Issuu

Trusted for over

25 YEARS

2027 & 2028

OUR AWARD-WINNING COLLECTION OF ESCORTED TOURS AND TAILORMADE HOLIDAYS

The winner of ‘Best Long Haul Specialist Operator’ 16 years running – Globe Travel Awards The most prestigious accolade in the travel industry

WELCOME It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to our River Cruise & Tour Collection. Cruising famous and historic rivers, or picturesque coastlines, you’ll gain a new perspective on a destination. Passing through the heart of bustling cities or picturesque and peaceful countryside, you’ll get authentic glimpses of local life too, while uncovering hidden gems far from the tourist trail. These journeys offer much more that just scenic views – they slow down the pace, give you time to relax and offer an immersive way to reach places that you would have to bypass when travelling by road. For over two decades I’ve had the privilege of sharing the world’s most wonderful nations with travellers from across the globe. Every journey we craft is designed with care, ensuring you experience the very heart and soul of each incredible destination. Each river cruise is seamlessly woven into one of these journeys, which are bursting with activities, experiences, and expert-guided sightseeing. Hand-in-hand with all the comforts of your river vessel, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of a Wendy Wu tour – including flights, accommodation, meals, visas, and exceptional value for money. Let us guide you on an unforgettable adventure – one that will inspire, enlighten, and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Wendy Wu Founder, Wendy Wu Tours

CONTENTS 4 – 17

YOUR GUIDE TO WENDY WU TOURS Wendy Wu Tours.....................................................................4

Recommended by You ..........................................................11

We Take Care of Everything......................................................6

Cultural Encounters...............................................................12

Our Award-Winning Guides.........................................................8

Travelling Solo........................................................................14

Award-Winning Expertise.......................................................10

Tour Styles Explained..............................................................16

18 – 65

RIVER CRUISE & TOUR MEKONG RIVER – CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

YANGTZE RIVER – CHINA

Discover the Mekong River .................................................... 18

Discover the Yangtze River ................................................... 40

All aboard: Victoria Mekong .................................................. 20

All aboard: Victoria Anna ...................................................... 42

A Mekong Experience .............................. CLASSIC 14 days

All aboard: Century Cruise – NEW .......................................... 44

Classic Mekong....................................... CLASSIC 18 days

Majestic Yangtze................................ S CLASSIC 14 days

Mekong Explorer..................................... CLASSIC 22 days

Wonders of China........................... U

16 days

Grand Mekong Odyssey............................ CLASSIC 26 days

Gems of China................................... U CLASSIC 16 days

Christmas on the Mekong....................... CLASSIC 19 days

China Uncovered – NEW.......................... CLASSIC 20 days

BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER – INDIA

Magnificent China.............................. S CLASSIC 22 days

Discover the Brahmaputra River............................................. 32

Ultimate China....................................... CLASSIC 27 days

All aboard: ABN Sukapha & ABN Charaidew II......................... 34

NILE RIVER – EGYPT

S CLASSIC

Beyond the Brahmaputra......................... CLASSIC 18 days

Discover the Nile River ...........................................................58

Christmas Beyond the Brahmaputra........... CLASSIC 18 days

All aboard: MS Tamr...............................................................60 62

Egypt & Jordan Adventure ........................ CLASSIC 18 days

66 –75

SMALL SHIP COASTAL CRUISE & TOUR GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS – ECUADOR

PACIFIC COAST – COSTA RICA & PANAMA

Discover the Galápagos & HX Expeditions ................................68 Galápagos Cruise & Machu Picchu........................... 19 days

Dreams of Egypt...................................... CLASSIC 11 days

Discover the Pacific Coast & Star Clippers ................................72 Costa Rica Tall Ship Adventure – NEW...................... 16 days

TAILORMADE TOURING

76 – 77

MORE INFORMATION

78–83

Hotels..................................................................................78

Wendy’s Loyalty Club............................................................82

Airlines................................................................................79

Booking Conditions.................................................................83

Your Questions Answered.......................................................80 S Dedicated Solo Departures U Upgraded Departures

Trusted for over

25 YEARS

WENDY WU TOURS EXPERIENCE THE EXTRAORDINARY Wendy Wu Tours is the UK’s leading touring specialist, offering exceptional fully-inclusive tours to over 50 countries worldwide. Our meticulously planned itineraries are fully escorted every step of the way and include everything you need for an unforgettable holiday.

We Take Care of Everything

Award-winning Service

Outstanding Tour Guides

We offer lots of inclusions on each and every tour, including your international flights, hotels, meals, guided touring, transportation, transfers – and even your visa. All you need to do is get to the airport!

Voted for by the public, our partners and respected travel experts, Wendy Wu Tours has been the recipient of over 40 major awards in our history including ‘Best Long Haul Specialist Operator‘ 16 years running at the prestigious Globe Travel Awards.

Our National Escorts are the stars of the show. Born and raised in the country you are travelling in and accompanying you every step of the way, it is their unrivalled knowledge, passion and expertise that takes a Wendy Wu tour from excellent to extraordinary.

GOLD

Authentic Experiences

Fly from your Doorstep

Your Loyalty Matters

All of our tours have fascinating cultural experiences included in the price. Be it learning a local craft, practicing an old tradition or dining with locals, you’ll get under the skin of our destinations and their cultures and have great fun at the same time.

Choose from quality airlines flying from your local airport. What’s more, when you fly from London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham or Belfast, there’s no flight supplement to pay! See page 79 for details.

Entry into Wendy’s Loyalty Club, our generous reward program, opens the door to significant savings every time you book, plus exclusive offers and news updates before anyone else. See page 82 for more details.

We Take Care of Everything FULLY INCLUSIVE TOURING WITH WENDY WU TOURS At Wendy Wu Tours we believe that everything you need to enjoy the holiday of a lifetime should be included in the price of your tour. Take a look at what’s included in all of our Classic Tours.

All Your Flights

All Your Immersive Experiences

All our tour prices include return international economy class flights from London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham or Belfast, and any domestic flights you may need whilst on tour. We can also help you with departures from regional airports, often for little or no extra cost.

We not only take you to lesser visited places, but offer authentic experiences throughout.

We only work with reputable scheduled airlines and of course all your pre-paid taxes and luggage is included in the price. We believe that your flights are an essential part of your holiday experience, and so our carefully selected airlines offer the utmost comfort, allowing you to arrive relaxed, refreshed and raring to go.

All Your Meals On our Classic tours, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included every day. Whilst breakfasts tend to be a mixture of local eats and familiar dishes from home, when it comes to lunch and dinner, most of the time you’ll be enjoying regional cuisine, often eating where the locals do. We also include a select number of ‘feature meals’, so you get to taste the signature dishes of the region, whilst the rest of the time you’ll eat a delicious range of your destination’s best food.

All Your Accommodation You can be safe in the knowledge that your accommodation has been selected to best suit the locations you’ll visit. Our Classic tours feature hand-picked four-star properties selected for their comfort, modern amenities and convenient location for sightseeing. We occasionally include a stay in three-star plus hotels or lodges where we feel the character of the property will enhance your tour.

Be it learning a local craft, practicing an old tradition or dining with locals, you’ll get under the skin of our destinations and their cultures. Check out the Authentic Experiences box on each tour page for details.

All Your Local Transport When you’re not sailing in comfort on your river cruise, you’ll enjoy a variety of local transport styles that help you explore each destination with ease. Most touring is by air-conditioned coach, with extra space to stretch out thanks to our seat-and-a-half per guest policy. You’ll also experience authentic local travel – from cyclos and rickshaw rides to relaxing rail journeys and convenient domestic flights, all designed to enhance your adventure on land.

Even Your Visas Organising your visa yourself can be a time-consuming and costly addition to your holiday. Not with Wendy Wu Tours’ hassle-free visa process. The cost of your visa is included in the tour price for all UK & Irish passport holders. What’s more, our expert team will provide advice, coordinate your processing and safely return your passports, leaving you to simply enjoy your holiday preparation. Please note that inclusions on our Classic Flex and Go Beyond tours differ slightly. See page 18 for details.

Aboard your river cruise, you’ll enjoy spacious, outward-facing cabins with private balconies, designed to provide comfort and stunning views throughout your journey.

All Your Guided Touring On all of our group tours, you’ll be accompanied throughout by one of our expert guides, known as a National Escort. Their dedication, personality, and sense of fun will immediately put you at ease and make you feel part of the family. Depending on your journey, the National Escort may not always be on board the river cruise itself, but you’ll be well looked after by the friendly and attentive crew and onboard guides throughout your time on the water, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment every step of the way.

Relax onboard the ABN Charaidew II

Our Award-Winning Guides YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS Our National Escorts are the stars of the show – it is their unrivalled knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise that take a Wendy Wu Tour from excellent to extraordinary. You’ll be accompanied by one of these passionate, caring professionals throughout your tour; they’ll be taking care of you every step of the way. Many of our guides have been working with Wendy Wu Tours for years, garnering accolade after accolade from our very happy customers. Our guides are dedicated to keeping you safe, happy, inspired, and entertained throughout your journey. With genuine care and expert ease, they’ll lead you through the unique customs and hidden gems of the world’s most fascinating destinations, making every step of the adventure effortless and enriching. It’s not just their professionalism that makes them so good at what they do. All our guides are born and raised in the country that you are exploring, giving them an unparalleled knowledge of the destination. They are also excellent at communicating that knowledge, meaning that you get a greater understanding of recent history and learn about local heritage, culture and way of life.

OUR NATIONAL ESCORTS  Are experienced and qualified in guiding  Are fluent in English  Have expert knowledge of the country you are touring  Benefit from rigorous training programmes  Are on hand to look after you every step of the way

‘’A special mention must go to George Pu, who truly went above and beyond. He delivered outstanding service to the whole group while also making each person feel individually valued and cared for. His attention to detail, warmth, and professionalism made a real difference.”

Award-Winning Expertise We are so proud of the numerous awards we’ve received over the years in recognition of the extraordinary travel experience we provide to our customers. We’re just doing what we do best – creating memories to cherish and providing exceptional levels of customer service.

Globe Travel Awards

British Travel Awards

The Globe Travel Awards are the ‘Oscars’ of the travel world. We are extremely proud winners of the Globe Travel Awards ‘Best Long Haul Specialist Operator’ for the past 16 years.

The largest consumer voted travel awards in the UK, it is an absolute honour to win at the British Travel Awards. In 2025, we took home the Best Travel Company to the Far East for the eleventh consecutive year, and Best to Southeast Asia for the fifth time.

Recommended by You Awards are all well and good but it’s our customer feedback that means the most to us.

“We spent 4 nights on the Victoria Mekong ship and it was fabulous. Everything from the decor, to the food and the wonderful staff was 5 star. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Vietnam and/or Cambodia. It is the best way to travel between the two countries and an experience not to be missed.” Sylvia Hanton (Mekong Explorer – Dec 2025)

“Gems of China was a great way to visit and see all of China’s main experiences whilst getting a little insight into life in China. The National Guide was efficient and friendly. The river cruise provided a relatively relaxing break in the middle of a full on itinerary and was an opportunity to really get to know the rest of the group. My highlights were the Great Wall and Shanghai – what an eye opener! Immaculate organisation from Wendy Wu as usual.” Ruth Few (Gems of China – May 2026)

Feefo We’re proud to be the holder of a feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award. Taken only from genuine customer feedback, independently verified by Feefo, only the businesses providing the best experience for their customers make the grade. That’s all the accolade we need.

Tripadvisor We’re honoured to receive a Certificate of Excellence at the latest Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards that recognise businesses that earn consistently great reviews and are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor.

Cultural encounters, every step of the way To make sure you truly immerse yourself in your chosen destination, we pack every single one of our tours with authentic cultural experiences. We’ve highlighted our favourite ones in the ‘Authentic Experiences’ box on each tour page, but for now, here are just a few examples of what you can look forward to…

ASIAN COOKERY CLASS Get an authentic taste of Southeast Asia in a hands-on cookery class. Master the art of a Thai, Vietnamese or Cambodian dish, and be sure to note down the recipe for later!

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK, INDIA Venture deep into the wild on an unforgettable safari through Kaziranga National Park, home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceros.

CALLIGRAPHY LESSON A long practised art, calligraphy is an essential part of China’s heritage and, with a demonstration in the basic techniques of this stylised writing, is the perfect way to connect with the local culture.

RIDE THE TOY TRAIN, INDIA The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway takes you on a scenic journey through the foothills of the mighty Himalaya between Darjeeling and Ghoom, home to India’s highest train station.

MEET VIETNAMESE ARTISANS Visit a riverside village famous for its handcrafted clay pots and watch local artisans mould, fire and paint each piece using age-old techniques passed down through generations.

EXPERIENCE A CAMBODIAN CIRCUS A rip-roaring combination of theatre, music, dance and circus, Phare tells tales woven from local folklore, history and modern life in a unique, magical and authentically-Cambodian way.

TAI CHI Part of an invigorating morning routine practised by many locals across the country, enjoy a Tai Chi session for yourself, learning basic steps from a master.

Travelling Solo TRAVEL SOLO BUT NEVER ALONE WITH WENDY WU TOURS Travelling solo with Wendy Wu Tours is relaxed, carefree, and full of unforgettable moments. Our expertly crafted itineraries take you to all the iconic sights, let you dive into local culture, savour authentic cuisine, and stay in welllocated, comfortable hotels – so you can focus on enjoying the journey. From start to finish, you’ll be looked after by one of our award-winning National Escorts, whose attention to detail and warm hospitality will make you feel like part of the family. With a sociable atmosphere, hands-on cultural experiences, and laid-back local dining, a Wendy Wu tour is the perfect way to meet like-minded travellers – and forge friendships that often last a lifetime.

TRAVELLING SOLO ON OUR GROUP TOURS Many solo travellers choose to travel on our group tours with a mix of other solos, couples, family groups and friends. Travel on one of these friendly and fun tours and you can choose a room of your own or our ‘Happy to Share’ option. A Room of Your Own If you’d like the comfort of being able to return to your own space after a day of exploring, our regular group tours offer a single supplement option, guaranteeing your own private room. You’ll find the supplement details below the departure dates on each tour. Happy to Share Embrace the joy of being sociable without the extra cost of travelling solo. Our popular ‘Happy to Share’ option pairs solo travellers of the same gender to share a room, so there’s no single supplement to pay if you are matched. Please see our website for full terms and conditions.

TRAVELLING SOLO ON OUR DEDICATED SOLO DEPARTURES We have reserved selected departures on some of our most popular tours exclusively for customers who prefer to share their wonderful holiday experiences with a ready-made group of like-minded solo travellers. Solo departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounges and a complimentary welcome drink on arrival! Look out for S on the contents page and highlighted departures on each tour page.

“Our 4 days on board were just fantastic. Staff could not be more helpful. We were made to feel so special. Housekeeping staff kept our cabin so clean and tidy. Meals were great and our allergy issue was taken care of with special care. Off ship excursions were well run and just long enough to allow us time to enjoy the onboard life as well. Would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Tour Styles Explained As every traveller is different, we’ve developed a range of touring styles that will allow you to travel on one of our experience-packed tours, your way. CLASSIC

CLASSIC FLEX

GO BEYOND

Our most comprehensive way to travel, Classic Tours bring together all the iconic sights and authentic experiences of a destination, fully planned and included from start to finish – flights, hotels, meals, sightseeing and expert guiding, all taken care of. If you want to see the very best of a destination without a single detail left to chance, this is where to start.

All the sights and signature experiences of a Classic Tour, but with added flexibility. Classic Flex is built around the same iconic destinations and cultural encounters, with personal time woven in where it works best – for independent exploration or simply relaxing at your own pace. Same expert guidance, same unmissable highlights, with more choice over how your day unfolds.

For travellers drawn to lesser-known destinations, hidden places and remote landscapes, or with specialist interests, Go Beyond offers unique off-the-beaten-track experiences for those looking to venture further. Discover corners of the world that most travellers never reach, all in the company of an expert guide and a smaller group of like-minded adventurers.

CLASSIC

CLASSIC FLEX

GO BEYOND



International economy airfares and taxes



English-speaking National Escort



Meals

All

Most

All or Most

Accommodation



Domestic transportation



Sightseeing

All

All or Most

Maximum group size

Visa fees for UK & Irish passport holders (excluding visas on arrival)

PRIVATE & TAILORMADE TOURS

CRUISE & TOUR

Experience our award-winning itineraries with your own private, experienced local guide, perfect for families and friends who enjoy added flexibility. For the ultimate bespoke holiday, our expert consultants will help you design a tour that’s uniquely yours, with your choice of destinations, accommodation and experiences.

Combining an ocean cruise with an escorted group tour packed with top sights and unforgettable experiences, our ‘Cruise & Tour’ options offer the best of both worlds. Including flights, cruise, stopovers and full Wendy Wu tour with expert guide, all meals and visas (where applicable), prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

SPECIAL GROUPS

SHORT STAYS & STOPOVERS

If you’re travelling with a group of ten or more, we can create a tailormade Special Group tour just for you. Whether it’s friends, family, a club or association, we’ll shape any itinerary around your group’s interests, offering a unique, fully escorted holiday without the hassle of planning it yourself.

Make your trip of a lifetime even more memorable by extending your tour, or adding a stopover en route. A short stay will allow you to delve even deeper into a region, explore a whole other country, or even give you the chance to relax on a beautiful beach. A stopover on the other hand is an easy way to break up your journey and add a few days in a buzzing metropolis to your itinerary.

PHYSICAL RATING

All our tours feature a physical rating to help you select the right holiday for you. Every tour requires the ability to walk around sights unaided, while tours with higher physical ratings may involve longer walks, cycling, or other physical activities. Tours that traverse rough terrain, visit remote areas, or go to high altitudes will also have higher physical ratings.

LEVEL 1

A reasonable level of fitness is required. Expect to be on your feet for most of the day walking around sights, often including steps and getting on and off coaches, trains, or boats. Occasional longer walks may be included.

LEVEL 2

2 1

A moderate level of fitness is required. You will be on your feet for most of the day, with longer walks that include ascents and descents on steps or uneven paths. Travelling conditions may be more challenging in some areas.

LEVEL 3

A good level of fitness is required. You need to be comfortable walking long distances and for extended durations. The tour may also include activities such as cycling and hiking and visit some remote areas with basic infrastructure.

LEVEL 4

A high level of fitness and a strong spirit of adventure are required. These tours are full of activity and often visit remote areas with basic infrastructure. Expect to be on your feet and active for much of the day, with some long travelling days.

As the physical requirements vary by tour, we recommend reviewing the Detailed Tour Itinerary on our website before booking to ensure it’s the right fit for you.

VIENTIANE

NONGKHAI

THE MEKONG CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Experience authentic Vietnam and Cambodia in real style. Discover carefully chosen ports along one of the most enchanting stretches of the Mekong, from fascinating Cambodian villages to the lush, green landscapes of Vietnam. Depending on your chosen itinerary, here are just a few of the included shore excursions you’ll encounter on your voyage of discovery.

LAOS

THAILAND

VIETNAM

OUDONG PHNOM PENH

CAMBODIA

KAMPONG CHAM

ANGKOR BAN

KOH CHEN SILK ISLAND

4 PHU QUOC

MEKONG RIVER

SIEM REAP

TAN CHAU PHU TAN 6 TIGER ISLAND 7 LONG XUYEN CAN THO

SAIGON

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MEKONG RIVER

1 ANGKOR BAN & SILK ISLAND Explore Cambodian village life in Angkor Ban with its wooden stilt houses. Travel by tuk tuk to Silk Island, where you will learn about the process of silk weaving from worm to loom.

3 PHNOM PENH

Visit a village famed for handmaking Ca Rang clay stoves. Used for centuries, these stoves have a unique wind-blocking design that retains heat and prevents ashes escaping.

Enjoy a walking tour of the village of Koh Chen and meet a local copper and silversmith. Discover the former royal capital Oudong, with its beautiful stupas and temples.

4 TAN CHAU

Sip on a signature cocktail at the elegant Raffles Hotel, explore the majestic Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex, and discover the Khmer treasures of the National Museum.

5 PHU TAN

2 KOH CHEN & OUDONG

Discover Vietnamese village life with a visit to a local temple, fish farms and stilt houses amidst the rice paddies, coconut groves and canals of Tan Chau.

6 TIGER ISLAND Explore Tiger Island by three-wheeled xe loi (a motorised cart), learning about cottage industries such as plant pot making and incense making before hearing how the island won its name at ‘Mr Tiger’s Temple’.

7 LONG XUYEN Travel by tender to witness the mesmerising Long Xuyen floating market and tour the An Giang Museum, with fascinating exhibits on Kinh Chinese, Khmer and Cham cultures in the region.

All aboard: Victoria Mekong The four-star Victoria Mekong is a fresh, contemporary river vessel with four spacious passenger decks, offering a peaceful, premium small-ship experience between Vietnam and Cambodia. YOUR STATEROOM The Victoria Mekong boasts some of the most spacious cabins on the Mekong Delta, all outward-facing with private balconies. Her 33 en suite staterooms, each 25m2, are spread across the River and Panorama decks, along with two aft-facing VIP suites (45m2) at the rear of the Panorama deck. All cabins can be booked as twin or double beds, and feature rain showers, hair dryers, individually controlled AC and French windows onto the balcony.

FACILITIES ON BOARD The Victoria Mekong was designed with relaxation in mind. Guests are invited to soak up the sun in the outdoor infinity pool, try their hand on the mini-golf green, watch films or documentaries in the on-board cinema, indulge in a treatment at the Green Lotus Spa, or enjoy the daily activities held in the Lounge Bar. For those who simply wish to relax, sun loungers and parasols are available on the Sky Deck, while books and games are available to borrow from the library. Where possible, the Captain is pleased to invite guests to visit the bridge.

WINE & DINE The Claypot Restaurant, located on the Panorama deck, is an airy, spacious venue with large bay windows offering 180-degree river views, along with a terrace for al fresco dining. All meals are included; cuisine varies each night, with set menus available at dinner. Asian hospitality is widely regarded as some of the best in the world, and the Victoria Mekong is no exception. House wine is complimentary with dinner, along with a daily sunset cocktail and free-flow soft drinks and beer. Additional snacks and spirits are available from the Lounge Bar.

ALL ABOARD: VICTORIA MEKONG

YOUR JOURNEY The Mekong is the seventh longest river in all of Asia, and the twelfth longest in the world. Stretching 2,700 miles from China across the Tibetan Plateau and through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, it empties into the South China Sea south of Saigon. It is the lifeblood of Southeast Asia, and many centuries of cultural, economic and political history have played out on its banks. The Victoria Mekong cruises from Kampong Cham in Cambodia to the Vietnamese town of Can Tho in the Mekong Delta. Guests can join the full 7-night cruise, opt for a 4-night option beginning or ending at Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh, or a shorter 3-night sailing from Kampong Cham to Phnom Penh.

SKY DECK

SUN DECK

PANORAMA DECK

Along Victoria Mekong’s route, she calls at ports such as Tan Chau, Long Xuyen and Tan Loc Island, with excursions to historic temples, silk villages, the Royal Palace, the Killing Fields and a floating market. See overleaf for more information about her ports of call. Guests on all itineraries will enjoy nightly evening entertainment on board, ranging from Cambodian Apsara performances to traditional Mekong folk music and even a mischievous lion dance on the sun deck. Onboard activities range from mini-golf to cocktail-making competitions, destination presentations and film nights.

RIVER DECK

A MEKONG EXPERIENCE 14 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£4,390 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  I mmerse yourself in atmospheric Saigon

 Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels  S pend four nights on the four-

star Victoria Mekong cruise ship

 Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo  Learn Khmer history at the Killing Fields

 V isit the glorious temples of Angkor

PRICE INCLUDES • 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches & 11 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees • Visa fees for UK & IE passport holders

Savour the flavours of Khmer cuisine

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES J oin a local chef in a traditional Cambodian house for an authentic cooking class. Discover the rich flavours and techniques of Khmer cuisine as you prepare a delicious meal, then enjoy the fruits of your labour in a warm, inviting setting. ruise the Mekong in style aboard the C contemporary Victoria Mekong. With state-of-the-art facilities and an itinerary packed with culturally-immersive shore excursions and onboard activities, there’s no better way to experience life on the Mekong. lace your trust in your other senses on a P fun ‘dining in the dark’ experience at Noir, a Saigon restaurant that works with local people who are blind or visually-impaired.

Experience life on the Mekong River

ITINERARY DAYS 1-2: FLY TO SAIGON Fly overnight to Saigon, Vietnam’s largest and most evocative city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. DAY 3: DISCOVER SAIGON This morning, visit the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels to learn the history of the Viet Cong and their guerrilla tactics during the Vietnam War. Return to Saigon, a vibrant, modern city with a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral, visit the magnificent Central Post Office, and the emotive War Remnants Museum. There’ll also be a coffee break at one of Saigon’s best coffee workshops. Dinner this evening will be at Noir, a restaurant employing visually impaired waiters, for a sensory ‘dining in the dark’ experience! DAY 4: THE VICTORIA MEKONG Drive southwest to Can Tho, stopping en route for a delicious local lunch. Board the four-star Victoria Mekong cruise ship which, after a welcome briefing, will cast off into the waters of the Mekong Delta. Begin your cruise experience with a complimentary cocktail on deck, watching the sun set as the ship makes its way upriver. Tonight, drop anchor at Tiger Island. DAY 5: TIGER ISLAND AND FLOATING MARKET Cruise upstream to Long Xuyen and disembark to visit a floating market. After lunch, visit Tiger Island, enjoy a scenic walk through rice fields and learn more about local cottage

industries. Sit down to dinner and evening entertainment before retiring to your cabin. DAY 6: PHU TAN & TAN CHAU Start the day at Phu Tan, visiting a craft village famous for its handmade clay stoves. Used in the delta for centuries, these stoves have a unique design to protect them from the wind. Return to the ship and cruise to Tan Chau during lunch. Return to the ship and cruise to Tan Chau during lunch, and explore a floating village on arrival. This evening features a thrilling lion dance performance! DAY 7: INTO CAMBODIA Today, the Victoria Mekong will pass over the border into Cambodia and sail towards Phnom Penh. Spend a leisurely day enjoying the passing scenery and a wealth of onboard activities, such as lectures and cocktail making. In the late afternoon, dock at Phnom Penh’s Sisowath Quay where, this evening, you will be entertained with a traditional Cambodian apsara performance. Sip a farewell cocktail before a final dinner on board.

Take a city tour in Phnom Penh

A MEKONG EXPERIENCE

CL ASSIC VIETNAM & CAMBODIA SIEM REAP OVERNIGHT FLIGHT (4N)

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

PHYSICAL RATING

OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?

PHNOM PENH (1N)

SAIGON (2N)

TAN CHAU VAM NAO

CAN THO

VICTORIA MEKONG SHIP (4N)

With four nights onboard the Victoria Mekong, soaking up the sights and sounds of the river, this two-week tour also showcases the beauty of southern Vietnam and Cambodia’s magnificent temples of Angkor.

PLANE COACH BOAT

Enjoy a four-night cruise on Victoria Mekong

Explore the temples of Angkor

DAY 8: EXPLORE PHNOM PENH Enjoy breakfast on the ship before disembarking and bidding farewell to the Victoria Mekong. Board a cyclo and head from the pier into the heart of the city to see the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before perusing the treasures of the National Museum. After lunch, visit Tuol Sleng, gaining a poignant insight into Cambodia’s recent history.

DAY 12: CAMBODIAN COOKING CLASS This morning, take a tuk tuk to join fellow chefs in a cooking class held in a traditionalstyle Cambodian house. Visit a fresh produce market to shop for your ingredients, before learning to prepare authentic Khmer food. Enjoy your creations for lunch before an afternoon at leisure to explore Siem Reap, or perhaps return to Angkor before tonight’s farewell dinner.

DAY 9: PHNOM PENH’S HISTORY Spend the morning confronting Phnom Penh’s tragic past with a visit to the Killing Fields to learn about the Khmer Rouge regime. Later, fly to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Temples of Angkor.

DAYS 13 - 14: DEPART SIEM REAP Fly to the UK, arriving home the following day.

DAY 10: THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR Journey into the old city of Angkor Thom. At its heart is the enigmatic Bayon, a breathtaking temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Admire the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King before continuing to the atmospheric Ta Prohm. The rest of the day is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent and best preserved of all of Angkor’s treasures. As the sun sets, float peacefully on the moat that surrounds Angkor Thom, soaking up the atmosphere. DAY 11: TONLE SAP LAKE Take a cruise on Tonle Sap, learning about the lives of these floating lake communities. Back on land, stop at a local village for a glimpse into rural life. This evening, enjoy an acrobatic show by the Phare Circus, a social enterprise providing vocational training to disadvantaged local youths.

EXTEND YOUR STAY...

PRICES AND DEPARTURES Departing Sunday returning Saturday

2027 DATES 10 Jan - 23 Jan

£4,990

19 Sep - 02 Oct

£4,390

03 Oct - 16 Oct

£4,990

22 Oct - 04 Nov

£4,990

2028 DATES 05 Mar - 18 Mar £4,990 10 Sep - 23 Sep £4,490

Flight and supplement information • Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades available on request • Land only from £3,590 (Saigon – Siem Reap) • Single room from £1,130 • Tipping paid locally US$55 MORE INFORMATION Scan here for full details and the latest money-saving offers Call for our 2029 pricing and departures

Explore Singapore’s dazzling skyline, lush gardens and multicultural charm. SINGAPORE STOPOVER 3 days from £340pp Visit our website to learn more about all of our short stays and stopovers.

Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels

CLASSIC MEKONG 18 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£4,990 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  D rift along Angkor’s moat at sunset

 See local life on Tonle Sap Lake  C ruise the Mekong for 4 nights  Discover vibrant Saigon  Wander charming Hoi An  E xplore Hanoi’s Old Quarter by cyclo

 E njoy spectacular views of Halong Bay

Uncover the mysteries of the Bayon Temple at Angkor PRICE INCLUDES • 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches & 16 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees • Visa fees for UK & IE passport holders

Experience Vietnam’s Teh Dar Show

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES I n Hoi An, enjoy the Teh Dar Show, where you’ll be immersed in the spirit of Vietnam’s Central Highlands through dynamic acrobatics, powerful live music and vivid storytelling inspired by ancient myths and the traditions of its ethnic communities. ruise the Mekong in style aboard the C four-star ship, Victoria Mekong. With stateof-the-art facilities and an itinerary packed with culturally-immersive shore excursions and onboard activities, there’s no better way to experience life on the Mekong. isit NOIR, a ‘dining in the dark’ social V enterprise restaurant in Saigon. Guided by blind waiters, you’ll experience an array of delicious dishes in total darkness – a surefire way to amplify your other senses!

ITINERARY DAYS 1-2: FLY TO SIEM REAP Fly overnight to bustling Siem Reap, the gateway to the temples of Angkor. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to soak up the local culture. DAY 3: THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR Journey into the old city of Angkor Thom. At its heart is the enigmatic Bayon, an iconic temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Admire the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King before continuing to the atmospheric Ta Prohm. The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent and best preserved of all of Angkor’s treasures. As the sun sets, float peacefully on the moat that surrounds Angkor Thom, soaking up the atmosphere. Sit down to a welcome dinner with the group this evening. DAY 4: TONLE SAP LAKE Travel to the shores of Tonle Sap and visit the floating village of Kampong Phluk (Oct to Feb) or Chong Kneas (Mar to Sep). Stop at Chansar village for a glimpse at rural life before visiting the home of a local Khmer family. DAY 5: PHNOM PENH Travel to Cambodia’s charming capital, Phnom Penh. Board a cyclo and head into the heart of the city to visit the magnificent Royal Palace – official residence of the King – along with the Silver Pagoda in its grounds. DAY 6: THE VICTORIA MEKONG Spend the morning reflecting on Phnom Penh’s tragic past with visits to Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields. After lunch, embark on your next adventure – a four-night

cruise on our premium small ship, Victoria Mekong, with her 35 outward-facing cabins. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and Apsara dance performance before dinner. DAY 7: INTO VIETNAM The ship departs this morning, with plenty of onboard activities available; alternatively, spend the morning relaxing in the pool. Sail into Vietnam around lunchtime, anchoring near Tan Chau, before visiting the Cao Dai Temple. Return to the ship in time for an exciting lion dance performance on the Sky Deck as the sun sets. DAY 8: PHU TAN & TIGER ISLAND After breakfast, reach Phu Tan via tender and visit a craft village famed for its handmade clay stoves. After lunch, anchor at Tiger Island and head ashore for a scenic walk through rice fields and gardens, and hear the story behind ‘Mr. Tiger’s Temple’. Return to the ship for dinner and the evening’s entertainment. DAY 9: LONG XUYEN & DINH YEN Arrive in Long Xuyen and hop on a tender to visit the bustling floating market. Enjoy a refreshing lunch as the ship continues downstream to Dinh Yen, where you’ll see the villagers weaving colourful straw mats. This evening, the ship continues to Can Tho, the beating heart of the Mekong Delta. DAY 10: DISEMBARK IN CAN THO Enjoy breakfast onboard and visit a local floating market by boat. Disembark and bid farewell to the Victoria Mekong, boarding the ship’s shuttle bus from Can Tho to Saigon, stopping en route in Cai Be for a delicious

CL ASSIC MEKONG

CL ASSIC

HANOI (3N)

CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

HALONG BAY (1N)

VIETNAM

PHYSICAL RATING DANANG

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?

HOI AN (2N)

Starting on a high at the Temples of Angkor, spend four nights on board the Victoria Mekong cruising downstream into Vietnam, where you’ll discover the top sights – Saigon, Hoi An, Hanoi and Halong Bay.

CAMBODIA

OVERNIGHT FLIGHT SIEM REAP (3N) PHNOM PENH (1N) VICTORIA MEKONG SHIP (4N)

VAM NAO

SAIGON (2N) CAN THO

PLANE COACH BOAT

Stroll the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An

local lunch. Dinner this evening will be at Noir, a restaurant that supports Saigon’s visually impaired, for a sensory ‘dining in the dark’ experience. DAY 11: CU CHI & SAIGON This morning, visit the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels to learn the history of the Viet Cong and their guerrilla tactics during the Vietnam War. Return to Saigon, a vibrant, modern city with a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral, visit the Central Post Office, and the fascinating War Remnants Museum. Relax with a coffee break at one of Saigon’s popular coffee houses. DAY 12: DISCOVER HOI AN Fly from Saigon to Danang and transfer to the enchanting town of Hoi An. Head out on a walking tour, with visits including Chua Ong Pagoda, a historic merchant house, and the spectacular Japanese Covered Bridge. With its charming yellow buildings and vivid silk lanterns, a stroll through this traditional town feels like stepping back in time. DAY 13: TRA QUE VILLAGE Venture into the countryside to Tra Que. Soak up the lush landscape as you stroll through vibrant vegetable gardens, watch local farmers at work, and try your hand at traditional cultivation techniques. Then, take part in a hands-on cooking demonstration and savour the flavours of authentic local specialties before returning to Hoi An. This evening, enjoy the Teh Dar Show, a captivating performance inspired by the traditions and culture of Vietnam’s highland communities.

Relax on the Victoria Mekong

DAY 14: HANOI’S HO CHI MINH QUARTER Fly to Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. A fastpaced yet graceful city, it is packed full of ancient and modern sights to discover. Explore Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where you’ll pass ‘Uncle Ho’s’ monumental mausoleum and Stilt House, before seeing the One Pillar Pagoda. DAY 15: HISTORIC HANOI Today, begin exploring at the serene Temple of Literature before taking a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter’s atmospheric tangle of streets with a stop for local delicacy ‘ca phe trung’ (egg coffee) en route.

PRICES AND DEPARTURES Departing Monday returning Thursday

2026 DATES 26 Oct - 12 Nov

£5,990

23 Nov - 10 Dec £5,990

09 Nov - 26 Nov £5,990

2027 DATES 04 Jan - 21 Jan

£5,990

13 Sep - 30 Sep £4,990

18 Jan - 04 Feb

£5,990

27 Sep - 14 Oct

£4,990

15 Feb - 04 Mar £5,990

11 Oct - 28 Oct

£5,590

01 Mar - 18 Mar £5,990

25 Oct - 11 Nov

£5,990

15 Mar - 01 Apr

£5,990

08 Nov - 25 Nov £5,990

29 Mar - 15 Apr

£5,490

22 Nov - 09 Dec £5,990

DAYS 16-17: CRUISE HALONG BAY Travel to Halong City, board a cruise boat and set sail on the tranquil blue-green waters of Halong Bay. With its 1,600 islands and islets, the bay was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. As you explore you’ll make excursions to mysterious caves and enjoy delicious seafood onboard. After a night anchored out on the water, rise early for a sunrise Tai Chi lesson before cruising back to port. Return to Hanoi for an afternoon at leisure ahead of this evening’s farewell dinner.

12 Apr - 29 Apr

£5,490

06 Dec - 23 Dec £5,990

03 Jan - 20 Jan

£5,990

24 Apr - 11 May £5,390

17 Jan - 03 Feb

£5,990

04 Sep - 21 Sep £5,390

31 Jan - 17 Feb

£5,990

18 Sep - 05 Oct

£5,390

14 Feb - 02 Mar £5,990

02 Oct - 19 Oct

£5,690

28 Feb - 16 Mar £5,990

16 Oct - 02 Nov

£5,990

13 Mar - 30 Mar £5,990

30 Oct - 16 Nov

£5,990

DAY 18: FLY HANOI TO UK Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

• Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades available on request • Land only from £4,190 (Siem Reap – Hanoi) • Single room from £1,350 • Tipping paid locally US$90

MORE INFORMATION Scan here for full details and the latest money-saving offers

2028 DATES

27 Mar - 13 Apr

£5,590

13 Nov - 30 Nov £5,990

10 Apr - 27 Apr

£5,590

27 Nov - 14 Dec £5,990

Flight and supplement information

Call for our 2029 pricing and departures

MEKONG EXPLORER 22 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£6,290 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  E xplore Hanoi’s Old Quarter by cyclo

 Cruise majestic Halong Bay  E xplore imperial architecture in Hue

 L earn ancient farming techniques in Hoi An

 E njoy a 4-night cruise aboard the Victoria Mekong

 D rift along Angkor’s moat at sunset

PRICE INCLUDES • 19 breakfasts, 17 lunches & 19 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees • Visa fees for UK & IE passport holders

Admire the spectacular Golden Bridge

ITINERARY DAYS 1-2: FLY TO HANOI Fly overnight to Vietnam’s vibrant capital city, Hanoi. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. DAY 3: HANOI CYCLO TOUR Explore the Temple of Literature and the Old Quarter’s atmospheric streets on a cyclo tour in the morning, with a stop to sample the local delicacy ‘ca phe trung’ (egg coffee). In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, including the One Pillar Pagoda.

Learn traditional lantern making craft

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES J oin a local craftsman in Hoi An and design your own colourful silk lantern, discovering the history and techniques behind one of Vietnam’s most cherished traditions. S troll across Danang’s striking ‘Golden Bridge’ – a hilltop structure held aloft by a pair of huge, stone hands – and admire the beautiful views over the Ba Na Hills. ruise the Mekong in style aboard the C four-star ship, Victoria Mekong. With stateof-the-art facilities and an itinerary packed with culturally-immersive shore excursions and onboard activities, there’s no better way to experience life on the Mekong.

DAYS 4-5: CRUISE HALONG BAY Board your four-star ship and cruise out into the tranquil waters of Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has long enthralled visitors with its beauty. Enjoy an afternoon of activities such as kayaking, swimming or cave tours, or simply relax on the sundeck. After a night anchored out on the water, enjoy a sunrise Tai Chi lesson before cruising back to port. Fly to Hue. DAY 6: EXPLORE HUE The capital of imperial-era Vietnam, Hue is a sophisticated and scholarly city. Start your tour at the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, before a cruise on the Perfume River. Finally, visit Tha Om Garden House and its owner, Mr Vinh. Explore his 19th century Hue residence and listen to stories of his royal heritage. DAY 7: ADMIRE THE GOLDEN BRIDGE Depart Hue, taking the scenic route over the Hai Van Pass to charming Hoi An. En route,

take a cable car to admire the views from the spectacular Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills. DAY 8: TRA QUE VILLAGE Head out into the countryside to visit a small farming community and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work. Then, join a cooking demonstration and savour authentic local specialties. In the afternoon, discover Hoi An itself, before joining a traditional lantern-making workshop, where you’ll craft your own colourful silk lantern while learning about this treasured local art form. DAY 9: FREE TIME IN HOI AN This morning is free, before an afternoon flight to Saigon. DAY 10: DISCOVER SAIGON Explore Saigon, a vibrant, modern city with a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. Stroll through fascinating Chinatown and visit the emotional War Remnants Museum. Look around the Reunification Palace before admiring the colonial architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. DAY 11: CU CHI TUNNELS Spend the morning exploring the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels. Stop at an organic farm for a freshly-made lunch before a free afternoon back in Saigon. Enjoy a unique dining experience at NOIR this evening. DAY 12: THE VICTORIA MEKONG Drive southwest to Can Tho, stopping en route for a delicious local lunch. Board the four-star Victoria Mekong cruise ship which, after a welcome briefing, will cast off into the waters of the Mekong Delta. Begin your cruise

MEKONG EXPLORER HANOI (2N)  OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

CLST ASSIC YLE





HALONG BAY (1N)

VIETNAM

VIETNAM COUNTRY & CAMBODIA

PHYSICAL RATING HUE (2N) 

HOI AN (2N)

SIEM REAP (4N)



CAMBODIA



OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

DANANG

PHNOM PENH (1N) 

TAN CHAU VAM NAO

 

VICTORIA MEKONG SHIP (4N)

SAIGON (3N) CAN THO

Unwind in style aboard Victoria Mekong

experience with a complimentary cocktail on deck, watching the sun set as the ship makes its way upriver. Tonight, drop anchor at Tiger Island.

Museum. After lunch, visit Tuol Sleng, gaining a poignant insight into Cambodia’s recent history.

DAY 14: TAN CHAU Start the day at Phu Tan, visiting a craft village famous for its handmade clay stoves. Used in the delta for centuries, these stoves have a unique design to protect them from the wind. Return to the ship and cruise to Tan Chau during lunch, and explore a floating village on arrival. This evening features a thrilling lion dance performance! DAY 15: INTO CAMBODIA Today, the Victoria Mekong will cross into Cambodia and sail towards Phnom Penh. Spend a leisurely day enjoying a wealth of onboard activities, such as yoga and cocktail making, docking in Phnom Penh in the late afternoon. Sip a farewell cocktail during the evening entertainment and enjoy a final dinner on board. Later, why not head ashore to explore the buzzing city? DAY 16: DISEMBARK IN PHNOM PENH Enjoy breakfast on the ship before disembarking. Board a cyclo and head into the heart of the city to see the magnificent Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU? xSee Halong Bay and the wonders of Vietnam as you explore the country from top to toe. Embark the Victoria Mekong for a four-night river cruise into Cambodia, where you’ll discover the majestic Temples of Angkor.

PLANE COACH PLANE COACH BOAT TRAIN BOAT

Experience Halong Bay on an overnight cruise

DAY 13: TIGER ISLAND AND FLOATING MARKET Cruise upstream to Long Xuyen and disembark to visit a floating market. After lunch, visit Tiger Island, enjoy a scenic walk through rice fields and learn more about local cottage industries. Sit down to dinner and evening entertainment before retiring to your cabin.

2 1

DAY 17: EXPLORE PHNOM PENH Spend the morning confronting Phnom Penh’s tragic past with a visit to the Killing Fields, learning about the regime of Pol Pot. Later, fly to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor. DAY 18: THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR Journey into Angkor Thom and visit the enigmatic Bayon, the Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King and atmospheric Ta Prohm. Continue on to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent and best preserved of all of Angkor’s treasures. As the sun sets, take a boat ride on Angkor Thom’s moat. DAY 19: TONLE SAP LAKE Travel to Tonle Sap and visit one of the lake’s intriguing floating villages. Back on land, stop at a rural village and visit the home of a local family. This evening, enjoy an acrobatic show by the Phare Cambodian Circus, a social enterprise providing vocational training to disadvantaged local youths. DAY 20: CAMBODIAN COOKING CLASS This morning, take a tuk tuk to a cooking class held in a traditional Cambodian house. Visit a fresh produce market to shop for ingredients, before learning to prepare authentic Khmer food. Enjoy your creations for lunch before an afternoon at leisure to explore Siem Reap, or perhaps return to Angkor before tonight’s farewell dinner.

Take a Cambodian cooking class

PRICES AND DEPARTURES Departing Saturday returning Saturday

2027 DATES 13 Mar - 03 Apr

£6,790

09 Oct - 30 Oct

£6,790

27 Mar - 17 Apr

£6,790

23 Oct - 13 Nov

£6,790

28 Aug - 18 Sep £6,790

06 Nov - 27 Nov £6,790

£6,290

20 Nov - 11 Dec £6,790

15 Jan - 05 Feb

£6,890

16 Sep - 07 Oct

£6,490

11 Mar - 01 Apr

£6,890

30 Sep - 21 Oct

£6,890

25 Mar - 15 Apr

£6,490

14 Oct - 04 Nov

£6,890

08 Apr - 29 Apr

£6,490

28 Oct - 18 Nov

£6,890

11 Sep - 02 Oct

2028 DATES

19 Aug - 09 Sep £6,490

25 Nov - 16 Dec £6,890

Flight and supplement information • Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades available on request • Land only from £5,490 (Hanoi – Siem Reap) • Single room from £1,550 • Tipping paid locally US$95 MORE INFORMATION Scan here for full details and the latest money-saving offers Call for our 2029 pricing and departures

DAYS 21-22: FLY SIEM REAP TO UK Fly to the UK, arriving home the following day.

GRAND MEKONG ODYSSEY 26 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£7,590 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  Spend 7 nights cruising the Mekong  E xperience one of the world’s most scenic train rides

 M eet a Vietnamese war veteran  Enjoy a two-night Halong Bay cruise

 Soak up Ninh Binh’s rural beauty  V isit Buddhist monks at a meditation centre

PRICE INCLUDES • 23 breakfasts, 22 lunches & 23 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees • Visa fees for UK & IE passport holders

Explore Vietnam’s conical hat craft

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES iscover the timeless craft of Nón Lá D making in Chuong Village, where skilled artisans continue the delicate tradition of handcrafting Vietnam’s iconic conical hats, offering a fascinating insight into local heritage and everyday rural life. isten to incredible wartime history and get L a first-hand account of life in the Vietnam War from a local war veteran at the Cu Chi Tunnels near Saigon. xplore Ninh Binh province, nicknamed E ‘Halong Bay on Land’. Admire the dramatic mountain scenery as you enjoy a boat trip through its paddy fields and prehistoric caves, and take a stroll in Cuc Phuong National Park.

Cruise the majestic Halong Bay

ITINERARY DAYS 1-2: FLY TO HANOI Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam’s leafy capital. The afternoon is yours to start soaking up the local culture before a welcome dinner. DAY 3: HANOI THROUGH THE AGES Today, enjoy an introduction to Vietnamese history at the Ethnology Museum; a fascinating window into Vietnam’s indigenous groups. Continue to the Confucian Temple of Literature before lunch. This afternoon, take a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter’s historic streets before exploring the colonial architecture of the French Quarter. DAY 4: WARTIME HANOI Gain insight into the Vietnam War, visiting the Humble House on Stilts, and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Stop to view the wreckage of an American bomber plane, shot down in 1972. Later, immerse yourself in a bygone era with a visit to a 1980s apartment-turned-teahouse, where you’ll hear about life in the difficult post-war subsidy period. DAY 5: NINH BINH COUNTRYSIDE Stop at Chuong Village en route to Ninh Binh to experience the traditional craft of making the iconic Nón Lá (conical hat). Continue to Ninh Binh, known as ‘Halong Bay on land’ for its dramatic karst scenery which you’ll admire on a boat trip through the paddy fields. This afternoon visit Dinh and Le temples and Bich Dong pagoda. DAY 6: CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK Begin the day at Four Paws Sun Bear Sanctuary to learn about bears rescued from the illegal pet and bile industries. Enjoy lunch at the sanctuary, made from ingredients grown

on site. Head into Cuc Phuong National Park and hear all about the local wildlife on a short stroll through the rainforest. DAY 7: NINH BINH TO HALONG BAY Drive to Halong Bay and embark on a two-night scenic cruise through this famous UNESCO-listed bay, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. Head to a hidden spot and try your hand at kayaking through these mesmerising seascapes. DAY 8: HALONG BAY See the bay through a local’s eyes! The local fishermen will row you through their floating village, where many families have lived for generations. Later, head to one of the bay’s beaches for a chance to sunbathe on the sands. DAY 9: SUNRISE TAI CHI Enjoy Tai Chi on deck as the sun rises over Halong Bay. Visit a hidden cave before cruising back to port. Fly to Hue, a charming city and once the seat of the Nguyen emperors. DAY 10: IMPERIAL HUE Discover Hue’s imperial history, beginning at the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda before lunch. This afternoon enjoy a visit to Minh Mang tomb and a leisurely cruise along the Perfume River. DAY 11: SCENIC TRAIN JOURNEY The 64-mile railway journey from Hue to Danang is considered one of the best in the world. Three hours of scenic coastline await, with beautiful tropical beaches on one side and dramatic mountain scenery on the other. On arrival in Da Nang, transfer to Hoi An.

GRAND MEKONG ODYSSEY OVERNIGHT FLIGHT HANOI (3N)

LAOS

 

NINH BINH (2N)

CLST ASSIC YLE



HALONG BAY (2N)

VIETNAM COUNTRY & CAMBODIA



PHYSICAL RATING HUE (2N) 



CAMBODIA

SIEM REAP (3N) KAMPONG CHAM PHNOM PENH

TAN CHAU VAM NAO VICTORIA MEKONG SHIP (7N)

CU CHI



OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

DANANG

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?

HOI AN (2N)

xWith two multi-day cruises, a breathtaking coastal rail journey and a rare opportunity to meet with a war veteran, this itinerary showcases Vietnam and Cambodia at their most personal and authentic.

VIETNAM

SAIGON (2N)

CAN THO PLANE COACH BOAT

2 1

TRAIN

PRICES AND DEPARTURES Departing Wednesday returning Sunday

2026 DATES 04 Nov - 29 Nov £7,690

18 Nov - 13 Dec £7,690

2027 DATES 24 Feb - 21 Mar £7,990

06 Oct - 31 Oct

£7,990

10 Mar - 04 Apr

£7,990

20 Oct - 14 Nov

£7,990

24 Mar - 18 Apr

£7,590

03 Nov - 28 Nov £7,990

25 Aug - 19 Sep £7,590

17 Nov - 12 Dec £7,990

08 Sep - 03 Oct

£7,590

2028 DATES Ride part of Vietnam’s Reunification Express Caption

DAY 12: HOI AN WALKING TOUR Take a walking tour of Hoi An’s lantern-lined streets. See the picturesque Japanese Bridge, visit a Chinese temple, and tour an ancient merchant house before sampling a local delicacy – white rose dumplings. Lunch today will be with a local family at Tra Que Vegetable Village, a farming community with over 500 years of history. DAY 13: EXPLORE SAIGON Fly to Saigon and explore its historic centre, taking in colonial landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office before visiting the emotive War Remnants Museum. DAY 14: CU CHI TUNNELS & VETERAN Discover the reality of guerilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels, which were central to the Viet Cong’s military operations, including the Tet Offensive. For a truly authentic insight into the war, meet a Vietnamese veteran and hear his war stories. Stop for lunch at an organic farm before returning to Saigon. DAY 15: THE VICTORIA MEKONG Transfer to Can Tho and board the Victoria Mekong for your seven-night cruise. Enjoy a welcome cocktail on deck as the ship sets sail. DAY 16: LONG XUYEN & TIGER ISLAND Take a tender boat through a fascinating floating market to reach Long Xuyen. Visit the local museum, with its displays of ancient crafts. Later, head to Tiger Island. Visit a temple and observe local industries, such as incense-making, in action.

Drift along Ninh Binh’s rice fields Caption

DAY 17: PHU TAN & TAN CHAU Head ashore in Phu Tan and visit a craft village famous for its handmade clay stoves. Enjoy lunch on board and cruise toward Tan Chau, where a rickshaw will take you to explore a colourful temple and market. This evening, experience a lion dance on the sky deck! DAY 18: INTO CAMBODIA Enjoy onboard activities such as a ship’s tour or a minigolf tournament as the ship crosses the border into Cambodia. Arrive into Phnom Penh late this afternoon. DAY 19: PHNOM PENH Hop on a cyclo and head to the elaborate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum. Later, visit the Killing Fields, a Khmer Rouge execution site that is today a memorial for peaceful reflection. Return to the city and end the afternoon in style with a signature cocktail at Raffles Hotel Le Royal before returning to the ship for a lively Apsara dance performance. DAY 20: OUDONG & SILK ISLAND Enjoy a walking tour of Koh Chen village, where you’ll meet a local copper and silversmith, before continuing to the country’s former capital, Oudong. Visit Buddhist monks at a meditation centre before taking a tuk-tuk to Silk Island to learn about the process of silk weaving from worm to loom. DAY 21: ANGKOR BAN Explore the laid-back village of Angkor Ban with its wooden stilt houses. Sail to Kampong Cham, where charming colonial architecture meets vibrant local life, for a stroll along the serene banks of the Mekong.

30 Dec - 24 Jan

£7,990

16 Aug - 10 Sep £7,590

12 Jan - 06 Feb

£7,990

30 Aug - 24 Sep £7,590

23 Feb - 19 Mar £7,990

13 Sep - 08 Oct

£7,590

08 Mar - 02 Apr

£7,990

27 Sep - 22 Oct

£7,990

22 Mar - 16 Apr

£7,590

25 Oct - 19 Nov

£7,990

05 Apr - 30 Apr

£7,590

22 Nov - 17 Dec £7,990

Flight and supplement information • Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades available on request • Land only from £6,790 (Hanoi - Siem Reap) • Single room from £2,360 • Tipping paid locally US$105 MORE INFORMATION Scan here for full details and the latest money-saving offers Call for our 2029 pricing and departures

DAY 22: DRIVE TO SIEM REAP Disembark and drive through lush Cambodian countryside to reach Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor. The afternoon is at leisure. DAY 23: EXPLORE ANGKOR Enter Angkor Thom to explore treasures like the Bayon, and atmospheric Ta Prohm. Continue to the magnificent Angkor Wat and explore its many halls and towers. Later, return to Angkor Thom to cruise on its moat as the sun sets. DAY 24: CAMBODIAN COOKING CLASS Browse the produce at a local market before heading to a farm for a cooking class. Using organic ingredients from the farm itself perpare a traditional Khmer lunch with a chef. The afternoon is at leisure. DAYS 25-26: FLY SIEM REAP TO UK Fly home, arriving the following day.

CHRISTMAS ON THE MEKONG 19 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£6,690 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  C elebrate Christmas on a seven night Mekong Cruise

 Admire the temples of Angkor  Marvel at lantern-lit Hoi An  Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels  Explore bustling Saigon & Hanoi  Cruise spectacular Halong Bay Ring in the New Year in Saigon PRICE INCLUDES • 17 breakfasts, 16 lunches & 17 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees • Visa fees for UK & IE passport holders

Celebrate Christmas on the Mekong

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES elebrate Christmas in style aboard the Victoria C Mekong with a magical seven-night cruise along the Mekong River. Enjoy a festive feast and drinks reception with a local twist as you sail past lush landscapes and floating villages. iscover the delights of Hoi An, even more D magical at this time of year, with its charming lantern-lit streets and beautifully preserved architecture. Wander its atmospheric lanes before getting hands-on in a traditional lantern-making workshop, creating your own colourful keepsake. mbrace the charm of rural Vietnam in Tra E Que village, where you’ll join local farmers to experience time-honoured cultivation techniques, then delight in a hands-on cooking demonstration featuring regional delicacies.

ITINERARY DAY 1-2: FLY OVERNIGHT TO SIEM REAP Fly overnight to bustling Siem Reap. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to soak up the local culture. DAY 3: EXPLORE ANGKOR Journey into the old city of Angkor Thom. At its heart is the enigmatic Bayon, an iconic temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Admire the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King before continuing to the atmospheric Ta Prohm. The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent and best preserved of all of Angkor’s treasures. As the sun sets, float peacefully on the moat that surrounds Angkor Thom, soaking up the atmosphere. DAY 4: THE VICTORIA MEKONG This morning, transfer to Kampong Cham to embark on your next adventure – a seven-night cruise on our premium small ship, the Victoria Mekong. Begin your cruise with a complimentary cocktail on deck, watching the sun set. DAY 5: ANGKOR BAN & SILK ISLAND Explore the laid-back village of Angkor Ban with its wooden stilt houses. This afternoon, take a tuk-tuk to Silk Island to learn about the process of silk weaving from worm to loom. Return to the ship, where you’ll enjoy a Christmas feast with a Cambodian twist*. DAY 6: CHRISTMAS DAY ON THE MEKONG Begin your day with a walking tour of Koh Chen village, where you’ll meet a local copper and silversmith, before continuing to the country’s former capital, Oudong. Arrive in Phnom Penh and end your Christmas day* celebrations in style with a signature cocktail at Raffles Hotel Le Royal before returning to the ship.

DAY 7: DISCOVER PHNOM PENH Begin the day exploring Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, before visiting the National Museum to admire Khmer treasures. After lunch, learn about Cambodia’s tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime with a visit to the Killing Fields, then return to the ship for a captivating Apsara dance performance. DAY 8: TAN CHAU Enjoy onboard activities such as a ship’s tour or a minigolf tournament as the ship crosses the border into Vietnam. Arrive in Tan Chau, where you will visit the Cao Dai Temple. This evening, experience a lion dance on the sky deck! DAY 9: PHU TAN & TIGER ISLAND Head ashore in Phu Tan and visit a craft village famous for its handmade clay stoves. Later, head to Tiger Island. Enjoy a walk through rice fields and learn about Mr Tiger’s Temple before returning to the ship. DAY 10: LONG XUYEN Take a tender boat through a fascinating floating market to reach Long Xuyen. Visit Dinh Yen village to experience traditional straw mat weaving. Return to the ship and enjoy a traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music performance as you cruise towards Can Tho, the beating heart of the Mekong Delta. DAY 11: DRIVE TO SAIGON After breakfast, disembark and drive to Saigon - a vibrant, modern city with a treasure trove of fascinating heritage - and see the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office.

C HRISTMAS ON THE MEKONG

HANOI (2N+1N)

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CLST ASSIC YLE



VIETNAM COUNTRY & CAMBODIA

HALONG BAY (1N)

PHYSICAL RATING



LAOS

DANANG

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?



HOI AN (2N) OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

xWhat better way to spend Christmas than waking to a sunrise over the Mekong? Explore the majestic temples of Angkor, then embark on a seven-night Mekong cruise. Discover Vietnam’s highlights, from Saigon to Hanoi, including a serene Halong Bay cruise.

CAMBODIA 

SIEM REAP (2N)



KAMPONG CHAM VICTORIA MEKONG SHIP (7N)

CU CHI 

VIETNAM SAIGON (2N)

CAN THO

PLANE COACH BOAT

Experience Caption the magnificent temples of Angkor

Immerse yourself in the festive magic of Hoi An

DAY 12: CU CHI TUNNELS & NYE IN SAIGON This morning, visit the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels to learn the history of the Viet Cong and their guerrilla tactics during the Vietnam War. Return to Saigon and visit the fascinating War Remnants Museum. This evening, celebrate New Year’s Eve in vibrant Saigon* with a Vietnamese feast and ring in the new year in style.

Minh Quarter, where you’ll pass ‘Uncle Ho’s’ monumental mausoleum and Stilt House, before seeing the One Pillar Pagoda.

DAY 13: DISCOVER HOI AN Fly from Saigon to Danang and transfer to the enchanting town of Hoi An. Head out on a walking tour, with visits including Chua Ong Pagoda, a historic merchant house, and the spectacular Japanese Covered Bridge. Then, join a local artisan for a lantern-making workshop, creating your own colourful silk lantern as you learn about the history and traditions behind this craft. DAY 14: TRA QUE VILLAGE Venture into the countryside to Tra Que. Soak up the lush landscape as you stroll through vibrant vegetable gardens, watch local farmers at work, and try your hand at traditional cultivation techniques. Then, take part in a hands-on cooking demonstration and savour the flavours of authentic local specialties before returning to Hoi An. This evening, enjoy the Teh Dar Show, a captivating blend of acrobatics, music and storytelling inspired by Vietnam’s highland communities. DAY 15: HISTORIC HANOI Fly to Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. A fast paced yet graceful city, it is packed full of ancient and modern sights to discover. Explore the Ho Chi

2 1

DAY 16: EXPLORE HANOI Begin exploring at the serene Temple of Literature before taking a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter’s atmospheric tangle of streets with a stop for local delicacy ‘ca phe trung’ (egg coffee) en route. DAYS 17-18: HALONG BAY CRUISE Travel to Halong City, board a cruise boat and set sail on the tranquil blue-green waters of Halong Bay. With its 1,600 islands and islets, the bay was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. As you explore you’ll make excursions to mysterious caves and enjoy delicious seafood onboard. After a night anchored out on the water, rise early to see the sun come up before cruising back to port. Return to Hanoi for an afternoon at leisure ahead of this evening’s farewell dinner. DAY 19: FLY HANOI TO UK Fly to the UK, arriving home either the same day or the following day. *2026 departure. Please refer to our website for a detailed 2027 itinerary. As the dates and final itinerary for this tour are dependent on Mekong river cruise sailings, please call for our Christmas 2028 departure.

Overnight in tranquil Halong Bay

PRICES & DEPARTURES Departing Sunday returning Thursday

2026 DATES 20 Dec - 07 Jan

£6,690

2027 DATES 19 Dec - 06 Dec £6,990

Flight and supplement information • Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades available on request • Land only from £5,890 (Siem Reap - Hanoi) • Single room from £2,090 • Tipping paid locally US$80 MORE INFORMATION Scan here for full details and the latest money-saving offers Call for ourYOUR 2029 pricing and departures EXTEND STAY...

Enjoy a short stay in Sapa, exploring misty mountains, terraced rice fields, and hill-tribe culture. SAPA SHORT STAY 4 days from £800pp Visit our website to learn more about all of our short stays and stopovers.

THE BRAHMAPUTRA INDIA The broad and mighty Brahmaputra sweeps tranquilly across the plains of the Indian state of Assam. To cruise here is to navigate the shifting sands and shoals of a river that can span miles in width, with its shores revealing a wealth of wildlife, traditional villages, ancient temples where age-old heritage still thrives, and the vast tea plantations for which the state is renowned.

BHUTAN

3 BISWANATH

MAJULI ISLAND

45 AUNIATI

6 SIBSAGAR

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

DIPHLU RIVER LODGE

INDIA MYANMAR

CHINA

NEPAL

BHUTAN

BRAHMAPUTRA

BANGLADESH

INDIA

SRI LANKA

MYANMAR

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER

1 KAZIRANGA

NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy thrilling jeep safaris in this vast national park, home to the world’s largest population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros as well as water buffalo, Bengal tigers, elephants and a host of other wildlife.

3 BISWANATH At the confluence of the Brahmaputra and Bridhaganga rivers, enjoy a relaxing walk through the quaint Assamese riverside town of Biswanath, known for its Ahom-period Shiva temples.

5 AUNIATI Visit this 16th-century monastery with its eclectic museum. Enjoy the serenity of the tranquil grounds, observe the devotion of the resident monks and attend a dance performance at Kamalabari Monastery.

2 DIPHLU RIVER LODGE Enjoy a delightful river-side lunch at this luxury lodge on the edge of Kaziranga National Park, patronised by celebrities including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

4 MAJULI ISLAND One of the world’s largest river islands and a microcosm of Assamese culture, Majuli is the cultural heartland of neo-Vaishnavism, whose devotees offer worship through songs, dance and recitation of scriptures at wonderful 15th-century temples.

6 SIBSAGAR Explore the former royal capital of the Ahom Kingdom that ruled Assam for over 600 years. The lush landscape here is dotted with elegant stupas and grand palaces and the impressive temple tank, believed to be the world’s largest hand-excavated reservoir.

ABN Sukapha

All aboard: ABN Sukapha

ABN Charaidew II

With a maximum capacity of just 24 guests, the delightful ABN Sukapha exudes an inviting, easy-going atmosphere. The perfect place for relaxing and watching river life go by after a day of exploring.

This boutique river ship entered service in 2019 – a modern vessel adorned with touches of colonial elegance, brought to life by traditional Assamese designs on hand-woven fabrics.

YOUR STATEROOM

All 12 en suite cabins are bamboo panelled and feature locally crafted cane furniture. With sliding floor to ceiling windows, panoramic views of the Brahmaputra River are never far away.

Wendy Wu Tours customers will be able to relax in one of the eight upper deck cabins or two main deck cabins on board – all en suite with sliding glass doors leading to beautiful French balconies.

FACILITIES ON BOARD

Spend your time aboard enjoying the ship’s comforts and crew hospitality. Take in sweeping views of your surroundings from the openair top deck, catch up on your reading in the library or indulge in some pampering at the spa.

Spread over three decks, and with only 36 guests on board the ABN Charaidew II is very spacious and comfortable. Facilities include a main dining room, gym, large open sundeck, saloon and bar, and a spa offering a wide range of treatments.

WINE & DINE

Enjoy a wonderful culinary experience in the dedicated dining room, where the talented chefs prepare a daily selection of Western and Indian delights for the buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Unlimited drinks are available during lunch and dinner service.

Enjoy relaxed dining with a daily buffet breakfast, and lunches and dinners that feature Indian and Western cuisine along with a range of unlimited drinks. The ship’s saloon and bar, on the sundeck, serve refreshments through the day into the evening.

ALL ABOARD: ABN SUKAPHA & ABN C HARAIDEW II

ABN Charaidew II Sundeck

ABN Charaidew II

YOUR JOURNEY The Brahmaputra River is one of India’s best-kept secrets – and often overlooked by tourists. It’s along the banks of this mighty river that you’ll witness and experience the real India. This fascinating river spans around 2,900km and flows through Tibet, India and Bangladesh. The Brahmaputra is among the few major rivers in the world that flows both eastward and westward. On this seven-night cruise you’ll be sailing upstream from Kaziranga to Jorhat, either aboard the ABN Sukapha or the ABN Charaidew II, depending on your departure date. Both ships offer the opportunity to really get to know the river and its people as you observe wildlife on an intrepid safari, visit temples, local villages, tea estates and more. You’ll also visit Majuili – one of the world’s largest river islands and learn about the unique way of life in this fascinating and rarely visited place.

ABN Charaidew II

ABN Sukapha Top Deck

ABN SUKAPHA

ABN CHARAIDEW II

SIDE VIEW

SUN DECK

UPPER DECK

MAIN DECK

BEYOND THE BRAHMAPUTRA 18 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£6,790 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK

ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  Explore the sights of Kolkata  Discover beautiful Darjeeling  Enjoy a Kanchenjunga sunrise  Relax on a seven-night boutique Brahmaputra cruise

 Safari in Kaziranga National Park Cruise the Brahmaputra on board ABN Charaidew II PRICE INCLUDES • 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches & 16 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees • Visa fees for UK & IE passport holders

Ride the ‘Toy Train’ from Darjeeling

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES he Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, known T as the ‘Toy Train’, takes you on a scenic journey through the foothills of the Himalaya between Darjeeling and Ghoom, home to India’s highest train station at 2,200 metres above sea level. isit a tea estate to learn all about the V world-famous Assam tea. Cultivated in nutrient rich soil of the Brahmaputra’s floodplain, see the production process and savour a cup of this rich, malty tea. ail over Gangtok on a cableway, getting S a bird’s eye view of the city and the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga beyond. The ride may only be one kilometre long, but the views it offers are extraordinary.

impressive statue of Lord Buddha set against a backdrop of mountain scenery. Built to commemorate the 2550th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha, the park is an important pilgrimage and cultural site.

DAY 3: EXPLORE KOLK ATA After breakfast, enjoy a full-day tour of Kolkata, visiting the sacred Kalighat Kali Temple, the grand Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Learn about India’s influential leaders at Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, before visiting Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Belur Math. This evening, take a stroll along vibrant Park Street.

DAY 7: K ANCHENJUNGA SUNRISE Rise before dawn and travel up Tiger Hill to watch the sun rising (weather dependent) over Kanchenjunga which, at 2,590 metres, is the world’s third highest mountain. The rest of the morning is at leisure before an afternoon ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s Toy Train from Darjeeling to Ghoom. Visit Ghoom Monastery before returning to Darjeeling to tour the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tibetan Refugee Center. This evening, enjoy a stroll through the market.

DAY 4: TR AVEL TO GANGTOK This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra. Upon arrival, travel through the scenic Himalayan foothills to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, surrounded by forested mountains and spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas. DAY 5: EXPLORE GANGTOK Today you will explore it, visiting the 18thcentury Rumtek, the region’s most spiritually significant monastery, Enchey Monastery with its colourful prayer hall, the Tashi Viewpoint, where you’ll get spectacular views of Mount Khangchendzonga and more. You’ll also fly your way up the cable ropeway for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. DAY 6: TR AVEL GANGTOK TO DAR JEELING After breakfast, journey to Darjeeling, one of India’s most famous hill stations. En route, visit Buddha Park in Ravangla, home to an

DAY 8: DAR JEELING TO SILIGURI After a leisure breakfast, descend from the Himalayan hills to Siliguri, the gateway to northeast India. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. DAY 9: FLY TO GUWAHATI Transfer back to Bagdogra airport and fly to Guwahati. The rest of the day is at leisure. DAY 10: BOARD YOUR CRUISE Transfer to Silghat, a port on the Brahmaputra River, where you’ll board your river cruise vessel. With a spa, saloon, and spacious sun deck along with cool and roomy cabins with floor-to-ceiling sliding windows for optimum views, there is no better way to explore the rich riverbanks of the mighty Brahmaputra. Cast off and begin your upstream cruise, enjoying lunch and dinner onboard.

BEYOND THE BRAHMAPUTRA

2590M

Maximum altitude reached at Tiger Hill

CLASSIC ST YLE

INDIA

COUNTRY INDIA

DHANSIRI MAJULI MUKH ISLAND SIBSAGAR CRUISE VISHNATH AUNIATI NEPAL   GANGTOK (2N) (7N) NEAMATI GHAT DARJEELING (2N) SILGHAT  SILIGURI (1N) JORHAT BAGDOGRA KAZIRANGA  NATIONAL PARK GUWAHATI (1N)

BHUTAN

PHYSICAL RATING



IS IS THIS THIS TOUR TOUR FOR FOR YOU? YOU?



KOLKATA (2N+1N) OVERNIGHT FLIGHT PLANE

View the sacred Rumtek Monastery

DAY 11: K AZIRANGA SAFARI This morning, disembark from the ship and take a jeep safari into the central range of the Kaziranga National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is best known for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros and is a designated tiger reserve. Alongside these two magnificent creatures, Kaziranga is also home to elephants, sloth bears, pangolin, water buffalo, swamp deer and a number of species of primate, and is an important habitat for birds. Enjoy a riverside lunch at Diphlu River Lodge before hopping back into jeeps to explore the park’s western reaches, where there is even more wonderful wildlife to spot. DAY 12: TEA ESTATE Spend the morning enjoying a tea experience on a picturesque Assam tea estate. Here you’ll learn all about the production process, from plucking the leaves to brewing a cup. Back on the boat, cruise upstream, passing through more of Kaziranga National Park’s spectacular wilderness, spotting wildlife on the banks of the river as you go. Drop anchor near Biswanath village. DAY 13: BISWANATH VILL AGE Head into the village, where there is a rich, cultural heritage to explore. Biswanath’s ghat is home to a cluster of temples dedicated to different gods, including an Ahom-era Shiva temple – discover these and have a wander through the town, soaking up the beautiful riverside and rural surroundings. Continue cruising through Kaziranga National Park, keeping a look out for wild elephants. Then, spend the afternoon up on the ship’s sun deck where you may be lucky enough to

COACH

2 1

BOAT

From the Himalayan foothills to the languid x waters of the Brahmaputra, this tour is a magical exploration of northeastern India. With time spent at altitude, sightseeing on foot, stairs without handrails, and steep inclines, this tour is best suited to those with a moderate fitness level.

Catch sight of the endangered one-horned rhinoceroses in Kaziranga National Park Caption

spot a member of a small population of the endangered Ganges River dolphins.

PRICES & DEPARTURES Departure days of the week vary

DAY 14: DAY OF CRUISING Today you’ll be able to sit back, relax and watch the river landscapes drift by as you cruise upstream. There will be one stop at a rural riverside village where a walking tour is a great way to stretch your legs.

2027 DATES

Ship

09 Jan - 26 Jan

ABN Sukapha

£7,590

11 Feb - 28 Feb

ABN Charaidew II

£7,490

05 Apr - 22 Apr

ABN Charaidew II

£6,790

28 Oct - 14 Nov

ABN Charaidew II

£7,590

DAY 15: MA JULI ISL AND Explore one of the world’s largest river islands, Majuli, which is a fascinating microcosm of local culture. Visit two of the island’s tranquil satras (monasteries) that have been essential in preserving Assamese art and culture and enjoy a traditional dance performance. Cruise farther upstream to Salmara Ghat, visiting a nearby village that is known for its traditional handicrafts, to see the artisans at work.

2028 DATES

Ship

DAY 16: VISIT SIBSAGAR Transfer by car to Sibsagar. Once the capital of the Ahom kings, explore the remnants of a fascinating culture with visits to old temples and examples of innovative engineering. Return to the ship and cruise back to Neamati Ghat for your final night onboard the ship and a farewell dinner.

31 Jan - 17 Feb

ABN Sukapha

£7,790

17 Feb - 05 Mar

ABN Charaidew II

£7,790

09 Apr - 26 Apr

ABN Charaidew II

£6,790

Flight and supplement information • Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades on request • Land Only from £6,890 (Kolkata - Kolkata) • Single room from £900 • Tipping paid locally USD$176 MORE INFORMATION Scan here for full details and the latest money-saving offers Call for our 2029 pricing and departures

DAY 17: RETURN TO KOLK ATA Bid farewell to your river cruise ship and transfer to Jorhat airport for your flight back to Kolkata. The rest of the day is at leisure. DAY 18: FLY KOLK ATA TO UK Fly home to the UK, arriving the same or the following day. Visit the Victoria Memorial

NEW

CHRISTMAS BEYOND THE BRAHMAPUTRA 18 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£6,990 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  S tay at the The Elgin Nor-Khill, Gangtok

 E xplore the sights of Kolkata  S ail the Brahmaputra in a luxury riverboat on a seven-night cruise

 S afari in Kaziranga National Park Discover Darjeeling beneath the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga PRICE INCLUDES • 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches & 16 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees • Visa fees for UK passport holders

Explore Darjeeling’s Christmas markets

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES ander among the stalls of Darjeeling’s W vibrant Christmas markets, browsing stalls selling a range of handicrafts, winter clothes and local products, searching out unique souvenirs under the twinkling lights of the hill station’s colourful Christmas decorations. njoy a unique and spectacular Boxing Day, E rising before the dawn to watch the first rays of the sun appear over the Himalayas and turn the snowcapped peak of the world’s third tallest mountain, Kanchenjunga, flaming red. ee in the new year floating on the tranquil S waters of the Brahmaputra, enjoying a special celebratory dinner in the convivial atmosphere of your ship’s dining room before raising a toast as the clock strikes midnight.

ITINERARY DAYS 1-2: FLY TO KOLKATA Fly overnight to Kolkata, a vibrant city in the far east of India. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. DAY 3: EXPLORE KOLKATA The capital of West Bengal and widely considered India’s cultural capital, Kolkata is a place of fascinating contrasts, something that you will discover on today’s tour of the city. See landmark sights like Birla Planetarium, Belur Math, Dakineshwar Kali Temple and the spectacular white marble edifice of the Victoria Memorial before, this evening, taking a walking tour to Park Street, the famous thoroughfare in Kolkata’s downtown area. DAY 4: BRITISH KOLKATA The capital of the British Raj between 1858 and 1911, Kolkata is home to a series of colonial sights which you will visit on this morning walking tour, including the stately Dalhousie Square. This afternoon, you’ll pay a visit to Mother House, a quiet convent that was home to Mother Teresa and still houses her missionary sisters today. Visit her tomb and a small museum dedicated to her life and work. DAY 5: TRAVEL TO GANGTOK Transfer to the airport and fly to Bagdogra. On arrival, drive to Gangtok, winding through the incredible landscapes of Sikkim, with towering Himalayan peaks as your backdrop. Check in to the Elgin Nor-Khill Resort, a heritage retreat blending colonial charm with warm Sikkimese hospitality. Then, soak up the festive spirit as you explore MG Marg, Gangtok’s main street, which glows with the Christmas lights of a charming Christmas market.

DAY 6: CHRISTMAS EVE - EXPLORE GANGTOK Sikkim’s bustling state capital, Gangtok sits on the side of a hill overlooking the valleys and peaks of the Himalayan foothills. This Christmas Eve, you will explore it, visiting the 18th-century Rumtek, the region’s most spiritually significant monastery, Enchey Monastery with its colourful prayer hall, the Tashi Viewpoint, where you’ll get spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga and more. You’ll also fly your way up the cable ropeway for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. This evening, enjoy a special Christmas Eve dinner at the Elgin Nor-Khill Resort, soaking in the festive atmosphere of the hotel. DAY 7: CHRISTMAS DAY - DARJEELING Merry Christmas! Celebrate Christmas Day surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas as you journey through the foothills towards the charming hill station of Darjeeling, passing sweeping tea plantations along the way. Stop at Ravangla Buddha Park to admire the towering 40-metre copper Buddha framed by snow-dusted peaks. This evening, soak up the festive cheer as you explore Darjeeling’s Christmas markets, aglow with lights, music and seasonal treats. DAY 8: KANCHENJUNGA SUN RISE Rise before dawn and head up to Tiger Hill to witness the winter sun rise over the snowcapped peaks of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain at 8,586 metres (weather permitting). Enjoy a relaxed morning before an afternoon ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s charming ‘toy train’ to Ghoom. Visit Ghoom Monastery, then return

C HRISTMAS BEYOND THE BRAHMAPUTRA

CHINA BHUTAN

GANGTOK (2N)

CRUISE (7N) SILGHAT  DARJEELING (2N) 

MAJULI ISLAND BISWANATH 





KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK GUWAHATI (1N)



AUNIATI NEAMATI GHAT JORHAT

Explore Majuli Island

to Darjeeling to explore the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tibetan Refugee Centre. The rest of the evening is free to relax and soak up the cool mountain air. DAY 9: FLY TO GUWAHATI Transfer back to Bagdogra airport and fly to Guwahati. The rest of the day is at leisure. DAY 10: BOARD YOUR CRUISE Transfer to Silghat, a port on the Brahmaputra River, where you’ll board your river cruise vessel. With a spa, saloon, and spacious sun deck along with cool and roomy cabins with floor-to-ceiling sliding windows for optimum views, there is no better to explore the rich riverbanks of the mighty Brahmaputra. Cast off and begin your upstream cruise, enjoying lunch and dinner onboard. DAY 11: KAZIRANGA SAFARI This morning, disembark from the ship and take a jeep safari into the central range of the Kaziranga National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is best known for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros and is a designated tiger reserve. Alongside these two magnificent creatures, Kaziranga is also home to elephants, sloth bears, pangolin, water buffalo, swamp deer and a number of species of primate, among much more, and is an important habitat for birds. Enjoy a riverside lunch at Diphlu River Lodge before hopping back into jeeps to explore the park’s western reaches, where there is more wonderful wildlife to spot. DAY 12: TEA ESTATE Spend the morning on a tea experience on a picturesque Assam tea estate. Here you’ll learn all about the production process, from

PHYSICAL RATING

2 1

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?

KOLKATA (3N+1N) OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

COUNTRY INDIA

SIBSAGAR



NEPAL

CLST ASSIC YLE

INDIA

PLANE COACH BOAT

xCelebrate Christmas in the spectacular mountain-backed landscapes of Darjeeling and Gangtok before setting sail on the sacred Brahmaputra River. Explore the nature, culture and unique heritage that lives on its river banks, seeing in the New Year onboard, in style.

Spot the endangered one-horned rhino in the wilds of Kaziranga Caption

plucking the leaves to brewing a cup. Back on the boat, cruise upstream, passing through more of Kaziranga National Park’s spectacular wilderness, spotting wildlife on the banks of the river as you go. Drop anchor near Biswanath village. DAY 13: NEW YEAR’S EVE - WILDLIFE SPOTTING Begin New Year’s Eve by journeying into the village, where there is a rich, cultural heritage to explore. Biswanath’s ghat is home to a cluster of temples dedicated to various gods, including an Ahom-era Shiva temple – discover these and stroll through the town, soaking up its beautiful riverside and rural surroundings. Continue cruising through Kaziranga National Park, keeping an eye out for wild elephants. Later, relax on the ship’s sun deck – with luck, you might catch a glimpse of the endangered Ganges River dolphins. This evening, you’ll be served a celebratory dinner with a cheers at midnight – what a way to see out the old year and see in the new one! DAY 14: DAY OF CRUISING Happy New Year! Today you’ll be able to sit back, relax and watch the river landscapes drift by as you cruise upstream. There will be one stop at a rural riverside village where a walking tour is a great way to stretch your legs. DAY 15: MAJULI ISLAND Explore one of the world’s largest river islands, Majuli, which is a fascinating microcosm of local culture. Visit two of the island’s tranquil satras (monasteries) that have been essential in preserving Assamese art and culture and enjoy a traditional dance performance. Cruise

PRICES AND DEPARTURES 2027 DATES

ABN Sukapha

20 Dec - 06 Jan

£6,990

Flight and supplement information • Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades available on request • Land only from £6,290 (Kolkata – Kolkata) • Single room from £2,500 • Tipping paid locally US$176 MORE DATES ONLINE Scan here for all departure dates and the latest money-saving offers Call for our 2029 pricing and departures

farther upstream to Salmara Ghat, visiting a nearby village that is known for its traditional handicrafts, to see the artisans at work. DAY 16: VISIT SIBSAGAR Transfer by car to Sibsagar. Once the capital of the Ahom kings, explore the remnants of a fascinating culture with visits to old temples and examples of innovative engineering. Return to the ship and cruise back to Neamati Ghat for your final night onboard the ship and a farewell dinner. DAY 17: RETURN TO KOLKATA Bid farewell to your river cruise ship and transfer to Jorhat airport for your flight back to Kolkata. The rest of the day is at leisure. DAY 18: FLY KOLKATA TO UK Fly home to the UK, arriving the same or the following day.

THE YANGTZE CHINA Stretching over 3,000 miles from the glaciers of the Tibetan plateau to the East China Sea, the Yangtze River is Asia’s longest river and has played a pivotal role in the history of China. Cruising the river through the iconic Three Gorges you’ll see modern cities, incredible natural splendour, historic temples and farmland still tended by conical hatted farmers with teams of buffalo.

2 SHENNONG STREAM

CHINA QUTANG GORGE

XILING GORGE

MT SHUANGGUI

6 WU GORGE

CHINA

YANGTZE RIVER

TAIWAN VIETNAM

MYANMAR LAOS

THAILAND

CAMBODIA

1 THREE GORGES DAM 7 3 TRIBE OF THE THREE GORGES

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YANGTZE RIVER

1 THREE GORGES DAM

2 SHENNONG STREAM

A massive feat of engineering, the dam, at over two kilometres in length, is the world’s largest hydroelectric power station. Visiting the viewing area above the ship locks you will be able to truly appreciate the scale of this impressive project.

3 TRIBE OF THE

THREE GORGES

The Tribe of the Three Gorges is a scenic cultural site along China’s Yangtze River, showcasing traditional minority customs, stilted houses, and captivating natural landscapes.

Take a small boat excursion to discover the tranquil Shennong Stream as it flows south through heavily forested gorges, past cascading waterfalls and coloured springs before merging with the Yangtze.

4 MT SHUANGGUI

5 QUTANG GORGE

Known for its lush forested slopes, ancient temples, and cultural significance, Mt Shuanggui is home to the historic Shuanggui Temple, a Buddhist site dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

The shortest and narrowest of the Three Gorges is renowned for its dramatic scenery with towering limestone cliffs, sheer rock faces, and ancient inscriptions along the river creating breathtaking views.

6 WU GORGE Wu Gorge is known for its ethereal beauty, featuring steep mountains often shrouded in mist. The famous ‘Twelve Peaks’ add to the enchanting atmosphere - Goddess Peak is the most spectacular of them all, said to be a incarnation of the Goddess Yaoji.

7 XILING GORGE The longest of the Three Gorges has been renowned for its spectacular scenery for centuries. Before the construction of the dam this was also one of the most feared sections of the river with raging rapids and dangerous shoals.

All aboard: Victoria Anna One of five ships in Victoria Cruise’s fleet, the beautiful Victoria Anna first set sail in 2006, and was refurbished in 2019. This modern and elegant vessel offers the perfect home away from home as you sail the magical Yangtze.

YOUR JOURNEY

ABOUT VICTORIA CRUISES

AMENITIES PAC KAGE

The Yangtze River has been the lifeline of China for millennia. It was on these river banks that some of the earliest Chinese cultures existed, and ever since it has been essential for China’s agriculture, transportation and the development of the country’s economy.

Sail through the heart of China in comfort and style with our trusted partner Victoria Cruises, the longest-running American-managed cruise line on the Yangtze River.

With an amenities package upgrade, you can further enhance your Yangtze experience with a few special extras, including:

Cruising the mighty Yangtze slows down the pace of your tour of China and helps you to see this incredible country from a new perspective. All you have to do is sit back and admire the steady flow of history and heritage that survives along the Yangtze’s banks as you wind your way through impressive gorges and cliffs. Sailing through the magnificent Three Gorges is a real highlight, with cliffs rising dramatically from the steadily flowing waters, each bend in the river offering a new breath-taking panorama.

Blending comfort with cultural depth, Victoria Cruises offers expert-led shore excursions to the mighty Three Gorges Dam, centuries-old cliffside temples, and vibrant riverside towns. We use all five of the ships in the Victoria Cruises’ fleet – Anna, Jenna, Katarina, Sabrina and Isabella. We’ve chosen the Victoria Anna to showcase your experience onboard on the opposite page, but all five ships share similar features. You can expect stylish, outward-facing cabins with private balconies located on the main deck, plenty of onboard entertainment, delicious regional cuisine, and English-speaking staff throughout.

Upgrade to a higher deck Access to exclusive à la carte dining Private afternoon tea in the Executive Lounge Welcome fruit basket in your cabin Nightly turn-down service Daily refreshments and pre-dinner Happy Hour House wine and beer served with dinner Please enquire with our Reservations team for full inclusions and pricing details. Cabin and deck upgrades are available on request.

ALL ABOARD: VICTORIA ANNA

YOUR STATEROOM Relax in a spacious Superior cabin on the Main Deck, featuring a private outward-facing balcony with panoramic views of the stunning Yangtze River. Enjoy the convenience of complimentary Wi-Fi and an en suite bathroom with both a shower and bathtub, providing ultimate comfort throughout your journey.

DECK PLANS PINNACLE DECK

OBSERVATION DECK

FACILITIES ON BOARD From a grand atrium with sweeping views to a sun deck, fitness centre, and spa, the Victoria Anna has everything you need for a comfortable journey. Explore the library, attend cultural lectures, or simply unwind in the observation lounge.

BRIDGE DECK

A daily shore excursion is also included, taking you off the ship to explore the sights along the river. Alternatively, stay onboard to relax, admiring the views from deck or your private balcony.

PROMENADE DECK

WINE & DINE

MAIN DECK

When it comes to mealtimes, enjoy buffet meals in the elegant Dynasty Dining Room offering expertly crafted international and Chinese dishes, or upgrade with an amenities package for exclusive access to the à la carte restaurant.

FIRST DECK

Available on Upgraded Departures Only

All aboard: Century Cruise Step aboard the relaxed 5-star Century Oasis, a sleek and modern Yangtze River vessel designed for comfort and eco-conscious travel. Launched in 2023, this elegant ship combines stylish cabins, panoramic balconies, and thoughtfully designed public spaces, allowing you to relax and take in the breathtaking river landscapes in style.

ABOUT CENTURY CRUISES

STATEROOMS

DINING

Discover the Yangtze aboard Century Cruises’ flagship Century Oasis, combining contemporary design, generous space and thoughtful service with the timeless scenery and culture of China’s longest river.

Your Deluxe Cabin on the Upper Deck features a modern, elegant ambience with a private balcony and en-suite bathroom, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Dine in the elegant Emerald Restaurant, Century Oasis’ main dining venue, offering a selection of Chinese and Western cuisine at lunch and dinner. Alongside international favourites, the menu features local specialities inspired by the towns and regions along the Yangtze, allowing you to discover the flavours of the river as you cruise. Enjoy your meals with house wine, beer and soft drinks, included as standard.

The journey brings you close to some of the Yangtze’s most spectacular sights, from the vast Three Gorges Dam to dramatic limestone cliffs, historic temples and traditional riverside communities. The Century Oasis has been selected for your Upgraded Departure cruise, offering a stylish and comfortable base from which to experience the river. Spacious cabins feature private balconies, while the ship provides a range of restaurants, bars and leisure facilities, including a theatre, fitness centre and observation areas. With its modern interiors, attentive service and panoramic views, the Oasis makes it easy to relax between excursions and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of the Yangtze.

LIFE ON BOARD From the ship’s entertainment options, including live performances, tai chi lessons, and cultural activities, to the Captain’s Welcome Reception, there’s something for everyone on Century Oasis. For quieter moments, enjoy the spa with massages payable onboard, unwind in the reading lounge, stay active in the fully equipped gym, or relax on the Sun Deck as the scenery drifts by. The ship also features stylish lounges, a panoramic bar, and spacious public areas designed to make your journey comfortable and engaging throughout.

Guests who upgrade to the Riviera VIP Restaurant can enjoy a more intimate dining experience, with a refined buffet offering a quieter, more personalised atmosphere. Beyond mealtimes, the stylish H2O Bar & Lounge on the Observation Deck is a relaxed place to meet, unwind with a favourite drink and take in the spectacular scenery of the Yangtze. With comfortable surroundings and riverside views, it is an ideal spot to relax as the landscape drifts by.

ALL ABOARD: CENTURY CRUISE

Deluxe Cabin with Balcony

UPGRADES

Superior Deluxe Cabin

Executive Suite

DECK PLANS

Your Deluxe Cabin offers comfort and style throughout your journey, with further cabin upgrades available for those who wish to enjoy exclusive facilities. uperior Deluxe Cabin S Enjoy the same spacious layout as the Deluxe Cabin, but on the higher 5F and 6F decks, with exclusive access to the VIP Restaurant. Executive Suite Upgrade to a spacious 33 sqm suite on the 6F Deck, with a generous seating area and large private balcony overlooking the Yangtze. Enjoy VIP Restaurant and Executive Lounge access, plus a complimentary minibar and laundry service. Please enquire with our Reservations team for full inclusions and pricing details. Upgrades are available on request.

MAJESTIC YANGTZE 14 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£3,990 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  Admire Shanghai’s bright lights  Cruise the Yangtze River  Watch giant pandas play  Face the Terracotta Army  Walk on the Great Wall  Discover ancient Ciqikou Discover the Yangtze River on your four-night cruise PRICE INCLUDES • 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches & 12 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees

Get a sky-high view of Shanghai

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES Soaring above Shanghai’s Pudong skyline, Jin Mao Tower blends modern engineering with traditional Chinese design. Head to the top for sweeping views over the Huangpu River and historic Bund. Explore the narrow cobbled lanes of Ciqikou’s old town, a district known for its porcelain production during the Ming and Qing dynasties as well as its traditional architecture. Cruise through Qutang, Wu and Xiling gorges, otherwise known as the Three Gorges, admiring the magnificent scenery from the comfort of your Yangtze River cruise vessel and learning about its epic history from your onboard expert.

ITINERARY DAYS 1-2: FLY OVERNIGHT TO SHANGHAI Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. DAY 3: EXPLORE SHANGHAI Today explore the classical Yu Garden, stroll through the charming old town, visit a silk mill and take in sweeping views of Shanghai’s stunning skyline from Jin Mao Tower. Later, admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. The skyscrapers and glimmering lights are a sight to behold. Tonight, savour some traditional Shanghainese cuisine. DAY 4: TRAIN TO YICHANG Take the bullet train to Yichang and board your home for the next four nights – a relaxing cruise along the majestic Yangtze River. DAYS 5-7: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases a massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next three days, enjoy a range of shore excursions and onboard entertainment. Take a scenic side trip to either the tranquil Shennong or Goddess Stream, where smaller boats allow for deeper exploration of lush gorges and hidden valleys.

DAY 8: HISTORIC CIQIKOU Disembarking the cruise vessel in Chongqing, explore old Ciqikou, a district known for its porcelain production during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Ciqikou’s narrow streets are perfect for a morning stroll to admire the historical, traditional architecture. Transfer to Chengdu and enjoy a delicious Sichuanese meal for dinner with the option of a performance of Sichuan Opera, famous for its ‘face-changing’. DAY 9: PANDAS Start your day with a visit to Chengdu’s renowned Panda Conservation Base, where you can see and learn about China’s cherished pandas in a habitat mirroring their natural surroundings. Explore the museum to gain insights into the reserve’s breeding efforts. Later, take a bullet train to the former imperial capital of Xian. This evening a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a captivating performance of Tang Dynasty dancing awaits. DAY 10: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses, and visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that encircle Xian’s old town, stop at a local brewery for a refreshing beer tasting, then walk through the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter.

MAJESTIC YANGTZE

CL ASSIC

BEIJING (3N)

CHINA

C HINA



XIAN (2N)

PHYSICAL RATING

OVERNIGHT FLIGHT



CHENGDU (1N)

YICHANG



IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?

SHANGHAI (2N)

One of our most popular tours covers the enthralling cities of Shanghai, Xian and Beijing as well as the unforgettable giant pandas of Chengdu. The highlight, though, is a relaxing four-night cruise on the majestic Yangtze River.



YANGTZE  CHONGQING RIVER CRUISE (4N)

COACH BOAT

TRAIN

PRICES & DEPARTURES Departure days of the week vary 2027 DATES

Explore the old town of Ciqikou

DAY 11: BULLET TRAIN TO BEIJING Board the bullet train to Beijing, a fast-paced capital where modern life meets 3,000 years of rich, tumultuous history. DAY 12: IMPERIAL BEIJING Head to Tiananmen Square, Beijing’s symbolic heart, and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, stroll through the peaceful grounds of the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. As evening falls, enjoy a dazzling Chinese acrobatic show – a thrilling display of skill, strength, and tradition.

Feel peaceful at the Temple of Heaven

DAY 13: THE GREAT WALL This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Next, visit a jade factory then enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens. This evening, savour Beijing’s bestknown delicacy – Peking duck. DAY 14: FLY BEIJING TO UK Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

EXTEND YOUR STAY...

14 Mar - 27 Mar

£3,990 19 Jul - 01 Aug

£4,190

17 Mar - 30 Mar

£4,090 02 Aug - 15 Aug

£4,190

22 Mar - 04 Apr

£4,190 09 Aug - 22 Aug

£4,190

29 Mar - 11 Apr

£4,290 16 Aug - 29 Aug

£4,190

31 Mar - 13 Apr

£4,290 30 Aug - 12 Sep

£4,290

05 Apr - 18 Apr

£4,290 31 Aug - 13 Sep

£4,290

09 Apr - 22 Apr

£5,090 01 Sep - 14 Sep

£4,390

12 Apr - 25 Apr

£4,390 06 Sep - 19 Sep

£4,390

14 Apr - 27 Apr

£4,390 10 Sep - 23 Sep

£5,190

18 Apr - 01 May

£4,390 12 Sep - 25 Sep

£4,390

26 Apr - 09 May

£4,390 13 Sep - 26 Sep

£4,390

30 Apr - 13 May

£4,390 15 Sep - 28 Sep

£4,390

03 May - 16 May £4,390 17 Sep - 30 Sep

£4,390

05 May - 18 May £4,390 19 Sep - 02 Oct

£4,390

10 May - 23 May £4,390 04 Oct - 17 Oct

£4,390

14 May - 27 May £5,190 08 Oct - 21 Oct

£5,190

17 May - 30 May £4,390 11 Oct - 24 Oct

£4,390

21 May - 03 Jun

£4,290 18 Oct - 31 Oct

£4,290

24 May - 06 Jun

£4,290 22 Oct - 04 Nov

£4,190

31 May - 13 Jun

£4,190 25 Oct - 07 Nov

£4,190

07 Jun - 20 Jun

£4,190 03 Nov - 16 Nov

£4,090

12 Jul - 25 Jul

£4,190 08 Nov - 21 Nov

£3,990

08 Mar - 21 Mar

£4,090 22 May - 04 Jun

£4,390

20 Mar - 02 Apr

£4,290 05 Jun - 18 Jun

£4,290

29 Mar - 11 Apr

£4,390 17 Jul - 30 Jul

£4,290

03 Apr - 16 Apr

£4,390 07 Aug - 20 Aug

£4,290

07 Apr - 20 Apr

£5,290 29 Aug - 11 Sep

£4,390

10 Apr - 23 Apr

£4,490 04 Sep - 17 Sep

£4,490

12 Apr - 25 Apr

£4,490 08 Sep - 21 Sep

£5,290

16 Apr - 29 Apr

£4,490 11 Sep - 24 Sep

£4,490

28 Apr - 11 May

£4,590 15 Sep - 28 Sep

£4,590

03 May - 16 May £4,590 06 Oct - 19 Oct

£5,390

08 May - 21 May £4,590 09 Oct - 22 Oct

£4,590

12 May - 25 May £5,390 20 Oct - 02 Nov

£4,290

15 May - 28 May £4,490 01 Nov - 14 Nov

£4,190

2028 DATES

Flight and supplement information • Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades available on request • Land only from £3,290 (Shanghai – Beijing) • Single room from £760 • Tipping paid locally RMB 735 (2027), RMB 760 (2028) CHINA & MONGOLIA HEARTLANDS Continue your journey to Mongolia. Meet nomadic families, explore sacred monasteries, and stay in premium en-suite Gers beneath endless steppe skies. Watch giant pandas play

Visit our website to learn more about all of our short stays and stopovers.

Dedicated solos departure

MORE DATES ONLINE Scan here for all departure dates and the latest money-saving offers Call for our 2029 pricing and departures

WONDERS OF CHINA 16 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£4,390 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  Walk on the Great Wall  Watch giant pandas play  Face the Terracotta Army  Stay in rural Yangshuo  Cruise the Yangtze River  Admire Shanghai’s bright lights Walk the Great Wall – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World PRICE INCLUDES • 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches & 14 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees

Try a refreshing local brew in Xian

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES Swap tea for hops with a visit to one of Xian’s local breweries. Take a behind-thescenes look at how the beers are brewed, then sample a glass or two fresh from the source. Venture into Beijing’s atmospheric old neighbourhoods, the hutongs, exploring the narrow alleyways, passing traditional courtyard houses and getting a glimpse of the residents’ day to day life. ruise the Huangpu River, the perfect way C to take in Shanghai’s contrasts – the colonial architecture of the Bund and the modern skyscrapers of Pudong.

ITINERARY DAYS 1-2: FLY OVERNIGHT TO BEIJING Fly overnight to Beijing, China’s historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. DAY 3: IMPERIAL BEIJING This morning, head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. A monument to dynasties past, enter through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, into a complex of a thousand rooms and many imperial treasures. Later, unwind in the peaceful surrounds of the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture. Wander through Beijing’s ancient hutongs – narrow alleyways steeped in centuries of history – and meet a local family to get a glimpse of old Beijing’s rich culture, then dine on a traditional dinner of Peking duck. DAY 4: THE GREAT WALL This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight, the Great Wall, which stretches over 4,000 miles from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Next, visit a jade factory to learn about this treasured stone, long revered in Chinese culture as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Enjoy the afternoon strolling through the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace and admire the traditional Chinese landscapes and exquisite architecture.

DAY 5: TANG DYNASTY DANCING Board the bullet train to Xian, the ancient former capital. Take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter and gain an insight into the city’s fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show. DAY 6: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and visit the workshop to see where they are intricately recreated. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that encircle Xian’s old town, before rounding off the day with a refreshing beer tasting at a local brewery. DAY 7: BOARD YOUR CRUISE Fly to Yichang where you will board your Yangtze River cruise vessel. DAYS 8-10: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases a massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery. Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another, take a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and enjoy various shore excursions. DAY 11: CHONGQING PANDA HOUSE Disembark from the cruise vessel and visit the Panda House in Chongqing. Later, board the bullet train to Guilin.

WONDERS OF C HINA

OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

CHINA

CL ASSIC

BEIJING (3N)

C HINA



PHYSICAL RATING

XIAN (2N)



YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (4N)  YICHANG CHONGQING 

GUILIN (2N)

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?

SHANGHAI (2N)

This hugely popular tour journeys through some of China’s most iconic sights from Beijing’s Great Wall, Xian’s warriors, and picturesque Guilin to the mighty Yangtze River. Expect a busy but fun-filled tour.



YANGSHUO (1N) PLANE COACH BOAT

TRAIN

PRICES & DEPARTURES Departure days of the week vary 2027 DATES

Admire the landscapes of the Li River

DAY 12: LI RIVER CRUISE Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. DAY 13: YANGSHUO Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Spend the morning exploring the countryside before returning to Guilin by road, stopping en route to discover the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave. Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Ronghu Lake and the Ancient South Gate. DAY 14: HUANGPU RIVER CRUISE Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.

Watch giant pandas play

EXTEND YOUR STAY...

28 Feb - 15 Mar

£4,390 18 Jun - 03 Jul

£4,690

07 Mar - 22 Mar

£4,490 11 Jul - 26 Jul

£4,790

12 Mar - 27 Mar

£4,590 01 Aug - 16 Aug

£4,790

26 Mar - 10 Apr

£4,790 08 Aug - 23 Aug

£4,790

01 Apr - 16 Apr

£5,690 31 Aug - 15 Sep

£4,890

04 Apr - 19 Apr

£4,890 02 Sep - 17 Sep

£5,690

09 Apr - 24 Apr

£4,890 05 Sep - 20 Sep

£4,990

11 Apr - 26 Apr

£4,890 10 Sep - 25 Sep

£4,990

14 Apr - 29 Apr

£5,790 12 Sep - 27 Sep

£4,990

16 Apr - 01 May

£4,990 15 Sep - 30 Sep

£5,790

23 Apr - 08 May

£4,990 17 Sep - 02 Oct

£4,990

04 May - 19 May £4,990 07 Oct - 22 Oct

£4,990

07 May - 22 May £4,990 10 Oct - 25 Oct

£4,990

09 May - 24 May £4,990 13 Oct - 28 Oct

£5,790

13 May - 28 May £5,690 14 Oct - 29 Oct

£5,690

14 May - 29 May £4,890 17 Oct - 01 Nov

£4,890

19 May - 03 Jun

£5,690 24 Oct - 08 Nov

£4,790

20 May - 04 Jun

£4,890 31 Oct - 15 Nov

£4,690

23 May - 07 Jun

£4,890 07 Nov - 22 Nov

£4,590

06 Jun - 21 Jun

£4,690

2028 DATES 27 Feb - 13 Mar

£4,590 04 Jun - 19 Jun

£4,890

10 Mar - 25 Mar

£4,790 09 Jul - 24 Jul

£4,890

24 Mar - 08 Apr

£4,990 06 Aug - 21 Aug

£4,890

30 Mar - 14 Apr

£5,890 27 Aug - 11 Sep

£4,990

02 Apr - 17 Apr

£4,990 31 Aug - 15 Sep

£5,890

09 Apr - 24 Apr

£5,090 03 Sep - 18 Sep

£5,190

14 Apr - 29 Apr

£5,090 10 Sep - 25 Sep

£5,190

CLASSIC TAIWAN 5 days from £980pp

25 Apr - 10 May

£5,090 15 Sep - 30 Sep

£5,190

05 May - 20 May £5,090 05 Oct - 20 Oct

£5,190

Visit our website to learn more about all of our short stays and stopovers.

07 May - 22 May £5,090 08 Oct - 23 Oct

£5,190

11 May - 26 May £5,890 12 Oct - 27 Oct

£5,990

12 May - 27 May £5,090 22 Oct - 06 Nov

£4,990

£4,990 05 Nov - 20 Nov

£4,690

Discover the highlights of Taiwan, from the serene shores of Sun Moon Lake and ancient streets of Tainan to ornate temples, Taipei 101 and the world’s finest collection of Chinese art.

21 May - 05 Jun

DAY 15: DISCOVER SHANGHAI Today explore the classical Yu Garden, stroll through the charming old town, visit a silk mill and take in sweeping views of Shanghai’s stunning skyline from the iconic Jin Mao Tower. Walk along the iconic Bund before a dinner of authentic Shanghainese cuisine.

Dedicated solos departure

DAY 16: FLY SHANGHAI TO UK Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

Upgraded departure

MORE DATES ONLINE Scan here for all departure dates and the latest money-saving offers Cruise the magnificent Yangtze River

Call for our 2029 pricing and departures, also for our Upgraded departures in 2028.

GEMS OF CHINA 16 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£4,690 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  Walk on the Great Wall  Face the Terracotta Army  Travel on a bullet train  Cruise the mighty Yangtze  Explore spectacular Zhangjiajie  Admire Shanghai’s bright lights Explore the magical landscapes of Zhangjiajie PRICE INCLUDES • 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches & 14 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees

ITINERARY DAYS 1-2: FLY TO BEIJING Fly overnight to Beijing, China’s historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. DAY 3: EXPLORE IMPERIAL BEIJING This morning head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, where you will discover the magnificence of the Forbidden City and find a complex full of imperial treasures. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs, then soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. In the evening, enjoy the local delicacy, Peking duck.

Take Tianmen’s ‘Walk of Faith’

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES Take a deep breath and step out on Tianmen Mountain’s famed glass skywalk, aptly named the ‘Walk of Faith’. Hugging a cliff face, follow it around the mountain for unparalleled views of Zhangjiajie’s mountains, valleys, and forests. From hand-stretched noodles to barbecued meat on skewers, Xian’s Muslim Quarter is a street food haven! As you explore these atmospheric streets and soak up the history, why not grab a delicious snack or two, to keep your energy up? Brace yourself for jaw-dropping views as you walk across Zhangjiajie’s spectacular glass bridge, suspended 300m above the forested valley below.

DAY 4: WALK ON THE GREAT WALL This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate the sheer magnificence of the wall and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Next, visit a jade factory to see how this revered stone, treasured across China, is skillfully crafted. Spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, strolling through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture. DAY 5: TRAVEL TO XIAN Catch a bullet train to ancient Xian, the capital city of several of China’s most important dynasties. Take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter and gain an insight into the city’s fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and an exuberant Tang Dynasty dancing show.

DAY 6: MEET THE WARRIORS After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of these life-size warriors and visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop. Later, stroll on the city wall and enjoy a refreshing beer tasting at a local brewery. DAY 7: BULLET TRAIN TO CHENGDU Board the bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. Take a stroll through People’s Park to see Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children. DAY 8: VISIT GIANT PANDAS Visit Chengdu’s famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China’s celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the reserve’s breeding programme. Later, drive to Chongqing where you will board your Yangtze River cruise. DAYS 9-11: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Spend the next three days cruising through some of China’s most spellbinding scenery. There’ll be shore excursions to enjoy, such as a visit to Mount Shuanggui to explore the picturesque scenery of a national forest park, and a relaxing boat trip along the scenic Goddess Stream. The Three Gorges themselves can be admired from the deck of the cruise ship, with the dramatic scenery an absolute highlight of your trip. On the

GEMS OF C HINA

CL ASSIC

OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

C HINA

BEIJING (3N)

CHINA



PHYSICAL RATING

XIAN (2N)

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YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (3N) YICHANG

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



2 1



CHENGDU  (1N) CHONGQING ZHANGJIAJIE (3N)

SHANGHAI (2N)

PLANE COACH BOAT

TRAIN

Explore China’s biggest and best cities and sights, including the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the giant pandas, a cruise on the Yangtze and Shanghai. To top it all off, we’ve added the breathtaking scenery of Zhangjiajie National Park, a true natural wonder.

PRICES & DEPARTURES Departure days of the week vary 2027 DATES

See giant pandas in Chengdu

final day, you’ll get to visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam and a staggering feat of engineering. Then, disembark your Yangtze River Cruise and drive to the breathtaking Zhangjiajie, stopping at the strange buildings of 72 Qilou. DAY 12: DISCOVER ZHANGJIAJIE A scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation, Zhangjiajie is a triumph of nature. Begin your explorations with a ride up the remarkable Bailong glass elevator. Embedded into the mountain, the elevator soars up the mountain side to a towering height of 326 metres in just two minutes. Soak up the amazing views from the top before taking a cable car back down to earth. End the day with a scenic sampan cruise on Lake Baofeng, a turquoise expanse of water amongst picturesque karst scenery. DAY 13: THE GLASS BRIDGE Explore the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of the Huanglong Cave. Then, brace yourself for an exhilarating walk across Zhangjiajie’s Glass Bridge, the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge stretching 430-metres over the Grand Canyon. DAY 14: ASCEND TIANMEN MOUNTAIN Soar up the heights of Tianmen Mountain by cable car which, at seven kilometres, is China’s longest. At the summit, marvel at Tianmen Cave, nicknamed ‘Heaven’s Door’, reached by 999 steep steps, and take a thrilling walk along a glass skywalk, aptly named the ‘Walk of Faith’. Transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Shanghai.

Marvel at the Great Wall of China

DAY 15: EXPLORE SHANGHAI Today, visit the peaceful Yu Garden, wander the atmospheric alleys of the old town, and stop at a silk mill. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the historic Bund, then take in sweeping views from atop the Jin Mao Tower. This evening, enjoy a panoramic cruise along the Huangpu River and dine on classic Shanghainese cuisine. DAY 16: FLY SHANGHAI TO UK Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day. EXTEND YOUR STAY...

Fly to bustling Bangkok before heading to the golden shores of Hua Hin, where four nights of beach and relaxation are yours to enjoy. BANGKOK & HUA HIN BEACH STAY 6 days from £1,060pp Visit our website to learn more about all of our short stays and stopovers.

07 Mar - 22 Mar

£4,690 01 Sep - 16 Sep

£5,190

16 Mar - 31 Mar

£4,790 04 Sep - 19 Sep

£5,990

31 Mar - 15 Apr

£5,090 07 Sep - 22 Sep

£5,190

03 Apr - 18 Apr

£5,990 08 Sep - 23 Sep

£5,190

04 Apr - 19 Apr

£5,190 14 Sep - 29 Sep

£5,190

06 Apr - 21 Apr

£5,190 17 Sep - 02 Oct

£5,190

07 Apr - 22 Apr

£5,190 06 Oct - 21 Oct

£5,190

13 Apr - 28 Apr

£5,190 08 Oct - 23 Oct

£5,190

05 May - 20 May £5,190 09 Oct - 24 Oct

£5,990

08 May - 23 May £5,990 10 Oct - 25 Oct

£5,190

11 May - 26 May £5,190 12 Oct - 27 Oct

£5,090

18 May - 02 Jun

£5,190 15 Oct - 30 Oct

£5,090

21 May - 05 Jun

£5,090 17 Oct - 01 Nov

£5,090

28 May - 12 Jun

£5,090 27 Oct - 11 Nov

£4,890

02 Jun - 17 Jun

£5,090 03 Nov - 18 Nov

£4,790

03 Aug - 18 Aug

£4,990 10 Nov - 25 Nov

£4,690

24 Aug - 08 Sep

£5,090

2028 DATES 07 Mar - 22 Mar

£4,790 30 Aug - 14 Sep

£5,290

14 Mar - 29 Mar

£4,990 05 Sep - 20 Sep

£5,390

29 Mar - 13 Apr

£5,290 06 Sep - 21 Sep

£5,390

02 Apr - 17 Apr

£5,290 12 Sep - 27 Sep

£5,390

04 Apr - 19 Apr

£5,290 15 Sep - 30 Sep

£5,390

05 Apr - 20 Apr

£5,290 04 Oct - 19 Oct

£5,390

11 Apr - 26 Apr

£5,290 06 Oct - 21 Oct

£5,390

03 May - 18 May £5,290 08 Oct - 23 Oct

£5,390

09 May - 24 May £5,290 10 Oct - 25 Oct

£5,390

16 May - 31 May £5,290 13 Oct - 28 Oct

£5,290

19 May - 03 Jun

£5,290 15 Oct - 30 Oct

£5,290

26 May - 10 Jun

£5,290 25 Oct - 09 Nov

£5,090

31 May - 15 Jun

£5,290 01 Nov - 16 Nov

£4,990

01 Aug - 16 Aug

£5,190 08 Nov - 23 Nov

£4,790

22 Aug - 06 Sep

£5,290

MORE DATES ONLINE Scan here for all departure dates and the latest money-saving offers Call for our 2029 pricing and departures, also for our Upgraded departures in 2028.

NEW

CHINA UNCOVERED 20 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£5,590 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  Walk on the Great Wall  See the Terracotta Army  Cruise the Yangtze and Li rivers  Explore the spectacular Zhangjiajie  Watch giant pandas play  Marvel at high tech Chongqing Soar 326 metres above the forest floor in Zhangjiajie’s glass Bailong Elevator PRICE INCLUDES • 18 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 18 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees

ITINERARY DAYS 1–2: FLY TO BEIJING Fly overnight to Beijing, China’s historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to relax or start soaking up the local culture. DAY 3: IMPERIAL BEIJING Begin the day in the emblematic Tiananmen Square before making your way across it and into the imperial magnificence of the sprawling Forbidden City to discover its many treasures. Then, take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of a warren-like hutong neighbourhood and learn more about living in this traditional area. This evening, dine on a delicious local delicacy, Peking duck.

Soak in China’s hot spring capital

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES efresh your body and mind at one R of Chongqing’s top hot spring resorts. Choose from fifty naturally heated pools infused with Chinese medicinal herbs and essential oils. wap Chinese tea for hops with a visit to S one of Xian’s local breweries. After a walk on the city walls, sip on a refreshing beer or two and learn about how the beers are brewed. atch Chongqing’s skyline come to life W in a magical light show, where over 5,000 synchronised drones choreograph a stunning performance above the city’s soaring riverside towers.

DAY 4: THE GREAT WALL Just outside Beijing, a true bucket-list sight snakes its way across the landscape – the Great Wall of China. Today you’ll get to walk on this iconic structure, climbing to one of its many watchtowers if you’re feeling energetic. Visit a jade factory (there is an opportunity to shop for a small, handcrafted piece), then spend the afternoon exploring the gardens of the Summer Palace, a Qing Dynasty lakeside retreat known for its exquisite architecture. DAY 5: ALLEYWAYS OF XIAN’S MUSLIM QUARTER Board the bullet train to Xian, capital city of multiple ancient dynasties. Take a walking tour of the lively Muslim Quarter, a heaven for foodies and knick-knack lovers, while gaining insight into the city’s fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling dinner and Tang Dynasty dancing show.

DAY 6: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS One of the 20th century’s greatest archaeological discoveries, the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors stand ready for battle around the, as yet unexcavated, tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Spend the morning viewing their ranks then visit a workshop to see where they are intricately recreated. Stroll the beautifully preserved city walls that encircle Xian’s old town, pausing for a refreshing beer tasting at a local brewery. DAY 7: FLY TO GUILIN Fly to the scenic city of Guilin. Later, wander among the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of the Reed Flute Cave. DAY 8: LI RIVER CRUISE Wind your way down the Li River surrounded by some of China’s most picturesque landscapes. Sit back, relax and savour the glorious rural scenes of lush paddy fields, grazing buffalo and local fishermen, all backed by towering karst peaks. Arrive in Yangshuo, a charming town amid this beauty. DAY 9: TAI CHI IN YANGSHUO Yangshuo sits in an exquisite position on the banks of the Li, surrounded by emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Start the morning with a Tai Chi lesson, before heading out to explore the countryside further. This afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. DAY 10: CHONGQING HOT SPRINGS Hop on a bullet train to Chongqing, a futuristic city where tradition meets innovation. You can spend the afternoon soaking in the mineral-rich waters of one of the city’s top hot springs resorts, something that has been

C HINA UNCOVERED

CL ASSIC

OVERNIGHT FLIGHT BEIJING (3N)

C HINA



CHINA

PHYSICAL RATING YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (3N)

XIAN (2N)

YICHANG 





CHONGQING (2N) 

 

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?

SHANGHAI (2N)

Uncover the best of China, from its most iconic sights to up and coming gems! With the natural landscapes of the Li and Yangtze rivers and Zhangjiajie, alongside the vibrant cityscapes of Beijing, Chongqing and Shanghai, you’ll get the best of both worlds.

ZHANGJIAJIE (3N)

GUILIN (1N)

YANGSHUO (2N) PLANE COACH BOAT

2 1

TRAIN

PRICES & DEPARTURES Departing Wednesday returning Monday 2027 DATES 10 Mar - 29 Mar

£5,590 26 May - 14 June £5,790

17 Mar - 05 Apr

£5,690 02 Jun - 21 Jun

£5,690

31 Mar - 19 Apr

£5,790 01 Sep - 20 Sep

£5,790

07 Apr - 26 Apr

£5,790 08 Sep - 27 Sep

£5,790

14 Apr - 03 May

£5,790 15 Sep - 04 Oct

£5,790

21 Apr - 10 May

£5,790 20 Oct - 08 Nov

£5,790

05 May - 24 May £5,790 27 Oct - 15 Nov

£5,790

12 May - 31 May £5,790 03 Nov - 22 Nov

£5,690

19 May - 07 Jun

See Chongqing’s skyline come alight

practised here for thousands of years or enjoy the bustle of Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street with its plentiful shops, food stalls and other entertainments. DAY 11: DRONE SHOW Travel to Dazu, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dazu Rock Carvings, to view the thousands of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucianist idols and symbols carved into rock faces over 70 sites. This evening, enjoy the Glamorous Drone Show, where over 5,000 drones illuminate the night sky in a mesmerising display of colour and precision. DAY 12: GIANT PANDAS Start the day by visiting China’s beloved bear, the iconic giant panda, at Chongqing’s Panda House. Next, wander the charming cobble stone streets of Ciqikou, lined with teahouses, craft shops and tempting snacks. Continue to Liziba Intersection, where metro trains famously glide straight through a residential high-rise. Later, board your Yangtze River Cruise, home for the next three nights. DAY 13: CRUISE THE YANGTZE Set sail on the mighty Yangtze River. Spend the day relaxing onboard or disembark to see the elegant pavilions of Mount Shuanggui and view the cliff brush writings of Song Dynasty calligraphers. DAY 14: THE THREE GORGES Enter the breathtaking landscapes of the Three Gorges. You’ll pass first into Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains, then Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic of the three. Take a relaxing cruise along the Goddess Stream in a smaller vessel.

Watch life unfold along the Li River

DAY 15: THREE GORGES DAM Pause to visit the Three Gorges Dam, appreciating its scale from the viewing area before learning more about the project in the small museum. Disembark your river cruise ship and continue the journey by road to Zhangjiajie, a UNESCO Global Geopark. DAYS 16–18: DISCOVER ZHANGJIAJIE Lose yourself in breathtaking Zhangjiajie, a landscape of thousands of towering quartzsandstone columns draped in greenery and often swathed in swirling mists. Over the next three days, you’ll discover something spectacular around every corner! Ride the remarkable Bailong glass elevator, take a scenic train through the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery, hold your nerve on the Glass Bridge, cruise Rainbow Lake and soar up to the heights of Tianmen Mountain by cable car, where you can marvel at Tianmen Cave and test yourself on the ‘Walk of Faith’, a thrilling glass skywalk. Fly to Shanghai. DAY 19: BUSTLING SHANGHAI Visit the peaceful Yu Garden and the atmospheric alleys of the old town then admire the magnificent colonial architecture along the historic Bund, before visiting a silk mill. Next, head to the top of Jin Mao tower for incredible views of the city. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and get a taste for Shanghainese cuisine at your farewell dinner. DAY 20: FLY SHANGHAI TO UK Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

£5,790

2028 DATES 08 Mar - 27 Mar

£5,790 30 Aug - 18 Sep

£5,990

15 Mar - 03 Apr

£5,890 06 Sep - 25 Sep

£5,990

05 Apr - 24 Apr

£5,990 13 Sep - 02 Oct

£5,990

12 Apr - 01 May

£5,990 04 Oct - 23 Oct

£5,990

03 May - 22 May £5,990 25 Oct - 13 Nov

£5,990

10 May - 29 May £5,990 01 Nov - 20 Nov

£5,890

31 May - 19 Jun

£5,890

Flight and supplement information • Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades available on request • Land only from £4,890 (Beijing – Shanghai) • Single room from £1,080 • Tipping paid locally RMB 1310 (2027), RMB 1350 (2028) MORE INFORMATION Scan here for full details and the latest money-saving offers Call for our 2029 pricing and departures

EXTEND YOUR STAY...

Break up your journey with a stay in Hong Kong. HONG KONG GLIMPSES 3 days from £390pp Visit our website to learn more about all of our short stays and stopovers.

MAGNIFICENT CHINA 22 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£4,990 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  Walk on the Great Wall  Face the Terracotta Army  Watch giant pandas play  Stay in rural Yangshuo  Cruise the Yangtze River  Stroll old gardens in Suzhou Take in Guilin’s iconic karst peaks along the Li River PRICE INCLUDES • 20 breakfasts, 19 lunches & 20 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees

ITINERARY DAYS 1-2: FLY OVERNIGHT TO BEIJING Fly overnight to Beijing, China’s historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. DAY 3: IMPERIAL BEIJING This morning, head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City to discover a complex full of imperial riches. Spend the afternoon soaking up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck.

Practise Tai Chi with a master

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES Long practised in China, many people start their day with a session of Tai Chi – do the same with a morning class with an instructor and continue your day feeling invigorated. Discover the captivating charm of Suzhou as you glide through its tranquil waterways, enjoying a boat ride along the storied Grand Canal, where the essence of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture comes to life. Watch the long-practised art of calligraphy, with a demonstration in the basic techniques of this beautiful, stylised writing, it is the perfect way to connect with local culture.

DAY 4: THE GREAT WALL This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Stretching thousands of miles from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert, a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture. DAY 5: HUTONGS Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. Later, take the bullet train to Xian, the ancient former capital. DAY 6: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and visit the workshop to see where they are intricately

recreated. Later, quench your thirst with a beer tasting at a local brewery. Tonight, dine on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and enjoy a dazzling Tang Dynasty dance performance. DAY 7: ANCIENT CITY WALL Take a stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town, then try your hand at traditional Chinese calligraphy. Later this afternoon, explore the narrow streets of the atmospheric Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Here, you will gain an insight into the city’s fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. DAY 8: BULLET TRAIN TO CHENGDU Board the bullet train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. DAY 9: CHENGDU GIANT PANDAS Visit Chengdu’s famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China’s celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the reserve’s breeding programme. Later, stroll through the vibrant People’s Park with a stop at Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search for worthy suitors for their children. Sip tea in a traditional teahouse before wandering the atmospheric Wide and Narrow Alleys. This evening, dine on flavourful Sichuan cuisine. DAY 10: BOARD YOUR CRUISE Board the bullet train to Yichang to board your Yangtze River cruise vessel, where you will stay for the next four nights.

MAGNIFICENT C HINA OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

CL ASSIC

BEIJING (3N)

C HINA 

CHINA

PHYSICAL RATING

XIAN (3N)

CHENGDU (2N)

SUZHOU



YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE  (4N) YICHANG CHONGQING

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?

SHANGHAI (4N)

From the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors, to cruising on the Yangtze and the breathtaking Li River, this tour encompasses China’s most magnificent sights as well as spending a little extra time in its most exciting cities.





GUILIN (2N) YANGSHUO (2N) PLANE COACH BOAT

TRAIN

PRICES & DEPARTURES Departure days of the week vary 2027 DATES

Enter the magnificent Forbidden City

Uncover the Yangtze’s hidden streams

13 Mar - 03 Apr

£5,090 07 Aug - 28 Aug

£5,290

22 Mar - 12 Apr

£5,290 30 Aug - 20 Sep

£5,290

03 Apr - 24 Apr

£6,390 04 Sep - 25 Sep

£5,390

05 Apr - 26 Apr

£5,290 06 Sep - 27 Sep

£5,390

19 Apr - 10 May

£5,390 11 Sep - 02 Oct

£5,390

03 May - 24 May £5,390 04 Oct - 25 Oct

£5,390

08 May - 29 May £6,390 18 Oct - 08 Nov

£6,390

17 May - 07 Jun

£5,290 25 Oct - 15 Nov

£5,290

12 Jun - 03 Jul

£5,190 01 Nov - 22 Nov

£4,990

17 Jul - 07 Aug

£5,290

2028 DATES

DAYS 11-13: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Visit The Three Gorges Dam which showcases a massive feat of engineering. As you cruise upstream, nature takes over revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next few days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream, as well as various shore excursions. DAY 14: DISCOVER GUILIN Disembark in Chongqing and then board the bullet train to the beautiful city of Guilin. Enjoy a walk around Ronghu Lake and Shanhu Lake to admire the Sun and Moon pagodas. DAY 15: LI RIVER CRUISE Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. DAY 16: TAI CHI LESSON Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Begin your day with an invigorating Tai Chi class led by a local master, before spending the rest of the morning exploring the countryside. Later, enjoy a soothing Chinese reflexology massage, followed by an afternoon at leisure. DAY 17: TEA TASTING Travel back to Guilin, stopping at a tea plantation to explore among the tea bushes, enjoy a tasting and learn about China’s rich tea heritage. Then ride a scenic cable car up Yao Mountain for panoramic views of Guilin’s dramatic karst landscape.

11 Mar - 01 Apr

£5,290 15 Jul - 05 Aug

£5,490

20 Mar - 10 Apr

£5,490 05 Aug - 26 Aug

£5,490

DAY 18: FLY TO SHANGHAI Fly to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Later, spend some time in the city’s Xintiandi area, a vibrant entertainment district made up of traditional 19th century Shikumen architecture.

01 Apr - 22 Apr

£6,590 28 Aug - 18 Sep

£5,590

03 Apr - 24 Apr

£5,590 02 Sep - 23 Sep

£5,590

10 Apr - 01 May

£5,590 04 Sep - 25 Sep

£5,590

17 Apr - 08 May

£5,590 09 Sep - 30 Sep

£5,590

01 May - 22 May £5,590 02 Oct - 23 Oct

£5,590

06 May - 27 May £6,690 09 Oct - 30 Oct

£5,590

DAY 19: HISTORIC SUZHOU Travel to Suzhou. Suzhou is renowned for its gardens – visit one of its finest, the Humble Administrator’s Garden. Cruise the Grand Canal before returning to Shanghai for a dinner of Shanghainese cuisine.

08 May - 29 May £5,590 16 Oct - 06 Nov

£6,590

15 May - 05 Jun

£5,590 23 Oct - 13 Nov

£5,490

10 Jun - 01 Jul

£5,390 30 Oct - 20 Nov

£5,390

DAY 20: EXPLORE SHANGHAI Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide. Visit a silk mill, stroll through the classical Yu Garden and old town, then take in sweeping views from Jin Mao Tower. Later, enjoy a cruise along the Huangpu River. DAY 21: MORE SHANGHAI Explore Nanjing Road and Tianzifang, the city’s best shopping areas, and admire the colonial architecture of the Bund. End the day with a dazzling ERA acrobatic show. DAY 22: FLY SHANGHAI TO UK Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

Flight and supplement information • Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades available on request • Land only from £4,290 (Beijing – Shanghai) • Single room from £1,190 • Tipping paid locally RMB 1110 (2027), RMB 1145 (2028) Dedicated solos departure

MORE INFORMATION Scan here for full details and the latest money-saving offers Call for our 2029 pricing and departures

+ EXTEND YOUR STAY... MT HUANG SHORT STAY 4 days from £830pp Visit our website to learn more about all of our short stays and stopovers.

ULTIMATE CHINA 27 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£7,190 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  Walk on the Great Wall  Gaze at the Terracotta Warriors  Visit the Stone Forest  Explore spectacular Zhangjiajie  Stay in mystical Lhasa  Cruise the Yangtze River Explore spectacular Songzanlin Temple in Zhongdian PRICE INCLUDES • 25 breakfasts, 24 lunches & 25 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees

ITINERARY DAYS 1-2: FLY OVERNIGHT TO BEIJING Fly overnight to Beijing, China’s historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. DAY 3: IMPERIAL BEIJING This morning, head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven and enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner.

Connect with Tibetan communities

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES Venture to a Tibetan village in the highlands of Yunnan province to meet the local community, visit a traditional family home and experience the intriguing blend of the Tibetan and Chinese way of life. ake a deep breath and step out on Tianmen T Mountain’s famed glass skywalk, aptly named the ‘Walk of Faith’. Hugging a cliff face, follow it around the mountain for unparalleled views of Zhangjiajie. atch the monks at Sera Monastery debate W complex philosophical questions with lively and intense gestures and hand claps.

DAY 4: THE GREAT WALL This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Take a walk on this incredible structure for an appreciation of its magnitude and for ancient engineering capabilities. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon in the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace. DAY 5: BULLET TRAIN TO XIAN Take the bullet train to Xian and in the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. DAY 6: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS China’s Terracotta Army with its enigmatics ranks of warriors and horses, has long intrigued visitors. Spend the morning viewing them before visiting a workshop where they are expertly recreated. After lunch, stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. DAY 7: REED FLUTE CAVE Fly to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave to see the colourful stalagmites and stalactites.

DAY 8: LI RIVER CRUISE Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. This afternoon you can spend some time browsing Yangshuo’s vibrant markets. DAY 9: YANGSHUO Start the day learning the flowing movements of Tai Chi from a local master. Explore the picturesque countryside then enjoy free time. DAY 10: TRAVEL TO KUNMING Take a bullet train to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province. DAY 11: THE STONE FOREST Take a fascinating wander through the towering limestone pillar formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest. This evening, dine on the local dish, ‘Across the Bridge’ noodles. DAY 12: BULLET TRAIN TO LIJIANG Board the bullet train to Lijiang, set in the foothills of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. DAY 13: JADE DRAGON SNOW MOUNTAIN The magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars to 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back to Lijiang, visit Baisha old town to view its spectacular Ming Dynasty frescoes and Baisha village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people.

ULTIMATE C HINA

4000M

OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

Maximum altitude reached at Lhasa

CL ASSIC

BEIJING (3N)

C HINA , TIBET 

CHINA

PHYSICAL RATING XIAN (2N) YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (3N) YICHANG

CHENGDU (1N)

ZHONGDIAN (2N) LIJIANG (2N)



 

CHONGQING



Explore Buddhist monasteries

DAY 14: TIGER LEAPING GORGE Journey to the extraordinary 3,000-metredeep Tiger Leaping Gorge. Next, continue to the monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. This afternoon is at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude. DAY 15: TIBETAN ZHONGDIAN Visit a Tibetan-style village for a glimpse of a rural way of life. Also visit Dafo Temple, explore Songzanlin Monastery and tour the old town. DAY 16: MYSTICAL LHASA Fly to the city of Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. This afternoon is at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude. DAY 17: THE BARKHOR CIRCUIT Lhasa is a modern, fast-growing city, but among the narrow, old, atmospheric streets you will feel a million miles from the modern world. Wander the Barkhor Circuit with traditionally dressed locals and explore the sacred Jokhang Temple. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning, and a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop. DAY 18: POTALA PALACE The Potala Palace towers over the city from its seat on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). Explore the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, and later the nearby Norbulingka that served as his summer retreat. DAY 19: FLY TO CHENGDU Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Take a stroll through People’s Park to see Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children.





ZHANGJIAJIE (2N)

GUILIN (1N)



KUNMING (2N)

SHANGHAI (2N)



LHASA (3N)







YANGSHUO (2N)

PLANE COACH BOAT

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU? This really is the ultimate tour for those who want to experience China and Tibet in depth! From modern cities and ancient history to rural villages and spectacular landscapes, this is the tour to discover all of China’s highlights in just one visit.

TRAIN

Discover the otherworldly peaks of Zhangjiajie

DAY 20: PANDAS Visit the adorable resident pandas of Chengdu’s famous conservation centre. Later, transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel. DAYS 21-23: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Over the next three days, enjoy various side trips and shore excursions including the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark and drive to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars. DAY 24: DISCOVER ZHANGJIAJIE Zhangjiajie’s forest of towering sandstone pillars is nature at its most surreal. Ride the Bailong glass elevator skyward, soak up the incredible views before a scenic train through the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery. DAY 25: TIANMEN MOUNTAIN Soar up Tianmen Mountain on China’s longest cable car. At the summit, climb 999 steps to the dramatic Tianmen Cave, ‘Heaven’s Door’, and brave the thrilling glass ‘Walk of Faith’. Later, fly to Shanghai. DAY 26: EXPLORE SHANGHAI Explore China’s great metropolis, visiting the Yu Garden, old town, and a silk mill, before ascending Jin Mao Tower and admiring colonial architecture on the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a farewell meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

PRICES & DEPARTURES Departure days of the week vary 2027 DATES 24 Mar - 19 Apr

£7,190 01 Sep - 27 Sep

£7,190

31 Mar - 26 Apr

£7,190 06 Oct - 01 Nov

£7,190

04 Apr - 30 Apr

£7,190 13 Oct - 08 Nov

£7,190

05 May - 31 May £7,190 20 Oct - 15 Nov

£7,190

12 May - 07 Jun

£7,190 03 Nov - 29 Nov

£7,190

25 Aug - 20 Sep

£7,190

2028 DATES 22 Mar - 17 Apr

£7,490 30 Aug - 25 Sep

£7,490

29 Mar - 24 Apr

£7,490 04 Oct - 30 Oct

£7,490

02 Apr - 28 Apr

£7,490 11 Oct - 06 Nov

£7,490

03 May - 29 May £7,490 18 Oct - 13 Nov

£7,490

10 May - 05 Jun

£7,490 01 Nov - 27 Nov

£7,390

23 Aug - 18 Sep

£7,490

Flight and supplement information • Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades available on request • Land only from £6,490 (Beijing – Shanghai) • Single room from £1,320 • Tipping paid locally RMB 1435 (2027), RMB 1480 (2028) MORE INFORMATION Scan here for full details and the latest money-saving offers Call for our 2029 pricing and departures

DAY 27: FLY SHANGHAI TO UK Fly to the UK, arrive home the same or following day.

THE NILE EGYPT A cruise along the Nile is a journey through Egypt’s timeless history and landscapes. Floating along one of the world’s longest rivers through lush farmland and serene desert stretches, travellers are afforded the chance to explore ancient temples and tombs, and a vibrant local culture that stretches back over 4,000 years.

LUXOR’S WEST BANK

RED SEA

LUXOR’S EAST BANK

EDFU

EGYPT

LUXOR

SUDAN

ASWAN

ABU SIMBEL

SAUDI ARABIA

LIBYA

CHAD

KOM OMBO

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NILE RIVER

1 LUXOR’S EAST BANK Called the ‘world’s greatest open-air museum’, the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes occupies the eastern bank of the Nile at Luxor. An archaeological treasure trove, its sights include the atmospheric Luxor Temple and the huge Karnak Temple where you’ll find the grand Hypostyle Hall with its towering columns, a true wonder of the ancient world.

3 EDFU Built over 2,000 years ago and lost for centuries, Edfu is one of the best-preserved sites in Egypt. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, whose colossal figure flanks the entrance, its intact walls contain a wealth of legible inscriptions and artwork.

5 ASWAN Aswan’s location, gazing out over the sparkling Nile and soaring sand dunes, is undeniably romantic and the easy pace of life here is supremely relaxing. Cruise out to the island temple of Philae, relax in the gardens of Elephantine Island and drift on white sailed feluccas through this timeless landscape.

2 LUXOR’S WEST BANK Discover the starkly beautiful landscape that is home to the grand Temple of Hatshepsut, the mortuary complex of one of Egypt’s earliest female pharaohs. Visit the world-famous Valley of the Kings, the Theban Necropolis where the mighty Pharaohs of the New Kingdom were laid to rest.

4 KOM OMBO Kom Ombo is renowned for its unique double temple dedicated to the crocodile-headed god Sobek and falcon-headed Horus. Occupying a dramatic position overlooking the Nile, the temple features intricate carvings, mummified crocodiles, and even insights into ancient Egyptian medical practices.

6 ABU SIMBEL Journey south to the great temple dedicated to Ramesses II, with its immense 20-metre-high statues. Once gazing out over the southern reaches of the Nile, the entire temple was moved block by block to a new location approximately 200 metres inland and 65 metres higher than its original site, avoiding the encroaching waters of the Aswan Dam.

All aboard: MS Tamr Newly renovated in 2023, take in the unforgettable sights of the legendary River Nile in comfort and style aboard this contemporary five-star river ship. YOUR STATEROOM After a day exploring this fascinating river, retreat to your beautifully appointed cabin and relax in elegant surroundings. Take in breathtaking river views from your floor-to-ceiling windows that open to a Juliet balcony whilst enjoying a refreshment from the minibar. When it’s time to turn in for the night, you can look forward to a restorative sleep in your comfortable king-sized bed – ensuring that you’re raring to go for the adventures ahead.

FACILITIES ON BOARD With its five-star interior, the MS Tamr offers a luxurious base from which to explore the mysteries of the Nile. Time onboard can be spent relaxing on the spacious sundeck and enjoying the views of the river or unwinding in the sophisticated lounge. The inviting outdoor pool is available for a swim or a cool down, and you’ll also find a fitness centre onboard. There is also an onboard spa and sauna for any pampering needs.

WINE & DINE Enjoy diverse international and local dishes, buffet style, at the main restaurant, where dedicated chefs ensure that every palate is catered for. For an intimate experience, the a la carte restaurant offers fine dining crafted with fresh, regional ingredients. Savour your favourite tipple in the stylish Lounge Bar, where cocktails and refreshing drinks pair perfectly with panoramic river scenes.

ALL ABOARD: MS TAMR

YOUR JOURNEY There are few rivers as famous as the River Nile – not just for being one of the world’s longest rivers at 6,650km, but for its historical significance and its present-day importance as a source of irrigation, drinking water and transportation for the 95% of Egypt’s population that live within a few kilometres of its banks. The ancient Egyptians considered the Nile as a sacred place and aligned many of their pyramids and monuments alongside the river, believing it was a pathway to the afterlife. Trace the Nile’s incredible past as you sail along this ancient and fabled waterway. Board your river cruise in Luxor and continue for five days to Aswan. On your cruise, you’ll visit some of Egypt and the Nile’s most celebrated and revered sites, including Luxor’s East Bank, home to the Avenue of the Sphinxes and the Temples of Luxor, and the West Bank, one of the most stunning landscapes in Egypt. Stop at the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus, the Temples of Edfu, the Temple of Kom Ombo, the Aswan Dam and so much more. Please note that some departures may be accommodated on a different Nile cruise ship of the same standard.

DREAMS OF EGYPT 11 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£4,990 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  Explore Egypt’s ancient pyramids  Cruise the world’s longest river  Visit Karnak and Luxor  Discover the Valley of the Kings  Experience the Khan el Khalili bazaar

 Visit the war cemeteries at El Alamein

Admire the pyramids and Sphinx of Giza PRICE INCLUDES • 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 3 star plus - 4 star accommodation & 5-star Nile cruise

• Touring with guides and entrance fees • Visa fees for UK passport holders

Cruise from Luxor to Aswan

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES ruise the Nile in style aboard a five-star ship C for four nights. Your air-conditioned, outwardfacing stateroom offers a comfortable base, while the spacious sun deck and onboard pool are the perfect place to relax and watch the timeless landscapes of the Nile drift by. xperience the colossal majesty of Abu E Simbel, built for Ramesses II and his beloved wife, Nefertari, in the 13th century BC. The entrance to the Great Temple, guarded by four 20-metre-high statues of Ramesses II, leads into vast halls adorned with intricate reliefs and imposing statues of Osiris. he richly decorated pharaonic tombs of T the Valley of the Kings never fail to impress. Follow in the footsteps of Howard Carter as you enter the atmospheric tomb of Tutankhamun, the boy king, before exploring additional tombs of your choice.

ITINERARY DAY 1: FLY TO CAIRO Fly to Cairo, the ‘city of a thousand minarets’, and transfer to your hotel. DAY 2: PYRAMIDS OF GIZA Visit two of Egypt’s most iconic sites: the Pyramids of Giza and the unblinking Sphinx. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of statues, mummies and pharaonic treasures. Later, visit the famous Khan el Khalili Bazaar, a souk known for its jewellery, leather goods and traditional coffeehouses. DAY 3: OLD CAIRO & SAKK ARA Spend the morning exploring Cairo’s oldest district, the Coptic Quarter. Explore its Coptic churches and the Coptic Museum, with its extensive Christian artefact collection. Later, continue to Sakkara, an ancient necropolis famed for its painted catacombs and the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser. Built for the Pharaoh by his architect, the high priest Imhotep, this 27th century BC structure was Egypt’s earliest known pyramid. Inside, you’ll see wonderful carvings on the alabaster stone walls. DAY 4: EXPLORE ALEX ANDRIA Take the desert road to Alexandria on Egypt’s northern coast. This afternoon, you’ll discover Alexandria’s breathtaking highlights, from the Roman theatre to the beautifully-carved Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, dating back to the 2nd century. Pause for a photo stop at the renovated 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel, once one of the most important defensive strongholds of Africa’s Mediterranean coastline. Spend the night in Alexandria.

DAY 5: EL ALAMEIN This morning, we visit El Alamein, the site of two pivotal battles of the Second World War. The Allied victory in the second battle was instrumental in ending the Axis threat to Egypt. Visit the military museum and war cemeteries before travelling southeast back to Cairo. Stop en route to visit the historic Monastery of St Macarius, continuously inhabited by Coptic Orthodox monks since the 4th century AD. Tonight, stay in a hotel close to Cairo Airport. DAY 6: LUXOR’S EAST BANK Take a short one-hour flight from Cairo to Luxor, where we transfer to the port and board your Nile cruise ship for your four-night cruise. Refresh yourself before this afternoon’s visit to Luxor’s East Bank. Begin at the Temple Complex of Karnak, famed for the majestic Hypostyle Hall with its 134 gigantic stone columns, along with the Avenue of the Sphinxes and the Sacred Lake.

Delve into the history of Old Cairo

DREAMS OF EGYPT

CL ASSIC

ALEXANDRIA (1N) CAIRO (3N + 1N + 1N)

EL ALAMEIN

EGYPT

PHYSICAL RATING 

EGYPT 

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU? LUXOR NILE CRUISE (4N) ASWAN

ABU SIMBEL PLANE COACH BOAT

See the Citadel of Qaitbay, Alexandria

DAY 9: ABU SIMBEL Visit the iconic and unforgettable Abu Simbel, at the southern edge of Egypt. This dramatic temple complex, one of Egypt’s most spectacular ancient monuments, is dedicated to Ramesses II, often considered the greatest pharaoh of the New Kingdom. Admire the many halls and imposing statues. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a traditional Nubian restaurant in a beautiful setting beside Lake Nasser before returning to the ship in Aswan.

Home to the last surviving wonder of the Ancient World, Egypt is a country steeped in history and legend. This tour combines iconic monuments and temples with a four-night cruise along the Nile, where ancient landscapes and riverside life unfold before you.

Enjoy a felucca ride in Aswan

DAY 7: LUXOR’S WEST BANK Explore the West Bank at Luxor, one of Egypt’s most stunning landscapes. Visit the mysterious Colossi of Memnon, a pair of 18-metre-high statues, en route to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the gigantic funerary complex of Egypt’s second-ever female pharaoh. This afternoon, visit the Valley of the Kings, resting place of dozens of pharaohs of the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BC). Here, visit the wonderfully-decorated Tomb of Tutankhamun along with other richly-painted tombs of your choice. Return to the ship and sail south toward Esna. DAY 8: TEMPLES OF EDFU & KOM OMBO Enjoy a morning visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of Egypt’s most beautiful and well-preserved temples, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Return to the ship for lunch as you cruise on to the town of Kom Ombo, where we visit the unusual double temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus and the crocodile-headed god Sobek. Sail on to Aswan, where we dock for the next two nights.

PRICES & DEPARTURES Departing Wednesday returning Saturday

2027 DATES 27 Jan - 06 Feb

£4,990 29 Sep - 09 Oct

£5,290

03 Feb - 13 Feb

£4,990 13 Oct - 23 Oct

£5,290

17 Mar - 27 Mar

£4,990 27 Oct - 06 Nov

£5,290

24 Mar - 03 Apr

£4,990 17 Nov - 27 Nov

£5,290

31 Mar - 10 Apr

£4,990

2028 DATES

Wander the ancient ruins of Karnak Temple

26 Jan - 05 Feb

£4,990 29 Mar - 08 Apr

£4,990

02 Feb - 12 Feb

£4,990 27 Sep - 07 Oct

£5,290

09 Feb - 19 Feb

£4,990 11 Oct - 21 Oct

£5,290

01 Mar - 11 Mar

£4,990 25 Oct - 04 Nov

£5,290

08 Mar - 18 Mar

£4,990 08 Nov - 18 Nov

£5,290

15 Mar - 25 Mar

£4,990 15 Nov - 25 Nov

£5,290

22 Mar - 01 Apr

£4,990

Flight and supplement information DAY 10: DISCOVER ASWAN Discover the many highlights of Aswan on this full-day tour. Visit the 111-metre-tall Aswan High Dam, see the Unfinished Obelisk in place at Aswan’s ancient quarry, and visit the Temple of Philae on Agilkia Island. After lunch, step aboard a felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat used on the Nile for centuries, and cruise gently along the river to Elephantine Island and Kitchener’s Island. This evening, fly back to Cairo. DAY 11: FLY CAIRO TO UK After breakfast, transfer to Cairo airport for your onward flight.

• Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades available on request • Land only from £4,590 (Cairo-Cairo) • Single room from £1,650 • Tipping paid locally US$185 MORE INFORMATION Scan here for full details and the latest money-saving offers Call for our 2029 pricing and departures

EGYPT & JORDAN ADVENTURE 18 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£7,690 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS

TOUR TICKLIST  Explore the Pyramids of Giza  Tour the catacombs of Alexandria  Cruise from Luxor to Aswan  Wander the Roman ruins of Jerash  Float in the buoyant Dead Sea  Experience Petra by candelight  Stay at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum Marvel at the grandeur of Karnak Temple PRICE INCLUDES • 17 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 17 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star - 5 star accommodation & en-suite desert camp

• Touring with guides and entrance fees • Visa fees for UK passport holders

Visit the tomb of Tutankhamun

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES enture inside the tomb of Tutankhamun at V one of Egypt’s most famous archaeological sites, the Valley of the Kings. Marvel at the beautifully preserved hieroglyphics surrounding his sarcophagus and see the mummy of the Boy King himself. S tep aboard a traditional felucca and let the Nile carry you gently past Aswan’s islands, soaking up the timeless scenery and peaceful rhythm of river life. E xperience ‘Petra by Night’. After sunset, walk the lantern-lit gorge to the Treasury to see it illuminated by over 1,500 candles, flickering in a mesmerising play of light and shadow.

ITINERARY DAY 1: FLY TO CAIRO Fly to Cairo and transfer to your hotel in the city centre. DAY 2: PYRAMIDS OF GIZA Visit Egypt’s most iconic sites: the Pyramids of Giza and the unblinking Sphinx. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of statues, mummies andpharaonic treasures. Later, explore the Khan el Khalili Bazaar, a souk famed for its jewellery and leather goods. DAY 3: OLD CAIRO & SAKK ARA Spend the morning exploring Cairo’s oldest district, the Coptic Quarter, with its impressive churches and the Christian artefact collection at the Coptic Museum. Later, continue to Sakkara, an ancient necropolis famed for its painted catacombs and the Step Pyramid of Djoser. DAY 4: EXPLORE ALEX ANDRIA Take the desert road to Alexandria, located on the northern coast. This afternoon, you’ll discover Alexandria’s many highlights, from the Roman theatre to the atmospheric Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, dating back to the 2nd century. Pause for a photo stop at the renovated 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel, once one of the most important defensive strongholds of Africa’s Mediterranean coastline. DAY 5: EL ALAMEIN This morning, visit El Alamein, the site of two key battles in WWII. The Allied victory in the second battle was instrumental in ending the Axis threat to Egypt. Explore the military museum and war cemeteries before travelling southeast back to Cairo. Stop en route to visit the Monastery of St Macarius, inhabited by Coptic Orthodox monks since the 4th century AD.

DAY 6: LUXOR’S EAST BANK Take a short one-hour flight from Cairo to Luxor, then transfer to the port and board your Nile cruise ship for your four-night cruise. Refresh yourself before this afternoon’s visit to Luxor’s East Bank. Begin at the temple complex of Karnak, famed for the majestic Hypostyle Hall with its 134 gigantic stone columns, along with the Avenue of the Sphinxes and the Sacred Lake. DAY 7: LUXOR’S WEST BANK Explore the West Bank of Luxor, one of Egypt’s most stunning landscapes. Admire the mysterious Colossi of Memnon statues en route to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the gigantic funerary complex of Egypt’s second female pharaoh. This afternoon, visit the Valley of the Kings, resting place of many pharaohs of the New Kingdom. Here, visit the tomb of Tutankhamun along with other richly painted tombs of your choice. Tonight, we set sail for Esna. DAY 8: TEMPLES OF EDFU & KOM OMBO Enjoy a morning visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of Egypt’s most beautiful and well-preserved temples, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Return to the ship for lunch as you cruise on to the town of Kom Ombo, where you will visit the unusual double temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Horus and Sobek. Sail on to Aswan, where we dock for the next two nights. DAY 9: ABU SIMBEL Journey southwest to the iconic twin temples of Abu Simbel, at Egypt’s southern edge. This temple complex, one of Egypt’s most spectacular ancient monuments, is dedicated to Ramesses II, often considered the greatest

EGYPT & JORDAN ADVENTURE

CL ASSIC

AMMAN (3N)

EGYPT, JORDAN

EL ALAMEIN

 DEAD SEA JORDAN (1N) CAIRO PETRA (2N) (3N+1N+1N) WADI RUM (1N)

PHYSICAL RATING



ALEXANDRIA (1N)

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?



EGYPT

LUXOR NILE CRUISE (4N) ASWAN ABU SIMBEL

Stay at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum

pharaoh of the New Kingdom. Wander its grand halls and admire its colossal statues before returning to the ship in Aswan. DAY 10: DISCOVER ASWAN Discover the many highlights of Aswan on this full-day tour. Visit the 111-metre-tall Aswan High Dam, see the Unfinished Obelisk in place at Aswan’s ancient quarry, and visit the Temple of Philae on Agilkia Island. After lunch, embark on a felucca boat for a relaxing cruise around Elephantine Island and Kitchener’s Island. Enjoy a farewell dinner before taking a short flight back to Cairo. DAY 11: FLY CAIRO TO AMMAN Depart Egypt and take a short flight to Amman, Jordan. Transfer to your hotel before this evening’s Jordan briefing. DAYS 12: DISCOVER JERASH Begin your Jordan adventure with a visit to the Roman city of Jerash, known as the ‘Pompeii of the East’. Wander its wellpreserved streets and admire the restored hippodrome. Continue to Ajloun, where we visit the 12th-century castle overlooking the Jordan Valley. DAY 13: EXPLORE AMMAN Explore the desert castles outside Amman before returning to the old city for a tour, including its impressive Citadel and historic Roman theatre. DAY 14: MOUNT NEBO Visit Mount Nebo, traditionally associated with the final days of Moses, with its aweinspiring views and the chance to explore the ruins of 4th- and 5th-century churches, still adorned with richly detailed mosaic floors. Continue to Madaba to visit the Orthodox

PLANE COACH BOAT

Relax in the Dead Sea

Church of St George, famed for its mosaic map. Your evening ends in the town of Petra, where you’ll enjoy an authentic Levantine cooking class with a local chef.

From the mighty Pyramids of Giza to the starlit sands of Wadi Rum and the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, this grand adventure showcases the very best of Egypt and Jordan. You’ll cruise the ancient waters of the Nile, head underground to explore the tombs of Pharaohs, and discover the legacy of Lawrence of Arabia.

Admire the magnificent Abu Simbel temples

PRICES & DEPARTURES Departing Wednesday returning Saturday

2027 DATES

DAY 15: PETRA Explore beautiful Petra, the Lost City of the Nabataeans, carved directly from the pink sandstone cliffs. Surrounded by imposing mountains and approached through a deep, narrow gorge known as the Siq, Petra is a poignant remnant of the ancient world. Spend an afternoon at leisure. After sunset, you’ll return to Petra and see the Treasury lit by the glow of over 1,500 candles.

27 Jan - 13 Feb

£7,690 31 Mar - 17 Apr

£7,690

03 Feb - 20 Feb

£7,690 13 Oct - 30 Oct

£7,890

10 Mar - 27 Mar

£7,690 27 Oct - 13 Nov

£7,890

17 Mar - 03 Apr

£7,690 17 Nov - 04 Dec

£7,890

24 Mar - 10 Apr

£7,690

DAY 16: WADI RUM DESERT CAMP Start with a visit to Little Petra before transferring to Wadi Rum, the Valley of the Moon. This wondrous desert is filled with ancient valleys, towered over by sandstone mountains. A comfortable 4x4 will whisk you into the heart of the wadi, where you’ll follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia and hear the desert’s long history. This evening, stay in a unique Bedouin camp with en suite private tents. DAY 17: THE DEAD SEA Head north for our final stop – the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Your afternoon is at leisure to float in its buoyant waters, famous for their mineral-rich properties, before our farewell dinner. DAY 18: FLY AMMAN TO UK Fly to the UK, arriving home the same day.

2028 DATES 26 Jan - 12 Feb

£7,690 29 Mar - 15 Apr

£7,690

02 Feb - 19 Feb

£7,690 27 Sep - 14 Oct

£7,990

09 Feb - 26 Feb

£7,690 11 Oct - 28 Oct

£7,990

01 Mar - 18 Mar

£7,690 25 Oct - 11 Nov

£7,990

08 Mar - 25 Mar

£7,690 08 Nov - 25 Nov

£7,990

15 Mar - 01 Apr

£7,690 15 Nov - 02 Dec

£7,990

22 Mar - 08 Apr

£7,690

Flight and supplement information • Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades available on request • Land only from £7,290 (Cairo - Amman) • Single room from £2,300 • Tipping paid locally US$265 MORE INFORMATION Scan here for full details and the latest money-saving offers Call for our 2029 pricing and departures

SMALL SHIP COASTAL CRUISE & TOUR Explore further on shore and at sea Journeying along scenic shorelines, hopping between life-filled islands and stopping at smaller ports with access to places bigger ships can’t reach, a coastal cruise boasts all the convenience of a cruise ship and something a little more adventurous! With the same relaxed, small ship feel as a river cruise, our Coastal Cruise & Tour holidays sit naturally alongside them in this brochure. Part of our Cruise & Tour collection, which blends the best of the world’s ocean cruises with our award-winning tour itineraries, they bring you closer to the heart of your destination.

SAIL IN STYLE If you’ve not cruised before, you’re in for a real treat. Travelling in style, having to unpack just the once, modern cruise ships provide accommodation, dining and bar choices that outshine any hotel. Add a choice of entertainment, leisure and relaxation options available and you’ll begin to understand why cruising is so popular.

EXPERIENCE EXTRAORDINARY TOURING Where the coastline ends, we begin. Connecting seamlessly with your cruise, the land element of your holiday will take you places cruise ships just cannot reach. Fully escorted by our famous National Escorts all the way, we’ll show you the iconic attractions and hidden gems, immersing you in the local culture the way only we can.

WHAT’S INCLUDED On your Wendy Wu Coastal Cruise & Tour holiday, everything you need for an unforgettable holiday is included, beginning with return flights from the UK and all connecting transfers. The Wendy Wu part of your tour includes four-star hotels, all meals, touring with guides, sightseeing and entrance fees. Our cruise partners each offer different inclusions onboard but all feature outside staterooms, dining and onboard entertainment.

STAR CLIPPERS Star Clippers offers an authentic sailing experience aboard elegant tall ships, combining the romance of traditional seafaring with modern comforts. With access to smaller ports and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, guests can enjoy a more authentic and adventurous way to explore the world.

HX EXPEDITIONS With small, purpose-built ships and expert expedition teams, guests can experience wildlife, culture and nature up close. Science, sustainability and exploration are at the heart of every journey.

THE GALAPAGOS A volcanic archipelago, 600 miles off Ecuador’s Pacific coast, the Galapagos Islands have been a beacon for scientists, naturalists and travellers alike for centuries. With a biodiversity that earned them a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, this remote collection of 127 islands, islets and rocks, offer one of the world’s great wildlife adventures.

1 GIANT TORTOISES

2 GALAPAGOS PENGUINS

The Galapagos’ emblematic creature, it’s believed the islands were named for these slow-moving-slow-chewing behemoths! No visit is complete without spotting them in the highlands of Santa Cruz, in breeding centres on San Cristóbal or Urbina Bay.

The only penguins on the equator, Galapagos penguins are the rarest, and second smallest, penguin species. Nesting in lava tubes and crevices they can raise up to three sets of hatchlings a year, particularly when food is abundant.

3 POST OFFICE BAY

4 PRINCE PHILIP’S STEPS This steep volcanic rock stairway gives access the Genovesa Island’s high rocky plateau where you can observe large colonies of some of the Galapagos’ most famous birds – boobies, frigatebirds and storm petrels.

In the 18th century, crews on whaling vessels came up with an inventive way to get letters home – a wooden barrel. They would leave their post in the barrel to be picked up and delivered by those on homeward voyages. This tradition still happens today.

DARWIN WOLF

PINTA MARCHENA

REDONDA

SAN SALVADOR

FERNANDINA

BARTOLOMÉ

RABIDA PINZÓN

GENOVESA

1 BALTRA

SANTA CRUZ

ISABELA TORTUGA

SANTA FE

SAN CRISTÓBAL

FLOREANA ESPAÑOLA

HX EXPEDITIONS ECUADOR | GALAPAGOS

Experts in expeditions since 1896. For 130 years, HX Expeditions have been taking curious travellers on mindful adventures to the world’s most awe-inspiring places. On comfortable, purpose-built ships, your journey will be filled with cultural encounters, wonderful wildlife, awe and inspiration as you see, do and learn. Friendly, informal and intimate with warm and professional service, your time on a HX expedition will be an adventure in all the right ways.

ONBOARD

INCLUSIONS ONBOARD  All meals

With local naturalist guides on hand onboard and onshore for talks, hikes, visits and activities, daily adventures on an HX cruise come at no extra cost, and there are all-inclusive meals, drinks and Wi-Fi too. The Beagle Restaurant offers a wide range of delicious modern dishes, all prepared using fresh ingredients, while the rest and relaxation options range from hot tubs to a sun deck and comfortable lounges, to help you prepare for your on-land adventures.

 Wi-Fi

The heart of a HX expedition lies in the onboard Science Centre. It offers plenty of opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of everything you’ve seen on land and sea, wherever your destination might be. There are lecture spaces, a small library, with talks and discussions hosted by the Expedition Team. They’re the ones who help you prepare and keep you safe and happy during shore excursions.

 Access to the Science Centre

 Selected soft & alcoholic drinks  Gratuities included  Selected expeditions & activities

NEW

GALAPAGOS CRUISE & MACHU PICCHU CRUISE & TOUR 19 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£13,990 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS 8 NIGHT HX EXPEDITION CRUISE INCLUDED

TOUR TICKLIST  Explore the Sacred Valley  Ascend to Machu Picchu  Wander Quito’s cobbled streets  Cruise through the Galapagos Islands PRICE INCLUDES • 18 breakfasts, 17 lunches & 18 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation, plus HX Expedition cruise • Touring with guides and entrance fees

MS SANTA CRUZ II Sleek, spacious, sustainable and socially conscious, HX’s MS Santa Cruz II brings a relaxed atmosphere and cosy yet classy surroundings to its 90 guests. On this adventure everything is included, so you can make the most of the elegant restaurant and Science Centre, filling up on both delicious food and Galapagos knowledge to fuel you on the daily excursions and encounters. Head to the Sky Deck for more bird and wildlife spotting after a day exploring. Your Cruise Features Selected excursions & activities Selected meals and drinks Fitness room and hot tubs Gratuities included

Explore islands full of unique and wonderful wildlife

ITINERARY DAY 1: FLY TO LIMA Fly to Lima, Peru’s historical capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where you can relax or start exploring this enchanting city.

city. Stop at the Cristo Blanco for panoramic views then browse the wares of San Pedro Market. Back in the city centre, explore Koricancha and Cusco Cathedral.

DAY 2: TRAVEL TO CUSCO Fly to Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley, home to Incan citadels and beautiful scenery. En route to the hotel, pause at Manos de la Comunidad, to learn about traditional crafts from local artisans.

DAY 7: FLY TO LIMA Fly back to Lima this morning. Later, take a city tour that takes in the Plaza Mayor with its impressive, UNESCO-listed, colonial buildings and the Larco Museum, packed with fascinating pre-Columbian artefacts.

DAY 3: EXPLORE THE SACRED VALLEY Head to Moray to admire the impressive circular terraces curved by the Incas, then to Maras to discover the old evaporation ponds used to harvest salt. This afternoon, visit the beautiful Santuario de Colibries. Continue to Ollantaytambo to wander through preserved Incan houses and an old fortress.

DAY 8: FLY TO QUITO Board a flight to Ecuador, arriving in the capital city, Quito.

DAY 4: TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU Board a panoramic train for the scenic journey to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu, a site considered one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries. A bus will take you up to the ruined citadel, set high on a mountain ridge, where you’ll have plenty of time to explore. DAY 5: TO CUSCO Spend this morning as you wish, returning to Machu Picchu or strolling through Aguas Calientes. Board a train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco. DAY 6: DISCOVER CUSCO Embark on a tour of Cusco, the Imperial Capital of the Incas. Start at Sacsayhuaman, the remains of a colossal citadel set above the

DAY 9: EXPLORE QUITO Today you’ll be immersed in Quito’s rich history and culture. Begin with a guided tour of the remarkable, UNESCO-listed Old Town, admiring architecture and tasting chocolate as you go. Then, head out of Quito to find the Equator at ‘Middle of the World City’, where you can jump between hemispheres! DAY 10: BOARD THE MS SANTA CRUZ II Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Baltra Island. On arrival, you’ll transfer to the port to board your expedition ship. Settle into your cabin and explore the ship’s facilities as you set off on an extraordinary journey. Sail along the northern coast of Santa Cruz, popping ashore to walk around Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) to spot shorebirds, flamingos and land iguanas. DAY 11: CRUISE – ISABELA & FERNANDINA From the remote tip of Isabela Island, trace the rugged coastline in a panga (small boat) with

GALAPAGOS CRUISE & MACHU PICCHU GENOVESA

8 NIGHT GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE

DARWIN BAY

CRUISE (8N)

CRUISE & TOUR PERU, ECUADOR, GALAPAGOS

QUITO (2N+1N)

ECUADOR



PUNTA VICENTE ROCA



PUNTA ESPINOZA

BUCCANEER COVE



 BARTOLOME

 RABIDA

BALTRA LAS BACHAS BEACH

DRAGON HILL

SANTA CRUZ PUERTO AYORA

 ISABELA



2 1

SANTIAGO

PUERTO EGAS



FERNANDINA

PHYSICAL RATING



 POST OFFICE BAY

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU? This tour brings together two legendary destinations. Explore Peru by land, discovering the mystical Machu Picchu as you go, before cruising the enthralling Galapagos archipelago to see the wildlife that inspired a scientific revolution.

CORMORANT POINT

FLOREANA

PRICES & DEPARTURES Departing Tuesday returning Saturday

PERU

MACHU PICCHU





LIMA (1N+1N)

2026 DATES

AGUAS CALIENTES (1N)



01 Dec - 19 Dec

2027 DATES SACRED VALLEY (2N)



CUSCO (2N)

a naturalist guide to see colonies of flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins. Continue to Fernandina, where you’ll scour the volcanic shoreline for sea lions, penguins and Galapagos hawks. DAY 12: CRUISE – SANTA CRUZ Disembark on Santa Cruz Island, visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station where you can observe just-hatched giant tortoises and Darwin’s finches. Wander through a prickly pear cactus forest, home to plenty of birds, and see giant tortoises roaming free in the highlands. This afternoon is free for an activity of your choice. DAY 13: CRUISE – FLOREANA ISLAND Hop into a panga and cruise along the north shore of Floreana Island savouring the sights of Baroness Cave and Post Office Bay. The day ends at Cormorant Point, with a stroll along a green beach to observe the birdlife at a brackish lagoon. DAY 14: CRUISE – BALTRA ISLAND Enjoy an easy morning aboard the MS Santa Cruz II, making use of the ship’s onboard facilities, as you anchor at Baltra Island. This afternoon, land at Las Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz, a place of pristine white sand and turquoise waters. Swim or snorkel from the beach in search of sea turtles. DAY 15: CRUISE – SANTIAGO ISLAND Spend the day in and around the rugged volcanic beauty of Santiago Island. Visit Buccaneer Cove and Puerto Egas, taking a guided excursion through a colony of fur seals and vibrant birdlife.

DAY 16: CRUISE – RABIDA & BARTOLOME Take a panga around the tiny Rabida Island with its red-hued beaches. Later, cruise to Bartolome Island to swim, snorkel or ride in a glass bottom boat to see the wildlife below the waves. DAY 17: GENOVESA ISLAND Take a short but steep climb up Prince Philip’s steps to the rocky plateau atop Genovesa Island. Here you can observe large colonies of boobies, frigatebirds and storm petrels. Later, discover the pristine beach at Darwin Bay. DAY 18: DISEMBARK THE MS SANTA CRUZ II The final morning of the adventure is spent on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll head into the lush highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Disembark the MS Santa Cruz II and transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight to Quito. DAY 19: FLY TO UK Fly home to the UK from Quito, arriving the same or following day.

£14,490

£14,990

02 Nov - 20 Nov

£14,490

£14,990

2028 DATES

PLANE CRUISE

£13,990

Outside (EH) Outside (EE)

23 Mar - 10 Apr

07 Mar - 25 Mar

COACH TRAIN

Outside (EH) Outside (EE)

Outside (EH) Outside (EE) £14,990

£15,490

Flight and supplement information • Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades available on request • Single room outside from £4,890 • Land only from £13,190 • Tipping paid locally USD 60 (Peru and Ecuador) • Gratuities on cruise included • Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee & Transit Control Card included MORE INFORMATION Scan here for full details and the latest money-saving offers Call us to register your interest for further departures of this tour.

Spot endemic marine iguanas Call for our 2027 pricing and departures AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Much of the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands you’ll find nowhere else in the world. Completely unfazed by human presence, you get to observe these many creatures up close in their natural habitats. Set in a serene stretch of cloud forest in the Sacred Valley, the Santuario de Colibries shelters a variety of brightly coloured hummingbird species that flit between the flowers of beautiful gardens.

Discover magnificent Machu Picchu

Stop at the wonderful Manos de la Comunidad to discover more about the rich indigenous culture of Peru. A showcase for local artisans who craft textiles, pottery and jewellery, you can see traditional skills in action and pick up a souvenir or two.

THE PACIFIC COAST Sail the Pacific shores of Costa Rica and Panama, where rainforest-cloaked islands, glassy bays and coral reefs make for one of Central America’s most biodiverse stretches of coastline. Each day brings a new landfall, from remote marine parks to a classic island beach, and the unhurried rhythm of life under sail gives you time to enjoy them.

1 ISLA TORTUGA

2 GOLFITO

Often considered Costa Rica’s most beautiful island, Isla Tortuga is all powdery white sand, swaying palms and crystal-clear water. Relax on the beach, glide across the bay by glass-bottom boat, or kayak along the shore.

Glide across the glassy Golfo Dulce towards the wilderness of the Osa Peninsula to reach Golfito, a former banana town. Watch for dolphins, kayak through mangroves, or try your hand at surfing at Pavones.

3 QUEPOS & MANUEL ANTONIO

4 COIBA NATIONAL PARK Cross into Panamanian waters to UNESCO-listed Coiba National Park, a marine reserve of rainforest-covered islands and azure seas where sharks, dolphins and whales cruise offshore.

Quepos is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, where trails wind from dense rainforest onto beautiful beaches. A lively, authentic town, it’s also a great spot to sample local Costa Rican food.

1 ISLAS TORTUGAS

COSTA RICA

3 QUEPOS & MANUEL ANTONIO

PANAMA

GOLFITO

COIBA NATIONAL PARK

STAR CLIPPERS COSTA RICA | PANAMA

Recreating the romance of a bygone era, Star Clippers’ ships are authentic recreations of classic sailing clippers teamed with state-of-the-art features and activities, amenities and the atmosphere of a private yacht. Your experience will be intimate and unique, spending days on the deck under wind-filled sails, the smaller ship size allowing calls at ports not frequented by bigger vessels. Well cared for by a highly skilled crew, sumptuous food and with plenty of activities onboard and onshore, it’s easy to see why Star Clippers has forged a reputation for once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

ONBOARD For more than 30 years Star Clippers has been giving travellers the chance to experience the thrill of sailing aboard a tall ship. Life onboard is convivial, the indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar the heart of the ship and social hub; it’s here you’ll come for onboard activities and nightly entertainment planned by the crew and officers. Complimentary watersports, such as snorkelling, kayaking, water-skiing, paddle boards and windsurfing, are available, while shore excursions show off the best of your chosen destination. Plentiful deck space has sun loungers and two small saltwater swimming pools, while the library’s leather armchairs offer a peaceful retreat. Venturing up to the lookout station, placed at the first yardarm of each mast, offers the perfect location to watch the sea, sky, and happenings on the deck below; it’s a must.

INCLUSIONS ONBOARD  All meals  Swimming pools and sunbathing areas  Watersports  Library

With an open-seating dining policy, meals are laidback and delicious. Lunches can be barbeques on paradisical islands while dinner is served in the elegantly appointed dining room, a suitable setting for the chef’s finest culinary presentations, flavours borrowed from all corners of the earth.

NEW

COSTA RICA TALL SHIP ADVENTURE CRUISE & TOUR 16 DAYS FROM PER PERSON

£7,590 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FROM THE UK ALL MEALS 7 NIGHT STAR CLIPPER CRUISE INCLUDED

TOUR TICKLIST  Spot a host of wonderful wildlife  Gaze on Arenal Volcano  Sail the Pacific coast by tall ship PRICE INCLUDES • 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 15 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees

Explore the lush rainforest around the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano

ITINERARY DAY 1: FLY TO SAN JOSE Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring, with a welcome dinner at your hotel this evening. DAY 2: TRAVEL TO TORTUGUERO Travel across Costa Rica to the Caribbean coast, passing through the spectacular rainforest of Braulio Carrillo National Park as well as open pastures and small farming towns. Transfer to a boat and cruise through the wilderness-encompassed canals of Tortuguero, looking out for wildlife and colourful birds as you go, to reach your rainforest lodge. Later, enjoy a guided walking tour of Tortuguero Village, soaking up its Afro-Caribbean vibes and learning about the locals’ sea turtle conservation efforts.

STAR CLIPPER A true clipper, the Star Clipper is in many ways a modern cruise vessel but with all the trimmings of a legendary era of sailing. Life onboard is relaxed, with the vibe of a private yacht, each cabin spacious and well equipped. Expect teak decks, polished mahogany and brass, voluminous sails, plus two swimming pools and a convivial dining room and bar area. Your Cruise Features All meals Swimming pool and sunbathing area Watersports Library

DAY 3: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Head deeper into the lush rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, using the network of life-filled canals that criss-cross the area. You’ll likely spot a wealth of wildlife, including otters, howler and capuchin monkeys, toucans, herons and maybe even a sloth lounging in the trees. Return to your lodge for a free afternoon. DAY 4: TRAVEL TO ARENAL Board boats to return through the canals to the pier, and travel on by road to Arenal. You’ll drive through the northern lowlands with views of mountains and vast agricultural fields. Pause to meet a local family at their palm plantation to learn about the cultivation and harvesting process of the traditional product, heart of palm. Arrive under the

watchful gaze of Arenal Volcano, its perfect cone swathed in a verdant blanket of green. DAY 5: VOLCANOES & LOCAL FLAVOURS Follow the Mirador Arenal 1968 trail, walking across old lava fields for spectacular views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. Your guide will be on hand to give insight into geology and the surrounding ecosystems. This afternoon, enjoy an interactive chocolate and coffee experience, learning about the process from cultivation to preparation of these two iconic Costa Rican products. DAY 6: TRAVEL TO MONTEVERDE Take a scenic boat cruise across Lake Arenal for a final glimpse of the mighty volcano before continuing by road to Monteverde. Arrive in Santa Elena and begin exploring with your local guide, learning all about the town’s journey to ecotourism hub. The afternoon is free until twilight, when you’ll head out into Monteverde’s cloud forest for a night walk. Discover the species that emerge after dark and gain a deeper appreciation of the forest’s biodiversity. DAY 7: CLOUD FOREST & RURAL TRADITIONS Take a guided walk in the Curi Cancha Reserve, exploring its rich biodiversity. Follow wandering trails through the cloud forest, spotting the birds, mammals and native flora that make this ecosystem so unique. This afternoon, enjoy a sustainable farm and artisan cheese tour, an authentic rural experience with a local family that includes a cheese tasting!

COSTA RICA TALL SHIP ADVENTURE ARENAL (2N)

PUERTO CALDERA

COSTA RICA, PANAMA

 

SAN JOSÉ (1N+1N)

ISLAS TORTUGAS CRUISE (7N)

CRUISE & TOUR

TORTUGUERO (2N)



MONTEVERDE  (2N)



PHYSICAL RATING

QUEPOS

COSTA RICA

2 1

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?

GOLFITO

PANAMA

  

MARINE PARK GOLFO DE CHIRIQUI

COIBA NATIONAL PARK

CRUISE COACH

A nature-filled adventure by land and sea! Delve into the ecosystems that make Costa Rica a natural wonderland then set sail along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and Panama to discover paradise beaches and wildlife-filled national parks.

PRICES & DEPARTURES Departing Saturday returning Sunday

Visit Coiba National Park

Category 3 Cabin, Star Clipper

DAY 8: BOARD STAR CLIPPER Transfer to Puerto Caldera and board your tall ship, Star Clipper. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship’s facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense.

fishing or dolphin watching on the life-filled waters or kayak in the nearby mangrove forest.

DAY 9: CRUISE – AT SEA Spend the day enjoying life on a tall ship, watching the wind fill the sails, relaxing around the pool, keeping watch on the top deck or even climbing the rigging and steering the ship.

DAY 14: CRUISE – ISLA TORTUGA Back in Costa Rican waters, stop at what is considered the country’s most beautiful island, with powder white sands, swaying palms and crystal clear waters. Here you can relax on the beach, rent a kayak, take a glass-bottom boat cruise or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, embark on a canopy tour.

DAY 10: CRUISE – COIBA NATIONAL PARK Cross into Panamanian waters and arrive at the UNESCO-listed Coiba National Park, a marine reserve of rich rainforest-covered islands and azure waters. Here, you can explore on land, searching out rare flora and fauna or the world under the waves, snorkelling vibrant coral reefs or spotting sharks, dolphins and whales. DAY 11: CRUISE – GOLFO DE CHIRIQUI Another spectacular marine park, Golfo de Chiriqui protects 25 islands and 19 coral reefs which host abundant wildlife. Snorkel, surf or kayak in the park’s calm, clear waters or take a big game fishing trip. DAY 12: CRUISE – GOLFITO Cross the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce, looking towards the intense wilderness of the Osa Peninsula to reach the town of Golfito, a former banana town. Today offers opportunities to surf at Pavones, go sport-

DAY 13: CRUISE – QUEPOS The gateway to the magical Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos is a small and busy but authentic Costa Rican town. From here, you can walk the trails of the national park, passing from rainforest onto paradisiacal beaches, or try out some excellent local restaurants.

DAY 15: ARRIVE AT PUERTO CALDERA Bid the Star Clipper and her crew farewell as you disembark at Puerto Caldera. Meet your guide and transfer across the Pacific lowlands and into the Central Valley. Stop for a coffee tour and learn more about Costa Rica’s rich coffee heritage before arriving back into San Jose. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. DAY 16: FLY SAN JOSE TO UK Transfer to the airport and fly home to the UK, arriving home the following day.

2028 DATES

Cat 4

Cat 3

Cat 2

22 Jan - 06 Feb

£7,590

£7,690

£7,890

29 Jan - 13 Feb

£7,590

£7,690

£7,890

Flight and supplement information • Based on London and selected regional airport departures (see page 79 for details) • Flight upgrades available on request • Single room outside from £2,260 • Land only from £6,790 • Tipping paid locally USD 150 • Gratuities on cruise EUR 80 MORE INFORMATION Scan here for full details and the latest money-saving offers Call us to register your interest for further departures of this tour.

Try to spot sloths in the treetops

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES Embark on a cruise through the resplendent waterways of Tortuguero National Park, passing between the marshy islands that provide shelter for a diverse range of wildlife, including sea turtles, otters and monkeys. Visit a local family on their palm plantation to learn all about the traditional Costa Rican delicacy, ‘palmito’ or heart of palm. Learn about sustainable practices, how the hearts are extracted and taste this mild, nutrient rich vegetable. Discover more about two of Costa Rica’s most prolific exports; cacao, a native fruit long sacred to indigenous communities and coffee, introduced by the Spanish in the 18th century. On an interactive experience, follow the process of each from cultivation to product and enjoy a tasting.

TAILORMADE TOURING Extraordinary journeys, exactly the way you want it WHAT IS A TAILORMADE HOLIDAY? Quite simply, a tailormade holiday is a journey designed and created especially for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to travel so tailormade holidays are the perfect opportunity for travellers looking to embark on that once-in-a-lifetime adventure or epic honeymoon, for people who want to indulge their special interest, or for those who simply want to do things their own way.

WHY TRAVEL TAILORMADE? You’re completely in control of the what, where and when. You can choose the pace, where to linger longer, where to pass through and where to bypass completely. The hotels (from comfortable to all out luxury), what and where you eat, the number of nights, when you depart, the sort of experiences that you’ll have, is all up to you too!

Whether you have a fully formed itinerary in mind, or just a vague inkling of what you want to see and do, one of our Personal Travel Specialists will be able to craft you something marvellous – with as much, or as little, input from you as you wish.

WHY GO TAILORMADE WITH WENDY WU? We’ve long prided ourselves on our abilities to make extraordinary tours, so it goes without saying that we’re also pretty good at putting together tailormade ones. Our team of Personal Travel Specialists, who are wonderfully well-travelled and expert travel planners, are on-hand to advise and recommend – just let them know what you’re after and they’ll do the rest. With a wide range of accommodation options, private guiding when you want it and exceptional knowledge of local flavours and the most authentic local experiences, we’ve got you covered.

How does it work? It’s really so simple – just follow the steps below:

“We are writing to say a very big thank you for giving us a wonderful tailormade holiday. We were so impressed by how well organised the whole trip was, with reps on hand to meet us at each new destination, local guides for every city who were very informative, and a brilliant driver who looked after us so well during the entire tour.”

5: Book it!

Kevin & Shirley Mears

4: Perfect it

3: Sit back

2: Call us 1: Research Do some research to decide where you want to go – it could be one, two or even more countries! Think about when you’d like to go, how long for and what your budget may be. For inspiration, you can always have a look at our website, or have a flick through our brochure and see not only the showstopping sights on offer, but the exciting and unusual experiences too!

Give us a call or fill in a quote request form on our website and we’ll call you! Together we’ll go through all your thoughts and ideas, making recommendations here and advice there. Also, don’t forget to mention if you have any specialist interests – you can’t live without your regular game of golf, or have a penchant for migratory birds – these are the little details we can use to make the holiday extra special.

Sit back, relax and leave it with us. We’ll create you an itinerary that combines all your ideas and come back to you with a proposed itinerary and quote in no time.

Tweak it, switch it around, change a hotel here, a meal there – you can make all the adjustments you need to make your trip exactly what you’re after. We are extremely flexible and always happy to help.

When your adventure has reached that ultimate level of perfection and includes everything that you want and need, it’s time to book! Call your tailormade consultant, say the word and they will do the rest. Other than a visa form or two, all there is left to do is think about what to pack and get excited!

Hotels Our group tours feature hand-picked four-star properties selected for their comfort, modern amenities and convenient location for sightseeing. We occasionally include a stay in three-star plus hotels or lodges where we feel the character of the property will enhance your tour, or to allow access to a more unique and memorable location. Here is a taster of the type of hotels you will be staying in on your tour.

SAMPLE TOUR HOTELS

DoubleTree by Hilton – Shanghai

Lijiang Waterfall Hotel – Guilin

Mercure Beijing Downtown – Beijing

Lotus Blanc Hotel – Cambodia

Little Residence Hoi An – Vietnam

Bhaya Classic – Vietnam

Anik Palace Hotel – Cambodia

Please note that there is no universal hotel classification system, and standards of facilities and service may differ from those in the UK. A sample list of hotels is available on each tour page of our website, and full accommodation details will be provided in your final travel documents.

Preferred Airline Partners

BRITISH AIRWAYS

CATHAY PACIFIC

Wendy Wu Tours is delighted to be a British Airways preferred partner. Choose from four travel classes and experience more than a flight, flying in comfort to Southeast Asia with direct flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong. From these hubs, you can connect onto the Oneworld network to Hanoi, Saigon, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Cathay Pacific offers 5 daily flights from London and 4 daily flights from Manchester to its hub – Hong Kong*. With stopover, you can enjoy seamless connections to Asia Pacific. Voted as ‘World’s Best Airline’ four times in the annual Skytrax Awards, you can experience elevated dining and 2025 Skytrax Awards World’s Best Economy Class and World’s Best Inflight Entertainment. *Frequency and schedule are subject to change

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

EMIRATES

Experience award-winning service with Singapore Airlines. From the UK, choose from four daily flights from London Heathrow and a double-daily service from London Gatwick. From Manchester, a daily service operates. Enjoy seamless connections via Singapore Changi Airport to destinations across Southeast Asia. Delight in a choice of up to four cabins including Economy Class, Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class Suites. No matter which cabin you fly, enjoy a world-class experience.

Fly to China, South East Asia and India via Dubai, connection from Eight UK airports: London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Exceptional in-flight service, award-winning entertainment and a more generous seat pitch and the chance to stopover in Dubai all make Emirates a popular choice for our customers to China.

Fly from your Local Airport We offer one of the widest choices of regional departures, so you can start your holiday from your nearest airport. Fly from London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham or Belfast with no supplement to pay in most cases. Fare supplements may apply for certain tour dates and departures. Please call our reservations team for a quote if you’d like to fly from an airport not listed here. For a full list of airline partners, please visit our website.

Your questions answered A selection of our most frequently asked questions.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL Q. Do I need travel insurance? A. Your protection and safety are our main priority. That’s why having adequate travel insurance is a condition of booking with us for all the destinations you plan to travel to. Q. What vaccinations do I need? A. Wendy Wu does not give specific health advice, but we do recommend you see your doctor at least six weeks before you travel, to allow time for any necessary vaccinations. Q. What size are your tour groups? A. Our Classic and Classic Flex tours average around 20 passengers with a maximum of 28, while our Go Beyond tours and Solo Departures are smaller, averaging 14 with a maximum of 18. You may cross paths with other Wendy Wu Tours groups at some destinations.

Q. How soon after making our booking will we receive confirmation? A. Once we have received your deposit payment, we will send you a confirmation invoice within 24 hours. Q. Do you send us information about the destinations we will visit? A. It is essential that you read the relevant Detailed Tour Itinerary before booking, which you can find on wendywutours.co.uk, or we can arrange for one to be sent to you. If there are any particular challenges such as the length of time spent on your feet, journey times or accommodation standards, they will be explained in these concise trip notes. Two weeks before you travel, you will receive a detailed day-by-day itinerary, a travel guide and phrasebook as well as a suggested packing list with your final documents. Q. Will I know which hotels I will be staying at? A. Every hotel on our tours has been handpicked for its comfort, amenities and location. You’ll mainly stay in four-star properties, though we occasionally choose a characterful lodge or three-star-plus hotel where it adds something special to the experience or opens up a more unique destination. A sample hotel list is available on each tour page on our website, with your confirmed hotels included in your final documents. Q. How do I get my visa? A. When you make your booking, we will advise you on the latest visa requirements for your destination. Our Operations team will contact you around 10 weeks prior to your departure date to guide you through the visa process.

Q. Do you run guaranteed departures? A. Group tours are guaranteed to run subject to a minimum of 10 passengers. We will endeavour to run groups of a smaller size if viable to do so. Q. As a single traveller, will I have to pay a single supplement? A. We have several options to suit solo travellers. Our dedicated Solo Departures are reserved exclusively for single travellers and include a private double room and airport lounge access on departure from UK, all included in the tour price. If you’d prefer to join a standard departure, you can add the single room supplement for a room of your own. Alternatively, our ‘Happy to Share’ option will match you with a same-gender travel companion, removing the supplement entirely. Please note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests must be made more than 75 days before departure. Q. What is the maximum luggage allowance on your tours? A. If your tour includes internal flights your main suitcase or backpack must not exceed 20kg and your hand luggage must not exceed 5kg as this is the maximum allowance on most internal flights. If there are no internal flights on your tour, then your allowance is the international flight limit. Q. What currency should I take? A. We recommend carrying a mix of local currency cash and a credit/debit card for your trip. In China, mobile payment apps (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are the most widely used payment method. Scan the QR code below for our full Guide to Paying in China.

Q. How fit do I need to be? A. All of our group tours are assigned a Physical Rating, with the specific requirements for each tour clearly outlined in the Detailed Tour Itinerary on our website. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for advice. Our Private Tours are also available for those who need a more flexible itinerary. Q. Will i have a guide with me throughout my trip? A. Yes – on any group tour of 10 or more passengers, a dedicated National Escort will be with you from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart. Smaller groups of less than 10, Private Tours and Short Stays may be looked after by our expert local guides at every location. Q. Can special requests be arranged? A. For dietary requirements, special occasions or any other requests, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll do everything possible to help. While we can’t guarantee every request, we’ll always do our best to accommodate you. Q. Is there a dress code on your tours? A. Our dress code is very relaxed; however, please note that clothing covering the arms and legs is required when visiting some religious buildings.

WHILE ON TOUR

Health & Safety

Q. What sort of vehicles do you use? Air: Internal flights are based on economy class, with reputable airlines. Road: Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary. On Classic and Classic Flex tours, we operate a seat-anda-half policy on coaches, giving you extra space and comfort throughout. On our Private/ Tailormade Tours, we use vehicles suitable for the size of the party. River: Ships or boats are used on tours which have a cruising element, from river cruising ships on the Mekong to comfortable, wellequipped sailing vessels on Halong Bay. To undertake these excursions, you will need to be capable of boarding and disembarking from these boats, sometimes without assistance and/or handrails. Q. Are meals included? A. On our Classic tours, all meals are included, from dinner on your first evening right through to breakfast on your departure day. On Classic Flex, Go Beyond, Private Tours and Short Stays, included meals are detailed in your itinerary.

Q. What hours of the day do your tours operate? A. They generally start at about 8am and end shortly after your evening meal. Occasionally, an earlier start is required to meet a flight or train departure, or to visit a site at its very best.

Your health, safety and well-being on holiday are of paramount importance to us. Wendy Wu Tours is a fully insured and bonded tour operator with comprehensive public liability cover. Working closely with an independent health and safety organisation, our local partners carry out health and safety checks on accommodation, transport and excursions; and work with our destination partners and suppliers towards improving health and safety standards throughout the regions in which we operate. All travellers should be aware that safety standards vary across the different regions we visit and may not match the standards we enjoy in the UK. In the unlikely event of a problem or emergency on tour, Wendy Wu Tours has a Crisis Management process in place to support all of our customers. We also have a dedicated 24 hour emergency support number.

Q. How does the tipping system work on your tours? A. Tipping is expected in most parts of the world, but knowing when and how much can be tricky. For your convenience, Wendy Wu Tours operates a kitty system on group tours where your National Escort manages everything on your behalf, ensuring amounts are fair for local people and stress-free for you. The contribution is stated on each tour page and confirmed in your final documents. Any additional tipping is entirely at your discretion – restaurant staff, porters and river guides always appreciate a personal thankyou for exceptional service. For groups of fewer than 10, contributions will be slightly higher. On Private Tours and Extensions, we recommend allowing £10 per person, per day.

Throughout your journey, you’ll enjoy a variety of local dishes, with occasional Western options, typically served at local restaurants. In more remote areas, menus may be simpler but no less authentic. Q. Do you allow children on your tours? A. We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. Alternatively, our Tailormade/ Private Tours offer greater flexibility whilst on tour and are suitable for any age group. Q. Who will I be travelling with? A. Our groups are typically made up of travellers from the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, ranging in age from 40 to 65 – though adults of all ages travel with us. What everyone has in common is a love of travel and adventure.

Travelling Responsibly For the last 25 years we’ve been taking groups of travellers to unique and spectacular places, and know full well how impactful, inspiring and horizonbroadening exploring the world can be. Over the years we have been building as many mutually beneficial, sustainable and responsible relationships as possible in the destinations that we visit, so they too are able to thrive. Local Economic Empowerment We believe travel should positively benefit the communities we visit. That’s why we prioritise locally-owned restaurants, hotels, and experiences that support local businesses and create sustainable livelihoods. When traveling with us, you help empower local artisans, entrepreneurs, guides, drivers and so many others, ensuring that tourism leaves a positive, lasting impact.

Respectful Cultural Experiences

Sustainable Tourism Education

We are committed to fostering meaningful, authentic, and respectful interactions with the communities we visit. Our tours are designed to celebrate local traditions, honour cultural heritage, and support experiences led by local experts. We encourage travellers to engage with an open mind, follow local customs, and contribute to the preservation of cultural identity in a responsible way.

We believe responsible travel starts with awareness. That’s why we provide our travellers with practical tips on reducing their environmental impact and supporting communities in a meaningful way. Through pre-departure resources and on-tour guidance, we empower our travellers to make informed, sustainable choices that help protect the destinations we visit for future generations.

Lower Impact Travel

Animal Welfare Matters

We are reducing our environmental impact by building more rail journeys into our itineraries, and promoting low-season travel. Trains offer a greener alternative to flying, lowering carbon emissions while providing a more immersive travel experience. By promoting more departures in the low season, we also help ease pressure on popular destinations, support local economies year-round, and create a more sustainable way to explore the world.

Some of the world’s most memorable travel experiences involve wildlife and animals. We believe travel should foster understanding and appreciation of the natural world, local cultures and different ways of life, while contributing positively to the environments and communities we visit. That is why we are committed to promoting responsible animal experiences with consideration for respect, care and welfare, and align with best practice standards. Visit our website to learn more.

Your loyalty matters Many of our customers enjoy the Wendy Wu Tours experience so much that they travel with us again and again and are happy to recommend us to their friends and family. WENDY’S LOYALTY CLUB

RECOMMEND A FRIEND

Our Wendy Wu Tours loyalty scheme will get you exclusive offers and updates before anyone else plus you’ll move up membership levels with every new trip you take – which means bigger savings!

Recommend us to a friend, and if they book, we’ll give you an extra £50 off your next booking with us as a token of our appreciation.

BRONZE Enjoy £100pp off your next booking after completing your first tour with us. SILVER Receive £150pp off your 3rd and 4th bookings once you’ve travelled with us twice.

GOLD Save £200pp off your 5th and 6th bookings after four tours with us. PLATINUM Unlock £250pp off every booking once you’ve travelled with us six times.

These exceptional discounts can even be combined with any special offer.

Terms and conditions apply. Refer to our website for full details.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Essential Booking Information Before you book with Wendy Wu Tours, please take a moment to read this summary along with the Detailed Tour Itinerary for your tour and our full Booking Conditions (available on our website). When you book with us it’s on the understanding that you’ve read and understood these.

Your Financial Protection

Cancelling Your Booking

Your holiday is in safe hands. For flight-based holidays, we hold an ATOL licence (No. 6639), issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, meaning your money is protected if anything goes wrong. You’ll receive an ATOL Certificate when you book, clearly outlining exactly what’s covered.

If you need to cancel, the following charges usually apply:

For non-flight package holidays, we’re a proud member of ABTA (No. W7994), providing further peace of mind through a bond held by ABTA The Travel Association.

• 15–27 days: 90%

Book With Confidence Your holiday also falls under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, meaning we are fully responsible for the proper performance of your entire package. In the unlikely event of insolvency, your payments are protected and – where transport is included – your safe return home is guaranteed. Book with confidence. Your holiday is protected every step of the way.

Payment

To secure your booking, we ask for a non-refundable deposit of £350 per person. The remaining balance is due at least 75 days before departure. In some cases (for example flight upgrades) a higher deposit may be needed.

Travel Documents

For most destinations, you’ll need a passport with at least 6 months’ validity and two blank pages. While we assist and cover the cost of pre-arranged travel visas for UK and Irish passport holders (unless otherwise specified), you are ultimately responsible for ensuring you have the correct passport and visas to travel.

Health & Travel Insurance

• 75+ days before departure: loss of deposit • 42–74 days: 30% • 28–41 days: 60% • 14 days or less: 100% Some parts of your trip may be non-refundable – if this is the case, we will explain it to you when you book.

If We Need to Change Your Holiday Occasionally, we may need to make changes to your holiday. If this happens, we’ll let you know as soon as possible. If it’s a major change, you can choose a different holiday or receive a full refund.

Special Requests If you have any special requirements (such as dietary needs), please let us know before booking. We’ll do our best to accommodate them, though we can’t guarantee every request.

Fitness & Medical Conditions Each tour has a ‘physical rating’ and the activity levels are described in the tour’s Detailed Tour Itinerary. It is your responsibility to check these carefully and be sure you can participate without adverse effect on the group.

Booking Conditions You can find the full Booking Conditions on our website or via the QR code. They include important additional details, so please read them carefully before booking.

Please arrange any recommended vaccinations in good time before your trip. You’ll also need suitable travel insurance in place before booking.

Changing Your Booking If you need to make changes before paying your balance, there’s a £50 admin fee plus any additional costs incurred, such as non-refundable flights or cruise deposits.

TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE WENDY WU TOURS • Fully inclusive prices with no hidden extras • Outstanding guides • Unrivalled knowledge and expertise •S pecialist advice from our experienced consultants • Extensive range of group, private and tailormade holidays • Depart from many regional UK airports • Visa service included • Holder of Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award • Safe and secure with ABTA, ATOL & IATA • Winner of industry’s ‘Best Long Haul Specialist Operator’ 16 years in a row

WE OFFER TOURS AND TAILORMADE TRAVEL TO DESTINATIONS ACROSS THE WORLD

To book please call or visit your preferred travel agent.

Wendy Wu Tours Limited Newhams Yard 151-153 Tower Bridge Road London, SE1 3JE info@wendywutours.co.uk wendywutours.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am – 6pm Sat and Sun 10am – 4pm Bank Holidays 10am – 4pm

Opening times may vary at different times of the year. Please visit wendywutours.co.uk for updates.