THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

Transcription

1 THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

2 PAKISTAN Delhi NEPAL TIBET Jaipur Thimphu Agra Kathmandu BHUTAN Jodhpur Ranthambhore Varanasi Udaipur Kolkata Mumbai INDIA Goa Kochi Trivandrum Colombo SRI LANKA Kandy THE MALDIVES Galle 80 INDIA 80 Golden Triangle 81 Luxury Palaces of India 82 Colours of India 83 Gourmet South India 84 Aromatic Kerala 85 NEPAL 85 Highlights of Nepal 86 SRI LANKA 86 The Cultural Triangle 87 Complete Sri Lanka 88 THE MALDIVES 88 Coco Bodu Hithi 89 Soneva Jani 90 BHUTAN 90 Bhutan s Rice Bowl Valleys 78 THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

3 OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY AMANKORA Thimphu, Bhutan A simple, elegant retreat completely in tune with nature. Guest suites offer views across a beautiful stream or the surrounding pine forest. OBEROI RAJVILAS Jaipur, India A royal residence set in 32 acres of landscaped gardens. Built around an 18 th century Shiva temple, this royal resort is a haven of mystical peace and natural serenity. SAMODE PALACE Jaipur, India Timeless, beautiful and historical, the Samode Palace in Jaipur is an intoxicating mix of traditional courtesy and sophisticated style. UMAID BHAWAN Jodhpur, India The last great palace of India and one of the largest private residences in the world Umaid Bhawan is set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens. COCO BODU HITHI The Maldives A tropical hideaway offering villas and residences, spread across the island with views out over crystal clear waters. TAJ LAKE PALACE Udaipur, India Made from luminous marble and seemingly floating in Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Palace is enchanting in every way. THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT 79

4 INDIA GOLDEN TRIANGLE 6 DAYS Dive into the chaotic delights of Old Delhi, take time to watch the Taj Mahal shimmer in the changing light and marvel at the spectacular facade of the Palace of Winds in Jaipur. visit an elephant care farm or the local bazaar. Enjoy a photo stop outside the Palace of Winds before enjoying the colour and chaos of a Bollywood film at a local cinema this evening. DAY 6 JAIPUR > DELHI Transfer to Delhi. Stepwell, Abhaneri Taj Mahal, Agra DAY 1 DELHI You will be met and transferred to your hotel. INCLUDES: Tailor-made journey with English speaking local guides, 5 nights accommodation, transfers by air-conditioned car, sightseeing and entrance fees, local taxes, 5 breakfasts, and 1 lunch. NOTE: Character and heritage hotels utilised where possible. Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Red Fort and Lotus Temple are closed on Mondays. Surcharges apply over Christmas and New Year and other holidays. DAY 2 DELHI Enjoy a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi, enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk spice markets, visit Jama Masjid, Humayan s Tomb, Raj Ghat, India Gate, and Parliament house, and witness Sikh rituals at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. DAY 3 DELHI > AGRA Drive to Agra and later this afternoon visit magnificent Agra Fort. End the day with sunset views of the iconic Taj Mahal from the Moonlit Garden of Mehtab Bagh. DAY 4 AGRA > JAIPUR Start with a tour of the Taj Mahal as the sun rises. Visit a classic local bazaar and white marble factory to see how the Taj Mahal and Mughal architecture works were inlayed. Drive to Jaipur, visiting the stepwells of Abhaneri Village en-route. DAY 5 JAIPUR Take a jeep up to Amber Fort. View the mirror palace Sheesh Mahal and Royal Courtyards inside. Visit the Maharaja s City Palace and Museum as well as Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. Enjoy a cooking class for lunch. This afternoon, Amber Fort, Jaipur 2018 Price (per person) Twin Single 1 Jan 15 Apr $1,981 $3, Apr 30 Sep $1,654 $2,927 1 Jan 15 Apr $5,458 $9, Apr 30 Sep $3,638 $6,450 4 Star 5 Star 80 THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

5 INDIA Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur LUXURY PALACES OF INDIA 9 DAYS Embrace your inner royal and stay in some of India s most beautiful and opulent palaces. Highlights include the Palace of Winds and Mehrangarh Fort, while you can add on the Taj Mahal for the total Rajasthani experience. Jodhpur Samode Udaipur Delhi Jaipur INDIA DAY 1 DELHI You will be met and transferred to your hotel. DAY 2 DELHI > SAMODE Morning visit to Old Delhi including the historic mosque of Jama Masjid and take a rickshaw into a bazaar. Visit the Sikh temple Sis Ganj Gurudwara and stop for photos at Red Fort. Drive to your palace hotel in the small village of Samode. DAY 3 SAMODE > JAIPUR Morning at leisure to explore the palace and village. Transfer to Jaipur to check into your next royal palace. DAY 4 JAIPUR Take a jeep up to Amber Fort. View the mirror palace Sheesh Mahal and the Royal Courtyards inside. Visit the Maharaja s City Palace and Museum as well as Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. Enjoy a cooking class for lunch. This afternoon, visit an elephant care farm or the local bazaar. Enjoy a photo stop outside the Palace of Winds. DAY 5 JAIPUR > JODHPUR Drive to the blue coloured city of Jodhpur and on to your next royal palace hotel. Afternoon at leisure. DAY 6 JODHPUR Visit the famed Mehrangarh Fort and the royal cenotaph that Jaswant Thada built in 1899 as a memorial to Jodhpur s Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Walk through the Old Town to the clock tower and Sadar Bazaar. This afternoon take a jeep to the local Bishnoi Village to interact with the tribespeople, experience their lifestyle and see their fine artwork and pottery. DAY 7 JODHPUR > UDAIPUR Drive to the royal lake city of Udaipur and check into your next palace. Afternoon at leisure. DAY 8 UDAIPUR Visit the Maharaja s City Palace and Museum, explore the Hindu Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon Ki Bari a small, quaint ornamental garden featuring beautiful fountains, lotus pools, and bird fountains. Later visit the local markets and join a boat ride on Lake Pichola; perhaps catch a glimpse of children diving into the lake as the sun sets behind Sajjan Garh Palace, high on a hilltop overlooking the city. DAY 9 UDAIPUR Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. INCLUDES: Tailor-made journey with English speaking local guides, 8 nights accommodation in palace hotels, transfers by air-conditioned car, entrance fees, local taxes, 8 breakfasts. NOTE: Surcharges apply over Christmas, New Year, and other holidays. Some dates not available due to festivals or other activities. Add on Agra either before or after your tour if you wish to include the Taj Mahal (not included). Taj Mahal closed on Fridays. Enquire for single pricing Price (per person) Twin 1 Jan 15 Apr $3, Apr 30 Sep $3,119 1 Jan 15 Apr $9, Apr 30 Sep $6,291 4 Star 5 Star THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT 81

6 INDIA Taj Mahal, Agra COLOURS OF INDIA 16 DAYS There s simply no word that convincingly captures the enigma that is India. Capture India s finest colours, from traditional rickshaw rides through narrow bazaars, to desert safaris and camping, to thrilling wildlife and tiger encounters. It s hardly surprising that India has been dubbed the world s most multidimensional country! Jaisalmer Camel Safari Rohet Bijapur Udaipur Delhi INDIA Abhaneri Agra Jaipur Ranthambore Kumbhalgarh Chittorgarh Khempur DAY 10 KUMBHALGARH > KHEMPUR Travel to Khempur, the site of the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. DAY 11 KHEMPUR > UDAIPUR Drive to Udaipur and visit a bazaar to purchase ingredients for a cooking class and tasting with a local family. DAY 12 UDAIPUR Visit the City Palace, Jagdish Temple and a small, quaint ornamental garden. Finish with a local bazaar. A sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola is followed by a tuk tuk ride to experience Rajasthani folk dances and puppetry in an 18 th century haveli. DAY 1 DELHI You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon tour visiting Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid and the Red Fort. DAY 2 DELHI > AGRA Drive to Agra and visit Agra Fort. Visit the Moonlit Garden of Mehtab Bagh and see sunset views of the Taj Mahal. DAY 3 AGRA > JAIPUR Start with a sunrise over the Taj Mahal. Drive to Jaipur with a stop at the secret stepwell of Chand Baori at Abhaneri. Watch the sun set over the water palace of Jal Mahal. DAY 4 JAIPUR > JAISALMER Visit the highlights of Jaipur, including the Amber Fort. Cooking class for lunch, then visit an elephant care farm or the local bazaar. Drive past the Palace of Winds before a Bollywood film. Overnight train to Jaisalmer. DAY 5 JAISALMER Enjoy a city tour visiting the spectacular Jaisalmer Fort. Visit Patwon Ki Haveli, the mansion of brocade merchants. DAYS 6 & 7 CAMEL SAFARI Visit Bada Bagh en-route to your camel safari. Enjoy 2 days of camel safaris with sightseeing in Kala and Manpia. Stay in a tented desert camp for 2 nights. DAY 8 JAISALMER > ROHET Drive to Rohet via Moolsagar. Jeep safari to Bishnoi Village. DAY 9 ROHET > KUMBHALGARH Drive to Kumbhalgarh and visit the fort. Accompanied by a trekking guide, hike to local villages. DAY 13 UDAIPUR > BIJAPUR Travel via the ruined Chittogarh Fort to Bijapur and this afternoon visit local villages by horse safari. DAY 14 BIJAPUR > RANTHAMBORE Drive to Ranthambore with a stop at Haveli Braj Bhushanjee, a heritage hotel which offers picturesque views of Bundi Palace. DAY 15 RANTHAMBORE Morning and afternoon jeep safaris inside the National Park. Hopefully catch a glimpse of tiger, striped hyena, jungle cat, bear, wild boar and more roaming around wild jungle scrub. DAY 16 RANTHAMBORE > DELHI Train journey to Delhi then transfer to the airport. INCLUDES: Tailor-made journey with English speaking local guides, 15 nights accommodation, transfers by air-conditioned car, sightseeing and entrance fees, first class train tickets, local taxes, 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners. NOTE: Ranthambore National Park is closed Jun Sep. Character and heritage hotels utilised where possible. Enquire for single pricing Price (per person) Twin Single 1 Jan 15 Apr $5,524 $9, Apr 30 Sep $5,028 $8,236 1 Jan 15 Apr $14,372 Request 16 Apr 30 Sep $10,320 Request 4 Star 5 Star 82 THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

7 INDIA Spice Market GOURMET SOUTH INDIA 13 DAYS Launch into the sights, tastes, sounds, and smells of South India. Explore the colonial history of the region, visit tea plantations, sample local food, and take cooking classes to learn how to blend unique South Indian flavours for yourself. Mysore Ooty Kochi Alleppey Trivandrum Bangalore Srirangapatnam Coonoor INDIA Munnar Kovalam DAY 1 BANGALORE You will be met and transferred to your hotel. DAY 2 BANGALORE Your walking tour will include the beautiful St Marks Cathedral, Queens Park, the Government Archaeological Museum, and the 300 acre Cubbon Park. This evening try an ethnic South Indian seafood dinner experience on a traditional banana leaf. DAY 3 BANGALORE > MYSORE Drive to Mysore via the deserted town of Srirangapatnam located on an island in the holy Kaveri River. Visit Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, and the sacred Chamunderswari Temple. Enjoy a royal dinner in Lalitha Mahal Palace. DAY 4 MYSORE > OOTY Drive to the hills of Ooty, a blend of ancient temples, natural flora, and charming British Raj era houses. Visit the Observatory and watch the sun set over Nilgiri Hills. Dinner at the Summer Palace of the Maharaja of Mysore, Fernhills Royal Palace. DAY 5 OOTY > COONOOR Visit the Botanical Garden and enjoy a boat ride on Pykara Lake. Visit Willy s Coffee Pub to enjoy a coffee before joining the heritage steam train to Coonoor Hill Station. DAY 6 COONOOR > KOCHI Visit Highfield Tea Estate before driving to Kochi (Cochin), one of the first European colonies in India. A Kathakali dance show and Keralan dinner will round off your day. DAY 7 KOCHI Bicycle ride (or walk) on a heritage tour of Fort Kochi. See the iconic chinese fishing nets, Santa Cruz Cathedral, Mattancherry Palace and the oldest existing Jewish Synagogue. In Jew Town visit the spice markets. Evening cooking class for dinner. DAY 8 KOCHI > MUNNAR Drive to Munnar stopping at Mundackal Estate Farm for a South Indian cooking class with lunch. See the family s estate, growing coconuts, cardamom, black pepper, and more. DAY 9 MUNNAR Enjoy the area of Munnar which was developed to cultivate spice and tea plants since the British Raj. Visit Eravikulam National Park for a glimpse of the rare Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy a banana leaf dinner with the paper-thin dosa bread of the region. DAY 10 MUNNAR > ALLEPPEY Drive to Alleppey and join your traditional kettuvallam houseboat. Set sail, relax and unwind as you cruise slowly through the narrow canals and backwaters. Join the chef on board in a cooking class with freshly caught fish. DAY 11 ALLEPPEY > KOVALAM Disembark this morning and travel to Kovalam. Your afternoon is at leisure so you can relax at the beach. DAY 12 KOVALAM > TRIVANDRUM Visit the 5,000 year old temple of Padmanabhaswamy, Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery. Enjoy lunch at the 18 th century Dutch Manor House Villa Maya. DAY 13 TRIVANDRUM Transfer to the airport. INCLUDES: Tailor-made journey, 12 nights accommodation in character hotels, transfers by air-conditioned car, English speaking local guides, entrance fees, local taxes, 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 8 dinners. NOTE: We have carefully selected your food options throughout this itinerary to ensure the highest quality. Surcharges apply over peak periods. Enquire for single pricing Price (per person) Twin 1 Jan 15 Apr $4, Apr 30 Sep $4,151 1 Jan 15 Apr $6,037 4 Star 4½ Star 16 Apr 30 Sep $5,127 THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT 83

8 INDIA Tea Plantation, Munnar AROMATIC KERALA 8 DAYS Travel through God s own country to soak up the flavour of quite a different India. Experience the Portuguese history of Kochi, the verdant hill stations of Munnar, and cruise the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Kochi Alleppey Trivandrum Erivikulam National Park Munnar INDIA Kovalam DAY 6 ALLEPPEY > KOVALAM Disembark this morning and travel to Kovalam. The afternoon is free to relax at the beach. DAY 7 KOVALAM > TRIVANDRUM Visit the 5,000 year old temple of Padmanabhaswamy, Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery. Try special local coffee in a heritage cafe. DAY 8 TRIVANDRUM Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. DAY 1 KOCHI Enjoy a traditional welcome, then transfer to your hotel. DAY 2 KOCHI Bicycle ride (or walk) on a heritage tour of Fort Kochi. As you pass the beach, witness the iconic chinese fishing nets before visiting Santa Cruz Cathedral. Stop at Nimmy Paul s residence for a South Indian cooking class. Drive to Mattancherry Palace and visit the oldest existing Jewish Synagogue. This evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance show. DAY 3 KOCHI > MUNNAR Drive up into the hill station at Munnar. Afternoon short trek into the cardamom and tea plantations. DAY 4 MUNNAR Visit the tea plantation and a tea factory. Meet the local workers and learn the importance of the industry before a tea tasting. Later visit Eravikulam National Park to encounter the rare mountain goat. DAY 5 MUNNAR > ALLEPPEY Drive to Alleppey and join your traditional kettuvallam houseboat. Set sail, relax and unwind as you cruise slowly through the narrow canals and backwaters. Waterside sights include paddy fields, villages, temples and churches. Overnight on board. INCLUDES: Tailor-made journey, 7 nights accommodation, transfers by air-conditioned car, English speaking local guides, entrance fees, 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner. NOTE: Accommodation is based on 4 Star or best available in the region. Surcharges apply over Christmas, New Year and other holidays. A 4 Star character hotel option is also available, enquire for pricing and more information. Chinese Fishing Nets, Kochi 2018 Price (per person) Twin Single 1 Jan 31 Mar $2,348 $4,482 1 Apr 30 Sep $2,117 $4,035 4 Star 84 THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

9 NEPAL Bouddhanath Stupa, Kathmandu HIGHLIGHTS OF NEPAL 9 DAYS Beyond the snow capped peaks of the Himalaya, temples, Sherpas and mountain treks, Nepal has a wealth of history, culture and wildlife unique to the region that is begging to be explored. Visit the heart of Kathmandu, Durbar Square, marvel in the sacred Buddhist shrine of Swayambhunath, search for tiger and rhino in Chitwan National Park and enjoy the panoramic beauty of Pokhara. Pokhara Chitwan INDIA Kathmandu DAY 1 KATHMANDU You will be met and transferred to your hotel. TIBET Nagarkot NEPAL DAY 2 KATHMANDU See the Royal Palace, Hanuman Dhoka, the Great Bell and Drum and Kasthamandap, a wooden temple built from a single tree in Durbar Square. Continue to the most ancient of the Kathmandu Valleys holy shrines, Swayambhunath. In the afternoon see the fine display of Newari urban architecture in Patan with its temples dedicated to Shiva, Krishna, Ganesh and Vishnu. DAY 3 KATHMANDU > NAGARKOT Visit the holy sites of Pashupainath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa before soaking in the feeling of peace and harmony at Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Continue to Nagarkot for stunning views of the Himalayan peaks to watch the sunset. DAY 4 NAGARKOT > CHITWAN A long drive today to Chitwan. This unique ecosystem is a World Heritage Site and home to the endangered one-horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, crocodile, elephant, four-horned antelope and monitor lizard amongst others. Enjoy a cultural dance show this afternoon. DAY 5 CHITWAN Join an early safari this morning and later you may choose to try a canoe ride on the river. This afternoon includes a jungle walk and visit to the elephant centre. DAY 6 CHITWAN > POKHARA Departing Chitwan after breakfast, drive to Pokhara. This delightful city boasts several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of Himalayan peaks. The afternoon is at leisure to explore. DAY 7 POKHARA Visit the World Peace Pagoda this morning with its expansive views over the Pokhara Valley. This afternoon is at leisure. DAY 8 POKHARA > KATHMANDU Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before returning by road to Kathmandu. Check in on arrival for overnight. DAY 9 KATHMANDU You will be transferred to the airport. INCLUDES: Tailor made journey with English speaking local guides, 8 nights accommodation, transfers and transport, sightseeing and entrance fees, jungle activities and National Park entrance fee, 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners. NOTE: Itinerary may be tailored. Please note some activities are weather dependent. Supplements apply over peak periods and National Holidays Price (per person) Twin Single 4 Star: 1 Mar 30 Sep $1,525 $2,130 5 Star: 1 Mar 30 Sep $2,220 $3,225 THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT 85

10 SRI LANKA Dambulla Cave Temple THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE 7 DAYS Few islands in the world offer the diversity that exists in Sri Lanka, from ancient cities to rich religious festivals, colonial memories to rolling tea plantations. Sri Lanka intoxicates its visitors with a potpourri of cultures, religions, races, customs and sheer natural beauty. Colombo Anuradhapura Negombo Dambulla Minneriya National Park Polonnaruwa Sigiriya Matale Kandy SRI LANKA DAY 1 COLOMBO > NEGOMBO You will be met and transferred to your hotel. driving to Colombo. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the city including Pettah, the local bazaar, Wolfendhal Church and Cinnamon Gardens. DAY 7 COLOMBO You will be transferred to the airport. INCLUDES: Tailor made journey with English speaking local driver guide, 6 nights accommodation, transfers by airconditioned vehicle, sightseeing and entrance fees, 6 breakfasts and 1 lunch. NOTE: Enquire for 5 Star and single pricing. DAY 2 NEGOMBO > ANURADHAPURA Travel to Anuradhapura, the 5 th century capital of the island s Buddhist civilisation which flourished for around 1,300 years. Afternoon at leisure. DAY 3 ANURADHAPURA > SIGIRIYA Visit Anuradhapura, a World Heritage Site. See Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest documented tree on earth, the Brazen Palace, and the rock sculpture of Samadhi Buddha. Afterwards, drive to Sigiriya and climb the spectacular rock fortress, DAY 4 SIGIRIYA > POLONNARUWA > MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK > SIGIRIYA Visit the medieval city of Polonnaruwa including the Royal Palace complex and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and lunch in a converted farmhouse and this afternoon visit Minneriya National Park, home to sambar deer, leopard, and elephants. DAY 5 SIGIRIYA > DAMBULLA > MATALE > KANDY Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a complex of five caves, before driving to Kandy via the Matale spice garden. Later visit the Temple of the Tooth. DAY 6 KANDY > COLOMBO Time at leisure this morning to explore independently before 2018 Price (per person) Twin 4 Star Polonnaruwa 11 Jan 31 Mar $2, Apr $2,775 1 May 14 Jul $2, Jul 31 Aug $2,805 1 Sep 31 Oct $2,678 1 Nov 22 Dec $2, THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

11 SRI LANKA Tea Plantation, Nuwara Eliya COMPLETE SRI LANKA 14 DAYS Experience the cultures, landscapes, and essences that have shaped Sri Lanka s stories. Explore the treasures of several World Heritage Sites, visit world-renowned tea plantations and fragrant spice gardens, enjoy delicious cuisine, and spot elephants, leopards, bears, crocodiles and more in Yala National Park. Anuradhapura Negombo Colombo Dambulla Polonnaruwa Sigiriya Matale Kandy Nuwara Eliya Ella SRI LANKA Yala Galle DAY 1 COLOMBO > NEGOMBO You will be met and transferred to your hotel. DAY 2 NEGOMBO > SIGIRIYA Drive northeast to Sigiriya. Your afternoon is at leisure with an option to visit the local village. DAY 3 SIGIRIYA > POLONNARUWA > SIGIRIYA Visit the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya. Continue to a converted farmhouse for a cooking demonstration and lunch. This afternoon, visit the medieval city of Polonnaruwa. DAY 4 SIGIRIYA > ANURADHAPURA > SIGIRIYA Explore the World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura, the centre of the island s Buddhist civilisation. See Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest documented tree on earth, under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Later, visit the ancient structure of Jethawanaramaya, thought to have housed over 10,000 monks. DAY 5 SIGIRIYA > DAMBULLA > MATALE > KANDY Visit Dambulla rock cave temple, a complex of five caves, before travelling to Kandy via the Matale Spice Garden. This evening visit the Temple of the Tooth. DAY 6 KANDY Visit the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya this morning. Afternoon at leisure with your car and driver at your disposal. DAY 7 KANDY > NUWARA ELIYA Drive into the hill country to Nuwara Eliya this morning, stopping at the Rothschild Tea Factory en-route. DAY 8 NUWARA ELIYA Explore the countryside today and if you wish, visit another tea factory showcasing some of the world s finest tea. DAY 9 NUWARA ELIYA > ELLA > YALA This morning, experience a majestic and scenic train ride to Ella. Your driver will meet you and transfer you to Yala. DAY 10 YALA Yala National Park is home to elephant, leopard, bear, crocodile, and wild boar. Grassland and shrub jungle surround salt and fresh water lagoons which are a haven for a large variety of birdlife. Enjoy two game viewing activities today. DAY 11 YALA > GALLE Drive to Galle and enjoy a guided tour of the area. DAY 12 GALLE Enjoy a day at leisure in Galle. DAY 13 GALLE > COLOMBO After a late breakfast, transfer to Colombo. Take an afternoon walking tour of the city. DAY 14 COLOMBO You will be transferred to the airport. INCLUDES: Tailor made journey with English speaking local driver guide, 13 nights accommodation, transfers by airconditioned vehicle, sightseeing and entrance fees, 13 breakfasts and 1 lunch. NOTE: Enquire for 5 Star and single pricing Price (per person) Twin 11 Jan 31 Mar $6, Apr $5,991 1 May 14 Jul $5, Jul 31 Aug $6,186 1 Sep 31 Oct $5,854 1 Nov 22 Dec $5,932 4 Star THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT 87

12 THE MALDIVES COCO BODU HITHI 6 DAYS Take a 40-minute luxury speed boat ride from the Airport where a tropical hideaway awaits. This 5 Star resort, situated on a private island in the North Malé Atoll, offers 100 villas with designer fixtures, luxury amenities and indulgent bathrooms. From the privacy of a natural island garden to incredible 360 degree ocean views overlooking azure waters, the perfect villa is waiting for you. INCLUDES: 5 nights accommodation, return speedboat transfers from Malé and 5 breakfasts. NOTE: Bonus deals, stay/pay offers and special inclusions apply on certain dates. Other villa categories are available. Surcharges and special conditions apply over peak periods Price (per person) Twin 5 Star ISLAND VILLA 8 Jan 11 Apr $4, Apr 31 May $4,177 1 Jun 31 Jul $3, Aug $4, Sep $3, Oct $4, Price (per person) Twin 5 Star WATER VILLA 8 Jan 11 Apr $5, Apr 31 May $4,873 1 Jun 31 Jul $4, Aug $4, Sep $4, Oct $4, THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

13 THE MALDIVES SONEVA JANI 6 DAYS A spectacular castaway experience awaits guests at Soneva Jani, located in the Maldives Noonu Atoll, a 30-minute seaplane flight from Male. The property features a collection of island sanctuaries and overwater villas, set within a lagoon of crystal clear waters, fringed by pristine beaches and blanketed in lush tropical greenery. Explore the glimmering galaxies from the resort s state-of-the-art observatory, far from the obscuring lights of civilization. Spend your time indulging in a range of activities including water sports, wellness therapies, scuba diving, dolphin cruises and bicycling along the island s many trails. INCLUDES: 5 nights accommodation in a one bedroom Water Retreat, return seaplane transfers from Malé and 5 breakfasts. NOTE: Other room types including 2, 3 & 4 bedroom villas are available. Add a slide to your villa for a per night supplement. Enquire for pricing and more information. HIGH SEASON 13 Jan 9 Feb; 24 Feb 23 Mar; 8 Apr 11 May Stay 5/Pay 4 Special: 28 Jul 31 Aug; 29 Sep 20 Dec PREMIUM HIGH SEASON 10 Feb 23 Feb; 24 Mar 7 Apr SHOULDER SEASON 12 May 27 Jul; 1 Sep 28 Sep 2018 Price (per person) Twin High Season $15,720 High Season: Stay 5/Pay 4 Special $12,879 Premium High Season $18,750 Shoulder Season $8,182 THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT 89

14 BHUTAN Punakha Temple BHUTAN S RICE BOWL VALLEYS 7 DAYS Bhutan boasts a truly unique and carefully protected history, traditions and culture deeply rooted in Buddhist principles. Listen to the Buddhist monks chanting ancient prayers in a monastery or observe a farming family go about their daily chores in a bucolic homestead. Peace and serenity permeate the whole land, and some of it will surely rub off! Paro Punakha Thimphu BHUTAN TIBET DAY 6 PARO VALLEY Climb up to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger s Nest) Monastery today. This unique building clings to the mountainside and the steady uphill hike is well worth the effort. Later today visit a local farm. DAY 7 PARO Transfer to the airport. INDIA DAY 1 PARO > THIMPHU After your arrival into Paro, you will be met and transferred to Thimphu. Evening walk through Thimphu town which has a Swiss mountain village feel. DAY 2 THIMPHU Your guide will introduce you to Bhutan s capital city today. Visit the Memorial Chorten, Institute of Traditional Medicine, Zilukha Nunnery and the Textile Museum. DAY 3 THIMPHU > PUNAKHA An introduction to some of the stunning mountain passes today as you drive over Dochula Pass with glorious panoramas of the Himalayas to Punakha. Visit the dramatic Punakha Dzong located at the confluence of two rivers and reached by a small wooden bridge. DAY 4 PUNAKHA > WANGDUE > THIMPHU Travel back via the market town of Wangdue visiting Wangdue Phodrang Dzong en route back to Thimphu. Your afternoon is free to explore. DAY 5 THIMPHU > PARO VALLEY Drive to Paro this morning, then visit Semtokha Dzong, the 8 th century Kichu Monastery, Ta-Dzong National Museum and Paro s local market. INCLUDES: Tailor-made journey, 6 nights accommodation in approved Department of Tourism hotels, transfers, sightseeing with English speaking local guides, entrance fees, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners. NOTE: Surcharges may apply over national holidays. Bhutanese visa authorisation must be obtained through our local operator for an additional fee of US$40 per person. Taktsang (Tiger s Nest) Monastery 2018 Price (per person) Twin Single 3 Star from $2,630 $2,730 4 Star from $3,230 $3, THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT