Tailor-made journeys 2026-27

SHAPED BY EXPERIENCE, INSPIRED BY YOU

The most rewarding journeys are those crafted uniquely for you. At Cox & Kings, we believe that tailor-made holidays allow you to immerse yourself fully in experiences that resonate with your interests and curiosity. With our long-standing expertise, you can embark on adventures that feel personal, all while being supported by a dedicated team ready to understand what matters most to you.

As a heritage company founded in 1758, we’ve honed the art of designing journeys that celebrate culture and the natural world, while catering to your preferred pace and level of comfort. The sample itineraries featured here serve merely as inspiration; each can be tailored or completely reimagined. Alongside journeys to guest favourites such as India, Italy, Egypt and Peru, you’ll find destinations returning to our portfolio, including Canada, with its beautiful, bear-prowled wilds, and the USA, home to monumental national parks and iconic coastal drives.

Our expertise extends beyond this brochure, covering over 100 countries. Wherever you choose to go, you are guaranteed the same level of meticulous planning and in-destination support that makes Cox & Kings one of the most trusted names in travel.

We look forward to arranging your bespoke adventure.

Geoffrey Kent Founder & Chairman Emeritus Abercrombie & Kent

Lefebvre d’Ovidio Executive

Chairman

A&K Travel Group

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Browse our full portfolio of inspiring holidays at COXANDKINGSTRAVEL.COM

LATIN AMERICA

NORTH AMERICA

62 Signature Vancouver to the Rockies by Rail & Road 63 Wild Wonders of British Columbia

Gems of Atlantic Canada

Eastern Canada by Rail

68 Signature California In Style

Quintessential New England

Historic Heartland

Flavours & Sounds of the South

The Golden Triangle & Rajasthan 78 Golden Triangle & Ranthambore

Heritage Rajasthan 80 The Indian Himalaya 82 The Central Plains 84 A Walk through Himalayan Foothills

85 The Jungle Book: Wildlife of India 86 Southern India 88 Highlights of Kerala 89 Tamil Nadu: Temples & Traditions 90 Eastern India 92 Western India 94 Eastern Himalayan Trails 95 Colours of Gujarat 96 RAIL & CRUISE

97 Cruising the Lower Ganges

98 SRI LANKA

102 Treasures of Sri Lanka 103 Hidden Sri Lanka

NEPAL & BHUTAN 105 Nepal & Bhutan: Journey to the Dragon Kingdom

EUROPE

108 ITALY

110 Coastal Lazio: Roads beyond Rome

112 Northeast Italy: Friuli to the Dolomites

114 SPAIN & PORTUGAL

117 Andalucía by Rail

118 Porto to Lisbon by Rail

120 EUROPE BY RAIL

121 Vienna, Munich & Zurich by Rail

122 TURKEY & THE CAUCASUS

124 Hidden Treasures of Eastern Turkey

125 Georgia & Armenia: Crossroads of the Caucasus

126 GREECE & THE BALKANS

128 The Secret Cyclades: Serifos, Syros & Tinos

129 Across Albania & Kosovo

130 SCANDINAVIA

132 The Heart of Scandinavia: Stockholm to Trondheim

133 Iceland: The Golden Circle & The South

MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

Egyptian Grand Tour: Nile Cruise & Lake Nasser

Historic Cities & Culinary Delights

FAR EAST

168 JAPAN

170 Essential Japan

171 North Japan: Hokkaido Discovery

172 CHINA

174 Luxury China

175 China’s Ancient Heartlands

176 TAIWAN

177 Taiwan Explorer

178 VIETNAM

180 LAOS & CAMBODIA

182 Vietnam in Style

183 Laos & Cambodia: Kingdoms of Wonder

184 FAR EAST RIVER CRUISING

185 A River Journey on the Mekong

186 SOUTH EAST ASIA

CENTRAL ASIA

of the Silk

162 The Legendary Silk Road by

Almaty to Tashkent

AFRICA

190 MADAGASCAR

191 Madagascar: Lemurs, Forests, Tsingy & Islands

192 SOUTH AFRICA

194 South Africa: Cape Town, the Garden Route & Safari

196 NAMIBIA

197 Namibia Classic Self-Drive

198 SOUTHERN AFRICA

200 EAST AFRICA

204 WEST AFRICA

205 Coastal Kingdoms of West Africa

WHY TRAVEL WITH COX & KINGS?

Established in 1758, Cox & Kings has been creating journeys of distinction for more than two-and-a-half centuries. Our guests benefit from this heritage of craftsmanship, care and expertise – and the freedom to explore the world entirely on their own terms.

PERSONALISED ITINERARIES

Every Cox & Kings holiday begins with you. Our specialists design journeys that reflect your distinct tastes, combining insight and imagination to create experiences that feel authentic and truly personal. Each itinerary is crafted exclusively around your interests and style.

FREEDOM & FLEXIBILITY

Travel exactly as you wish – choosing your destinations, duration and pace. Enjoy the freedom to linger, explore off the beaten path and uncover lesser-known treasures, supported throughout by our expertise and seamless arrangements that help make every journey magical.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

Each tailor-made journey includes moments that bring a destination vividly to life, from private tastings and hands-on workshops to encounters with local artists and storytellers. These exclusive experiences are designed to immerse you in the culture, character and rhythm of a place.

GLOBAL EXPERTISE & SUPPORT

With offices and partners across more than 100 countries, Cox & Kings offers reassurance wherever you travel. From expert local guides to 24/7 assistance and on-the-ground support, our worldwide network ensures every journey unfolds seamlessly, securely and without compromise.

MULTI-COUNTRY & MULTI-INTEREST OPTIONS

Some adventures cross borders or combine passions. Our specialists excel at weaving regions, themes and experiences into one harmonious itinerary – pairing, for example, safaris with island retreats, or art and architecture with cuisine – for a holiday as multi-layered as your interests.

CELEBRATIONS & SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Mark life’s milestones with a journey designed to match the moment. Whether an anniversary, reunion or family celebration, we can arrange experiences that are as joyful or understated as you wish, creating memories to be shared for years to come.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

We believe the most meaningful journeys leave a positive impact. Cox & Kings partners with local communities, conservation initiatives and heritage projects, ensuring your travels help preserve the landscapes and cultures that make each destination so special.

PEACE OF MIND

Travelling with Cox & Kings means absolute confidence. As an ABTA-bonded and ATOL-protected company with award-winning service, we combine flexibility, reliability and meticulous care to ensure every journey – from first conversation to homecoming – is expertly and attentively managed.

“We would like to tell you about our wonderful holiday to Egypt organised by Cox & Kings. We had the highest level of service we have ever encountered on locally organised tours and were hugely impressed by the enthusiasm and professionalism of the C&K team. It was a VIP service. This, plus the levels of quality and service in the hotels and magnificence of the monuments of Ancient Egypt and modern developments like the Grand Egyptian Museum and Alexandria library, exceeded any expectations.

We will never forget the sights we saw.”

- Ian and Denise -

THE CRAFT BEHIND YOUR JOURNEY

From the very first spark of inspiration, each Cox & Kings tailor-made journey starts with you. Drawing on more than two centuries of travel expertise, our specialists listen carefully, advise thoughtfully and shape each itinerary with precision, imagination and genuine care for what you wish to see, feel and discover. Supported by our expert teams both in the UK and across the globe, you’ll experience a level of personal attention that transforms travel planning into a pleasure in itself.

Step 1 | Getting to Know You

The first step is a simple exchange of ideas. Through thoughtful conversation and genuine curiosity, our travel consultants take the time to understand who you are – your interests, your motivations and the experiences that inspire you to travel – as well as how you like to journey and what you hope to discover. This forms the foundation for a holiday designed entirely around you.

Step 2 | Designing Your Journey

Our destination specialists use their first-hand knowledge and local insight to craft your itinerary. Every element – from hotels and activities to pacing and logistics – is refined in close collaboration with you, carefully adjusted and enhanced until the journey reflects your personality and feels distinctively, unmistakably yours.

Step 3 | Confirming the Details

When every detail is perfected, we confirm your booking with the utmost care and transparency. With the financial protection we offer, together with our reputation for exceptional service and vast experience, Cox & Kings ensures you can book with complete confidence and look forward to the memorable adventure that lies ahead.

Step 4 | Travel with Confidence

Your dedicated consultant remains in touch from planning to post-trip, ready to assist with any detail or request. While you travel, our network of local partners and 24-hour support teams ensure everything runs smoothly. With expertise and personalised attention at every stage, you’re free to enjoy the journey completely.

THE WORLD OF COX & KINGS

Cox & Kings invites you to explore the world in your own way. With expert planning and personal service, we create journeys that reflect your passions – from celebrated capitals to places few have ventured – across every corner of the globe.

LATIN AMERICA

Latin America is a land of coffee, colour and carnival, where nature is on another scale and locals dance to a different rhythm.

Stretching from Mexico’s ancient temples to Chile’s windswept southern tip, the region offers a kaleidoscope of landscapes and cultures. Among its many wonders are Peru’s mist-cloaked citadel of Machu Picchu, Patagonia’s glaciers and granite peaks, the wildlife-rich Amazon Rainforest and the enchanting Galápagos Islands.

Tailor-made journeys invite you to experience Latin America entirely on your own terms. Our experts craft each itinerary with care and creativity, blending iconic highlights with lesser-known discoveries. Whether you dream of tracing the Andes by rail, sailing the Amazon, or waking to Pacific sunsets, every detail is designed exclusively for you.

View our full collection online

Discover Peru

Peru offers a heady mix of dramatic landscapes, culture and history. From elegant colonial cities and pre-Columbian ruins to soaring Andean peaks, vast canyons, sapphire lakes and the untamed Amazon basin, its beauty is both varied and profound.

The legacy of the Inca endures in the ancient citadels scattered across the highlands, in the rhythm of the Quechua language and in the intricate textiles woven by Andean artisans. Yet Peru is far from a land frozen in time - it’s a country alive with creative energy, where traditional heritage meets contemporary flair, and where an ever-evolving culinary scene has earned it a reputation as one of the world’s most exciting gastronomic destinations.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Peru rewards curiosity with rich layers of tradition. In the Sacred Valley, Incan descendants continue time-honoured weaving and trading practices in villages such as Huilloc, Pisac and Chinchero, where markets brim with colour and craft. In Lima, join a local chef to explore Peru’s acclaimed gastronomy – from coastal ceviche to Andean produce – and master classic dishes over a pisco sour. For an unforgettable spectacle, time your journey with Cuzco’s Inti Raymi festival, when hundreds of performers in radiant costume honour the Sun god with processions, music and ritual at the sacred site of Sacsayhuamán.

MACHU PICCHU, CUZCO & THE SACRED VALLEY

IMPRESSIVE INCA RUINS • COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE • TRADITIONAL MARKETS

A true wonder of the world, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu boasts perfectly preserved terraces, temples and dwellings set amid breathtaking mountain scenery. Reached by train from Cuzco or the Sacred Valley, or on foot via guided trek, it rewards travellers with spectacular viewpoints and nearby trails offering sweeping Andean vistas.

Once the heart of the Inca empire, Cuzco enchants with colonial houses, fine museums and novoandina restaurants. Its highlights include the main square, the cathedral with valuable masterpieces from the renowned Cuzco school of art, the artisan district of San Blas, Koricancha – the ‘Temple of the Sun’ – and Sacsayhuamán, a former ceremonial centre with enormous stones carved and fitted to incredible precision. Beyond lies the Sacred Valley of the Incas, an area of outstanding natural beauty set against the backdrop of the Andes Mountains. Its many sites include Moray’s circular terraces, the dazzling Maras saltpans and Ollantaytambo’s fortress.

LAKE TITICACA

STRIKING ALTIPLANO SCENERY • FLOATING ISLANDS

One of the world’s highest navigable lakes, serene Lake Titicaca shimmers between the borders of Peru and Bolivia, its darkblue waters steeped in myth and tradition. Scattered across its vast surface are islands inhabited by local communities, including the remarkable floating Uros, crafted entirely from totora reeds. A boat journey reveals sweeping panoramas, golden-brown reed houses and rafts, and locals in vivid traditional dress. Nearby, the mysterious stone burial towers of Sillustani bear witness to pre-Incan civilisation, while on Taquile Island, fishermen and weavers continue ageold traditions, their artistry and resilience echoing across the lake’s still waters.

AREQUIPA & COLCA CANYON

COLONIAL CHURCHES & CONVENTS • ANDEAN CONDOR SPOTTING

Set beneath the snow-capped volcano of El Misti, Arequipa – the ‘White City’ – is distinguished by its colonial architecture, much of it built from sillar, a luminous white volcanic stone. Among its treasures are the Santa Catalina Convent, a walled monastic complex of courtyards and vivid facades, and a museum displaying the remarkably preserved remains of Inca sacrifices found high in the Andes. Colca Canyon, reached on a scenic detour before continuing to Lake Titicaca, reveals vast pre-Inca terraces, traditional villages and far-reaching mountain views. Bathe in natural thermal springs and watch the magnificent Andean condors glide on thermals from breathtaking viewpoints along the canyon rim.

LIMA & THE COAST

EXCELLENT MUSEUMS • MYSTERIOUS NAZCA LINES

Modern Lima combines contemporary energy with a wealth of colonial heritage, from the baroque San Francisco Monastery – famed for its catacombs – to Casa de Aliaga, one of the oldest mansions in the Americas still occupied by the same family. Its outstanding museums, including the superb Larco, house artefacts from Peru’s many pre-Hispanic civilisations, while world-renowned restaurants celebrate the country’s innovative cuisine. South along the coast, Paracas offers further marvels: take a flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines, carved into the desert sands, or cruise to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands to spot Peruvian boobies, cormorants and Humboldt penguins.

EXPERIENCE

PERU LUXURY RAIL JOURNEYS

Trains are among the great pleasures of travel in Peru, offering a memorable way to experience the country’s varied landscapes. For a once-in-a-lifetime journey, spend 1 or 2 nights crossing the high Andes aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s only luxury sleeper train travelling between Cuzco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic 10-hour daylight voyage between Cuzco and Lake Titicaca on the elegant Titicaca Train. The Belmond Hiram Bingham, meanwhile, captures the romance of 1920s Pullman travel, carrying guests to Machu Picchu in lavish style.

INCA TRAIL

Trace the footsteps of the Incas on a four-day, three-night trek that combines breathtaking Andean scenery with extraordinary archaeological sites. Accompanied by expert guides and porters, follow ancient stone pathways through mountain passes and mist-shrouded cloud forests, spending each night in well-equipped tented camps beneath a canopy of stars. For a shorter option, the one-day express trek from KM 104 offers a taste of the full route, while the Salkantay Trail provides a longer, lesser-trodden alternative, with overnight stays in comfortable mountain lodges along a more remote and dramatic path.

OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK PERU

Northern Peru shelters the remnants of remarkable pre-Inca civilisations, including the Moche and Chimu cultures. Explore ancient adobe pyramids near Chiclayo and Trujillo, admire the vivid murals of El Brujo and visit the dramatic funerary sites of Revash and Karajia. Take a cable car to the magnificent walled city of Kuelap, often called the Machu Picchu of the north, and uncover the hidden beauty of little-known Gocta falls, one of the world’s tallest waterfalls. End your journey on the sun-drenched coast of Máncora, famed for golden beaches, laid-back Pacific retreats and seasonal whale migrations (Aug–Oct).

ANDEAN LUXURY TENTED EXPLORATIONS

Rediscover the essence of exploration with an Andean tented stay. These remote camps combine comfort, craftsmanship and a deep connection to the land. In the Colca Valley, Puqio’s canvas lodges echo their surroundings of canyon walls and ancient terraces, while open-flame meals evoke Andean tradition. Further south, Tinajani’s six elegant campamentos lie within a private reserve between Cuzco, Puno and Colca, offering hot tubs, artisan encounters and stargazing under crystalline skies. Journeys such as these can be seamlessly arranged by us, ensuring every detail feels unparalleled.

PERUVIAN AMAZON EXPERIENCE

Some of the most biodiverse corners of the Amazon basin lie within Peru, where an endless canopy of emerald green is threaded by winding, coffee-coloured rivers. Towering ceiba trees rise above the forest, while a dazzling array of wildlife thrives below. Stay in comfort at Inkaterra’s Reserva Amazónica or Hacienda Concepción near Puerto Maldonado, and explore on guided walks and river excursions in search of howler monkeys, caimans and giant river otters. Alternatively, sail from Iquitos on a three-, four- or seven-night cruise such as Pure Amazon, Aria or Delfin and drift past remote villages and rainforest bursting with life.

CUZCO COLONIAL HOTELS

Cuzco lays claim to some truly atmospheric hotels, blending colonial grandeur with contemporary elegance. Meticulously restored mansions once occupied by conquistadores now open onto tranquil courtyards, offering peaceful retreats just steps from the city’s lively main square. Each retains an air of understated exclusivity, with period architecture, graceful colonnades and impeccable service that reflects the city’s storied past. We recommend Inkaterra La Casona, Aranwa Cuzco Boutique Hotel, Palacio del Inka and Monasterio – a Belmond property set within a 16th-century monastery.

Classic Peru

Duration • 11 days & 9 nights

Price • From £2,495 / £3,595* (incl. flights)

Category • Superior / Luxury*

Enjoy an enticing introduction to Peru on this journey through some of the country’s most celebrated sights. Discover the colonial splendour of Lima and Cuzco, where Spanish architecture meets enduring Incan heritage. Explore the Sacred Valley, spend the night beside the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu, then travel high into the Andes to glide across the serene waters of Lake Titicaca. Stay in characterful superior hotels or upgrade to enjoy the journey at its most comfortable and beautifully curated.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Lima Fly to Lima, once a key city of the Spanish conquest, and stay for 2 nights at Casa Andina Premium Miraflores / InterContinental Real Lima Miraflores*. Take a half-day city tour of the colonial centre and Casa de Aliaga, the oldest mansion in the Americas. You may wish to add an optional visit to the Larco Museum or a culinary tour.

Day 3: Fly to Cuzco • Sacred Valley Fly to Cuzco, the former Inca capital, and transfer to the Sacred Valley, stopping en route at the colourful Pisac market or for a weaving demonstration at Chinchero. Stay for 2 nights at La Casona de Yucay / Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba* .

Day 4: Sacred Valley Day at leisure or optional visit to the Inca

fortress of Ollantaytambo, the Maras salt pans, or the circular terraces of Moray.

Day 5: Machu Picchu

Transfer to Ollanta station for the train to Machu Picchu, among the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins before an overnight stay at El MaPi Hotel / Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo* or Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel*

Day 6: To Cuzco

Day at leisure or further explore Machu Picchu with optional hikes to various viewing points (purchase at the time of booking). In the evening, return by train to Cuzco and stay for 2 nights at Casa Andina Premium Cuzco / Inkaterra La Casona*, or Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel*

Day 7: Cuzco

Morning tour of the ancient Inca capital and explore its Spanish churches and colonial mansions, which sit alongside Inca remains. Afternoon at leisure or optional visit to Sacsayhuamán.

Days 8 & 9: Lake Titicaca

Cross the altiplano by road or train* to Puno and stay for 2 nights at GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca. Visit Taquile Island and the floating Uros islands on Lake Titicaca, one of the world’s highest navigable lakes.

Days 10 & 11: Fly home

Fly home via Lima, arriving the following day.

Included meals: 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner

A Belmond Andean Explorer

Rail Journey

Duration • 14 days & 12 nights

Price • From £6,595 (incl. flights)

Category • Luxury

RAIL JOURNEY

Explore Peru’s wonders in supreme comfort, travelling in style aboard South America’s only luxury sleeper train. Begin in Lima before discovering Arequipa, the graceful ‘White City’, and the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest. Then board the Belmond Andean Explorer for an unforgettable journey through the Andes to the gleaming shores of Lake Titicaca and onward to Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital. Conclude with a visit to the awe-inspiring Sacred Valley and the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Lima

Fly from London to Lima and transfer to the Country Club Lima Hotel for 2 nights. Explore the city’s colonial centre on a half-day tour and stop at the historic Cordano’s Tavern.

Days 3 & 4: Fly to Arequipa

Fly to Arequipa and stay 2 nights at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Arequipa (or upgrade to the boutique Cirqa). Discover the ‘White City’ and its fine colonial architecture.

Day 5: Colca Canyon

Journey to the Colca Valley and stay overnight at the Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs. The afternoon is free to unwind in the hotel’s thermal pools beside the river.

Day 6: Luxury train to Lake Titicaca

Early morning visit to the rim of the canyon to watch Andean condors in flight. Continue

to board the Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s only luxury sleeper train, for a 2-night journey to Cuzco via Lake Titicaca. Spot vicuñas and soak up spectacular views of volcanoes and altiplano scenery.

Day 7: Lake Titicaca • Luxury train to Cuzco

Watch the sunrise over Lake Titicaca before visiting the floating Uros reed islands and Taquile Island. Later, enjoy canapés and drinks in the piano bar as the train continues through the Andes.

Days 8 & 9: Luxury Train • Sacred Valley

After breakfast, visit the pre-Incan site of Raqchi and travel past high Andean peaks and cultivated terraces before disembarking the train in Cuzco. Continue to the Sacred Valley and stay for 2 nights at the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba. Following day, visit the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo and enjoy an

afternoon at leisure.

Day 10: Machu Picchu

Take the Vistadome train (or upgrade to the Belmond Hiram Bingham) to Machu Picchu for a guided exploration. Overnight at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu or Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Days 11 & 12: Cuzco

Morning at leisure or further explore the site. Return to Cuzco and stay 2 nights at the Aranwa Cusco Boutique, or upgrade to Palacio del Inka or Belmond Hotel Monasterio. Take a half-day city tour, including the cathedral and the Inca temple of Koricancha.

Days 13 & 14: Fly to London via Lima Fly to Lima and connect to London.

Included meals: 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners

Discover Bolivia

Bolivia captivates with its striking contrasts, from the snow-tipped peaks of the Andes to vast salt flats and lush rainforest. In the highlands, bowler-hatted cholitas walk past whitewashed colonial facades, and local markets display colourful textiles with the scent of coca leaves in the air. The Salar de Uyuni stretches to the horizon in dazzling white, while on Lake Titicaca, islands rich in legend rise from calm blue waters.

In Sucre and Potosí, colonial times echo through the cobbled streets and plazas, while La Paz spills across its bowl-shaped valley beneath the gaze of Mount Illimani. Beyond the mountains, the lowlands hum with life and Jesuit missions recall a quieter past. Remote and beautiful in equal measure, Bolivia invites slow discovery – and pairs beautifully with visits to neighbouring Chile or Peru.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Sail across the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca by hydrofoil, pausing at the sacred Sun and Moon Islands to trace ancient Andean beliefs. Venture into the surreal beauty of the Uyuni Salt Flats, where the land radiates under dry skies or transforms into a vast mirror during the rains. Journey deep into the southern Altiplano by 4x4 to discover crimson lagoons, mineral-rich lakes and steaming geysers. In Tarabuco, explore one of South America’s most authentic markets, teeming with vivid textiles, traditional attire and timeless highland customs.

LAKE TITICACA

TRADITIONAL COMMUNITIES & FLOATING ISLANDS • SACRED SUN & MOON ISLANDS

Not far from La Paz, Lake Titicaca stretches across the altiplano, its shores dotted with traditional Aymara communities. Day trips from La Paz are possible, but we recommend a two-day visit to fully absorb its beauty. Explore the sacred Sun Island, birthplace of the Inca empire, and the lakeside town of Copacabana, as we craft a journey shaped by you.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Bolivia Explorer

12 days & 9 nights

Standard from £3,995 (incl. flights)

Discover Bolivia’s spellbinding diversity on a tailor-made journey from elevated La Paz to the ceaseless expanse of the Uyuni salt flats. Cross the deep-blue waters of Lake Titicaca, explore Sucre’s colonial grace and chart the silvered legacy of Potosí – an indelible journey through landscapes and cultures shaped by altitude and time.

SALAR DE UYUNI

SALT

FLATS • STAY

IN A SALT HOTEL

The world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni is a truly unique landscape, where sky and earth seem to merge into one vast, dreamlike plane. After rains, its surface dissolves the horizon, leaving cactus-topped islands adrift in endless white. We can arrange your stay in an extraordinary saltbuilt hotel, for an experience as memorable as the setting itself.

SUCRE & POTOSÍ

COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE • SILVER WORKSHOPS & COLOURFUL TEXTILES

Sucre, the birthplace of Bolivia’s independence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is distinctive for its whitewashed colonial architecture, flower-filled courtyards and 16th-century churches. Nearby, explore Tarabuco’s vibrant market or Potolo’s weaving traditions. In contrast, Potosí tells a grander story – once the richest city in the Americas, its legacy gleams in ornate churches and the fabled Cerro Rico Mountain.

Day 1: Fly to La Paz

Overnight flight from London to La Paz via Bogotá (a stopover may be required).

Days 2 & 3: La Paz

Arrive in Bolivia’s extraordinary high-altitude capital and transfer to Mitru Sur Hotel for 2 nights. Explore the city’s lively Witches’ Market, where traditional remedies fill colourful stalls, and the surreal landscape of the Moon Valley.

Days 4 & 5: Lake Titicaca

Journey across the altiplano to the deep-blue shores of Lake Titicaca. Visit the Andean Roots Eco-Village in Huatajata before taking a hydrofoil across the lake to the Island of the Moon. Continue to the Island of the Sun for 2 nights at Posada del Inca, where sweeping views of the Cordillera Real frame the horizon.

Days 6–8: Sucre Cruise to Copacabana, returning to La Paz

EXPERIENCE & STAY

LA PAZ WITCHES’ MARKET & CABLE CAR

Set against the snow-dusted peaks of Mount Illimani, La Paz cascades through a vast Andean valley, where colonial streets brim with modern bustle. Wander markets awash with colour and folklore, from the spell-laden stalls of the Witches’ Market to the heights of the panoramic Teleférico cable car – said to be the world’s longest. Nearby, the Valley of the Moon reveals wind-carved pinnacles in an otherworldly desert landscape.

DELUXE AIRSTREAM CAMPER, UYUNI

This unique travel concept offers a fully tailored way to explore one of the world’s most remote and mesmerising landscapes. Experience the ethereal beauty of the salt flats from the comfort of a private retro-style Airstream camper, complete with driver-guide and chef. As the sun sinks over the endless white expanse, dine in utmost silence and solitude beneath a starlit sky.

TIWANAKU RUINS

Just two hours from La Paz, the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku provide an evocative glimpse into a civilisation that flourished for more than a thousand years. Little is known of its origins or decline, yet its legacy endures in immense stone blocks, enigmatic carved faces and the majestic Sun Gate – a monolithic stone doorway etched with intricate celestial symbols.

with an optional visit to the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku en route. Fly to Sucre and stay for 3 nights in a characterful hotel. Discover whitewashed streets and elegant colonial architecture, and visit Tarabuco’s colourful market, famed for its textiles.

Days 9 & 10: Salar de Uyuni

Drive to Potosí, once one of the wealthiest cities in the Americas, and visit the Royal Mint before crossing the vast altiplano to the dazzling Salar de Uyuni. Stay 2 nights at Luna Salada Hotel, constructed entirely from salt, and explore the glittering flats in a 4x4.

Days 11 & 12: Fly home via La Paz

Return to La Paz for your onward flight to London via Bogotá, arriving the following day.

Included meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners

Discover Ecuador & the Galápagos

Ecuador offers a dazzling amount of variety, from the Andean highlands with their colonial cities, snow-specked volcanoes, historic haciendas and atmospheric markets, to the tropical Amazon rainforest and cloud forests bursting to the brim with wildlife. Along the Pacific coast, long golden beaches, migrating humpback whales and laidback fishing villages add further charm to this compact yet astonishingly diverse country, where rich traditions and natural wonders coexist in blissful harmony.

Beyond the mainland, the Galápagos Islands –Darwin’s living laboratory – invite close encounters with extraordinary wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Whether exploring volcanic highlands or sailing among the enchanted isles, we can craft a tailor-made journey that reveals Ecuador and the Galápagos in all their wonder.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Together, Ecuador and the Galápagos deliver one of the world’s most rewarding wildlife and nature experiences. On the mainland, lush cloud forests, soaring volcanoes and colourful markets sit in stark contrast to the remote Galápagos archipelago, where nature reigns supreme. Families can explore by cruise or from land, with activities to suit every age – from kayaking, snorkelling and cycling to spotting sea lions, penguins and giant tortoises up close. Strict visitor limits ensure intimate encounters, while year-round wildlife activity makes every season special.

THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

UNIQUE & RARE SPECIES • CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH WILDLIFE • YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION

A journey to the Galápagos Islands is one of the world’s great travel experiences. Straddling the equator, this remote volcanic archipelago is a cradle of evolutionary discovery, where wildlife has adapted in extraordinary ways to its lava fields, cactus forests and verdant highlands. Untouched by mainland predators, the islands’ creatures show little fear of humans, allowing remarkably close encounters and exceptional photographic opportunities.

Watch giant tortoises lumber through misty uplands and marine iguanas bask on blackened rock, while blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca boobies perform elaborate courtship dances nearby. Frigate birds soar overhead, waved albatrosses nest on coastal cliffs and playful sea lions tumble through crystalline waters – a jaw-dropping showcase of life at its most unspoiled.

The Galápagos Islands are accessed from mainland Ecuador via the local airports on Baltra and San Cristobal and can be explored from an expedition cruise at sea, or from a land-based hotel or lodge.

QUITO & OTAVALO

COLONIAL HERITAGE • MIDDLE OF THE WORLD • INDIGENOUS MARKET

Quito, Ecuador’s capital, rests in a high Andean valley beneath the watchful Pichincha Volcano. Its beautifully preserved old town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site –reveals the country’s colonial past through ornate churches, shaded plazas and cobbled streets. Explore artisan workshops, meet traditional hat makers, or sample Ecuador’s world-renowned chocolate. Beyond the city, the equatorial monument marks the “Middle of the World,” while Papallacta’s thermal springs steam amid misty mountain scenery. Two hours north, Otavalo bursts with colour and character: its famed market brims with vivid handwoven textiles and intricate crafts, a living expression of Ecuador’s enduring indigenous traditions.

ECUADOR AMAZON & CLOUD FOREST

AMAZONIAN COMMUNITIES • EXOTIC FLORA & FAUNA

The Ecuadorian Amazon offers an unforgettable immersion into one of the planet’s richest ecosystems. Explore its winding waterways aboard a comfortable river cruise or stay deep within the forest at secluded lodges, many reached only by light aircraft or canoe. Here, life teems in every direction – from chattering monkeys to caimans, pink river dolphins and flocks of brilliant macaws. Local excursions, led by expert guides, reveal the forest’s hidden wonders through jungle walks and visits to remote communities. Closer to Quito, the cloud forests of Mashpi and Mindo-Nambillo shelter dazzling orchids and one of the world’s greatest concentrations of birdlife.

AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES

COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK • LOCAL MARKETS & HACIENDAS

South of Quito, the Avenue of the Volcanoes unfolds in a panorama of fertile valleys, terraced fields and snow-capped peaks. This sublime region showcases Ecuador’s natural beauty, from the perfectly conical Cotopaxi – the world’s highest active volcano – to the emerald waters of the Quilotoa crater lake. Traditional Andean villages host weekly markets, where locals in bright ponchos barter amid a medley of colour and sound. Further south the lively trading town of Riobamba is a gateway to one of South America’s most scenic rail journeys: the thrilling switchbacks of the Devil’s Nose train, carved through sheer mountain slopes.

EXPERIENCE & STAY

MASHPI’S SUSTAINABLE LUXURY

Luxurious Mashpi Lodge, cocooned within its own private cloud forest reserve, brings you face to face with the astonishing diversity of the cloud forest. Its striking glass-and-steel design dissolves the boundary between indoors and out, surrounding guests with mist-draped trees and birdsong. From its floor-to-ceiling windows, observe iridescent hummingbirds and delicate orchids, while guided walks reveal vibrant bromeliads, jewel-toned butterflies and hidden waterfalls. For a thrilling perspective, glide silently above the emerald canopy on the innovative Sky Bike – an unrivalled way to experience the forest’s extraordinary beauty.

CUENCA’S COLONIAL HERITAGE

Widely regarded as Ecuador’s most beautiful city, Cuenca enchants with its cobbled streets, flower-filled plazas and red-roofed colonial houses adorned with elegant wrought-iron balconies. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its landmarks include the redbrick New Cathedral crowned with striking blue domes and a wealth of religious art. Many of its 19th-century mansions have been transformed into exquisite boutique hotels. Among the finest are the lovingly restored Santa Lucia Hotel, rich with dark wood and antiques, and Cruz del Vado, whose pink-marble façade and rooftop bar overlook the city’s graceful skyline.

TRADITIONAL HACIENDAS

Scattered across Ecuador’s scenic countryside, historic haciendas provide an authentic glimpse into the nation’s colonial past and highland heritage. These elegant estates – from family-run retreats to grand working farms – combine old-world charm with warm Ecuadorian hospitality. Wander through manicured gardens, dine on timehonoured recipes and unwind amid the idyllic surroundings. We recommend the 17th-century Hacienda La Ciénega, once host to explorers and dignitaries, and Hacienda Zuleta, a beautifully restored family estate that has welcomed guests for over a century.

SMALL BOATS & CATAMARANS

Carrying no more than 16 passengers, the boutique yachts and catamarans of the Galápagos promise an intimate and immersive cruising experience. These elegant vessels feature beautifully appointed cabins – some with private balconies – as well as bar-lounges, spacious sun decks, and both indoor and alfresco dining. Complimentary snorkelling gear and kayaks invite closer encounters with the islands’ abundant wildlife. For value, Seaman Journey, Archipel, Solaris and Treasure are stand-out choices, while the sleek Endemic, Elite and Monique blend contemporary luxury with an eco-conscious design that honours the delicate Galápagos environment.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Classic Ecuador

11 days & 9 nights

Standard from £5,095 (incl. flights)

For one of Latin America’s smallest nations, Ecuador encompasses a remarkable richness of scenery and culture – from snow-capped Andean volcanoes and bustling colonial towns to the emerald depths of the Amazon. This curated journey reveals the country’s most captivating landscapes and cultural treasures, concluding with a small boat cruise through the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Quito via Amsterdam

Fly to Quito for a 2-night stay at Casona de la Ronda. Take a guided tour of Ecuador’s capital, exploring its elegant colonial heart, grand plazas and ornate churches. Visit the “Middle of the World” monument, where the equator divides the northern and southern hemispheres.

Day 3: Cotopaxi • Riobamba

Travel through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park, home to snowcapped peaks, wild horses and highland lagoons. Visit a local market before

MEDIUM-SIZED & LARGE CRUISERS

Carrying between 40 and 100 passengers, the larger expedition vessels in the Galápagos offer a smooth, comfortable way to explore the islands. Life on board is relaxed, with spacious lounges, observation decks, reading rooms and even a hot tub for unwinding after excursions. Despite their size, the experience remains personal, with daily landings in small groups, led by expert naturalist guides. The Galápagos Legend, Isabela II, Santa Cruz II and the luxury La Pinta are among our preferred options, with thoughtful itineraries and a strong focus on the wildlife experience.

GALÁPAGOS LAND STAYS

For travellers preferring to stay on land, the four inhabited islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana and San Cristóbal offer hotels and lodges surrounded by picturepostcard scenery. Tailor your experience with a choice of daily boat excursions or land-based adventures, or explore further with inter-island flights and multi-centre stays. The eco-conscious Finch Bay Eco Hotel on Santa Cruz provides a tranquil setting beside a quiet bay, while Galápagos Safari Camp offers a luxurious tented stay amid the island’s lush highlands. On Isabela, Scalesia Lodge combines modern comfort with sweeping forest and sea views.

continuing to Riobamba for an overnight stay at Hacienda Abraspungu

Day 4: Ingapirca • Cuenca

Drive south to Cuenca, stopping at Ingapirca, Ecuador’s finest Inca ruins. Visit a rural community on the slopes of Chimborazo volcano, then stay 2 nights at the charming Hotel Santa Lucia

Day 5: Cuenca

Discover Cuenca’s cobbled streets, flowerfilled plazas and 16th-century architecture. Visit the Panama Hat Museum and learn about the craftsmanship behind Ecuador’s iconic headwear.

Day 6: Cajas • Quito

Explore the mirror-like lakes and moorlands of Cajas National Park, a haven for birdlife

and high-altitude flora. Fly back to Quito for an overnight stay at the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel

Days 7–9: Fly to the Galápagos

Fly to the Galápagos Islands for a 3-night cruise through this extraordinary archipelago, home to blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and playful sea lions.

Days 10 & 11: Fly home via Guayaquil & Amsterdam

Return to Guayaquil for your international flight to Amsterdam and onward connection to London.

Included meals: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 4 dinners

Discover Chile

Cradled between the Andes and the wild Pacific Ocean, Chile stretches across a remarkable range of landscapes. In the north, the Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, while the south is defined by the mountains, glaciers and wide open spaces of Patagonia. Between them lie fertile wine valleys, deep-blue lakes and a long, rugged coastline of fjords and forest.

Beyond this pristine scenery, Chile is also home to fascinating cities such as Santiago and Valparaíso, indigenous traditions and a culinary scene enriched by the bounty of land and sea. Out in the Pacific, Easter Island stands as a testament to the mysterious Rapa Nui civilisation. With Cox & Kings, a Chilean adventure can be artfully tailored to your passions – crafted, as all great journeys should be, around you.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Framed by desert, ice and ocean, Chile captivates with its almost cinematic diversity. In the Atacama, light casts long shadows across salt plains and ochre valleys, while clear skies reveal a glittering theatre of stars. Far south, Patagonia’s glaciers, turquoise lakes and sweeping steppe are most alive from October to March, when daylight lingers and wildlife abounds in the wilderness. Autumn cloaks the land in amber hues, winter in quiet splendour. On Easter Island, summer sees the Tapati Festival fill the air with ancestral song and celebration.

THE ATACAMA DESERT

ALTIPLANIC LAGOONS, SALT LAKES & GEYSERS • ADOBE VILLAGES

The Atacama Desert, where rain is scarce and silence runs deep, is a landscape of staggering beauty. Here, wind-carved dunes meet violet-shaded volcanoes, salt flats glisten like frost, and turquoise lagoons lie hidden amid the sun-baked wilderness. The small adobe village of San Pedro de Atacama serves as the gateway to this extraordinary region.

At dawn, watch the El Tatio geysers erupt in plumes of steam; by afternoon, wander the vast Salar de Atacama, where pink flamingos drift across mirrored lagoons. As the day fades, the Moon Valley reveals its contours of rock and sand – glowing red, gold and indigo beneath the sinking sun.

Ancient petroglyphs, remote oases and starlit skies deepen the sense of wonder, while thermal springs and expansive horizons remind travellers of nature’s raw artistry. To witness the Atacama’s shifting colours and profound silence is to encounter the desert at its most awe-inspiring.

TORRES DEL PAINE

GRANITE PEAKS & STUNNING

GLACIERS • PATAGONIA WILDLIFE • NATURE WALKS & HIKES

Spanning southern Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is a realm of raw beauty. In Torres del Paine National Park, a five-hour drive from the southerly city of Punta Arenas, granite peaks rise above turquoise lakes, glaciers and rugged steppe animated by the movement of guanacos, rheas and circling condors. Explore this untamed wilderness by foot, boat or land vehicle, tracing trails through forests and past waterfalls. Cruise across Lake Grey to the glacier of the same name – its towering blue wall cracking and calving into the water below. From gentle walks to the challenging ascent to the base of the Torres, every path leads to moments of wonder.

CHILEAN LAKE DISTRICT

SNOW-CAPPED VOLCANOES, LAKES & FORESTS • MAPUCHE CULTURE

Where the Andes meet the water, Chile’s Lake District opens out to a landscape of lakes, rivers and snow-crowned volcanoes. The southern region is best explored from Puerto Varas, a charming lakeside town and gateway to Andean crossings and national parks. Offshore, the island of Chiloé enchants with its stilted houses, shingled churches and vibrant folklore, while seabirds and penguins crowd its rugged shores. North around Pucón, ancient araucaria forests cloak the slopes of Villarrica volcano, where steaming springs, tumbling waterfalls and the living culture of the Mapuche people define a land steeped in natural drama.

SANTIAGO & THE COAST

SANTIAGO’S HISTORY & CULTURE • COLOURFUL VALPARAÍSO

Sheltered between the Andes and the coastal range, Santiago hums with creative energy and mountain light. Its grand cathedral and superb Museum of PreColumbian Art reveal the city’s layered past, while leafy barrios brim with galleries, cafés and inventive dining. From the Sky Costanera observation deck, the city unfurls in every direction beneath snow-bright peaks. A short journey away, Valparaíso tumbles toward the Pacific in a kaleidoscope of colour – a bohemian port of stairways, funicular elevators and sea views. Eccentric mansions turned boutique hotels echo the spirit of the late Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, whose legacy still drifts through the hills.

EXPERIENCE

MYSTERIOUS EASTER ISLAND

Adrift in the vast South Pacific, Easter Island – or Rapa Nui – is one of the world’s most remote inhabited places, reached by a 5-hour flight from mainland Chile. This volcanic island is an open-air museum of haunting beauty, where hundreds of moai (gigantic stone statues) stand sentinel over rolling grasslands and crashing surf. Guided visits reveal ancient quarries and ceremonial platforms steeped in myth, while the tiny village of Hanga Roa invites slower exploration on your own. A stay of 3 or 4 nights allows time to absorb this enigmatic destination.

CHILE’S FAR NORTH EXPLORATIONS

Chile’s far north is home to ancient rock paintings and incredible high plateau landscapes. From the coastal city of Arica, journeys ascend into the Andes, where preColumbian geoglyphs and rock carvings mark the ochre hills. Scattered adobe villages and ancestral traditions punctuate the high plains, watched over by ice-clad volcanoes and the emerald waters of Lake Chungará. In the desolate Lauca National Park on the border with Bolivia, flamingoes, rheas and vicuñas wander the altiplano, while along the desert coast, eco-retreats offer tranquil escapes.

CHILE SELF-DRIVE TRIPS

Self-drives in Chile bestow you with the freedom to explore at your own pace, following roads that reveal the country’s rich contrasts. In the north, quiet routes wind past highland lagoons and desert plateaus. Further south, journeys meander through vine-draped valleys, glassy lakes and snowveined mountains. The legendary Carretera Austral, much of it unpaved, carves a path through Patagonia’s unspoilt terrain of forest, fjord and glacier – a voyage as challenging as it is exhilarating, and among the most rewarding road adventures in South America.

WINELANDS EXPERIENCE

Set between the Andes and the Pacific coast, Chile’s wine country is renowned for its acclaimed vineyards and picturesque scenery. Historic estates and boutique lodges offer leisurely stays amid rolling vines and colonial charm. Visit for a tasting of the region’s finest vintages or linger longer to appreciate fully its tranquillity.

We recommend the elegant Casa Real at Santa Rita, dating from 1883, or Casona Matetic in the Casablanca Valley – an organic, biodynamic estate with serene courtyards, terraces and views across gardens and vines.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Essence of Chile

14 days & 11 nights

Superior from £4,795 (incl. flights)

Beginning and ending in the cosmopolitan capital of Santiago, this journey reveals Chile’s rich tapestry of terrains – from the transcendent landscape of the Atacama Desert to the glacier-sculpted wilderness of Patagonia. Along the way, revel in a moment of calm at an elegant wine estate, where refinement meets the rhythm of rural life.

Days 1–3: Fly to Santiago

Fly direct to Santiago for a 2-night stay at the Plaza El Bosque Ebro Hotel. Explore leafy neighbourhoods, stroll through elegant plazas and discover the city’s world-class museums.

Days 4–6: Fly to Calama • Atacama

Fly north to Calama and transfer across the high desert to San Pedro de Atacama for 3 nights at Casa de Don Tomás or upgrade further to El Refugio. Explore desert landscapes of salt flats, sculpted valleys and flamingo-dotted lagoons.

Days 7 & 8: Fly to Santiago • Winelands Return to Santiago and continue to the

PATAGONIA CRUISES

The austral channels of Patagonia form landscapes of extraordinary beauty and offer numerous sailing possibilities. The comfortable Skorpios cruises glide through fjords and iceberg-strewn waters, while the first-class Ventus and Stella Australis ships take guests on 4-night voyages around the southern tip of the continent to the infamous Cape Horn and Ushuaia in Argentina. Along the way, travellers encounter glittering glaciers, spectacular seascapes and fascinating wildlife at the edge of the world.

STARGAZING, NORTHERN CHILE

Renowned for its crystal-clear skies and near-perfect climate, Chile’s Atacama Desert is one of the finest places on Earth to study the heavens. Around San Pedro de Atacama and La Serena, world-class observatories and powerful telescopes unlock the secrets of the cosmos. Join expert astronomers beneath the stars to witness luminous constellations, the swirling brilliance of the Milky Way and the faint glow of distant galaxies – an awe-inspiring experience that reveals the vast beauty of the universe in one of its most ethereal settings.

Maipo Valley for 2 nights at Casa Real, an 18th-century mansion set on the Santa Rita Vineyard. Unwind among vine-covered hills, sampling fine vintages straight from the barrel.

Day 9: Fly to Puerto Natales

Fly south to Puerto Natales and stay overnight at Hotel Costaustralis, overlooking the Fjord of Last Hope.

Days 10 & 11: Torres del Paine Journey into Torres del Paine National Park,

a realm of soaring granite towers, emerald lakes and vast Patagonian steppe. Explore this wilderness region on a full-day shared excursion and stay for 2 nights at the Hotel Lago Grey. Optional hikes are available.

Days 12–14: Fly to Santiago and home Drive to Punta Arenas for your return flight to Santiago. Spend your final night in the capital before flying home.

Included meals: 11 breakfasts and 1 lunch

Discover Argentina

A land characterised by open spaces yet infused with urban sophistication, Argentina combines a vast scale with vivid contrasts. From the lush rainforests and the thundering majesty of Iguazú Falls to Patagonia’s remote glaciers and windswept plains, nature here feels boundless. Across this immense landscape unfold ochre canyons, turquoise lakes, fertile pampas and snow-streaked Andean peaks. Wildlife thrives, from penguin colonies and sea lions on the Valdés Peninsula to flocks of herons and ibises in the Iberá wetlands.

Alongside its scenery the cadence of life continues unabated – gauchos on horseback, the pulse of tango and the refined energy of Buenos Aires, one of the continent’s great metropolises. With its warmth, passion and fine cuisine, Argentina invites travellers to experience its spirit in unforgettable ways.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Argentina moves to its own rhythm – a country defined by the passion of tango and the cascading majesty of Iguazú Falls. In the capital of Buenos Aires, experience the city’s soul at a traditional milonga, where locals dance late into the night, or enjoy an elegant performance at La Ventana. Visit in spring or autumn, when the boulevards are dressed in blossom or burnished leaves, and the energy is at its most stirring. Further west, Mendoza celebrates the Vendimia grape harvest with exuberant festivities, music and wine – a vivid expression of Argentina’s insatiable zest for life.

PATAGONIA & LAKE DISTRICT

GREAT WILDERNESS • AWE-INSPIRING GLACIERS • FOREST-CLAD MOUNTAINS & LAKES

In northern Patagonia, Argentina’s Lake District unfolds in a sweep of forests, glassy blue lakes and snow-dusted peaks. This enchanting region gently persuades travellers to slow their pace, breathe in the mountain air and absorb the stillness of a landscape shaped by water and wind. Days can be spent kayaking across tranquil lagoons, following forest trails alive with birdsong, or hiking through flower meadows beneath the Andes.

The alpine-style town of Bariloche, beside vast Nahuel Huapi Lake, is the gateway to the region’s national parks and the departure point for memorable lake crossings into Chile. Northward, the Ruta de los Siete Lagos traces turquoise waters to San Martín de los Andes, while to the south the legendary Ruta 40 leads toward Patagonia’s wilderness.

Further south, Patagonia becomes a land of windswept plains, towering peaks and giant glaciers descending to turquoise lakes. Near El Calafate, the immense Perito Moreno Glacier is a mesmerising spectacle, while the granite spires around El Chaltén offer outstanding hiking.

BUENOS AIRES

GRAND AVENUES & OPULENT ARCHITECTURE • BUSTLING CULTURAL LIFE & HISTORY

Argentina’s vibrant capital blends European elegance with Latin passion, its wide boulevards, grand theatres and lively neighbourhoods forming the character of a truly world-class city. Admire the opulent Teatro Colón and Casa Rosada, explore Recoleta’s belle époque architecture and famous cemetery and wander through La Boca’s riot of colour. Discover the superb Latin American Art Museum or the mysterious underground tunnels of El Zanjón. Stay at least 3 nights to feel the city to its fullest and get a taste of its culinary excellence – from casual parrillas in San Telmo to stylish waterfront dining in Puerto Madero or alfresco evenings in Palermo.

IGUAZÚ FALLS

THUNDEROUS DEVIL’S THROAT • SPEEDBOAT TO THE FOOT OF THE FALLS

Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazú Falls rank among the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Here, the Iguazú River cascades in 275 distinct cataracts, plunging through a jungle alive with mist and birdsong. On the Argentinian side, walkways bring you thrillingly close to the torrents, while an ecotrain leads to the Devil’s Throat – a roaring chasm of spray and thunder. The Brazilian side offers sweeping panoramic views that reveal the full grandeur of the falls. For an unforgettable encounter, take an exhilarating boat ride beneath the curtain of water - a heart-pounding immersion in nature’s power.

SALTA & THE NORTH-WEST

PICTURESQUE COLONIAL TOWNS • STRIKING SCENERY

Once part of the Inca Empire, Argentina’s north-west is a land of primeval landscapes and deep-rooted customs. From the high altiplano to the cactus-studded foothills, vivid canyons and clay-built villages honour the ancient earth goddess Pachamama. Purmamarca’s cream-hued houses glow beneath the multicoloured Hill of Seven Colours, while Cachi and Molinos retain their quiet colonial charm. In Salta, beautifully preserved architecture and fine museums reflect the region’s rich heritage, and the legendary Train to the Clouds ascends through tunnels and viaducts into the barren high plateau. Further south, Cafayate’s sunlit vineyards and crimson cliffs offer a gentler rhythm and, needless to say, superb wines.

EXPERIENCE

ANDEAN LAKES CROSSING

Considered one of South America’s most exhilarating journeys, this full-day crossing links Argentina and Chile through a tapestry of lakes and mountains. Departing from Bariloche, the route weaves across the Andes by boat and road, tracing fjord-like channels and waters framed by deep forests. Each crossing reveals a fresh spectacle – silent bays, mist-draped peaks and the flawless snowcapped cone of Osorno Volcano rising above the clouds. The journey ends in Puerto Varas, where rain-washed air carries the scent of pine – a memorable finale to a crossing that typically unfolds over 12 hours, including leisurely sightseeing stops along the way.

SELF-DRIVE IN ARGENTINA

Argentina’s open roads positively demand discovery, with self-drives charting some of the most stirring scenery you’ll find anywhere on the continent. The legendary Route 40 runs the length of the Andes, where the landscapes shift with the light and horizons seem to have no end. In the north-west, the road winds through cactusstudded plains, salt flats and crimson canyons scattered with Andean hamlets. Farther south, the Seven Lakes Route glimmers with glassy waters and native forests, while in Patagonia, lonely stretches carve a path between jagged peaks, windshaped steppes and glittering blue glaciers.

A TRIP TO COLONIA IN URUGUAY

Uruguay’s oldest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Colonia del Sacramento sits on the banks of the Río de la Plata, just an hour by fast ferry from Buenos Aires. Founded by the Portuguese and later claimed by the Spanish, this quaint riverside town reveals its intriguing past in every cobbled street and courtyard. Lantern-lit alleys lead to leafy plazas and waterside promenades where time seems to slow. We can arrange day visits or overnight stays in boutique properties within the beautifully preserved historic quarter.

MENDOZA WINE COUNTRY ESCAPES

The celebrated bodegas surrounding Mendoza are home to elegant boutique hotels and luxurious wine estates, delivering a refined escape among the foothills. Spend unrushed days sampling world-class vintages at private tastings, dining on exquisite regional cuisine, or reclining by the pool with mountainous views. Signature wine therapies and spa rituals draw on the region’s bounty, while guided walks and leisurely bike rides provide alternative pursuits, all set against the imposing backdrop of the Andes.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Highlights of Argentina

13 days & 10 nights

Superior from £4,295 (incl. flights)

Argentina unfolds in a sweep of wild beauty and European grace. This comprehensive journey begins in elegant Buenos Aires, then spans the country from the subtropical north to Patagonia’s untamed south. Experience thundering waterfalls, sculpted glaciers and mountain grandeur before concluding in Mendoza – a region of fine wine and easy charm.

Day 1: Fly to Buenos Aires

Fly from London to Buenos Aires.

Days 2 & 3: Buenos Aires

Arrive in the capital and transfer to the Sofitel Recoleta Hotel for 2 nights. Explore the city’s highlights, from the colourful streets of La Boca to Recoleta Cemetery, resting place of Eva Perón. In the evening, opt for a traditional dinner and tango show to experience the city’s passion first-hand.

Days 4 & 5: Fly to Iguazú Falls

Fly north to Iguazú and spend 2 nights at the Mercure Iguazú, or upgrade to the Gran Meliá Iguazú, set inside the national

VISIT A TRADITIONAL ESTANCIA

Scattered across Argentina’s countryside, traditional estancias range from working cattle ranches to genteel country estates. Day visits from Buenos Aires can include a classic asado barbecue, accompanied by folk music and the thud of hooves as gauchos – Argentina’s legendary horsemen – demonstrate their time-honoured skills. Longer stays in the Pampas, Patagonia or near Cordoba, allow for a slower pace: afternoons spent riding across open plains, sharing maté with hosts and gaining a genuine insight into rural life and the traditions that remain at the heart of the nation’s spirit.

WILDLIFE VIEWING AT IBERÁ WETLANDS

A mosaic of lagoons, floating islands and winding streams, the wetlands of Esteros del Iberá form Argentina’s largest protected reserve and one of South America’s great wildlife sanctuaries. Let us arrange for you to explore this pristine wilderness from the elegant Puerto Valle Hotel, with private access to the wetlands, or from remote eco-ranches such as Rincón del Socorro. Guided boat excursions and nature walks draw down the curtain on an abundance of life – from capybaras and caimans to marsh deer, giant anteaters, anacondas and more than 350 bird species.

park. Explore one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, where 275 cascades plunge through lush rainforest.

Days 6 & 7: Fly to El Calafate via Buenos Aires

Fly south to El Calafate and stay 2 nights at the Kosten Aike or Esplendor Hotel. Journey across the Patagonian steppe into the rugged beauty of Los Glaciares National Park. Visit the mighty Perito Moreno glacier and cruise across Lake Argentino to admire its towering ice wall at close range.

Days 8–10: Fly to Mendoza Fly to Mendoza, framed by the snow-streaked

Andes, and stay at a nearby wine estate. Spend leisurely days discovering vineyards, sampling Argentina’s renowned vintages, or exploring the city’s leafy plazas and boutique restaurants.

Days 11–13: Fly home

Return to Buenos Aires for a final night before your flight home, arriving the following day. Alternatively, fly to Bariloche for a 3-night stay surrounded by the serene lakes and alpine scenery of northern Patagonia.

Included meals: 10 breakfasts

Discover Brazil

South America’s largest nation, Brazil combines remarkable natural diversity with a rich cultural heritage. The Amazon’s vast rainforest, the power of Iguaçu Falls and the long stretches of Atlantic coastline show the country’s extraordinary range of landscapes. Historic colonial towns reveal ornate baroque churches and cobbled streets, while Brasília stands out for its bold modernist architecture.

Throughout Brazil runs a strong sense of energy and celebration, expressed through its music, festivals and everyday life. With Cox & Kings, your journey can be tailored to match your interests and preferred pace, combining cultural discovery, natural highlights and time to relax in this vibrant and welcoming country.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Step into Brazil’s kaleidoscope of celebration. In the sultry north-east, the rhythms of Afro-Brazilian culture resonate through every street, while in Rio de Janeiro the flamboyance of Carnival explodes in sequins and samba at the Sambadrome. Arrive on New Year’s Eve in Copacabana and the fireworks over the beach add another layer of spectacle. Meanwhile, coastal markets overflow with feijoada and caipirinhas, and the plains of the Pantanal teems with jaguars, capybaras and jagged birdsong. Every season reveals fresh facets of this vibrant country, making Brazil not just a place to visit, but a journey to feel.

RIO DE JANEIRO

SPECTACULAR BACKDROP • WORLD-RENOWNED BEACHES • UNRIVALLED CARNIVAL

Few cities can match the beauty and buzz of Rio de Janeiro, where mountains tumble to the sea and music infuses the air. Famed beaches – Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon – curve along the bay, while the granite peaks of Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain frame views that take the breath away. In the historic centre, faded colonial façades stand beside neoclassical mansions and modernist icons, the result of centuries of transformation.

At the edge of the city, venture inland to discover Tijuca Forest, one of the world’s largest urban rainforests and home to monkeys, sloths and an array of tropical birdlife. Travel by open-air jeep through this endangered Atlantic ecosystem to visit the Macacos waterfall and take in views that stretch across the city and coastline. Whether exploring by day, enjoying Rio’s lively evenings, or in the hush of dawn over Guanabara Bay, the city captures Brazil’s unique blend of nature, culture and exuberance.

THE AMAZON

RAINFOREST SOUNDS & SIGHTS • MEETING OF THE WATERS

The Amazon rainforest, covering nearly half of Brazil, is a realm of remarkable biodiversity. Beneath its dense tropical canopy, life teems unseen – from monkeys and toucans to caimans and elusive pink river dolphins. We can arrange river cruises or jungle lodge stays for immersive encounters with nature, while exploring the labyrinth of waterways by canoe or on nature walks.

The city of Manaus, gateway to the Amazon, reflects the opulence of its rubber-boom past in its ornate Opera House. Nearby, witness the “Meeting of the Waters,” where the dark Rio Negro and pale Solimões flow side by side without merging.

IGUAÇU FALLS

PANORAMIC VIEWS & BOAT TRIPS • TROPICAL BIRDS & RAINBOWS

Foz do Iguaçu National Park is home to one of the world’s great natural wonders, the Iguaçu Falls, and an equally impressive variety of wildlife, from tropical birds to elusive jaguars. Rainbows shimmer through clouds of spray, parrots wheel across the mist and butterflies drift above luxuriant forest. A walkway winds through subtropical vegetation – orchids, bamboos and lianas – to the foot of Floriana Falls, with sweeping views to the Argentinian side. Boat safaris and moonlit tours offer thrilling perspectives, while a helicopter flight reveals the vast panorama of tumbling cascades, verdant canopy and the river carving its way through the wild.

THE PANTANAL

PREMIER WILDLIFE DESTINATION • BIRDWATCHING & JAGUAR SPOTTING

The world’s largest wetland, the Pantanal is a mosaic of rivers, lagoons and savanna threaded with forest. Its open landscapes make wildlife wonderfully visible: capybaras doze by the water’s edge, caimans bask in the sun, and herons, jabirus and macaws fill the skies. Tapirs, anteaters and howler monkeys roam freely and there’s even a rare chance to glimpse the elusive jaguar. A fascinating spectacle not to be missed is the returning of countless birds to their evening roots at sunset. Life here follows the seasonal cycle of flood and drought – aquatic creatures thrive in the rains (November to March), birds nest as the waters fall. Comfortable lodges, reached via Campo Grande or Cuiabá, offer safaris by 4x4, canoe and horseback.

EXPERIENCE

A TASTE OF BAHIA

Overlooking the waters of All Saints’ Bay, Salvador enchants visitors with its rhythm and soul. Once a hub of the sugar and slave trades, Bahia’s capital blends Latin flair with deep African roots to intoxicating effect. In Pelourinho, pastel façades and gilded baroque churches rise above cobbled streets alive with drumming, dance and the scent of dendê oil. As night falls, an AfroBahian performance captures the city’s heartbeat – swirling samba, the sacred movements of Candomblé and the airborne grace of capoeira – a bewitching celebration of heritage, spirit and sound.

MINAS GERAIS COLONIAL GEMS

Tucked amid rolling hills, the gold-rush towns of Minas Gerais gleam with Brazil’s colonial splendour. In Ouro Preto, steep cobbled streets climb past whitewashed mansions to baroque churches draped in gold leaf and filled with sacred art. Southward lies Tiradentes, a painterly maze of lantern-lit lanes where former miners’ houses now host intimate pousadas and art galleries. The spirit of the 18th century lingers, too, in São João del Rei, Congonhas and Mariana, where carved façades, shaded squares and tolling church bells evoke the opulent age of Brazil’s golden heartland.

REMOTE NORTH-EAST EXPLORATIONS

Just below the equator, Brazil’s remote north-east is the embodiment of wild beauty and ancient mystery. In the parched sertão, Serra da Capivara shelters one of the Americas’ oldest treasures – a giant gallery of prehistoric rock art etched into ochre cliffs. Along the coast, tiled São Luís evokes colonial times, while Lençóis Maranhenses enthralls with undulating dunes and turquoise lagoons that bloom after the rains. Beyond lie tranquil deltas and fishing hamlets, until Jericoacoara’s golden dune summons locals and travellers alike to watch the sun sink into the sea.

BRAZIL BEACH STAYS

Brazil’s coastline is an alluring patchwork of golden arcs, emerald bays and islanddotted horizons that stretches for more than 7,000 km. Near Rio, Búzios exudes laidback sophistication – a former fishing village turned chic seaside retreat, where boutique hotels such as Vila da Santa, Vila d’Este and Casas Brancas overlook aquamarine coves and lively café terraces. In the tropical northeast, Bahia’s palm-fringed shores promise warmth year-round and coral pools at Porto de Galinhas, while further north, windsculpted white dunes and empty stretches are the epitome of barefoot Brazil.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Rhythms of Brazil

15 days & 13 nights

Superior from £4,595 (incl. flights) Luxury* from £5,995 (incl. flights)

Discover Brazil’s most captivating corners, where the glittering rhythms of Rio and the colonial soul of Salvador give way to the awe-inspiring power of Iguaçu Falls and the untamed beauty of the Amazon. End your journey in serenity, unwinding on a palmfringed tropical beach.

Days 1–3: Fly to Rio de Janeiro

Fly to Rio de Janeiro and stay at the PortoBay Rio de Janeiro / Miramar by Windsor*. Gaze out over Guanabara Bay from the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, admire the majesty of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, and take in Copacabana and Ipanema’s golden sands on a full day guided tour.

Days 4 & 5: Fly to Iguaçu

Take a flight to Iguaçu and witness one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural spectacles. Wander rainforest trails to viewpoints overlooking cascades that thunder through clouds of spray. Stay at the Recanto Cataratas Hotel or the Gran Meliá Iguazú* within the park.

AMAZON CLIPPER PREMIUM CRUISE

Sailing deep into the sinuous waterways of the Amazon, the Amazon Clipper Premium offers intimate 2-, 3- or 5-night journeys through the world’s greatest rainforest. This elegant, traditionally crafted vessel features 16 airconditioned cabins with wide-ranging river views, a panoramic observation deck and a sun terrace crowned with a jacuzzi. As dawn mist curls over the waters, expert naturalist guides lead canoe excursions and forest walks in search of monkeys, macaws and elusive pink river dolphins. Visit local inhabitants who live off manioc plantations, fishing and diverse fruit trees, and try your hand at piranha fishing.

IBITIPOCA RESERVE

Spanning 4,000 hectares of restored wilderness beside Ibitipoca State Park, the Ibitipoca Reserve is a sanctuary of misty hills, forested trails and crystalline waterfalls. Just a 3.5-hour drive north of Rio, this visionary private project blends luxury with sustainability, inviting travellers to slow down and reconnect with the rhythms of rural Brazil. Stay in an 18thcentury farmhouse or a rustic-chic cottage set against undulating green pastures, feast on seasonal regional cuisine and wander through lush forest where the melodic sound of birdsong is never far away.

Days 6–8: Fly to Manaus

Fly north to Manaus and journey into the Amazon for a 3-night stay at the Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge or aboard the Amazon Clipper Premium*. Explore the rainforest by canoe and on foot, accompanied by expert naturalist guides.

Days 9 & 10: Fly to Salvador

Fly to Salvador, Bahia’s radiant capital, and spend 2 nights at Casa do Amarelindo / Villa Bahia* discovering its African-Latin heritage. Wander cobbled streets lined with pastel colonial facades, baroque churches and

music-filled squares.

Days 11–13: Brazilian coast

End your journey with 3 nights at Tivoli Praia do Forte or Nannai Porto de Galinhas Resort* on Brazil’s sun-drenched north-east coast, where wide sandy beaches melt into warm turquoise seas.

Days 14 & 15: Fly home

Fly home via Sao Paulo / Madrid.

Included meals: 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 6 dinners

Discover Colombia

Still feeling undiscovered by most travellers, Colombia remains one of South America’s most rewarding destinations, where mountainous plateaus, dense Amazon rainforest and tropical Caribbean shores come together in striking variety. Andean peaks rise above fertile valleys, the Amazon teems with life and two coastlines reveal both Caribbean warmth and Pacific wilderness. Its cities blend colonial heritage with a growing creative energy, from cobbled plazas to cutting-edge galleries.

With Cox & Kings, your journey through Colombia can be tailored entirely to your interests – explore pre-Columbian history, wander coffee-growing hillsides, or unwind on quiet tropical shores. Wildlife is abundant too, from rainforest reserves to the tropical savannahs of Los Llanos. Everywhere, Colombia’s vitality makes each encounter memorable.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Colombia bristles with colour and verve at every turn. In Medellín, the annual Flower Festival bursts into bloom each July and August, filling the streets with fragrance, parades and music. Bogotá, the nation’s capital, blends modern art and colonial charm, while the whitewashed town of Villa de Leyva feels timeless, its vast cobbled plaza surrounded by bougainvillea-draped houses. Along the Caribbean coast, warm breezes, fresh seafood and Afro-Colombian beats define life by the water. From misty coffee hills to dense jungles, Colombia’s beauty is matched only by the unbridled exuberance of its people.

COFFEE COUNTRY

FERTILE HILLSIDES • TRADITIONAL VILLAGES

In the heart of the Andes, Colombia’s coffee region is intertwined in its rolling hills, small plantations and traditional villages. Stay in a converted hacienda and learn about the country’s long-established coffee-growing traditions. Nearby, the Cocora Valley is home to towering wax palms, while Los Nevados National Park shelters cloud forest alive with orchids and hummingbirds.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Colombia Explorer

11 days & 9 nights

Standard from £3,295 (incl. flights)

From Andean highlands to the tropical Caribbean coast, Colombia reveals a wealth of character and contrast. This adventure begins in Bogotá, exploring its historic centre and fascinating Gold Museum, continuing through the lush coffee region and concluding in Cartagena – a beautiful port city of cobbled streets and painted façades.

BOGOTÁ & SURROUNDS

VIBRANT CITY • GOLD MUSEUM • COLONIAL TOWN OF VILLA DE LEYVA

Colombia’s high-altitude capital is awash with history and artistry. In Bogotá, the Gold Museum glows with treasures once offered to the gods, while the old quarter of La Candelaria hums with colour and colonial grace. Ride the cable car to Mount Monserrate for sweeping city views, or journey north to Villa de Leyva’s timeworn cobbles and bougainvillea-lined calm.

CARTAGENA & THE CARIBBEAN

BEAUTIFUL FORTIFIED TOWN • CHARACTERFUL COLONIAL HOTELS • TURQUOISE SEAS

Cartagena, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is one of Latin America’s most captivating colonial cities. Within its UNESCO-listed walls lie cobbled streets, colourful plazas and elegant Spanish architecture. Stay in a restored mansion and explore on foot, or extend your visit with a trip to the Rosario Islands, Tayrona National Park or the relaxed island of Providencia.

EXPERIENCE

MEDELLÍN SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION TOUR

Set in the Aburrá Valley and once known for its turbulent past, Medellín has reinvented itself as a model of innovation and social progress. Explore creative urban projects in former hillside barrios, admire striking street art in Comuna 13, or join a cookery class led by local residents to experience the city’s warmth and community spirit.

SAN AGUSTÍN’S ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURES

High in the Andean foothills of southwest Colombia lies San Agustín, a place of ancient mystery and haunting beauty. Its archaeological park contains the largest collection of megalithic sculptures in South America. Scattered across lush, mist-covered hillsides are hundreds of carved stone figures, altars and burial chambers – the enduring legacy of a vanished pre-Columbian civilisation.

ECO-CHIC CARIBBEAN STAYS

Accommodation near the ruggedly beautiful Tayrona National Park ranges from eco-chic lodges to relaxed beachfront retreats. This is one of Colombia’s most striking coastal regions, where the Sierra Nevada mountains descend to the Caribbean Sea. Spend your days exploring pristine palm-fringed beaches, hiking through rainforest teeming with spider monkeys and an array of bird species, or simply unwinding in peaceful tropical surroundings.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Bogotá

Fly to Bogotá via Paris. Stay for 2 nights at the Hotel Novotel Parque 93 and spend a full day exploring Colombia’s capital, including the historic Candelaria district and the outstanding Gold Museum. Take a cable car to Monserrate Hill for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Andes.

Days 3 & 4: Villa de Leyva

Travel by road to Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s most charming colonial towns. En route, visit Zipaquirá to see the remarkable Salt Cathedral, built within a former mine. Stay 2 nights at Posada de San Antonio and explore the town’s cobbled streets, grand square and the nearby Dominican convent.

Days 5 & 6: Coffee Country

Visit a coffee farm and stay for 2 nights at Hotel Boutique Sazagua or Sazagua Cocora,

set within a tranquil private reserve. Explore the picturesque villages of Filandia and Salento, with time to relax and enjoy the serene rural surroundings.

Days 7–9: Cartagena

Fly to the Caribbean city of Cartagena for a 3-night stay at Hotel Santa Catalina. Take a walking tour of the old town, visiting the formidable San Felipe Fortress and the hilltop Convento de la Popa. Day 9 is at leisure to relax or take a boat excursion to the coral Rosario Islands.

Days 10 & 11: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport for the overnight flight to London via Amsterdam, or extend with a stay on the unspoilt beaches of Isla Baru, Rosario Islands or Tayrona.

Included meals: 9 breakfasts and 2 lunches

A Journey through the Andes

Duration • 19 days & 16 nights

Price • From £5,695 (incl. flights)

Category • Standard

Journey through the spine of the Andes, travelling across Chile, Bolivia and Peru. Explore the striking contrasts of this remarkable highland region, from the stark beauty of Chile’s Atacama Desert to the vast white expanse of Bolivia’s Uyuni salt flats. Continue to the deep-blue waters of Lake Titicaca and on to Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, where traces of Inca civilisation remain deeply rooted in the region’s dramatic mountain landscapes.

Days 1-3: Fly to Santiago, Chile

Fly overnight from London to Santiago and transfer to the Rugendas Hotel for a stay of 2 nights. Take a guided tour of the city, visiting key landmarks such as the cathedral, Plaza de Armas and Santa Lucía Hill for panoramic views across the capital.

Days 4 & 5: Atacama Desert

Fly to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama for 2 nights at the Casa de Don Tomas. In the late afternoon, visit the Valley of the Moon to watch the sunset cast shifting colours over the desert. The following day, explore the breathtaking Atacama, including the vast salt flats – home to pink flamingoes –and the village of Toconao, known for its white volcanic stone buildings.

Day 6: To Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Travel by 4x4 across an ever-changing landscape of snow-capped peaks, geysers, volcanoes and vividly coloured lagoons such as the emerald-green Laguna Verde and the redhued Laguna Colorada, a haven for flamingoes. Stay 2 nights on the edge of the salt flats at Luna Salada, a remarkable hotel built entirely from salt blocks.

Day 7: Salar de Uyuni

Explore the world’s largest salt flat, visiting the salt museum at Colchani, the Ojos de Agua springs and Inka Wasi Island, dotted with towering cacti. Continue to the slopes of the Tunupa volcano to see the pre-Columbian Coquesa mummies.

Days 8 & 9: Fly to La Paz

Fly to La Paz, a city set dramatically within a vast mountain bowl. Stay 2 nights at the Hotel Mitru Sur. Take a guided tour of the colonial centre and Witches’ Market, and ride the cable car for sweeping views across the city and the surrounding Andean peaks. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 10: Lake Titicaca • Puno, Peru

Travel across the altiplano to the shores of Lake Titicaca. Visit the Andean Roots Eco Village to learn about Aymara culture and traditional reed boat construction. Board a hydrofoil to Copacabana, stopping at the sacred Sun and Moon islands to see the Inca staircase and the Temple of the Sun Virgins. Continue by road to Puno for an overnight stay at the José Antonio Hotel

Days 11-13: To Cuzco

Drive or take a scenic full-day train journey to Cuzco. Stay 3 nights at Los Portales Hotel

Explore the city’s rich blend of Inca and colonial heritage on a guided tour, including the cathedral and Koricancha Temple. Spend a day at leisure to discover Cuzco’s lively market, museums and cafés at your own pace.

Days 14 & 15: Sacred Valley • Machu Picchu

Transfer to the Sacred Valley and visit the

impressive fortress at Ollantaytambo and the colourful market town of Pisac. Stay 2 nights at Andean Wings Valley Hotel. The next morning, travel by train to Machu Picchu for a guided exploration of this extraordinary Inca citadel, before returning to your hotel.

Days 16 & 17: Fly to Lima

Fly to Lima and stay 2 nights at the José Antonio Hotel. Take a morning tour of the capital’s colonial and modern landmarks, including Plaza Mayor, the cathedral and the historic Casa Aliaga.

Days 18 & 19: Fly to London

Day at leisure, or take an optional excursion to the Pachacamac archaeological site and the Larco Herrera Museum. Evening flight to London, arriving the following day.

Included meals: 16 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners Flamingoes at Laguna Colorada, Bolivia

South America Explorer

Duration • 30 days & 28 nights

Price • From £9,495 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

This far-reaching journey crosses six countries to reveal many of South America’s most compelling cultural, historical and natural landmarks, from the iconic beaches of Rio de Janeiro and the thundering cascades of Iguazú to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and a cruise among the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands. Travelling the full breadth of the continent, the adventure ends on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, where colourful Cartagena provides a fitting finale.

Days 1–3: Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Fly from London to Rio via Amsterdam and spend 3 nights at the PortoBay Rio de Janeiro

Explore some of the celebrated landmarks of Brazil’s most iconic city, including the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain and Sugarloaf, with its sweeping views of Guanabara Bay. The following day is free to relax.

Days 4 & 5: Iguazú Falls

Fly to Iguazú for a 2-night stay at the Mercure Iguazú. Explore both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides of the falls. Walk along well-marked trails and viewing platforms for spectacular vistas over the cascades.

Days 6 & 7: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fly early to Argentina’s elegant capital and stay for 2 nights at the Intersur Recoleta. Take a guided tour of the city’s main sights, including Plaza de Mayo, the colourful La Boca district and Recoleta Cemetery, resting place of Eva Perón. You may wish to add a day trip across the River Plate to the historic Uruguayan town of Colonia del Sacramento.

Days 8 & 9: Mendoza

Fly west to Mendoza, centre of Argentina’s celebrated wine country, and stay 2 nights at the Huentala Hotel amid views of the Andean foothills. Visit nearby vineyards for tastings of the region’s world-class malbecs.

Days 10 & 11: Santiago, Chile

Fly across the Andes to Santiago for a 2-night stay. Discover the Chilean capital’s blend of modern and historic architecture, from Plaza de Armas to leafy Lastarria. Optional excursions include a visit to a nearby vineyard or a day trip to the Pacific port of Valparaíso.

Days 12 & 13: Cuzco, Peru • Sacred Valley Fly direct to Cuzco and transfer to the Sacred Valley for 2 nights at the Casa Andina

Iguazú

Premium Sacred Valley. Explore traditional markets and Inca archaeological sites such as Ollantaytambo and Pisac.

Day 14: Machu Picchu

Travel by train through spectacular scenery to Machu Picchu. Tour the fabled citadel before overnighting at El Mapi

Days 15 & 16: Cuzco

Option to revisit Machu Picchu in the morning. Later, travel by train back to Cuzco for a 2-night stay at Casa Andina Premium Cuzco. Explore the city’s blend of Inca stonework and colonial architecture.

Days 17 & 18: Lima

Fly to Lima for 2 nights at Casa Andina Premium Miraflores. Tour the colonial centre, and the pre-Columbian pyramid of Huaca Pucllana, and sample some of the capital’s renowned cuisine.

Days 19 & 20: Quito

Continue to Quito for a 2-night stay at Casona de la Ronda. Explore the UNESCO-listed old town and visit the monument marking the equatorial line.

Days 21–23: The Galápagos

Fly to the Galápagos Islands for a 3-night cruise, visiting a selection of islands in small groups accompanied by expert naturalist guides. Learn about the archipelago’s unique wildlife and fragile ecosystems on daily shore excursions.

Days 24 & 25: Bogotá, Colombia

Fly via Guayaquil to Bogotá for 2 nights at Hotel Chico 97. Visit the colonial quarter of La Candelaria and the excellent Gold and Botero museums.

Days 26–28: Cartagena

Fly to Cartagena for a 3-night stay at Santa Catalina Hotel. Explore the walled city on foot, admiring its colourful colonial architecture and lively plazas. Optional excursions include a boat trip to the nearby Rosario Islands.

Days 29 & 30: Fly home via Amsterdam

Return flight to London via Amsterdam, arriving the following day.

Included meals: 28 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners

Discover Cuba

The largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba is a nation shaped by revolution, resilience and rhythmic charm. Classic American cars cruise past faded colonial façades, while the scent of cigars drifts through streets alive with rum, music and murals of Che Guevara. Beyond the cities, tobacco fields and rainforest-clad hills reveal a lush interior rich in biodiversity, while coral reefs and white sands fringe the coast.

From Havana’s grand plazas to Trinidad’s cobbled lanes, the island’s long history is written in its architecture and lived daily in its culture. Across the country, private homes open their doors as casas particulares (bed & breakfast style guesthouses) or family-run paladares restaurants, offering a genuine welcome and a memorable insight into Cuban life.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Cuba’s appeal lies in its character as much as its beauty. This is no ordinary Caribbean island but a nation sustained by its revolutionary history and a strong sense of identity. Travel here can be unpredictable – journeys are slow, hotels can feel timeworn – yet these quirks are part of the story. Those who arrive with curiosity and flexibility are rewarded with genuine encounters and a deeper understanding of the island. Take a ride along Havana’s lively streets in a vintage car, visit the Museum of the Revolution and experience the island’s celebrated music and cigar culture.

THE VIÑALES VALLEY

PECULIAR LIMESTONE OUTCROPS • TRADITIONAL RURAL LIFE & TOBACCO PLANTATIONS

West of Havana, Viñales is a serene valley of palm-studded farmland and striking limestone mogote hills. Tobacco has been grown here for centuries using timehonoured methods and traditional farm visits reveal Cuba’s rural rhythms. Nearby, the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve and the eco-community of Las Terrazas offer further insight into the island’s countryside life.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Spirit of Cuba

12 days & 10 nights

Standard from £2,595 (incl. flights)

Experience Cuba’s vibrant past and coastal tranquillity on a journey through its most captivating settings. Explore Havana’s historic grandeur and Trinidad’s beautifully preserved colonial streets, staying in the heart of each city. Conclude your travels on the soft sands of Cayo Santa María, where turquoise Caribbean waters invite complete relaxation.

HAVANA

MYSTERIOUS TIME-WARP CITY • FADED GRANDEUR

Once a vital port for ships bound for the New World, Havana spreads around a broad natural bay. Its UNESCO-listed old town is a patchwork of restored baroque churches, palaces and cobbled squares, where fading façades add to the city’s intrigue. Explore museums in colonial mansions, dance to salsa and rumba, or unwind with a mojito on your hotel’s rooftop terrace.

TRINIDAD & SURROUNDS

BEAUTIFUL COLONIAL TOWN • VALLEY OF THE SUGAR MILLS • CHE GUEVARA’S MEMORIAL

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinidad is a vision of pastel façades and cobbled streets untouched by time. Visit the Cantero Museum and the lively Casa de la Música, then venture to nearby beaches, the remnants of old sugar estates and the Escambray mountains. We can also arrange for you to combine your journey with trips to the colonial port of Cienfuegos and historic Santa Clara.

EXPERIENCE

DINE AT A PALADAR

Cuba’s paladares are small, familyrun restaurants often set within atmospheric old houses filled with character and history. Though the island isn’t famed for fine dining, relaxed private enterprise laws have sparked a flourishing culinary scene. These intimate venues serve homecooked dishes with warm hospitality –a chance to dine away from tourist haunts and experience genuine Cuban flavours.

ORIENTE EXPLORATIONS

Verdant mountains and deep-rooted history define the Oriente, Cuba’s eastern region, often described as the nation’s soul. Santiago de Cuba, the island’s first capital, is rich in colonial heritage and revolutionary landmarks, while its Afro-Caribbean rhythms have gone some way to shaping Cuba’s music traditions. Camagüey’s maze-like streets recall its pirate-fighting past, and further east, Baracoa, the island’s oldest town, retains a quiet, timeworn charm.

CUBA’S CAYS

Cuba’s northern coast is lined with white sands, calm seas and small offshore cays linked by long causeways. Cayo Santa María offers crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and a peaceful atmosphere. Each of its first-class resorts is allinclusive – from the superior Vila Galé Cayo Santa Maria to the secluded Meliá Buenavista, surrounded by coves and ideal for a relaxed and intimate retreat. Recline by one of the pools, swim in turquoise waters, or unwind with the treatment at the spa.

Day 1 Fly to Havana

Fly to Havana via Madrid and spend 3 nights at the Iberostar Selection Parque Central, located in the heart of the capital.

Days 2 & 3 Havana

Explore Old Havana’s colonial squares, visit a traditional cigar factory and the rum museum, and take a ride in a classic 1950s car. Optional experiences include a day trip to the Viñales Valley or an evening performance by the Buena Vista Social Club.

Days 4–6: Trinidad

Travel south via the French-influenced port of Cienfuegos, then continue to colonial Trinidad for 3 nights at Mistyque Trinidad or Hotel E la Calesa. Explore the cobbled streets, colourful houses and lively plazas on a guided tour and spend time at leisure. Visit the nearby Valley of the Sugar Mills to

learn about the region’s plantation heritage. Days 7–9: Cayo Santa María

Continue to Santa Clara to see Che Guevara’s mausoleum and museum, then head to the northern coast for 3 nights at the Vila Galé Cayo Santa Maria or upgrade to the Meliá Buenavista. Relax on soft sandy beaches, swim in turquoise waters and enjoy the island’s tranquil setting.

Day 10: Havana

Return to Havana for a final night in the city.

Days 11 & 12: To London

Morning at leisure before the overnight flight to London, via Madrid.

Included meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners

Discover Mexico

From its ancient temples to its bustling plazas, Mexico is a enticing blend of ancient civilisations, colonial splendour and vibrant modern culture – the result of centuries of creativity and exchange. Its landscapes range from desert plateaus and volcanic peaks to tropical jungles and white-sand beaches washed by the Pacific and Caribbean seas. In the centre and north, gracious colonial towns reflect the legacy of Spanish rule, while in the Yucatán and the south, magnificent Mayan and Aztec temples reveal the depth of Mexico’s pre-Columbian heritage.

The country’s spirit is also expressed in its colourful markets, regional cuisines and enduring traditions. Carefully restored haciendas and characterful hotels offer distinctive stays that connect travellers to the country’s deep sense of place.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Few countries stir the senses quite like Mexico. Wander through Mérida’s colonial streets and shaded park, or explore the extraordinary Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá. In Chiapas, the Tzotzil villages reveal a fascinating blend of pre-Hispanic and Catholic traditions, while Oaxaca tempts with complex moles and market flavours. Further north, colonial cities such as San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato brim with history and art. Along the Baja peninsula, witness the grey whale migration from January to March. Visit during the Day of the Dead to see the country at its most vibrant, when Mexico celebrates life through remembrance.

YUCATAN PENINSULA

IMPRESSIVE MAYAN RUINS • LUXURY COLONIAL HACIENDAS • CARIBBEAN COASTAL RETREATS

Carpeted in lush jungle and scattered with ancient cities, the Yucatán offers both discovery and repose. Base yourself in the evocative colonial charm of Mérida or a converted hacienda amid the verdant countryside. Explore the temples of Uxmal, Chichén Itzá and Cobá, swim in natural cenotes, visit the flamingo-filled Celestún Reserve or unwind on tranquil beaches.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Treasures of Mexico

10 days & 8 nights

Superior from £3,795 (incl. flights)

Mexico’s past is written in stone, in temple pyramids that rise above the jungle and colonial streets lined with baroque façades. This curated journey charts the country’s cultural heartlands, combining the grandeur of ancient Mayan sites with the charm of historic cities, with an option to end beside the Caribbean’s calm shores.

MEXICO CITY & OAXACA

SUPERB ANTHROPOLOGICAL MUSEUM • ANCIENT PYRAMIDS • REGIONAL CUISINE

Mexico City hums with creative energy, home to exceptional museums, cutting-edge galleries and a flourishing dining scene. Explore the monumental Zócalo, the outstanding Museum of Anthropology, and the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán. Further south, Oaxaca enchants with ornate baroque churches, shaded arcades and sun-warmed plazas, while nearby valleys reveal Zapotec ruins and villages alive with enduring craft traditions.

CHIAPAS

INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES • LUSH JUNGLE • MAYAN RUINS • RIVERS, CANYONS & WATERFALLS

In the cool highlands of Chiapas, misty forests conceal extraordinary Mayan ruins, including the jungle-clad pyramids of Palenque and the remote sites of Yaxchilán and Bonampak, famed for their vivid murals. Explore colonial San Cristóbal de las Casas, visit traditional mountain communities, and witness the dramatic gorges of Sumidero Canyon and the azure cascades of Agua Azul.

PALENQUE MAYAN RUINS TOUR

Deep in the jungle, Palenque’s atmospheric ruins rank among Mexico’s most captivating archaeological sites. Intricately carved temples and painted stucco friezes rise from the dense forest canopy, their artistry revealing the sophistication and spiritual depth of the ancient Maya. Wonder at the soaring eight-storey Temple of the Inscriptions and hear the distinctive calls of howler monkeys echo through the trees.

COPPER CANYON TRAIN RIDE

The legendary El Chepe train traces one of the world’s most spectacular rail routes, winding from Chihuahua all the way to Los Mochis on the Pacific coast. The journey passes through forests, tunnels and towering bridges, revealing the vast Copper Canyon – a network of rugged, forested gorges deeper than the Grand Canyon. Stop at Divisadero for extraordinary views and hiking opportunities combined with an aweinspiring cable car ride. En route, visit Creel and Cerocahui for further exploration of valleys, lakes and canyons, or overnight in the delightful colonial town of El Fuerte.

MAYAN RIVIERA STAY

Stretching south from Cancún along the Caribbean coast, the Mayan Riviera combines turquoise seas with powdersoft beaches and ancient heritage. We can arrange for you to stay at an intimate coastal retreat, explore the clifftop ruins of Tulum, or snorkel above the world’s second-largest reef. Nearby, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve shelters mangroves, lagoons and abundant marine life.

Days 1-3: Fly to Mexico City

Fly to Mexico City and stay for 3 nights at the Galeria Plaza or Hotel Zocalo Central

Explore the historic centre, including the outstanding Museum of Anthropology, and visit the pyramids of Teotihuacán. Optional excursions include Coyoacán, where you can visit the former home of artist Frida Kahlo, or Xochimilco floating gardens.

Days 4 & 5: Oaxaca

Fly to colonial Oaxaca (or travel overland via historic Puebla) and transfer to Hotel Na’ura for 2 nights. Discover the city’s fine baroque architecture and the impressive Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán. Optional visits include the 2,000-year-old tree at El Tule and the ancient ruins of Mitla.

Days 6 & 7: Fly to Mérida

Fly to Mérida via Mexico City and spend

2 nights at the Hotel Casa Lucia. Visit the remarkable Mayan sites of Uxmal and Kabah, and take a walking tour through Mérida’s colonial streets, lined with colourful mansions and shaded plazas.

Day 8: Chichén Itzá

Explore Chichén Itzá, renowned for its intricate temples, pyramids and ancient observatories. Overnight at Hacienda Chichén, with the chance to experience the site illuminated at night.

Days 9 & 10: Fly to London

Travel to Cancún and board your return flight home or alternatively extend your stay on the white-sand beaches of the beautiful Mayan Riviera.

Included meals: 8 breakfasts and 2 lunches

Discover Costa Rica

Compact, welcoming and astonishingly biodiverse, Costa Rica encapsulates the vitality of Central America in a single, captivating destination. Volcanoes rise above fertile valleys, cloud forests teem with orchids and birdlife, and two coastlines offer rainforest-fringed beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean. More than a quarter of the country is protected as national parks and reserves, sheltering dazzling wildlife, from monkeys and macaws to brilliant butterflies.

Easy to explore yet endlessly rewarding, Costa Rica suits both independent travellers and those seeking thoughtful guidance. With Cox & Kings, each journey is planned with care and insight, allowing time to absorb the landscapes, wildlife, culture and the easy rhythm of pura vida

C&K RECOMMENDS

Costa Rica’s modest size makes it ideal for self-drives, with short road distances linking coast, rainforest and volcanoes. The dry season –December to April – offers the best land-based wildlife viewing, while the lush green season brings quieter trails and turtles nesting on the Caribbean coast. Begin in San José and the fertile Central Valley, where coffee plantations, national parks and volcanic craters showcase the country’s landscapes. Visit Poás volcano with its turquoise crater lake, wander orchid gardens or explore rainforest trails alive with the flutter of butterflies, the flash of hummingbirds and the steady chorus of the forest.

TORTUGUERO

BOAT TRIPS ALONG CANALS • TURTLE WATCHING

On Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero is reached only by boat or light aircraft. Travel past banana plantations, then navigate canals that wind through dense tropical forest linking rivers and lagoons. Lodges along the banks provide access to boat safaris and forest walks in search of monkeys, sloths and caimans. For an extra thrill, witness green and leatherback turtles nesting on the beaches between March and September.

ARENAL & THE NORTH

ACTIVE VOLCANOES • HOT SPRINGS • CAÑO NEGRO BOAT TRIP & BIRDLIFE

A near-perfect cone rising above tropical forest, Arenal is framed by verdant gardens and expansive vistas. Nearby attractions include soothing hot springs, treetop canopy walkways and boat trips through the Caño Negro wetlands, home to an abundance of birdlife. To the northwest, discover turquoise Río Celeste and Rincón de la Vieja’s geothermal pools.

MANUEL ANTONIO & SURROUNDS

JUNGLE-CLAD BEACHES • SUPERB WILDLIFE VIEWING

Few places reward curiosity quite like Manuel Antonio, where rainforest trails, golden beaches and wildlife encounters can all be found within easy reach of one another. Spot monkeys, sloths and toucans along forest trails, then unwind at hillside hotels with far-reaching sea views. Nearby, Carara National Park is home to crocodiles and brilliant scarlet macaws.

MONTEVERDE

QUETZALS & BUTTERFLIES • CANOPY WALKWAYS • HIKING TRAILS

High in Costa Rica’s central highlands and reached along unpaved roads, Monteverde and the neighbouring Santa Elena Reserve are veiled in cool mist and bursting with the country’s famous biodiversity. Trails wind through dense forest laced with orchids, bromeliads and moss-draped vines, while suspended canopy bridges offer a bird’s-eye view of this magnificent ecosystem. Listen for the call of the resplendent quetzal – a fleeting flash of green plumage among the clouds.

TAMARINDO & NICOYA

UNSPOILT BEACHES • NESTING TURTLES

On Costa Rica’s north-west coast, the Nicoya Peninsula blends sand beaches with rare dry forest – one of Central America’s last. In Tamarindo, a relaxed surf town, explore mangroves by boat or watch nesting leatherback turtles. Further south, quiet coves and hidden retreats on the more remote part of the peninsula offer a gentler pace of life.

EXPERIENCE

Volcanoes shape much of Costa Rica’s landscape, their craters, forests and fumaroles exposing the country’s restless geology. Arenal, with its striking symmetrical cone, is the most recognisable, while near San José, Poás impresses with a vast milewide crater and a sulphuric lake tinted turquoise. The slopes support dwarf cloud forest that serves as a haven for hummingbirds and other highland bird species. Irazú, the highest volcano in Costa Rica, is also easily reached and on clear days its summit affords views of both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

NATURAL HOT SPRINGS

In a country defined by its volcanic landscapes and abundant forests, water plays a central role in daily life. Heated by volcanic energy deep below the surface, Costa Rica’s natural thermal springs make for a restorative escape. At the foot of Arenal Volcano and within Rincón de la Vieja National Park, mineral-rich pools range from secluded forest basins to landscaped retreats surrounded by tropical foliage. Steam rises through lush vegetation and the air is filled with the sound of running water – a welcoming pause for travellers after days of exploration.

TURTLE WATCHING ON THE BEACH

Costa Rica provides a sanctuary for six species of sea turtle, including the giant leatherback. During nesting season, visitors can witness one of nature’s most moving spectacles – adults laying eggs and hatchlings making their first journey to the ocean. Night-time excursions in Tortuguero, on the Caribbean coast, offer the chance to see loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles between July and October. On the Pacific side, at Tamarindo and Ostional, endangered leatherbacks arrive from October to March to nest on the dark volcanic sands.

REMOTE OSA PENINSULA

Draped in dense primary rainforest, the magnificent Osa Peninsula shelters one of Costa Rica’s greatest natural treasures: Corcovado National Park, described by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth.” we can arrange stays in a rustic yet luxurious lodge in the park or on the penisula where you’ll encounter a remarkable diversity of wildlife, from monkeys and sloths to ocelots, anteaters, toucans and scarlet macaws. Offshore, palm-fringed Caño Island boasts golden beaches, vivid coral reefs and superb snorkelling in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Costa Rica Adventure

12 days & 10 nights

Standard Self-drive from £2,895 (incl. flights)

Standard Guided from £3,495 (incl. flights)

Explore Costa Rica at your own pace on a self-drive adventure or a guided journey through one of the planet’s richest natural environments. From tropical beaches and volcanic valleys to cloud forests filled with wildlife, it’s a destination that draws you in, one landscape at a time – ideal for couples, families and nature lovers alike.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to San José

Fly from London to San José and stay for 2 nights at the D’Sabana Hotel. Depending on your interests, visit one of the country’s active volcanoes – Poás, with its turquoise crater lake, or Irazú, the highest in Costa Rica – and enjoy wide panoramas over the Central Valley.

Days 3 & 4: Arenal Drive to Arenal for a 2-night stay beneath the striking form of Arenal Volcano. Visit Sky Adventure Park for broad views of the

CANOPY EXPLORATIONS

One of the most memorable ways to experience Costa Rica’s biodiverse forests is from the treetop canopy, with numerous tours offering a fresh perspective over the green expanse below. Thrill seekers can opt for zip lining – a popular attraction – which invites you to spot wildlife while soaring above the forest floor, secured in a harness and clipped to sturdy cables. Those preferring gentler pursuits can explore via forest trails, aerial trams and suspension bridges, gaining a bird’s-eye view of the vibrant ecosystem and the soundscape of the jungle.

BIRDWATCHING

Laying claim to more than 850 recorded bird species, many endemic, Costa Rica is a world-class birdwatching destination. In the north, the internationally significant Caño Negro wetlands protect endangered migratory species and host turtles, caimans and monkeys alongside anhingas, roseate spoonbills and wood storks. The Osa Peninsula and Palo Verde wetlands shelter abundant waterfowl, while Sarapiquí rainforest and the cloud forests around San Gerardo offer sightings of trogons, hummingbirds and the brilliantly plumed quetzal – a highlight for many visitors. From highlands to coast, birdlife flourishes in exceptional variety.

rainforest, volcano and enjoy an exhilarating zipline ride, or unwind in the natural hot springs and thermal pools at Tabacón.

Days 5 & 6: Monteverde

Continue to Monteverde for 2 nights at Trapp Family Lodge. Explore the cloud forest reserve, walk through hanging bridges in the canopy in search of wildlife and visit a butterfly garden, brimming with movement and colour.

Days 7–10: Manuel Antonio or Nicoya Travel to the Pacific coast for 4 nights at the

Parador Resort & Spa. In Manuel Antonio, relax by the ocean or explore the national park’s forest trails; optional boat trips provide the chance to spot dolphins. Alternatively, continue to the Nicoya Peninsula, offering some of Costa Rica’s finest beaches.

Days 11 & 12: San José • Fly home Return to San José for your overnight direct flight to London.

Included meals: 10 breakfasts

Discover Central America

GUATEMALA | PANAMA | NICARAGUA | BELIZE | EL SALVADOR | HONDURAS

Linking North and South America, this slender isthmus is a region of jungle-covered ruins, smoking volcanoes and dazzling Caribbean and Pacific shores. Panama’s famous canal connects the two coastlines, but beyond it lie rainforests, islands and remarkable biodiversity.

Guatemala fuses colonial splendour with ancient Mayan heritage, its landscapes dotted with volcanoes, jungles and glistening lakes. Neighbouring Belize, a tiny tropical paradise, offers pristine reefs, wildlife-rich forests and a relaxed Caribbean spirit. Less visited yet deeply rewarding, Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador reveal authentic cultures, charming colonial towns and a slower pace of life. Together, these small nations form a bridge between continents – a meeting point of landscapes, peoples and histories unlike anywhere else.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Ancient civilisations, volcanic landscapes and tropical coastlines intertwine in Central America. Explore Mayan ruins at Tikal, Copán and Caracol, or wander through the colourful markets of Chichicastenango. Local communities such as the Kuna and Emberá maintain enduring cultural identities, while colonial towns like Antigua, Granada and León showcase centuries of Spanish heritage. Wildlife thrives in forests and reserves, and highland plantations in Panama and Nicaragua reveal the roots of the region’s coffee culture. For relaxation, the islands of San Blas, Ambergris Caye and the Corn Islands offer white-sand beaches and superb snorkelling.

GUATEMALA

COLONIAL ANTIGUA • MAYAN RUINS • INDIGENOUS VILLAGES & MARKETS

Guatemala combines natural beauty and ancient heritage in a compact and captivating setting. The colonial city of Antigua enchants with cobbled streets, pastel façades and views of surrounding volcanoes, while the nearby highlands are rich in coffee plantations, traditional weaving workshops and lively Mayan markets. Beautiful Lake Atitlán shimmers beneath three volcanic peaks, its shoreline dotted with villages such as Santiago Atitlán and San Juan La Laguna, where local life plays out in vivid colour and rhythm.

In the northern jungles of El Petén, the great Mayan city of Tikal rises above a vast forest full of wildlife, while lesser-known sites like Yaxhá and Ceibal offer quieter encounters with the distant past. Travelling further east, the lush Río Dulce winds toward the Caribbean, passing canyon cliffs and rainforest before reaching Livingston, a lively coastal town shaped by Garifuna, Maya and Afro-Caribbean culture, and a fascinating counterpoint to the country’s highland heart.

PANAMA

PANAMA CANAL • CLOUD FOREST & COFFEE PLANTATIONS • TROPICAL ISLANDS

At the meeting point of two oceans and two continents, Panama combines sublime natural scenery with a dynamic cultural mix. In Panama City, modern skyscrapers rise beside the colonial quarter of Casco Viejo, while the Miraflores Locks reveal the workings of the world-famous canal. Beyond the capital, explore the bird-rich rainforests of Soberanía National Park or the cool highlands of Boquete, known for its coffee plantations and mountain scenery. In Central Panama, the Azuero Peninsula is home to folkloric towns and traditional festivals, while offshore lie coral-fringed islands including the laid-back Bocas del Toro archipelago and idyllic San Blas, home to local communities.

NICARAGUA

COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE • ACTIVE VOLCANOS • CARIBBEAN BAREFOOT BLISS

Safe, welcoming and refreshingly underexplored, Nicaragua rewards travellers with volcanic landscapes, graceful colonial cities and pristine nature reserves. Wander the cobbled streets of Granada beside Lake Nicaragua, or explore León’s vibrant art scene and revolutionary heritage. In the highlands, Matagalpa’s fertile slopes produce some of Central America’s finest coffee, while adventurous visitors can hike Mombacho volcano or explore the twin-peaked island of Ometepe. Along the San Juan River, dense rainforest and wetlands lead into the wildliferich Indio Maíz Biological Reserve. Nicaragua’s coastlines range from Pacific surf beaches to the laid-back Caribbean charm of Little Corn Island, ideal for barefoot relaxation.

BELIZE

JUNGLE LODGES • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES • MAYAN SITES • BARRIER REEF & CARIBBEAN BEACHES

Small but perfectly formed, Belize combines rainforest adventure, Mayan heritage and an inimitably Caribbean pace of life. In the Cayo District, luxury jungle lodges provide access to forest trails, caves and the ancient temples of Caracol. Northern Belize’s Orange Walk District features a myriad of birdlife and archaeological sites like Altun Ha and Lamanai, reached by boat through lush waterways. Further south, the remote Toledo District reveals rainforests, rivers and traditional Maya villages. Offshore, the world’s second-largest barrier reef stretches along a coastline of palm-fringed cayes and turquoise seas – perfect for snorkelling and relaxed days on Ambergris Caye or Placencia.

MAYAN RUINS OF TIKAL & COPÁN

Hidden deep in the rainforest, the ancient city of Tikal in Guatemala is one of the most impressive Mayan sites, with more than 3,000 structures rising above the jungle canopy. Its towering pyramids – the Temple of the Grand Jaguar and the Temple of the Masks – face each other across the Grand Plaza amid a chorus of howler monkeys and tropical birds. In neighbouring Honduras, still near the Guatemalan border, Copán reveals a different splendour: intricately carved stelae, detailed sculptures and tunnels leading to buried temples and cosmological stucco reliefs.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Mayan Triangle

16 days & 14 nights

Superior from £5,295 (incl. flights)

Beginning in Antigua, Guatemala’s elegant former capital, this overland private journey explores Central America’s ancient and colonial heritage. Visit atmospheric Mayan sites across Guatemala, Honduras and Belize, discover indigenous traditions and unwind on white-sand beaches.

Days 1 & 2 : Fly to Guatemala City • Antigua

Fly to Guatemala City, via the US and transfer to the colonial town of Antigua for 2 nights at Meson de Maria. Take a walking tour of this picturesque town to discover cobbled streets and ornately decorated churches.

Days 3 & 4: Lake Atitlán

Drive to Lake Atitlán via the small Mayan ruins of Iximché. Stay at Hotel Atitlan overlooking the lake and take a boat tour to visit surrounding villages.

Day 5: Chichicastenango • Antigua

Visit the colourful indigenous Chichicastenango market (Thur & Sun) before returning to Antigua for an overnight.

COLONIAL ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA

Once Guatemala’s 16th-century capital, Antigua remains a colonial city of stark beauty, set against the backdrop of three majestic volcanoes. Despite centuries of earthquakes and rebuilding, its cobbled streets and pastel façades retain remarkable charm. Explore on foot to discover grand churches, monasteries, shaded courtyards and graceful mansions. The city is also famed for its spectacular Holy Week celebrations, when intricate alfombras –carpets of dyed sawdust, flowers and pine needles – line the streets for colourful processions.

PANAMA CANAL CROSSING

Sail through one of the world’s great engineering achievements on a partial or full transit of the Panama Canal. Glide past rainforest-covered banks, through a series of mighty locks, and into Lake Gatún via the dramatic Gaillard Cut, where the canal pierces the Continental Divide. The Miraflores Locks visitor centre offers a fascinating insight into this extraordinary feat of construction, with a museum detailing its history and an observation platform from which to watch vast ships squeeze through the narrow passageways with astonishing precision.

Days 6 & 7: Copán

Travel across Guatemala into Honduras for 2 nights at Marina Copan, close to the famous Mayan site of Copán and visit the ruins.

Days 8 & 9: Tikal

Continue to northern Guatemala to explore the magnificent Mayan temples of Tikal, stopping en route at Quiriguá.

Days 10 & 11: Cayo District

Cross into Belize for a 2-night stay at the

Black Rock Jungle Lodge in the Cayo District and visit the Mayan ruins of Caracol and Rio Frio Cave.

Days 12–14: Hopkins

Transfer to the coastal village of Hopkins for 3 nights at Hopkins Bay Resort to relax by the Caribbean Sea.

Days 15 & 16: Fly home via the US

Included meals: 14 breakfasts and 4 lunches

VISIT ACTIVE MASAYA VOLCANO, NICARAGUA

Just outside Managua, Masaya Volcano National Park is among Nicaragua’s most accessible and awe-inspiring natural sites. The park’s vast caldera contains several craters, including the active Santiago crater, whose steaming rim delivers dramatic views deep into the earth. From the viewpoint, you can watch molten lava glowing red-orange in the darkness below – a mesmerising sight, particularly at dusk. As evening falls, bright green parakeets circle and roost close to the crater walls, seemingly unfazed by the heat and smoke rising from this mesmerising volcanic landscape.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Central America Revealed

19 days & 17 nights

Standard from £5,795 (incl. flights)

Venture through Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and El Salvador to discover Central America’s rich blend of volcanic landscapes, tropical wildlife and atmospheric colonial towns, ending in Antigua, Guatemala’s picturesque former capital. Extend your adventure to explore the Mayan ruins of Tikal and unwind on the white-sand beaches of Belize’s Ambergris Caye.

Days 1–3: Fly to Panama City via the US

Fly to Panama City for 3 nights. Tour the colonial old town with an optional visit to the Miraflores Locks Museum. Take a half-day shared transit along the Panama Canal and an optional early-morning birdwatching excursion in Soberanía National Park.

Days 4 & 5: To Boquete

Fly to David and continue to Boquete, a charming highland town. Explore forest trails and visit a coffee estate.

Days 6 & 7: To Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Travel by road across the border into Costa

RELAX AT AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE

Ambergris Caye, the largest of Belize’s islands, is an alluring mix of Caribbean charm and understated luxury. A short distance from the lively yet laid-back town of San Pedro, elegant beachfront lodges and boutique resorts line white sands overlooking turquoise seas. The island lies parallel to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, making it a popular base for snorkelling and diving. At Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a natural break in the reef, crystal-clear waters uncover brilliantly coloured coral gardens and tropical marine life, from angelfish and rays to gentle nurse sharks.

EL SALVADOR’S DELIGHTS

Often overlooked yet richly rewarding, El Salvador may be small in scale but offers an experience of real depth and warmth. Discover the cobbled streets and colonial charm of Suchitoto, cruise across its tranquil lake, or visit coffee plantations set amid volcanic slopes. The scenic Route of the Flowers winds through mountain villages famed for their handicrafts, while the Pacific coast offers black-sand beaches and relaxed surf towns. Archaeological treasures such as San Andrés, Tazumal and UNESCO-listed Joya de Cerén – known as the “Pompeii of the Americas” – complete this captivating journey.

Rica and continue down the Pacific coast to Manuel Antonio. Take a guided tour of the park – its compact size belies its biodiversity.

Days 8 & 9: Carara • Arenal

Drive to Arenal, stopping at Carara National Park, home to monkeys, crocodiles and scarlet macaws. Stay 2 nights near Arenal Volcano and visit the hanging bridges or natural hot springs.

Days 10 & 11: To Granada, Nicaragua

Cross the border into Nicaragua and stay 2 nights in colonial Granada. Explore the city, cruise among the islets of Lake Nicaragua, and visit the Masaya handicraft market and active Masaya volcano.

Days 12 & 13: León • Suchitoto, El Salvador Drive to León to tour its historic centre and the ruins of León Viejo. Stay overnight and take an optional boat trip in Juan Venado

Nature Reserve before flying to San Salvador. Continue to the colonial town of Suchitoto for 1 night and including a half-day tour.

Days 14 & 15: Route of the Flowers • Ataco

Visit Joya de Cerén archaeological site and transfer to Ataco, located on the scenic Route of the Flowers. Stay for 2 nights and explore Cerro Verde National Park, the beautiful Coatepeque Lake and the indigenous town of Nahuizalco.

Days 16 & 17: Antigua, Guatemala

Continue by road over the border to Antigua and stay for 2 nights. Explore the historic city on a half-day tour or extend your stay at Lake Atitlán.

Days 18 & 19: Fly home from Guatemala City via the US.

Included meals: 17 breakfasts

NORTH AMERICA

From the glitz, grit and verve of the big cities to the monumental grandeur of the national parks, the US and Canada offer a continent’s worth of experiences all year round.

It’s easy to let nature take centre stage. Rail ride through the Rockies, seek out grizzlies in British Columbia, and soak up the iconic red-rock vistas of America’s grandest canyons. In between, you’re spoilt for boldly individual cities to explore, not least cosmopolitan Vancouver, glamorous Los Angeles, flashy Las Vegas and historic Québec City.

Both countries lend themselves to a self-drive holiday, with extensive road networks that grant you freedom, flexibility and access to dramatic scenery – from the rugged coasts of Pacific California to New England’s autumnal foliage. There is plenty to please the palate, too, including the Creole flavours of the Deep South, the French cuisine of Québec and the lauded lobsters of Atlantic Canada.

View our full collection online

The destinations and tours featured in this brochure represent a small sample of what we offer. Our website contains a wealth of additional itineraries, detailed country guides and accommodation options.

Discover Canada

Known for its tremendous wilderness, abundant wildlife, and eminently livable cities, Canada stretches across six time zones and is the world’s second-largest country. The landscapes on offer are truly cinematic. The peaks of the Canadian Rockies loom large in the west, providing a backdrop for adventures by rail and road. In the wilds of British Columbia, cool Pacific waters gush into pristine inlets, where isolated lodges give you the chance to spot grizzly bears.

Meanwhile, the east is a picture of vineyards, farmland and maple forests, alongside the economic powerhouse of Toronto – gateway to the Niagara Falls – and the distinctly FrenchCanadian cities of Montréal and Québec City. Numerous First Nations settlements across the country also offer a chance to explore Canada’s indigenous heritage.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Few countries have an outdoors as great, in both scale and access, as Canada’s. We can organise open-air activities that suit all ages; you can zipline from the top of mountains, horse ride in the wilderness and cruise glacial lakes to drifting icebergs. That’s not to mention the wildlife; our hand-picked guides will help you spot grizzly bears, moose, puffins, all manner of whales, and – if you’re lucky – polar bears. History enthusiasts may choose to explore the Gold Rush legacy in the Yukon, the colonial heritage of French Canada in Québec and the traditions of First Nations people in Atlantic Canada.

DRIVING IN CANADA

FREEDOM & FLEXIBILITY • SCENIC ROUTES FOLLOWING MOUNTAINS & COASTLINE

Many visitors to Canada enjoy the freedom of a hire car, and we can plan a self-drive itinerary that encompasses the highlights without excessive time on the road. Driving is on the right and road conditions are generally good. Your journey can incorporate one of Canada’s superlative scenic routes, such as the Sea-to-Sky Highway of British Columbia, which carries you from emerald ocean to snow-capped peaks; the Icefields Parkway of Alberta, taking you through the spine of the Rockies with a chance to visit the Columbia Icefield; the Cabot Trail of Nova Scotia, a 267-kilometre loop passing coastal mountains and highlands; or the Viking Trail of Newfoundland, which visits the remains of a 1,000-year-old Norse settlement.

WILDLIFE ADVENTURES

SPOT BLACK, GRIZZLY & POLAR BEARS

• GO WHALE WATCHING

Canada’s sprawl of forests, rivers and lakes shelters an abundance of wildlife, including antlered moose, dam-building beavers, snow-padding lynxes and every shade of bear – American black, grizzly brown and polar white. In Western Canada, you may spot bears from the road, but a guided bear-watching excursion by boat ups your chances. In the east’s Gaspé Peninsula, take to the waters to see beluga whales, gannets, black bears, beavers and caribou. In Atlantic Canada, cruise in search of puffins and endangered whale species such as humpback, finback and minke. For something truly rare, head to Manitoba to spot polar bears on the icy wastes.

EXPLORE BY RAIL

COVER VAST DISTANCES IN COMFORT • RIDE THE RENOWNED ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

A rail journey is the perfect way to experience Canada’s immense landscapes, covering huge distances in comfort. Vibrant cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montréal are great places to start or end your journey. Along the way, watch the scenery change mile by mile, from sprawling forests to imposing peaks and glistening lakes. Our Canada experts can advise on the wide range of rail journeys available, from short day trips to longer coast-to-coast itineraries. Rocky Mountaineer is the most popular and one of the country’s most luxurious trains, winding through the heart of the Canadian Rockies with stops to take in the natural scenery.

ALBERTA & THE ROCKIES

SCENIC NATIONAL PARKS • THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS • TURQUOISE LAKES

Alberta lies in the heart of Western Canada and is home to many of the characteristic images of the country. Famous for the Canadian Rocky Mountains that border the province to the west, Alberta’s landscapes stretch far beyond the mountains, with the rugged, dinosaur-fossil-strewn badlands to the east, vibrant cities and more than 300 provincial parks. With us, you can access the very best of the province, visiting the national parks of Banff and Jasper; the world’s largest dark-sky preserve; joining a glacier tour on Athabasca Glacier; seeing the turquoise water of Lake Louise; and donning a Stetson and boots for Canada’s biggest rodeo, the Calgary Stampede.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

VIBRANT VANCOUVER • BEAR WATCHING • SCENIC WILDLIFE CRUISES

Framed by the Pacific Ocean and the Canadian Rocky Mountains, there’s no place quite like British Columbia on Canada’s west coast. The diverse landscapes include lush rainforests, towering mountain peaks, glistening glacial lakes, rugged coastlines, vibrant cities, rolling vineyards and flat prairies. Victoria on Vancouver Island is the provincial capital, but the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver is larger and more frequently visited. With us, you can whale watch from Vancouver Island, seek out grizzly bears in the Great Bear Rainforest, relax in the year-round mountain retreat of Whistler, sail a portion of the Inside Passage, sample local wines in the Okanagan Valley and stay in a wilderness lodge.

MANITOBA

POLAR BEAR VIEWING • DAY TRIPS ON THE TUNDRA & WILDERNESS LODGE STAYS

Viewing polar bears is a key attraction in Canada, and Churchill – a town on Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba – is a hot spot for sightings of these impressive creatures, as well as beluga whales, Arctic foxes and the multi-hued phenomenon of the northern lights. There are various ways for you to enjoy Churchill’s wildlife with our expertise, from simple hotel stays with day trips onto the tundra, to group excursions to wilderness lodges that require an additional flight from Churchill. The warmer months between July and September are the best time to see much of the wildlife, including polar bears; however, the colder months of October and November provide polar bear sightings against a snowy backdrop.

ONTARIO

RUGGED NATURAL BEAUTY • AWE-INSPIRING NIAGARA FALLS • ABUNDANT WILDLIFE

Ontario reaches from the icy shores of Hudson Bay in the north down to the USA’s Great Lakes and has something remarkable to offer every visitor. Canada’s second-largest province provides an exciting mixture of bustling cities, coastal scenery, national parks and beautiful waterways. Witness the power of Niagara Falls, search for moose and beavers in Algonquin Provincial Park and drive along the rugged coast of Georgian Bay. Visit the many sights of the Canadian capital, Ottawa, and cruise through the tranquil waters of the Thousand Islands archipelago. There are four international airports, although most will use Toronto or Ottawa as the gateway.

ATLANTIC CANADA

FASCINATING CULTURE • SCENIC DRIVES • DELICIOUS SEAFOOD

Located on the east coast, sparsely populated Atlantic Canada encompasses the provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. This maritime region is well known for its delectable seafood, remote beaches, whale watching, quaint villages, lighthouses and drifting icebergs. Each province has its own charm and culture, with the coastal landscapes and small towns best explored on a self-drive itinerary at a leisurely pace. The deep, whale-plied waters off Newfoundland are the final resting place of the Titanic, while Prince Edward Island provided the rustic setting for the classic children’s book Anne of Green Gables

QUÉBEC

PICTURESQUE NATIONAL PARKS • COBBLED STREETS TO EXPLORE • FRENCH CUISINE & CULTURE

Québec encompasses a vast and diverse territory extending nearly 2,000km from the US border to the Arctic Ocean. The province has a strong French influence that dates to its formation in 1763, notable today in the region’s language, cuisine, architecture and politics. With swathes of forest, tundra, lakes, rivers, mountains and coastline, there’s much for the adventurous to explore. However, for most, the first places to visit are the cities of Montréal and Québec City. With a unique culinary tradition, Québec is justly celebrated for its many terroir products: craft beers and wines, ice ciders, Charlevoix lamb, cheeses and maple.

Signature Vancouver to the Rockies by Rail & Road

Duration • 12 days & 11 nights

Price • From £8,175 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

RAIL JOURNEY SELF-DRIVE

The air is crisp and fragrant with pine as the Rocky Mountaineer train threads through soaring mountains and glacier-clad slopes, each bend revealing forests, waterfalls and hidden lakes. This journey by rail and road brings you to the celebrated national parks of Jasper and Banff, introducing you to the most cinematic scenery of the Canadian Rockies. You have the chance to cross glaciers, cruise crystalline lakes, hike forested trails and drive the scenic route, with expert guides available to elevate your excursions.

Day 1: Arrive Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and check into L’Hermitage Hotel for 3 nights. Rest of your day at leisure.

Days 2 & 3: Vancouver

Enjoy sweeping views of the bays, bridges, parks and peaks of Vancouver on a floatplane flight from Coal Harbour. Your following day is at leisure to explore more of the city, perhaps strolling the Stanley Park seawall or between Granville Island’s galleries and markets.

Day 4: Kamloops

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train this morning – complete with Gold Leaf Service upgrade –and glide past fertile farmlands, lofty summits, sinuous rivers and sage-covered hills to the town of Kamloops. Transfer to a hotel of good standard for 1 night.

Day 5: Jasper

Rejoin the Rocky Mountaineer on the scenic journey to Jasper. Arrive this afternoon and collect your hire car. Make your way to Forest Park Hotel for 3 nights.

Days 6 & 7: Jasper

Enjoy a voyage on Maligne Lake with guided commentary, before reaching Spirit Island for a short walk to its most celebrated viewpoint. Return to Jasper. Your next day is at leisure to explore more of Jasper National Park.

Day 8: Lake Louise

Step onto ancient glaciers aboard the Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle, then ascend to the vertiginous Glacier Skywalk. Arrive in Lake Louise for the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Day 9: Banff

Enjoy an optional canoe ride on Lake Louise or hike to Lake Agnes Tea House. Drive the Bow Valley Parkway to Banff, with the afternoon at leisure. Stay 3 nights at Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa

Days 10 & 11: Banff

Enjoy a serene morning drifting on the Bow River with the Big-Canoe guided tour (included). Following day at leisure.

Day 12: Fly home

Drive to Calgary Airport, return your hire car and fly home.

Included meals: 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches.

Wild Wonders of British Columbia

Duration • 13 days & 12 nights

Price • From £7,815 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

SELF-DRIVE

Revel in the wild delights of British Columbia – from Vancouver Island’s rainforests to the roaming grizzlies – on this tailored adventure. Journeying by floatplane, boat and hire car, you have the chance to admire Canada’s westernmost province from every angle. Seek out grizzly bears at Knight Inlet Lodge and lobtailing whales on Clayoquot Sound, and explore the cosmopolitan charms of Vancouver and Victoria.

Day 1: Arrive Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and make your way to L’Hermitage Hotel for 3 nights. The rest of your day is at leisure.

Days 2 & 3: Vancouver

Take a floatplane flight for sweeping views over Vancouver and its surrounding mountains and coastline.. Following day at leisure to explore more of the city.

Day 4: Campbell River

Collect your hire car and drive to Horseshoe Bay for the ferry to Vancouver Island. After crossing, drive to Campbell River – ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ – and check into Comfort Inn & Suites for 1 night.

Day 5: Knight Inlet

Take a floatplane to the mouth of Glendale River, where Knight Inlet Lodge rests upon wide cedar booms. After settling in, join an interpretive bear-watching excursion.

Stay at Knight Inlet Lodge for 2 nights.

Day 6: Knight Inlet

Enjoy a short boat ride to the pristine Kwalate Valley for an interpretive rainforest walk. Alternatively, opt for another lodge-led adventure.

Day 7: Tofino/Ucluelet

Final visit to the bear viewing platforms, then take a floatplane to Campbell River. Drive to Tofino, stopping en route to wander among the 800-year-old Douglas firs and cedars of Cathedral Grove. Stay 3 nights at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

Days 8 & 9: Tofino

Embark on a whale-watching cruise on Clayoquot Sound. You may spot grey or humpback whales, sea lions basking on outcrops, or the piercing gaze of a bald eagle. Following day at leisure.

A: Maximum average temperature (°C)

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C:

Days 10 & 11: Victoria

Return to Vancouver’s eastern shores and drive to Victoria, perhaps pausing en route at the artist community of Chemainus, or in Duncan, famed for its First Nations totem poles. Continue to Fairmont Empress Hotel for 3 nights. Your following day is at leisure.

Day 12: Victoria

Sample the best of Victoria’s culinary heart on a food tour, tasting your way around the vibrant Inner Harbour.

Day 13: Fly home

Drive to Swartz Bay and take the ferry to Tsawwassen. Continue to Vancouver Airport, where you return your hire car and fly home.

Included meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners.

Gems of Atlantic Canada

Duration • 13 days & 12 nights

Price • From £3,095 (incl. flights)

Category • Standard

SELF-DRIVE

This journey along Canada’s Atlantic coast brings you to sandstone cliffs sculpted by the world’s highest tides, towns steeped in Acadian heritage and islands where the nation’s confederation was born. From Halifax, take the scenic route to Saint John, Charlottetown and Baddeck on Cape Breton Island, enjoying vistas of weathered lighthouses, rugged headlands and mirror-like lakes as you visit the cultural and historical highlights.

Day 1: Arrive Halifax

Arrive in Halifax, gateway to Atlantic Canada, and spend 2 nights at Lord Nelson Hotel

Days 2 & 3: Halifax

Set off on a guided tour of Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village where Canada’s most photographed lighthouse stands watch over wave-battered rocks. Your following day is at leisure; perhaps visit Grand-Pré to uncover the story of the Acadians, or one of Halifax’s acclaimed vineyards for a wine tasting.

Day 4: Moncton

Depart Halifax and follow the Bay of Fundy’s dramatic shoreline, arriving in Moncton this afternoon. Check in to Rodd Moncton Hotel for 1 night.

Days 5 & 6: Saint John

After visiting the Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site, take the coastal route toward

Saint John, stopping at Hopewell Rocks’ sandstone formations. Upon arrival in Saint John – Canada’s oldest incorporated city –check into Homeport Historic B&B for 2 nights. Following day at leisure.

Day 7: Charlottetown

Depart Saint John and journey across the Confederation Bridge, the world’s longest continuous multi-span bridge, to Prince Edward Island. Arrive in Charlottetown, ‘Birthplace of Confederation’, and check into The Great George for 3 nights.

Days 8 & 9: Charlottetown

Enjoy two days at leisure, with admission included to both Prince Edward Island National Park and the Green Gables Heritage Site.

Day 10: Baddeck

Take a ferry across the Northumberland Strait, then continue to Cape Breton Island via the

Canso Causeway. Arrive in Baddeck, with the option to visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site (admission included) for insight into the inventor’s life on the island. Check into Inverary Resort for 3 nights on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake.

Days 11 & 12: Baddeck

Cape Breton’s wild coast, dramatic cliffs and Cabot Trail scenic highway are yours to discover at leisure. You may also wish to visit the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site (admission included) for its fascinating reconstruction of 18th-century colonial life.

Day 13: Fly home

Drive to Halifax Airport, return your hire car and fly home.

Included meals: 3 breakfasts.

Eastern Canada by Rail

Duration • 12 days & 11 nights

Price • From £4,835 (incl. flights)

Category • Luxury

RAIL JOURNEY

Embark on a whistlestop tour of Eastern Canada, rolling between the central attractions of its two largest provinces: Ontario and Québec. Highlights include a boat ride at the base of the Niagara Falls, a cruise along the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal and guided city tours of Ottawa, Montréal and Québec City. Comfortable rail journeys connect each stage, taking you past maple groves, rolling hills and winding rivers, while accommodation is luxurious and perfectly placed throughout.

Day 1: Arrive Toronto

Arrive in Toronto and make your way to Fairmont Royal York for 3 nights.

Day 2: Toronto

Explore Toronto at leisure, with included entry to the landmark CN Tower for panoramas across Lake Ontario and the city.

Day 3: Toronto

Join a guided Niagara Falls small-group tour to experience the roaring cascades from the water, bypassing queues with priority boarding of the Hornblower boat.

Days 4 & 5: Ottawa

Riding in Business Class, take the train to Canada’s capital, where you stay 2 nights at Fairmont Château Laurier. The next day, enjoy a guided walking tour and Rideau Canal cruise

to experience Ottawa’s landmarks, including Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial and ByWard Market.

Day 6: Montréal

Take the train to Montréal, pulling in directly beneath the lobby of the grand Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, where you stay for 3 nights.

Days 7 & 8: Montréal

Join a guided walking tour of old Montréal, visiting landmarks such as the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port. The next day is at leisure.

Day 9: Québec City

Take the train in Business Class to Québec City, the country’s oldest walled settlement, with its deeply rooted French-Canadian culture and lovingly preserved architecture. Check into the

Days 10 & 11: Québec City

Enjoy a guided history tour, tracing the story of Québec with visits to the atmospheric Latin Quarter, the Plains of Abraham where empires once clashed, the ramparts that encircle the old centre, the Place-Royale and the Citadelle. The following day is at leisure.

Day 12: Fly home

Travel to the airport and catch your overnight flight home.

Included meals: 1 breakfast and 2 lunches.

Discover the USA

One of the world’s largest countries, the US comprises 50 states, each with its own culture, cuisine and historical influences. This is the land of the spectacular Grand Canyon, the sizzling tastes and sounds of the South, and numerous national parks whose splendour and scale defy belief.

Discover the colonial charm of New England, go in search of glaciers and bears in Alaska, experience the Pacific paradise of Hawaii, or visit the glitzy cities along California’s golden coast. With so many sights on and off the beaten track, one visit is rarely enough, and we have enough recommendations to last you a lifetime.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Arguably the greatest way to explore the US is by car, and we can plot the perfect route for you, arranging your hire vehicle and hotels along the way. There are plenty of renowned highways and byways whisking you through jaw-dropping scenery, not least California’s Pacific Coast Highway, where you can follow rugged coastline past mountains covered in redwoods. Then there are the 63 nationals parks; see the sandstone cliffs and canyons of Zion or Bryce, admire the sequoia trees and waterfalls of Yosemite, seek wildlife and geothermal wonders in Yellowstone, or hike in the wilds of Denali, Alaska.

CALIFORNIA

WORLD-CLASS WINES • GOLDEN BEACHES • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

The ‘Golden State’ offers a celebrated coastline, sun-kissed beaches, dazzling cities and picturesque parklands. In the north, you’ll find towering redwood forests to explore, while golden sands and a relaxed lifestyle typify the south. Go hiking in Yosemite National Park, sample word-class wines in Sonoma and Napa Valley, cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge and see the imprints of Hollywood greats along Los Angeles’ Walk of Fame.

THE SOUTHWEST

GRAND CANYON & NATIONAL PARKS • NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE • GLITZY LAS VEGAS

The Southwest covers Arizona, New Mexico and parts of California, Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah. Las Vegas and Phoenix – two of the largest cities – are popular entry points. The region is blessed with multiple national parks, exceptional wildlife, and, of course, the Grand Canyon. Hike mountains, admire desert vistas, join an authentic cowboy experience and learn the traditions of local people.

THE NORTHEAST

NEW ENGLAND IN AUTUMN • NEW YORK CITY • LANDMARKS OF WASHINGTON DC

The Northeast is home to the capital, Washington DC, with its numerous national landmarks; and New York, one of the world’s great global cities and a cultural powerhouse. An autumn visit to New England, the landing site of the Pilgrims, promises forests ablaze in gold, amber and red; while the Hudson Valley rewards visitors after a scenic hike with its farm-totable dining.

THE SOUTH

HOME OF COUNTRY MUSIC • MISSISSIPPI CRUISES • NEW ORLEANS’ FOOD & MUSIC SCENE

Stretching from Louisiana to South Carolina, the Deep South is defined by its riveting history, influential culture and melting pot cuisine. Here you can learn about Alabama’s civil rights heritage, take a steam paddler down the Mississippi, sample authentic mud pie and fried chicken, discover the home of country music in Nashville and explore Kentucky’s frontier history – all before immersing yourself in the vibrant music scene of New Orleans.

THE NORTHWEST & ALASKA

ART & FOOD SCENES OF SEATTLE & PORTLAND • ALASKA’S SNOWBOUND BEAUTY & WILDLIFE

The Pacific Northwest brings you up to the edge of Canada. For cultural highs, sample the arts and food scenes of Seattle and Portland. For natural highs, you have the ‘American Alps’, wild coasts and temperate rainforests. Alaska, the largest state in the US, is a picture of gelid forests, towering mountains, calving glaciers and photogenic wildlife, and is best explored from Anchorage.

Signature California In Style

Duration • 16 days & 15 nights

Price • From £4,695 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

SELF-DRIVE

California seduces with its golden beaches, misty redwoods, granite cliffs and vineyard-covered hills – and a self-drive holiday is the most flexible way to explore America’s ‘Golden State’. This road journey brings you from the rainbow streets of San Francisco to the sunlit calm of Santa Barbara, through national parks, wine country and along one of the world’s most scenic coastlines.

Day 1: Arrive San Francisco

Arrive in San Francisco and check into Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf for 3 nights.

Day 2: San Francisco

Join a hop-on, hop-off bus tour for an introduction to San Francisco and its landmarks, from the Golden Gate Bridge to multicoloured Haight-Ashbury. This includes a ferry across the Bay to Alcatraz Island, where a self-guided audio tour brings the former prison to life.

Day 3: San Francisco

Venture beyond the city limits on a smallgroup nature tour, including the redwoods of Armstrong Woods, the Pacific coastline and the waterfront enclave of Sausalito.

Day 4: Napa Valley

Pick up your hire car and set off to Napa Valley, California’s wine-growing epicentre. Check into River Terrace Inn for 2 nights.

Day 5: Napa Valley

Morning and afternoon at leisure. This evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner experience aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, winding between sunlit vineyards.

Days 6-8: Yosemite National Park

Drive to Yosemite National Park and check in at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite for 3 nights. On your second day, embark on a 5-hour guided hike through the park’s photogenic, quieter corners. Your final day is at leisure.

Days 9 & 10: Monterey

Depart Yosemite and head to the cool Pacific waters of Monterey Bay. The InterContinental the Clement Monterey is your home for the next 2 nights. The following day, take a whalewatching tour for a chance to spot humpbacks, dolphins and more.

Days 11 & 12: Santa Barbara

Drive along Carmel’s famed 17-Mile Drive and Highway 1 for Pacific coast views. Arrive in Santa Barbara and check into The Steward, Santa Barbara for 2 nights. Your following day is at leisure to explore Santa Barbara, home to beautiful beaches, Spanish-colonial architecture and tempting restaurants.

Days 13-15: Santa Monica

Drive to Santa Monica and check into Viceroy Santa Monica for 2 nights. The following day, take a guided bike ride through the city’s charming downtown and Venice Beach’s neighbourhoods. Your final day is at leisure.

Day 16: Fly home

Return your hire car at LAX and fly home.

Included meals: 1 dinner

Quintessential New England

Duration • 15 days & 14 nights

Price • From £3,845 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

SELF-DRIVE

Self-drive through some of the most historic corners of New England, from Boston’s red-brick heritage to Cape Cod’s salt-air serenity. Enjoy independent exploration at a pace that suits you, alongside guided walking tours tracing the history and embracing the scenery of this northeastern region. Days shift between seafood feasts and forest trails, stately mansions and golden beaches; by the time you reach the dunes of Provincetown, New England has worked its lasting magic.

Day 1: Arrive Boston

After landing in Boston, check into Fairmont Coplay Plaza for 3 nights.

Day 2: Boston

Join a guided walking tour of the Freedom Trail, tracing Boston’s revolutionary roots from Boston Common to Copp’s Hill Terrace, stopping at all 16 official landmarks. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3: Boston

Enjoy a guided tour of Fenway Park, home of the famous Boston Red Sox baseball team. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore more of Boston.

Day 4: Kennebunkport

Collect your hire car and set off to the heritagesteeped coastal town of Kennebunkport. Overnight at Inn on the Square, Falmouth

Days 5 & 6: White Mountains

Set off towards the ruggedly beautiful White Mountains and check into The Inn at Thorn Hill for 2 nights. The next day, join a ‘Meet the Winemakers’ tour at Seven Birches Winery, which includes tastings and demonstrations.

Days 7 & 8: Stowe

Drive into the heart of alpine Vermont to Stowe, and check in at Von Trapp Family Lodge for 2 nights. Your next day is at leisure to explore Stowe’s mountain scenery and woodland trails.

Day 9: The Berkshires

Journey south into the rolling hills and leafy lanes of the Berkshires region and check into the Hotel on North, Pittsfield for 1 night. Rest of the day at leisure.

Days 10 & 11: Newport

Drive from the wooded hills of western Massachusetts to the Atlantic-facing elegance of Newport, Rhode Island – once the summer playground of America’s ‘Gilded Age’ elite. Check into The Chanler at Cliff Walk for 2 nights. The next day, visit two of Newport’s heritage mansions, including the palatial Breakers property.

Days 12-14: Cape Cod

Drive to Cape Cod, a region awash with weathered shingles and windswept dunes, and check into Chatham Bars Inn for 3 nights. Your next day is at leisure. On your final day, join a whale-watching tour to Stellwagen Bank, sailing from Barnstable Harbor.

Day 15: Fly home

Return your hire car at Boston Logan International Airport and fly home.

The Historic Heartland

Duration • 17 days & 16 nights

Price • From £3,735 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

SELF-DRIVE

Take a self-drive tour through America’s eastern heartland, where historic harbours meet rustic Amish villages and university towns give way to battlefield plains. Baltimore hums with waterfront energy, while Pittsburgh blends steel-town grit with leafy parks and art-filled enclaves. Through founding cities and quiet countryside, riverside strolls and rolling Blue Ridge views, this route reveals a patchwork of past and present.

Day 1: Arrive Washington DC

Arrive in the American capital and check into The Darcy Hotel for 3 nights.

Days 2 & 3: Washington DC

Take a guided electric bike tour of Washington’s landmarks, including the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the WWII and Vietnam Veterans Memorials. The next day, join a guided culinary tour and walk around Georgetown.

Days 4 & 5: Baltimore

Collect your hire car and drive alongside the Chesapeake Estuary to Baltimore, then check into Hotel Revival for 2 nights. Your next day is at leisure to explore this historic harbour city, home of Edgar Allen Poe, Fort McHenry, the National Aquarium and seafood eateries serving up sought-after crab cakes.

Washington DC

Days 6 & 7: Philadelphia

Drive to Philadelphia, arriving in time for a walking tour of the Old City led by a local historian who traces the legacy of the Founding Fathers. Check into Anna & Bel Hotel for 2 nights. Your next day is at leisure.

Day 8: Lancaster

Journey to Lancaster, a charming city framed by farmland, for a day at leisure. Overnight at Lancaster Arts Hotel.

Day 9: Gettysburg

Travel to historic Gettysburg, pausing en route for an Amish village tour. Overnight at Hotel Gettysburg

Day 10: Pittsburgh

Board a coach for a 2-hour Civil War battlefield tour led by a licensed National Park guide. Continue to Pittsburgh and check in at Priory

Hotel for 2 nights. Your next day is at leisure to explore the city.

Day 12: Charleston

Drive south into West Virginia, arriving in Charleston for time at leisure. Overnight at Hampton Inn Charleston-Southridge

Days 13 & 14: Charlottesville

Drive to Charlottesville and check in at Omni Charlottesville Hotel for 2 nights. The following day is at leisure.

Days 15 & 16: Williamsburg

Travel to Williamsburg, renowned for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, and check in at Williamsburg Lodge for 2 nights. The following day is at leisure.

Day 17: Fly home

Return your hire car to Dulles International Airport and fly home.

Flavours & Sounds of the South

Duration • 15 days & 14 nights

Price • From £4,225 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

SELF-DRIVE

This journey takes you through America’s Deep South to its cultural centres, focusing on the region’s musical heritage and distinctive cuisine. You begin in Nashville, a cornerstone of the country music scene, take the road to Memphis, home of Sun Studio and Elvis’ Graceland residence, and follow the Mississippi River to New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz and the perfect place to try rich Creole cuisine.

Day 1: Arrive Nashville

Arrive in Nashville, Tennessee’s toe-tapping capital, and check into Noelle Nashville Hotel for 4 nights.

Days 2 & 3: Nashville

Dive into the city’s musical heritage with your Nashville FUN Pass, which grants entry into attractions including the Johnny Cash Museum, the Country Music Hall of Fame and RCA Studio B. Your following day is at leisure.

Day 4: Nashville

Rise early for a full-day Jack Daniel’s Distillery Bus Tour & Whiskey Tastings in Lynchburg.

Day 5: Muscle Shoals

Collect your hire car in Nashville and drive to Muscle Shoals, a town rich in musical lore. In

the afternoon, take a short drive to Sheffield, Alabama for a tour of the FAME Recording Studios, Overnight at Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa

Days 6-8: Memphis

Drive to Memphis, another hotbed of musical tradition, and stay at ARRIVE Memphis Hotel for 3 nights. Your second day features a guided Memphis City Tour, including a visit to Sun Studio. On the final day in Memphis, your queue-skipping Graceland VIP ticket grants you access to Elvis’ historic home and private planes.

Day 9: Vicksburg

Drive the Great River Road to Vicksburg, with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Anchuca Historic Mansion & Inn

Day 10: Natchez

Drive to the riverside town of Natchez and overnight at Monmouth Historic Inn

Days 11-14: New Orleans

Travel to New Orleans, return your hire car, and check into Hotel Monteleone for 4 nights. On your second day, join a food walking tour of the French Quarter, sampling regional specialities at beloved eateries. Your next two days are at leisure to revel in New Orleans’ distinct cuisine, French-colonial architecture and influential music scene, rounded off with a jazz-filled cruise on the Mississippi.

Day 15: Fly home

Travel to New Orleans Airport and fly home.

INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

India: where cities alive with spice and colour give way to tranquil hill stations, sweeping deserts and tangled waterways. Forests shelter creatures of every kind, from prowling tigers to lumbering elephants. Ornate temples and glittering palaces mesmerise, while warm hospitality brings to life the Hindi adage that “the guest is god” (atithi devo bhava).

South lies teardrop-shaped Sri Lanka, the fabled “Gem Island”, gleaming with rubies, sapphires and the lush green of its tea plantations and palm-fringed shores. Hidden among its forests are ancient citadels and sacred sites of extraordinary beauty.

To the north rise the great Himalaya: Nepal, with its dramatic peaks and timeless villages, and tiny Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom of vibrant festivals and cliffside monasteries.

The Indian Subcontinent lies at the heart of the Cox & Kings story, its wonders best revealed through the insight of our expert guides.

View our full collection online

The destinations and tours featured in this brochure represent a small sample of what we offer. Our website contains a wealth of additional itineraries, detailed country guides and accommodation options.

Discover the Golden Triangle & Rajasthan

A land of fortresses and palaces, desert cities and sacred lakes, Rajasthan embodies the grandeur and colour of India’s royal past. Once traversed by caravans trading silk, spices and precious stones, the Thar Desert formed part of the ancient Silk Road and the heartland of the Rajput dynasties, who built magnificent citadels and ornate temples across its sands.

Today, the region’s arid plains and vibrant towns remain bursting with tradition – from Brahmin farmers and weavers to Raika shepherds in vivid attire. Across Rajasthan, the rhythms of village life meet the opulence of historic cities such as Jodhpur and Udaipur. Combined with Delhi, Agra and Jaipur – the famed Golden Triangle –Rajasthan offers a compelling portrait of India’s history, artistry and enduring spirit.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Rajasthan’s festivals bring the region’s spirit vividly to life, with music, dance, processions and local food filling streets and courtyards. The exuberant celebrations of Diwali and Holi light up cities and villages alike, while the Pushkar Camel Fair draws traders and pilgrims to its desert arena each year. In Jodhpur, explore the monumental Mehrangarh Fort and the serene marble cenotaph of Jaswant Thada before taking a heritage walk through the old city’s indigo-washed lanes, temples and bustling bazaars. Here, amid the hum of daily life, the traditions of the Brahmins and artisans still colour Rajasthan’s cultural heart.

DELHI

BUSTLING LANES & RICKSHAW RIDES • TOMB OF EMPEROR HUMAYUN

Discover Delhi’s contrasting faces, from the bustling lanes of Old Delhi to the grand avenues of the new. Explore Chandni Chowk – one of the city’s oldest and busiest markets – by rickshaw, visit the Jama Masjid and pass the Red Fort, then tour New Delhi’s landmarks, including India Gate, the viceregal residence, Qutb Minar and the exquisite tomb of Emperor Humayun with our expert guides.

UDAIPUR

BOAT RIDE ON LAKE PICHOLA • CITY PALACE • KUMBHALGARH, THE ‘GREAT WALL OF INDIA’

Set beside the twinkling waters of Lake Pichola, Udaipur is one of India’s most romantic cities. Once the proud capital of Mewar, its era of peace from the 16th century fostered exquisite palaces and gardens along the water’s edge. Nearby lie the intricate Jain temples of Ranakpur and the mighty fort of Kumbhalgarh, encircled by vast walls and forested hills.

RANTHAMBORE

NATIONAL PARK

BENGAL TIGERS & DIVERSE WILDLIFE • 300 BIRD SPECIES

Once the private hunting reserve of Rajasthan’s maharajahs, Ranthambore is now a leading example of successful tiger conservation. Dominated by the 10thcentury, UNESCO-listed Ranthambore Fort, the park shelters over 80 Bengal tigers as well as leopards, sloth bears and sambar deer. Birdlife is prolific here too, with more than 300 species thriving among its lakes and forests.

AGRA

SUNRISE AT THE TAJ MAHAL • COLONIAL WALKS & FOOD TOURS • UNESCO-LISTED FATEHPUR SIKRI

Agra is home to the imposing Mughalbuilt Agra Fort and the sublime Taj Mahal. Completed in 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, the Taj remains the world’s greatest monument to love and devotion. Nearby, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri offers a fascinating glimpse into 16th-century imperial life under Akbar the Great.

JAIPUR

THE PINK CITY • COLOURFUL BAZAARS • PALACE OF MIRRORS

Founded in 1727 and recognised by UNESCO in 2019, Jaipur – the famed ‘Pink City’ – is renowned for its stately architecture and regal heritage. Explore the City Palace and its museum, the Jantar Mantar observatory and colourful craft bazaars. Nearby, Amber Fort showcases exquisite Rajput and Mughal design, crowned by the glittering Sheesh Mahal, known as the ‘Palace of Mirrors’.

EXPERIENCE

RANAKPUR

Set in a peaceful valley amid the Aravalli Hills, Ranakpur is home to one of India’s most beautiful Jain temples. Built in creamy marble and renowned for its astonishing detail, the temple is supported by 1,444 intricately carved pillars – no two alike. Light filters through latticed stone, casting shifting patterns across the floors, while delicate sculptures depict celestial beings, dancers and deities. The stillness of the surrounding hills enhances the temple’s sense of devotion and artistry, making Ranakpur both an architectural wonder and a place of profound tranquillity and spiritual grace.

RURAL TRAIN RIDE DEOGARH

Take a ride on Deogarh’s historic metregauge train for a glimpse into Rajasthan’s timeless rural life. The leisurely journey winds past small villages, where children wave from dusty lanes and farmers tend their fields, before climbing through rugged hills and forested valleys once evoked in Kipling’s writing. Along the way, the open carriages offer an intimate view of the countryside – peacocks strutting among the trees, women in bright saris gathering firewood and flashes of sunlight on ancient rock formations, all serving to capture the poetry and rituals of everyday India.

HAVELI DHARAMPURA

Tucked into the narrow lanes of Old Delhi near Jama Masjid and the Red Fort, Haveli Dharampura is a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion that evokes the grandeur of Mughal Delhi. Guests can savour refined Mughlai and modern Indian cuisine in its elegant restaurant, watch a beguiling Kathak dance accompanied by Hindustani classical music, or join locals for rooftop kite flying. The haveli also offers boutique accommodation, blending heritage character with contemporary comfort – an atmospheric base for exploring the bustle of Chandni Chowk and the city’s buzzing old quarter.

ROHET HOUSE, JODHPUR

In the heart of Jodhpur, Rohet House stands as a testament to heritage reimagined for the modern traveller. Once the private residence of the royal family of Rohet, this pristinely restored urban haveli combines Rajput elegance with the trappings of contemporary comfort. Courtyards and landscaped gardens provide a tranquil setting, while interiors feature traditional craftsmanship alongside sleek design. Guests can relax by the pool, enjoy authentic Rajasthani cuisine prepared from cherished family recipes and soak up the understated luxury of a residence that embodies both regal lineage and modern sophistication.

NARENDRA BHAWAN PALACE, BIKANER

Once the residence of Maharaja Narendra Singh, Narendra Bhawan in Bikaner is now a beautifully conceived boutique hotel exuding both royal heritage and modern style. The interiors artfully blend regal splendour, colonial elegance and contemporary design, creating an atmosphere of refined eccentricity and warmth that reflects the spirit of its princely origins. Each room is individually styled, combining vintage charm with luxurious comfort. Guests can enjoy imaginative dining experiences that celebrate regional flavours – from elegant formal settings to relaxed courtyard meals beneath the desert sky.

RAMGARH LODGE, JAIPUR

Perched amid the rugged Aravalli Hills, Ramgarh Lodge was once the hunting retreat of the Maharaja of Jaipur and today blends colonial architecture with ageless Rajasthani charm. Its vintage-style rooms feature antique furnishings, high ceilings and royal portraits, while elegant verandas, manicured lawns and sweeping views evoke the grandeur of Jaipur’s royal era. A peaceful antidote to the bustle of the city, the lodge retains a sense of seclusion and romance, inviting guests to relax in regal surroundings, dine on traditional cuisine and take in the beauty of Rajasthan’s landscapes.

Golden Triangle & Ranthambore

Duration • 10 days & 9 nights

Price • From £2,995 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

Discover the rich splendour of India’s Golden Triangle, where centuries of history, architecture and culture converge. Explore Jaipur’s majestic Amber Fort, a sandstone masterpiece overlooking the rugged Aravalli Hills, and marvel at Agra’s exquisite Taj Mahal, the ultimate symbol of love in marble. Between these cultural icons, venture into Ranthambore National Park – a former royal hunting ground now reclaimed by nature and home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sambar deer and a remarkable wealth of other wildlife.

Day 1: Fly to Jaipur

Days 2-4: Jaipur

Arrive in Jaipur and transfer to the Royal Heritage Haveli for 3 nights. Take a guided tour of the city, including the hilltop Amber Fort, Anokhi Museum and the Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell. Visit the City Palace and view the ornate façade of the Hawa Mahal, the ‘Palace of the Winds’.

Days 5 & 6: Ranthambore National Park

Visit a local Hindu temple for morning prayers before travelling to Ranthambore National Park for 2 nights at Sawai Madhopur Lodge. Once the royal hunting ground of the maharajahs, the park is now home to around 80 Bengal tigers, including several cubs. This

afternoon, relax or explore nearby Devpura village, known for blackbuck deer, or meet a local textile artist to learn about the region’s tie-dye traditions. On your second day, enjoy morning and afternoon wildlife drives in a private 4x4 jeep.

Day 7: Agra

Board the train from Sawai Madhopur to Bharatpur, then drive to Agra, visiting the deserted Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri en route. In the afternoon, explore Agra Fort, a grand complex of palaces built in distinctive red sandstone. Overnight at Tajview Agra

Day 8: Delhi

Visit the majestic Taj Mahal at sunrise and

Agra

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witness the soft morning light gently wash over its marble domes, then travel to Delhi for 2 nights at the Taj Palace. View Lutyens’ Delhi, then visit the magnificent red-sandstone edifice of Qutb Minar.

Day 9: Delhi

Today, discover Old Delhi’s highlights, including Jama Masjid Agra, and take a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. Later, explore New Delhi’s refined grandeur with a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a stunning example of Mughal architecture.

Day 10: Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Included meals: 9 breakfasts and 2 dinners

Heritage Rajasthan

Duration • 17 days & 15 nights

Price • From £4,095 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

Follow the thread of India’s royal past on an adventure that takes in its most storied cities and landscapes. This evocative journey through Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle takes you from the Mughal grandeur of Delhi and Agra to Jaipur’s pink-hued palaces and the desert citadels of Jodhpur and Deogarh. Stay in elegant havelis and opulent palaces, wander through bustling bazaars and serene courtyards, explore ornate forts and sacred temples, and conclude in Udaipur – a lakeside city steeped in romance and reflection.

Days 1-4: Delhi & Agra

Fly to Delhi and stay 3 nights at the Haveli Dharampura. Take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Travel by train to Agra to see the magnificent Taj Mahal and the impressive Mughal-era Agra Fort.

Days 5 & 6: Jaipur

Fly to Jaipur and stay 2 nights at the beautifully restored Royal Heritage Haveli. Explore independently or join guided visits to the majestic Amber Fort, the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the city’s craftfilled bazaars.

Day 7: Barli

Drive to Barli for an overnight stay at the 16th-century Fort Barli, where you can

experience the living history and warm hospitality of rural Rajasthan.

Days 8 & 9: Jodhpur

Visit Barli’s bustling local market and ancient cenotaphs before continuing to Jodhpur for 2 nights at the heritage property Ajit Bhawan Explore the formidable Mehrangarh Fort and enjoy time at leisure.

Day 10: Ranakpur & Narlai

Visit the intricately carved Jain temples at Ranakpur, then continue to Narlai for an overnight stay at Rawla Narlai, complete with an atmospheric dinner by candlelight.

Days 11 & 12: Deogarh

Visit the hilltop fortress of Kumbhalgarh before

Jaipur

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travelling to Deogarh for 2 nights at Dev Shree, a charming heritage home. The following day is at leisure, with the option to take a scenic train ride or a 4x4 village safari.

Days 13-15: Udaipur

Stop at the revered Nathdwara Temples en route to Udaipur. Stay 3 nights at Fateh Garh. Explore the fresco-lined City Palace complex, wander the lakeside ghats and visit the Art & Frames Gallery.

Days 16 & 17: Delhi & Fly Home

Fly to Delhi for a final night at the Trident Gurgaon

Included meals: 15 breakfasts and 1 dinner

Discover the Indian Himalaya

Rising along India’s northern frontier, the Himalaya form a realm of dramatic peaks, deep ravines and enduring spiritual power. This is a landscape where mountain trails wind through pine forests, remote monasteries cling to hillsides and prayer flags ripple in the wind, carrying whispered prayers across high, snow-fed valleys.

Yet the region’s cultural richness is as striking as its scenery. In Amritsar, the magnificent Golden Temple – its dome gilded with 100 kilograms of pure gold by Maharajah Ranjit Singh – stands as a radiant symbol of Sikh devotion. Each evening, the temple glows with light during the moving Palki Sahib ceremony, a moment that captures the Himalaya’s atmosphere of faith and serenity.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Nestled at the foot of the Dhauladhar mountain range, Palampur is Himachal Pradesh’s serene tea capital, where terraced plantations spread beneath forested hills. Visit a working estate to stroll through manicured tea gardens, meet local pickers and see the delicate process that transforms leaf to cup before sampling freshly brewed infusions. For the most comfortable conditions, visit between October and November, or February and March.

SHIMLA

SUMMER CAPITAL OF THE BRITISH RAJ • COLOURFUL MARKETS • MOUNTAIN RAILWAY TOY TRAIN

Set amid cedar forests and snowy Himalayan peaks, Shimla was once the summer capital of the British Raj. Stroll along the Mall, where half-timbered houses and grand colonial buildings overlook colourful markets such as Lakkar Bazaar. Ride the narrow-gauge ‘toy train’ through misty hills, and visit the splendid Viceregal Lodge, a striking reminder of Shimla’s imperial past.

AMRITSAR

HIMALAYAN VISTAS • SCENIC MOUNTAIN RAILWAY

The medieval village of Pragpur provides an idyllic base for exploring the Kangra Valley, a landscape of forested hills, winding rivers and enchanting rural life. Walk, cycle or birdwatch through its tranquil countryside, visit the ruins of Kangra Fort and the Bajreshwari temples, or ride the wonderfully scenic Kangra railway between Baijnath and Nagrota.

GOLDEN TEMPLE • PRIDE & PAGEANTRY AT THE BORDER

The holy city of Amritsar is home to the resplendent Golden Temple, its gilded dome glowing at dusk during the moving Palki Sahib ceremony, accompanied by devotional song and prayer. Nearby, the daily Wagah Border ceremony sees a spirited display of pride and pageantry as the border guards of India and Pakistan lower their flags in unison at sunset.

DHARAMSALA

HOME OF THE DALAI LAMA • TIBETAN CULTURE • GENTLE WALKS IN THE HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS

Once a British hill station, Dharamsala is now the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. At its heart, McLeod Ganj charms with monasteries, craft shops, teahouses and panoramic mountain views. Visit the Tsuglagkhang Complex – the Dalai Lama’s residence – explore the Norbulingka Institute’s Tibetan art, or join a cookery class beneath the majestic Dhauladhar peaks.

HARIDWAR

A PLACE OF PILGRIMAGE • REVERED TEMPLES • HOLY RITUALS

One of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities, Haridwar marks the place where the Ganges River emerges from the Himalaya. Pilgrims gather daily to bathe in its holy waters and visit revered temples. As dusk falls, the Ganga Aarti at Har-ki-Pauri ghat fills the air with music, chanting and the distinctive fragrance of incense carried by the wind.

Discover the Central Plains

At the heart of northern India, the Central Plains reflect centuries of empire, artistry and reverence. In Lucknow, elegant architecture and nawabi refinement evoke a bygone age, while Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganges, remains one of the world’s most sacred cities, with ritual and divine belief never far from the surface, as seen in the pilgrims who gather at dawn each day.

Nearby Khajuraho captivates with its finely carved temples celebrating both the hallowed and the everyday. Across Madhya Pradesh, ancient forts, painted caves and wildlife reserves reveal the region’s deep historical and natural wealth. Together, these destinations capture the essence of the Central Plains – a meeting ground of spiritual life and enduring tradition.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Visit Varanasi during Dev Deepawali, held 15 days after Diwali, when the ghats are illuminated by thousands of flickering lamps and the Ganges glows with floating diyas – a breathtaking celebration of light over darkness. Just outside Varanasi lies Sarnath, one of Buddhism’s four holiest sites, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the Dhamek and Chaukhandi stupas, the Ashoka Pillar, and the site’s serene parklands, which together convey a deep sense of peace and continuity across centuries of devotion.

VARANASI

HINDU CENTRE OF PILGRIMAGE • SACRED GANGES RIVER • EVENING GANGA AARTI CEREMONY

On the banks of the sacred Ganges River, the city of Varanasi is India’s spiritual heart. At dawn, the ghats come alive with pilgrims bathing, chanting and lighting incense as the sun rises over the famous river. Beyond the water, lanes hum with classical music, handwoven Banarasi silk and the aromas of street food.

KHAJURAHO

EYE-CATCHING CHANDELA TEMPLES • RANEH FALLS

Built a thousand years ago by the Chandela dynasty, Khajuraho’s Hindu and Jain temples are famed for their intricate carvings and evocative sculptures that celebrate life, love and divine creation. Of the original 85, 22 survive today. Each February, the Khajuraho Dance Festival transforms the temple complex with classical music, dance and local craftsmanship.

BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK

HIGH DENSITY OF TIGERS • 250 BIRD SPECIES

Once the hunting reserve of the maharajahs of Rewa, Bandhavgarh National Park now shelters one of India’s highest concentrations of Bengal tigers, and is the perfect choice for a safari. Its mosaic of forest, grassland and rocky hills supports remarkably rich wildlife, from leopards to wild dogs and over 250 bird species.

LUCKNOW

REMNANTS OF THE RAJ • UNIQUE INDO-PERSIAN CULTURE • DISTINCT CUISINE WITH A FUSION OF STYLES

Elegant and atmospheric, Lucknow is a city of culture, cuisine and courtly grace. Once the seat of the Nawabs of Awadh, it flourished as a centre of art, music and Mughal-inspired architecture. Explore the grand Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza, admire colonial relics from the Raj era and sample the city’s celebrated Awadhi fare, renowned for its rich, aromatic flavours.

ORCHHA

BEAUTIFUL PALACES & SHRINES • SUPERB RURAL VISTAS

Sleepy Orchha is one of central India’s most evocative historic towns and a lasting testament to the Bundela rulers’ legacy. Founded in 1531 on the banks of the Betwa River, it’s home to an impressive fort complex of palaces and temples, including Jahangir Mahal and Chaturbhuj Temple, scattered with small shrines and cenotaphs and boasting scenic views over the countryside.

A Walk through Himalayan Foothills

Duration • 11 days & 9 nights

Price • From £3,695 (incl. flights)

Category • Discovery

This journey through the Himalayan foothills reveals a quieter side of northern India, where mountain trails wind through pine forests and rural villages untouched by time. Gentle walks offer glimpses of traditional Kumaoni life, while Corbett National Park provides the chance to spot tigers and elephants in their natural habitat. The journey concludes in Haridwar, where pilgrims gather on the Ganges for the evening aarti ceremony – a moving celebration of light, faith and renewal.

Day 1: Fly to Delhi

Day 2: Delhi

Arrive and transfer to the heritage Maidens Hotel for 1 night.

Days 3–6: Kathgodam & Kumaon villages

Take the train to Kathgodam and stay overnight at the peaceful Itmenaan Estate, set among pine, oak and rhododendron forests in the Kumaon Himalayas. Trek through picturesque villages such as Almora, Thikalna and Ganghet, staying in welcoming village houses along the way. Across your days here, there are also treks through the

scenic countryside around Kathogodam and a moderate day hike to Jhankarsem temple, along with several local villages, terraced fields and old Kumaoni houses, followed by a picnic lunch before returning to the estate for an overnight stay.

Days 7 & 8: Corbett National Park Drive to Corbett National Park for 2 nights at the Jim’s Jungle Retreat, spread across the foothills of Kumaon. India’s first wildlife reserve, and one of India’s last expanses of Himalayan wilderness, Corbett’s rugged terrain shelters elephants, deer, leopards and Bengal tigers.

Day 9: Haridwar

Travel to Haridwar for the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony on the riverbanks, where priests perform ancient rituals with flaming torches. Overnight at Haveli Hari Ganga

Day 10: Delhi

Morning train to Delhi for an overnight stay at the Maidens Hotel

Day 11: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Included meals: 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

The Jungle Book: Wildlife of India

Duration • 12 days & 10 nights

Price • From £3,295 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

Travel into the wild reaches of Kipling’s India, where dense forests, grassy meadows and winding rivers form the domain of the majestic Royal Bengal tiger along with countless other exalted species. Explore three of the region’s most celebrated reserves – Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench – on immersive guided safaris led by expert naturalists. Staying in intimate, characterful wilderness lodges, experience the landscapes and wildlife that inspired The Jungle Book and continue to define India’s alluring, untamed heart.

Day 1: Fly to Delhi

Day 2: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to The Claridges New Delhi for an overnight stay.

Days 3–5: Bandhavgarh National Park

Fly to Jabalpur and drive to Bandhavgarh for 3 nights at Bandhav Vilas. Morning and afternoon jeep safaris offer the chance to spot tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer and abundant birdlife. Enjoy a second day of wildlife viewing in Bandhavgarh with more safari drives.

Days 6–8: Kanha National Park

Drive to Kanha and spend 3 nights at Chitvan Jungle Lodge, a tranquil retreat surrounded by forest. Once a British hunting ground, Kanha inspired Kipling’s The Jungle Book and supports rich wildlife, including tigers, leopards and langur monkeys. During your stay, embark on two safaris that reveal the park’s varied terrain and habitats.

Days 9 & 10: Pench National Park

Continue to Pench National Park for 2 nights at Pench Jungle Camp. Enjoy wildlife drives through teak forests and river valleys, home

to deer, leopards, wild dogs and a wealth of birdlife. The best time for sightings is February to March.

Day 11: Mumbai

Drive to Nagpur and fly to Mumbai for an overnight stay at the Trident Nariman Point

Day 12: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Included meals: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners

Discover Southern India

In India’s southern reaches, the rhythms of daily life are dictated by monsoon rains, temple bells and the scent of cardamom in the breeze. In Kerala, palm-fringed backwaters weave through spice plantations and emerald hills, while lively festivals fill the air with music and colour.

Crossing the Western Ghats into Tamil Nadu reveals a land steeped in faith, its ancient temples and towering gopurams chronicling centuries of devotion. Further inland, the vast Deccan Plateau bears the legacy of powerful dynasties, from the maharajahs of Mysore to the grand forts and graceful palaces that once defined their reign. Combined, these southern states offer a captivating portrait of India – serene yet spirited, ancient yet ever evolving.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Glide through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters aboard a traditional kettuvallam houseboat, passing palm-shaded villages, paddy fields, canals and fishing nets heavy with the day’s catch. Journey on the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountain Railway as it winds through tea plantations, forests and misty Nilgiri hills, stopping at hill stations like Ooty and Coonoor along the way. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore the lush sanctuaries of Nagarhole, Bandipur and Periyar, home to elephants, tigers and vibrant birdlife. November to March brings the most pleasant weather for travel, while September and October see temple festivals and post-monsoon greenery at their most vivid.

KOCHI

RICH COLONIAL LEGACY • SPICE TRADE HISTORY

Previously a thriving port on southern India’s fabled spice route, Kochi remains one of the country’s most atmospheric coastal cities – an alluring blend of colonial history and Keralan charm. With our expert guides, explore Fort Kochi’s streets lined with old churches, warehouses and markets, visit the Mattancherry Palace and synagogue, and watch the iconic Chinese fishing nets at sunset over the Arabian Sea.

MADURAI

ANCIENT & BUSTLING CITY • THE LIVELY MEENAKSHI TEMPLE • GANDHI MUSEUM

Madurai lies on the banks of the Vaigai River and hums with a spiritual energy you might expect from one of India’s oldest cities. Its beating heart is the magnificent MeenakshiSundareswarar Temple, a riot of vividly painted towers and ceaseless devotion. Explore the ornate Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and sample Chettinad cuisine, rich with spice and flavour.

PUDUCHERRY

FRENCH LEGACY • COLONIAL MANSIONS

The seaside town of Puducherry was once a French colonial outpost and still exudes a distinctly Gallic charm. Its elegant villas, treelined boulevards and pavement cafés evoke the ambience of southern France, while Tamil culture adds a local rhythm. Notable attractions include the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and nearby Auroville, or travellers can simply wander the shaded streets of the atmospheric French Quarter.

CHENNAI

COLOURFUL GOPURAMS • ROCK-CUT TEMPLES • SUNSET BEACH WALKS

Chennai, the gateway to southern India, blends coastal energy with deep-rooted tradition. Explore the colourful gopurams of Kapaleeshwarar and Parthasarathy temples, stroll along Marina Beach at sunset and discover nearby Mahabalipuram with its remarkable rock-cut temples and shore carvings – a UNESCO-listed landmark that stands as a bold testament to Tamil Nadu’s artistic and spiritual heritage.

MYSORE

ORNATE ARCHITECTURE • SUBLIME TEMPLES OF SOMNATHPUR

The former capital of a princely state, Mysore still reflects its regal splendour in grand palaces and manicured gardens. The opulent Mysore Palace, adorned with murals, is illuminated by 100,000 lights on Sundays and public holidays. From here, visit the island fortress of Srirangapatna or the beautifully carved temples of Somnathpur for a glimpse of Karnataka’s heritage.

Highlights of Kerala

Duration • 14 days & 12 nights

Price • From £2,995 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

A striking contrast to India’s bustling northern plains, Kerala offers a sense of calm amid a setting of lush abundance. This serene southern state, situated on the country’s tropical Malabar Coast, is characterised by palm-lined waterways, emerald rice paddies and spice-scented hillsides. Discover its cultural and natural highlights – from Kochi’s colonial charm to Munnar’s misty slopes to Kumarakom’s lakeside calm – before unwinding on Kerala’s sun-drenched coast, where the golden sands and tranquil backwaters provide the perfect finale.

Day 1: Fly to Kochi

Days 2 & 3: Kochi

Arrive in Kochi, a coastal city rich in colonial history, spice-scented markets and backwater charm. Transfer to the Eighth Bastion for 2 nights. Explore landmarks revealing Kochi’s blend of Arab, Jewish and European influences, including the Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, St Francis Church and the world’s oldest active synagogue. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

Days 4 & 5: Munnar

Drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station carpeted with tea plantations. Stay 2 nights at Windermere Estate. Take a guided walk

through the Lockhart Estate and learn about traditional tea cultivation.

Days 6 & 7: Thekkady

Travel through the Western Ghats to Thekkady for 2 nights at Spice Village. Stroll through the spice plantation, then explore the biodiverse forests and grasslands of Periyar, home to vibrant birdlife, elephants and lush tropical flora.

Days 8 & 9: Kumarakom

Continue to Kumarakom for 2 nights at Coconut Lagoon, set along the peaceful Vembanad Lake. Take part in Kerala’s Responsible Tourism village experience, meeting local farmers and artisans to gain an authentic glimpse of rural life.

Day 10: Backwaters

Board a traditional kettuvallam houseboat for an overnight cruise through Kerala’s palmfringed backwaters. Watch village life unfold along the canals and enjoy freshly prepared cuisine on board.

Days 11-13: Mararikulam

Disembark and transfer to Mararikulam for 3 nights at Marari Beach Resort. Spend your days relaxing amid golden sands and swaying palms.

Day 14: Fly home

Transfer to Kochi airport for your return flight.

Included meals: 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner

SUGGESTED

Tamil Nadu: Temples & Traditions

Duration • 13 days & 11 nights

Price • From £2,895 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

Discover the cultural and spiritual essence of Tamil Nadu on this evocative journey through southern India. From Chennai’s lively streets and Puducherry’s French charm to the grand temples of Tanjore and Madurai’s sacred splendour, experience a region steeped in history, artistry and a deep spirituality. Explore exquisite temple architecture, colonial heritage and vibrant markets, stay in elegant heritage hotels and sample the distinctive flavours of Chettinad cuisine during this memorable adventure through one of the jewels in India’s crown.

Day 1: Fly to Chennai

Days 2 & 3: Chennai

Arrive in Chennai and transfer to the Taj Connemara for 2 nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure. The next day, enjoy a fullday guided city tour visiting Mylapore and the sacred Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome Basilica and the historic Fort George area, before exploring Georgetown’s bustling bazaar.

Days 4-6: Puducherry

Drive south via Mahabalipuram to see the famous Shore Temples before continuing to Puducherry. Stay 3 nights at Palais de Mahé – CGH Earth. Discover the French Quarter, Aurobindo Ashram and the scenic promenade, browse local markets and sample Franco-Tamil

cuisine. The final day is free to relax or explore at leisure.

Days 7 & 8: Kumbakonam

Drive inland toward Tanjore, visiting Chidambaram Temple and Kumbakonam, known for its traditional bronze workshops. Stay 2 nights at Mantra Koodam. Take a halfday city tour including Brihadishwara Temple, Tanjore Palace and the Saraswathi Mahal Library, followed by an afternoon at leisure.

Days 9 & 10: Chettinad

Continue to Chettinad, stopping en route in Tiruchirappalli. Stay 2 nights at Visalam –CGH Earth, a beautifully restored Chettinad mansion. Explore the region’s grand ancestral homes, lively markets and distinctive cuisine,

and learn about the area’s architectural and mercantile heritage.

Days 11 & 12: Madurai

Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Madurai. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple for the atmospheric evening ceremony. Stay 2 nights at Gateway Madurai. The following day, take a tour including the Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal and local markets. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 13: Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Included meals: 11 breakfasts

Discover Eastern India

Stretching from the Bay of Bengal’s fertile deltas to the Himalayan foothills, eastern India is a region of mighty rivers, monsoon-green plains and misty highlands. This part of the country encompasses the cultural dynamism of Kolkata, the tea-covered slopes of Darjeeling and the remote monasteries of Sikkim. Ancient trade routes once crossed these mountains, leaving behind a rich mix of Buddhist and colonial influence.

Further east, the hills of Meghalaya and the broad valleys of Assam reveal quieter rural settings, while Kaziranga National Park boasts some of the jewels of the animal kingdom: one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers and wild elephants. In the mangrove labyrinth of the Sundarbans, land and water merge – a fitting reflection of eastern India’s remarkable diversity.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Visit Puri on the Bay of Bengal, known for its long beaches and for the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, one of Hinduism’s most important pilgrimage sites. Nearby Konark is home to the UNESCO-listed Sun Temple, a remarkable 13th-century structure carved in the form of Surya’s chariot. A visit to Lake Chilika offers the chance to spot Irrawaddy dolphins and large flocks of migratory birds. River cruising is also an excellent way to experience eastern India, particularly along the Hooghly or Brahmaputra (see page 96 for more details).

KOLKATA

COLONIAL LEGACY • VICTORIA

MEMORIAL • LIVELY FLOWER MARKET

Kolkata, on the banks of the Hooghly River, is India’s cultural capital with a strong colonial heritage. Highlights include the grand Victoria Memorial and the iconic Howrah Bridge. Explore Dalhousie Square, browse bookstalls along College Street and visit the lively early-morning flower market. We suggest at least 3 nights to absorb the city’s rich history, architecture and everyday street life.

KALIMPONG

COLOURFUL MARKETS • ORCHID NURSERIES • RURAL LIFE

Kalimpong is a small hill town in northern West Bengal, known for its bustling twiceweekly markets where villagers gather to trade fresh produce, woollen textiles and traditional medicines. Once an important stop on the old tea trade route, today the town is recognised for its flower nurseries, which ship blooms worldwide. Nearby, rural trails lead through villages, rice fields and scenic waterfalls.

GANGTOK

RICH TIBETAN BUDDHIST CULTURE • VILLAGE WALKS

The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok offers impressive views of the Kanchenjunga range and a strong Tibetan Buddhist influence. Visit Enchey Monastery, an important Nyingma site, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which houses rare scriptures and artefacts. Gangtok also serves as a convenient base for village walks and visits to other notable monasteries in the surrounding hills.

DARJEELING

COLONIAL SUMMER CAPITAL • TEA PLANTATIONS

Once a summer retreat of the British Raj, Darjeeling retains its colonial-era charm alongside Buddhist monasteries and bustling bazaars. Ride the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Hill Railway, visit Observatory Hill for views of Kanchenjunga and explore the Tenzing Norgay Mountaineering Institute. Stay on a tea estate to walk through plantations, meet tea workers and learn traditional plucking techniques.

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

ONE-HORNED RHINOS, BENGAL TIGERS & WILD ELEPHANTS

Kaziranga National Park was established to protect the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and is now home to a thriving population of the species. Its marshes, tall elephant grass and woodland also support Bengal tigers, wild buffalo, barasingha and numerous bird species. Open October to May, the park can be explored by 4x4 safari with an expert naturalist.

Discover Western India

Western India combines centuries of maritime trade, desert frontiers and fast-growing cities. Gujarat, once a key stop on ancient trading routes, is known today for its salt plains in the Little Rann of Kutch, traditional textile heritage and the Gir Forest, the only remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion. Further south, Maharashtra centres around Mumbai – India’s financial capital and home to Bollywood, colonial architecture and a thriving arts scene.

Inland, the UNESCO-listed cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora reveal extraordinary craftsmanship carved directly from rock. Halfway down the western coastline, Goa reflects its long Portuguese history, with whitewashed churches, seafood markets and wide sandy beaches that make it one of India’s most relaxed coastal retreats.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Anchored on the banks of the Godavari, Nashik serves as an important pilgrimage centre and one of the four host cities of the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage festival. Visit its river ghats, temples and the Pandav Leni caves, then explore the surrounding vineyards, now central to India’s emerging wine industry. Further south, Goa offers wide sandy beaches, fresh-off-the-boat seafood and a relaxed pace of life shaped by more than four centuries of Portuguese influence. Baroque churches, spice-rich cuisine and colourful village festivals also make it an enjoyable place to unwind.

MUMBAI

GATEWAY OF INDIA • COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE

Mumbai (formerly Bombay) has a history spanning fishing village origins, Portuguese rule and British expansion, shaping it into India’s major port and commercial hub. The iconic Gateway of India, built to mark the 1911 royal visit, still overlooks the harbour. Today, Mumbai blends colonial architecture with markets, waterfront promenades and busy neighbourhoods, offering a vivid introduction to western India’s energy and contrasts.

BHUJ

DISTINCTIVE BANNI VILLAGES • KUTCHI-EMBROIDERED HANDICRAFTS • SALT FLATS

The city of Bhuj serves as the main base for exploring the Banni tribal villages and the salt flats of Kutch. Its old town retains narrow lanes where camel carts still operate and artisans produce renowned Kutchi embroidery. Although the 2001 earthquake damaged much of the city, notable buildings such as the Prag Mahal and the Aina Mahal survived, displaying striking 18th-century interiors.

AHMEDABAD

TEMPLES, MOSQUES & STEPWELLS • CALICO MUSEUM

Perched on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad blends historic neighbourhoods with a modern urban core. Once the capital of the Gujarat sultanate and later a textile centre, it is home to the excellent Calico Museum of Textiles. January brings the popular Uttarayan kite festival. En route to the Little Rann of Kutch, stop at Patan’s Rani-ki-Vav stepwell and Modhera’s 11th-century sun temple.

SASAN GIR NATIONAL PARK

HOME TO ASIATIC LIONS • 250 BIRD SPECIES • HOT SPRINGS

Located in south-west Gujarat, Sasan Gir National Park is the last remaining habitat of the endangered Asiatic lion. Established in 1965, its conservation efforts have helped the population recover to more than 300. The park’s forests and rocky valleys also support leopards, hyenas, wild boar, crocodiles and over 250 bird species, with visits also possible to Kankai Mata temple and the Tulsi Shyam hot springs.

LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH

COASTAL WETLAND • SUPERB WILDLIFE SPOTTING

The Little Rann of Kutch is a vast saline plain that becomes a coastal wetland after the monsoon, making it excellent for cross-desert safaris and wildlife viewing. In winter, nearly 300 bird species can be seen, including flamingoes and demoiselle cranes. The sanctuary also protects the endangered Indian wild ass. Nearby, Dasada provides access to Rabari villages known for fine embroidery.

Eastern Himalayan Trails

Duration • 12 days & 10 nights

Price • From £3,995 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

Venture into India’s Himalayan northeast, where misty mountains shelter scenic temples and villages. This journey focuses on the highlights of West Bengal and Sikkim, exploring Tibetan Buddhist culture alongside historic colonial influences. Travel aboard the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to Ghoom, stay at a working tea estate overlooking terraced slopes and visit monasteries and viewpoints in Gangtok and Pelling. The itinerary is bookended with time in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), the capital of West Bengal, home to grand Raj-era architecture, art galleries and cultural festivals.

Day 1: Fly to Kolkata

Days 2 & 3: Kolkata

Arrive and transfer to the Taj Bengal for 2 nights. Visit Kolkata’s flower market, a feast of colours and fragrances, then walk to the famous Howrah Bridge. Explore Kumartuli (the clay sculptors’ district), Tagore House, the Marble Palace and the Jain Temple. Later, drive past notable landmarks including the Writers’ Building, St Paul’s Cathedral, Town Hall, College Street and the Victoria Memorial before returning to your hotel.

Day 4: Fly to Bagdogra • Kalimpong

Fly to Bagdogra and drive to Kalimpong, known for its scenic setting and flower nurseries.

Overnight at Elgin Silver Oaks

Days 5 & 6: Gangtok

Drive to Gangtok for 2 nights at the Elgin NorKhill. Enjoy views of the Kanchenjunga range and explore Sikkim’s Buddhist heritage. Visits include Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery and the orchid sanctuary.

Day 7: Pelling

Continue to Pelling and stay overnight at Elgin Mount Pandim, set in forested grounds. Visit Pemayangtse Monastery and the nearby Rabdentse ruins.

Days 8–10: Darjeeling

Visit Khecheopalri Lake en route to Darjeeling.

Darjeeling

Stay 3 nights at Glenburn Tea Estate. Take a guided estate walk with views over Sikkim, Kalimpong and the Rungeet river, observing local birdlife and rural life. Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (toy train) to Ghoom. Take a guided tour including the Tibetan Refugee Centre and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

Day 11: Fly to Kolkata

Drive to Bagdogra and fly to Kolkata for an overnight stay at the Taj Bengal

Day 12: Fly home

Included meals: 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners

Colours of Gujarat

Duration • 13 days & 11 nights

Price • From £3,595 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

This adventure through Gujarat combines craft traditions, wildlife and sacred heritage. Begin in Bhuj, where village artisans continue intricate textile work. Travel via Rajkot to Sasan Gir National Park for safari drives in the last remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion. Continue to Bhavnagar to visit the hilltop Jain temples of Palitana, before ending in Ahmedabad to explore its historic old city and the Sun Temple at Modhera. A varied itinerary offering culture, history and wildlife in equal measure.

Day 1: Fly to Bhuj via Mumbai

Days 2-4: Bhuj

Arrive and transfer to The Bhuj House for 3 nights. During your stay, take a full-day excursion to the Banni villages and the salt flats to observe local artisan traditions. Many communities here continue longstanding crafts, particularly needlework and textile arts that form an important part of regional culture.

Day 5: Rajkot

Drive to Rajkot, where Mahatma Gandhi spent part of his early life. Stay overnight at the Sayaji Rajkot.

Days 6–8: Sasan Gir National Park

Drive to Sasan Gir National Park, stopping to explore Junagadh and the Uparkot Fort complex, with its palaces, stepwells and ancient caves. Continue to Sasan Gir for a 3-night stay at Lion Safari Camp. The park’s forested valleys and rivers are the last remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with opportunities to see lions, leopards, hyenas, wild boar, deer and varied birdlife.

Days 9 & 10: Bhavnagar

Drive to Bhavnagar and stay 2 nights at Efcee Sarovar Portico. Visit the hilltop Jain temple complex at Palitana on the Shatrunjaya hills, which contains hundreds of intricately carved

marble shrines and is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Jains.

Days 11 & 12: Ahmedabad

Drive to Ahmedabad and stay 2 nights at The House of MG. Explore the old city’s historic gates, traditional residential clusters and examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Visit the intricately carved Sun Temple at Modhera, where the temple and stepped tank form a striking complex aligned to the solar calendar.

Day 13: Fly home via Mumbai

Included meals: 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners

Discover India Rail & Cruise

Rail and river cruise journeys provide a relaxed way to see India without the demands of overland travel. Crossing the country by train brings its shifting landscapes into view through wide picture windows, with opulent cabins, attentive service and fine dining. River cruising offers a different perspective altogether: daily life along the banks unfolds steadily as you sail, with stops to visit small towns, rural communities and historic sites that are often missed on traditional routes.

Both styles of travel include guided excursions, well-planned itineraries and accommodation that moves with you, allowing more time to enjoy the journey rather than the logistics. Our experts can tailor rail or cruise adventures with key sites and experiences for the ideal holiday.

C&K RECOMMENDS

A river cruise on the Brahmaputra offers a different view of India’s northeast. One of the world’s widest rivers, it flows past fishing villages, tea gardens and shifting sandbanks. Shore excursions introduce local crafts, monasteries and tribal communities, while wildlife encounters may include one-horned rhinos and elephants in nearby Kaziranga National Park. For a shorter rail experience, India’s famous toy trains, running on narrow gauge tracks at a gentle pace, provide a scenic alternative to overnight journeys.

EXPERIENCE

GANGES AND HOOGHLY RIVERS

Cruising along the Ganges and Hooghly offers a slow, detailed view of India’s cultural heartland. On the Ganges, sail past riverside temples, historic ghats and small rural communities, with opportunities to witness daily worship and evening aarti ceremonies in cities such as Varanasi or Patna. The Hooghly, branching from the Ganges, carries you from Kolkata into quieter countryside, where faded colonial mansions, terracotta temples and village markets line the banks. Shore excursions and guided visits provide a relaxed, immersive way to experience life along these storied rivers.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Cruising the Lower Ganges

11 days & 10 nights

Superior from £3,395 (incl. flights)

Cruise the Ganges for 7 nights aboard the ABN Rajmahal. Visit riverside towns, villages and temples, and explore historic sites including old mosques and colonial palaces that reflect West Bengal’s layered past. Observe daily life along the riverbanks and relax on board in one of the boat’s 22 comfortable cabins.

Day 1: Fly to Kolkata

Day 2: Kolkata

Arrive in Kolkata and transfer to the Oberoi Grand for 1 night.

Day 3: Serampore & Barrackpore

Transfer to the 22-cabin ABN Rajmahal for a 7-night cruise. Sail past the former Danish colony of Serampore to Barrackpore, where a guided walk introduces the early history of India’s independence movement.

Day 4: Chandannagar

Visit an 18th-century church and the Dupleix Palace, former residence of the governorgeneral of French India. Continue upriver past the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura and visit Hooghly Imambara, a 19th-century

RAIL TRAVEL

Luxury rail journeys provide a distinctive way to see India, linking key regions without the need for repeated packing or long road transfers. Aboard renowned trains such as the Palace on Wheels, Maharajas’ Express and Deccan Odyssey, guests enjoy a blend of traditional hospitality and modern conveniences. Spacious cabins and onboard dining create a refined base while the train moves between destinations. Each journey includes guided excursions to historic sites and cultural landmarks, allowing travellers to explore by day and return to the comfort of the train each evening.

KERALA BACKWATERS

Traditional kettuvallam houseboats, now equipped with comfortable cabins and modern amenities, welcome travellers onboard to cruise the Kerala backwaters and experience the region’s unique waterways and village life. As you travel at an easy pace through narrow canals lined with coconut palms and paddy fields, you may see fishermen casting nets, coir being processed and toddy tapped from palm trees. Meals are prepared on board, using local spices and fresh produce. Cruises range from a short day trip to overnight or multi-night itineraries, depending on your schedule.

Shia mosque and congregation hall. Sail onward towards Kalna.

Day 5: Mayapur

Take a rickshaw to a Shiva temple built in concentric rings of 108 small shrines. Visit a muslin weaving centre before sailing to Mayapur to see the large ISKCON Temple complex.

Day 6: Matiari & Plassey

Stop in the village of Matiari to see traditional brass work being crafted. Continue to Plassey, site of the 1757 battle that marked the beginning of British rule in Bengal.

Day 7: Khushbagh & Kathgola

Visit Khushbagh, a Mughal-style garden containing the tomb of Siraj-ud-Daula. Continue to Hazarduari Palace Museum,

Katra Mosque and Kathgola Palace.

Day 8: Baranagar

Walk through the quiet fields of Baranagar to visit small terracotta temples. Continue sailing upriver toward the Farakka Barrage.

Day 9: Gaur

Full-day road excursion to Gaur, former capital of the Bengal Sultanate, to see remains of mosques, gateways and palaces.

Day 10: Kolkata

Take the train from Farakka to Kolkata. Overnight at the Oberoi Grand. Day 11: Fly to the UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Included meals: 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners

Discover Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s compact size belies the variety of experiences found here, from ancient Buddhist kingdoms and colonial port towns to tea-covered highlands and wildlife-filled plains. In the central hills, cool, misty hills are planted with orderly tea estates, while the dry northern and central flatlands are home to the remains of ancient capitals, Buddhist temples and rock fortresses.

Wildlife reserves offer sightings of elephants, birdlife and, in some regions, leopards. All of this is bordered by a coastline of long beaches and small fishing towns. Colombo, the island’s capital, offers museums, markets and restored buildings from Portuguese, Dutch and British periods. Its dining scene ranges from street-side snacks to contemporary restaurants, including those in the Old Dutch Hospital complex.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Sri Lanka’s north-east coast rewards travellers seeking quieter shores and clear, warm seas. From the shallow, calm bay at Pasikudah to the historic harbour town of Trincomalee, this coastline combines relaxation with cultural exploration. Visit Koneswaram Kovil and the 17th-century fort, or take a boat to Pigeon Island for snorkelling among coral gardens. Traditional fishing villages and peaceful lagoons slow life to a leisurely cadence. The east coast is at its best between April and September. Many travellers tag on a short flight to the Maldives for a beach stay to end their adventure.

CULTURAL TRIANGLE

CRADLE OF BUDDHISM IN SRI LANKA • ELEPHANT GATHERING • CAVE TEMPLES

The ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, together with the cave temples at Dambulla, form Sri Lanka’s revered Cultural Triangle. Concentrated within a compact region, these sites offer an accessible way to explore the island’s early kingdoms and long Buddhist heritage, as our expert guides breathe life into the stories behind each historic landmark. Anuradhapura, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited capitals, features monasteries, vast tanks and towering dagobas. Polonnaruwa, which succeeded it as the island’s capital, has well-preserved palace complexes, audience halls and the famous Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues.

At the centre of the region stands Sigiriya, the 5th-century rock fortress rising above the plains. A staircase leads past the Mirror Wall and frescoes to the summit, where the remains of King Kassapa’s palace overlook the surrounding countryside. Nearby, the cave temples of Dambulla contain centuries of murals and more than 150 Buddha images, including a 15-metre reclining figure. For those wishing to include wildlife, Minneriya National Park is close by, known for its seasonal gathering of Asiatic elephants.

HILL COUNTRY

TEA ESTATES • RURAL TRAIN RIDES • HORTON PLAINS

Sri Lanka’s hill country is one of the island’s most scenic regions and travelling through it by train offers an enjoyable glimpse of daily rural life. Locals use these trains regularly and sharing the journey provides an authentic and memorable experience. The landscape combines mist-covered mountains, colonial-era hill stations, rolling tea plantations and waterfalls, with the towns of Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Hatton as appealing bases. The area is also home to the Horton Plains, a high plateau known for its walking trail to ‘World’s End’, an impressive cliff edge with views across the tea valleys and, on clear days, towards Adam’s Peak.

KANDY

TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH • ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS • BRITISH GARRISON CEMETERY

Once the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom, Kandy remains the cultural centre of Sri Lanka. Its most important landmark is the Temple of the Tooth, which is believed to house a sacred relic of the Buddha and is set beside a lake in the centre of town. A short walk away is the British Garrison Cemetery, dating from 1817. Kandy also has a compact old quarter, cultural shows and small museums to explore. Just outside the city, the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens offers 4,000 species of plants and trees.

SOUTH-WEST COAST

GALLE FORT • PALM-FRINGED BEACHES

The pristine beaches of Sri Lanka’s southwest coast make for ideal respite after exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural sites and hill country. East of Galle lie the quieter shores of Thalpe and Weligama, Mirissa’s whale-watching harbour, and the coves of Tangalle. Hambantota makes a useful base for Bundala and Yala national parks, as well as the Kataragama temple. West of Galle, Bentota’s palm-backed sands provide easy access to the turtle sanctuary at Kosgoda, while in Wadduwa the lush beauty of coconut plantations gives the small seaside town an exotic feel. Accommodation options are plentiful too, from ultra-luxurious beachside resorts to boutique stays, and Cox & Kings can help you choose the places that suit you best.

EXPERIENCE

NATIONAL PARK SAFARIS

Each of Sri Lanka’s many national parks boasts its own distinct character and wildlife highlights. Yala’s dry scrubland is known for one of the world’s highest concentrations of leopards, while Minneriya is famous for its seasonal gathering of Asian elephants. Gal Oya presents the rare chance to see elephants swimming between lake islands and Wilpattu provides a quieter, more forested safari experience. Uda Walawe, meanwhile, is particularly good for animal sightings. We can arrange private game drives in most parks, accompanied by trained naturalists.

RURAL TRAIN RIDE

A rural train ride in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is a enchanting way to enjoy the region’s landscapes. Travelling at a gentle pace, trains wind past tea estates, forests, waterfalls and small villages, gradually climbing into cloud-topped hills. Each journey provides a window onto daily rural routines, with tourists travelling alongside locals who depend on these routes. Popular sections include the route between Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya), Haputale and Ella, which also crosses scenic viaducts such as the Nine Arches Bridge and stops at charming hillside stations.

TOUR GALLE FORT

Galle, on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast, is best known for its 17th-century fort, originally built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch. Within its ramparts, narrow streets are lined with cafés, galleries, small museums and independent boutiques. For an immersive experience, a guided tour of the fort can be arranged with a professional archaeologist. Many hotels here also occupy restored period buildings, while larger beachfront properties offer easy access to the coast. Beyond Galle, coastal towns and fishing villages showcase local culture and long stretches of sandy beach.

HERITANCE TEA FACTORY

Set in the hills near Nuwara Eliya, the Heritance Tea Factory is housed in a restored tea factory converted into a characterful heritage hotel. The property retains many original features, reflecting its plantation history. Surrounded by working tea estates, forest paths and wide mountain views, it provides a quiet base for exploring the hill country. Guests can take part in hands-on tea experiences, such as leaf plucking and factory demonstrations, and learn about the region’s long association with Sri Lanka’s tea industry, adding to a distinctive stay with a strong sense of place.

CINNAMON WILD YALA

Cinnamon Wild Yala offers a relaxed safari lodge experience close to Yala National Park. Designed to sit naturally within its surroundings, it features rustic-style chalets and open communal spaces that look out towards the jungle, beach and nearby lagoon. The 10-acre property is regularly visited by wildlife, so sightings of deer, boar and sometimes elephants are not uncommon around the grounds. Just a 5-minute drive from the park entrance, it provides an easy base for morning and afternoon game drives, while still offering comfort and space to unwind.

WATER GARDEN SIGIRIYA

Located in the Cultural Triangle, just 3km from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Water Garden Sigiriya combines a prime setting with plenty of lavish trappings. Most villas and shared spaces offer clear views of the imposing rock, making it a convenient base for visits to both Sigiriya and nearby Dambulla. Some of the villas also feature private plunge pools, while landscaped waterways run throughout the grounds. Other notable features include a main restaurant that sits at the centre of a lake, creating a calm setting for meals.

Treasures of Sri Lanka

Duration • 16 days & 14 nights

Price • From £3,995 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

This journey combines Sri Lanka’s key cultural sites, hill country scenery and wildlife, with time to unwind by the coast. Begin in the Cultural Triangle, visiting ancient capitals, cave temples and the rock fortress of Sigiriya, before exploring botanical gardens and tea estates in the central highlands. Continue to Yala National Park for private safari drives in search of leopards and elephants, then spend time in the historic port city of Galle. End your trip with two relaxing nights by the ocean.

Day 1: Fly to Colombo

Day 2: Colombo

Arrive and transfer to Cinnamon Lakeside for 1 night.

Days 3-5: Habarana

Drive to Habarana, gateway to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Stay 3 nights at Cinnamon Lodge, set among woodland beside a historic lake. Visit Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO site rising 200 metres above the plains, and take in views from the summit. Next day, explore Polonnaruwa to see the Royal Palace ruins, Gal Viharaya and Parakrama Samudraya Lake. Later, take a safari in Minneriya National Park, home to elephants, deer, sloth bears, leopards and crocodiles.

Days 6 & 7: Dambulla • Matale

Drive to Matale and stay 2 nights at Jim’s Farm Villas. Visit the Dambulla cave temples, decorated with ancient murals and statues, then continue to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya to see its extensive collection of tropical plants and orchids.

Days 8 & 9: Hill Country

Continue to Pussellawa, stopping in Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth. Stay 2 nights at The Lavender House. Time at leisure to explore tea estates, viewpoints and nearby waterfalls on foot or by bike.

Days 10 & 11: Yala National Park

Enjoy a scenic rail journey from Nanu Oya, then drive to Yala, stopping at Ravana Ella waterfall and Buduruwagala temple. Stay 2 nights at

Cinnamon Wild. Take safari drives to look for leopards, elephants, deer and birdlife across woodland, grassland and lagoon habitats.

Days 12 & 13: Galle

Continue to Galle for 2 nights at Yara Galle Explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO-listed historic quarter with preserved streets and coastal ramparts.

Days 14 & 15: Wadduwa

Drive to Wadduwa and stay 2 nights at The Blue Water Hotel and Spa. Spend your time here at leisure to round off your trip.

Day 16: Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Included meals: 14 breakfasts and 12 dinners

Hidden Sri Lanka

Duration • 16 days & 14 nights

Price • From £3,995 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

This itinerary offers a nature-focused route contrasted with a more culturally oriented alternative. Begin among tea and rubber plantations at a restored estate bungalow, with time to relax and experience rural life. Continue to Kandy for its temples, gardens and lakeside setting, then on to Gal Oya for lake safaris and village encounters. Travel through Ella and Udawalawe for hill views and wildlife before ending with three leisurely days on the south coast near Thalpe and Galle.

Day 1: Fly to Colombo

Days 2 & 3: Kegalle

Arrive in Colombo and transfer to Rosyth Estate House, a planter’s bungalow set within 25 hectares of tea and rubber plantations. Stay 2 nights and enjoy time at leisure, walking the estate, visiting the local tea factory, joining a cookery lesson, relaxing by the pool, or simply taking in the views.

Days 4–6: Kandy

Transfer to Kandy for 3 nights at Taru Villas Levita. Visit the Temple of the Tooth, explore the Royal Botanical Gardens and browse local markets and workshops. Final day free to relax.

Days 7 & 8: Gal Oya National Park

Travel to Gal Oya and stay 2 nights at Gal Oya

Lodge. This remote region includes forest, open grasslands and one of Sri Lanka’s largest lakes. Take a boat safari on Senanayake Samudraya to look for elephants swimming between islands. Jeep safaris, guided walks and visits to meet members of the indigenous Vedda community are also available.

Days 9 & 10: Ella

Continue to Ella for 2 nights at 98 Acres Resort & Spa. In the afternoon, climb Little Adam’s Peak for broad views of surrounding tea country. Optional activities include hiking, plantation visits, birdwatching and cookery lessons (additional costs may apply).

Days 11 & 12: Udawalawe National Park

Travel to Udawalawe for 2 nights at Kalu’s Hideaway. Take a morning safari in the

national park, known for its large elephant population. Other wildlife includes deer, water buffalo, jackal, langur and a variety of birdlife.

Days 13-15: Thalpe

Visit the Elephant Transit Home, who reintroduce orphaned elephants back into the wild, en route to Thalpe, where you’ll stay 3 nights at KK Beach. Days at leisure to relax by the beach or visit nearby Galle.

Day 16: Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Included meals: 14 breakfasts

Discover Nepal & Bhutan

The neighbouring Himalayan nations of Nepal and Bhutan offer striking mountain landscapes and long-established traditions that remain central to everyday life. Nepal ranges from the high peaks of the world’s tallest mountains to lowland jungles where rhinos, Bengal tigers and sloth bears live in protected reserves. Its towns and villages reflect both Buddhist and Hindu heritage, seen in small temples, shrines and daily rituals.

Bhutan remains more reserved and less visited, where Buddhism continues to define community life, architecture and festivals. Across deep valleys and forested ridges stand monasteries and fortress-style dzongs that serve as religious and administrative centres. Cox & Kings can arrange tailor-made journeys through both countries, comprising everything from gentle village walks and cultural visits to wildlife experiences.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Nepal’s national parks treat travellers to memorable wildlife adventures. Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO site of sal forest and grassland, is known for sightings of one-horned rhinos, wild boar, monkeys and over 450 bird species, with chances to see leopards and gharials along the rivers. Bardia National Park offers similar habitats but fewer visitors, with increasing tiger numbers and opportunities to encounter elephants and langur. In neighbouring Bhutan, spring and autumn are also ideal and coincide with major festivals such as the Paro and Thimphu tshechus.

NEPAL

DURBAR SQUARE • NEWARI ARCHITECTURE • MOUNTAIN SCENERY

Nepal blends the bustle of city life with historic towns and mountain scenery. In Kathmandu, explore Durbar Square, Thamel’s markets and the hillside stupa of Swayambhunath. Nearby, Patan and Bhaktapur are decorated with fine Newari architecture and skilled artisans at work. In Pokhara, lakeside paths and views of the Annapurna range provide a relaxed base for walks or gentle hikes.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Nepal & Bhutan: Journey to the Dragon Kingdom

12 days & 9 nights

Standard from £3,895 (incl. flights)

Bhutan is imbued with a deeply spiritual atmosphere amid dramatic Himalayan scenery. Opened to visitors only in 1974, it continues to preserve its traditional way of life. This private journey follows forts, monasteries and local markets across western Bhutan, combined with time in Kathmandu, and can be tailored to your chosen interests.

Day 1: Fly to Kathmandu

Days 2 & 3: Kathmandu

Arrive and transfer to Hotel Himalaya for 2 nights. Time at leisure on arrival. The following day, tour Kathmandu’s highlights, beginning in Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Kumari Chowk, residence of the living goddess, then wander through the historic Newari quarter of Itumbahal and the colourful markets of Indra Chowk and Ason Chowk, finishing at the Annapurna Temple. In the afternoon, visit Pashupatinath, with views over the temple complex and cremation ghats, followed by Bodhnath,

BHUTAN

SERENE VALLEYS • CLIFFSIDE MONASTERIES • RIVERSIDE WALKS

Bhutan’s serene valleys, monasteries and fortified dzongs set against Himalayan peaks are a sight to behold. In Paro, visit cliff-side Taktsang and Rinpung Dzong. Punakha’s warmer valley is known for orchards and riverside walks. Thimphu combines traditional architecture with craft workshops and markets. Further east, the Bumthang Valley, considered Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, is home to some of the country’s oldest and most revered monasteries.

Nepal’s largest stupa and a major centre of Tibetan life.

Days 4 & 5: Fly to Paro • Arrive Thimphu Fly to Paro and transfer to Thimphu for a 2-night stay at City Hotel Thimphu

Visit the School of Arts and Crafts, Institute of Traditional Medicine, papermaking factory, Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum and National Library. The following day, visit the National Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong, seat of the government and central monastic body. Later, browse handicraft shops. This evening, enjoy dinner with a local family.

Days 6 & 7: Punakha Drive over Dochula Pass to Punakha. Visit a traditional farmhouse. Stay 2 nights at Zhingkham Resort. Visit Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of two rivers,

then meet monks at the Nalanda Buddhist Institute.

Days 8 & 9: Paro

Drive to Paro for 2 nights at Village Lodge

Visit Ta Dzong, the national museum, then take a Bhutanese cooking class. Next day, hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery.

In the afternoon, visit Rinpung Dzong and try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport.

Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu and stay overnight at Hotel Himalaya. Farewell dinner included.

Days 11 & 12: Fly to London

Time at leisure before your return flight.

Included meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners

EUROPE

You needn’t travel far to experience the extraordinary. Despite being the world’s second smallest continent, Europe is blessed with an abundance of swoon-worthy delights – just a short flight or romantic rail journey away.

Southern favourites Italy, Spain and Greece earn their reputation, with Graeco-Roman ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, sun-kissed vineyards and world-conquering dishes. That’s not to mention the natural scenery, which includes plunging coasts, cypress-studded hills and lofty mountains.

There are surprises, too. From pretty-as-a-picture Transylvania to the crossroad countries of the Caucasus, Europe’s less-visited regions have the power to delight even the most experienced traveller – and we can show them to you.

Discover Italy

Italy: heart of the Roman Empire and catalyst of the Renaissance. There’s much to see, do and taste across this boot-shaped peninsula and its romantic islands. The north is a postcard of zig-zagging mountains, dreamy lakes, fashionable cities, and food to fly for. That’s not to mention the superabundance of World Heritage sites – more than any other part of Italy. Here is Venice, with its gondola-plied lagoons; Milan, ever dressed to impress; and Lake Como, making the famous swoon since Roman times.

The central regions offer rusticity in spades and is where Florence showcases its crucial role in the Renaissance, while the sun-kissed south is where you can explore ash-preserved Pompeii, Matera’s cave dwellings and Sicily’s Norman, Roman, Arab and Greek heritage.

C&K RECOMMENDS

From South Tyrol to Friuli-Venezia Giulia, the north-east of Italy offers the perfect foil for the south. Take in the alpine scenery, historysteeped hamlets, grand castles and Austro-Hungarian heritage on well-paced self-drive journeys, with everything arranged for you. We can take you beyond Venice to the unsung gems of the Veneto region, organise guided tours of UNESCO sites such as mosaic-laden Aquileia, and plot the perfect walking routes for admiring the peaks and lakes of the dominating Dolomites.

TUSCANY

FLORENCE, ‘CRADLE OF THE RENAISSANCE’ • WALLED CITY OF LUCCA • SIENA’S PALIO HORSE RACE

The central region of Tuscany lit the spark of Europe’s Renaissance movement, and it remains a trove of cultural treasures set in a bucolic landscape. In Florence, the regional capital, admire the UNESCO-listed gothic cathedral and the masterpieces hanging in the Uffizi Gallery. Further highlights include the walled city of Lucca, birthplace of Puccini; and hilltop Siena, whose medieval Piazza del Campo hosts the Palio horse race.

PUGLIA & BASILICATA

CHARMING ROUNDHOUSES • MATERA’S CAVES • BAROQUE LECCE

Basilicata and Puglia – the instep and heel of Italy’s boot – reward stepping off the tourist trail. Puglia offers remote coastline and countryside dotted with olive groves, whitewashed towns, and conical houses called trulli. It’s home to Lecce, nicknamed the ‘Florence of the South’ for its baroque architecture. Neighbouring Basilicata is where you’ll find Matera’s ancient cave dwellings, as well as pretty hillside villages and Apennine vistas.

CAMPANIA

ROMANCE OF THE AMALFI COAST • RUINS OF POMPEII & HERCULANEUM

Campania’s capital and one of the great centres of classical Graeco-Roman civilisation, Naples, seduces with its famous food, easy rilassato lifestyle, and photogenic bay. Close by lie the ruins of Pompeii, surely Campania’s headline attraction – though Herculaneum, also entombed by Vesuvius, warrants a visit. Stay in Sorrento for postcard-worthy views over the Bay of Naples, or the less-visited port city of Salerno with its historic cathedral.

LAZIO

THE ‘ETERNAL CITY’ OF ROME • MEDIEVAL HILLSIDE TOWNS • PICTURESQUE ISLAND OF PONZA

Lazio is more than just Rome. Worthy stops beyond the ‘Eternal City’ include Viterbo, medieval residence of several popes; Tarquinia, UNESCO-listed for its Etruscan necropolis; the hillside towns of Castelli Romani; and Castel Gandolfo, among Italy’s most beautiful villages. The isle of Ponza is a short trip across the Tyrrhenian Sea; picture bobbing boats, pastel houses overlooking golden beaches, and towering tuff headlands.

SICILY

PALERMO’S ARCHITECTURE & STREET

FOOD • MOUNT ETNA • QUIET SOUTHERN BEACHES

Sicily is an island crossroads with a long history. The Arab-Norman architecture of Palermo, the capital, is a treat for the eyes, as is the food – not least pistachiosprinkled cannoli. Further attractions include the medieval town of Taormina, the Doric temples in Agrigento and the magnificent natural scenery, from smouldering Mount Etna to the quiet beaches in the south.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Coastal Lazio: Roads beyond Rome

Duration • 9 days & 8 nights

Price • From £2,395 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

SELF-DRIVE

Explore beyond the ‘Eternal City’ on this self-drive tour of coastal Lazio. From your base in Gaeta, visit historic sites and maritime marvels, including Montecassino Abbey; Ponza Island and its sea caves; Sperlonga, once home to Emperor Tiberius; and Minturno, a town replete with Roman relics. Transfer to San Felice Circeo, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, visiting the Roman heart of Terracina, the gorgeous Garden of Ninfa, Sermoneta’s 13th-century castle, and the tranquil Valvisciolo Abbey.

Day 1: Arrive Rome • Gaeta

Arrive in Rome, pick up your hire car and depart for the coastal city of Gaeta. En route, you may choose to visit the Montecassino Abbey, an impressive national monument rebuilt after the second world war and one of Italy’s major Benedictine sites. Arrive in Gaeta and stay 5 nights at Villa Irlanda

Day 2: Gaeta

Today you explore more of Gaeta and its historic surrounds. You may wish to visit the nearby sea grotto of Montagna Spaccata, where legends abound; and the beautiful baroque church of Santissima Annunziata.

Day 3: Gaeta

Your day is at leisure. You have the option to take a boat trip from the nearby port of Formia to visit Ponza, the largest island of the Pontine archipelago. Here we can arrange a boat to the Grotte di Pilato, a series of artificial sea caves and tunnels carved by the Romans into the volcanic tuff rock; and the Faraglioni della Madonna, natural rock formations that stagger out from the coast of Ponza.

Day 4: Sperlonga • Gaeta

After a morning at leisure, spend the afternoon touring one of Italy’s most beautiful borghi: Sperlonga. This pretty coastal village was once

home to a villa and grotto belonging to Roman emperor Tiberius, and numerous sculptures discovered here have been reconstructed for display at the on-site museum. After visiting the museum, and dinner at leisure, return to Gaeta.

Day 5: Minturno • Gaeta

Following a morning at leisure, drive to Minturno, a hilltop town with ancient origins. In Roman times, it was known as Minturnae, and evidence from this period survives, including a theatre, amphitheatre, colonnade, baths and aqueduct. Various medieval buildings also remain, including the churches

of San Pietro Apostolo, San Francesco and Annunziata. After your visit, return to Gaeta.

Day 6: Terracina • San Felice Circeo

Drive to the coastal town of Terracina, strategically important since antiquity. The Old Town is replete with historical treasures, especially around Foro Emiliano square, where you’ll find the Cathedral of San Cesareo – partially built out of a Roman temple – as well as many Roman relics, including part of the ancient Appia Road. You can also enjoy views across the glittering Gulf of Terracina and wander down to the water’s edge, where you can see the Pisco Montano – a steep promontory cut away by the Romans to allow passage. Continue to San Felice Circeo and check into Hotel Punta Rossa for 3 nights.

Day 7: San Felice Circeo

Your day is at leisure to explore San Felice Circeo, designated as one of the ‘Borghi più Belli d’Italia’ (‘Most Beautiful Villages in Italy’) and located on the site of the Roman city of Circeii. It’s a chance to admire the town’s coastal scenery, which includes numerous sea caves and dramatic promontories.

Day 8: Garden of Ninfa • San Felice Circeo Embark on an exclusive tour of the Garden of Ninfa, part of a 105-hectare park and national monument, whose centre contains medieval ruins, leafy trees, rambling roses, exotic plants, a lake and branches of the Ninfa River. After exploring the landscaped gardens, you may wish to continue to the medieval town of Sermoneta and its 13th-century castle, or to

Valvisciolo Abbey, a tranquil RomanesqueCistercian monastery. Return to San Felice Circeo.

Day 9: Fly home

Drive to Rome Fiumicino Airport, where you leave your hire car and catch your flight home.

Included meals: 8 breakfasts

Private driver: We can arrange for this itinerary to include a private driver throughout. Please enquire for full details.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Northeast Italy: Friuli to the Dolomites

Duration • 10 days & 9 nights

Price • From £2,595 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

SELF-DRIVE

Delve into the distinctive history and seductive scenery of Italy’s north-east on this private journey from Friuli-Venezia-Giulia to the Dolomites. You begin in Trieste – ‘Little Vienna by the Sea’ – visiting the Roman ruins of Aquileia, the Habsburg castle of Miramare and the rustic wine region of Collio. Continue to Udine, with visits to Cividale del Friuli – the first capital of the Lombard Kingdom – and San Daniel del Friuli, famed for its prosciutto. Finish amid the dramatic peaks, lakes and tucked-away towns of the Dolomites.

Day 1: Arrive Venice • Trieste

Arrive in Venice, collect your hire car and drive to Trieste, nicknamed ‘Little Vienna by the Sea’. En route, you may wish to visit the remarkable Renaissance town of Palmanova, built as a nine-pointed star complete with fortifications and imposing city gates. Upon arrival in Trieste, check into Savoia Excelsior Palace for 3 nights.

Day 2: Aquileia • Trieste

Today begins with a visit to Aquileia, UNESCOlisted for its early Roman ruins and 11th-century Basilica, which contains medieval frescoes and a magnificent fourth-century floor mosaic. After, enjoy a chocolate and coffee tasting experience.

Next, you may wish to independently visit the town of Grado, set on an Adriatic peninsula, where you can discover its historic Venetian centre and sun-kissed, south-facing beach. Afterwards, return to Trieste.

Day 3: Trieste

Begin today with a guided walking tour of Trieste, exploring the city’s heritage highlights, from its Roman origins to its Habsburg splendours. After, drive to Miramare Castle for an independent visit, with tickets included. Gothic-revival in style, this 19th-century Habsburg property overlooks the Gulf of Trieste and includes landscaped grounds.

Day 4: Collio • Udine

We recommend a morning visit to Gorizia, Europe’s 2025 Capital of Culture, Continue into the bucolic surrounds of the Collio wine region. Here you visit a winery for lunch and a tasting – a chance to sample white wines made from the Ribolla grape famously grown in these hills. Continue to Udine and check into Ambassador Palace Hotel for 3 nights.

Day 5: San Daniele del Friuli • Udine

Begin the day independently touring Cividale del Friuli, founded in Roman times as Forum Julii (Julius Marketplace) – possibly by Caesar himself. It became the first capital of the

Lombard Kingdom, and the historic centre from this time is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the eighthcentury Oratory of Santa Maria and its interior lined with stucco saints; and Devil’s Bridge, whose twin arches scenically straddle the green waters of the Natisone River. Continue to San Daniele del Friuli, a town famed for its prosciutto. Enjoy an included tasting of this celebrated dry-cured ham before returning to Udine.

Day 6: Udine

Take a private walking tour of Udine, a city of graceful squares and Venetian-inspired palaces. Highlights include Piazza Libertà, considered the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland, and Piazza Matteotti, an open-air salon surrounded by painted façades. Udine also preserves major works by Giambattista Tiepolo, who achieved artistic maturity here. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Day 7: The Dolomites

Depart Udine and head towards the Dolomites, the 18-peak mountain range that dominates Italy’s northeast. En route, we recommend visiting Cortina d’Ampezzo mountain resort, popular among skiers but beautiful all year round. Popular activities off the slopes include sampling traditional alpine dishes, shopping at the many boutiques and hiking and cycling the scenic trails. Arrive in the commune of Dobbiaco and spend 3 nights at Hotel Santer

Day 8: The Dolomites

Your day is at leisure. We recommend a gentle hike to admire the alpine surroundings. Ascend from Lake Misurina to the Auronzo Refuge for views of the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, a trio of battlement-like mountains that jut out of the hills and are icons of the Dolomites. Upon descent, pause at Lake D’Antorno to soak up the cinematic views; this area has featured in a number of films, including Star Wars and

Cliffhanger. After lunch, you may wish to visit Lake Braies for a relaxed walk or boat trip.

Day 9: The Dolomites

Your day is at leisure to explore more of this scenic region. We recommend visiting Forni di Sopra, a town set amid the forested slopes of the Friulian Dolomites. Activities available include guided nature hikes, gourmet tastings of regional specialities, and visits to rural museums for insight into the history and crafts of the area.

Day 10: Fly home

Drive to Venice Airport, where you leave your hire car and catch your flight home.

Included meals: 9 breakfasts and 1 lunch

Private driver: We can arrange for this itinerary to include a private driver throughout. Please enquire for full details.

Discover Spain & Portugal

The many regions of Spain offer strikingly differing scenery. This includes the rugged, green and rainy Atlantic coast of Galicia and the Pyrenees peaks of the north, across the high central plateaus of Castille-La Mancha, and down to the hot Mediterranean hills and Moorish architecture of Andalucía in the far south.

Portugal – Spain’s Iberian neighbour – charms with its picturesque villages and medieval castles. Porto and Lisbon are great places to explore on foot, both having excellent restaurants, energetic nightlife, picturesque neighbourhoods and wide plazas. Beyond the cities, Portugal’s scenery ranges from vineyards to dramatic windswept coasts.

C&K RECOMMENDS

The Moors ruled Andalucía for some 800 years, leaving Spain’s southernmost region with superb Hispano-Moorish architecture, including two of the country’s greatest sites: the Alhambra palace in Granada and the Mezquita mosque-cathedral in Córdoba. To the northwest of Andalucía, just beyond the tourist trail, lies Extremadura, origin of world-renowned Iberian ham. We can arrange a tour and tasting at a traditional drying house in the regional capital, Mérida, which is also home to remarkable Roman ruins. The Moors left their mark on Portugal, too, including in Lisbon’s oldest district, Alfama. Today, this labyrinthine neighbourhood is the perfect spot to hear traditional fado music. Beyond, the beautiful Atlantic coast beckons.

PORTO & DUORO VALLEY

DOURO RIVER CRUISES • PORTO’S COBBLED RIBEIRA DISTRICT • UNESCOLISTED WINE REGION

Portugal’s second-largest city after Lisbon, Porto sprawls across the hills overlooking the mouth of the Douro River. The historical centre is UNESCO-listed and includes the picturesque, cobblestoned district of Ribeira, the 12th-century Cathedral and the neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace. Here, too, are numerous monuments and museums worth visiting, and you can do so on foot easily thanks to Porto’s compact size.

You can also admire this city from the water during a cruise along the Douro, which carves westward across the Iberian Peninsula to the Atlantic Ocean. The bucolic Alto Douro (Upper Douro) incorporates a UNESCO-listed DOC wine region, where vineyards sprinkling the green valley slopes offer tastings with a view. We can combine Porto and the Douro Valley into a holiday tailored to you, with the option of travelling by railway.

SEVILLE

HISTORIC MOORISH ARCHITECTURE

• BIRTHPLACE OF FLAMENCO • CELEBRATED TAPAS

In Seville, you’ll find streets fragranced by orange trees and alive with flamenco music and chatter over tapas. This romantic city was one of the earliest Moorish conquests, becoming the second city of Al-Andalus, and many remnants from this riveting period remain. That includes Seville’s gothic cathedral – originally a mosque whose marvellous minaret is now the Giralda belltower. The cathedral is also the burial place of Christopher Columbus. Another essential stop is the Alcázar of Seville, a royal palace displaying a medley of Mudéjar, Moorish, Renaissance and gothic design.

SEGOVIA

THE FAIRY-TALE ALCÁZAR CASTLE • EUROPE’S LAST GOTHIC CATHEDRAL • PRESERVED ROMAN AQUEDUCT

Just northwest of Madrid is a page out of a fairy tale. Segovia’s steeples and spires rise against a backdrop of the Sierra de Guadarrama’s snowy peaks. High on an eastern hill looms one of the city’s three great landmarks: the Alcázar, thought to have inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Just downhill, you’ll find the second of its great landmarks, the late-gothic Segovia Cathedral, and further towards the city centre you can see the third: the impressively preserved, UNESCO-listed Roman Aqueduct.

TOLEDO

MEDIEVAL OLD TOWN • RENAISSANCE ART • THE ALCÁZAR FORTRESS

A short high-speed rail ride from Madrid is one of Spain’s most fascinating cities: Toledo. The nation’s former capital is known as the ‘City of Three Cultures’ for its history of peaceful coexistence between Christians, Muslims and Jews. Its walled old town is a jumble of narrow, winding streets, perched on a small hill above the Tajo River. The dominating cathedral is a remarkable gothic structure containing the tombs of kings, and art by El Greco, Velázquez and Goya. Other highlights include the Alcázar fortress, which occupies the highest point of the city; the 13th-century synagogue of Santa María La Blanca; and the El Greco Museum, dedicated to the-eponymous Renaissance artist.

Andalucía by Rail

Duration • 7 days & 6 nights

Price • From £1,595 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

RAIL JOURNEY

Using Spain’s fast and efficient AVE rail service, this journey takes in the Roman, Moorish and Catholic heritage of Andalucía. Visit all three major cities of this distinctive region of Spain: the Andalucían capital of Seville with its immense cathedral, Córdoba and its UNESCO-listed Mezquita, and Granada, home to the exquisite Alhambra Palace complex. Along the way, stay in characterful 4-star hotels or choose historic Hospes accommodation.

Day 1: Fly to Seville

Arrive at Seville airport and privately transfer to H10 Casa de la Plata Hotel for 2 nights.

Day 2: Seville

Your day is at leisure to explore the capital of Andalucía. Seville’s history stretches back to Roman times, but its most impressive historical monuments date from the Moorish and Castilian conquests. This includes the imposing Seville Cathedral, which is the world’s largest gothic church; the Alcázar palace, with its multifoil arches and Arabesque decoration; and the 16th-century General Archive of the Indies. You can visit all three – together a UNESCO World Heritage Site – by touring the city’s old town, the Casco Antiguo.

Day 3: Córdoba

This morning, you’re privately transferred to the railway station where you catch the train to Córdoba. Upon arrival, you’re privately transferred to your accommodation. Stay 2 nights at Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba

Day 4: Córdoba

Your day is at leisure to see the sights. During Islamic rule, Córdoba became an important centre of learning, as well as political and economic power. Today, the city’s historic heart is UNESCO-listed and contains impressive landmarks, including the thousand-year-old Mezquita, with its striking two-tiered columns; the 14th-century Alcázar fortress and gardens; and the Calahorra Tower and Roman Bridge. Beyond historic attractions, the city features enticing narrow streets, flower-filled courtyards and tucked-away tapas restaurants. Return to your hotel.

Day 5: Granada

This morning, you’re privately transferred to the railway station to catch the train to Granada and on to your accommodation. Spend 2 nights at Villa Oniria

Day 6: Granada

Today is at leisure, giving you the opportunity to explore Granada at your own pace – a city rich in history and nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you wish to visit the Alhambra, Granada’s iconic UNESCO-listed fortress with its elegant palaces, courtyards and gardens, we strongly recommend booking tickets in advance due to limited availability. Other highlights you may wish to discover include the Renaissance-style Granada

Cathedral, the Moorish Albaicín district and the Mirador de San Nicolás, offering breathtaking views over the city and surrounding hills.

Day 7: Fly home

This morning, you’re privately transferred from your hotel to Malaga airport for your return flight.

Included meals: 6 breakfasts

Porto to Lisbon by Rail

Duration • 7 days & 6 nights

Price • From £2,895 (incl. flights)

Category • Luxury

RAIL JOURNEY

Explore two of Portugal’s most culturally rich cities on this luxury holiday. You begin in Porto, Portugal’s sparkling second city. Stroll the cobbles of its historical centre, then embark on a scenic cruise along the Douro river. Continue by high-speed rail to Lisbon, the effervescent capital from which Vasco da Gama set sail. Your personal driver-guide will take you on a tour between the city’s highlights, which include vibrant architecture, world-class museums and superlative restaurants. Throughout, you are accommodated in hand-picked, five-star properties.

1: Fly to Porto

Fly to Porto. Transfer to the Hotel Infante de Sagres, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, for a 3-night stay.

Day 2: Porto

Enjoy a morning walking tour of Porto, starting from your hotel. Portugal’s second-largest city was built overlooking the mouth of the Douro River and is an outstanding urban landscape with a UNESCO-listed historical centre. The city is known for its delicious cuisine, charismatic locals and steep cobbled streets lined with colourful houses. Highlights include the 75-metre-high Clérigos Tower, whose spiral staircase rewards visitors’ efforts with a superlative panorama of Porto; Avenida dos Aliados, with its stately buildings and monuments; and the colourful, maze-like

Day 3: Porto

Your day is at leisure to further explore Porto. Alternatively, take a cruise in the bucolic Douro Valley, famed for its production of wine and port.

Day 4: Lisbon

Your morning is at leisure. In the early afternoon, take the Alfa Pendular high-speed train to Lisbon (a journey of approximately 3 hours). On arrival, transfer to the Palácio do Governador for a 3-night stay.

Day 5: Lisbon

Take a morning tour of the Portuguese capital with a driver-guide. Enjoy Lisbon’s colourful architecture, world-class museums and

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excellent restaurants. We recommend making time to explore the National Tile Museum and the Lisbon Aquarium in Parque das Nações. The city has a fascinating maritime history, with explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan setting sail from here to discover the New World.

Day 6: Lisbon

Your day is at leisure to enjoy Lisbon. Explore the city on foot, or aboard one of the capital’s iconic yellow trams. Alternatively, take a day excursion to Sintra Palace and Cascais.

Day 7: Fly home

Transfer to Lisbon Airport for your departure flight home.

Included meals: 6 breakfasts

Discover Europe by Rail

The golden age of rail travel: when the well-dressed and well-heeled reclined in art-deco carriages, as they were whisked between Europe’s grandest cities under towers of steam. Yet you could argue that the true golden age is now. It has never been easier to explore the continent by train, thanks to a large, integrated railway network and high-speed services such as AVE in Spain and Le Frecce in Italy.

We can arrange a tailor-made rail journey that visits the highlights of one or multiple destinations across Europe, expertly designed to suit your passions and preferences. Recreate the famous route from London to Istanbul, journey on impossibly scenic lines such as Switzerland’s Alpine railway, and more.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Europe’s sleeper trains allow you to fall asleep in one fascinating city and wake up in another. The Rome-to-Sicily sleeper takes you from the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome to the island of Sicily with an unforgettable water crossing by train ferry. Spain’s long, luxurious Al Andalus offers full-week rail journeys visiting Seville, Córdoba, Cadiz, Ronda and Granada, with nights spent in en-suite, air-conditioned cabins replete with period detail. Or opt for a short, scenic train trip, such as BosniaHerzegovina’s Sarajevo-to-Mostar route, which lets you admire views of forested mountains, glassy lakes, and tucked-away villages.

AVE, SPAIN

HIGH-SPEED TRAVEL • VISITS KEY SPANISH CITIES • OFFERS THREE TRAVEL CLASSES

‘Ave’ is the Spanish word for ‘bird’ – apt, considering this rail service matches the dive speeds of the peregrine falcon, the world’s fastest animal. Each year, the trains of Alta Velocidad Española (‘Spanish High Speed’) take millions of passengers between Spain’s key cities, including Barcelona, Córdoba, Madrid and Seville. Recline in modern, air-conditioned carriages in your choice of three classes. On board, there’s a buffet coach, multimedia entertainment, generous luggage space, and power outlets for keeping your devices topped up. You can cover Madrid to Barcelona – around 625km – in as little as 2.5 hours.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Vienna, Munich & Zurich by Rail

9 days & 8 nights

Superior | From £1,995

Explore a selection of Central Europe’s cultural highlights by rail, beginning with Vienna and its grand Habsburg palaces. Continue to Bavaria’s capital, Munich, home to the bustling Viktualienmarkt and the bejewelled Palatine Crown. Finish in Zurich with a cruise on the Limmat river and walk around the picturesque old town.

Day 1: Arrive Vienna, Austria

Travel by train from London St Pancras to Vienna, connecting in Brussels with an overnight sleeper service, aboard which you have a private cabin.

Days 2-4: Vienna

Arrive in Vienna and check in at Hotel Kaiserhof Wien for 3 nights. The following two days are at leisure to explore Vienna. Highlights include the grand Habsburg palaces of Hofburg and Schönbrunn; St Stephen’s Cathedral, with its lofty tower and striped, multicoloured rooftop; and the city’s renowned konditoreien (patisseries) –perfect for a break between sights. You may

FRECCIAROSSA, ITALY

HIGH-SPEED TRAVEL • VISITS POPULAR ITALIAN CITIES • OFFERS FOUR TRAVEL CLASSES

The Frecciarossa – meaning ‘Red Arrow’ –zips across Italy at up to 300km per hour. Launched in 2008, this intercity train service visits an array of popular destinations, including Bologna, Naples, Florence and Rome. Thanks to the Frecciarossa’s speed, the 570km journey between Bologna and Naples – comparable to travelling from London to Inverness – can take as little as 3.5 hours. Passengers are accommodated in modern, comfortable carriages and can satisfy their appetite in the buffet coach. Depending on your preference, you can travel in Standard, Premium, Business, or Executive Class.

GOTTHARD, SWITZERLAND

DRAMATIC ALPINE PANORAMAS • PASS THROUGH THE 19TH-CENTURY GOTTHARD TUNNEL

Opened in 1882, the Gotthard Railway was built to cut north-to-south through the Swiss Alps via the St Gotthard Pass, traversing the very heart of Switzerland. Today it remains one of Europe’s highest and most scenic railways. The Gotthard Panorama Express takes you from Lake Lucerne to Ticino, or vice versa, offering ever-changing vistas of plunging green gorges, ice-capped mountains and spectacular viaducts, as well as three different angles of the landmark church of Wassen. You can begin or end your journey with a romantic boat trip across Lake Lucerne aboard a historic paddle steamer.

also wish to visit the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, just a 1-hour rail journey away.

Days 5 & 6: Munich, Germany

Depart Vienna for Munich by train. Check in at Hotel Excelsior by Geisel for 2 nights. The next day is at leisure to explore Munich. The restored old town tempts visitors into the heart of the city, where you can admire the old and new townhalls that overlook Marienplatz square, taste food from the Viktualienmarkt, compare two contrasting churches – austere Frauenkirche and ostentatious Asamkirche – and visit the Residenz München, which houses a rare treasure: the jewel-encrusted Palatine Crown. Days 7 & 8: Zurich, Switzerland

Travel from Munich to Zurich, Switzerland by train. Check in at Hotel Adler for 2 nights.

The following day is at leisure to explore Zurich. Straddling the Limmat river, the city’s walkable old town is a must, with its leafy avenues, cobbled squares and traditional buildings with brightly painted window shutters. Landmarks include the Fraumünster church, whose clocktower is capped by a tall, slender and oxidised spire; and the equally handsome Grossmünster church, inaugurated in around 1220. Perhaps see the city from the water with a cruise along the Limmat.

Day 9: Return home

Depart Zurich for Paris, before proceeding via Eurostar to London St Pancras.

Included meals: 8 breakfasts

Discover Turkey & the Caucasus

Turkey has played a major role in the history of the Mediterranean world. Straddling two continents, it became a crucial crossroads and staging post on the trade routes between East and West. Several empires rose and fell here over the centuries, including the Hittites, Byzantines and Ottomans, and relics from these periods survive, from ancient Troy to Byzantine Hagia Sophia and Ottoman Topkapi Palace. There are natural wonders, too, including Pamukkale’s travertine terraces and Cappadocia’s ‘fairy chimneys’.

To the east, on the ancient Silk Road, lies the Caucasus region. Encompassing Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, it offers some of Europe’s oldest churches, fine wines and cognacs, as well as the impressive palaces and mosques commissioned by the Khans who once ruled here.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Once the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul is an essential stop on a visit to Turkey. The city’s 15th-century Topkapi Palace, home to the sultans and their families, remains a magnificent treasure house and, together with the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, reflects a fascinating fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. For wine enthusiasts, Georgia’s Kakheti region stands apart. The oldest evidence of viticulture found anywhere in the world was discovered in this mountainous region, where we can arrange tastings amid bucolic surrounds. Kakheti is also home to Gremi, a 16th-century hilltop citadel on the Silk Road; and the 11th-century Alaverdi Monastery.

YEREVAN, ARMENIA

NEOCLASSICAL SOVIET ARCHITECTURE

• VIEWS OF MOUNT ARARAT • MUSEUM OF ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS

The Soviets transformed Yerevan from a small provincial town into the capital it is today, a compact city of wide boulevards, neoclassical buildings and uniquely Armenian touches such as the use of pink stone and traditional carvings.

Essential stops include the Museum of Ancient Manuscripts; Garni, a royal summer house originally built as a temple; and the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries.

EXPERIENCES

CRUISE

Cappadocia is famed for its striking rock landscape, including fantastical ‘fairy chimneys’ and the centuries-old dwellings and churches carved into them. In addition to touring the region, you can stay in a rockcarved hotel yourself, such as the Yunak Evleri cave houses or the luxurious Museum Hotel.

The Bosphorus Strait divides Istanbul – and Turkey itself – between Europe and Asia. Discover the impressive sights on both shores with a Bosphorus cruise. From Istanbul, you can sail as far as the Black Sea, passing Ottoman mansions, castles and forts; forested hills; and pretty villages.

TELAVI, GEORGIA

CENTRE OF GEORGIA’S VITICULTURE • TUSCAN-STYLE SETTING

If it weren’t for the occasional Lada and shop signs in the distinctive Georgian alphabet, you could believe you were in Tuscany when visiting Telavi. This pretty hilltop town is surrounded by the rolling, vine-strewn hills of the Kakheti region – the heart of George’s wine industry for millennia.

Nearby, you’ll find the small, fortified town of Sighnaghi, a worthy detour famous for its wine and carpet making.

Armenian brandy was reputedly a favourite tipple of Winston Churchill, who it’s said arranged for several cases to be shipped to him each year. You can sample this spirit yourself at the Armenian factory which once supplied it to the Tsars of Russia and the rulers of the USSR.

SUGGESTED

Hidden Treasures of Eastern Turkey

Duration • 14 days & 13 nights

Price • From £9,595 (incl. flights)

Category • Standard

Turkey’s less-visited eastern reaches were shaped by ancient powers, from the Mongol khans to Armenian kings. This region is home to the source of the Euphrates, vast Lake Van and Mount Ararat – biblical in both senses of the word. Highlights of your private journey include a sunrise ascent of Mount Nemrut to see the stone heads of ancient gods, a visit to the 12,000-year-old ruins of Göbekli Tepe, a boat trip on Turkey’s largest lake to its island church and a tour of the Ottoman-era Ishak Pasha Palace.

Day 1: Arrive Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul and overnight at Royan Hotel Hagia Sophia

Day 2: Malatya

Take the short flight to Malatya and visit Malatya Museum, whose archaeological exhibits span the neolithic to the Ottoman eras. Overnight at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Malatya

Day 3: Nemrut Mountain • Urfa

Ascend Mount Nemrut in time for sunrise. Here you visit ruins from the Commagene Kingdom, including the scattered stone heads of ancient gods. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Adiyaman, and the remains of ancient Perre, which include city walls, a necropolis and a fountain still used today. Drive to Urfa and stay 2 nights at Hilton Garden Inn Sanliurfa

Day 4: Harran • Urfa

Privately tour Harran, notable for its beehiveshaped mud houses. Return to Urfa.

Day 5: Göbekli Tepe • Mardin

Visit the UNESCO-listed site of Göbekli Tepe, whose ruins date from 10,000 BC. Continue to the city of Mardin and visit the Deyrulzafaran –or ‘Saffron Monastery’ – a centuries-old church. Spend 2 nights at Hilton Garden Inn Mardin

Day 6: Mardin

Guided tour of Mardin, visiting Mardin Museum, the historic centre, the lively bazaar and the Mor Gabriel Monastery.

Days 7 & 8: Van

Drive to Van, arriving by dinnertime, and stay 2 nights at DoubleTree by Hilton Van. The following day, visit the Urartian fortress of Cavustepe, and Lake Van – Turkey’s largest lake – for a boat ride to Akdamar Island and its solitary church.

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Day 9: Doğubeyazit

Drive to Doğubeyazit and visit the hilltop Ottoman-era Ishak Pasha Palace. Spend the night at Sim-er Hotel

Day 10: Ani • Kars

Drive to Kars and visit Kars Castle, and the Armenian ruins of Ani, replete with excavated churches. Overnight at Hotel Katerina Sarayi

Day 11: Erzurum

Transfer to Erzurum, visiting various Seljuk and Mongolian monuments en route. Overnight at Hilton Garden Inn Erzurum

Day 12: Trabzon

Drive to Trabzon, visiting the 4th-century Sumela Monastery, which is set into a sheer cliff face within Altindere Valley National Park; and the Hagia Sophia church-turned-museum. Overnight at Radisson Blu Hotel Trabzon

Days 13 & 14: Istanbul • Fly home

Fly to Istanbul and overnight at Royan Hotel Hagia Sophia. Return home the following day.

Included meals: 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 13 dinners

SUGGESTED

Georgia & Armenia: Crossroads of the Caucasus

Duration • 10 days & 9 nights

Price • From £2,995 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

Explore two of the Caucasus’ most riveting countries on this private journey, tailored to you. You begin in Georgia, touring its capital by metro, cable car and riverboat, as well as visiting the cave ruins of Uplistsikhe, Gori’s Stalin Museum, and the Kakheti wine region. Cross the border into Armenia, one of the first Christian nations, to experience its medieval monasteries, ancient cave dwellings, storied capital and tremendous natural beauty – from vast, blue Lake Sevan to the plunging gorge of Garni.

Day 1: Arrive Tbilisi, Georgia

Arrive in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, and stay 4 nights at Clocks Hotel Tbilisi

Day 2: Tbilisi

Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Tbilisi, exploring via metro, cable car, river boat and on foot. Visit the historic centre, as well as the Mother Georgia statue and the fortress of Narikala.

Day 3: Uplistsikhe • Gori • Tbilisi

Visit the cave ruins of Uplistsikhe, one of Georgia’s oldest settlements, and the Joseph Stalin Museum in nearby Gori, including the Soviet dictator’s bulletproof train carriage. Return to Tbilisi.

Day 4: Kakheti • Tbilisi

Sample the fruits of Georgia’s millennia-old viticulture in Kakheti, seeing the traditional process as well as tasting local wines and fiery chacha spirit. You also visit an artisan specialising in felt crafts. Return to Tbilisi for a funicular ride to Mtatsminda Park and enjoy nocturnal views across the city.

Day 5: Dilijan, Armenia

Cross into Armenia and visit the 10th-century Haghpat Monastery, followed by picturesque Lake Parz and the Goshavank Monastery. Arrive in Dilijan and overnight at Best Western Paradise Hotel Dilijan.

Day 6: Lake Sevan • Mikaelyan Farm • Selim Caravanserai • Goris

Drive to the vast, blue lake of Sevan where you visit the medieval monastery of Sevanavank. Continue to Mikaelyan Family Farm for insight into Armenian cheese production, and the Selim Caravanserai, a 14th-century mountainside rest stop. Arrive in Goris and overnight at Mirhav Hotel

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Day 7: Khndzoresk • Tatev • Qarahunj • Areni • Norovank • Yerevan

En route to Yerevan, stop at the hillside village and caves of Khndzoresk; Tatev Monastery, arriving via cable car over a gorge; the Qarahunj standing stones; Areni’s ancient caves, home to the earliest known winery; and the 13th-century Noravank Monastery. Arrive in Yerevan and stay 3 nights at Opera Suite Hotel.

Day 8: Yerevan

Take a guided tour of Armenia’s capital,

including its major landmarks, markets, manuscript museum and brandy distillery.

Day 9: Geghard • Garni • Yerevan

Visit the mountain-carved monastery of Geghard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Continue to Garni’s restored Pagan temple and remarkable rock formations.

Day 10: Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Included meals: 9 breakfasts

Discover Greece & the Balkans

Greece: where ancient colonnaded temples and vibrant modern cities glisten under the same sun. The birthplace of Western civilisation is woven with a rich mythology and offers up a trove of celebrated art and architecture. Beyond the mainland attractions, there are some 1,400 islands to explore, including Crete, land of the Minoans; the sandy Cyclades; and oft-overlooked Evia.

For more under-the-radar delights, south-east Europe delivers in the form of Romania’s folkloric castles, Albania’s Ottoman-era towns, and Croatia’s fortified, Aegean-side city of Dubrovnik. Other worthy stops include Bulgaria with its Balkan peaks, Black Sea beaches and numerous churches; and Bosnia-Herzegovina, whose eclectic architecture is surrounded by the Dinaric Alps.

C&K RECOMMENDS

The Greek island of Evia is blessed with archaeological wonders, crowdless beaches, idyllic wineries and historic towns. Yet, despite being just over the bridge from Athens, it’s mostly off the tourist map. As well as exploring the island itself, we can arrange for you to sail along the Euripus Strait that divides it from mainland Greece and is notable for its tidal reversal. Relish views of craggy headlands, tuckedaway harbours and quiet coves. For another of Greece’s under-theradar islands, visit Serifos, a rugged beauty with steep mountains, broad bays, twisting streets and white-washed houses.

METEORA

SAMPLE THE FAMOUS TRUFFLES • VISIT BYZANTINE MONASTERIES

When medieval monks stumbled upon vast sandstone pillars jutting out of Thessaly’s green hills, they saw potential. The precipices of Meteora (meaning ‘suspended in the air’) became the base of some 24 monasteries – six of which survive today and form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forests beneath, meanwhile, shelter prized wild truffles, allowing you to combine a visit to the monasteries with a truffle hunting and tasting experience.

EXPERIENCES

TASTINGS AT SKENDERBEU WINERY, ALBANIA

We can arrange for you to sample celebrated tipples at the Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu Winery, Albania’s largest winery. Founded in 1933 and named after national hero, Skenderbeu (Skanderbeg), it’s famed for its brandy, which you can try on a tour of the distillery, production line and cellar.

TOUR DUBROVNIK’S OLD TOWN, CROATIA

Dubrovnik, described by Byron as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is a city of rich cultural heritage and Mediterranean beauty. Its central appeal lies in the old town, Stari Grad, with its marble-paved squares, steep cobbled streets, tall houses, baroque churches and gothic palaces. The intact city walls keep motorists at bay, allowing for a seamless walking tour with our experts.

TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA

SAXON CHURCHES • MOUNTAIN SCENERY • MEDIEVAL CASTLES

Romania’s Transylvania region is a picture of sprawling forests, Saxon churches, fairy-tale castles and rural villages, set against the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvanian Alps. Britain’s King Charles III – a distant ancestor of Vlad the Impaler –owns properties here, including a restored guesthouse in the village of Zalanpatak. Further highlights include the iconic Bran Castle, the fiery local brandy of Palinca, and the pastel-hued, UNESCO-listed town of Sighisoara.

Mostar was named after the keepers of the Stari Most bridge – built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, rebuilt after destruction, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reconstructed old town surrounding it gives you a glimpse into the past. We can arrange for you to arrive here by train on one of Europe’s most scenic railway journeys.

The Secret Cyclades: Serifos,

Syros &

Tinos

Duration • 11 days & 10 nights

Price • From £1,395 (incl. flights)

Category • Standard

This island-hopping tour explores three of Greece’s lesser-known Cyclades islands: Serifos, Syros and Tinos. Enjoy some time in Athens, the Greek capital, before moving on to spend a couple of days on each of these three tranquil islands, which are a far cry from the crowds of Mykonos and Santorini. Amid rugged coastal scenery, enjoy leisure time to amble the winding streets of white-washed towns and unwind beside quiet harbours.

Day 1: Fly to Athens

Fly to Athens. Transfer to the Arion Hotel for 1 night. Time at leisure to enjoy the Greek capital.

Day 2: Athens • Serifos

Transfer to the port of Piraeus for the 2.5-hour crossing to Serifos in the western Cyclades. Transfer to Dorkas Studios for 2 nights. Free time to explore the local town of Livádion.

Day 3: Serifos

Full day to explore ruggedly beautiful Serifos. Be sure to take a ride up to Hora, the island’s ‘capital’, a maze of twisting streets with a neoclassical town hall and a blue-domed church.

Day 4: Serifos • Syros

Morning transfer to the port and a 4-hour ferry crossing to Syros. Check in at the beachfront Brazzera Hotel for 3 nights.

Days 5 & 6: Syros

Enjoy two full days to explore Syros, the administrative centre and most populous island of the Cyclades. The main town, Ermoupoli, is a maze of pink and white buildings tumbling down the hillside, and well worth exploring. Your following day is at leisure.

Day 7: Syros • Tinos

Take the short ferry transfer to Tinos. Stay for 3 nights at Nama Boutique Hotel

Days 8 & 9: Tinos

Explore Tinos, an island known for its Orthodox pilgrimage site, the Church of the Annunciation, situated in the main town (also known as Hora). Beyond the town, Tinos is a patchwork of 40 marble-ornamented villages found in hidden bays and terraced hillsides. Your following day is at leisure.

Day 10: Tinos • Athens

Return to Athens via a 4-hour crossing to Rafina Port, then transfer to Arion Hotel for 1 night. Free time to enjoy a meal in the Plaka neighbourhood that surrounds the Acropolis.

Day 11: Fly home

Transfer to Athens Airport and fly home.

Included meals: 10 breakfasts

SUGGESTED

Across Albania & Kosovo

Duration • 10 days & 9 nights

Price • From £3,495 (incl. flights)

Category • Standard

Discover the best of an oft-overlooked corner of the Mediterranean. Known as the Cradle of the Balkans, Albania is home to a wealth of natural and historic sites. Beyond Tirana, its lively capital, lies spectacular mountain and coastal scenery as well as pretty Ottoman-era towns such as Gjirokastër and Kruja. It’s also home to important Greek and Roman sites, most notably Apollonia. Neighbouring Kosovo is a young country where you can admire medieval monasteries adorned with Byzantine frescoes and meander around historic Ottoman towns with winding streets.

Day 1: Arrive Tirana, Albania

Transfer and stay at the Hotel Opera for 2 nights. Enjoy a welcome drink at KomitetiKafe Museum.

Day 2: Tirana

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Tirana, followed by a visit to BunkArt – an antinuclear bunker that’s now a museum and modern art gallery. Afterwards, visit Bektashi World Centre, the headquarters of a Dervish sect that fuses elements of Shia and Sufi Islam. Your afternoon is at leisure.

Day 3: Apollonia • Gjirokastër

Drive to the historic Ottoman town of Gjirokastër, pausing en route to visit the Graeco-Roman ruins of Apollonia. Check into Hotel Argjiro for 2 nights.

Day 4: Butrint • Gjirokastër

Tour the ancient ruins of Butrint and visit the historic city of Sarandë. Return to Gjirokastër.

Day 5: Gjirokastër • Berat

Spend the morning touring the key sights of Gjirokastër. Visit Hoxha’s birthplace and learn more about Albania’s recent history. In the afternoon, depart for the town of Berat, pausing en route to Check in at Hotel Onufri for 2 nights.

Day 6: Berat

Explore UNESCO-listed Berat, visiting the Onufri Museum and the town castle. This afternoon, meet a local family and learn how to prepare raki – a strong spirit – as well as traditional coffee.

Day 7: Prizren, Kosovo

Depart Berat and cross the border to Prizren,

the historic and cultural capital of Kosovo. Transfer to Hotel Kacinari for 2 nights.

Day 8: Prizren • Pristina

Visit Gracanica Monastery and its elaborate Byzantine frescoes, then tour Pristina, including both the modern city and the historic Ottoman district, which dates from the 14th century.

Day 9: Kruja, Albania

Return to Albania for an afternoon tour of Kruja’s highlights. Stay overnight at Hotel Panorama Kruje

Day 10: Fly home

Transfer to Tirana Airport for your flight home or proceed to Budva in Montenegro to begin your extension.

Included meals: 9 breakfasts and 2 dinners

Discover Scandinavia

SWEDEN |

NORWAY

| FINLAND | ICELAND | DENMARK | FAROE ISLANDS

Across Norway, Sweden and Denmark, head-turning nature abounds. Fjords cut through vaulting mountains and emerald forests, islands stagger out from crystalline waters, and the ephemeral ribbons of the northern lights ripple above the Arctic Circle. Some of Earth’s most picturesque water, rail and road journeys are waiting for you.

Amid this nature, you’ll find highly liveable cities with understated confidence. Trends are set and broken here, in the bold, modern designs of buildings and in the gourmet kitchens. Yet history and tradition survive, with medieval churches and wood-clad harbour towns that feel ageless, and museums that explore the origin of the seafaring Vikings. More legends and landscapes await in the wider Nordic world, which includes Finland, Iceland and the rarely visited Faroe Islands.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Norway is pretty as a picture, whether you’re looking at it from the land or the water. Connecting mountainous Myrdal with fjord-side Flåm, the Flåmsbana Railway offers you one of the best vantage points. Roll along at a leisurely pace in vintage carriages, passing farms and river bends flanked by plunging, forested slopes. Follow this with a cruise through mountains along one of Norway’s longest fjords. Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is a city of islands and has its own navigable waterways. Boat trips here grant you a novel view of the landmarks, from the Royal Palace to the attractive Djurgården island.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

TOUR THE OLD TOWN OF GAMLA STAN

• SEE THE CITY BY BOAT • VISIT VASA’S VIKING SHIP

Nicknamed the ‘Venice of the North’, Sweden’s capital stretches across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. Its history is preserved in the cobbled old town and various Viking museums. It’s also eminently explorable – on foot, by boat and via the metro, whose eccentric stations are themselves an attraction. Wander between harbours, parks, galleries, and cafes perfect for a fika (coffee and pastry in good company).

HELSINKI, FINLAND

IMPRESSIVE ART-DECO BUILDINGS • FINNISH SAUNA CULTURE • VISIT IN WINTER OR SUMMER

Set on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Finland’s capital is one of the world’s most liveable cities. Helsinki’s wide avenues are lined with buildings of eclectic style, from gothic through to art deco and contemporary. During winter here, you can embrace Finnish sauna culture, tour the Christmas markets and warm up in cosy cafes. At the peak of summer, explore the city until late, with near round-the-clock sunlight.

REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND

EXCELLENT NIGHTLIFE • CENTRE OF CULTURE • CLOSE TO NATURE INCLUDING THE BLUE LAGOON

First settled by Vikings in 870 AD, the world’s most northerly capital is also Iceland’s most populous city. Reykjavík is home to the expressionist Hallgrimskirkja church, as well as pioneering musicians, writers and film makers. Framed by the majestic Mount Esja and Faxaflói Bay, the city enjoys a wonderful natural setting, with the tempting thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon as well as whalewatching opportunities in close reach.

TRONDHEIM, NORWAY

RENOWNED GASTRONOMY • EASILY EXPLORED ON FOOT • HOME TO GOTHIC NIDAROS CATHEDRAL

Today, Norway’s Viking-age capital is a certified European Region of Gastronomy. When you aren’t sampling elk, cloudberries, or straight-off-the-boat crayfish, explore the cobbled streets of this compact, walkable city. Nidaros Cathedral sits atop the tomb of Viking King Olaf and is a must, while the Nidelva River allows you to cruise past the city’s colourful merchant houses into Trondheimsfjord – the third-longest fjord in Norway.

FAROE ISLANDS

BARREN ISLAND BEAUTY • BIRD WATCHING • NORDIC HISTORY

Equidistant between Iceland, Scotland and Norway, the 18 islands of the Faroes are home to fewer than 60,000 people, and feel truly remote. Picture misty promontories that dwarf the timber houses on their edges, and treeless hills speckled by hardy wildflowers and equally hardy Faroese sheep. Here, you can go island hopping and birdwatching, dine on the freshest seafood and tour turf houses and stone churches.

The Heart of Scandinavia: Stockholm to Trondheim

Duration • 8 days & 7 nights

Price • From £4,695 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

On this leisurely paced holiday, you explore Sweden and neighbouring Norway by rail, road and boat. Start in Stockholm, admiring the historic buildings of Gamla Stan, cruising the Royal Canal and touring the Vasa Museum. Take the train north to the scenic slopes of Åre, staying in comfort at a mountain lodge. Then cross the border to Trondheim, the Viking-age capital, where a boat tour ferries you past wood-clad merchant houses into the shimmering waters of one of Norway’s largest fjords.

Day 1: Arrive Stockholm, Sweden

Arrive in Stockholm and privately transfer to your hotel. There’s time to independently explore, should you wish to visit the historic centre or step into one of the excellent restaurants and bars nearby. Stay 2 nights at Hotel At Six

Day 2: Stockholm

Explore Stockholm on a 3-hour tour with a local guide and private driver. Your tour includes a visit to the historic centre, Gamla Stan, home to the baroque Royal Palace and the 13thcentury cathedral of Storkyrkan – the city’s oldest church. Afterwards, entrance to the Vasa Museum allows you to see the preserved hull of a 17th-century warship. This afternoon, admire Stockholm from

the water on a canal tour looping around Djurgården island.

Days 3 & 4: Åre

This day is a travel day, bringing you to the scenic slopes of Åre. You are privately driven from your hotel to Stockholm Central railway station, where you ride the train in First Class to Östersund. Upon arrival, you’re privately transferred to Copperhill Mountain Lodge for a 2-night stay. The following day is at leisure.

Day 5: Trondheim, Norway

Private road transfer from Åre to Trondheim, crossing the border into neighbouring Norway. Remainder of the day at leisure. Stay 3 nights at the Britannia Hotel.

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Days 6 & 7: Trondheim

The Nidelva River bisects Trondheim and today’s boat tour along its course lets you admire the city from the water. Pass through the centre, by historical merchant houses whose colourful wood-clad facades have been preserved, and into Trondheimsfjord – the third-longest fjord in Norway. The following day is at leisure.

Day 8: Fly home

Private transfer to Trondheim Airport for your departure flight.

Included meals: 7 breakfasts

SUGGESTED

Iceland: The Golden Circle & The South

Duration • 5 days & 4 nights

Price • From £3,495 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

Iceland’s smoking volcanoes, geothermal springs, spouting geysers and bubbling fumaroles offer an insight into the fiery beginnings of planet Earth. Frolic amid this elemental nature on a tour of the highlights, including the waterfalls and geysers of the Golden Circle and southern coast, the lively and compact capital of Reykjavík, and the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.

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Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavík

Arrive at Keflavik Airport and transfer to Reykjavík. Stay 4 nights at Hotel Reykjavík Saga

Day 2: Reykjavík

Enjoy a private tour of Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, learning about the city’s storied past. This afternoon, visit the Blue Lagoon for a chance to bathe in the silica-rich geothermal waters.

Day 3: Reykjavík

Navigate Iceland’s Golden Circle, the scenic route linking many of the country’s greatest natural and historical landmarks. Your shared excursion begins in UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, where you can see Iceland’s

Viking-age parliament, and the rift dividing Europe from North America. Continue to the hot springs of the Haukadalur Valley, home to the dependable Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 10 minutes or so. Next, visit Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls, and the aquamarine crater lake of Kerid, nicknamed the ‘Eye of the World’. Finish in the geothermal town of Hveragerdi, with its hot-spring heated greenhouses and earthquake exhibition.

Day 4: Reykjavík

Embark on a comprehensive tour of Iceland’s southern wonders. Your shared excursion visits the dramatic waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss – the latter offering a chance to stand behind its cascading curtain; the volcanic black-sand beach of Reynisfjara, with its roiling

waves and remarkable basalt columns; and Vik, a small coastal town with a charming redroofed church.

Day 5: Fly home

This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Included meals: 4 breakfasts

MIDDLE EAST& NORTH AFRICA

Vast sweeps of desert, centuries-old cities and layers of history lie at the heart of the Middle East and North Africa. This is a region where ancient ruins sit beside Islamic mosques and where the stories of early civilisations are visible at every turn.

Chart the legacy of the antiquity in North Africa’s Roman cities, Jordan’s rockcarved Petra and the temple complexes along the Nile in Egypt. As the birthplace of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, it remains a place of pilgrimage, yet modern life thrives in cities such as Cairo, Riyadh and Marrakech.

Nature is equally compelling. The dunes of the Sahara, Sharqiya and Wadi Rum make captivating settings for desert camps and 4x4 exploration. The Atlas and Hajar mountains offer superb hiking, while coastlines along the Red Sea and Mediterranean provide opportunities to swim, snorkel, or just unwind.

With extensive regional knowledge and trusted local guides, Cox & Kings arranges journeys that reveal the region’s depth in all its textures.

View our full collection online The destinations and tours featured in this brochure represent a small sample of what we offer. Our website contains a wealth of additional itineraries, detailed country guides and accommodation options.

Discover Egypt

Egypt has captivated cultural travellers since the 19th century and it continues to fascinate anyone with an interest in ancient history. Home to an extraordinary concentration of archaeological treasures, it offers a journey through temples, tombs and monumental sites on a scale seen nowhere else.

Many visitors begin in Cairo, then travel north to Alexandria, a Mediterranean city with strong Greek, Roman and modern influences. Further south, a multi-night cruise along the Nile remains one of the most rewarding ways to explore, with most historic sites lining the riverbanks. Cruises range from larger vessels to intimate dahabeyas. To round off a trip, the Red Sea coast offers crystalline waters, golden sands and excellent snorkelling over colourful reefs.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Egypt is best enjoyed in the cooler months of autumn and spring, when daytime temperatures are comfortable for exploring. A journey along the Nile takes you between temple complexes, tombs and riverside villages, with the option to cruise aboard anything from a traditional dahabeya to a larger, modern vessel. Winter is mild in the south around Luxor and Aswan, while December and January can feel cooler in Cairo and Alexandria. In summer, visitor numbers fall, making it easier to experience major highlights. To relax at the end of a trip, head to the Red Sea coast, with its clear waters and and sandy beaches.

CAIRO

PYRAMIDS & THE GREAT SPHINX AT GIZA • ANCIENT KHAN EL-KHALILI SOUK

Cairo is Egypt’s energetic capital, where Islamic, Coptic and Jewish heritage shape the city’s eastern quarters. Here, wander the Khan el Khalili bazaar, and explore historic mosques and citadels. To the west, Giza is home to the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx and the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, showcasing Tutankhamun’s treasures. Nearby Sakkara, Dashour and ancient Memphis reveal further layers of pharaonic history.

LUXOR

EAST BANK TEMPLES OF KARNAK & LUXOR • VALLEY OF THE KINGS & QUEENS ON THE WEST BANK

Luxor is a modern city framed by some of Egypt’s most remarkable ancient sites. On the East Bank, visit the vast Karnak temple complex and the illuminated Luxor Temple. Across the Nile on the West Bank lies the necropolis, home to the Valley of the Kings and the lesser-visited Valley of the Queens, where richly decorated royal tombs await discovery.

ALEXANDRIA

TEMPLE OF PHILAE • NUBIAN MUSEUM • SAIL ON A TRADITIONAL FELUCCA

Aswan’s highlight is the Temple of Philae, relocated to Agilkia Island in the 1960s to save it from flooding and now one of the Nile’s most striking sights. The city also boasts the excellent Nubian Museum, which explores the heritage of southern Egypt’s Nubian communities. A gentle sail on a traditional felucca provides a memorable way to experience Aswan’s tranquil stretch of river.

SEE THE COLOSSAL TEMPLE OF RAMSES II • DAY EXCURSION FROM ASWAN

Set on the shores of Lake Nasser, Abu Simbel is home to the dazzling Temple of Ramses II, carved into the rock with four seated statues each around 20 metres high. Following the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the temple was relocated in the 1960s. Beside it sits the smaller Temple of Nefertari. Most travellers visit on a day trip from Aswan by air, but it’s also possible to travel by road through the desert.

CATACOMBS OF KOM EL SHUGAFA • WAR MEMORIALS & MONASTERIES • SEAFOOD ON THE SHORE

Along Egypt’s northern coast, Alexandria is a major Mediterranean port and a crossroads of Graeco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic heritage. Walk the Corniche and enjoy seafood overlooking the water. Key sights include the Catacombs of Kom El Shugafa, the Roman amphitheatre and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Nearby, El Alamein’s war memorials and the monasteries of Wadi Natrun can be visited via Cairo.

STAY

Sanctuary’s Nile Adventurer and Sun Boat IV both offer refined cruising along the Nile with expert Egyptologists on board. The 32-cabin Nile Adventurer blends contemporary décor with Egyptian touches, featuring a teak sundeck with private cabanas and a pool, plus gourmet dining and varied sightseeing on 3- or 4-night itineraries. Sun Boat IV combines art deco style with modern comforts, offering 34 standard cabins and suites, elegant dining surrounded by handpainted Nubian motifs, and a sun deck with heated pool for relaxed viewing of the passing river landscapes.

The Oberoi Philae offers multi-night cruises between Aswan and Luxor, combining Nile views with signature Oberoi service. Shore excursions are included and led by an English-speaking Egyptologist, travelling in small luxury coaches. The ship has 22 spacious cabins and suites – among the largest on the Nile – each with French doors, a sitting area and a marble bathroom with a rain shower. On the upper deck is a temperature-controlled pool and poolside dining, with further meals served in the main restaurant. Additional facilities include a spa, gym, cinema, cigar lounge and highspeed Wi-Fi.

Standing on a hill overlooking the Nile and Elephantine Island, The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract’s distinctive Victorian façade is recognisable from the film adaptation of “Death on the Nile”. Inside, a historic lobby with marble floors and Islamic arches sets the tone. The property offers two notable styles: the heritage-rich Palace wing and the more contemporary Nile Wing. Four restaurants include the fine-dining 1902 Restaurant and there are two stylish bars for evening relaxation. On-site facilities include a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and terraces with superb river views.

SUGGESTED

Egyptian Grand Tour: Nile Cruise & Lake Nasser

Duration • 13 days & 12 nights

Price • From £4,995 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

This comprehensive journey is designed for travellers wishing to experience Egypt’s major highlights in comfort. Begin in Cairo, exploring historic districts and bustling bazaars, before flying to Luxor to join a multi-night cruise along the Nile, visiting celebrated temples and ancient tombs along its banks. Continue south to Abu Simbel to board a second cruise on Lake Nasser, offering access to lesser-visited Nubian sites. The trip concludes with time in Giza and a day excursion to Alexandria.

Day 1: Fly to Cairo

Arrive in Cairo and transfer to the InterContinental Semiramis for 2 nights.

Day 2: Cairo

Half-day tour of Islamic Cairo and the bazaar.

Days 3 & 4: Fly to Luxor

Transfer to Cairo airport for an early flight to Luxor. On arrival, board the Mövenpick Royal Lily for a 4-night cruise. Afternoon trip to the East Bank to see Luxor and Karnak temples. The next morning, visit the Valley of the Kings and Queens and the Temple of Hatshepsut on the West Bank, then sail to Edfu via Esna lock.

Day 5: Edfu • Kom Ombo

Morning visit to the Temple of Horus.

Afternoon cruise to Kom Ombo to see the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris. Continue sailing to Aswan.

Day 6: Aswan

Morning visits to the Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Philae. Afternoon felucca trip on the Nile.

Day 7: Fly to Abu Simbel

Fly to Abu Simbel and board the Prince Abbas for a 3-night Lake Nasser cruise. Visit the Abu Simbel temple complex, with an optional evening sound and light show.

Day 8: Sail to Qasr Ibrim

Visit the Temple of Amada, the rock-cut Temple of Derr and the Tomb of Penout.

Day 9: Wadi El Sebua

Morning visit to the Temple of Wadi El Sebua. Afternoon cruise to Aswan.

Days 10-12: Aswan • Fly to Cairo • Giza Disembark and visit the Temple of Kalabsha. Fly to Cairo and transfer to the InterContinental Semiramis for 3 nights. During your stay in the capital, take a full-day tour of the Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum, as well as a day trip to Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city on the Mediterranean coast.

Day 13: Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Included meals: 12 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners

Discover Morocco

Get lost in the labyrinthine souks of Marrakech – once a key crossroads of the ancient caravan routes – and stay in a boutique riad. Explore Morocco’s imperial cities, from the ruins of Roman Volubilis to the medieval alleyways of Fez and the wide avenues of Rabat. Venture into the wild, trekking the valleys and peaks of the Atlas Mountains and camping beneath the stars in the Sahara Desert, or unwind in coastal towns such as Essaouira or Agadir.

All of this lies just a short flight from the UK, making Morocco an ideal destination for a complete change of scene without the need for long-haul travel. Its varied landscapes and atmospheric cities mean even a short trip can feel wonderfully restorative.

C&K RECOMMENDS

From staying in traditional riads and browsing winding souks to exploring dramatic mountain passes and the open expanse of the Sahara, Morocco offers a rewarding mix of experiences for visitors. Travel between Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier is easy thanks to a modern high-speed rail network, while coastal towns such as Essaouira provide a relaxed base with sea breezes year-round. Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable times to visit Marrakech and the Atlas foothills. The High Atlas can be snow-covered into early summer, and desert nights from December to February can be surprisingly cold despite warm daytime temperatures.

MARRAKECH

WALLED MEDIEVAL CITY • BUZZING

DJEMAA EL FNA SQUARE • STAY IN A TRADITIONAL RIAD

Set against the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech’s walled medina is a maze of narrow alleys, market stalls and historic buildings. The Koutoubia minaret dominates the skyline, while Djemaa el Fna fills with performers and food vendors each evening. Visit the tranquil Jardin Majorelle, then retreat to a traditional riad, where rooms often open onto atmospheric interior courtyards.

THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS

SCENIC HIKES • FERTILE OURIKA VALLEY • STAYS IN CONVERTED KASBAHS

North Africa’s highest mountain range, the High Atlas is home to fertile valleys, rivers and snow-topped peaks just an hour from Marrakech. The lush Ourika Valley is ideal for a day trip, with orchards, olive groves and shaded riversides. Longer stays allow time to walk village trails and mountain paths, with accommodation ranging from converted kasbah retreats to simple local guesthouses.

MEDIEVAL ATMOSPHERE • LABYRINTHINE SOUKS • ANCIENT TANNING WORKMANSHIP

Fez is home to one of the world’s oldest universities and is widely considered Morocco’s intellectual and spiritual heart. Its medina is a maze of souks, with the tanneries a highlight, showcasing where hides are dyed in centuries-old stone vats. To the west lie the Roman ruins of Volubilis, with triumphal arches, basilicas and intricate floor mosaics still visible today.

RABAT & CASABLANCA

MODERN CAPITAL & ANCIENT PORT • ROMAN RUINS AT CHELLAH • HASSAN II GRAND MOSQUE

Morocco’s capital, Rabat, combines modern boulevards with historic sites such as the riverside Chellah ruins and the peaceful Kasbah of the Oudayas overlooking the ocean. Casablanca, the nation’s largest city, blends colonial-era architecture with a lively old medina. Its standout landmark is the Hassan II Mosque, dramatically positioned above the Atlantic and offering a striking introduction to the country’s coastal heritage.

THE SAHARA & OASES

STAY IN A LUXURY DESERT CAMP • EXPLORE THE DRAMATIC DUNES BY 4X4

South of the High Atlas, Ouarzazate is the gateway to the Sahara, the Draa Valley and Zagora, where crumbling kasbahs sit among palm-filled oases – fertile pockets of life in the desert. Continue past the Todra Gorge to Erfoud and the vast dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, where 4x4 journeys and nights under canvas reveal the desert’s shifting colours at sunrise and sunset.

EXPERIENCE

TASTING TRAIL THROUGH FEZ MEDINA WITH A CULINARY EXPERT

Wander the winding lanes of Fez’s medina with a culinary expert and gain insight into the flavours and ingredients that define Moroccan cuisine. Begin at the Blue Gate, one of the city’s oldest food markets, where traders share the stories behind their spices, olives and seasonal produce. Continue through the honey souk, past traditional bakeries and vegetable stalls, pausing to sample street-side specialities along the way. The experience concludes in a traditional riad, where you take part in a hands-on cookery class, preparing classic dishes to enjoy afterwards.

EXPLORE BLUE-WASHED CHEFCHAOUEN

Set in the northern Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is a popular base for exploring nearby valleys, gorges and Berber villages. Founded in 1471 as a Moorish refuge for exiles from Spain, it later grew into a community where Muslims, Jews and Christian converts lived side by side. The town is famed for its blue-washed buildings, a tradition often linked to Jewish dyeing practices that evoke sky and spirituality. Wander the medina via steep cobbled lanes lined with leather and weaving workshops, and stop in the main square, Place Outa el Hammam, beside its red-walled kasbah.

TAKE THE HIGH-SPEED TRAIN TO TANGIER

Travelling between Morocco’s major cities is easiest by rail. The Al Boraq highspeed service links Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca in under two hours, while classic trains connect Tangier and Casablanca with Meknes, Fez and Marrakech. From Casablanca or Rabat, take the Al Boraq to Tangier to explore this coastal gateway where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. Wander the medina and kasbah, visit the Mendoubia gardens and the Sidi Bouabid Mosque and take excursions to Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules for striking views over the Strait of Gibraltar.

LA VILLA DE ORANGERS, MARRAKECH

This enchanting Relais & Châteaux riad is set at the end of an orange-tree-lined avenue, just 400 metres from Marrakech’s Djemaa el Fna. Converted from a traditional home, it is entered through a carved wooden door into two serene courtyards with cushioned seating and gently bubbling fountains. The Villa des Orangers features lush gardens, plant-filled patios and a restaurant serving French, Mediterranean and Moroccan dishes. A highlight is the rooftop swimming pool, offering views towards the Koutoubia Mosque and the distant Atlas mountains.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Historic Cities & Culinary Delights

8 days & 7 nights

Superior from £3,275 (incl. flights)

This journey explores the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez and Marrakech, while revealing the secrets of Moroccan cuisine. Take part in cookery classes and learn the recipes and techniques that define the nation’s dishes, with visits to markets and food stalls offering further insight into local produce and flavours.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Rabat • Fez

Fly to Rabat and transfer to Fez. Stay 2 nights at the Palais Ommeyad Suites & Spa. The next morning, join a cooking class at a traditional riad. Afternoon tour of Fez, visiting the medieval medina and exploring the famous souks and tanneries.

Day 3: Rabat • Casablanca

Transfer to Rabat to explore the Oudayas garden, Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After lunch, depart for Casablanca. Stay overnight at Barcelo Casablanca

Days 4 & 5: Casablanca • Marrakech

Take a morning tour of Casablanca, then

LA DOMAINE DE LA ROSERAIE, ATLAS FOOTHILLS

Domaine de la Roseraie sits in the Ouirgane Valley in the foothills of the Atlas mountains, around 60km from Marrakech and close to both Toubkal National Park and Ouirgane Lake. Nestled within 25 hectares of natural parkland, its extensive gardens are filled with flowering shrubs, mature trees and quiet corners with sun loungers for peaceful relaxation. The open-air poolside restaurant affords views over the surrounding Berber countryside and village life. Guestrooms come with modern amenities and are decorated in a traditional Moroccan style, creating a comfortable and welcoming retreat.

Located on a peaceful, picture-postcard lagoon on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, La Sultana Oualidia offers an ideal setting for a relaxing escape. The property has been thoughtfully designed to blend with its natural surroundings, with individually styled rooms and suites set amid lush gardens. Each features a private terrace with views across the water, creating a sense of calm and privacy. The lagoon is renowned for its fresh oysters and seafood, which you can enjoy in the hotel’s restaurant while watching birds and fishing boats drift across the bay.

continue to Marrakech. Stay at the Les Jardins de la Medina for 2 nights. The next morning, join another cooking class at a traditional riad before an afternoon sightseeing tour of the Saadian Tombs, Menara gardens, Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace. Continue to the souks and Djemaa el Fna square.

Days 6 & 7: Essaouira

Travel to Essaouira and visit the ramparts

of Skala, the seaport, fish market and the medina. Stay at the Villa Maroc, or upgrade to Palais L’Heure Bleue, for 2 nights and enjoy some time at leisure.

Day 8: Fly home

Transfer to Marrakech airport and fly home. Included meals: 7 breakfasts and 2 lunches

Discover Jordan

Home to Roman and Nabatean cities, Crusader castles and significant Biblical sites, Jordan is a kingdom with history and culture in abundance. It also offers unmissable natural landscapes, from the dramatic desert of Wadi Rum and protected nature reserves to the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea and the warm, clear shores of the Red Sea.

Whether your focus is culture, cuisine, scenery, or simple relaxation, Jordan offers all of these in close proximity. Amman, the capital, is the starting point for most travellers, where modern neighbourhoods retain remnants of earlier civilisations. Compact in size and easy to navigate, Jordan allows for varied experiences within a single journey and also pairs well with Egypt, Saudi Arabia or Oman for an extended adventure.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Jordan is ideal to explore in a week to 10 days, with Petra the major highlight – an extraordinary Nabataean city carved into rose-red cliffs. For those who enjoy time outdoors, sections of the Jordan Trail offer rewarding hiking through canyons, mountains and desert. Journeys often end with relaxation by the Dead Sea or the Red Sea. The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are pleasant. Summer can be extremely hot, especially in the Jordan Valley, while winter nights –particularly in the desert – can be surprisingly cold.

PETRA

NABATAEAN CAPITAL • UNESCO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

No visit to Jordan is complete without seeing Petra. Founded in the sixth century BC by the Nabataeans, the city was later shaped by Roman, Byzantine and Crusader influence. Enter through the narrow Siq, a dramatic rock passage, to reach Al Khazneh (‘The Treasury’). Beyond this revered façade, trails lead to tombs, dwellings and viewpoints that reveal Petra’s scale and history.

MADABA, MOUNT NEBO & AS-SALT

JERASH

ROMAN RUINS • CHRISTIAN CHURCHES & MOSAICS

North of Amman, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the region. Enter through the triumphal arch built for Emperor Hadrian, then explore the remains of theatres, a vast forum, temples to Zeus and Artemis, and the colonnaded Cardo. Later Byzantine influences are visible in church foundations and mosaic floors, reflecting Jerash’s long and layered history.

DEAD SEA

STUNNING NATURAL SCENERY • LUXURY DESERT CAMPS

Wadi Rum’s dramatic and far-reaching landscapes made a lasting impression on Lawrence of Arabia and continue to captivate today. Its towering sandstone formations and sweeping desert plains have starred in films such as “Dune” and “The Martian”. Beyond the scenery, thousands of petroglyphs, inscriptions and temple remains reveal over 12,000 years of human presence, earning the valley UNESCO World Heritage status.

MOSAIC MAP OF JERUSALEM • VIEWS FROM MOUNT NEBO

Known as the ‘City of Mosaics’, Madaba is home to exquisite Byzantine and Umayyad floors, including the sixth-century Map of Madaba at St George’s Church, the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land. Nearby, Mount Nebo provides panoramic views across the Jordan Valley, linked to the biblical story of Moses. Also close by, the historic town of As-Salt reflects its past as a major trading centre.

MINERAL-RICH WATERS • LUXURY SPA RESORTS

The Dead Sea, 400 metres below sea level, is the lowest point on Earth. Fed mainly by the Jordan River with no outlet, its waters evaporate to leave dense mineral salts, creating buoyancy and reputed therapeutic benefits. With luxurious spa resorts and easy access from Amman, it’s the perfect place to relax at the end of a journey or after visiting Petra.

EXPERIENCE

CAMP OVERNIGHT IN WADI RUM

Explore Wadi Rum’s vast desert landscapes by 4x4, travelling between towering sandstone cliffs and valleys of red sand. As the afternoon light transforms, the rock faces deepen to rich crimson tones – a sight famously admired by celebrated British writer T.E. Lawrence. Stay overnight in a desert camp to fully appreciate the stillness and scale of the landscape. After sunset, the sky reveals a canopy of stars so clear that the Milky Way appears to stretch across the horizon, making nights here as memorable as the desert views by day.

VISIT JORDAN’S DESERT CASTLES

East and south of Amman, a chain of qasrs (desert castles) stands in isolation across the plains. Built mainly by Umayyad caliphs in the 7th and 8th centuries, many feature early Islamic architecture, mosaics and frescoes. Qasr Amra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the highlight, with more than 1,000-year-old ceiling paintings depicting rulers, hunters and constellations. Further south along the King’s Highway, the crusader castles of Shobak and Kerak sit atop rocky outcrops, offering atmospheric ruins and wide-ranging views of the surrounding landscapes.

HIKE IN ONE OF JORDAN’S RUGGED NATURE RESERVES

Experience Jordan’s quieter, wilder side in either Dana Biosphere Reserve or Ajloun Forest Reserve, each offering scenic trails and varied wildlife. Dana, the largest reserve in the country, is a haven for birdwatchers, with dramatic canyons, sandstone cliffs and broad vistas across desert and mountain terrain. Ajloun, a wooded reserve of oak and pistachio, is well suited to gentle exploration. Walk the 7km Soap Maker’s Trail for sweeping views of the hills and visit a local women’s co-operative where natural olive-oil soap is made using traditional techniques.

STAY

SARAYA RUM PRIVATE LUXURY CAMP, WADI RUM

MÖVENPICK RESORT & SPA, DEAD SEA

The Mövenpick Resort, just a short walk from the entrance to Petra, is surrounded by amber sandstone cliffs and desert scenery. Designed with natural stone, carved wood and Middle Eastern textiles, it has a warm and relaxed character. The 183 spacious rooms include air conditioning, satellite TV, tea and coffee facilities and a minibar. Guests can choose from several dining spots, including two restaurants, plus a bar, a tea room, an ice-cream counter and a rooftop garden with views of the surrounding mountains – ideal for recharging after exploring Petra.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Natural Jordan

10 days & 9 nights

Superior from £3,825 (incl. flights)

Discover Jordan’s remarkable variety of landscapes, from the carved façades of Petra to the wild canyons and highland trails of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Walk among ancient history, experience sweeping desert views, then unwind on the tranquil shores of the Dead Sea, where mineral-rich waters offer a natural place to relax.

Day 1: Fly to Amman

Arrive in Amman and transfer to the Rotana Tower Hotel for 3 nights.

Days 2 & 3: Amman

Enjoy a morning walking tour of Jordan’s capital, taking in its busy streets and historic highlights. In the afternoon, visit nearby Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the region, with colonnaded avenues, theatres and temples. The next morning, spend a full day exploring the Ajloun Forest Reserve. This woodland habitat has played a key role in efforts to reintroduce the roe deer to Jordan and has also been recognised as an Important Bird Area.

Saraya Rum sits beneath the dramatic cliffs of Umm Ishreen mountain, known for the ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ formation. This modern desert camp features airconditioned tented suites with bold textiles, sleek bathrooms and private terraces. Meals are served in a large dining tent, with buffets of local dishes and fresh pastries. Communal outdoor seating, a 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi provide comfort amid Wadi Rum’s vast silence. Guests can explore the surrounding desert on guided hikes, horseback rides, 4×4 excursions, hot-air balloon flights, or evening stargazing.

Perched among lush gardens on the northeastern shore of the Dead Sea, the Mövenpick Resort & Spa offers private beach access and tranquil views from every room, each with a balcony or terrace overlooking the gardens, mountains or water. Styled like a traditional village with warm stone and local artworks, the resort features 346 rooms and suites, 9 restaurants and bars, 3 swimming pools and a gym. The award-winning Zara Spa provides extensive wellness facilities and mineral-rich treatments. An ideal base for floating in the Dead Sea, visiting Bethany, or hiking in nearby Wadi Mujib.

Day 4: Mount Nebo • Madaba • Dana

Biosphere Reserve

Travel via Mount Nebo and Madaba to Dana Biosphere Reserve, a protected wilderness of cliffs, wadis and highland plateaus. Time permitting, take a short sunset walk. Overnight at Feynan Ecolodge

Day 5: Feynan

Choose a sunrise walk or explore the copper mine trail, which passes ancient shafts once worked by the Romans. Later, continue to Petra for 3 nights at the Petra Guesthouse Days 6 & 7: Petra

Spend a full day exploring Petra, the Nabataean capital carved into rose-red sandstone. Walk through the Siq to the Treasury and continue to the Royal Tombs,

theatres and high viewpoints. A second day allows further independent discovery.

Day 8: Wadi Rum

Drive to Wadi Rum for a 4x4 excursion through its desert landscapes. Overnight at Luxury Saraya Rum Camp, with the chance to sleep under the stars.

Day 9: The Dead Sea

Continue to the Dead Sea, stopping at Shobak or Kerak castle en route. Overnight at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea

Day 10: Fly home

Transfer to Amman airport for your flight home.

Included meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner

Discover Oman

Stretching across the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman remains one of the Middle East’s less-visited yet most rewarding destinations. Spanning ancient trade routes that once crossed ocean and sand, it overlooks the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. In the capital, Muscat, discover lively waterfronts, traditional souks and winding alleyways.

Venture further to explore imposing forts, old trading towns and coastal fishing villages. Embark on a 4x4 adventure into the Sharqiya Sands or through the soaring Hajar mountains, before decompressing amid the tropical greenery of Salalah. For something different, travel north to the Musandam Peninsula and explore its fjord-like inlets aboard a traditional dhow, keeping an eye out for dolphins along the way.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Oman’s appeal lies in its contrasts: craggy mountains, boundless deserts, deep wadis and an inviting coastline, all paired with the warmth and hospitality of its people. Scattered across the landscape are historic forts – a defining feature of Omani heritage, with several recognised by UNESCO. After exploring wadis and traditional towns, many travellers choose to conclude at a coastal resort in Muscat or Salalah. The best time to visit is between October and April, when temperatures are warm but pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot and humid, particularly on the coast, while the interior tends to feel drier and less oppressive.

NIZWA & THE JABAL AKHDAR

WATCH THE TRADING OF LIVESTOCK • ENJOY A STAY IN THE MOUNTAINS

Once Oman’s capital, Nizwa is known for its circular fort and lively souk, especially on Fridays when livestock is traded. Jabal Akhdar itself offers terraced orchards, rose gardens and small villages overlooking deep canyons and rugged peaks, including Jabal Shams, Oman’s highest point. Most of our guests stay in the Jabal Akhdar mountains and visit Nizwa on a half-day trip.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Oman Discovery

8 days & 7 nights

Superior from £2,895 (incl. flights)

Experience the cultural and scenic highlights of Oman on this 8-day journey. Travel through mountain landscapes and villages that have paused in time, stay overnight among the rolling dunes of the desert and follow the coast past wadis, beaches and fishing towns. Along the way, experience authentic Omani hospitality and striking natural beauty.

MUSCAT

ATMOSPHERIC SOUKS • COASTAL FORTS • SNORKELLING AMONG CORAL

Muscat sits between the Al Hajar mountains and the sea, with the districts of Mutrah and Old Muscat offering atmospheric souks, waterfronts and lanes. Visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum and see the coastal forts of Jalali and Mirani. Day trips include Nakhal and Rustaq castles, or a boat to the Daymaniyat Islands for snorkelling among coral and marine life.

SALALAH & DHOFAR PROVINCE

LUSH LANDSCAPE • OLD FISHING VILLAGES • 4X4 ADVENTURES

Salalah, capital of Dhofar in southern Oman, is unique for its khareef monsoon (late June to September), when the landscape turns lush and cool. The coastline offers long, quiet beaches, while inland lie forts, archaeological sites and old fishing villages. Visit the partly unearthed lost city of Ubar by 4x4 and learn about Wilfred Thesiger’s Empty Quarter journeys at the local museum.

EXPERIENCE

STAY OVERNIGHT IN THE SHARQIYA SANDS

Explore the vast Sharqiya Sands, a golden desert stretching over 12,500 sq km in eastern Oman. Stay overnight in eco-resorts or luxury Bedouinstyle tents with private bathrooms, combining comfort with authenticity. Experience dune bashing on a thrilling 4x4 drive, then watch the sun set over the sands before a peaceful night beneath a sky ablaze with stars.

TURTLES & DHOWS

South-east of Muscat, the coastal town of Sur is famed for its centuries-old dhow-building tradition. Visit a working boatyard, then take to the water on a traditional dhow cruise along the coast. Nearby, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve protects nesting green turtles – best seen on guided evening walks between May and September along this endlessly fascinating shoreline.

EXPLORE THE FRANKINCENSE TRAIL

Journey along the Frankincense Trail from Salalah through Dhofar’s lush mountains, once the source of the world’s finest frankincense – an aromatic resin at one time worth more than gold. Visit the tomb of the prophet Job, see the dramatic blowholes at Mughsail Beach and wind through valleys scented with resin from the ancient frankincense trees that still thrive here today.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Muscat

Arrive in Muscat and transfer to the Mysk Al Mouj for 2 nights. Explore the capital’s highlights on a guided city tour, with an optional late-afternoon dhow cruise along the coast.

Day 3: Nakhal • Wadi Bani Awf • Jabal Shams

Drive into the Jabal Akhdar mountains, stopping at Barka fish market, Nakhal springs, Wadi Bani Awf and the picturesque village of Bilad Sayt. Overnight at Sama Heights, 2,100 metres above sea level near Jabal Shams.

Days 4 & 5: Jabal Akhdar

Optional morning ‘balcony walk’ along the rim of Oman’s Grand Canyon. Continue via Al Hamra and Nizwa’s lively souk and fort. Stay 2 nights at Hanging Terraces Guesthouses,

with time to explore mountain trails or relax amid stunning scenery.

Day 6: Wadi Bani Khalid • Sharqiya Sands

Travel via Sinaw to Wadi Bani Khalid, known for its turquoise pools and palm-fringed villages. Continue to Sharqiya Sands for an overnight stay at Arabian Nights Resort, visiting a local Bedouin family en route.

Day 7: Sur • Muscat

Return to Muscat along the coastal road, stopping at Sur’s dhow factory, the Bimah sinkhole, Wadi Arbayeen and Fins Beach. Overnight at Mysk Al Mouj

Day 8: Fly home or take a 3-night extension to Salalah.

Included meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners

Discover Saudi Arabia

Millions of worshippers journey to Saudi Arabia each year to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, yet the kingdom offers far more beyond the pilgrim trail. Now open to tourism, it invites travellers to explore a land of striking contrasts, where futuristic, oil-rich cities and highspeed trains meet ancient archaeological wonders, including six UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Experience the warmth of Saudi hospitality, cross vast deserts and fertile oases and unwind on the Red Sea coast with its idyllic beaches and coral reefs. Alternatively, head south to the cool, green mountains and forests of Asir. The Nabataean heritage of Hegra in AlUla makes Saudi Arabia an excellent pairing with Jordan, Oman, Egypt, or the United Arab Emirates.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Saudi Arabia experiences a desert climate, with long, intensely hot summers from May to September and cooler, more comfortable weather between November and March. The shoulder months of autumn bring warm, pleasant days – ideal for exploring AlUla’s sandstone valleys. This is also when major cultural events including the AlUla Wellness Festival, Azimuth Music and Arts Festival, and Ancient Kingdoms Festival all take place, combining art, heritage and outdoor experiences under desert skies. For coastal escapes, the Red Sea resorts off er year-round sunshine, calm waters and luxurious stays. Lightweight linen clothing and a wide-brimmed hat are recommended for daytime exploration.

JEDDAH

OTTOMAN-INFLUENCED OLD TOWN OF AL BALAD • THE GLAMOROUS CORNICHE WATERFRONT

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s commercial hub and gateway to Mecca, sits on the Red Sea and fuses history with modernity. Once a key Indian Ocean trading port, its Al Balad old town features Ottoman and Hijazi houses with intricate wooden balconies. Along the Corniche, you’ll find contemporary hotels, busy cafés, an outdoor art museum and the Al Rahma Floating Mosque.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Saudi Arabia Discovery

8 days & 7 nights

Superior from £4,645 (incl. flights)

Venture into the heart of the Arabian Peninsula to discover Saudi Arabia’s desert kingdom. Explore Riyadh’s glittering capital, Ha’il and its prehistoric rock art, and the AlUla archaeological area, including the Nabataeans’ rock-carved city of Hegra. Conclude with a visit to holy Medina and Jeddah’s vibrant Corniche on the Red Sea coast.

ALULA

NABATEAN

HEGRA • LABYRINTHINE OLD TOWN • ROCK-CARVED TOMBS OF DADAN

Once a key stop on ancient incense and pilgrimage routes, AlUla is a captivating desert-valley oasis rich in archaeology and history. Explore the rock-carved tombs of Dadan and Nabataean Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover Jabal Ikmah’s inscriptions, wander AlUla Old Town, and journey through dramatic canyons and sandstone formations, including the iconic Elephant Rock.

RIYADH

HEAD-TURNING ARCHITECTURE • RESTORED HISTORIC DISTRICT OF ALTURAIF • AL-BUJARI HERITAGE PARK

Dynamic and fast-evolving, Riyadh captures Saudi Arabia’s mix of modern ambition and deep tradition. The capital’s skyline of glittering towers contrasts with its souks, palaces and historic quarters. Visit the National Museum, then head to Diriyah to explore Al-Turaif, the restored mudbrick district. Sample traditional cuisine in AlBujairi Heritage Park.

ROCK ART & CAMELS

From Arabian Nights to The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, the desert’s best tales feature a camel or two. In Jubbah, ancient rock art at Jabel Umm Sinman (‘Two Camel-Hump Mountain’) depicts these legendary creatures. For the ultimate spectacle, visit Buraydah, home to the world’s largest camel market, where thousands – along with goats and sheep – are traded each morning.

STAR GAZING IN GHARAMEEL

Easily reached from AlUla, Gharameel Nature Reserve offers pristine dark skies untouched by light pollution. Gaze up at a canopy of stars set against a striking backdrop of towering rock pillars, their silhouettes etched against the night. A stargazing guide can reveal the constellations, before you dine under the twinkling stars beside a gently crackling campfire.

EXPLORE HALLOWED MEDINA

Only recently opened to non-Muslim visitors, Medina is Islam’s second holiest city after Mecca and home to the Prophet’s Mosque, founded by Muhammad in 622. Arrive on the Haramain high-speed railway and explore the Hejaz Railway Museum, Quba Mosque, the historic battleground of Mount Uhud and a traditional local market reflecting Medina’s long and enduring heritage.

Day 1: Fly to Riyadh

Arrive in Riyadh and transfer to the Joudyan Hotel for 2 nights.

Day 2: Riyadh

Discover the contrasts of the Saudi capital with visits to historic Diriyah, the National Museum and a bustling souk.

Day 3: Ha’il

Take the train to Ha’il and visit Jubbah to see ancient petroglyphs and Thamudic inscriptions. Overnight at the Millennium Ha’il Hotel

Days 4 & 5: AlUla

Explore Ha’il’s forts and museum before driving through the desert to the AlUla archaeological site. Check in for 2 nights at Cloud 7 Residences. Later this afternoon, visit Elephant Rock and Harrat viewpoint at sunset. The next day, explore Dadan’s tombs,

Jabal Ikmah’s rock inscriptions, the old Hejaz railway, Hegra’s ‘Lonely Castle’, AlUla’s old town and a local farm.

Days 6 & 7: Medina • Jeddah

Drive to Medina for a city tour before taking the high-speed bullet train to Jeddah. Stay 2 nights at the Novotel Tahlia (or similar). In the morning, tour the Corniche promenade, which skirts the Red Sea coast, and Jeddah’s historic centre. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

Day 8: Fly to London

Morning transfer for your return flight.

Included meals: 7 breakfasts and 3 lunches

Discover Tunisia

In its long and eventful history, Tunisia has been ruled by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and even the Normans. This rich blend of influences has left an extraordinary legacy, with nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites among its treasures – from the ancient ruins of Carthage and the vast Roman amphitheatre at El Djem to the sacred city of Kairouan, once a centre of Islamic learning. In the south, Berber villages, ancient ksars and cinematic desert scenery reveal another side of the country, with shimmering oases, rolling dunes and the vast Chott el Jerid salt flat.

Tunisia also offers Mediterranean beaches and charming coastal resorts that make for a relaxing finale to a journey through this small but endlessly varied North African nation.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Compact and easy to explore, Tunisia combines desert drama with coastal calm and layers of ancient history. Stay in modern hotels, converted dars in historic medinas, or desert camps under starspecked skies. The coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate, while the south is warmer and drier. The best times to visit are March–May and September–November, when temperatures are ideal for sightseeing and festivals enliven towns and oases. Tunisian cuisine reflects its rich culture – fresh produce, fragrant spices, dates, citrus fruits and the fiery chilli paste harissa feature in many dishes, best enjoyed in colourful souks or family-run restaurants.

KAIROUAN, SOUSSE & MONASTIR

NORTH AFRICA’S FIRST MOSQUE • UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE • THE ANCIENT RIBAT OF MONASTIR

Kairouan, the ‘City of 50 Mosques’, was founded in 670 AD and became the Maghreb’s principal holy city. Its Great Mosque, the first in North Africa, remains a key highlight for travellers. On the coast, UNESCO-listed Sousse is famed for its early Islamic medina and excellent mosaic museum, while nearby Monastir’s eighthcentury Ribat stands sentinel over the sea.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Tunisian Highlights

8 days & 7 nights

Superior from £2,725 (incl. flights)

Discover Tunisia’s rich history on this private journey, taking in ancient Carthage, Monastir’s Ribat fortress, Kairouan’s mosques and the Roman ruins of Dougga. Explore the medina of Tunis and its vibrant heritage, with the option to extend your trip south to the Sahara’s oases, desert landscapes and traditional Berber villages.

TUNIS, CARTHAGE & SIDI BOU SAID

TUNIS’ HISTORIC MEDINA, • SIDI BOU

SAID’S MEDITERRANEAN VISTAS • SPRAWLING ANCIENT RUINS

Tunis blends old and new, from the Europeanstyle modern city to the 12th-century medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of lively souks and mosques. Visit the Bardo Museum’s superb Roman mosaics, the ancient Punic and Roman ruins of Carthage, and the blue-andwhite cliff-top town of Sidi Bou Said, with its breathtaking views over the Gulf of Tunis.

SAHARA, OASES & BERBER HEARTLANDS

CHOTT EL JERID SALT FLAT & MIRAGES • OASIS TOWNS OF TOZEUR & DOUZ • BERBER CAVE DWELLINGS

Southern Tunisia reveals striking contrasts of desert and oasis. Cross the shimmering Chott el Jerid salt flat to the palm-filled oasis of Tozeur, then travel south from Douz through rolling dunes to a desert camp. Explore Berber culture in Matmata and Tataouine to find distinctive underground homes, granaries and fortified ksars.

SLEEP IN THE SAHARAN DUNES

Experience an authentic taste of Bedouin life at a tented camp in the Grand Erg Oriental, a vast expanse of Saharan dunes within the acclaimed Jebil National Park. Though facilities are simple and unfussy, the candlelit camp offers a truly atmospheric desert stay. Dinner features barbecued meats, homemade couscous and traditional bread baked beneath the sands.

DISCOVER ROMAN TUNISIA

Perhaps Tunisia’s best-preserved archaeological site, Dougga once held the status of municipium under the Romans. Visitors can still wander its stone-paved streets and admire the capitol, theatre and other grand public buildings. Latin inscriptions reveal stories of the city’s notable residents. Closer to the coast, the immense Roman amphitheatre of El Djem stands remarkably intact, a testament to Tunisia’s rich classical heritage.

SEE THE CARPET WEAVERS OF KAIROUAN

Kairouan is renowned for its alloucha – exquisite hand-knotted carpets crafted from natural wool and featuring intricate geometric and floral designs. The Tunisian government enforces strict quality standards, with only the finest pieces awarded the official seal of excellence. Visitors can watch skilled artisans at work in a traditional alloucha workshop, preserving techniques passed down through the generations.

Day 1: Arrive in Tunis

Fly to Tunis and stay 2 nights at the Belvedere Fourati, or at Dar el Jeld in the heart of the medina.

Day 2: Tunis

Visit the Bardo Museum, home to an outstanding collection of Roman and Byzantine mosaics. Continue to the medina for lunch and a guided walking tour.

Day 3: Sousse, Monastir & El Djem Drive to Sousse to visit the Great Mosque and archaeological museum, then continue to Monastir to see the Ribat fortress and Bourguiba mausoleum. Visit El Djem’s Roman amphitheatre and mosaic museum before travelling to Kairouan for 2 nights at La Kasbah

Day 4: Kairouan

Morning tour of the Great Mosque of Uqba,

the Mosque of the Barber and the 9th-century Aghlabid Reservoirs. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 5: Thuburbo Majus, Jedidi & Tunis

Explore Thuburbo Majus, then visit a working eco-farm to learn about Berber culture. Return to Tunis for 3 nights at Belvedere Fourati or upgrade to a stay in Sidi Bou Said.

Day 6: Dougga Drive to Dougga, a remarkably preserved Roman town.

Day 7: Carthage & Sidi Bou Said

Visit the Punic and Roman ruins of Carthage before exploring Sidi Bou Said, with views over the Gulf of Tunis.

Day 8: Fly to London

Included meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner

CENTRAL ASIA

Many moons ago, caravans laden with silk, tea, perfume and porcelain crossed Central Asia to the markets of Europe and Africa. Heading in the opposite direction: honey, horses, glassware and gold. And along this ancient Silk Road, nations and empires emerged.

You can explore this fascinating legacy in Uzbekistan, birthplace of conqueror Timur and home to blue-domed mosques, madrasas and mausoleums. The yurt-studded steppe of Kazakhstan, meanwhile, offers the chance to experience a traditional nomadic lifestyle. Neighbouring Kyrgyzstan is home to impressive scenery, including the Issyk-Kul Lake, the Tian Shan Mountains and Bishkek’s Soviet architecture, while Tajikistan promises off-the-radar highlights, including the mountain-bound capital, Dushanbe.

We love taking guests to this storied region, often overlooked by other travel companies, and our hand-picked guides bring its history and culture vividly to life.

View our full collection online

The destinations and tours featured in this brochure represent a small sample of what we offer. Our website contains a wealth of additional itineraries, detailed country guides and accommodation options.

Discover Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan: a vibrant stop on the ancient Silk Road and the metropole of a medieval empire. The country’s valleys, deserts and steppes reward those seeking isolated beauty, but it’s for the remarkable heritage that most visit.

Conquerors from Alexander the Great to Genghis Khan coveted this crossroads between east and west. Then, in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Turco-Mongol warlord Timur transformed Uzbekistan into an imperial power, leading to a renaissance in Islamic architecture – a legacy that survives to this day. Our experts can show you these historic highlights alongside revived traditions, revered dishes and varied landscapes for a deeper appreciation of Uzbekistan.

C&K RECOMMENDS

One of the most sustainable and comprehensive ways to tour the Stans of Central Asia is by rail. High-speed trains connect all the major Silk Road cities of the region, with sightseeing sleeper services such as the Orient Silk Road Express promising a comfortable, seamless journey. Cross the wide-open steppe between high peaks and deep gorges, visiting the key attractions of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan – all in one far-reaching adventure. We can arrange everything for you, from your preferred class of compartment to guided tours along the way.

SAMARKAND

ARCHITECTURE OF REGISTAN SQUARE • ULUGBEK OBSERVATORY

One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Samarkand dazzles with Islamic-renaissance architecture. Visit the Registan Square for three of the most impressive examples: Ulugh Beg Madrasa, Sher-Dor Madrasa and the Tilya-Kori Madrasa. Picture foiled archways, turquoise domes and the most intricate mosaics. Further highlights include the ornate necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda, the ancient ruins and uncovered frescoes of Afrasiyab, and the historic Ulugh Beg Observatory.

BUKHARA

KALYAN MINARET • THE IMPOSING FORTRESS OF THE ARK

Bukhara was once described by Lord Curzon as “the most interesting city in the world”. During the golden age of the Silk Road, caravanserais traded spices, silks and furs here, and hundreds of monuments from this prosperous era survive. Highlights include the restored, fifth-century Ark fortress, the elegant 10th-century Ismail Samani Tomb, the 48-metre Kalyan Minaret and the Lyab-i Hauz ensemble.

KHIVA

ANCIENT CITY TURNED OPEN-AIR MUSEUM • CENTURIES-OLD CITY WALLS

The ancient, walled heart of Khiva, known as Itchan Kala, has been extensively restored and is in effect a giant open-air museum. Its sand-hued streets lead you from centuriesold madrasas and mosques to local markets and tucked-away teahouses. The wider city of Khiva, meanwhile, is a picture straight out of the Arabian Nights, with its clay-brick bastions and onion domes.

TASHKENT

SOVIET LANDMARKS • COLOSSAL MONUMENTS • LIVELY MARKETS

The Soviets had free rein to reshape Uzbekistan’s capital after a devastating earthquake in 1966, and this influence is most visible in the marble and murals of Tashkent’s grand metro stations. Some historic buildings survived, however – most notably the Barak Khan Madrasa, Kukeldash Madrasa and Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Meanwhile, the covered market of Chorsu Bazaar showcases authentic Uzbek produce, from the wearable to the edible.

FERGANA VALLEY

BUCOLIC SCENERY • KOKAND’S IMPRESSIVE PALACE

Fergana Valley is a picture of plunging green slopes in eastern Uzbekistan and was once an important Silk Road trading post. This is the birthplace of Babur, who established the Mughal empire. Kokand – a gateway city into the valley – is home to impressive historical buildings, including the grand 19th-century Palace of Khudayar Khan, which dazzles with its intricate arabesque decoration.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Uzbekistan: Treasures of the Silk

Road

Duration • 12 days & 10 nights

Price • From £5,395 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

Journey between the most historic cities of Uzbekistan on this private holiday tailored to you. Beginning in Tashkent – a capital reshaped by the Soviet era –explore the grand Islamic architecture of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, once centres of power along the old Silk Road and intimately linked to the Timurid Empire. You also witness centuries-old crafts, from silk weaving and ceramics to carpet making.

Tashkent

Day 1: Fly to Tashkent

Fly overnight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital.

Day 2: Tashkent

Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to Swissotel for early check-in. Enjoy a guided city tour, beginning at the Khast Imam Square – among the few heritage complexes to survive the 1966 earthquake. Continue to the restored, 16thcentury Kukeldash Madrasa, followed by the Chorsu Bazaar, where colourful fruits, spices, breads and more are piled high under one dome. Visit the State Museum of Applied Arts to admire traditional Uzbek art, followed by a stop at a number of Soviet-era metro stations.

Day 3: Kokand • Rishtan • Fergana

Take the train to Kokand. This afternoon, see the ornate Palace of Khudayar Khan; the Jami Complex; the Modari Khan Mausoleum; the Norbut-Biya Madrasa; and the DakhmaI-Shokhon, a necropolis for the Khans of Kokand. Afterwards, visit an award-winning ceramicist in Rishtan for insight into traditional red-clay ceramics production. Transfer to the Grand Fergana Hotel for the night.

Day 4: Tashkent • Samarkand

This morning, drive to Tashkent. En route, visit the Said Akhmad-Khoja Madrasa, home to craftsmen producing handmade carpets and

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silk; and the Yodgorlik Silk Factory, where you witness silk production featuring intricate Ikat patterns. Take the high-speed Afrosiyob train to Samarkand, arriving this evening. Transfer to Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel for 3 nights.

Day 5: Samarkand

Your full-day tour begins at the UNESCOlisted Registan Square, where you attend a short musical performance and talk at the ornate Sher-Dor Madrasa. Continue to the restored Bibi-Khanym Mosque; Siyob Bazaar, Samarkand’s largest market; the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis with its myriad mausoleums; the Afrosiyob Museum, which reveals details about

the ancient city of its namesake; and Gur-eAmir Mausoleum, the final resting place of emperor Timur. Enjoy the evening light show at Registan Square, then overnight at your hotel.

Day 6: Shakhrisabz • Samarkand

Drive to Shakhrisabz, birthplace of emperor Timur, via the scenic Tahtakaracha mountain pass. Upon arrival, visit the 14th-century ruins of Ak-Saray Palace, the Jakhongir Mausoleum and the Dorut Tilovat Ensemble –all significant monuments connected to Timur and his descendants. Return to your hotel in Samarkand, visiting a village in Mingbuloq en route.

Day 7: Bukhara

Catch a high-speed Afrosiyob train to Bukhara. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of this historic city, beginning with the Emir’s Palace in Kogon, unusual for its blend of baroque and Moorish architecture. Proceed to Sitorai Mokhi Khossa, a residence of Bukhara’s last emir; the

Chor-Bakr memorial complex; and the Fayzulla Khodjaev Museum, a preserved 19th-century merchant’s house. This evening, enjoy a shared dining experience with a local family and see how to cook a national staple: Uzbek plov. Stay 2 nights at Mercure Bukhara Old Town

Day 8: Bukhara

Explore more of Bukhara’s historical treasures on a full-day tour. Highlights include the Lyab-i Hauz ensemble, which surrounds a traditional hauz pool; the Poi Kalyan Complex with its mosaic-adorned madrasa and landmark minaret; the Ulugh Beg Madrasa, completed in 1421; and the 10th-century Samanid Mosque. You also enjoy a traditional herbal tea tasting.

Day 9: Khiva

Take the train to Khiva. Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel Bankir for a 2-night stay. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 10: Khiva

Enjoy a full-day tour of Khiva’s historic centre, known as Itchan Kala. Here you visit centuriesold madrasas, mausoleums, mosques, fortresses and gateways within its sand-hued inner walls. You also visit a local bakery and a UNESCO-sponsored silk workshop, which produces traditional carpets and decorative suzani textiles.

Day 11: Tashkent

Transfer to Urgench Airport for your flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival, visit the Charvak Reservoir, then take a cable car up to Amirsoy Mountain Resort. Here, take another cable car to the summit for dramatic views. Return to Charvak Reservoir and transfer to Swissotel in Tashkent for the night.

Day 12: Fly home

Transfer to Tashkent Airport for your flight home.

Included meals: 11 breakfasts and 1 dinner

Discover Central Asia

KAZAKHSTAN | KYRGYZSTAN | TAJIKISTAN | TURKMENISTAN

The Stans of Central Asia are often overlooked. Yet the curious traveller will find these crossroad countries every bit as rich in history, culture and nature as anywhere to their east or west. Here, you can explore Silk Road cities with ornate architecture; yurt-speckled steppes grazed by horses; high peaks and deep gorges; and cherished traditions shaped by people from all corners of the continent.

We can take you beyond Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan – each a nation with its own story to tell, and guaranteed to give you a story worth telling.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Bring your walking boots: this is a landscape that deserves to be explored. Monumental peaks such as the Pamir and Altai Mountains backdrop glacial lakes and alpine forests. Cloudless skies yawn over treeless steppes, where you can camp in a yurt like the traditional Kyrgyz pastoralists. Martian rock formations defy belief in Turkmenistan’s Yangikala Canyon and Kazakhstan’s Altyn-Emel National Park. In remote settlements, you can also witness masters of age-old traditions, from horse riding to hunting with eagles, and perhaps even take part.

KAZAKHSTAN

ALMATY’S RUSSIAN-REVIVAL

ARCHITECTURE • SCENIC LAKES, STEPPES & CANYONS

The largest and most northerly of the Stans is a place of ostentatious buildings, windswept steppes, sandstone canyons and glacial lakes.

Almaty is the natural first port of call. Framed by the Tian Shan mountains, Kazakhstan’s largest city is home to more than two million people and typified by grand Russian-Revival architecture. You can ascend by cable car for a spin on the world’s highest ice-skating rink, tour the multicoloured Zenkov Cathedral – one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings – and break bread in a traditional Kazakh yurt.

Head south of the city for Big Almaty Lake, whose mint-turquoise waters sit scenically at the foot of snow-capped mountains, or, for desert beauty, look east to Altyn-Emel National Park, a picture of multi-hued bluffs, sun-cracked channels and ‘singing’ dunes; and Charyn Canyon, where nature has sculpted a hiker’s playground out of red sandstone.

KYRGYZSTAN

BEAUTIFUL ISSYK-KUL LAKE • GEOLOGICAL MARVELS • BISHKEK’S SOVIET CHARACTER

In Kyrgyzstan, nature displays its broad palette: turquoise lakes, red gorges, white peaks and green pastures. You could mistake Issyk-Kul for the ocean, but this beautiful lake is landlocked between mountains and far saltier than the sea. The nearby Centre of Nomadic Civilisation offers insight into Kyrgyz traditions, but for a first-hand experience, join an eagle-hunting showcase amid the massifs and spruces of Djety-Oguz Gorge. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital, was shaped by the Soviet era and here you can amble wide plazas fringed by triumphant monuments and enjoy the hubbub of Osh Bazaar. South of the city is the Ala-Archa National Park, dominated by the alpine scenery of Ala-Archa Gorge.

TAJIKISTAN

SOARING PEAKS OF THE PAMIR MOUNTAINS • DUSHANBE’S SOVIET-ERA ARCHITECTURE

Mountainous Tajikistan is the smallest of the Central Asian countries. The name of its capital, Dushanbe, means ‘Monday’ in Persian, the day of the week when the city would host its largest bazaar. Dushanbe underwent a dramatic metamorphosis during Soviet rule, from humble market town to industrial capital of a republic. It retains a sense of meticulous urban planning, with broad boulevards, wide public squares, landmark statues, landscaped parks and stately buildings. For grandeur of a natural kind, follow the M41 Highway between the Pamir Mountains, known as the ‘Roof of the World’, or unwind beside the turquoise waters of Lake Iskanderkul.

TURKMENISTAN

FLAMING DARVAZA CRATER • YANGIKALA CANYON’S ROCK-SCAPE • ANCIENT RUINS OF MERV

A ‘door to hell’, a ‘fiery fortress’ and the ‘mother of cities’: surprises abound for travellers in Central Asia’s least-visited country. Turkmenistan’s Darvaza Gas Crater has burned in the heart of the Karakum Desert since 1971, and this oasis of fire is a sight to behold. The otherworldly canyon of Yangikala – meaning ‘fiery fortresses’ – isn’t as hot to the touch, but its jagged and striped rock formations often display a flame hue. By contrast, capital Ashgabat gleams white with marble, while the hulking UNESCO-listed fortress of Merv – known as the ‘mother of cities’ for its importance on the Silk Road – is the earthy colour of the mud used to build it some 1,400 years ago.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

The Legendary Silk Road by Rail: Almaty to Tashkent

Duration • 15 days & 13 nights

Price • From £8,095 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior or Luxury

RAIL JOURNEY

This far-reaching rail journey traverses Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, travelling to the Tien Shan Mountains along the route of the ancient Silk Road. Cross windswept deserts, past towering mountains, explore local cultures and marvel at Central Asia’s ancient monuments. You travel and stay overnight aboard the Orient Silk Road Express, a sightseeing sleeper train, with additional nights in hotels perfectly situated in key cities, including Bishkek, Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent.

Day 1: Fly to Almaty, Kazakhstan

Fly to Almaty, arriving the next day.

Day 2: Almaty

Arrive in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s cultural centre. Transfer to the Rahat Palace Hotel (or similar) for 1 night. Afternoon excursion to Medeo, home to the world’s highest ice-skating rink. Ride the cable car 3,164 metres up to the Talgar Pass, enjoying the crisp mountain air and panoramic views before your welcome dinner.

Day 3: Almaty

Morning city tour including the Russian-

Orthodox Zenkov Cathedral, one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings. Lunch in Kazakh yurts before transferring to the Orient Silk Road Express sleeper train.

Day 4: Issyk-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan

This morning, arrive at Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. Visit the Centre of Nomadic Culture before time at leisure for a walk along the shore of this vast saline lake. After a boat trip on Issyk-Kul, your train makes its way to Bishkek. Overnight aboard the train.

Day 5: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Arrive at the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek for a tour

of its numerous sights, including an excursion into the spectacular Ala-Archa National Park, 35 kilometres south of the city. Overnight at Damas International Hotel (or similar).

Day 6: Bishkek

Enjoy a relaxing day of lectures on the legendary Silk Road aboard your train as it makes the journey to Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Overnight aboard the train.

Day 7: Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Full-day tour of Samarkand, with visits to Shahi-Zinda necropolis, the imposing madrasas on Registan Square and the excavation

sites of Afrasiyob – among the oldest ruins of this ancient city. Stay at the Hotel Grand Samarkand (or similar) for 2 nights.

Day

8:

Samarkand

Another day to explore Samarkand, with a chance to see the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the Ulugh Beg Observatory and the Gur Amir mausoleum. You also visit a silk carpet factory and a family of craftspeople who specialise in making paper from tree bark.

Day 9: Shahrisabz

Today, attend a traditional folklore show before visiting Shahrisabz, birthplace of Timur. In the evening, your rail journey continues to Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Overnight aboard the train.

Day 10: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Arrive this morning in Dushanbe, the mountain-bound capital of Tajikistan, exploring

its many sights on a tour. In the late afternoon, return to your train for the journey to Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Overnight aboard the train.

Day 11: Bukhara

Arrive in Bukhara, whose UNESCO-listed monuments recall the glory days of the Silk Road. Visit the 12th-century Kalyan Minaret, the Lyabi-Hauz architectural ensemble and the statue of smiling folk hero Nasreddin riding a donkey. In the courtyard of a madrasa, attend a folklore show with music, traditional dance and a presentation of colourful national costumes. Overnight at Hotel Asia Bukhara (or similar).

Day 12: Bukhara

Full-day city tour, including visits to the ornate Mir-i-Arab madrasa, the Ark fortress, the Samanid Mausoleum and Sitorai Molhi-Khosa – the summer residence of Uzbekistan’s final emir. Board the train for an evening departure.

Overnight aboard the train.

Day 13: Khiva

Today, visit the oasis city of Khiva with its great gates and clay-brick bastions. A walking tour takes you around the well-preserved medieval palaces, mosques, mausoleums, minarets and madrasas. Overnight aboard the train.

Day

14:

Tashkent

Arrive this afternoon in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. Take a city tour, visiting the Kukeldash Madrasa, Timur monuments and traditional clay houses. This evening, attend a farewell dinner. Overnight at Inspira-S Hotel (or similar).

Day 15: Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Included meals: 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 12 dinners

ITINERARY

Silk Road Adventure SUGGESTED

Duration • 22 days & 20 nights

Price • From £9,095 (incl. flights)

Category • Discovery

Discover the rich history of the Silk Road and the dramatic scenery of Central Asia on this 22-day journey through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Explore ancient cities, visit important Silk Road trading points, wander through expansive green valleys and see stunning Islamic architecture. Along the way, learn about the different cultures within this fascinating region.

Samarkand

Day 1: Fly to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Fly overnight to Bishkek via Istanbul.

Day 2: Bishkek

Arrive and transfer to the Orion Hotel for 2 nights (including immediate occupancy).

Afternoon city tour including visits to the Open-Air Sculpture Museum, Victory Park, Ala-Too Square and the Kyrgyz State Philharmonic Hall.

Day 3: Ala Archa National Park • Bishkek Drive to Ala Archa National Park, a picturesque area of wooded valleys, rivers, glaciers and waterfalls. View the magnificent peaks of the

Kyrgyz Alatau Ridge (Tien Shan Mountains), with a range of walking options available. A packed lunch is included. Return to Bishkek, with a guide at your disposal.

Day 4: Bokonbaevo • Karakol

Drive to Bokonbaevo village on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake and watch the villagers make felt carpets and other handicrafts. Continue to Karakol, stopping en route at Fairytale Canyon for a short walk to see the striking rock formations. Stay 2 nights at Green Yard Hotel

Day 5: Djety-Oguz

Drive to Djety-Oguz Gorge for a walk among

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its impressive red-rock formations and spruce forests. Join an optional golden eagle hunting show to witness this ancient tradition. This evening, return to Karakol and join a Uighur family for a cooking demonstration of lagman, a Kyrgyz noodle dish.

Day 6: Karakol • Issyk-Kul

Tour of Karakol including Dungan Mosque, built for a community of Chinese Muslims who arrived in the late 19th century. Continue to the Bronze Age petroglyphs found at CholponAta on the northern shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. Optional one-hour boat cruise on the lake. Stay overnight at Karven Issyk-Kul Hotel

Shah-I-Zinda, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Day 7: Burana Tower • Almaty

Drive to Burana Tower and explore the ruins of this important Silk Road trading point.

The 25-metre-high minaret is the last remnant of a mosque found in the medieval city of Balasagun. Continue to Bishkek airport for your short flight to Almaty. Upon arrival, transfer to Rixos Almaty Hotel for 4 nights.

Day 8: Almaty, Kazakhstan

Embark on a guided tour of Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Visit Panfilov Park, a local bazaar, a chocolate factory and Zenkov Cathedral – one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings and striking for its colourful and eclectic architecture.

Day 9: Almaty

Take another city tour including Republic Square and the Central State Museum, which showcases the country’s history, from Bronze Age burials and nomadic culture to modern times. Drive to the picturesque valley of Medeo Gorge, then take a cable car up to 2,230 metres above sea level for views of the surrounding mountains and to see one of the world’s most famous ice rinks. Visit Sunkar Falcon Farm and Kok-Tobe hill with its 37-metre-high TV tower, offering sweeping views of the city from its viewing deck.

Day 10: Charyn Canyon

Travel to the spectacular Charyn Canyon for a gentle hike amid spectacular scenery. The red sandstone canyon is approximately 90km long and features some stunning rock formations. Return to Almaty, a journey of about 4 hours.

Day 11: Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Fly to Tashkent and transfer to the Lotte City Hotel for 1 night.

Day 12: Tashkent • Khiva

Morning tour of Tashkent’s old city, visiting Amir Timur Square, Kukeldash mosque and madrasa, and some of the unique metro stations. This evening, take a short flight to Urgench then drive to Khiva. Stay 3 nights at the Orient Star (or similar).

Day 13: Khiva

Morning visit to the ancient fortresses of Toprak-Kala and Ayaz-Kala, situated on a hill overlooking the Kyzylkum Desert. Take lunch in a yurt then continue to Goybu village to visit Ulli Khovli, an ancient Khorezmian local house. Take a tour through the village to see the traditional lifestyle of the Khorezmians.

Day 14: Khiva

Full-day tour of Khiva including Kunya Ark, Islam Khoja minaret, a local bakery and Tash Havli Palace.

Day 15: Bukhara

Full-day drive to Bukhara (7-8 hours) through the Kyzylkum Desert, with a photo stop en route at Amudaryo river. Stay at the Minzifa Boutique Hotel for 3 nights.

Day 16: Bukhara

City tour of Bukhara including visits to the Po-iKaylan complex, historic trading domes, Lyabi-Hauz complex, and Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan madrasas. This evening, enjoy dinner at a family home with a cooking demonstration of plov – a traditional Uzbek rice dish.

Day 17: Bukhara

Continue exploring Bukhara, with visits to the historical Magoki Attori Mosque, part of the Lyab-i Hauz complex; the monumental Ark fortress, with its imposing earthen walls; the 18th-century Bolo Haouz Mosque;

Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, which legend links to the Biblical figure of Job; the Bahoutdin Architectural Complex, dedicated to the founder of the Naqshbandi order of Sufis; and Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, a former residence of Bukhara’s last emirs that is now a museum of decorative and applied arts.

Day 18: Shahrisabz • Samarkand

Drive to Shahrisabz, birthplace of Timur, and visit the mosques, mausoleums and summer palace. Continue to Samarkand and stay at the Bibikhanum Hotel for 3 nights.

Day 19: Samarkand

Spend the full day on a guided tour of Samarkand, including visits to Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, Afrosiab Museum, the Bibi Khanum Mosque and Registan Square.

Day 20: Samarkand

Continue your tour of Samarkand, visiting the medieval Ulugbek Observatory; Khoja Doniyor Mausoleum, dedicated to the faith-spanning Saint Daniel; the 19th-century Hazrat Khizr Mosque; and Khudjum Silk Carpet Factory, where you witness each stage of production, from unwinding silkworm cocoons to adding the final decorative touches.

Day 21: Samarkand • Tashkent

Morning at leisure in Samarkand. Late afternoon Afrosiyob express train to Tashkent. On arrival, transfer to a local restaurant for dinner and then stay 1 night at Lotte City Hotel

Day 22: Fly home

Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Included meals: 21 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 9 dinners

FAR EAST

Asia’s eastern-most countries are a harmony of contrasts. Bullet trains zip through serene rice paddies, and frenetic cities hide temples and tea houses. With our expertise in the Far East, even the most seasoned traveller will discover something new.

In Japan, revel in neon-lit Tokyo then retreat to the hot springs, traditional inns and alpine trails. For dazzling colour, book ahead to enjoy spring’s cherry blossom viewing (hanami) or autumn’s leaf admiring (momijigari).

Awaiting you in China: the stone-still Terracotta Army, the black-eyed pandas of Chengdu, the verdant cliffs along the Yangtze and the 21,000km Great Wall. Nearby, the island of Taiwan surprises with its natural beauty.

Then there’s South-east Asia – ideal for a multi-destination adventure. Explore the riverside cities, karst-strewn bays and sizzling street-food of Vietnam, find spiritual sanctuary in the temples of Cambodia and Laos, witness life along the Mekong, and much more.

Discover Japan

Japan is at once futuristic and deeply traditional. Cities that set the trend for the modern world sit beside timeworn temples and gardens, snowy volcanic peaks, valleys of spring cherry blossom, remote mountains and subtropical islands.

High-speed rail connects major cities, so you can easily experience the eclectic districts of Tokyo and the imperial quarters of Kyoto. For peace and quiet, retreat to a Buddhist temple on Mount Koya, unwind in a ryokan inn, or take part in a tea ceremony at a tucked-away chashitsu

C&K RECOMMENDS

Japanese food is more than sushi and we can guide you to the places overlooked by tourists. Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka impress with their many Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also the low-key izakaya eateries catering to busy locals, ryokan inns offering multicourse kaiseki dinners, and charming chashitsu houses where tea preparation is elevated to an art. Japan is also more than its main island, Honshu. Journey south to Kyushu for hot springs, pretty porcelain, historic Nagasaki and smouldering Mount Aso.

TOKYO

NEON CITYSCAPES • WORLD-CLASS RESTAURANTS • TEMPLES & GARDENS

One of the world’s largest cities, Tokyo merits several days’ exploration. You could begin at Asakusa Kannon Temple, a popular meeting place for locals, or nearby Nakamise-dori, one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets. In the Imperial Palace’s East Gardens, paths wind through manicured lawns and waterlilies top pretty ponds. The displays in Tokyo National Museum could take up a full day, while the districts of Ginza, Shibuya and Shinjuku promise the classic neon-lit vision of Tokyo.

FUJI-HAKONE-IZU

HAKONE OPEN-AIR MUSEUM • LAKE CRUISES, MUSEUMS & HOT SPRINGS

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a picture of lakes, valleys and volcanoes, and a popular daytrip from Tokyo – though an overnight stay allows more time for exploration. Attractions include the Hakone Tozan mountain railway, numerous hot springs that feed the bath houses and ryokans in the region, and scenic cruises across Lake Ashi to Hakone Botanical Garden. A cable-car ride up Mount Komagatake offers superb views of Mount Fuji.

HIROSHIMA

A-BOMB MUSEUM & PEACE MEMORIAL PARK • HIROSHIMA CASTLE

The first city to be hit by an atomic bomb, Hiroshima needs little introduction introduction, yet today it is prospering. Residents built the A-Bomb Museum & Peace Memorial Park as a symbol of everlasting peace. Hiroshima Castle was originally constructed in 1589, and the keep, main gates and turrets have survived. A short boat ride across the water lies Miyajima Island, famed for the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic ‘floating’ torii gate.

KYOTO

ZEN GARDENS & TEMPLES • GEISHA DISTRICT • FAMOUS BAMBOO GROVE

Japan’s former capital is full of historical treasures, including the gold-clad temple of Kinkaku-ji, the 17th-century Nijo Castle, Sanjusangendo Hall and its 1,001 Buddhas, and the Fushimi Inari shrine, with its arcades of vermilion torii gates. Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district, is an area of hushed narrow lanes where you may pass geisha walking between appointments. Arashiyama is known for its towering bamboo groves and is especially beautiful in cherry blossom season.

KANAZAWA

BEAUTIFUL KENROKU-EN GARDENS • NAGAMACHI, HOME OF THE SAMURAI

Kanazawa grew in importance from the 15th century and came to rival Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo’s former name) in cultural significance. The Nagamachi district at the foot of Kanazawa Castle is where samurai nobility once resided, and it retains a historical atmosphere. Kanazawa is also notable for Kenroku-en, considered one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go showcases traditional gasshō-zukuri (‘praying hands’) houses.

Essential Japan

Duration • 11 days & 8 nights

Price • From £5,295 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

This is your ideal introduction to Japan, featuring key attractions in Tokyo, Hakone National Park and Kyoto. Admire Zen temples and historical landmarks, unwind in Japan’s hot-spring capital and take tea with a geisha. Your journey is mostly made using Japan’s excellent public transport –including the shinkansen ‘bullet train’ – with private guides on selected visits to elevate your insight into this riveting country.

Day 1: Fly to Tokyo

Catch a flight to Tokyo, arriving the next day.

Day 2: Tokyo

Upon arrival in Japan, you’re privately transferred by car to your hotel, situated conveniently close to the Shiodome subway station. Stay 3 nights at Park Hotel Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo

Spend the day exploring Tokyo by public transport on a privately guided tour. Visit the Imperial Palace East Garden, once the grounds of an Edo-era castle and today a public park. Continue to the iconic Tokyo Sky Tree, ascending to the Tembo Deck for a panoramic view over Tokyo. You also visit Sensoji Temple, established in 645 AD and rebuilt after the second world war, and the adjacent Nakamise shopping arcade. This afternoon, cruise on the Sumida River and visit Odaiba Seaside Park.

Day 4: Tokyo

Your day is at leisure to explore more of Japan’s vast capital city, or to unwind at your hotel.

Day 5: Hakone

Zip at high-speed out of Tokyo via a shinkansen – Japan’s famous ‘bullet trains’ – then transfer to Hakone National Park by shared bus. Hakone is a picture of forested hills, natural hot springs and lakes that reflect towering Mount Fuji. Stay 2 nights at Kowakien Tenyu Hotel.

Day 6: Hakone

Today, use your Hakone Free Pass to explore this scenic area. You may wish to see the steaming vents and hot springs of the volcanic Owakudani valley, visit the Picasso Pavilion at the Open-Air Art Museum, take a ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway, or cruise across scenic Lake Ashi.

Day 7: Kyoto

Take the shared bus to Odawara then continue

south by shinkansen to Kyoto. Stay at RIHGA Royal Kyoto Hotel, situated near Kyoto Station, for 3 nights.

Day 8: Kyoto

Enjoy a privately guided tour of Kyoto, navigating the city by public transport. Visit the two Zen temples of Kinkakuji and Ryoanji, followed by the charming Old Town of Higashiyama. Here you enter the landmark Kiyomizudera Temple, built between 778 and 1633 out of wood without using a single nail. Continue to the historical district of Gion for a tea ceremony with a geiko (geisha). You’re joined by a host who will explain the

symbolism and an interpreter to aid the conversation.

Day 9: Kyoto

Your day is at leisure to explore Kyoto further, whether it’s visiting more of the city’s historical shrines and temples, taking in the ambience of its old quarters, or browsing at the local markets.

Days 10 & 11: Fly home

You’re privately transferred by car to Kansai Airport for your overnight flight home.

Included meals: 8 breakfast and 2 dinners

SUGGESTED

North Japan: Hokkaido Discovery

Duration • 11 days & 8 nights

Price • From £6,395 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

This private holiday reveals the beauty and history of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island. Your journey begins with a cycle tour of Sapporo’s highlights. Continue to the port city of Hakodate to explore its heritage buildings in picturesque surrounds. Head out to the calm lakes of Toya and Onuma, then up to the summit of Mount Usu. Along the way, you learn about the history of the indigenous Ainu and Jomon people. Finish with the waterfalls and colourful flower farms around the town of Biei.

Day 1: Fly to Sapporo

Take an overnight flight to Sapporo.

Day 2: Sapporo

Arrive in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, and transfer to your hotel by private car. Stay 2 nights at JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo

Day 3: Sapporo

Explore Sapporo on a cycling tour with a guide. Highlights include leafy Odori Park; the landmark Sapporo TV Tower; Sapporo Clock Tower, the oldest clock tower in Japan; the 19th-century Red Brick Office; the Nijo Fish Market; and the Sapporo Factory entertainment complex. Sapporo is famous for its eponymous beer and this afternoon you visit the Sapporo Beer Museum for insight into the city’s brewing heritage. Travel to Otaru city by train for a self-guided tour before returning to your hotel.

Day 4: Hakodate

Make your way to Sapporo Station to catch the express train to Hakodate, a port city that looks across the water to Japan’s largest island, Honshu. Upon arrival, check into Hakodate International Hotel for a 2-night stay and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 5: Hakodate

Meet your private guide for a tour of Hakodate by public transport. Visit Goryokaku Park, the 19th-century star fort famous for its springtime cherry blossom, landmark viewing tower and the Hakodate Bugyosho – a handsome historical building established by the shogunate. You also visit the Motomachi District, home to an eclectic mix of heritage buildings, including the Old British Consulate and Hakodate Public Hall. Your afternoon is at leisure.

Day 6: Lake Toya

Join your guide on an excursion by private car to the scenic lakes and heritage sites of

Hakodate. Begin at the Jomon Culture Centre and the nearby Ofune ruins to learn about the ancient inhabitants of this region. Continue to Lake Onuma for canoeing on its peaceful waters, then transfer to Lake Toya and your lake-view hotel room. Stay 1 night at Toya Kohantei Hotel

Day 7: Mount Usu

Privately transfer by car to Mount Usu accompanied by your guide. Part of the ToyaUsu Geo Park, this volcanic mountain juts out of thick greenery between Lake Toya and Uchiura Bay, and the Usuzan Ropeway can carry you to its summit. Afterwards, transfer to Shiraoi to visit the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park, learning about the local Ainu people and witnessing a traditional Ainu dance. Return to Sapporo and stay 1 night at JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo

Day 8: Biei

Make your way to Sapporo Station and take

the express train to Asahikawa city for time at leisure. Transfer by shuttle bus to MorinoShizuku RIN Hotel in the town of Biei for a 1-night stay.

Day 9: Biei

Enjoy a full-day guided excursion by private car into the picturesque landscape surrounding Biei. Visit the Shirahige Waterfalls, Shirogane Blue Pond and the flower garden of Shikisai no Oka, where flowers cascade down a hill in neat 300-metre rows arranged by colour. This afternoon, traverse the undulating Roller Coaster Road to Farm Tomita, famed for its own fields of flowers, especially purple lavender. Return to Sapporo and stay 1 night at JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo

Days 10 & 11: Fly home

Transfer to the airport by private car for your overnight flight home, arriving the next day.

Included meals: 8 breakfasts and 2 dinners

Discover China

China is a vast and varied country with much to see. As well as the cuttingedge cities of Shanghai, Hong Kong and Beijing, you’ll find ancient villages where traditions endure, spiritual sanctuaries such as the temples of Datong, and archaeological wonders including the Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall.

The national parks have their own appeal, from the limestone peaks of Guilin and the misty mountains of Huang Shan to the mighty Yangtze River. China deserves more than one visit to truly appreciate its depths.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Why not take advantage of the world’s largest network of high-speed trains? You can travel quickly and comfortably from Beijing to Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, Chengdu’s panda sanctuaries, the historic Bund of Shanghai, and beyond. Alternatively, admire China’s riverine scenery with a cruise on the Yangtze(see page 184 for more details). For authentic flavours, let us take you to where the locals eat. Be sure to try specialities such as jianbing (savoury crepes) in Beijing, Shanghai’s famous xiao long bao (steamed buns), spicy Sichuan hotpot in Chengdu and biang biang noodles in Xi’an.

BEIJING

ANCIENT TEMPLES, PALACES & MUSEUMS • GLIMPSE OLD BEIJING IN THE HUTONG ALLEYS

Beijing has long been the political, cultural and economic centre of China. Tiananmen Square remains its most well-known landmark, but the adjacent Forbidden City holds more interest to visitors, built in the 15th century and off-limits for 500 years until 1911. For a glimpse into Beijing’s pre-industrial past, tour the labyrinthine network of old hutongs – narrow alleys connecting courtyard residences – on foot, or better yet, by cycle rickshaw.

SHANGHAI

WALK ALONG THE HISTORIC BUND • GARDENS, TEMPLES & RIVER CRUISES

Today, Shanghai is one of the world’s most dynamic cities, evident in its gleaming skyscrapers and busy neon-lit streets. Around its famous Bund waterfront, however, you’ll find interesting traces of its colonial past in the architecture. It’s also from here that you can enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu River that snakes through the city – a chance to admire the skyline from the water.

ANCIENT WALLED CITY WITH PAGODAS & TOMBS • TERRACOTTA WARRIORS

Set at the end of the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an retains much of its historic character and its museums are a trove of ancient artefacts. It was here that, about 2,000 years ago, thousands of life-sized soldiers and their horses were created to guard the emperor’s tomb. These Terracotta Warriors remained buried until a farmer stumbled upon them in 1974. They are now an essential stop on any visit to the region.

GREAT WALL OF CHINA

LESS-VISITED JINSHANLING PASS • CABLE CAR ACCESS AT MUTIANYU

The Great Wall is the largest man-made structure on Earth and an amazing feat of engineering, labour and sacrifice. The wall at Mutianyu, 1.5 hours’ drive from Beijing, offers superb views and is accessible by cable car. Jinshanling Pass, a 3.5-hour drive from Beijing, is less developed and sees far fewer visitors, allowing for a more peaceful experience.

CHENGDU

SANXINGDUI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE • GIANT PANDA RESEARCH BASE

The capital of Sichuan, Chengdu is rapidly developing, yet you can still glimpse the old ways in backstreets bustling with artisans, markets and street stalls. Nearby are the 3rd-century ruins of Sanxingdui and its treasure-trove museum, as well as the Chengdu Giant Panda Research Base – your best chance to see these charming animals up close.

Luxury China

Duration • 12 days & 10 nights

Price • From £4,595 (incl. flights)

Category • Luxury

Explore China in style, staying in some of the country’s finest hotels while enjoying private tours of China’s most celebrated sites, visiting Beijing, Shanghai, the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors. The tour also includes a 3-night cruise on the Yangtze River, staying in a suite aboard the luxurious Yangzi Explorer Beijing

Day 1: Fly to Beijing

Take an overnight flight to Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing

Arrive in China and transfer to the New World Beijing Hotel for 3 nights.

Day 3: Beijing

Drive out to the Aman at Summer Palace for lunch, followed by a visit to the Imperial Summer Palace gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, tour Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, a former imperial palace that served as the home of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years.

Day 4: Great Wall of China

Full-day tour of the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, one of the most well-preserved and scenic sections of the ancient wall. Take a short walk on the wall, where you’ll be able to admire views of rolling hills and rugged terrain. Afterwards, enjoy a champagne picnic in a nearby pine forest.

Day 5: Xi’an

In the morning, relax with a private tai chi lesson at the Temple of Heaven, followed by a tour of the temple. Board a high-speed train to Xi’an, travelling in First Class. Stay at the Gran Melia Xi’an for 2 nights.

Day 6: Xi’an

This morning visit the famed Terracotta Warriors archaeological site, one of China’s most significant and awe-inspiring cultural treasures. Walk through the vast excavation pits and marvel at the life-sized statues of soldiers, horses and chariots that were buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife.

Day 7: Chongqing

Fly to Chongqing. Enjoy lunch at a local spicy hotpot known as má là at a local restaurant

before boarding the Yangzi Explorer for a 3-night cruise to Yichang.

Day 8: Yangtze River

Enjoy a range of shore excursions and onboard activities. Perhaps visit the abandoned Fuling 816 Nuclear Plant and its eerie tunnels; the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum; and the Beacon of Three Kingdoms show.

Day 9: Yangtze River

Today, sail through Qutang Gorge, then explore Wushan by land or take a boat along the Daning River, before continuing through Wu Gorge.

Day 10: Fly to Shanghai Disembark early this morning in Yichang

and visit the site of the Three Gorges Dam project. After lunch, fly to Shanghai. Stay at the Fairmont Shanghai for 2 nights.

Day 11: Shanghai

Visit Jade Buddha Temple and Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden located in the heart of Shanghai’s old city. Then, take a stroll along the Bund waterfront. This historic promenade stretches along the Huangpu River, offering spectacular views of the city’s skyline.

Day 12: Fly home

Take the maglev train to Shanghai Airport, then fly home.

Included meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners

China’s Ancient Heartlands

Duration • 15 days & 13 nights

Price • From £5,395 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

Embark on an expansive journey visiting some of China’s more remote sites, including ancient Buddhist art and sculpture at the Yungang and Longmen caves, the Hanging Monastery near Datong, the Shuanglin temple near Taiyuan and the famous Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an.

Day 1: Fly to Beijing

Fly overnight to Beijing, arriving the next day.

Day 2: Beijing

Arrive and transfer to the Beijing Unified Courtyard Hotel for 3 nights. Take a rickshaw tour of the city’s hutongs – traditional narrow alleyways that link Beijing’s neighbourhoods.

Day 3: Beijing

Morning visit to two of Beijing’s classic sites: Tiananmen Square and the adjacent Forbidden City, former home of Ming and Qing emperors. In the afternoon, visit the Lama Temple, a stunning example of traditional Tibetan Buddhist architecture.

Day 4: Great Wall of China

Drive north from Beijing to the Great Wall at Jinshanling, a quiet and dramatic section of the wall where you can go on walks between the watchtowers.

Day 5: Datong

Take a morning train to Datong, former capital of the Northern Wei dynasty (386 – 534AD). Stay 2 nights at the Datong Yugang Jianguo Hotel

Day 6: Datong

Visit the Cloud Ridge Caves of Yungang –Buddhist temples that were hewn from the rock face – and a remote section of the Great Wall at Desheng Bao.

Day 7: Taiyuan

Drive to Taiyuan, stopping en route at the Hanging Monastery, built precariously on sheer cliffs; and the Yingxian wooden pagoda, one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world, built without using a single nail. Overnight at the Mercure Taiyuan Jinyang Hotel

Day 8: Pingyao

After visiting Shanxi Museum, drive to Pingyao.

En route, visit Shuanglin Temple, a UNESCOlisted site notable for its collection of more than 2,000 colourful clay statues; and the Wang Family Courtyard, home to superb examples of Ming and Qing architecture. Stay 2 nights at Pingyao Yide Hotel

Day 9: Pingyao

Today, take a guided walking tour of the ancient centre of Pingyao, which is enclosed by the last intact Ming-dynasty wall in China. Visit some of the most important buildings from the Ming dynasty, such as the Rishengchang Exchange Shop – the oldest bank in China – then wander the cobblestoned Ming-Qing Street, which is lined with Qing-dynasty era architectural works and shops with hanging lanterns.

Day 10: Xi’an

Take the high-speed train to Xi’an. Later in the day visit Xi’an’s Muslim quarter, Huajue Xiang, home to the old houses and narrow lanes of Xi’an’s Hui (Muslim) community. Here you can

explore the bazaar with stalls selling spices, souvenirs and various handicrafts. Stay 2 nights at the Grand Nobel Hotel

Day 11: Xi’an

This morning, visit the site of the famed Terracotta Army, where thousands of clay warriors were uncovered in the 1970s after spending two millennia hidden underground. In the afternoon, discover two fine museums: the Forest of Steles Museum, which displays a collection of stone steles from the Han and Qing dynasties, and the Xi’an Museum, which offers insight into the city’s rich history through its extensive collection of artefacts.

Day 12: Luoyang

Take the train to Luoyang, once the capital of 13 ruling dynasties. Today the city’s museums, monasteries and caves hold fragments of its former prominence, including the Longmen grottoes that contain more than 100,000 Buddhist images. Nearby, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dengfeng is one of China’s spiritual centres, home to various religious institutions and temples. Overnight at the Courtyard By Marriott Luoyang

Day 13: Fly to Shanghai

Morning visit to the Shaolin temple to watch demonstrations of kung fu by the resident monks. Afternoon flight to Shanghai, then transfer to Central Hotel for a 2-night stay.

Day 14: Shanghai

Morning tour of the Jade Buddha Temple and Yu Garden, and a walk along the historic Bund. Optional evening visit to the state acrobatics show.

Day 15: Fly home

Transfer to the airport and fly home.

Included meals: 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 1 dinner

Discover Taiwan

Compared to its better-known neighbours, Taiwan is a relatively unexplored treasure, and offers tremendous diversity for its size. The gateway is the ultra-modern capital of Taipei, from where high-speed rail opens up the rest of the island, including Tainan – the oldest city and a place replete with historical charm.

This is also a country of surprising natural beauty. The Alishan National Scenic Area is perfect for walking, with its tea plantations and mountain views, while Sun Moon Lake and the beaches of Kenting offer shore-side relaxation, while Taroko National Park impresses with its vast marble gorge.

C&K RECOMMENDS

To see why Portuguese explorers called Taiwan ‘Isla Formosa’ (‘Beautiful Island’), head to the East Coast National Scenic Area, a dramatic stretch of beaches, reefs, capes and bays – and just an hour’s drive from Chihpen, Taiwan’s oldest and best-known hot spring resort. For a different kind of beauty, time your visit for the Lantern Festival, held on the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar. In Pingxi district, locals light and release thousands of lanterns into the sky, while in Tainan, a firework display is held to ward off evil.

SUN MOON LAKE

SCENIC LAKE CRUISES • CAPTIVATING MOUNTAIN SCENERY

Surrounded by green mountains, Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest natural lake and an idyllic spot for a boat trip. The eastern part is round like the sun, while the western part is shaped like a crescent moon, and in the middle sits an island sacred to the Shao people. Other highlights include Wenwu Temple, Ci’en Pagoda and the Ita Thao indigenous village.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Taiwan Explorer

14 days & 12 nights

Superior from £7,395 (incl. flights)

Journey from Taipei in the north to the far south of Taiwan, visiting national parks, striking coastline and magnificent countryside en route. Travelling down the less-visited east coast, you’ll learn about the country’s aboriginal history and visit off-the-beaten-track sites including the volcanic Green Island and tribal villages near Taitung.

TAIPEI

NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM • LONGSHAN TEMPLE • NIGHT MARKETS

Taiwan’s modern capital reserves space amid the skyscrapers for its temples and teashops. The city has plenty to hold your attention, not least the National Palace Museum and its Chinese artefacts; Taipei 101 Tower, among the world’s tallest buildings; and Longshan Temple, with its ornate, sweeping roof. After dark, visit the famed night markets for everything from street food to souvenirs.

TAINAN

TAIWAN’S OLDEST CITY • HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE & QUAINT STREETS

Taiwan’s oldest city retains relics from Dutch, Japanese and Chinese rule, including the fort of Zeelandia, the merchant street of Yanping, Chihkan Tower and the Confucian Temple. It’s also Taiwan’s food capital, sating appetites with its smorgasbord of street food vendors, noodle restaurants and cosy cafes. The city is best explored on foot, following narrow lanes between courtyards, walled gardens and lantern-lit shops.

EXPERIENCE

RIDE TAIWAN’S SCENIC RAILWAYS

Alongside high-speed rail and the capital’s metro system, Taiwan offers scenic train rides that are as much about the journey as the destination. In Alishan Forest Park, a narrow-gauge railway will carry you gently over a serpentine track, through tunnels and across wooden bridges, past misthugged trees, rugged cliffs and sparkling streams. Views along the Pingxi Line, meanwhile, include charming villages, waterfalls and historic mining towns.

FIND NATURAL BEAUTY IN THE NATIONAL PARKS

You’re spoilt for beauty spots across Taiwan’s nine national parks and 13 national scenic areas. Taroko National Park affords you views of a pure-marble gorge, where tree-covered cliffs plunge down to the winding Liwu River. At the island’s southern tip, you’ll find the beaches, reefs and wildlife of Kenting National Park. Yushan National Park features Taiwan’s highest peak, Mount Jade, while Wuling Mountain Pass offers unforgettable panoramas.

VISIT THE NATION’S LARGEST BUDDHIST MONASTERY

Taiwan is home to thousands of Buddhist and Taoist temples that offer a serene retreat, as well as monastic centres for spiritual development. At Fo Guang Shan – ‘Buddha’s Light Mountain’ – you can witness age-old rituals under the smiling gaze of the monumental statue of Amitābha Buddha. The complex features several large shrine halls surrounded by pagodas, bridges, ponds and grottoes.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Taipei

Fly to Taipei, and transfer to The Grand Hotel

Taipei for 2 nights.

Day 3: Taipei

Guided tour of Taipei and its most important landmarks, including Longshan Temple.

Days 4 & 5: Taroko Gorge

Express train to Hualien. Transfer to the Lakeshore Hotel Taroko for 2 nights.

Following day, explore Taroko Gorge.

Day 6: Taitung via the East Coast Scenic Area

Drive through the East Coast National Scenic Area to Taitung, stopping at beauty spots and the Amis Folk Centre. Stay 3 nights at Formosan Naruwan Hotel

Day 7: East Rift Valley

Explore the East Rift Valley with a private guide and vehicle.

Day 8: Green Island

Ferry to Green Island for a guided trip with private vehicle, exploring the coastal scenery.

Days 9 & 10: Kenting

Drive to the forested hills, caves and coastline of Kenting National Park. Following day at leisure. Stay 2 nights at the Gloria Manor

Day 11: Kaohsiung

Drive to the port city of Kaohsiung via the Maolin Scenic Area and the ‘Purple Butterfly Valley’. Stay 2 nights at Howard Plaza Hotel Day 12: Kaohsiung

Guided tour of Kaohsiung, visiting Shoushan Mountain, Chijin Island, Ren-Ai River and Ruifeng night market.

Days 13 & 14: Taipei

High-speed train to Taipei. Overnight at The Grand Hotel Taipei. Fly home the next day.

Included meals: 12 breakfasts

Discover Vietnam

Awaiting you in Vietnam: steamy cities, stepped rice paddies, karst-strewn bays, colonial towns, glorious beaches and Mekong waterways. That’s not to mention some of the most delicious food you can experience in South-east Asia.

With us, you have numerous opportunities to explore the country’s ancient, colonial and recent past. Enjoy guided tours of historic cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, and visit important landmarks such as the Cu Chi Tunnels.

C&K RECOMMENDS

For insight into the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels War Memorial Park is an essential stop. The vast network of claustrophobic tunnels dug by the Viet Cong has been preserved, with a widened section offering access to visitors. If gastronomy is your passion, Vietnam has plenty to whet your appetite and we can arrange street food tours, cookery classes and dining at characterful restaurants, such as Hue’s Tha Om Garden House, a 19th-century residence complete with landscaped garden and lotus pond. Round off your holiday with a relaxing beach stay at the ‘Pearl Island’ of Phu Quoc or the coastal resort of Nha Trang.

HANOI

COLONIAL BUILDINGS • LIVELY MARKETS & STREET FOOD

The Vietnamese capital is a mix of tree-lined avenues, maze-like backstreets and fine French-colonial buildings, with various sites connected to revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. Also of interest are the 900-year-old Confucian Temple of Literature, the Vietnam Military History Museum, the Museum of Ethnology and Hoan Kiem Lake, home to Jade Island and the Ngoc Son Temple. The city also boasts a lively street-food scene.

GULF OF TONKIN

TOWERING LIMESTONE KARSTS • SANDY BEACHES • HIDDEN CAVES

The Gulf of Tonkin provides some of the most romantic coastal scenery in Vietnam, especially the oft-photographed Halong Bay and its less-visited counterpart, Lan Ha Bay. Sail aboard traditional Vietnamese junks or modern passenger vessels for visions of towering limestone karsts, emerald waters and golden beaches. See page 184 for more details on cruises in the Far East.

CENTRAL COAST

ANCIENT HOI AN • HUE’S UNESCO MONUMENTS • DANANG’S BEACHES

Vietnam’s Central Coast includes ancient towns, sandy beaches and dramatic headlands. In Hoi An, you’ll find distinctly Chinese architecture as well as celebrated Vietnamese cuisine. Nearby is the port city of Danang, known for its French-colonial boulevards and white-sand beaches. Hue, the former capital, is UNESCO-listed for its historic monuments. For views out to the South China Sea, journey the Hoi Van Pass.

HO CHI MINH CITY

MIX OF FRENCH-COLONIAL & MODERN ARCHITECTURE • GATEWAY TO THE MEKONG DELTA

Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, Ho Chi Minh City is a frenetic metropolis with streets bustling with scooters, food stalls and pedestrians, and lined with restaurants, office blocks and shopping malls. The city has much to explore, including the best museums in the country. Its position in the south-east also makes it an important gateway to the Mekong Delta for both traders and tourists alike.

MEKONG DELTA

FLOATING MARKETS • RIVERSIDE TOWNS • NAVIGABLE CANALS

The Mekong is one of the most important rivers in South-east Asia. Much of its delta can be explored by boat, with excursions to floating markets and along tranquil tributaries. The riverside towns of Can Tho and Chau Doc are excellent bases from which to explore the surrounding area. See page 184 for more details on cruises in the Far East.

Discover Laos & Cambodia

Cambodia is where the legacy of the Khmer Empire is writ large. The headline attraction is Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex in the world, but there are numerous smaller temples worth exploring. Beyond Angkor, you’ll find national museums with a wealth of artefacts from the same period, important sites that explore the country’s tumultuous contemporary history, and a gorgeous coastline.

Laos is a mountainous, landlocked nation with a culture rooted in Buddhism. Highlights include romantic Luang Prabang, the riverside capital Vientiane and the natural scenes of the south. These two Indochinese neighbours make the perfect pairing.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Soak up the sights of rural Cambodia with a boat trip on Tonlé Sap, a large lake surrounded by ‘floating’ villages with stilted houses. Or journey further with a river cruise along the Mekong (see page 184 for more details). In the south of the country lies the Koh Rong archipelago with its rainforests, reefs and beaches. Head south of Luang Prabang in Laos, passing various villages, and you’ll find the waterfalls of Kuang Si, whose clear pools offer a cooling escape from the tropical heat.

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

REVEALS CAMBODIA’S RECENT HISTORY • RELAXED RIVERSIDE SETTING

Cambodia’s capital is a jumble of colonial buildings, temples, markets and broad avenues. Its blend of cultural influences can be seen in landmark buildings, including the Khmer Royal Palace, tuckedaway Chinese temples, and the FrenchIndochinese Central Post Office, National Library and Royal Railway Station. The darkest chapter of Cambodian history is remembered at Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide.

CARDAMOM MOUNTAINS, CAMBODIA

RARE FLORA & FAUNA • EXPLORE THE PRISTINE JUNGLE

This verdant region of mountain, jungle and river is one of the most important ecological areas in South-east Asia, and home to almost all Cambodia’s known species of mammal, amphibian, bird and reptile – including threatened species such as clouded leopards, Malaysian sun bears, tigers and Asian elephants. The Cardamom Mountains are accessible from Phnom Penh by boat and road.

LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

BUDDHIST TEMPLES & COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE

The former royal capital of Luang Prabang is considered the best-preserved historic town in South-east Asia, with a UNESCO-protected centre that encompasses Buddhist temples, French-colonial architecture and traditional Laotian buildings. The city is beautifully situated on a peninsula formed by the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers set against verdant mountains. Be sure to visit the National Palace Museum and the temple of Wat Mai.

THE ANGKOR TEMPLES, CAMBODIA

JUNGLE-BOUND TEMPLES • CRUISE ANGKOR THOM MOAT

These magnificent temples are just a short drive from Siem Reap. Created by a succession of kings, the monuments belong to the classic period of Khmer civilisation. From the 15th century, the temples were abandoned and forgotten until rediscovery in 1861. Highlights include the walled and moated city of Angkor Thom, the giant stone faces of Bayon and the huge three-tiered pyramid of Angkor Wat.

SOUTHERN LAOS

CENTURIES-OLD TEMPLES • WATERFALLS & RIVER-BOUND ISLANDS

Laos’ less-visited south rewards intrepid travellers. In Champasak Province, the remarkable riverine archipelago of Si Phan Don – or ‘4,000 Islands’ – emerges when the Mekong’s water level lowers. It is also home to the waterfalls of Khone Phapheng and Tad Fane, as well as highland coffee plantations. At the base of Phu Kao mountain, you’ll find the Vat Phou temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vietnam in Style

Duration • 16 days & 14 nights

Price • From £5,395 (incl. flights)

Category • Luxury

Explore the length and breadth of Vietnam in style, staying in some of the country’s finest hotels throughout. This journey includes two memorable nights aboard a luxury cruise ship to discover less-visited parts of Halong Bay. You also tour the capital, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as visit the tribal highlands near Sapa and the cultural landmarks of Hue and Hoi An.

Day 1: Fly to Hanoi

Take an overnight flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

Day 2: Hanoi

Arrive and transfer for 2 nights at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, an elegant property within Hanoi’s French Quarter.

Day 3: Hanoi

Full-day tour of Hanoi, with the chance to explore the Old Quarter. Visit the city’s museums and temples, and learn about Vietnam’s revolutionary history at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. In the afternoon, enjoy a street food tour with a walk through Hom Market, visiting a quaint eatery and the famous Bun Cha Restaurant.

Day 4: Halong Bay

Drive east from Hanoi to the World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Here you’ll board the Indochine Premium for a 2-night cruise on one of the finest ships on the bay. In the afternoon, visit Luon Cave, known for its remarkable limestone structures.

Day 5: Halong Bay

Travel by sampan – a traditional flat-bottomed boat – to explore the highlights of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Stroll through charming rustic villages or perhaps take a swim or kayak.

Day 6: Hanoi

Watch the sun rise over the bay before visiting Titov Island. Then, disembark and return to Hanoi for an overnight stay at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 7: Sapa

Drive along the Red River to visit the small, picturesque mountain town of Sapa known for its natural scenery, vibrant ethnic culture and cool climate. Stay 2 nights at the Topas Ecolodge, situated on a beautiful

hilltop deep in the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park.

Day 8: Sapa

Day at leisure. Perhaps explore the former French colonial town or choose one of the excursions offered at the ecolodge, such as visiting local villages, textile workshops, or a cycle tour (additional cost paid locally).

Day 9: Hanoi

After breakfast, explore the local market where many ethnic groups such as the Flower Hmong, the Phu La and the Dao Tuyen minorities gather to trade their produce. Drive back to Hanoi and overnight at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 10: Fly to Hue

Fly to Hue, the 19th-century Nguyen capital. Afternoon visit to the royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. A dinner reservation will be made

at the Tha Om Garden House, a wonderfully atmospheric place to dine, set in a beautiful garden with a lotus pond in the middle. Stay 2 nights at Azerai La Residence

Day 11: Hue

Take an escorted ride through the streets of Hue for a view of the city from street level, visiting the Imperial City and its enclosed Purple Forbidden City. Afterwards, enjoy a short cruise on the Perfume River and then visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, which is situated on the riverbank outside the city.

Day 12: Hoi An

Drive to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass, the ‘Pass of the Ocean Clouds’, where the Truong Son mountain range cuts across the narrow centre of the country. Stay 2 nights at the Namia River Retreat, a serene riverside property.

Day 13: Hoi An

Take a walking tour through the twisting lanes of Hoi An, home to many galleries and cafes, the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge and numerous wooden merchant houses built in a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese architectural styles.

Days 14 & 15: Ho Chi Minh City

Drive to Danang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Take an afternoon tour of the city visiting the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum, which displays a number of exhibits relating to the war with the US and battles with occupying French forces. Stay 2 nights at the Park Hyatt Saigon. Your following day is at leisure.

Day 16: Fly home

Transfer to the airport and catch your return flight home.

Included meals: 14 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 3 dinners

Laos & Cambodia: Kingdoms of Wonder

Duration • 14 days & 11 nights

Price • From £3,695 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

Explore the cultural and historical highlights of Laos and Cambodia on this private holiday. Your journey begins with a tour of the temples and monuments of Laos’ capital, Vientiane. A scenic train ride brings you to Luang Prabang, where heritage buildings, hidden waterfalls and lively markets await. Cross the border to Siem Reap and Angkor’s atmospheric temples. After touring the French-colonial buildings and limestone caves of Battambang, finish in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, where you take in the sights before sailing the Mekong at sunset.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Vientiane, Laos Fly overnight to Vientiane. Upon arrival the next day, you’re met and transferred to your hotel. Stay 2 nights Lao Poet Hotel

Day 3: Vientiane

Morning tour of Vientiane, starting at Wat Sisaket temple and its 2,000 Buddhas. Continue to Wat Prakeo, a royal temple turned arts museum; the pilgrimage site of Wat Simuang; and the golden stupa of Pha That Luang. Finish at COPE Visitor Centre to learn about Laos’ unexploded ordnance. This afternoon, visit Buddha Park and its eccentric religious sculptures. En route back, you have the option to visit the Lao Disabled Women’s Centre and speak to the inspiring women there.

Day 4: Luang Prabang

Take a train to Luang Prabang and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, visit the Royal Palace Museum, the Huan Chuan Heritage House, Wat Xiengthong, Wat Khili temple, and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre. Stay 2 nights at Maison Dalabua.

Day 5: Luang Prabang

Optional early start to witness alms giving and to visit a Laotian market. After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to the Kuang Si Waterfall, with the option to swim in the pool at its base or walk the forest trails. Return to Luang Prabang by afternoon, with a guided tour of Ock Pop Tock silk-weaving centre.

Day 6: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Morning at leisure, followed by an afternoon flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, you’re transferred to your hotel. Stay 3 nights at Montra Nivesha Residence

Day 7: Siem Reap

Explore the jungle-bound Khmer temples north of Siem Reap, including Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat – the largest temple

complex in the world. You have the option to stay to see Angkor Wat at sunset.

Day 8: Siem Reap

Excursion to Kampong Phluk village, whose houses sit on stilts over Tonle Sap. During dry season, you can visit the floating village of Chong Kneas, while in the rainy season you can explore the forest by boat. This afternoon, visit Lotus Silk Farm for an immersive experience watching the sustainable process used to transform lotus flowers into silk.

Day 9: Battambang

Drive to Battambang and visit the Provincial Museum, which houses Angkorian and preAngkorian artefacts, then check in at your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Stay 2 nights at Maisons Wat Kor

Day 10: Battambang

Head to Phnom Sampeau, a limestone outcrop that shelters several temples and whose caves were used by the Khmer Rouge for executions. Continue to the Bamboo Train, a simple mode

of transport. Return to town for a guided tour of Battambang’s French-colonial buildings.

Day 11: Phnom Penh

Depart early for Phnom Penh, stopping en route at Kampong Chhnang to learn about traditional pottery and Pursat to see its stone carving. Upon arrival, visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum and Phnom Penh’s oldest shrine, Wat Phnom. Stay 2 nights at La Rose Suites

Day 12: Phnom Penh

This morning, take a sombre visit to the the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. This afternoon, browse at two of Phnom Penh’s popular covered markets, followed by a sunset cruise on the Mekong with guided commentary.

Days 13 & 14: Fly home

Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your departure flight, arriving the next day.

Included meals: 11 breakfasts

Discover Far East river cruising

The Far East has been shaped by its waterways, and cruising along these vital arteries and tributaries provides a different perspective of the region. Meander through tranquil countryside, quaint fishing villages, floating markets and major port cities aboard converted rice barges and high-sailed junk boats, as well as modern passenger ships designed with comfort in mind.

We can arrange weeklong odysseys between countries, as well as short boat excursions. As you cruise the rivers, canals and coves, visit places not easily reached by other means.

C&K RECOMMENDS

The Red River in Northern Vietnam will take you from the bustle of Hanoi to the beauty of Halong Bay and its towering limestone islands. The sprawling delta of the Mekong, meanwhile, connects Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, and can be experienced on weeklong cruises via luxury passenger vessels, or short boat trips aboard traditional flatbottomed sanpans. On China’s Li River, soak up views of terraced rice fields, fishermen seeking their daily catch, deep forests and limestone karsts – visions a world away from the frenetic modern cities.

EXPERIENCES

HALONG AND LAN HA BAYS

The Mekong meanders about 4,900km through South-east Asia to the South China Sea. Across its course there is a constant flow of boats – fishing, ferrying and forming floating markets. A Mekong cruise provides glimpses of daily life here. Most routes sail between Vietnam and Cambodia, while more adventurous voyages take in Laos and Thailand. Guided shore excursions take you to riverside villages and reveal their trades, from silk weaving to fish farming, offering valuable insight into life on the Mekong.

Easily accessible from Hanoi, Vietnam’s Gulf of Tonkin encompasses three main bays: Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best known, Lan Ha Bay is quieter and includes the large island of Cat Ba, while Bai Tu Long Bay occupies the far north. All three feature a number of small islands, beaches, floating villages and limestone karsts that rise out of clear waters. A cruise of between one and three nights is recommended, with opportunities to kayak, snorkel and explore untouched beaches.

The Yangtze – Asia’s longest river – has been central to China’s trade and transport for millennia. We can arrange cruises of up to seven nights on this historic waterway. Sail past centuries-old temples and riverside villages that contrast sharply with the huge Three Gorges Dam. Highlights include the Three Gorges of Qutang, Wu and Xiling, with their steep cliffs and misty peaks; sampan rides on the Shennong tributary; the cavernous 816 Nuclear Military Plant; and White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

A River Journey on the Mekong

14 days & 12 nights

Luxury from £5,295 (incl. flights)

Explore one of the world’s great rivers aboard the Jayavarman, witnessing life and landscapes along the Mekong in both Vietnam and Cambodia. You pass small villages and sleepy temples that, being inaccessible by road, are well off the tourist trail. This journey can be taken either up or downstream, ending or beginning at the temples of Angkor.

Day 1: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Catch your flight to Vietnam.

Days 2 & 3: Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive and transfer to the Caravelle Hotel for 2 nights. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Day 4: Mekong

Transfer to My Tho to board the Jayavarman for a 7-night cruise to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Day 5: Cai Be • Binh Thanh Island

Take a boat trip around Cai Be to see the floating market, and explore the islands and orchards of the delta.

Day 6: Gieng Island • Evergreen Island

Visit Gieng Island and Evergreen Island to

witness traditional boat building and farming, then cross the border into Cambodia.

Day 7: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Full-day tour of Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital.

Day 8: Kampong Laeang

Experience authentic rural life with a leisurely ox-cart ride through picturesque rice fields.

Day 9: Kampong Luong

Visit a renowned silver-smithing village before continuing to Wat Prang, a royal Buddhist temple.

Day 10: Angkor Ban • Kampong Cham Angkor Ban is home to a serene monastery and charming riverside village. Meet monks and wander through the village.

Day 11: Siem Reap

After breakfast disembark and travel to Siem Reap. Stay at the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor for 3 nights.

Days 12 & 13: Angkor temples

Explore picturesque Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and some of the smaller temples of Angkor, including the Roluos Group and Banteay Srei.

Day 14: Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Included meals: 12 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners

Discover South-east Asia

THAILAND | MALAYSIA | SINGAPORE | BORNEO

There is more to discover in South-east Asia. This is a region of hushed temples, hooting rainforests, buzzing cities and sizzling street-food that lends itself to a multi-country holiday.

In Thailand, witness Siam’s legacy in the Ayutthaya ruins and unwind on southern beaches. More seductive sands await in Malaysia, alongside its cosmopolitan capital and ancient Taman Negara rainforest. Borneo’s rainforests are where to spot orangutans, while Singapore offers bold architecture and fusion cuisine.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Drive north of Bangkok to see Thailand’s ruined medieval city of Ayutthaya. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where you can wander between spire-topped temples and smiling Buddhas. More photogenic sights await in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia, a picture of cooling rainforests, lush tea farms and vibrant rose plantations. For a serene finish to your holiday, head to the beaches that fringe the Andaman Sea; we recommend Phang Nga and Krabi in Thailand, or Malaysia’s ninety-nine-island archipelago of Langkawi.

THAILAND

BUSTLING BANGKOK & ITS CUISINE • SOUTHERN BEACHES • NORTHERN HILL TRIBES

Thailand is among Asia’s most popular destinations for good reason. It’s a country of effervescent cities, tropical islands, tempting street food and dazzling temples. There are still areas under the tourist radar, however, and our experts can weave them into a private holiday tailored to you.

The capital, Bangkok, is the usual point of entry. Alongside thoroughly modern skyscrapers, you will find royal palaces, national museums, Buddhist temples, buzzing markets and backstreet eateries. The UNESCO-listed ruins of Ayutthaya lie a short drive away; here you can wander between monasteries and elegant prang spires for a glimpse of the Siamese Kingdom’s past grandeur.

In the mountainous north, you can visit waterfalls, hill tribes and the temples of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai; while in the south, alluring beaches of white and gold sand promise relaxation.

MALAYSIA

DYNAMIC KUALA LUMPUR • LUSH RAINFORESTS & RELAXING BEACHES

Malaysia’s main peninsula showcases an interesting mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures and cuisines. It’s home to the modern capital, Kuala Lumpur, with its landmark skyscrapers, urban parks, street markets, huge malls and ethnic enclaves, including Little India and Chinatown. Here, too, are colonial cities such as Penang and Malacca, white sandy beaches and national parks including Taman Negara –one of the world’s oldest rainforests.

BORNEO

NATIVE ORANGUTANS • INDIGENOUS TRIBES • MARINE HABITATS

Malaysian Borneo is renowned for its steamy rainforests, marine national parks, smouldering volcanoes, indigenous tribes and diverse wildlife. Orangutans are the main draw and best seen at rehabilitation centres such as Sepilok, or, more rarely, natural habitats such as the Danum Valley. Borneo’s jungles also shelter Asian elephants, proboscis monkeys, colourful birds and eye-catching plants, while the coast plays host to turtles, barracudas and rays.

SINGAPORE

CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE • WORLD-CLASS DINING

The city-state of Singapore is an ideal stopover, with some of the best restaurants in Asia as well as beautiful parks and colonial buildings. The city is compact and boasts an excellent transport system, making it easy to hop between highlights such as the Gardens by the Bay and their famous ‘supertrees’; diverse neighbourhoods including Chinatown and Little India; and the redeveloped quay areas. The landmark Raffles Hotel, birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail, is worth a visit to experience the ambience of the famous Long Bar.

AFRICA

Welcome to where lions and nomads roam. Africa is a continent of vast savannas and golden shores, cosmopolitan cities and tribal villages, world-famous wildlife and celebrated wine.

South Africa is the ideal introduction – a land of natural beauty and comfort, from the Winelands and wildlife reserves to the fair Cape and arid Kalahari.

Venture north to Kenya and Tanzania for Big Five safaris and the great wildebeest migration, to Namibia for its stark and striking desert landscapes, or to Uganda and Rwanda for close-up encounters with gorillas and chimpanzees.

Offshore, the Indian Ocean islands promise the ultimate in post-safari relaxation, plus captivating wildlife such as Madagascar’s tree-leaping lemurs.

To the west, Africa’s Atlantic nations deliver vibrant cultural experiences and a distinct sense of place.

View our full collection online

The destinations and tours featured in this brochure represent a small sample of what we offer. Our website contains a wealth of additional itineraries, detailed country guides and accommodation options.

Discover Madagascar

Geographically isolated for around 70 million years, Madagascar is a living museum of evolution – a lost world where flora and fauna trace their lineage all the way back to the age of dinosaurs. The world’s fourth-largest island is home to 18 tribal cultures, five distinct regions and a staggering array of endemic species.

Travel from desert plains to spiny rainforest and palm-lined beaches, discovering a land unlike anywhere else on Earth. Spot some of Madagascar’s 100 species of lemur, over 120 endemic birds, and fascinating creatures such as the jewel-toned panther chameleon and the graceful silky sifaka. With its ancient landscapes and spell-binding biodiversity, this is a naturalist’s paradise.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Madagascar enjoys a tropical climate, conditioned by its mountains and trade winds. The dry season from April to October offers the best time to visit, when travel is easier and wildlife sightings are at their best. The rainy season runs from December to March, with cyclones possible in February and March. Explore the capital, Antananarivo, with its markets and colonial architecture, before journeying into Madagascar’s wild heart. Encounter wildlife found nowhere else, from playful lemurs to chameleons in every hue, and walk among the towering baobabs that define the island’s landscapes. Finish your adventure on the pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean.

ISALO NATIONAL PARK

DEEP CANYONS & MAGICAL WATERFALLS • ELEPHANT’S FOOT BLOOM IN SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

One of Madagascar’s most scenic parks, Isalo features a dramatic sandstone massif carved by canyons and dotted with tapia forest, waterfalls and natural springs. Though wildlife is sparser here, ring-tailed and red-fronted lemurs are commonly spotted, alongside 80 exotic bird species and over 500 plants. Its dry climate and varied trails also make it ideal for walking year round.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Madagascar: Lemurs, Forests, Tsingy & Islands

18 days & 15 nights

Discovery from £6,195 (incl. flights)

Discover the majesty of Madagascar on this comprehensive journey from the rainforests of Andasibe to the limestone pinnacles of Ankarana and the beaches of Nosy Be. Encounter lemurs and chameleons in lush reserves, explore volcanic and tsingy landscapes, and kick back beside the Indian Ocean on this unforgettable island adventure.

ANDASIBE-MANTADIA

NATIONAL PARK

UNTOUCHED PRIMARY RAINFOREST IN MANTADIA • HOME TO INDRI LEMURS

A scenic drive east from Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park comprises two reserves: Analamazoatra and Mantadia. Analamazoatra’s compact rainforest shelters 11 lemur species, including the indri, as well as over 100 bird species, reptiles and butterflies. Mantadia’s sprawling primary forest is more remote and tranquil, providing rewarding bird and reptile sightings.

RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

BEAUTIFUL MONTANE RAINFOREST • HOME TO RARE GOLDEN BAMBOO & GREATER BAMBOO LEMURS

Established in 1991, Ranomafana National Park is a prime spot for wildlife viewing on foot. Its varied elevations create a striking mix of lowland and cloud forests, together home to 12 lemur species, including the golden bamboo lemur. Birdlife is rich here too, with 118 species – 36 of which are endemic – such as the velvet asity and crested ibis.

DISCOVER THE IFOTAKA COMMUNITY FOREST

The Ifotaka Community Forest, managed by the indigenous Antandroy people, combines wildlife encounters with rich cultural traditions. Explore gallery and spiny forests teeming with ring-tailed lemurs, Verreaux’s sifakas and nocturnal species like mouse lemurs. Join an Antandroy guide as they accompany you to the sacred forests, where ornate ancestral tombs rise among the thorns, or visit the bustling village market.

EXPLORE THE TSINGYS OF ANKARANA

Located two hours south of Diego Suarez, Ankarana National Park reveals a surreal world of limestone pinnacles, canyons and caves – the largest system of its kind in Africa. Between the jagged tsingy formations, tropical forest shelters an array of wildlife, from crowned and Sanford’s brown lemurs to fossas and tenrecs. Boardwalks and bridges make this eye-catching landscape easy to explore.

TROPICAL ISLANDS AND BEACHES

Off Madagascar’s north-west coast, Nosy Be offers a blend of white-sand beaches, lemur-filled reserves and fragrant ylang-ylang plantations. Head to nearby Nosy Komba, a volcanic island with no roads or power grid, for a true castaway feel. Boat trips reveal marine reserves like Nosy Tanikely, where sea turtles glide through vivid coral reefs. June–September brings whale sightings around Île Sainte-Marie.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Antananarivo Fly overnight to Antananarivo via Addis Ababa. On arrival, transfer to Pallisandre Hotel & Spa for 1 night.

Days 3-5: Andasibe-Mantadia

National Park

Drive to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and stay 2 nights at Mantadia Lodge. Explore Mantadia and Analamazaotra reserves on guided walks in search of lemurs, birds and reptiles. Visit Vakona Reserve and Lemur Island, with an evening walk to spot nocturnal species.

Day 6: Antananarivo

Morning visit to Mitsinjo Reserve before returning to Antananarivo for an overnight stay.

Days 7-10: Diego Suarez, Amber Mountain & Ankarana Fly north to Diego Suarez to visit French

Mountain and the 3 Bays. Overnight at Allamanda Hotel. Continue to Amber Mountain National Park to explore its forested trails, waterfalls and wildlife. Overnight in Joffreville. Visit the red tsingys, then spend 2 nights in Ankarana National Park, home to limestone formations, caves and canyons.

Days 11-16: Ambilobe & Nosy Be

Stay 2 nights at Iharana Bush Camp to explore nearby tsingys and caves before transferring to Ankify for the ferry to Nosy Be/Nosy Komba. Spend 4 nights at Vanila Hotel (or similar), relaxing on the beach or taking boat trips to nearby islands.

Days 17–18: Fly to the UK Fly overnight via Addis Ababa.

Included meals: 15 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 9 dinners

Discover South Africa

South Africa’s blend of dramatic landscapes, cultures, cuisines and languages never fail to impress. The Cape Provinces offer a mix of cultures, from Cape Malay flavours and world-class wines to the elegant architecture of historic towns. Wildlife thrives across the country, with opportunities for land and ocean safaris – from spotting the Big Five to watching whales off the coast.

For jaw-dropping scenery and a fascinating glimpse of diamond-rush history, the vast Northern Cape awaits, while the lesser-known west coast reveals the peaceful charm of Paternoster and the rugged Cedarberg mountains, where ancient Bushman rock art tells stories thousands of years old. With such variety, every corner of South Africa offers a different but equally compelling experience for travellers.

C&K RECOMMENDS

South Africa offers an incredible mix of scenery, wildlife, food and wine, making it a rewarding year-round destination. The Western Cape enjoys warm, dry weather from November to March – perfect for self-drives along the Garden Route or wine tasting during the harvest season. Between June and November, coastal towns like Hermanus are superb for whale watching, while the northern reserves, including Kruger, are best visited in the dry winter months from May to September, when animals gather at waterholes. Spring brings carpets of wildflowers and colourful fynbos across the Cape Floral Kingdom.

CAPE TOWN & WINELANDS

ONE OF AFRICA’S MOST LIVEABLE CITIES • ROBBEN ISLAND, NELSON MANDELA’S FORMER PRISON • WORLD-RENOWNED WINE ESTATES

Set against Table Mountain and the Atlantic, Cape Town mixes coastal beauty with cosmopolitan charm. Explore the spectacular Cape Peninsula, from lively city streets to infamous Robben Island and the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Journey along Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope, stroll through Kirstenbosch Gardens, then sample fine wines and cuisine in the scenic Cape Winelands.

THE EASTERN CAPE

EXCELLENT MALARIA-FREE WILDLIFE RESERVES • COMMUNITY CONSERVATION ENTERPRISES • WILD COASTLINE

The Eastern Cape makes for an excellent start or end point to the Garden Route, with private wildlife reserves, a dramatic coastline, and malaria-free safaris. Visitors can spot elephants at Addo National Park, dolphins and whales offshore, and enjoy thrilling game drives, bush walks, or river cruises. Luxury lodges and tented camps cater perfectly to families and couples alike.

KWAZULU-NATAL

SUB-TROPICAL COASTLINE • RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE • UNESCO SITES & HISTORIC BATTLEFIELDS

Stretching along South Africa’s subtropical east coast, KwaZulu-Natal blends unspoilt Indian Ocean beaches, rich Zulu heritage and dramatic mountain scenery. The province is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – iSimangaliso Wetland Park and uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park – as well as historic battlefields. Nearby, Eswatini and Lesotho offer equally striking landscapes and enduring traditions.

THE GARDEN ROUTE

EXCELLENT MARINE WILDLIFE • QUAINT TOWNS & LOCAL CULTURE • WILDLY BEAUTIFUL TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK

A popular way to elevate your South Africa adventure is to travel the Garden Route by car or guided tour, winding through landscapes rich in Cape flora and fauna. Explore the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn, the Swartberg Mountains, Knysna’s lagoon and Plettenberg Bay’s beaches. Stay in boutique guesthouses or farms, then continue to the Eastern Cape.

THE NORTH

RENOWNED FOR WILDLIFE • EXCEPTIONAL BIRD WATCHING • SLEEPOUT EXPERIENCES IN THE BUSH

In South Africa’s north, Kruger National Park stands as the country’s flagship wildlife reserve, home to hundreds of mammal, bird, reptile and plant species. Its unfenced borders meet acclaimed private reserves such as Sabi Sands and Timbavati. Close by, the Waterberg and malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve offer scenic, less-visited alternatives, with more superb wildlife encounters including the elusive African wild dog.

SUMITTING TABLE MOUNTAIN | CAPE TOWN

A visit to Cape Town is incomplete without taking in the many vantage points of the city’s iconic landmark, Table Mountain. Rising dramatically behind the city, its flat-topped summit offers expansive views of the ocean and surrounding peaks. Hike one of the scenic trails or take the rotating cable car to the top, where a network of walking paths reveals native fynbos, rock formations and views stretching to the distant Cape Peninsula. Whether you visit at sunrise or sunset, it’s one of the most breathtaking panoramas in South Africa.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

South Africa: Cape Town, the Garden Route and Safari

16 days & 13 nights

Superior from £3,845 (incl. flights)

This classic self-drive journey showcases South Africa’s most celebrated highlights in one scenic, well-paced itinerary. Begin in Cape Town, exploring its history and landmarks, before heading to the Winelands for world-class food and wine. Continue east along the Garden Route’s coast and finish with an unforgettable ‘Big Five’ safari in Amakhala Game Reserve.

Day 1: Fly to Cape Town

Fly overnight from London to Cape Town.

Days 2-4: Cape Town

Transfer to Three Boutique Hotel for 3 nights. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the city and waterfront, or take optional excursions such as Robben Island or Table Mountain. Your hire car will be delivered on day three. Drive along the Cape Peninsula to see the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope.

Days 5 & 6: Winelands

Drive to the Winelands, perhaps detouring via coastal Hermanus for whale watching. Stay 2

WHALE WATCHING FROM THE WILD COAST | GARDEN ROUTE

Depending on the season, travellers exploring South Africa’s famous Garden Route may encounter all of the region’s ‘Marine Big Five’. Take a boat trip to spot whales breaching offshore, pods of dolphins playing in the surf, and colonies of seals and penguins along the rocky coast near Gansbaai and Dyer Island. Stop by the seaside town of Hermanus, where whale sightings are possible from the shore between June and November. Here, the town’s famous ‘whale crier’ still announces the day’s sightings by blowing his kelp horn along the promenade.

Ride through some of Africa’s most headturning scenery aboard Rovos Rail, a luxurious train that captures the romance and elegance of rail travel’s golden age. Three-night journeys include the classic Cape Town to Pretoria route, with stops in Matjiesfontein and the historic diamondmining town of Kimberley, or Durban to Johannesburg, featuring safari drives and a Zulu battlefields tour. Three- to 4-night options include travel to Victoria Falls with a wildlife drive in Hwange National Park, while longer expeditions venture further afield into Namibia’s deserts, Mozambique’s coast, or the great plains of Zambia and Tanzania.

nights at Le Clé Lodge in Franschhoek. Enjoy leisurely wine tastings, vineyard lunches and the area’s relaxed charm.

Days 7 & 8: Oudtshoorn

Continue along scenic Route 62 to Oudtshoorn and stay at De Zeekoe. Visit the dramatic Cango Caves, an ostrich farm, or take a guided tour of the Swartberg Mountains for spectacular views and short hikes.

Days 9-11: The Garden Route

Early morning, you have the chance to join a meerkat viewing before driving east to Knysna. Stay 3 nights at Kanonkop House Explore the beaches, forests and lagoons of the Garden Route, with optional boat trips to

Featherbed Nature Reserve or dolphin- and whale-watching around Plettenberg Bay.

Days 12-14: Eastern Cape – Amakhala Game Reserve

Drive east to Amakhala Game Reserve for 3 nights at Amakhala Safari Lodge. Enjoy included ‘Big Five’ wildlife drives and bush walks in this malaria-free reserve.

Days 15 & 16: Fly home

Drive to Port Elizabeth Airport, return your hire car and fly home via Johannesburg, arriving the next day.

Included meals: 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners

STAY

BOSCHENDAL, CAPE WINELANDS

Set in the Franschhoek Valley, in the heart of South Africa’s Cape Winelands, Boschendal is a 17th-century wine estate that blends heritage with contemporary comfort. Set amid vineyards and mountain scenery, it features boutique-style suites and charming cottages for a tranquil escape. Guests can enjoy wine tastings and cellar tours, explore the estate’s landscaped gardens, or try farm-to-table cuisine at its acclaimed restaurants. With cycling trails, picnics under the trees and a working farm to discover, Boschendal provides an authentic taste of the region’s winemaking traditions and natural beauty.

KANONKOP GUESTHOUSE, KNYSNA

Perched on a hillside overlooking the Knysna lagoon, family-run Kanonkop House is an elegant boutique property just 5 minutes from the town centre. Each individually designed room has its own distinctive style, featuring original works by South African artists. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with attentive personal service and a relaxed, homely charm. Mornings begin with breakfast served at the communal table, where guests can share travel stories while taking in panoramic lagoon views. With its tranquil gardens and refined comfort, Kanonkop House offers a memorable Garden Route stay.

MALAMALA CAMP, SABI SAND RESERVE

MalaMala, South Africa’s oldest and largest private game reserve, lies within the Sabi Sands, bordering Kruger National Park. This renowned camp combines a deep conservation legacy with captivating wildlife viewing. Spacious suites overlook the Sand River, and each guest is paired with a professional ranger and tracker for expertly guided game drives. The camp’s history stretches back to 1929, when it was purchased with the vision of preserving the wilderness for future generations. Today, MalaMala remains a pioneer of photographic safaris, offering some of the best ‘Big Five’ encounters in Africa.

Discover Namibia

One of the world’s least densely populated countries, Namibia is a land of vast horizons, home to the world’s oldest desert, the highest dunes and the mighty Fish River Canyon. Its landscapes range from the red sands of the Kalahari to the sun-bleached salt pans of Etosha, while traditional San and Himba cultures provide deep insight into desert life dating back centuries.

With nearly half the country under conservation, wildlife is in its element here too – with everything from desert-adapted elephants to rare black rhinos taking up residence in its many national parks and community reserves. Whether travelling between remote lodges or gazing across far-reaching plains, Namibia’s everchanging palette of colour and light create travel experiences that last long in the memory.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Namibia’s wide open landscapes are best explored by road, either self-drive or with a private driver-guide, allowing freedom to stop for wildlife, viewpoints and cultural encounters. Alternatively, a fly-safari by light aircraft delivers a spectacular aerial perspective of the country’s deserts and dunes. The cooler, dry months from May to October are the prime time for travel and game viewing. Highlights include tracking black rhinos on foot in Palmwag, taking a hot air balloon flight over the Sossusvlei dunes, or visiting the dramatic Fish River Canyon. At Okonjima, meet the AfriCat Foundation team and observe rehabilitated cheetahs and leopards in the wild.

NAMIB NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK

STUNNING SUNSETS OVER SOSSUSVLEI’S SAND DUNES • HOT-AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER THE DESERT

The Namib-Naukluft Park, home to the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei, is one of Namibia’s most photographed and atmospheric attractions. Travellers can explore this otherworldly desert either on a guided excursion or independently by hire car, pausing to watch sunrise or sunset over the dunes. For easy access and superb views, stay in a lodge within the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, which has its own entrance to the park.

ETOSHA

EXPLORE THE PARK ON SELF-DRIVES • WATER HOLES THAT ATTRACT LARGE GROUPS OF WILDLIFE

Etosha, meaning ‘great white place’, takes its name from the vast, shimmering Etosha Pan that dominates the park. Along its southern edge, waterholes and springs attract elephants, giraffes, zebra, antelope and predators including lions and cheetahs. Explore independently or we can arrange for you to join guided drives from camps inside the park or nearby private reserves.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Namibia Classic Self-Drive

17 days & 14 nights

Superior from £4,595 (incl. flights)

This popular self-drive itinerary offers a flexible, cost-effective way to experience Namibia’s highlights. Discover the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei, the coastal delights of Swakopmund and Damaraland’s striking granite landscapes before continuing to Etosha National Park, where self-drive safaris reveal elephants, lions and other wildlife around gleaming salt pans.

DAMARALAND

TWYFELFONTEIN ROCK ART SITE • RARE DESERT ELEPHANTS

Once inhabited by the Damara people, Damaraland is a rugged region of rocky plains and ancient valleys. Stay in lodges or tented camps and spot desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos, plus Bushman rock art, among the granite outcrops. Visit the Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes, or hike through fascinating landscapes and camp under the stars on a mobile safari in the Palmwag Concession.

SKELETON COAST

RUGGED COASTLINE & SHIPWRECKS • VISIT A HIMBA VILLAGE

Namibia’s remote north-west shines a light on some of its most visually arresting scenery, from the shipwreck-strewn Skeleton Coast to the desert valleys inland. We can help you explore this wild region by arranging a four-night stay, split between Shipwreck Lodge and Hoanib Valley Camp, discovering haunting coastal relics, rare desert-adapted wildlife and the traditional culture of the semi-nomadic Himba people.

Days 1 & 2: Fly overnight to Windhoek

Arrive in Windhoek, collect your hire car and transfer to The Elegant Guesthouse for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Gamsberg

Drive to Corona Guest Farm, nestled at the foot of the striking Gamsberg Mountain, and check in for the night.

Days 4 & 5: Sossusvlei

Continue south to Sossusvlei, famed for its immense red dunes and surreal desert landscapes. Spend 2 nights at Desert Homestead Lodge and explore the area’s dazzling scenery.

Days 6 & 7: Swakopmund

Drive to the coastal town of Swakopmund, a relic of German colonial influence and gateway to the Skeleton Coast. Enjoy a catamaran cruise the following day. Stay 2 nights at Cornerstone Guesthouse

Days 8 & 9: Twyfelfontein

Journey north to Damaraland, home to desert-adapted wildlife and ancient rock engravings. Spend 2 nights at Camp Kipwe Days 10–13: Etosha National Park

Spend 4 days exploring Etosha, one of Africa’s great wildlife reserves. Stay 2 nights each at Okaukuejo Rest Camp and Onguma Bush Camp

Days 14 & 15: Okonjima Nature Reserve

Visit Okonjima, home to the AfriCat Foundation’s cheetah and leopard rehabilitation programme. Stay 2 nights at Okonjima Plains Camp

Days 16 & 17: Fly to the UK

Return to Windhoek for your overnight flight home.

Included meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 9 dinners

Discover Southern Africa

BOTSWANA | ZIMBABWE | ZAMBIA | MALAWI

Rivers carve through deserts and wildlife thrives in floodplains across Southern Africa. Botswana epitomises these contrasts, its UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta a living oasis that floods the desert each year. Along the Zambezi River, Chobe National Park teems with elephants and lions, while the Kalahari and the salt pans of Makgadikgadi and Nxai reveal a desolate, transcendent calm.

Zimbabwe is crowned by the mighty Victoria Falls, with other highlights including Hwange National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and lion prides, and Mana Pools National Park, set in the heart of the Zambezi Valley. In less-travelled Zambia, exceptional guiding and pioneering walking safaris await, while compact, welcoming Malawi combines lakeside beaches, tea estates, mountain trails and wildlife encounters.

C&K RECOMMENDS

Southern Africa’s seasons shape the safari experience. In Botswana, the dry months from May to October bring warm days, cool nights and peak Okavango Delta floods, perfect for mokoro excursions and game viewing. The greener summer months offer fewer visitors, lush landscapes and newborn wildlife. Zimbabwe and Zambia share similar patterns: April to October is best for safaris, while Victoria Falls thunders at full force between March and May. September brings nesting carmine bee-eaters along Zambia’s riverbanks. Malawi’s cooler, calmer months from April to November are ideal for lake and mountain exploration.

THE VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE

WALK THE FALLS • THRILLING ACTIVITIES FROM LAND, WATER & AIR • HISTORIC HOTELS

On the Zambezi River, between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (‘The Smoke That Thunders’), is the world’s largest curtain of falling water, where up to half a million tonnes of the Zambezi plunge into deep gorges each minute. The Zimbabwean side offers the best rainforest viewpoints, while sunset cruises and lightaircraft flights reveal thrilling perspectives of this awesome natural wonder.

HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

LARGE ELEPHANT POPULATION • SEE THE ‘BIG FIVE’ • AUTHENTIC SAFARI CAMPS

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest reserve, protects vast Kalahari sandveld dotted with teak and mopane woodlands, salt pans and open plains. Home to over 100 mammal species, including 30,000 elephants and endangered wild dogs, it also delivers exceptional birding opportunities. Visit the Painted Dog Conservation Centre or traverse walking trails that promise wildlife encounters during the green season.

SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA

EXPLORE ON FOOT • SUPERB NIGHT DRIVES

The South Luangwa Valley, located at the tail of the Great Rift, is one of Africa’s richest and most unspoilt wildlife sanctuaries. Its lagoons and plains are packed with elephants, lions, leopards and hippos, while over 400 bird species also thrive here. Famed as the birthplace of walking safaris, it offers exceptional guided treks through pristine, game-filled wilderness.

THE OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

MOKORO CANOE SAFARIS • GAIN A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW FROM THE AIR • AUTHENTIC TENTED BUSH CAMPS

The UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta, floods from May to October, drawing elephants, buffaloes, red lechwe, crocodiles and rare wattled cranes. Explore by 4x4, mokoro canoe, or on foot, with superb birdwatching and fishing. At its heart lies Moremi Game Reserve, a pristine wilderness where big cats roam freely amid riverine forests, open savannas and lagoons.

LAKE MALAWI & LIKOMA ISLAND, MALAWI

CLEAR TURQUOISE WATERS • LOVELY BEACHES & ROCKY COVES

Lake Malawi, the country’s sparkling centrepiece, dazzles with clear waters teeming with colourful cichlids and opportunities for water-based recreation including kayaking, sailing and snorkelling. The southern lakeshore and Cape Maclear are the most accessible, while remote Likoma Island boasts tranquil beaches, rocky coves and the impressive St Peter’s Cathedral – a striking landmark in this car-free island haven.

Discover East Africa

KENYA | TANZANIA | UGANDA | RWANDA

Misty forests echo with the call of great apes and the Great Migration sees vast herds of wildebeest and zebra sweep across the plains – East Africa truly stirs the imagination. In Kenya, the Maasai Mara teems with wildlife and the traditions of the Masai and Samburu people endure. Tanzania offers the drama of the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, snowcapped Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain – and the exotic shores of Zanzibar.

To the west, Uganda and Rwanda invite close encounters with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their volcanic highlands. Uganda’s 20 national parks protect an incredible diversity of wildlife and over 1,000 bird species, while Rwanda combines luxury lodges with the striking landscapes of the Virunga Mountains, Lake Kivu and Akagera’s wide savannas.

C&K RECOMMENDS

East Africa merges some of the continent’s finest safari experiences with traditional cultures and idyllic beaches. In Kenya and Tanzania, game viewing is superb year-round. The Great Migration sees millions of wildebeest and zebras circle between the Serengeti and Masai Mara, with dramatic river crossings from July to October, or calving on the southern Serengeti plains from January to March. For fewer crowds, visit outside these peak months or explore the quieter southern parks. Uganda and Rwanda offer unforgettable primate encounters, with gorilla trekking best during the dry months.

TANZANIA’S NORTHERN SAFARI CIRCUIT

WORLD-CLASS SAFARI PARKS • GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION • UNESCOLISTED NGORONGORO CRATER

Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit –Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti – ranks among Africa’s best wildlife regions. Tarangire’s baobabdotted plains draw elephants to its river in the dry season, while Lake Manyara hosts tree-climbing lions. The Ngorongoro Crater is also crammed with captivating creatures, and the Serengeti’s vast plains stage the Great Wildebeest Migration in all its visual drama.

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

WILDEBEEST MIGRATION • CINEMATIC SAVANNAS • NIGHT DRIVES & GUIDED WALKS

The Masai Mara, Kenya’s most iconic reserve, is renowned for its abundant wildlife and cinematic landscapes. All of the ‘Big Five’ roam here, alongside cheetahs, hyenas and the distinctive Masai giraffe. Expanding conservancies on the reserve’s borders deliver vital protection for animals along their migration routes, with more exclusive encounters away from the crowds, including night drives and guided walks.

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

TREK TO SEE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS • SPOT ENDEMIC BIRDS • MEET THE INDIGENOUS BATWA PEOPLE

Laying claim to over half the world’s mountain gorillas, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest shelters approximately 450 of these endangered primates. This UNESCO-listed sanctuary also supports 120 mammal varieties, such as colobus monkeys and forest elephants, along with about 350 bird species including Albertine Rift endemics. Visits include local community projects and meetings with the local Batwa people.

LAIKIPIA PLATEAU

RUGGED, UNTAMED LANDSCAPES • AUTHENTIC CULTURAL INTERACTIONS • CONSERVATION ENTERPRISES

Stretching from the foothills of Mount Kenya to Lake Baringo, the Laikipia region encompasses contrasting landscapes, where wildlife – from elephants and buffaloes to lions and leopards – is in abundance. Luxurious lodges and community-run conservancies such as Lewa and Ol Pejeta offer insight into pioneering conservation efforts, while Samburu and Maasai involvement provides cultural connections.

KENYA & ZANZIBAR BEACHES

ENJOY THE SWAHILI CULTURE OF THE COAST • TAKE A TRADITIONAL DHOW CRUISE • PRISTINE SANDY BEACHES

Kenya’s palm-fringed coastline provides the perfect post-safari retreat, blending Swahili culture with Indian Ocean tranquility and beauty. From the white sands of Diani to the coral reefs off Watamu and the understated charm of Lamu, there’s a beach for every traveller. Alternatively, the Zanzibar Archipelago offers spice-scented islands, historic Stone Town and idyllic shores, with nearby Pemba promising superb diving.

EXPERIENCE

Few experiences capture the magic of East Africa quite like a hot air balloon flight at sunrise. As dawn breaks and the balloon slowly lifts above the savanna, the landscape glows in soft golden light, while the sounds of the waking bush add to the sensory drama. Drift silently over herds of elephant, zebra and antelope roaming the plains of the Masai Mara, Serengeti or Tarangire, then toast this unforgettable adventure with a sparkling wine breakfast served back on the ground, wherever the wind has carried you.

Deep in the mist-shrouded forests of Uganda and Rwanda, a handful of habituated mountain gorilla families provide travellers with one of the world’s most moving wildlife encounters. Led the whole time by a team of expert guides, trekkers navigate steep forested slopes and tangled undergrowth for up to four hours each way. The effort is rewarded with a magical, once-in-a-lifetime hour spent quietly observing these immensely powerful yet gentle creatures in their natural habitat – watching young gorillas play, mothers nuturing their infants and silverbacks calmly surveying the forest around them.

Murchison Falls National Park lies in the northern reaches of Uganda’s Albertine Rift Valley, where the White Nile crashes spectacularly through a narrow, jungleclad gorge before spreading into a broad, tranquil flow. Let us arrange a scenic boat ride to the base of the falls, spotting hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles and waterbucks along the way. The surrounding savannas support lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hartebeest and graceful oribi antelope. Birdwatching is also sensational, with more than 450 recorded species and a high-odds chance of sighting the elusive shoebill stork.

LITTLE ZEBRA RIVER CAMP, MASAI MARA, KENYA

Little Zebra River Camp is an intimate tented retreat nestled in riverine forest on a bend of the Talek River, overlooking the Masai Mara Reserve. Located on Masai community land, the camp works closely with local people and is surrounded by abundant birdlife, hippos, crocodiles and plains game. With just 9 spacious tents and 1 family tent, it’s ideal for couples, families or small groups. Each booking includes exclusive use of a 4x4 safari vehicle and guide, while the camp’s facilities – restaurant, bar, pool and firepit – create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

NGORONGORO LION’S PAW, TANZANIA

Perched on the eastern rim of the famous Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Lion’s Paw features 17 elegant suites, each exuding comfort amid untamed wilderness and spectacular scenery. From the bar and dining area, guests can take in unbroken views of the crater floor, occasionally spotting majestic tusked elephants and the elusive black rhino through binoculars. Just a short 10-minute drive from the crater gate, the camp is perfectly positioned for early morning game drives and peaceful, starlit evenings beside the fire.

BREEZES BEACH CLUB & SPA, ZANZIBAR

Breezes rests on the powder-white sands of Zanzibar’s eastern coast – the ultimate place to slow down and recharge after an actionpacked safari. The grounds of this relaxed, villa-style retreat is dotted with palm trees, with guests treated to commanding views across tropical gardens to the Indian Ocean. Spacious rooms are tastefully furnished in Zanzibari style, each with a terrace or balcony overlooking the sea. Breezes’ restaurant showcases the island’s distinctive fusion cuisine, while on-site facilities include a spa, fitness centre, tennis court, outdoor pool and beachfront water sports centre.

Discover West Africa

GHANA | TOGO | BENIN

Nowhere else on the continent weaves music, dance, art and spirituality so seamlessly into daily life as West Africa – a region still refreshingly unspoilt by excessive tourism. In Ghana, the legacy of the Ashanti empire endures in royal festivals, crafts and storytelling, while coastal forts built by European powers stand as reminders of the Atlantic slave trade’s dark history.

Togo’s landscapes shift from palm-fringed shores to fertile highlands, each region home to distinct ethnic groups with their own customs and rituals. In neighbouring Benin, Voodoo remains a living faith, its ceremonies and shrines woven into the fabric of society. Further west, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Gambia share this region’s infectious rhythm, creative spirit and proud sense of tradition and cultural identity.

C&K RECOMMENDS

West Africa’s cultural calendar is at its brightest between October and March, when dry, comfortable weather coincides with some of the region’s most captivating celebrations. In Ghana, the Ashanti mark Akwasidae with pageantry, kente-bright ceremony and rhythms that animate palace courtyards. Along the shores of Togo, Benin and eastern Ghana, Voodoo remains a guiding spiritual force, most vividly felt during Ouidah’s annual festival, where processions, percussion and masked traditions fill the streets. Other important harvest celebrations include Benin’s Yam Festival and Ghana’s Millet Festival, each honouring the season through communal feasting, dance and ancestral customs.

GHANA

COLOURFUL KENTE WEAVERS • HISTORIC FORTS • RAINFOREST CANOPY IN KAKUM

Often described as one of Africa’s friendliest nations, Ghana offers a enticing blend of culture, nature and history. Explore Accra’s lively streets and artisans’ workshops, the Ashanti capital of Kumasi with its colourful kente weavers and the poignant slave forts of Elmina. Walk the rainforest canopy in Kakum, spot wildlife in Mole and meet local farmers and chiefs.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Coastal Kingdoms of West Africa

16 days & 14 nights

Discovery from £7,995 (incl. flights)

On this adventurous journey through Togo, Benin and Ghana, uncover the mysteries of Voodoo, the legacy of the Ashanti empire and the history of the Atlantic slave trade. Meet local farmers, artisans and chiefs for an authentic glimpse into daily life in three fascinating, culturally rich countries still untouched by mass tourism.

Day 1: Fly to Lomé, Togo

Fly via Paris to Lomé for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Lomé • Lake Togo

Tour Lomé’s colonial landmarks and vibrant market, then continue to Lake Togo for 2 nights.

Day 3: Anaheo

Discover Voodoo culture with visits to animist shrines, sacred Glidji and a traditional ceremony in a local village.

Day 4: To Ouidah, Benin

Cross into Benin to witness the Zangbeto dancing masks, then continue to Ouidah for 2 nights. Visit the python temple, Portuguese fort and the poignant ‘slave road’.

TOGO

MARKETS & GALLERIES • DRUMMING & FIRE DANCES • MEET DIVERSE ETHNIC GROUPS

Togo may be small, but it holds stupendous cultural and geographic diversity. From the cosmopolitan markets and art galleries of Lomé to remote villages where drumming and fire dances are common sights, each of its 37 ethnic groups preserves distinct and time-honoured rituals and practices. Experience voodoo ceremonies, meet the Tamberma people and admire their remarkable adobe fortress homes.

BENIN

IDYLLIC BEACHES • THE ‘VENICE OF AFRICA’ • SACRED TEMPLES

Benin’s landscapes range from palm-fringed beaches and tropical plains to the baobabdotted savannas of the north. On Lake Nokwe lies Ganvie, the ‘Venice of Africa’, a vast stilt village built on water by the Tofinu people. In Ouidah, once a principal slave post of the Dahomey Kingdom, explore Afro-Brazilian architecture, sacred python temples and the vivid masked dances of Fon culture.

Day 5: Ganvie • Abomey

Take a boat across Lake Nokwe to the stilt village of Ganvie, then continue inland to Abomey to visit local caves and blacksmiths. Overnight stay.

Day 6: Gelede & Egun

See the Gelede and Egun mask dances and meet the semi-nomadic Fulani people.

Overnight at Hotel Jeko

Days 7 & 8: Kara & Tamberma

Meet the Anii king, then explore the Tamberma people’s striking adobe fortress homes.

Day 9: Sokode

Visit Kabeye villages and witness a spectacular fire dance.

Day 10: Kpalimé

See Kotoccoli horsemanship displays and kente weaving, and learn about herbal traditions in Kpalimé.

Days 11-14: Kumasi • Kakum • Elmina

In Ghana, visit Krobo bead makers and Ashanti shrines, and witness the Akwasidae Festival. Explore Kakum rainforest and Elmina’s coastal forts.

Days 15 & 16: Fly home

End in vibrant Accra. Extend with additional time here or fly to the Ivory Coast for further exploration.

Included meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 13 dinners

SMALL GROUP TOURS

Go smaller, get closer

For those who enjoy travelling in the company of others, Cox & Kings offers an exceptional range of small group tours. From immersive ‘Discovery’ journeys to indulgent ‘Luxury’ itineraries, our trips cater to different interests, comfort levels and degrees of fitness, bringing together like-minded travellers on curated routes that reveal each destination’s character.

Every tour is designed through the insight of our experts. Thoughtfully balanced itineraries combine landmark highlights with Signature Experiences that open doors to places not easily accessed independently. You benefit from expert tour managers, knowledgeable local guides and the reassurance of guaranteed small group sizes.

Our tours offer excellent value without compromising on quality. You enjoy competitive rates, specialist guidance and 24/7 support, with the confidence of full financial protection. And if an itinerary inspires you to travel privately, our specialists can tailor any group tour – or design a new journey entirely – to suit your interests.