivating Geisha culture and take a train through bamboo forests.

1 TOKYOBehind Tokyo’s futuristic façade lies a culture steeped in time. Explore neighbourhoods with manga-inspired street fashion or visit a traditional shrine.

Rich in natural beauty, enchanting culture and unique experiences, Japan is a land of contrasts. Discover the neon-lit streets of Tokyo and explore carefully preserved old-world villages. Be welcomed by the polite hospitality of the gracious locals and immerse yourself in this fascinating country.


START: TOKYO FINISH: KYOTOINCLUDES• 8 nights hotel accommodation• 1 night Ryokan accommodation• Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 2 dinners • Day trains• Transport in air-conditioned vehicles• Small group touring• Entrance fees • Luggage transport • Tour Leader (when group size reaches 10 or more)• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers

START: TOKYO FINISH: OSAKAINCLUDES• 12 nights hotel accommodation • 1 night Ryokan accommodation • Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 2 dinners• Day trains• Transport in air-conditioned vehicles• Small group touring • Entrance fees • Luggage transport • Tour Leader (when group size reaches 10 or more)• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers




HIGHLIGHTS OF JAPAN JAPAN DISCOVERY

JAPAN ALPS

MT FUJI MATSUMOTO CASTLE

JAPAN

Tokyo(2 nights)

Takayama(2 nights)

Kyoto(4 nights)

Hiroshima

Hakone (1 night)

Nagoya

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Rail route

Honshu

Shikoku

JAPAN

Tokyo (3 nights)

Nagano Yudanaka (1 night)

Matsumoto (2 nights)

Toyama (1 night)

Kyoto (2 nights)

Takamatsu (2 nights) Osaka (2 nights)Shikoku

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Rail route

Honshu

Kyushu

TOKYO



• Enjoy an exclusive Maiko dinner and performance in Kyoto, and gain inside knowledge about the fascinating lives of the apprentice Geishas.

• Take a guided walking tour through the Gion district of Kyoto for a unique insight.

• See vast fields of vibrant Shibazakura (pink moss) with Mt Fuji in the background when you coincide your journey with the Fuji Shibazajura Festival.

Our Insider Experiences• Discover the origins of the essential Japanese condiment, wasabi,

during an interesting visit to a wasabi farm. • Experience Japan’s stunning natural beauty with views of the

Tateyama mountain range from Chubu Sangaku National Park. • Visit Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and enjoy a sake tasting. • Explore fascinating art galleries and installations on Naoshima

Island, home to Benesse House and the famous ‘dotted pumpkin’, by internationally renowned artist Yayoi Kasama.


INTRODUCING CHINA

4 GUILIN, YANGSHUO, YUNNAN & SICHUAN Discover limestone hills, the beautiful Li River, evergreen forests and azure pools in these scenic regions.

5 YANGTZE RIVER Experience magnificent and dramatic landscapes as you cruise the mighty Yangtze River and learn about the Three Gorges Dam Project, an extraordinary engineering feat.

2 IANHome to the intriguing Army of Terracotta Warriors, the ancient capital of Xian is a melting pot of cultures, especially in the vibrant Muslim Quarter.

3 SHANGHAIShanghai has long captivated the imaginations of travellers. See colonial architecture along the Bund and futuristic skyscrapers in Pudong.

1 BEIJINGBeijing is a city of contrasts. From towers of glass and steel to ancient hutongs and the Great Wall, it is the imperial past that beats the heart of Beijing.

China is a land of beauty, ancient history and diverse cultures. Its sheer size and enormous diversity offers an unforgettable experience. With its buzzing cities, rural villages, breathtaking mountains, river scenery and evocative desert landscapes, China has something for everyone.


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Air routeRail route

Beijing(4 nights)

CHINA

MONGOLIA

Shanghai (3 nights)

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High-speed day train

Xian (2 nights)

START: SHANGHAI FINISH: BEIJING INCLUDES• 9 nights hotel accommodation• Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 1 dinner• 1 internal flight within Asia• 1 day train• Transport in air-conditioned vehicles• Small group touring • Entrance fees• Tour leader (when group size reaches 10 or more)• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers

START: SHANGHAI FINISH: BEIJINGINCLUDES• 14 nights hotel accommodation • Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 1 dinner • 3 internal flights within Asia• 1 day train • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles • Small group touring • Entrance fees• Tour leader (when group size reaches 10 or more) • Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers




HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA CHINA PANORAMA

GREAT WALL OF CHINA

ARMY OF TERRACOTTA WARRIORSBEIJING

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Air routeRoad routeRail routeBoat cruise

Beijing(4 nights)

Shanghai (3 nights)

Yangshuo(2 nights)

Guilin(2 nights)

Longsheng

Chengdu(1 night)

CHINA

High-speed day train

✈

✈

✈

Li River

Xian (2 nights)

Zhujiajiao

LONGSHENG



• View the fascinating private collection at the Propaganda Poster Art Centre to learn more about China’s Cultural Revolution.

• Enjoy an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine with a delicious breakfast at one of our guides’ favourite eateries.

• Start the day with a stroll through Xian’s City Park, and enjoy a range of activities and exercises with the locals.

• Enjoy a personal encounter with locals as you share a tasty, homemade lunch in a family home following a fun rickshaw ride through Beijing’s vibrant alleyways.

Our Insider Experiences• Enjoy an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine with a delicious

breakfast at one of our guides’ favourite eateries. • Visit a village in the beautiful southern countryside for an

interactive experience to learn about rural life in China. • Visit a tea plantation in the Guangxi countryside to learn about

the cultivation of China’s national drink followed by a delicious tasting.

• Wander the laneways and feel the ‘rhythm of local life’ in this sleepy town, where traditions are still observed.


INTRODUCING MONGOLIAMongolia’s boundless steppes, rugged mountains, beautiful lakes, thick forests and wide expanses of desert offer travellers a taste of the vast, wild and often harsh natural wonders of this fascinating country. Mongolia’s varied landscapes feel other-worldly. Raw and remote, yet breathtakingly beautiful. It provides an insight into the way of life of its resourceful. Friendly people. Wild horses, volcano craters, hot springs and stunning alpine scenery await.

INNER MONGOLIA

MONGOLIA

MONGOLIA INNER MONGOLIA

INNER MONGOLIAKHOVSGOL LAKE

GER CAMP

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Air routeRoad routeRail route

MONGOLIA

CHINA

Beijing(2 nights)

Ulaan Baatar (2 nights)Mörön

Lake Khuvsgul(2 nights)

Zuun Nuur(1 night)

Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (2 nights)

Tsenkheriin Hot Springs

(1 night)

Tsetserleg (1 night)

Karakorum (2 nights)

Khustai (1 night)

RUSSIA

(1 night on overnight train)

✈

START: BEIJING (China) FINISH: ULAAN BAATAR (Mongolia) INCLUDES• 4 nights hotel accommodation • 10 nights Ger camp accommodation • 1 overnight train (soft sleeper, 4 berth cabin)• Breakfast daily, 11 lunches, 12 dinners • 1 international flight within Asia• Transport in air-conditioned vehicles • Small group touring• Entrance fees• Tour Leader (when group size reaches 10 or more)• Local English-speaking guides • Return transfers

TRANS-MONGOLIAN ADVENTURE



Qantas Frequent Flyer earn 1 Qantas Point^ per $1 spent on Small Group Tours with Insider Journeys.

NAADAM FESTIVAL

• Visit the less-frequently visited section of the Great Wall of China at Jinshanling.• Discover a local project for the protection and reintroduction of the Mongolian

horses, or Takhi, into the wild, helping to keep Mongolia’s ancient traditions alive.• Venture beyond the tourist trail for a truly authentic experience, as you join the

excitement of two days at the Naadam Festival in rural Mongolia.



ASIA ON SALE - travel key€¦ · TOP 5 THINGS TO DO & SEE. START: COCHIN FINISH: CHENNAI INCLUDES...

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Transcript of ASIA ON SALE - travel key€¦ · TOP 5 THINGS TO DO & SEE. START: COCHIN FINISH: CHENNAI INCLUDES...