Contiki Holidays Asia eBrochure 2018/19 (EURO)

ASIA & INDIA 2018 / 2019

TRAVEL WITH NO REGRETS

ASIA & INDIA 2018 / 19

6 NEW & IMPROVED TRIPS

TRAVEL CREATES

CHANGE LIFE’S GREATEST LESSONS ARE LEARNED THROUGH TRAVEL.

TR AVE L C R E ATE S

you.

Each of us is on a journey. Where that journey first started we have no say in, but where that journey leads is entirely up to us. The decisions we choose to make, the paths we choose to go down, the risks we think are worth taking - these are the things that truly define us. At Contiki, we live passionately by one philosophy - to travel with no regrets. Why? Because life, real life, doesn’t happen when you colour inside the lines. It’s only when you break free, trust your instincts, and intentionally live with your eyes wide open, that you become the person you’re meant to be. So ask yourself this - do you want to live life in the shadows, or do you want to live life with no regrets?

CONTENTS

@HELENCHIKX

ASIA 2018 / 19 Travel Creates Change Contiki in Asia What We Know Why Travel Contiki Ways to Save What's Your Travel Style?

Sleep in Comfort A Day in the Life of a Trip Manager Getting Around No Regrets Inclusions Free Time Munch Life's About Options Contiki Cares with ME to WE The Travel Corporation Q&A How to book

ER

Available at all hotels across Asia.

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Special Stays

Seriously, our accommodation in Asia is so much slicker than your average. Junk boats, tree houses, beachside resorts and our personal fave, floating rafts on the River Kwai, will be rocking your world.

DELHI JAIPUR

ER

UDAIPUR

AGRA

RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK

DI S

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V

wifi

p.2 p.4 p.6 p.8 p.9 p.10 p.12 p.14 p.15 p.16 p.18 p.20 p.22 p.24 p.25 p.54 p.56

DISCOVERER P. 2 6 F R O M € 1 1 7

P/D

INDIA

Cambodia & Laos Uncovered Laos, Cambodia 9 days

p.27

PAKBENG

Southern Spice

Big Indochina Adventure Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam 27 days

p.28

Asian Adventure

Sun-drenched and vibrant, India is going to inspire a whole new you. And if our newest trip to Southern India (p.44) isn’t enough? Mix & Match with Eternal India (p.42) in the North and save 5%.

MUMBAI

Thailand, Laos, Cambodia 16 days

p.30

Bangkok to Singapore Adventure EP

p.32

TH

GOA

THAILAND

RE

O

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER P. 3 4 F R O M € 1 1 0 P / D

VI

R

IN

-D

Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia 14 days

VANG VIENG CHIANG MAI

EX

PL

KANCHANABURI BANGKOK

CHENNAI

Vietnam Highlights Vietnam 10 days

p.35

PONDICHERRY

Vietnam Experience Vietnam 12 days

Japan Unrivalled Japan 13 days

p.38

KUMBAKONAM

COCHIN

p.36

MADURAI

KERALA BACKWATERS KUMARAKOM

China Adventure China 12 days

KOH TAO

PERIYAR KOH PHA NGAN KHAO SOK

p.40

Eternal India India 12 days

p.42

PHUKET

KOH SAMUI

Southern Spice India 11 days

p.44

Northern Thai Highlights p.46 ,

CR

UISE

SA I L I N

G

Thailand 7 days

You’ll need to register at MyContiki for your trip before you travel.

Check out contiki.com/registration for more information.

PENANG CAMERON HIGHLANDS

MAL AY

&

Thai Island Hopper West Thailand 8 days

Food

p.48

Thai Island Hopper East Thailand 9 days

p.49

Bali Island Hopper p.50 R

&

SK I

WINTER & SKI P.51 FROM € 2 8 4 P/D Japan - City to Slopes Japan 12 days

New & Improved Itinerary 04 ASIA 2018/19

Insurance Travel Insurance is not only a good idea, it’s compulsory when you travel with us. Buy it online before you travel at contiki.com/insurance.

WI N

TE

Indonesia 8 days

p.52

●

Overnight stops

KRABI

LANGKAWI

A

CH

SAILING, CRUISE & BEACH P. 4 7 FRO M € 8 4 P/D BE

KOH PHI PHI

Trip registration

Probably the reason you’ve been dreaming of Asia in the first place, made even more special by our Munch food philosophy and foodie orientated experiences. Read all about it on p20.

KUALA LUMPUR

BEIJING

Stay Longer

C heck the hashtag on the

XI’AN

JAPAN

For exclusive hotel rates before and after your trip visit contiki.com/ staylonger

EVERY ONE OF OUR TRIPS HAS A UNIQUE HASHTAG

TAKAYAMA

HAKUBA TOKYO

KYOTO HIROSHIMA

OSAKA

trip page and let the alumni of 2017 inspire your 2018 Asian adventure.

HAKONE MT KOYA

SHANGHAI CHENGDU

CHINA

Ski Japan Didn’t know Japan was famous for skiing? You’re about to find out! Boasting some of the freshest powder you’ll ever see, we hit the slopes in Hakuba, p.52

YANGSHUO

VIETNAM HANOI HALONG BAY LUANG PRABANG

21

@CONTIKICHAMANI

TRIP MANAGERS

VIENTIANE HUE

LAOS

D

C O NT IK I

HOI AN

IN

CAMBODIA SIEM REAP

NHA TRANG PHNOM PENH HO CHI MINH CITY MEKONG DELTA UI

Asia Get Around in Comfort

AL AYSIA SINGAPORE

Want to know the cultural quirks of each country/have someone look after you like family? Our Trip Managers will hands down be the best part of your Contiki adventure in Asia.

16

LOCAL GUIDES Our Trip Managers know what you want, and our Local Guides know where to go to make sure you get it. The power duo of dreams? We think so.

We’ve cracked the sweet spot of transport; a mix of local experiences (think tuk tuks and songthaews), sleek air conditioned mini-coaches, and included internal flights to ensure you get around in speed and style

How to Read a Trip Page

INDONESIA

Visit p.54 for a full lowdown of our trip maps and itineraries.

GILI TRAWANGAN SEMINYAK SENGGIGI

ASIA 2018/19 05

Absolutely incredible. India is a crazy adventure, full of colour, music, diversity and warmth. The best thing was those little moments - the people at the flower market offering us a flower just to make us smile; the feeling of a fresh, warm chai at dawn in the bustling Mumbai newspaper alley; the welcoming smiles of the Sikh community as you sit down to eat with them in their temple’s communal kitchen; that god-like feeling when you successfully cross an Indian road without being hit by a car, bus, rickshaw, bike or cow.

SONIA, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

TAJ MAHAL AT SUNSET AGRA 06 ASIA 2018/19

WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU TRAVEL

with us? ü

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WHAT WE

Know

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A complete social experience guaranteed to leave you with new friends all across the globe.

A Trip Manager who’s got your back the whole trip and Local Guides who love showing off their own backyard.

A huge appreciation for all things food, in the form of our Munch food philosophy.

A choice of 4 totally unique ways to travel and a mix of accommodation styles that put budget, timeframe and personal interests centre stage.

Authentic ways to get around, that keep the adventure rolling.

Ultimate Free Time, plus Free Time Add-Ons to make your experience that bit more incredible.

More No Regrets moments than you could count on your fingers AND toes, helped along by our No Regrets Inclusions, which are built into each and every trip.

The peace of mind that you’re travelling with a family run business who care passionately about their travellers.

That’s Contiki Know-How. Read on

W

e’ve seen some monumental events happen in our lifetime; Apollo 11 landing on the moon, the fall of the Berlin Wall, Psy’s Gangnam Style. All moments that changed the world... albeit some in different

ways to others.

And over these years, we’ve learned a lot.

We’ve made mistakes, we’ve had adventures that are now safely stored away in the archives labelled ‘NEVER tell the parents’, we’ve taken risks, and somehow we’ve become a company that young, brave and courageous travellers look to as their ticket to the world.

This role in young people’s lives - your lives never ceases to amaze us. Because actually, the reason we do what we do, is for you.

We know that it is your generation; those currently finishing exams, riding out the College years and working the daily hustle, who hold the future of the world in their hands. You are the ones who can change the status quo.

You are the ones who can make a difference.

Travel gives you the golden keys to knowledge, understanding and compassion. It opens you up to a whole new world of perspective. It changes who you are as a human.

That’s what Contiki does to you. You see, when you travel with us, it’s not just about the cool destinations you visit, or the unique places you sleep, or the experiences that have you telling stories for decades. These things are a given on any Contiki. But how our trips actually change you as a person, that’s through the people you meet; the strangers who become closer than family.

For anyone who’s ever travelled with us, you’ll understand this. You’ll know the magic that happens when you put a group of young, spirited adventurers together. You’ll know the friendship you created whilst watching the sunrise over the River Kwai, is for life.

So if you’re thinking about travelling with us, know this; what you’re buying isn’t just a ticket, or a space on a coach. It’s so much more than that. You’re buying memories, experiences, and friendships that might just change the course of your entire life. You ready?

ASIA 2018/19 07

THE VALUE OF

Contiki Know-How You’ve saved hard for your trip, so damn right you want to know exactly where your money’s going. The good news is, we care about value every little bit as much as you do.

The Practical Stuff

The Cherries On Top

•

• •

• • • • • • • •

Totally unique accommodation that you’ll be reminiscing over for years to come.

4 unique ways to travel, so you can explore Asia your way.

Transport to get you from A to B in style & comfort, including internal flights and awesome local experiences.

Our Munch food philosophy (obsession) that will have you coming home a jeans size bigger. #sorrynotsorry No Regrets Inclusions built into every trip.

Cherry-picked Free Time Add-Ons guaranteed to amplify your adventure.

Breakfast included every day.

A Trip Manager who knows what you want before you do, and Local Guides with infinite (you guessed it) local knowledge.

Free WiFi at all our hotels to ensure you stay connected / keep the parents happy. Visit contiki.com/freewifi.

WHY TRAVEL

Contiki?

1 2 3 4 08 ASIA 2018/19

DESIGNED FOR 18-35 YEAR OLDS Our trips are created exclusively for 18-35 year olds.

No younger, no older.

TRAVEL EXPERIENCES YOU WANT Looking for all the major icons but also the underthe-radar local favourites? No problem, we do it all.

UNRIVALLED VALUE Unique accommodation, an A+ team, comfy transport, tons of meals and No Regrets Inclusions on every trip.

Now that’s value.

MORE FREEDOM Hours of Free Time for solo wanderings, plus tasty Free Time Add-Ons to amp up your experience even further.

•

• • • •

Bags of Free Time for solo wandering.

An Instagram feed that will make you look like a legit travel blogger.

Countless ‘firsts’, from the first hit of a Vietnamese coffee, to the fire breathing taste of a real Indian curry.

The best trained team in the business, who have got your back from the get go.

The security of travelling with a family-run business who genuinely care about their travellers.

An army of new friends from all around the world (so future travel plans for the next 10 years = sorted).

The knowledge that you’ll never be the same again.

5 6 7 8 9 10

AUTHENTIC FOOD EXPERIENCES Locally sourced ingredients, region specific meals and foodie experiences and trips to make your tummy smile.

SUPPORT & FLEXIBILITY The flexibility to change your mind and the knowledge that from start to finish, we’ve got your back.

MORE FUN, LESS HASSLE Enough said. We’ll take care of the details, you focus on the memory making.

TAILORED TRAVEL STYLES 4 incredible travel styles to suit every type of traveller, even you.

PEACE OF MIND We are a family-run business who care deeply about the wellbeing of our travellers, and providing incredible experiences and value. We’re financially secure and put our all into delivering excellent trips each and every time.

THE ORIGINAL & THE BEST We don’t imitate, we just do our thing better than anyone else. That’s what 56 years as the world’s leading youth travel company gets you.

&

SAVINGS

Deals

SECURE YOUR PLACE Book early to ensure you get your spot on the trip you’ve been dreaming of, for only €100 deposit.

You’ll have your holiday in the bag & up to 45 days before your trip departs to pay off the rest.

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS FOR MORE WAYS TO SAVE

If you’ve got your spirit of adventure and your €100 deposit ready to go, then you’re ready to book! And if you change your mind? Don’t stress, we’ve got the world’s greatest change policy.

Check out p54, FlexDeposit, for all your options.

BEST

BOOK TOGETHER

DEALS S AV E

Check out the best deals & offers at contiki.com/deals to save big on 2018 & 2019 trips

5%

Book a triple-share hotel room on Japan Unrivalled and we’ll give you €65 off

5% OFF A 2ND TRIP

MORE

€65

Travelled with us (or a sister company) before? Save 5%

10%

Everyone saves 10% when 10 or more book (or the 11th person goes free)

7.5%

Everyone saves 7.5% when 7 or more book together

5%

Everyone saves 5% when 4 or more book together

Can’t decide between trips?

Want to see as much of Asia as is humanly possible?

NEW DEAL

When you book a second trip in Asia save 5% off the lowest price trip.

STUDENT

DISCOUNT

Students save 5% Just enter the student discount code at checkout stage to redeem your discount.

Go to contiki.com/deals to get your discount code.

The facts: All these discounts apply to the land portion of your trip price only (this excludes taxes, included flight costs, extra accommodation, any applicable food funds & optional activities. Your trip price does not include the costs of international flights to/from Asia that start or end your trip).

You can combine either the loyalty discount (‘Travelled Before’) or the 2nd trip discount with group discounts (‘Book Together’). Group discounts (‘Book Together’) are available on all trips. Discounts are subject to availability & may be withdrawn at any point without notice. * The 5% discount will be applied to the lower priced of your two trips. This is not combinable with ‘Travelling Again’ discounts – please contact Contiki or your travel agent to apply this discount when booking your trip. This discount applies to the land portion of your trip price only. Both trips must be 7 days or longer.

ASIA 2018/19 09

WHAT’S YOUR TRAVEL

Style

10 ASIA 2018/19

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SK I

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WI N

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They say there’s one person out there for all of us, and that’s kind of how we feel about our travel styles. Each one is uniquely special (and like children, we love them all equally), but some will be better suited to your travel needs than others. So which of our 4 is your special someone? Your perfect romance awaits.

PL

&

BE

DI SC OV E R E R

I N - D E P T H E X P LO RE R

SAILING, CRUISE & BEACH

WINTE R & SKI

GO E V E RY W H E R E

LIVE LOCAL

SUN, SEA & SA N D

KEEP IT C OSY

Full of energy and always on the go Keen and curious to see and do everything Foodie enthusiast who likes learning about new cultures A people person who also enjoys space to do their own thing Swipe through to p26 to see all Discoverer trips.

•

• • •

A serious culture junkie who craves authenticity and unique experiences A foodie who likes to taste their way around a country A laid back, take your time approach to exploring Loves to get amongst new cultures and see everything Swipe through to p34 to see all In-Depth Explorer trips.

• • •

•

Lives for summer Potentially a mermaid in a past life Enjoys chill out time and party time in equal measure Thinks beach hair is the best kind of hair Swipe through to p47 to see all Sailing, Cruise & Beach trips.

• • •

•

Risk taker with an active lifestyle Inquisitive about different cultures Knows that the snow in Japan is some of the best in the world Loves blending bustling cities with remote mountain tops Swipe through to p51 to see our Winter & Ski trip.

ANTHEM

ANTHEM

ANTHEM

ANTHEM

Symphony Clean Bandit ft. Zara Larsson

Keep It Simple Raleigh Ritchie, Stormzy

Sunlight The Magician ft. Years & Years

Young Blood The Naked and Famous

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ASIA TO READ MORE ABOUT OUR TRAVEL ST Y LES ASIA 2018/19 11

COMFORT

SLEEP IN

Think all the sights of this colourful continent are what you’ll remember?

We beg to differ. We think it’s our tropical treehouses, blissful beachside villas, central city hotels and cute homestays that will be giving you all the OMG feels.

2 Villa Ombak Hotel

3

2

VILLA OMBAK GILI TRAWANGAN

1 Thai Raft Houses TRIP BANGKOK TO SINGAPORE WHERE KHAO SOK TRAVEL STYLE DISCOVERER This is not your average accom. These traditional floating Thai raft houses will see you literally diving from your doorstep into the beautiful waters of Lake Cheow Larn in Khao Sok National Park.

1

3 Aonang Cliff Beach Resort

4 Kerala Backwaters Houseboat

5 Jungle Raft Hotel

TRIP BALI ISLAND HOPPER

TRIP THAI ISLAND HOPPER WEST

TRIP SOUTHERN SPICE

TRIP ASIAN ADVENTURE

WHERE GILI TRAWANGAN

WHERE KRABI

WHERE INDIA

WHERE KANCHANABURI

STYLE SAILING, CRUISE & BEACH

STYLE SAILING, CRUISE & BEACH

STYLE IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

TRAVEL STYLE DISCOVERER

Beautiful beaches, amazing swims, and super chill vibes are all on your doorstep at this lush hotel. Your insta story is about to go next level.

The sightseeing doesn’t stop when you get to this hotel. Take in the breathtaking views over Aonang and Krabi, as you sit back and unwind.

Cruise the sundrenched Kerala Backwaters on our traditional houseboat, decked out with Queen bed sun loungers; perfect for afternoon naps and sipping chilled white wine.

Wake up to the sounds of the River Kwai in luscious Kanchanaburi. Chill out in the sun on your own balcony, or jump in and float down the river.

12 ASIA 2018/19

All of the accommodation was spotless, the value for money is astonishing.

4

Steffie, Australia Vietnam Experience

Free WiFi in most Contiki accommodation

5 NUOVO CITY HOTEL BANGKOK

3 WAYS TO STAY H OT E L S

Well located, WiFi ready, cosy, and even some luxe pools to cool off in - that’s what you get with our hotels.

Catch your zzz’s in same sex twin-share rooms, or flash a little extra cash and upgrade to your own room if privacy is what you’re after.

B E AC H SIDE RESORTS When on the beaches of Thailand & Bali, is there any other way to stay other than a tropical beachside resort?

A stone’s throw from the ocean and boasting breezy cabanas and luxe pools, this is how you do beach luxury.

S P E C I A L S TAYS

Did you ever imagine you could be waking up literally on the banks of the River Kwai in Northern Thailand, or in a traditional Ryokan guesthouse in Japan? From junk boats to tree houses, prepare to be impressed.

VILLA OMBAK GILI TRAWANGAN

CONTIKI.COM/WAYSTOSTAY-ASIA

ASIA 2018/19 13

DAY IN THE LIFE of a

A

Trip Manager

Our people are what make us, us. Highly trained, professional and always up for a good time, these guys do so much more than make sure you don’t miss the bus. Armed with their little black books of must sees, must dos and must eats, our crew, from Trip Managers, to our rad Local Guides will show you Asia done right.

06:30

07:30

@_SHANN._

13:00

@_SHANN._

19:00 SHANNON TRIP MANAGER

@_SHANN._

Visit youtube.com/ contiki to see our Trip Managers doing their thing on the road on their daily vlogs.

11:00

20:30

22:30

@_SHANN._

N A M E SH A NN O N M A H O N I I N S TA @ _SH A NN ._ T I M E AT CO N T I KI 4 Y E A RS T R I P BA N G KOK TO S I N GA P O RE 06:30: Wake up surrounded by tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands.

Shower, dress, pack and checkout. I ensure the timings of the day are correct and finish any last minute drawings on my daily info sheet.

7:30: Time to head to the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur! But first I must ensure everyone’s checked out, and bags are loaded on the bus ready to rock’n’roll. Upon departure, the day song is booming to get everyone in a great mood for the day followed by a day talk.

11:00: After descending from the highlands we arrive at Kuala Lumpur.

We hit the ground running and meet up with Local Guide and all ‘round awesome guy Jeffrey. He gives us the low down on the local sites as we check out the King’s Palace, Independence Square and of course the impressive Petronas twin towers. We’ll catch up with Jeffrey tomorrow to see even more of KL but for now: 13:00: It’s Free Time. Now is your chance to explore KL, eat all the exciting foods and try your hand at bargaining with the locals for quality (and not 14 ASIA 2018/19

so quality) goods. For me it’s time to check everyone in to their rooms, reconfirm evening plans with suppliers and confirm tomorrow’s plans.

19:00: Tonight we are doing it for the gram! #munch #contiki #bangkoksingaporeadventure We head into Bukit Bintang to divide and conquer the many hawker style markets that offer fusion Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines at amazing prices.

20:30: We’re ready for a cocktail with a view. I take the group to Traders hotel, ‘sky bar’ for the best photos of the towers at night. The cocktails are tasty and the vibe is chilled.

22:00: This cool mum is heading home! I say goodnight to the group (there’s no way they’re coming home that early).

22:30: Before entering the hotel I buy more ‘local’ snacks (Chinese pancakes) from the street vendors to help me prep for work the next day (because….why not?!). Singapore awaits and it’s our final night, I need to be fresh faced for another full day of excitement.

CONTIKI.COM/TEA M

G A

etting round

BULLET TRAIN JAPAN

INCLUDED FLIGHTS CHINA

Sick of your same old daily commute? In Asia, getting from place to place is half the fun, thanks to tuk-tuks, bullet trains, junk boats, bicycles, not to mention private air-conditioned mini coaches and internal flights already included in the cost of your trip.

MINI-COACH VIETNAM

JUNK BOAT VIETNAM

When you think of travelling in Asia, we’re guessing long ass night buses and cramped train rides spring to mind? Well with us, that ain’t quite our style.

Instead, we prefer comfort, style, and all the fun.

We don’t think you should spend half your holiday getting to your destination, so we include internal flights to get you around quickly and easily. And when you’re on the ground? We go for a mix of air conditioned transport and unique, totally local forms of transportation.

SO WHAT DO YOU GET? •

Carefully selected internal flights that save you precious travel time.

•

Private air-conditioned mini coaches.

•

Local forms of transport, think songthaews, bamboo rafts, tuk tuks and more.

•

One super speedy bullet train to whiz you across Japan.

•

An overnight train, basically a sleepover on the go.

•

And even an overnight junk boat to cruise around Halong Bay, Vietnam.

TUK TUK THAILAND LONGTAIL BOAT THAILAND

ASIA 2018/19 15

NO REGRETS

INCLUSIONS

As important as the destination is, we know it’s the experiences you have there that really define your adventure. That’s why we build No Regrets Inclusions into every single trip, because going home feeling like you’ve missed opportunities just ain’t an option with us.

16 ASIA 2018/19

REFLECT FEEL

1 • CU CHI TUNNELS, VIETNAM 2 • MORNING BUDDHIST SERVICE, JAPAN 3 • ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA

SEE

1 • SUNSET CRUISE, LANGKAWI 2 • VISIT ERAWAN FALLS, THAILAND

1 • TOUR OF MUMBAI, INDIA

3 • KHLONG TOUR WITH FISH FEEDING, BANGKOK 1 • @PRISCILLA__C

2 • TEA PLANTATION TOUR, MALAYSIA 3 • KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK, THAILAND

1 • @VSTAV

3 • @BUNTYP

EXPLORE

2 • @NAT.ASIA

TASTE

1 • MARKET FRESH SUSHI, JAPAN

1 • @MR.JAKERICH

2 • STREET FOOD, PENANG 3 • TRADITIONAL PHO, VIETNAM

PLAY 1 • GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Check out the trip pages and #CONTIKI for real life No Regrets moments from our travellers and follow @CONTIKI to feed your travel inspiration.

2 • BIKE RIDE ON XI’AN CITY WALLS, CHINA 3 • CYCLO RIDE, HUE

2 • @DANIELLESTEPNUK 1 • MARKET VIBES, KUALA LUMPUR 2 • GRAND PALACE, THAILAND 3 • GUIDED TOUR OF SHIBUYA & HARAJUKU, JAPAN

ASIA 2018/19 17

FREE TIME PENANG

KAYAK ON HALONG BAY VIETNAM

TIME Don’t get us wrong, showing you Asia is what we live for, but even we can’t do Asia quite like you.

YOUR TIME, YOUR CHOICE Everyone wants something different from this continent, be it temples, jungles, food, culture, beaches, or just some serious chill time. So to make sure you do Asia your way, we put Free Time centre stage.

With us, Free Time is made up of two choices. You can explore independently, perhaps scouting out the best deals in an Indian Market, or the breeziest palm tree on Gili T, or you can take your pick from our Free Time Add-Ons. What are these? Only the experiences we’ve cherry-picked to help take your trip to the next level. Think learning how to roll the perfect sushi in Japan, think snorkelling your way around Koh Phi Phi, think a trek to the Amber Fort in Jaipur and you’re on the right track.

ZIPLINE THROUGH THE TREES CHIANG MAI Important: Free Time Add-On activities are not included in the price of your trip. They are run by 3rd party operators and on occasions, for some of the activities, travellers may be required to sign a waiver to participate. Before you leave, it’s important that you check your insurance includes your participation in adventure activities and be aware that some of our Add-Ons can be physically demanding and may involve some risk.

18 ASIA 2018/19

FREE TIME CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai with me Kate Winney is a travel blogger who recently travelled on our Northern Thai Highlights adventure, falling hard for the diversity and foodie delights of Chiang Mai. Follow her global wanderings on Instagram @littlemisswinney Your favourite restaurant?

Chiang Mai is a foodie paradise! Street food is literally on every corner, so you’re spoilt for choice.

For Northern Thailand’s signature dish, head to the old town where Khao Soi (a coconut curry noodle soup) is served in abundance.

Your favourite bar?

Zoe in Yellow is the place to go in Chiang Mai. Get there early as this place gets busy! Two bars in one on opposite sides of the street, slowly turning into a street party and meeting in the middle. The DJ’s play a good mix of tunes and everyone is there to dance and party.

Your favourite place to watch the sunset?

Not your usual sunset spot but if you head to level six of the Maya Shopping Mall, there are a couple

AMBER FORT TREK JAIPUR

of outdoor bars on the roof to sit and have a drink.

The view is one of the best, overlooking the Doi COOKING CLASS CHIANG MAI

Suthep in one direction and the old city in the other.

Your favourite moment spent here?

The famous night markets were the main reason I wanted to visit this area and they did not disappoint! Within the markets there’s also the infamous Chiang Mai Cabaret show, which is bursting with energy and humour. For me though, I'll remember our trip to the Elephant Nature Park forever. Feeding, washing and walking with these elephants, many of whom were rescued from the logging and riding industries, was a truly unforgettable experience.

Something people might not know about Chiang Mai?

LOOK OUT FOR THE FREE TIME ADD-ON SYMBOL ON THE TRIP PAGES

For me the most surprising and unexpected experience whilst in Chiang Mai was being able to talk with the Monks. A few of the temples in the city have a ‘Monk Chat’ program where you can speak freely to the monks about their beliefs or simply chat about aspects of their lifestyle, and in exchange they get to practice their English. It is such a unique

ASIA 2018/19 19

1 20 ASIA 2018/19 44 EUROPE SUMMER 2018

It’s hard to think about Asia without thinking about the food. The aromatic curries of India, the steaming bowls of Thai noodle soups, the perfect slices of super fresh sushi in Japan - all so good you can almost taste them.

And that’s what travel is all about - immersing yourself in a new country and a new culture through food.

Like you, we’re utterly obsessed with all things foodie, so we created Munch, the word we use to describe our love affair with food. What does it mean?

• It’s breakfast included each and every day.

• It’s the incredible, authentic local meals that are included (think a traditional Kaiseki

• It’s the superior training of our Trip Managers in food culture, and their Little Black Book of foodie haunts in every destination you visit.

• It’s the Free Time Add-On food experiences you won’t be able to resist, like a sushimaking course in Tokyo, and cooking classes in Thailand, China and Vietnam (though these are only the beginning).

• Most of all, it’s our promise that you’ll feel the connection to each place you visit, through the food you eat. Our Trip Managers know exactly where to go and how to look after you (including any food intolerances), but trust them when they say it’s spicy, ‘cos they ain’t lying!

Step 1. Taking a large bowl, add flat rice noodles Step 2. Bring broth to the boil and pour over noodles Step 3. Add thinly sliced rare beef, leaving it to cook in the broth for a few moments Step 4. Drop in bean shoots Step 5. Garnish with sprigs of fresh coriander, mint, chilli and lime

4

2

3

#MUNCH

dinner in Hakone, Japan, or an Indonesian Nasi Goreng feast on Gili T)

Vietnamese pho is a street food staple. Steaming bowls of this aromatic soup are served from carts and restaurants all over the country. Pick up ingredients from your local Asian grocer to make this delicious soup at home for a sneak peek at some of the flavours you could be tasting in Vietnam.

HOW TO

Every bit as delicious as it sounds, Munch is our commitment to local, authentic, and utterly delectable food experiences.

˛ make Pho’

RECIPE

5 1 Thai lunch, Chiang Mai

4 @contikichamani, Vietnam

2 @elizaswallow, Thailand

5 Pad Thai omelette, Chiang Mai

3 @johnl_90, Japan ASIA 2018/19 21

Life is

About Options Feeling the call of Thailand, but not quite sure what you want your trip to look like? For some, Thailand is all about the culture, diving deep into traditional life and cuisine, whilst for others it’s basically a ‘get me to the beach’ mentality. Whatever you want from your trip, we’ve got options for all.

CHIANG MAI

22 ASIA 2018/19

CHIANG MAI AYUTTHAYA

KRABI

-D

R

ER

G

,

UI SE

RE

CR

EX

SA I L I N

Thailand is one helluva sensory overload, and sometimes you just need to see it all. That’s what our Discoverer trips are designed for; getting you seeing, doing, tasting and experiencing the very best bits of this eclectic country. Travel from jungle tree top to floating raft, or ancient temple to sunkissed beach, leaving no stone unturned, no Pad Thai untasted.

PL

CH

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER A

DISCOVERER

TH

IN

ER

EP

O

V

DI S

CO

BANGKOK

ERAWAN FALLS

&

BE

SAILING, CRUISE & BEACH Are you ready to leave real life behind and kick back under a breezy palm tree, coconut in hand? Sounds pretty perfect if you ask us. Snorkel with the fishies, slow down to island time and let the Thai good times work their magic as you hop from one perfectly tropical beach to another.

From 24-hour cities to jungle getaways, our In-Depth Explorer trips will have you leaving Thailand 100% culturally satisfied. Taking your sweet time to get around, you’ll journey from bustling Bangkok to the banks of the River Kwai, visiting elephant sanctuaries, waterfalls and local food markets on route. Delicious, intriguing and insightful? You betcha.

See p.46 for our In-Depth Explorer to Thailand.

See p.28 - p.33 for Discoverer trips to Thailand.

See p.48 - p.50 for Sailing, Cruise & Beach trips to Thailand.

GOT YOUR HEART SET ON THAILAND? These trips sell like hot cakes, so book early to secure your spot and save 10%.

ASIA 2018/19 23

RAJASTHAN INDIA

LEAVE MORE THAN A

Footprint Behind Looking to give back on your travels?

First up, high-fives to you. And the good news is, we’ve teamed up with the MVP of charitable organizations to allow you to do just that.

After finishing your Eternal India adventure in Goa, you could be spending 4 unforgettable days deep in rural and utterly beautiful Rajasthan, working alongside ME to WE, a WE Charity partner and TreadRight supported charity.

So what will you be doing? Well pretty much anything and everything, from assisting with clean water projects and women’s health & awareness projects, to local education and small scale construction projects, learning about the local communities and families of the region, and more.

Whilst here, you’ll be sleeping multi share in the frankly rather dreamy Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp, which boast all the home

24 ASIA 2018/2019

comforts, snuggly beds and views over the mountains you’ll be hard pressed to drag your eyes away from.

ITINERARY DAY 1: Finish your Eternal Indai trip in Goa (day 12) and fly to Udaipur, where your ME to WE guide will meet you on arrival and take you to the Araveli Cottages in rural Rajasthan.

DAY 2: Start your day with a morning yoga session, then spend the rest of it working on a sustainable development project alongside local community members.

DAY 3: Take a nature hike through your gorgeous rural surroundings before continuing work on your chosen development project.

Later, turn your hand to local art and visit the second-longest wall in the world.

DAY 4: After a final farewell breakfast, you’ll make your way to Udaipur to explore a local market before catching your flight home.

MAKE THE MOST OF INDIA See p.42 to read how you can explore the north of India on Eternal India before your ME to WE experience. Visit contiki.com/ mettowe or speak to your travel agent for full details.

BEING PART OF

The Travel Corporation

We’re part of the Travel Corporation family of brands, and being a family-owned business that means we operate with a ‘family first’ mentality. Just as you would go above and beyond for your nearest and dearest, doing anything to ensure their safety and happiness, that’s how we feel about our travellers.

Give you the freedom to change your mind Sometimes plans change, meaning you can’t travel at a certain time, or to a certain place. But thanks to TTC’s Freedom Guarantee, you can swap onto a different departure or change your trip entirely, for zero cost. Just drop us a line, let us know which trip you want to swap to, and if there’s space, we’ll do the rest.

Visit contiki.com/freedomguarantee

Ensure your deposit is safe and sound Say hello to FlexDeposit, another genius perk created by TTC. Our FlexDeposit guarantee is given for free once you’ve paid your deposit and works as credit towards your next adventure. So if you can’t travel, it means your deposit isn’t lost - it’s simply transferred. FlexDeposit is available until your 36th birthday (the maximum age you can travel on a Contiki), after which time you can use it with any of our sister TTC brands, or gift it to a friend.

Give you (and your parents) peace of mind

a f a m i ly of br a n d s

Being a family run company means that we operate with family values; trust, honesty, loyalty.

You’d move heaven and earth for your family to ensure their safety and happiness, right? Well we’ll do the same for you. Wherever you are in the world, you’re in safe hands with us.

Visit TTC.com

Leave the world a better place The Travel Corporation and TreadRight, our older & wiser sister on all things sustainable, are firm advocates for change. That’s why they’ll never ask for donations from travellers, but rather choose to donate their own profits to the projects they support. Visit Treadright.org to read more on our 40 plus sustainable tourism projects worldwide.

ASIA 2018/2019 25

Discoverer GO EVERYWHERE If you’ve been dreaming of Asia and want to experience a little slice of each unique country within this colourful continent, go Discoverer. Icons, experiences, tastes, and all the OMG moments you could fathom are packed into these trips, making them the perfect choice for those with an Asian bucket list longer than both arms put together.

ARE YOU A DISCOVERER TRAVELLER? Do you want to see as much of Asia as you possibly can, visiting multiple countries on one trip?

•

Are you hungry for a mixture of world famous sights and lesser known, local experiences?

•

Do you want to split your time between organised sightseeing and independent adventuring?

•

Would you be equally happy sleeping in a city hotel or a floating jungle raft?

DI S

4 TRIPS FROM 9 - 27 DAYS FROM €117 P/D

CO

•

Head to contiki.com/deals for all our latest promotions CONTIKI.COM/DISCOVERER-ASIA

26 ASIA 2018/19

V

ER

ER

9Ì DAYS

|

2ÌCOUNTRIES

|

€1045 *

FROM

|

FROM

€117 *PP/PD

DISCOVERER

CAMBODIA & LAOS UNCOVERED FRENCH INFUSED VIETNAM MEETS ANCIENT DELIGHT OF CAMBODIA. HELL YES.

SIEM REAP CAMBODIA

8

9

NIGHTS 8 nights in 3 star hotels

INCLUDED MEALS 8 breakfasts (B), 1 Dinner (D)

ESSENTIALS 2 internal flights.

See p.54 for more info on our standard essentials FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Kuang Si waterfalls trip in Luang Prabang NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage listed Luang Prabang • Guided visit of the COPE centre in Vientiane

START

LUANG PRABANG

6:00PM LUANG PRABANG

END

9:00AM SIEM REAP

(2 nights)

1

START

DAY 1 Luang Prabang After checking in to the hotel & getting comfortable, we’ll join up, get acquainted, & begin taking in the sites of this UNESCO listed city. Hotel

DAY 9 Siem Reap After one final breakfast together, our trip will come to an end. We’ll dive into a bout of goodbyes before leaving armed with a mosaic of magic memories. (B)

LAOS

3

VANG VIENG (2 nights)

5

DAY 2 Luang Prabang Early risers will be rewarded by the sacred Laotian ritual of offering alms (food) to Buddhist Monks. Later we will explore Luang Prabang by bike, visiting the TreadRight supported Ock Pop Tock Centre for Artisans. Hotel (B) F Kuang Si Waterfall Visit

DAY 3 - 4 Vang Vieng Limestone karsts & delicious Lao Pancakes will be waiting in Vang Vieng after a scenic overland journey.

We’ll find swimming holes, explore caves & watch the sun drop behind the mountains on two blissful nights in this town. Hotel (B)(B) F Kayaking & Caving Experience

DAY 7 - 8 Siem Reap Flying out of Phnom Penh we’ll arrive in Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat, the bustling Pub Street & traditional markets. On day-8 we’ll journey through dawn’s hours to catch the first rays of sunlight on the town’s jungle tangled spiritual masterpiece.

Hotel (B)(B) F Quad Biking at sunset

VIENTIANE (1 night)

DAY 6 Phnom Penh A short flight will land us amidst the shy smiles & tree-lined streets of Phnom Penh. We’ll learn of the horrific Khmer Rouge rule at the ‘Killing Fields’ & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, before having the mood lightened by a life changing TREE Alliance restaurant. Hotel (B,D)

END

CAMBODIA

9

7

DAY 5 Vientiane The quaint capital of Laos will greet us with warmth & Mekong charm. Here in Vientiane we’ll see sights like Pha That Luang stupa, & lend a hand at the COPE centre – a local charity working with land mine victims. Hotel (B)

SIEM REAP (2 nights) 1

Itinerary day Coach or train Plane

6

PHNOM PENH (1 night)

H OW MUC H & WH E N 2018

€1045 Start Jan 9 Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23 Jan 27 Jan 30 Feb 3 Feb 6

CODE: LAKH

End Jan 17 Jan 21 Jan 24 Jan 28 Jan 31 Feb 4 Feb 7 Feb 11 Feb 14

START LUANG PRABANG & FINISH SIEM REAP

Start Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 10 ● Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Apr 7

End Feb 18 Feb 25 Mar 4 Mar 11 Mar 18 Mar 25 Apr 1 Apr 8 Apr 15

Start Apr 14 ● Apr 21 Apr 28 May5 May12 May19 May26 Jun 2 Jun 9

End Apr 22 Apr 29 May6 May13 May20 May27 Jun 3 Jun 10 Jun 17

Start Jun 12 Jun 16 Jun 19 Jun 23 Jun 26 Jun 30 Jul 3 Jul 7 Jul 10

End Jun 20 Jun 24 Jun 27 Jul 1 Jul 4 Jul 8 Jul 11 Jul 15 Jul 18

Start Jul 14 Jul 17 Jul 21 Jul 24 Jul 28 Jul 31 Aug 4 Aug 11 Aug 18

End Jul 22 Jul 25 Jul 29 Aug 1 Aug 5 Aug 8 Aug 12 Aug 19 Aug 26

Start Aug 25 Sep 1 Sep 8 Sep 15 Sep 22 Sep 29 Oct 6 Oct 13 Oct 20

End Sep 2 Sep 9 Sep 16 Sep 23 Sep 30 Oct 7 Oct 14 Oct 21 Oct 28

Start Oct 27 Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 24 Nov 27 Dec 1 Dec 4

End Nov 4 Nov 11 Nov 18 Nov 25 Nov 28 Dec 2 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 12

Start Dec 8 Dec 11 Dec 15 Dec 18 Dec 22 Dec 25 Dec 29 2019 Jan 1

End Dec 16 Dec 19 Dec 23 Dec 26 Dec 30 Jan 2 Jan 6

Jan 9

Start Jan 5 Jan 8 Jan 12 Jan 15 Jan 19 Jan 22 Jan 26 Jan 29 Feb 2

End Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23 Jan 27 Jan 30 Feb 3 Feb 6 Feb 10

Start Feb 9 Feb 16 Feb 23 Mar 2 Mar 9 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30 Apr 6

End Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 Apr 14

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for €275. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Laos for Pi-Mai Lao (Laos New Year & water festival). This trip is part of a bigger picture – our 27-day Big Indochina Adventure trip. When you jump aboard this trip, you’ll be joining a horde of other travellers who are already geared up in Contiki’s world-famous exploration mode. Wait until you see the warm welcome you’ll receive as a new addition to the group. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger.

Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54.

CONTIKI.COM/CAMBODIA-LAOS-UNCOVERED

ASIA 2018/19 27

#CAMBODIALAOSUNCOVERED

WH AT Y O U NE E D TO KN O W

BIG INDOCHINA ADVENTURE 27Ì DAYS

|

4ÌCOUNTRIES

|

FROM

€4025 *

|

FROM

& N E WO V E D IM P RE R A RY IT IN

€150 *PP/PD

BECOME AN ASIAN CULTURE CONNOISSEUR ON THIS 27 DAY DEEP DIVE

#BIGINDOCHINA

BANGKOK THAILAND

AS REVIEWED BY OUR RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @CONTIKIMATT

28 ASIA 2018/19

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

Honestly the greatest 4 weeks of my life. @HALIEEMOANA

CONTIKI.COM/INDOCHINA-ADVENTURE

@KENCMIZUNO

Kelly Williams

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 36

NIGHTS

INCLUDEDMEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

26 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)

Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 6 internal flights

F Cooking Class, Hoi An F Caving & Kayaking, Vang Vieng F Quad biking, Siem Reap

Unique Special Stays: 1 overnight train, 1 night in a floating hotel, 2 nights in a Guesthouse, 1 night on a Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay & 21 nights in 3 star hotels

DAY 10 - 11 Vang Vieng Limestone karsts & delicious Lao Pancakes will be waiting in Vang Vieng after a scenic overland journey.

We’ll find swimming holes, explore caves & watch the sun drop behind the mountains on two blissful nights in this town. Hotel (B)(B) F Kayaking & Caving Experience DAY 8 - 9 Luang Prabang Early risers will be rewarded by the sacred Laotian ritual of offering alms (food) to Buddhist Monks. Later we will explore Luang Prabang by bike, visiting the TreadRight supported Ock Pop Tock Centre for Artisans. Hotel (B,L)(B) F Kuang Si waterfall visit DAY 7 Pakbeng Taking a border hop we’ll cross out of Thailand & into Laos. After collecting our passport stamps we’ll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local boat. Remote, traditional, & endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveller’s dream. (B,D) Guest house Special Stay DAY 5 - 6 Chiang Mai Our last destination in Thailand will entertain us with buzzing night markets, an exotic Old Quarter, & a dazzling line up of temples. In between sites you can feast on the intense flavours of northern Thai food, inhaling an abundance of lemongrass, chili & coconut. Hotel (B)(B) F Flight of the Gibbon Ziplining F Thai Cooking Class & Market Visit DAY 4 Overnight Train (Ayutthaya - Chiang Mai) We’ll start our day with a visit to the breathtaking Erawan Falls for a quick dip before we stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya. We’ll grab bikes & cycle past rice paddies, temples & quaint villages before we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. (B) Overnight Train DAY 3 Kanchanaburi We’ll wake up in jungle paradise, & start our day with a visit to the notorious Death Railway & see the bridge over the River Kwai. Later, we’ll head to a local elephant sanctuary to see how the rescued elephants are cared for. Hotel (B,L)

DAY 12 Vientiane The quaint capital of Laos will greet us with warmth & Mekong charm. Here in Vientiane we’ll see sights like Pha That Luang stupa, & lend a hand at the COPE centre – a local charity working with land mine victims. Hotel (B)

DAY 14 - 15 Siem Reap Flying out of Phnom Penh we’ll arrive in Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat, the bustling Pub Street & traditional markets.

On day-15 we’ll journey through dawn’s hours to catch the first rays of sunlight on the town’s jungle tangled spiritual masterpiece. Hotel (B)(B) F Quad Biking at Sunset

HANOI

LUANG PRABANG (2 nights)

PAKBENG (1 night)

25

HALONG BAY

8

VANG VIENG (2 nights)

VIENTIANE

5

27 26 24

LAOS

10

CHIANG MAI

12

(1 night)

(2 nights)

• Visit the Cu Chi tunnels • Sunrise at Angkor Wat • Elephant Haven Sai Yok

DAY 17 Mekong Delta We’ll rise & shine for a journey to the Mekong Delta, landing us amidst floating markets, sampans (local boats) & artisans going about their craft. By night we’ll mix with the locals & have dinner at our special guest house. (B,L,D) Guest house Special Stay

DAY 18 Ho Chi Minh Leaving the Mekong after breakfast, we’ll journey back to Ho Chi Minh’s addictive mania via the Viet Cong’s tunnels in Cu Chi. Here we will marvel at traps, hidden doors & 250 kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand. Hotel (B)

VIETNAM

(2 nights)

(1 night)

7

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Kanchanaburi

DAY 16 Ho Chi Minh Stepping into a whirl of scooters & skyscrapers, you’ll unwind in the hotel before kicking off the Vietnam exploring, starting with the Ben Thanh markets. Hotel (B)

DAY 13 Phnom Penh A short flight will land us amidst the shy smiles & tree-lined streets of Phnom Penh. We’ll learn of the horrific Khmer Rouge rule at the ‘Killing Fields’ & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, before having the mood lightened by a life changing TREE Alliance restaurant. Hotel (B,D) END

HUE

23

DAY 19 - 20 Nha Trang After a final bout of Ho Chi Minh exploring, we’ll take flight to the coastal town of Nha Trang. Golden sand beaches & turquoise waters will offer us water sports, sunsets, & the chance to soak up the town’s laidback lifestyle. Hotel (B)(B) F Cruise & swimming day trip F Mud Bath & Hot Springs Experience

(1 nights)

THAILAND

4

21

9:00AM HANOI

DAY 27 Hanoi Our trip will wrap up in Hanoi shortly after our final team breakfast or choose to fly back to Bangkok with us for an additional charge. (B)

DAY 26 Hanoi After a last bout of grotto swimming & monkey spotting in Halong Bay, we’ll head back to Hanoi for our final night on tour. The quirky water puppet performance in Red River Delta will offer the perfect warmup to our final evening together. Hotel (B,L) F Kayaking on Halong Bay

DAY 25 Halong Bay A Chinese style junk boat will drift us around the lime stone island setting of the Gulf of Tonkin, offering complete serenity for our time in Halong Bay. We’ll explore the Sung Sot Caves, swim in lagoons, & eat seafood over a picturesque sunset. (B)(L)(D) Junk Boat Special Stay

HOI AN (2 nights)

KANCHANABURI

DAY 24 Hanoi Flying into the country’s capital, we’ll find a mesmerising fusion of French, Chinese & Vietnamese, & settle into our hotel in the middle of the bustling Old Quarter. Here we’ll be left smitten by the gardens of the Temple of Literature & 36 trading streets offering an array of local goods.

Hotel (B)

(2 nights)

3

SIEM REAP

Ayutthaya

1

START

END

Da Nang

(1 night)

2

DISCOVERER

26

START END

CAMBODIA

(2 nights)

BANGKOK (1 night)

14

19

6:00PM BANGKOK

NHA TRANG (2 nights)

DAY 1 Bangkok Hot, hustling, & completely addictive, Bangkok will lure us in & play host to our first day on tour. You’ll have time to unwind & enjoy the hotel before we unite & get acquainted over dinner. Hotel DAY 2 Kanchanaburi After a visit to the Grand Palace & a long tail boat ride, we’ll change our pace & move from Bangkok to the calmer scene of the River Kwai. Here in Kanchanaburi we’ll learn the art of living off the grid & spend a night drifting on a jungle raft. (B,D) Floating hotel Special Stay

16 18 HO

13

PHNOM PENH

(2 nights)

(1 night)

17

MEKONG DELTA (1 night) 1 1

CHI MINH CITY

Places visited Itinerary day Special Stay night Start/optional end city Optional end city Coach or train Plane or Boat

DAY 21 - 22 Hoi An After a quick flight & coastal drive, we’ll arrive in Hoi An amidst charm & architecture influenced by many parts of the world. Here we can visit the UNESCO Old Quarter, cycle past rice fields, & see traditional pottery & silk weaving at the local markets.

Hotel (B)(B) F Tasty Vietnamese cooking class F Marble Mountains Tour

DAY 23 Hue The former imperial town of Hue offers no shortage of charm, with lotus flower ponds, intricately decorated pavilions, & an artistic soul. We’ll take a cycle to the Imperial Citadel & learn of a horrific Buddhist massacre at Thien Mu Pagoda. Hotel (B) F Group photo at Hue’s Imperial Citadel F Hue Street Food Walking Tour

H OW MUC H & WH E N 2018

CODE: BICA

€4009 Start Jan 2 Jan 6 Jan 9 Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23 ● Jan 27 ● Jan 30 ●

End Jan 28 Feb 1 Feb 4 Feb 8 Feb 11 Feb 15 Feb 18 Feb 22 Feb 25

START BANGKOK & FINISH HANOI

Start Feb 3 Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31

End Mar 1 Mar 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Mar 29 Apr 5 Apr 12 Apr 19 Apr 26

TRAVELLING BETWEEN 02 JAN & 31 MAR 2018? THE BELOW TRIPS (BICA 2018) FEATURE A SLIGHTLY MODIFIED ITINERARY. SEE BELOW FOR START & END TIMES & VISIT CONTIKI.COM/INDOCHINA-ADVENTURE FOR FULL DETAILS.

€4025 Start Apr 7 ● Apr 14 ● Apr 21 Apr 28 May5 May12 May19 May26 Jun 2

End May3 May10 May17 May24 May31 Jun 7 Jun 14 Jun 21 Jun 28

Start Jun 5 Jun 9 Jun 12 Jun 16 Jun 19 Jun 23 Jun 26 Jun 30 Jul 3

End Jul 1 Jul 5 Jul 8 Jul 12 Jul 15 Jul 19 Jul 22 Jul 26 Jul 29

Start Jul 7 Jul 10 Jul 14 Jul 17 Jul 21 Jul 24 Jul 28 Aug 4 Aug 11

End Aug 2 Aug 5 Aug 9 Aug 12 Aug 16 Aug 19 Aug 23 Aug 30 Sep 6

Start Aug 18 Aug 25 Sep 1 Sep 8 Sep 15 Sep 22 Sep 29 Oct 6 Oct 13

End Sep 13 Sep 20 Sep 27 Oct 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Nov 1 Nov 8

Start Oct 20 Oct 27 Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 24 Nov 27

End Nov 15 Nov 22 Nov 29 Dec 6 Dec 9 Dec 13 Dec 16 Dec 20 Dec 23

Start Dec 1 Dec 4 Dec 8 Dec 11 Dec 15 Dec 18 Dec 22 Dec 25 Dec 29

End Dec 27 Dec 30 Jan 3 Jan 6 Jan 10 Jan 13 Jan 17 Jan 20 Jan 24

Start 2019 Jan 1 Jan 5 Jan 8 Jan 12 ● Jan 15 ● Jan 19 ● Jan 22 Jan 26

End

Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb

27 31 3 7 10 14 17 21

Start Feb 2 Feb 9 Feb 16 Feb 23 Mar 2 Mar 9 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30

End Feb 28 Mar 7 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 28 Apr 4 Apr 11 Apr 18 Apr 25

* Prices above are based on twin-share (multi-share on train). If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for €885 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map, as part of the trip price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.54 for important info. Please note: the flight from Hanoi to Bangkok is optional & comes at an additional cost. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year & water festival) or Laos for Pi-Mai Lao (Laos New Year & water festival) or Vietnam for Tet (Vietnamese New Year). Arrival transfers & return flight to Bangkok are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54.

ASIA 2018/19 29

ASIAN ADVENTURE 16Ì DAYS

|

3ÌCOUNTRIES

|

FROM

€2015 *

|

FROM

& N E WO V E D IM P RE R A RY IT IN

€126 *PP/PD

FRENCH MANSIONS, ANCIENT RUINS & BLISSFUL BOAT RIDES ARE JUST THE BEGINNING

#ASIANADVENTURE

KANCHANABURI THAILAND

AMAZING LOVED EVERY MOMENT. Was definitely money well spent! Would do it all over again a million times.

AS REVIEWED BY OUR RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @_SHANN._

30 ASIA 2018/19

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@MEGONCHRISTIAN

CONTIKI.COM/ASIAN-ADVENTURE

@SHARNIAMEDURI

Sophie Baird

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 20

NIGHTS

INCLUDEDMEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Unique Special Stays: 1 overnight train, 1 night in a floating hotel, 1 night in a Guesthouse & 12 nights in 3 star hotels

15 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D)

Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 2 internal flights

F Ziplining in Chiang Mai F Kuang Si waterfalls trip in Luang Prabang F Sunset quad biking, Siem Reap

DAY 5 - 6 Chiang Mai Our last destination in Thailand will entertain us with buzzing night markets, an exotic Old Quarter, & a dazzling line up of temples. In between sites you can feast on the intense flavours of northern Thai food, inhaling an abundance of lemongrass, chili & coconut. Hotel (B)(B) F Flight of the Gibbon Ziplining F Thai Cooking Class & Market Visit

DAY 4 Overnight Train (Ayutthaya - Chiang Mai) We’ll start our day with a visit to the breathtaking Erawan Falls for a quick dip before we stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya. We’ll grab bikes & cycle past rice paddies, temples & quaint villages before we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. (B) Overnight Train

DAY 3 Kanchanaburi We’ll wake up in jungle paradise, & start our day with a visit to the notorious Death Railway & see the bridge over the River Kwai. Later, we’ll head to a local elephant sanctuary to see how the rescued elephants are cared for. Hotel (B,L)

DAY 7 Pakbeng Taking a border hop we’ll cross out of Thailand & into Laos. After collecting our passport stamps we’ll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local boat. Remote, traditional, & endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveller’s dream. (B,D) Guest house Special Stay

8

1

Places visited Itinerary day Special Stay night Coach or train Plane or boat

Kanchanaburi

• Sunrise at Angkor Wat

• Khlong Tour with fish feeding in Bangkok

DAY 8 - 9 Luang Prabang Early risers will be rewarded by the sacred Laotian ritual of offering alms (food) to Buddhist Monks. Later we will explore Luang Prabang by bike, visiting the TreadRight supported Ock Pop Tock Centre for Artisans. Hotel (B,L,B) F Kuang Si waterfall visit

LUANG PRABANG

LAOS

CHIANG MAI

VANG 10 VIENG (2 nights)

5

12

VIENTIANE (1 night)

DAY 13 Phnom Penh A short flight will land us amidst the shy smiles & tree-lined streets of Phnom Penh. We’ll learn of the horrific Khmer Rouge rule at the ‘Killing Fields’ & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, before having the mood lightened by a life changing TREE Alliance restaurant. Hotel (B,D)

(2 nights)

4

(1 night) THAILAND

KANCHANABURI (2 nights)

2

3

Ayutthaya END

1 16 14

SIEM REAP

START

CAMBODIA

(2 nights)

13

START

DAY 10 - 11 Vang Vieng Limestone karsts & delicious Lao Pancakes will be waiting in Vang Vieng after a scenic overland journey.

We’ll find swimming holes, explore caves & watch the sun drop behind the mountains on two blissful nights in this town. Hotel (B)(B) F Kayaking & Caving Experience

DAY 12 Vientiane The quaint capital of Laos will greet us with warmth & Mekong charm.

Here in Vientiane we’ll see sights like Pha That Luang stupa, & lend a hand at the COPE centre – a local charity working with land mine victims.

Hotel (B)

(1 night)

(1 night)

1

• Elephant Haven Sai Yok

7

BANGKOK DAY 2 Kanchanaburi After a visit to the Grand Palace & a long tail boat ride, we’ll change our pace & move from Bangkok to the calmer scene of the River Kwai. Here in Kanchanaburi we’ll learn the art of living off the grid & spend a night drifting on a jungle raft. (B,D) Floating hotel Special Stay

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

(2 nights)

PAKBENG

DISCOVERER

15

PHNOM PENH

6:00PM BANGKOK

(1 night)

DAY 1 Bangkok Hot, hustling, & completely addictive, Bangkok will lure us in & play host to our first day on tour. You’ll have time to unwind & enjoy the hotel before we unite & get acquainted over dinner. Hotel

END

9:00AM SIEM REAP

DAY 16 Siem Reap Our trip will wrap up in Siem Reap shortly after our final team breakfast.

We’ll go our separate ways after saying somber goodbyes & making sincere plans to organise a reunion tour. (B)

DAY 14 - 15 Siem Reap Flying out of Phnom Penh we’ll arrive in Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat, the bustling Pub Street & traditional markets. On day-15 we’ll journey through dawn’s hours to catch the first rays of sunlight on the town’s jungle tangled spiritual masterpiece.

Hotel (B)(B) F Quad Biking at Sunset

H OW MUC H & WH E N 2018

CODE: ASAD

€2015 Start Jan 2 Jan 6 Jan 9 Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23 ● Jan 27 ● Jan 30 ●

End Jan 17 Jan 21 Jan 24 Jan 28 Jan 31 Feb 4 Feb 7 Feb 11 Feb 14

START BANGKOK & FINISH SIEM REAP

Start Feb 3 Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31

End Feb 18 Feb 25 Mar 4 Mar 11 Mar 18 Mar 25 Apr 1 Apr 8 Apr 15

TRAVELLING BETWEEN 02 JAN & 31 MAR 2018? THE BELOW TRIPS (ASAD 2018) FEATURE A SLIGHTLY MODIFIED ITINERARY. SEE BELOW FOR START & END TIMES & VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ASIAN-ADVENTURE FOR FULL DETAILS.

Start Apr 7 ● Apr 14 ● Apr 21 Apr 28 May5 May12 May19 May26 Jun 2

End Apr 22 Apr 29 May6 May13 May20 May27 Jun 3 Jun 10 Jun 17

Start Jun 5 Jun 9 Jun 12 Jun 16 Jun 19 Jun 23 Jun 26 Jun 30 Jul 3

End Jun 20 Jun 24 Jun 27 Jul 1 Jul 4 Jul 8 Jul 11 Jul 15 Jul 18

Start Jul 7 Jul 10 Jul 14 Jul 17 Jul 21 Jul 24 Jul 28 Aug 4 Aug 11

End Jul 22 Jul 25 Jul 29 Aug 1 Aug 5 Aug 8 Aug 12 Aug 19 Aug 26

Start Aug 18 Aug 25 Sep 1 Sep 8 Sep 15 Sep 22 Sep 29 Oct 6 Oct 13

End Sep 2 Sep 9 Sep 16 Sep 23 Sep 30 Oct 7 Oct 14 Oct 21 Oct 28

Start Oct 20 Oct 27 Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 24 Nov 27

End Nov 4 Nov 11 Nov 18 Nov 25 Nov 28 Dec 2 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 12

Start Dec 1 Dec 4 Dec 8 Dec 11 Dec 15 Dec 18 Dec 22 Dec 25 Dec 29

End Dec 16 Dec 19 Dec 23 Dec 26 Dec 30 Jan 2 Jan 6 Jan 9 Jan 13

Start 2019 Jan 1 Jan 5 Jan 8 Jan 12 Jan 15 Jan 19 Jan 22 Jan 26

End

Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb

16 20 23 27 30 3 6 10

Start Feb 2 Feb 9 Feb 16 Feb 23 Mar 2 Mar 9 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30

End Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 Apr 14

* Prices above are based on twin-share (multi-share on train). If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for €475 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map opposite, as part of the trip price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.54 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year & water festival) or Laos for Pi-Mai Lao (Laos New Year & water festival). Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54. Note: This trip is part of the Big Indochina Adventure, so when you leave Siem Reap you’ll be waving goodbye to your group as they depart for Vietnam. Can’t take the FOMO? Why not extend your stay for even more fun through Asia.

ASIA 2018/19 31

BANGKOK TO SINGAPORE ADVENTURE 14Ì DAYS

|

3ÌCOUNTRIES

|

FROM

€1945 *

|

FROM

€139 *PP/PD

#BANGKOKSINGAPOREADVENTURE

GARDEN CITIES, A PARADISIACAL ARCHIPELAGO, LUSH HIGHLANDS, & ALL THE FOOD

BANGKOK THAILAND

Night scenes, beach days, excursions & hot weather. The special stays were some of the greatest nights on the trip.

There is no better way to travel because of the included hotel & transportation. No chance I could have done that trip by myself in 14 days!

AS REVIEWED BY OUR RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @_SHANN._

32 ASIA 2018/19

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@ASHLEIGHSUZI

CONTIKI.COM/BANGKOK-SINGAPORE-ADV

@NAT.ASIA

Kennedy Meyer

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 16

NIGHTS

INCLUDEDMEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Unique Special Stays: 1 night overnight train, 1 night treehouse, 1 night floating cabin & 10 nights in hotels

12 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)

Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 1 internal flight

F Half day Islands cruise, Krabi F Sunset Cruise with Dinner, Langkawi

START

DISCOVERER

13

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Cheow Larn Lake Stay • Guided Walking Tour of Georgetown Street Art

• Cameron Highland Countryside Tour

6:00PM BANGKOK

DAY 1 Bangkok Hot, hustling, & completely addictive, Bangkok will lure us in & play host to our first day on tour. You’ll have time to unwind & enjoy the hotel before we unite & get acquainted. Hotel

DAY 2 Overnight train to Surat Thani The intricacies of the Grand Palace of Bangkok will be peeled back by a Local Guide or if that’s not your thing, dig into some street food or indulge in a Thai massage. Come evening we’ll be riding the comfortable overnight train to Surat Thani. (B) Overnight Train F Grand Palace Guided Tour

START

THAILAND

DAY 3 Khao Sok Soon after arriving in Surat Thani, we’ll be canoeing down the Sok River, stopping for bamboo tea & monkey spotting. We’ll make our way into the Khao Sok jungle where our treetop accommodation awaits. Time here will be spent enjoying the river by swim or tube, & taking in limestone cliffs with a fresh juice in hand. (L) Jungle Tree House Special Stay

DAY 4 Khao Sok Today’s adventure takes us to the Cheow Larn lake & our raft hut accommodation for the evening.

By day we’ll cruise the oldest lake in Southern Thailand, kayaking, swimming & soaking up the sun.

By night we’ll be treated to a feast prepared by local families while the sun sets on another day in this jungle paradise. (B,L,D) Floating Raft Huts Special Stay

DAY 7 - 8 Langkawi Heading south along the Thai peninsula, we’ll arrive in Satun, where a ferry ride will land us in an untapped archipelago & a new country - Malaysia. For two days we will be free to lose sense of time amidst the slanted palm trees, teal waters & mountainous backdrop of Langkawi Island. Hotel (B)(B) F Sunset Dinner Cruise

DAY 5 - 6 Krabi (Ao Nang) Whether you choose to lay poolside armed with coconuts & cocktails or get out to visit the Tiger Cave Temple & roam the markets, Krabi will enchant. Monkeys, sunsets & pretty island vistas – you may never want to leave. Hotel (B)(B) F Half Day Islands Cruise

BANGKOK

1

(1 night)

DAY 9 Penang Offering the perfect contrast to island tranquility, Penang will change the pace with its bright lights & sensory delights. We’ll devour a fusion of Indian, Chinese & Malaysian street food & absorb the history of the UNESCO marked city.

Hotel (B)

KHAO SOK

2 (1 night)

Surat Thani

3

(2 nights)

DAY 10 - 11 Cameron Highlands Moving on from Penang we’ll arrive amidst the wild guava & chirping birds of Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands. Here we’ll walk through the tea fields of the Boh Tea Plantation, indulge in a traditional dinner using the unique steam cooking method famous in the area, & gulp plenty of strawberries & fresh mountain air. Hotel (B,D)(B)

1 1

5

KRABI (2 nights)

(2 nights)

LANGKAWI

Satun

7

PENANG

9

(1 night)

CAMERON HIGHLANDS 10

DAY 12 Kuala Lumpur Our love affair with Kuala Lumpur will begin by seeing the Petronas Twin Towers – the tallest twin buildings in the world. Eating & shopping will then seal the deal, leaving us mesmerised by this chaotic capital. Hotel (B)

Places visited Itinerary day Special Stay night Coach or train Boat or plane

(2 nights)

MALAYSIA

KUALA 12 LUMPUR (1 night)

END

END

DAY 13 Singapore After a short flight out of Malaysia we’ll land in the immaculate Asian metropolis that is Singapore. Our last night together will be open to opportunities; waterside cocktails at Marina Bay Sands being one of the most tempting. Hotel (B)

13 14

9:00AM SINGAPORE

DAY 14 Singapore Our time together will wrap up in the arms of Singapore’s skyscrapers.

We’ll say heartfelt goodbyes before going our separate ways, leaving with a deep & unwavering appreciation for this special Asian region. (B)

SINGAPORE (1 night)

H OW MUC H & WH E N 2018 CODE: BKSG START BANGKOK & FINISH SINGAPORE TRAVELLING BETWEEN 02 JAN & 31 MAR 2018? THE BELOW TRIPS (BKSG 2018) FEATURE A SLIGHTLY MODIFIED ITINERARY. SEE BELOW FOR START & END TIMES & VISIT CONTIKI.COM/BANGKOK-SINGAPORE-ADV FOR FULL DETAILS.

€1945 Start Jan 7 Jan 21 Feb 4

End Jan 20 Feb 3 Feb 17

€2135 Start Oct 28

End Nov 10

Start Feb 18 Mar 4 Mar 18

End Mar 3 Mar 17 Mar 31

€2125

Nov 11 Nov 25

Nov 24 Dec 8

€2125 Start Apr 1

End Apr 14

€2195 Start End Apr 15 ● Apr 28

€2125 Start Apr 29 May13 May27

€2175 Start Dec 9

€2385 End Dec 22

Dec 23

€2125 Start 2019 Jan 6 Jan 20

Jan 5

End May12 May26 Jun 9

€2185 Start Jun 10

End Jun 23

€2175 End

Feb 3 Jan 19 Feb 2

Feb 16

€2125 Start Jun 24 Jul 8

End Jul 7 Jul 21

€2125 Start Feb 17 Mar 3 Mar 17 Mar 31

End Mar 2 Mar 16 Mar 30 Apr 13

€2135 Start Jul 22

End Aug 4

€2125 Start Aug 5 Aug 19 Sep 2

End Aug 18 Sep 1 Sep 15

Start Sep 16 Sep 30 Oct 14

End Sep 29 Oct 13 Oct 27

* Prices above are based on twin-share (multi-share on train). If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available from €545 (only applicable in hotels). A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year & water festival). Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54.

ASIA 2018/19 33

In-Depth Explorer LIVE LOCAL

Some countries are so unique and culturally quirky, they deserve your undivided attention. Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, China & India, all fall within this category. So, we created In-Depth Explorer; trips designed specifically to get you seeing, breathing, tasting, experiencing and generally living the local way of life in each of these countries. Culture packed, foodie fabulous and often utterly beautiful, In-Depth Explorer is the only way to live truly local.

ARE YOU AN IN-DEPTH EXPLORER TRAVELLER?

•

•

Do you like the sound of a Japanese onsen experience, cruising the sunny backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat, or walking a stretch of the Great Wall of China?

7 TRIPS FROM 7 - 13 DAYS FROM €110

P/D

-D

•

Do you want to get to know a particular country in detail?

Do you want to learn about the food, history, culture and local traditions of a certain country?

Do you want to spend less time travelling and more time exploring?

EP

TH

IN

•

O

RE

R

Head to contiki.com/deals for all our latest promotions CONTIKI.COM/IN-DEPTH-EXPLORER-ASIA

34 ASIA 2018/19

EX

PL

10Ì DAYS

|

1ÌCOUNTRY

|

FROM

€1295 *

|

FROM

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS €130 *PP/PD

DIP YOUR TOES INTO VIETNAMESE LIFE, CYCLO RIDES & BEACH FUN

HOI AN VIETNAM

WH AT Y O U NE E D TO KN O W NIGHTS Unique Special Stay: 1 night on a Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay & 8 nights in 3 star hotels

9

INCLUDED MEALS 9 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 1 dinner (D)

12

ESSENTIALS 3 internal flights, See p.54 for more info on our standard essentials.

FREE TIME ADD-ONS F See itinerary & visit contiki.com for further details NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Guided bike ride through Hoi An old town • Cyclo ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel

DAY 6 Hue The former imperial town of Hue offers no shortage of charm, with lotus flower ponds, intricately decorated pavilions, & an artistic soul. We’ll take a cyclo to the Imperial Citadel & learn of a horrific Buddhist massacre at Thien Mu Pagoda. Hotel (B) F Group photo at Hue’s Imperial Citadel F Hue Street food walking tour DAY 7 Hanoi Flying into the country’s capital, we’ll find a mesmerising fusion of French, Chinese & Vietnamese, & settle into our hotel in the middle of the bustling Old Quarter. Here we’ll be left smitten by the gardens of the Temple of Literature & 36 trading streets offering an array of local goods. Hotel (B) DAY 8 Halong Bay A Chinese style junk boat will drift us around the lime stone island setting of the Gulf of Tonkin, offering complete serenity for our time in Halong Bay. We’ll explore the Sung Sot Caves, swim in lagoons, & eat seafood over a picturesque sunset. (B,L,D) Junk Boat Special Stay

DAY 4 - 5 Hoi An After a quick flight & coastal drive, we’ll arrive in Hoi An amidst charm & architecture influenced by many parts of the world. Here we can visit the UNESCO Old Quarter, cycle past rice fields, & see traditional pottery & silk weaving at the local markets.

Hotel (B)(B) F Tasty Vietnamese cooking class F Marble Mountains Tour

END

VIETNAM

HANOI (2 nights)

10

9

7

8

HALONG BAY (1 night)

END

9:00AM HANOI

6

HUE

(1 night)

DAY 10 Hanoi Our trip will wrap up in Hanoi shortly after our final team breakfast. We’ll go our separate ways after saying goodbyes & making plans to organise a reunion trip. (B) DAY 9 Hanoi After a last bout of grotto swimming & monkey spotting in Halong Bay, we’ll head back to Hanoi for our final night. The quirky water puppet performance in Red River Delta will offer the perfect warmup to our final evening together. Hotel (B,L) F Kayaking on Halong Bay

DAY 2 - 3 Nha Trang After a final bout of Ho Chi Minh exploring, we’ll take flight to the coastal town of Nha Trang. Golden sand beaches & turquoise waters will offer us water sports, sunsets, & the chance to soak up the town’s laidback lifestyle. Hotel (B)(B) F Relaxing cruise with swim stops & snorkelling F Mud bath & Hot Springs experience

START

6:00PM HO CHI MINH CITY

Da Nang

DAY 1 Ho Chi Minh Stepping into a whirl of scooters & skyscrapers, you’ll unwind in the hotel before uniting with the Trip Manager & team to get the low down on the days ahead. We’ll waste no time kicking off the Vietnam exploring, why not get acquainted over pho at the Ben Thanh markets. Hotel

4

HOI AN (2 nights)

2

NHA TRANG (2 nights)

START

1

HO CHI MINH CITY

1

(1 night)

1

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stay night Coach or train Plane

H OW MUC H & WH E N CODE: VIHI

End Jan 28 Feb 1 Feb 4 Feb 8 Feb 11 Feb 15 Feb 18 Feb 22 Feb 25

START HO CHI MINH CITY & FINISH HANOI

Start Feb 20 Feb 27 Mar 6 Mar 13 Mar 20 Mar 27 Apr 3 Apr 10 Apr 17

End Mar 1 Mar 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Mar 29 Apr 5 Apr 12 Apr 19 Apr 26

Start Apr 24 May1 May8 May15 May22 May29 Jun 5 Jun 12 Jun 19

End May3 May10 May17 May24 May31 Jun 7 Jun 14 Jun 21 Jun 28

Start Jun 22 Jun 26 Jun 29 Jul 3 Jul 6 Jul 10 Jul 13 Jul 17 Jul 20

End Jul 1 Jul 5 Jul 8 Jul 12 Jul 15 Jul 19 Jul 22 Jul 26 Jul 29

Start Jul 24 Jul 27 Jul 31 Aug 3 Aug 7 Aug 10 Aug 14 Aug 21 Aug 28

End Aug 2 Aug 5 Aug 9 Aug 12 Aug 16 Aug 19 Aug 23 Aug 30 Sep 6

Start Sep 4 Sep 11 Sep 18 Sep 25 Oct 2 Oct 9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30

End Sep 13 Sep 20 Sep 27 Oct 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Nov 1 Nov 8

Start Nov 6 Nov 13 Nov 20 Nov 27 Nov 30 Dec 4 Dec 7 Dec 11 Dec 14

End Nov 15 Nov 22 Nov 29 Dec 6 Dec 9 Dec 13 Dec 16 Dec 20 Dec 23

Start Dec 18 Dec 21 Dec 25 Dec 28 2019 Jan 1 Jan 4 Jan 8 Jan 11

End Dec 27 Dec 30 Jan 3 Jan 6

Jan Jan Jan Jan

10 13 17 20

Start Jan 15 Jan 18 Jan 22 Jan 25 Jan 29 ● Feb 1 ● Feb 5 ● Feb 8 Feb 12

End Jan 24 Jan 27 Jan 31 Feb 3 Feb 7 Feb 10 Feb 14 Feb 17 Feb 21

Start Feb 19 Feb 26 Mar 5 Mar 12 Mar 19 Mar 26 Apr 2 Apr 9 Apr 16

End Feb 28 Mar 7 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 28 Apr 4 Apr 11 Apr 18 Apr 25

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for €359 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map above, as part of the trip price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.54 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Vietnam for Tet (Vietnamese New Year). Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54. Note: This trip is part of our epic 27-day Big Indochina Adventure, so when you start your trip, you’ll be meeting travellers who have already had a taste of what it’s like to explore Asia with Contiki, & who’ll be excited to have new friends for the adventure.

CONTIKI.COM/VIETNAM-HIGHLIGHTS

ASIA 2018/19 35

#VIETNAMHIGHLIGHTS

2018

€1295 Start Jan 19 Jan 23 Jan 26 Jan 30 Feb 2 Feb 6 Feb 9 ● Feb 13 ● Feb 16 ●

VIETNAM EXPERIENCE 12Ì DAYS

|

1ÌCOUNTRY

|

FROM

€1559 *

|

FROM

€130 *PP/PD

VIBRANT NIGHTLIFE, SECRET GARDENS & CUISINE WITH A KICK: MEET VIETNAM

#VIETNAMEXPERIENCE

HOI AN VIETNAM

Brilliant Trip Manager, hotel rooms & activities. Could not be better! Vietnam Experience is most certainly value for money.

AS REVIEWED BY OUR RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @GILLIGANLOVESMARYANN

36 ASIA 2018/19

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@JT_JENKINS

CONTIKI.COM/VIETNAM-EXPERIENCE

@JT_JENKINS

Caelyn Stegmann

TOP EXPERIENCES

11

16

NIGHTS Unique Special Stays: 1 night in a Guesthouse in the Mekong Delta, 1 night on a Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay & 9 nights in 3 star hotels

INCLUDEDMEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

11 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)

Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 3 internal flights

F Cruise & swimming day trip, Nha Trang F Street food tour, Hue

DAY 10 Halong Bay A Chinese style junk boat will drift us around the lime stone island setting of the Gulf of Tonkin, offering complete serenity for our time in Halong Bay. We’ll explore the Sung Sot Caves, swim in lagoons, & eat seafood over a picturesque sunset. (B,L,D) Junk Boat Special Stay

DAY 9 Hanoi Flying into the country’s capital, we’ll find a mesmerising fusion of French, Chinese & Vietnamese, & settle into our hotel in the middle of the bustling Old Quarter. Here we’ll be left smitten by the gardens of the Temple of Literature & 36 trading streets offering an array of local goods.

Hotel (B)

VIETNAM

(2 nights)

12

11

9

10

An old town

• Hue’s ancient Citadel • Visit the Cu Chi tunnels

DAY 6 - 7 Hoi An After a quick flight & coastal drive, we’ll arrive in Hoi An amidst charm & architecture influenced by many parts of the world. Here we can visit the UNESCO Old Quarter, cycle past rice fields, & see traditional pottery & silk weaving at the local markets.

Hotel (B)(B) F Tasty Vietnamese cooking class F Marble Mountains Tour

HALONG BAY (1 night)

DAY 4 - 5 Nha Trang After a final bout of Ho Chi Minh exploring, we’ll take flight to the coastal town of Nha Trang. Golden sand beaches & turquoise waters will offer us water sports, sunsets, & the chance to soak up the town’s laidback lifestyle. Hotel (B)(B) F Mud bath & Hot Springs experience F Cruise & swimming day trip

HUE

8

DAY 11 Hanoi After a last bout of grotto swimming & monkey spotting in Halong Bay, we’ll head back to Hanoi for our final night. The quirky water puppet performance in Red River Delta will offer the perfect warmup to our final evening together. Hotel (B,L) F Kayaking on Halong Bay

(1 night) Da Nang

6

HOI AN (2 nights)

4

END

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Guided bike ride through Hoi

DAY 8 Hue The former imperial town of Hue offers no shortage of charm, with lotus flower ponds, intricately decorated pavilions, & an artistic soul.

We’ll take a cyclo to the Imperial Citadel & learn of a horrific Buddhist massacre at Thien Mu Pagoda.

Hotel (B) F Group photo at Hue’s Imperial Citadel F Hue Street food walking tour

END

HANOI

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

NHA TRANG (2 nights)

9:00AM HANOI

DAY 12 Hanoi Our trip will wrap up in Hanoi shortly after our final team breakfast. We’ll go our separate ways after saying somber goodbyes & making sincere plans to organise a reunion tour. (B)

1

3

HO CHI MINH CITY (2 nights)

2

START

MEKONG DELTA

6:00PM HO CHI MINH CITY

START

(1 night)

1 1

DAY 1 Ho Chi Minh Stepping into a whirl of scooters & skyscrapers, you’ll unwind in the hotel before uniting with the Trip Manager & team to get the low down on the days ahead. We’ll waste no time kicking off the Vietnam exploring, getting acquainted over pho at the Ben Thanh markets. Hotel

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stay night Coach or train Plane

DAY 2 Mekong Delta We’ll rise & shine for a journey to the Mekong Delta, landing us amidst floating markets, sampans (local boats) & artisans going about their craft. By night we’ll mix with the locals & have dinner at our special guest house. (B,L,D) Guest house Special Stay

DAY 3 Ho Chi Minh Leaving the Mekong after breakfast, we’ll journey back to Ho Chi Minh’s addictive mania via the Viet Cong’s tunnels in Cu Chi. Here we will marvel at traps, hidden doors & 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand. Hotel (B)

H OW MUC H & WH E N 2018

CODE: VIEP

€1559 Start Jan 17 Jan 21 Jan 24 Jan 28 Jan 31 Feb 4 Feb 7 ● Feb 11 ● Feb 14 ●

End Dec 28 Feb 1 Feb 4 Feb 8 Feb 11 Feb 15 Feb 18 Feb 22 Feb 25

START HO CHI MINH CITY & FINISH HANOI

Start Feb 18 Feb 25 Mar 4 Mar 11 Mar 18 Mar 25 Apr 1 Apr 8 Apr 15

End Mar 1 Mar 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Mar 29 Apr 5 Apr 12 Apr 19 Apr 26

Start Apr 22 Apr 29 May6 May13 May20 May27 Jun 3 Jun 10 Jun 17

End May3 May10 May17 May24 May31 Jun 7 Jun 14 Jun 21 Jun 28

Start Jun 20 Jun 24 Jun 27 Jul 1 Jul 4 Jul 8 Jul 11 Jul 15 Jul 18

End Jul 1 Jul 5 Jul 8 Jul 12 Jul 15 Jul 19 Jul 22 Jul 26 Jul 29

Start Jul 22 Jul 25 Jul 29 Aug 1 Aug 5 Aug 8 Aug 12 Aug 19 Aug 26

End Aug 2 Aug 5 Aug 9 Aug 12 Aug 16 Aug 19 Aug 23 Aug 30 Sep 6

Start Sep 2 Sep 9 Sep 16 Sep 23 Sep 30 Oct 7 Oct 14 Oct 21 Oct 28

End Sep 13 Sep 20 Sep 27 Oct 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Nov 1 Nov 8

Start Nov 4 Nov 11 Nov 18 Nov 25 Nov 28 Dec 2 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 12

End Nov 15 Nov 22 Nov 29 Dec 6 Dec 9 Dec 13 Dec 16 Dec 20 Dec 23

Start Dec 16 Dec 19 Dec 23 Dec 26 Dec 30 2019 Jan 2 Jan 6 Jan 9

End Dec 27 Dec 30 Jan 3 Jan 6 Jan 10

Jan 13 Jan 17 Jan 20

Start Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23 Jan 27 ● Jan 30 ● Feb 3 ● Feb 6 Feb 10

End Jan 24 Jan 27 Jan 31 Feb 3 Feb 7 Feb 10 Feb 14 Feb 17 Feb 21

Start Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 Apr 14

End Feb 28 Mar 7 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 28 Apr 4 Apr 11 Apr 18 Apr 25

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for €415 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map opposite, as part of the trip price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.54 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Vietnam for Tet (Vietnamese New Year). Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54. Note: This trip is part of our epic 27-day Big Indochina Adventure, so when you start your trip, you’ll be meeting travellers who have already had a taste of what it’s like to explore Asia with Contiki, & who’ll be excited to have new friends for the adventure.

ASIA 2018/19 37

JAPAN UNRIVALLED 13Ì DAYS

|

1ÌCOUNTRY

|

FROM

€3755 *

|

FROM

€289 *PP/PD

TREAT YOUR SENSES TO SERENE BEAUTY, TASTE, & ALL OUT WTF IN MIGHTY JAPAN.

#JAPANUNRIVALLED

KYOTO JAPAN

The trip exceeded all expectations, there was a nice balance of included activities, Add-Ons & free time. Our Trip Manager was a seasoned expert & was informative, organised, & fun. We stayed in very nice hotels, well worth the cost

AS REVIEWED BY OUR RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @JT_JENKINS

38 ASIA 2018/19

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@STEHEN_LASSEN

CONTIKI.COM/JAPAN-UNRIVALLED

@NAT.ASIA

Christopher Estes

TOP EXPERIENCES

12

14

NIGHTS

INCLUDEDMEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

12 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport & bullet trains

F Robot restaurant, Tokyo F Sushi-making experience, Tokyo F Hida Beef dinner, Takayama

Unique Special Stays: 1 night in a Ryokan in Hakone, 1 night in a Shukubo on Mt Koya & 10 nights in 3 star hotels

DAY 5 - 6 Takayama Now enamoured by hot springs, we’ll move on to Takayama where we’ll find them in our own hotel. This hilly village of wooden buildings will be yours to explore, from the morning markets to the historic Edo period Jinya house & Hida Folk Village.

Hotel (B)(B) F Hida beef dinner DAY 7 - 8 Hiroshima After an exhilarating ride on the Shinkansen (bullet train), we’ll arrive in Hiroshima. Here we’ll recount the WWII bombing tragedy & uncover what is now a city enveloped in peace. A ferry to Miyajima Island & the Itsukushima Shrine will complete our Hiroshima experience. Hotel (B)(B)

1

the Peace Memorial Museum

• Sightseeing tour of Kyoto

DAY 2 - 3 Tokyo From the lake woven grounds of the Imperial Palace to the wild fashion district of Harajuku & Shibuya, Tokyo will reveal itself & offer limitless inspiration. We’ll take you to all the iconic spots & leave you with plenty of time to indulge in sushi land adventures of your own. Hotel (B)(B) F Show at the Robot Restaurant F Onsen experience

START

TAKAYAMA (2 nights)

9

6:00PM TOKYO

KYOTO

OSAKA

7

12

DAY 1 Tokyo Landing in the eccentric Japanese capital of Tokyo, we’ll get comfortable in our hotel before uniting with the team for a low down on the days ahead. Night one will be ours for getting acquainted. Hotel

Matsumoto

5

TOKYO (3 nights) START

1

Mt Fuji

4

(2 nights)

(2 nights)

1

of Tokyo

• Ferry to Miyajima Island & visit

JAPAN

HIROSHIMA

Places visited Itinerary day Special Stay night Coach or train

• Locally guided city tour

DAY 4 Hakone This morning, see the wonder that is the Tsukiji Fish markets before our first overland journey will take us south to the haven of mountain vistas that is Hakone. Here we will enjoy a hot spring dip & nest in the arms of true hospitality at a traditional Japanese guesthouse. (B,D) Contiki Special Stay Ryokan F Sushi-making

DAY 9 - 10 Kyoto A golden castle, manicured gardens, a Sake making museum…Kyoto is nothing shy of incredible & we’ll share its intricacies artfully. Known as the culture hub & land of the Geisha, prepare to see a rainbow of kimonos & wooden platform shoes. Hotel (B)(B)

DAY 11 Kyoto to Mt Koya Making our way to Wakayama via train, we’ll slip into the Zen lands of Mount Koya. After being welcomed into a Buddhist guesthouse we’ll savour mindfulness, the pristine natural setting, & not least of all, traditional Buddhist food. (B,D) Contiki Special Stay Shukubo

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

HAKONE (1 night)

13

(1 nights)

Miyajima Island

END

11

MT KOYA (1 night)

DAY 12 Osaka Osaka will offer a complete contrast to our mindful mountain moments.

Here we can jump back into the neon kanji signs of a buzzing Japanese city, & sip local beer to ease the pain of Karaoke. Hotel (B) F Izakaya dinner

END

9:00AM OSAKA

DAY 13 Osaka Our Japanese fairytale will end in Osaka, leaving us to share somber goodbyes & depart with many incredible memories. (B)

H OW MUC H & WH E N 2018

€3955 Start Mar 24 Mar 31

€3955 Start 2019 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30

CODE: JAPN

End Apr 5 Apr 12

End

Mar 28 Apr 4 Apr 11

START TOKYO & FINISH OSAKA

€3865 Start Apr 7

End Apr 19

€3815 Start Apr 14

End Apr 26

€3865 Start Apr 21 May5

End May3 May17

€3865 Start Apr 6

End Apr 18

€3815 Start Apr 13

End Apr 25

€3865 Start Apr 20 May4

End May2 May16

€3755 Start May19 Jun 2 Jun 16 Jun 30 Jul 14

End May31 Jun 14 Jun 28 Jul 12 Jul 26

€3755 Start May18 Jun 1 Jun 15 Jun 29 Jul 13

End May30 Jun 13 Jun 27 Jul 11 Jul 25

€3815 Start Jul 28 Aug 11 Aug 25

End Aug 9 Aug 23 Sep 6

€3815 Start Jul 27 Aug 10 Aug 24

End Aug 8 Aug 22 Sep 5

€3865 Start Sep 8

End Sep 20

€3815 Start Sep 22

End Oct 4

€3865 Start Sep 7

End Sep 19

€3815 Start Sep 21

End Oct 3

€3865 Start Oct 6 Oct 20

End Oct 18 Nov 1

€3865 Start Oct 5 Oct 19 Oct 26

End Oct 17 Oct 31 Nov 7

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available from €885 (only applicable in hotels). Triple-share reduction of €65 available. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54.

ASIA 2018/19 39

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

CHINA ADVENTURE 12Ì DAYS

|

1ÌCOUNTRY

|

FROM

€2649 *

|

FROM

& N E WO V E D IM P RE R A RY IT IN

€221 *PP/PD

FROM GREAT WALLS TO HUSTLING CITIES, PEKING DUCK AND SO MUCH MORE.

#CHINAADVENTURE

GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Contiki China was great, our Trip Manager was very knowledgeable & professional.

There were lots of great inclusions - it was great value for money!

AS REVIEWED BY OUR RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @BECKI2411

40 ASIA 2018/19

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@MR.JAKERICH

CONTIKI.COM/CHINA-ADVENTURE

@MR.JAKERICH

Anthea Jones

TOP EXPERIENCES

11

17

NIGHTS 10 nights in 3 star hotels 1 overnight train

INCLUDEDMEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

11 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D)

Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 3 internal flights

F Tang dynasty show & dinner in Xi’an F Cooking class in Yangshuo

START

DAY 4 Overnight Train Feeling plump on Peking duck & in awe of Beijing, we’ll move on to our next destination. Taking it local on the overnight train, we’ll drift through countryside en route to Xi’an. (B,L,D) Overnight Train

DAY 2 - 3 Beijing Prepare to have your mind boggled by the lands of Beijing, as we visit an art precinct built into decommissioned military factories, the ancient tombs of 13 Ming Dynasty Emperors & not least of all, the Great Wall of China.

Hotel (B,L,D)(B)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Lunch with a local family in a Beijing hutong

• Entry & guided visit of the Forbidden City

• Visit a Panda Sanctuary

6:00PM BEIJING

DAY 1 Arrive Beijing Arriving in Beijing you’ll be welcomed into China’s epicentre of politics, education & culture. You can settle into the hotel before our first team catch up by night, at which time we’ll get to know each other over the bright lights & bustling streets of the capital. Hotel

56#46

Great Wall of China

1

$'Đ+0) (3 nights)

) ht nig (1

4

DAY 5 Xi’an Xi’an will continue in the theme of history, as we visit the UNESCO listed site of the Terracotta Army & stroll the Shaanxi folk & ancient Chinese art of TangBo museum. We’ll also take an exhilarating cycle on the old city walls, & visit a grand mosque & bustling Muslim bazaar. Hotel (B,L) F Spectacular Tang Dynasty show & dinner

5

:+¥#0 (1 night)

CHINA

END

'0&

6

10 12

%*'0)&7

5*#0)*#+

DAY 12 Shanghai Our trip will wrap up amidst the bustle of Shanghai, shortly after a final team breakfast. We’ll say heartfelt goodbyes before going our separate ways, now armed with a deep affection for this country. (B)

(2 nights)

(2 nights)

9:00AM SHANGHAI

Guilin

8

DAY 6 - 7 Chengdu A short flight will drift us out of Xi’an, & land us in a city dotted with teahouses & livened by an expanding student culture. Our highlight here in Chengdu will be visiting a panda sanctuary, an endlessly cute half day experience that will stay with us forever. Hotel (B)(B) F Sichuan Cooking Class

1 1

;#0)5*71 (2 nights)

DAY 8 - 9 Yangshuo Out of Chengdu we’ll take flight to Guilin, before a scenic drive sees us in Yangshuo. Here we’ll get acquainted with China’s traditional way of life, sipping Tsingtao & shopping the late night markets. With the quaint setting of this village & surrounding limestone karsts, we may never want to leave. Hotel (B)(B) F Chinese Cooking Class

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stay night Coach or train Plane

DAY 10 - 11 Shanghai Flying into Shanghai we’ll experience the ultimate scene change, as the neon lights & urban energy become our reality. We’ll take to the dizzying heights of the Shanghai Tower, hit up the Chengheng Miao for some shopping bargains, & learn about the ancient silk trade at a silk factory.

Hotel (B,D)(B) F Acrobat Show F Farewell dinner

H OW MUC H & WH E N 2018

€2649 Start Apr 1

CODE: CHNA

End Apr 12

START BEIJING & FINISH SHANGHAI

Start May6

End May17

Start Jun 3

End Jun 14

Start Jun 24

End Jul 5

Start Jul 1

End Jul 12

Start Aug 5

End Aug 16

Start Sep 16

End Sep 27

Start Oct 7

End Oct 18

* Prices above are based on twin-share (multi-share on train). If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for €475 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map as part of the trip price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.54 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54.

ASIA 2018/19 41

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ETERNAL INDIA 12Ì DAYS

|

1ÌCOUNTRY

|

FROM

€1915 *

|

FROM

€160 *PP/PD

A FUSION OF COLOUR, CULTURE & SPIRITUALITY, THERE’S NO PLACE ELSE QUITE LIKE INDIA

#ETERNALINDIA

TAJ MAHAL AGRA

Absolutely incredible. Our trip manager Tom was full of an abundance of knowledge. Easily the trip of a lifetime, this one will be hard to top. Go to India with Contiki. They really don’t lie when they say #noregrets.

AS REVIEWED BY OUR RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @BREE_ANNAC

42 ASIA 2018/19

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@GINGY_PRINCE

CONTIKI.COM/ETERNAL-INDIA

@NIKKI_GOGAN

Sonia Diab

TOP EXPERIENCES

11

13

NIGHTS

INCLUDEDMEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

11 nights in twin-share hotels

11 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 1 dinner (D)

Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all in all destinations, Private coach transport 2 internal flights

F Ranthambhore Safari F Mumbai Bollywood Dance Class F Cooking demo & dinner with local family in Jaipur

START

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Locally guided sightseeing tour in Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur & Mumbai • Entrance into the Taj Mahal • Visit a Sikh Kitchen in Delhi

6:00PM DELHI

DAY 1 Delhi Arriving in the motherland’s capital of Delhi, we’ll join forces for a 6pm pow wow after settling into our hotel.

Wasting no time getting acquainted with India, we’ll take to the streets for dinner & our first bout of exploring.

Hotel

DAY 2 Delhi Before the first morning’s out, we’ll have seen a kaleidoscope of sights & explored Old Delhi, in part on the thrilling wheels of a rickshaw. Our senses will be delighting in colourful sarees, a commotion of noises, & a hearty serve of street food. Hotel (B)

START

DELHI

1

DAY 3 Agra After a scenic drive overland out of Delhi, we’ll arrive in the city of Agra.

Here we’ll have time to get comfortable & eat some lunch before our soul stirring step into the almighty Taj Mahal & Agra Fort. Hotel (B)

(2 nights)

JAIPUR

END

3

5

AGRA (1 night)

(2 nights)

9:00AM GOA

DAY 4 Ranthambhore Swapping out of the bustling city scene, we’ll arrive in Ranthambhore National Park. By afternoon we’ll visit Dhonk, a centre for the empowerment of local women & artisans, before arriving at our hotel where we can lounge poolside & enjoy an included dinner. Make sure you’ve pre-booked your Contiki Sunrise Safari for tomorrow - it’s an absolute must do!

Hotel (B,D)

4

DAY 12 Goa Our trip will come to a halt amidst the kingfisher beers & good times of Goa. We’ll say heartfelt goodbyes before going our separate ways (unless we’ve all decided to keep the dream alive by joining the Southern Spice trip!). (B)

UDAIPUR

RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK

7

(1 night)

(2 nights)

INDIA

MUMBAI

9

(1 night)

DAY 10 - 11 Goa After conquering Mumbai we’ll board a flight in search of the palm lined beaches of Goa. This tiny west coast oasis will offer us breathtaking sunsets, a banquet of international food, & the chance to slip into the state’s inhibition free energy. Hotel (B)(B) F Yoga on the beach F Mumbai at Dawn Tour

1

END

10 12

GOA (2 nights)

DAY 7 - 8 Udaipur The narrow lanes & marble monuments of romantic Udaipur will be ours after a drive out of Jaipur through the state of Rajasthan. Lush green hills, temples & creamy curries will delight us for two days in this city.

Hotel (B,L,B)

DAY 9 Mumbai Leaving the white city behind us, we’ll take flight to Mumbai – the birthplace of Bollywood & India’s capital of cool. We’ll guide you through the city’s greatest charms – including the Dobhi Ghat & India Gate – then leave you to make some discoveries of your own. Hotel (B) F Bollywood Dance Class

DAY 5 - 6 Jaipur The pink city of Jaipur will offer another window into the architectural & spiritual beauty of India. We’ll see the City Palace, explore markets of treasures & flowers, & enjoy leisurely evenings in the comfort of our hotel.

(B)(B) F Sunrise Safari - Ranthanbhore NP F Amber Fort trek F Cooking demonstration & local family dinner

ME to WE Looking to give back on your travels?

After finishing your Eternal India adventure in Goa, you could be spending 4 unforgettable days deep in rural & utterly beautiful Rajasthan, working alongside ME to WE. Available on 9 departures listed in the panel below. See p.24 for more details. contiki.com/metowe

Itinerary day Coach Plane

MIX & MATCH Got more time? Combine this trip with Southern Spice and see even more of India. Plus save an extra 5% with our multi-trip discount. See p.45 for departure dates & prices.

Visit contiki.com/southern-spice

H OW MUC H & WH E N 2018

CODE: INDI

€1915 Start Jan 7 Jan 14 ● Jan 21 ● Jan 28 ● €1915 Start 2019 Jan 6 Jan 13 Jan 20

End Jan 18 Jan 25 Feb 1 Feb 8

End

Jan 17 Jan 24 Jan 31

START DELHI & FINISH GOA

Start End Feb 11 ● Feb 22 Feb 25 ▲● Mar 8 Mar 11 ● Mar 22 Mar 25 ● Apr 5

Start Apr 8 ● Apr 22 ● Oct 7 Nov 4 ◆

End Apr 19 May3 Oct 18 Nov 15

Start Jan 27 Feb 3 Feb 10 Feb 17

Start Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 13 ▲ Mar 17 ▲

End Mar 7 Mar 14 Mar 24 Mar 28

End Feb 7 Feb 14 Feb 21 Feb 28

€1963 Start Dec 2

End Dec 13

Start Mar 24 Apr 7

End Apr 4 Apr 18

€2253 Start End Dec 16 ✱ Dec 27

€2383 Start Dec 23 ✝

End Jan 3

€2045 Start End Dec 30 ✤ Jan 10

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available from €595. Included flights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map as part of the trip price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.54 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ▲ This trip will be in India for the Holi Festival ◆ This trip will be in India for the Diwali ✱ This trip spends Xmas in Goa ✝ This trip spends Xmas in Agra, NYE in Mumbai 4 ✤ This trip spends NYE in Delhi. ● These departures have the option for Me to We extension. Arrival & departure transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. Please note: The Sunrise Safari must be booked at the same time as your Eternal India trip. Make sure you ask your Travel Agent or Contiki for details as late bookings cannot be accepted. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54.

ASIA 2018/19 43

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

SOUTHERN SPICE 11Ì DAYS

|

1ÌCOUNTRY

|

FROM

€1785 *

|

FROM

NE W

€163 *PP/PD

SOUTHERN INDIA: IT’S SUN DRENCHED, IT’S VIBRANT, AND IT’S NEW FOR A REASON...

#SOUTHERNSPICE

KERALA BACKWATERS INDIA

KERALA BACKWATERS

44 ASIA 2018/19

HOUSEBOAT KERALA

SPICE MARKET

CONTIKI.COM/SOUTHERN-SPICE

PONDICHERRY

COCHIN FISHING BOATS

TOP EXPERIENCES

11

16

NIGHTS

INCLUDEDMEALS

ESSENTIALS

Unique Special Stays: 1 night on a Houseboat & 10 nights in twin-share hotels

10 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)

Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, Local taxes, payments & service charges

END

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

F Hertiage Walking Tour in Pondicherry F Local family cooking demonstration and dinner in Periyar

• Rickshaw ride to Meenakshi Performance

• Periyar Wildlife Boat Safari

9:00AM COCHIN

START

DAY 9 - 10 Cochin Back on solid ground we’ll find ourselves amidst the bustling spice markets & fort lands of Cochin. Here we can eat keralan delicacies, marvel at palaces & watch the golden sun drop behind the Chinese fishing nets known as Cheena vala. Hotel (B)(B) F Sunset Boat Cruise

Temple in Madurai

• Kalaripayattu Martial Arts

DAY 11 Cochin Our time on tour will end in the Southern spice lands of Cochin.

Having bonded deeply in these spiritual lands, we’ll say heartfelt goodbyes before going our separate ways. (B)

6:00PM CHENNAI

DAY 1 Chennai A hub of South Indian arts & traditions, Chennai will be the perfect host of our trip’s introduction. We’ll unite with the team for a 6pm pow wow before having a free evening to unwind in our hotel. Hotel

DAY 4 Kumbakonam Arriving in Kumbakonam in the bounds of two rivers, we’ll begin uncovering South India’s artisans by visiting a bronze casting & silk weaver’s home. By night you can dress to the inspiration of our Dharasuram temple visit, wearing a Saree or Dhotti to our included dinner. Hotel (B,L,D)

START

1

INDIA END

Auroville

2

COCHIN

4

(2 nights)

KERALA BACKWATERS

9 8

(1 night)

KUMARAKOM

11 7

6

CHENNAI

(1 night) Mahabalipuram

PONDICHERRY (2 nights)

KUMBAKONAM

Tanjore

(1 night)

MADURAI (1 night) PERIYAR

5

(1 night)

(1 night)

DAY 8 Kerala Backwaters Arriving in the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, we’ll board a traditional houseboat made of wood, bamboo & palm leaves. Drifting past slow grazing cows, we’ll see kingfishers darting through the forests & season our sightings with many spicy fish curries. (B,L,D) Houseboat Special Stay

1 1

DAY 2 - 3 Pondicherry After taking in the sights of Chennai, we’ll move on to Pondicherry where we’ll find a delicious fusion of French beauty & Indian soul. Here we’ll devour cake & coffee at a café run by local widows, & visit the progressive experimental township of Auroville.

Hotel (B,L,B) F Heritage Walking Tour

DAY 6 Periyar Crossing out of the state of Tamil Nadu we’ll arrive in Kerala, ‘the land of coconuts’. We’ll pull up by the elephant & tiger reserve of Periyar National Park where we can explore a spice plantation & watch an ancient style of Martial Arts called Kalaripayattu.

Hotel (B) F Local family cooking demonstration & dinner

DAY 7 Kumarakom After a wildlife boat safari along the Periyar River, we’ll make our way to the lake region of Kumarakom. En route we’ll frolic through a tea factory & plantation, enjoying one of Kerala’s proudest exports.

Hotel (B,L)

Places visited Itinerary Day Special Stay night

DAY 5 Madurai One of the oldest cities in India, Madurai is the pride & soul of Tamil Nadu. Here we’ll see a palace of great pillars, ride a rickshaw, & witness an evening procession at the awe-inspiring Meenakshi Amman Hindu Temple. Hotel (B)

MIX & MATCH Got more time? Combine this trip with Eternal India and see even more of India.

Plus save an extra 5% with our multi-trip discount. See p.42 for more info, departure dates & prices.

Visit contiki.com/eternal-india

H OW MU C H & WH E N 2018

€1785 Start Jan 18 Jan 25 Feb 8 Feb 22

CODE: INSO

End Jan 28 Feb 4 Feb 18 Mar 4

START CHENNAI & FINISH COCHIN

Start Mar 8 Mar 22 Apr 5 Apr 19

End Mar 18 Apr 1 Apr 15 Apr 29

Start May3

End May13

€1895 Start Oct 18 Nov 15 Dec 13

End Oct 28 Nov 25 Dec 23

€2055 Start End Dec 27 ▲ Jan 6

€1895 Start 2019 Jan 3 Jan 10 Jan 17

End

Jan 13 Jan 20 Jan 27

Start Jan 24 Jan 31 Feb 7 Feb 14

End Feb 3 Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24

Start Feb 21 Feb 28 Mar 7 Mar 14

End Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24

Start Mar 24 Mar 28 Apr 4 Apr 18

End Apr 3 Apr 7 Apr 14 Apr 28

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available from €615. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ▲ This trip will be in Madurai for NYE Arrival & departure transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54.

ASIA 2018/19 45

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

NORTHERN THAI HIGHLIGHTS 7Ì DAYS

|

1ÌCOUNTRY

|

FROM

€769 *

|

FROM

& N E WO V E D IM P RE R A RY IT IN

€110 *PP/PD

DON’T TELL ANYONE... BUT NORTHERN THAILAND MAY BE OUR ABSOLUTE FAVE

ERAWAN FALLS THAILAND

WH AT Y O U NE E D TO KN O W 6

9

NIGHTS Unique Special Stays: 1 night overnight train, 1 night floating hotel & 4 nights in 3 star hotels INCLUDED MEALS 7 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 1 dinner (D) ESSENTIALS See p.54 for more info on our standard essentials.

FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Chiang Mai Cooking Class F Ziplining in Chiang Mai NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Elephant Haven,

#NORTHERNTHAIHIGHLIGHTS

Sai Yok Kanchanaburi • Sightseeing tour of the Grand Palace

DAY 4 Overnight Train (Ayutthaya - Chiang Mai) We’ll start our day with a visit to the breathtaking Erawan Falls for a quick dip before we stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya. We’ll grab bikes & cycle past rice paddies, temples & quaint villages before we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. (B) Overnight Train

DAY 5 - 6 Chiang Mai Our last destination in Thailand will entertain us with buzzing night markets, an exotic Old Quarter, & a dazzling line up of temples. In between sites you can feast on the intense flavours of northern Thai food, inhaling an abundance of lemongrass, chili & coconut. Hotel (B)(B) F Flight of the Gibbon Ziplining F Thai Cooking Class & market visit

END

CHIANG MAI

5

7

(2 nights)

DAY 3 Kanchanaburi We’ll wake up in jungle paradise, & 4 start our day with a visit to the (1 night) notorious Death Railway & see the bridge over the River Kwai. Later, we’ll KANCHANABURI (2 nights) head to a local elephant sanctuary to 2 3 see how the rescued elephants are cared for. Hotel (B,L)

END

9AM CHIANG MAI

DAY 7 Chiang Mai Our trip will wrap up in Chiang Mai shortly after our final team breakfast.

We’ll go our separate ways after saying our goodbyes & making plans to organise a reunion tour. (B)

THAILAND Ayutthaya START

1

BANGKOK (1 night)

DAY 2 Kanchanaburi After a visit to the Grand Palace & a long tail boat ride, we’ll change our pace & move from Bangkok to the calmer scene of the River Kwai. Here in Kanchanaburi we’ll learn the art of living off the grid & spend a night drifting on a jungle raft. (B,D) Floating Hotel

START

6:00PM BANGKOK

DAY 1 Bangkok Hot, hustling, & completely addictive, Bangkok will lure us in & play host to our first day on tour. You’ll have time to unwind & enjoy the hotel before we unite & get acquainted over dinner. Hotel

1 1

Places visited Itinerary day Special Stay night Coach or train Plane

H OW MUC H & WH E N 2018

€769 Start Jan 2 Jan 6 Jan 9 Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23 Jan 27 Jan 30

CODE: NOTH

End Jan 9 Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23 Jan 27 Jan 30 Feb 3 Feb 6

START BANGKOK & FINISH CHIANG MAI

Start Feb 3 Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31

End Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Apr 7

Start Apr 7 ● Apr 14 ● Apr 21 Apr 28 May5 May12 May19 May26 Jun 2

End Apr 13 Apr 20 Apr 27 May4 May11 May18 May25 Jun 1 Jun 8

Start Jun 5 Jun 9 Jun 12 Jun 16 Jun 19 Jun 23 Jun 26 Jun 30 Jul 3

End Jun 11 Jun 15 Jun 18 Jun 22 Jun 25 Jun 29 Jul 2 Jul 6 Jul 9

Start Jul 7 Jul 10 Jul 14 Jul 17 Jul 21 Jul 24 Jul 28 Aug 4 Aug 11

End Jul 13 Jul 16 Jul 20 Jul 23 Jul 27 Jul 30 Aug 3 Aug 10 Aug 17

Start Aug 18 Aug 25 Sep 1 Sep 8 Sep 15 Sep 22 Sep 29 Oct 6 Oct 13

End Aug 24 Aug 31 Sep 7 Sep 14 Sep 21 Sep 28 Oct 5 Oct 12 Oct 19

Start Oct 20 Oct 27 Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 24 Nov 27

End Oct 26 Nov 2 Nov 9 Nov 16 Nov 19 Nov 23 Nov 26 Nov 30 Dec 3

Start Dec 1 Dec 4 Dec 8 Dec 11 Dec 15 Dec 18 Dec 22 Dec 25 Dec 29

End Dec 7 Dec 10 Dec 14 Dec 17 Dec 21 Dec 24 Dec 28 Dec 31 Jan 4

Start 2019 Jan 1 Jan 5 Jan 8 Jan 12 Jan 15 Jan 19 Jan 22 Jan 26

End

Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb

7 11 14 18 21 25 28 1

Start Feb 2 Feb 9 Feb 16 Feb 23 Mar 2 Mar 9 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30

End Feb 8 Feb 15 Feb 22 Mar 1 Mar 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Mar 29 Apr 5

* Prices above are based on twin-share (multi-share on train). If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for €199 (only applicable in hotels). A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year & water festival). Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki. com/transfers. Trip ends in Chiang Mai or speak to your Travel Agent/Contiki about adding on a flight back to Bangkok where your trip will end on arrival. This trip is part of the epic 27-day Big Indochina Adventure trip so you’ll be waving goodbye to some of your new pals as they continue on with their journey. Can’t take the FOMO? Why not extend your stay for even more fun through Asia? For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54.

47 ASIA 2018/19 2018/2019 46

CONTIKI.COM/NORTHERN-THAI-HIGHLIGHTS

Sailing, Cruise & Beach SUN, SEA & SAND Shall we even waste our breath convincing you? I mean, tropical island beaches, dancing like no one’s watching under the full moon, snorkeling adventures, fresh seafood dinners – kinda speaks for itself if you ask us.

Think salty hair, think sunkissed skin, think ocean swings and movie famous beaches, and that’s what you get with Sailing, Cruise & Beach.

ARE YOU A SAILING, CRUISE & BEACH TRAVELLER?

•

Do you think a beer tastes best whilst watching the sun set over the ocean, with your toes tickling the sand?

•

Do you feel like you’ve been dreaming of the beaches of Thailand or Bali since forever?

•

Do you want ultimate Free Time to truly live the sweet island life?

3 TRIPS FROM 8 - 9 DAYS FROM €84 P/D

,

CR

UI SE

CONTIKI.COM/SAILING-CRUISE-BEACH-ASIA

A

CH

Head to contiki.com/deals for all our latest promotions

G

Do you love the feel of sand on your skin and salt in your hair?

SA I L I N

•

&

BE

ASIA 2018/2019 47

SAILING, CRUISE & BEACH

BALI ISLAND HOPPER 8Ì DAYS

|

1ÌCOUNTRY

|

FROM

€815 *

|

FROM

€102 *PP/PD

LIE BACK WITH A TOUCH OF LUXE IN BEAUTIFUL BALI. 8 DAYS WON’T BE ENOUGH

GILI TRAWANGAN INDONESIA

WH AT Y O U NE E D TO KN O W 7

9

NIGHTS 4 nights in 3 & 4 star hotels & 3 nights Beachside Resort Special Stay INCLUDED MEALS 7 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 1 dinner (D)

START

6:00PM SEMINYAK

DAY 1 Seminyak We’ll commence our sun-soaked Bali adventure in the uber cool arms of Seminyak. Use any free time to settle in to the hotel & poke around the boutique lined streets before we get acquainted over a 6pm team catch up. Hotel

DAY 2 - 4 Gili Trawangan Taking to the seas by boat, we’ll drift to Lombok’s island paradise of Gili T. Reggae music, white coral washed shores, & dreamy sunsets will lull us into this laidback lifestyle. Turtle spotting will complete the scene quite perfectly. (B,D)(B)(B) Beachside Resort Special Stay F Snorkelling day trip

BALI

ESSENTIALS See p.54 for more info on our essentials.

DAY 5 - 6 Senggigi Moving on to mainland Lombok, we’ll find volcanic sand beaches & flop under straw umbrellas. The resort town of Senggigi is a gateway to waterfalls & rice fields, offering a vision of Bali before the crowds.

Hotel (B)(B) 2 GILI TRAWANGAN F Lombok Monkeys & Waterfalls day trip (3 nights) 5

START END

Ubud

SENGGIGI (2 nights)

LOMBOK STRAIT

Padang Bai

LOMBOK

FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Lombok Monkeys & Waterfalls day trip F Snorkelling day trip

8

7

1

SEMINYAK (2 nights)

END

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Ubud sightseeing including Elephant Cave Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terrace & Monkey Forest

5:00PM SEMINYAK

DAY 8 Seminyak Our Bali odyssey doesn’t end just yet, we’re off on a day trip to magical Ubud! Back in Seminyak we’ll cheers our final coconuts & go our separate ways, making sincere plans to organise a reunion tour. (B,L)

DAY 7 Seminyak We’ll board a ferry bound for Bali & wave goodbye to pristine Lombok. By afternoon we’ll arrive back in the big smoke of Seminyak, allowing us plenty of time to relax poolside. Later we can hit the bars to dance out our final night together. Hotel (B)

1 1

Places visited Itinerary day Special Stay night Boat

#BALIISLANDHOPPER

H OW MUC H & WH E N 2018

CODE: BIHR

€815 Start Jun 2 Jun 9 Jun 16 Jun 23

End Jun 9 Jun 16 Jun 23 Jun 30

€815 Start 2019 Jan 5 Jan 12

Jan 12 Jan 19

End

START & FINISH SEMINYAK

€885 Start Jun 30 Jul 7

End Jul 7 Jul 14

€905 Start Jul 14 Jul 21 Jul 28

End Jul 21 Jul 28 Aug 4

Start Jan 19 Jan 26 Feb 2

End Jan 26 Feb 2 Feb 9

Start Feb 9 Feb 16 Feb 23

End Feb 16 Feb 23 Mar 2

50 ASIA 2018/19

€815 Start Sep 1 Sep 8 Sep 15 Sep 22 Sep 29

End Sep 8 Sep 15 Sep 22 Sep 29 Oct 6

Start Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 17 Nov 24 Dec 1

End Nov 10 Nov 17 Nov 24 Dec 1 Dec 8

Start Dec 8

End Dec 15

€845 Start Dec 15

End Dec 22

€925 Start Dec 22

End Dec 29

€1105 Start Dec 29

End Jan 5

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available from €325. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking.

Trip starts 6:00pm & ends at 5:00pm. Please book flights out of Denpasar no earlier than 9:00pm. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54.

CONTIKI.COM/BALI-ISLAND-HOPPER

Winter & Ski KEEP IT COSY Think you’ll find the best snow in Europe, or Canada? Japan will have you thinking otherwise, offering mile upon mile of perfect fresh piste just ripe for riding. Basically, a trip here in winter is the best of both worlds – awesome culture, and awesome skiing or boarding, with a traditional onsen experience and a robot restaurant thrown in for extra LOLs.

ARE YOU A WINTER & SKI TRAVELLER?

•

Do you want to split your time between riding pistes and navigating the culture and curiosity of this utterly unique country?

•

Do you want to find out how a glass of sake will warm up even the coldest of bodies?

•

Do you want to be in the know about Hakuba’s legendary slope action?

1 TRIP, 12 DAYS FROM €284 P/D

TE

Do you want to see a side of Japan many will never experience?

R

&

SK I

WI N

•

Head to contiki.com/deals for all our latest promotions CONTIKI.COM/WINTER-SKI-ASIA

ASIA 2018/2019 51

JAPAN – CITY TO SLOPES 12Ì DAYS

|

1ÌCOUNTRY

|

FROM

€3399 *

|

FROM

& N E WO V E D IM P RE R A RY IT IN

€284 *PP/PD

THE BEST POWDER IN THE WORLD? JAPAN HAS A SERIOUS STAKE TO THAT CLAIM…

#JAPANCITYTOSLOPES

KYOTO JAPAN

Great trip, I met some awesome people, & the Trip Manager was legendary! Well worth it. I’m already looking for another trip!

AS REVIEWED BY OUR RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @MIRAECAMPBELL

52 ASIA 2018/19

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@JT_JENKINS

CONTIKI.COM/JAPAN-CITY-TO-SLOPES

@MIRAECAMPBELL

Charles Palmer

TOP EXPERIENCES

11

12

NIGHTS

INCLUDEDMEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

11 nights in twin-share hotels

11 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)

Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, Local taxes, payments & service charges

F Onsen Experience, Tokyo F Izakaya Dinner, Osaka F Robot restaurant, Tokyo F Sushi Making Lunch, Tokyo

DAY 5 - 7 Tokyo From the lake woven grounds of the Imperial Palace to the wild fashion district of Harajuku & Shibuya, Tokyo will reveal itself & offer limitless inspiration. We’ll take you to all the iconic spots & leave you with plenty of time to indulge in sushi land adventures of your own. Hotel (B)(B)(B) F Robot Restaurant Experience F Onsen experience

DAY 8 - 11 Hakuba We’ll seal off our time in Tokyo with the Tsukiji Fish Markets before making our way to Hakuba. These slopes are known to receive 12-14 metres of powdery snow per season – & this playground is ours with a 3-day included lift pass. Hotel (B,D)(B)(B)(B) F Sushi Making in Tokyo

END

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

• Included 3-day lift pass • Guided sightseeing in Tokyo & Kyoto

9:00AM HAKUBA

DAY 12 End Hakuba Our Japanese odyssey will wrap up in Hakuba shortly after our last team breakfast. We’ll cheers our final sencha teas & go our separate ways, making sincere plans to organise a reunion tour. Hotel (B)

END

12

8

HAKUBA (4 nights)

DAY 3 - 4 Kyoto After a picturesque coach ride out of Osaka, we’ll find ourselves roaming the temples, gardens & shrines of Kyoto. Here we can dive into seaweed, sashimi & a Sake Making Museum, watching many coloured kimonos weave through the streets.

Hotel (B)(B)

JAPAN

5

KYOTO

TOKYO (3 nights)

3

(2 nights)

1

OSAKA (2 nights)

START

START

DAY 2 Osaka Day 2 will be free for adventures as you see fit. Swing from Universal Studios to the Osaka Castle with a bout of food & shopping in iconic Dōtonbori. Or just plonk down in the aquarium for some watching of people & sea creatures alike. Hotel (B) F Izakaya dinner

6:00PM OSAKA

DAY 1 Osaka Arriving in Osaka you’ll be welcomed into our centrally located accommodation, where you can settle in & unwind before our first team catch up. We’ll waste no time commencing our Japanese adventure, getting acquainted over the neon kanji signs of this bustling city. Hotel 1

Itinerary day Coach or train

H OW MUC H & WH E N CODE: JAPW

START OSAKA & FINISH HAKUBA

TRAVELLING BETWEEN DEC 2 2017 & APR 21 2018

2017 €3675 Start Dec 2

End Dec 13

€3489 Start Dec 16

End Dec 27

€3399 Start Dec 23 Dec 30

End Jan 3 Jan 10

2018 €3489 Start Jan 6 Jan 13

End Jan 17 Jan 24

€3399 Start Jan 20 Jan 27 Feb 3 Feb 10

€3675 End Jan 31 Feb 7 Feb 14 Feb 21

Feb 24 Mar 10 Mar 24

Mar 7 Mar 21 Apr 4

Mar 31 Apr 7

€3399

Apr 11 Apr 18

Apr 21

May2

WE HAVE A BRAND NEW ITINERARY & PRICING FROM DECEMBER 2018 SPENDING 3 NIGHTS IN HAKUBA. CHECK OUT CONTIKI.COM/JAPAN-CITY-TO-SLOPES

2018 Start Dec 15 Dec 22 Dec 29

End Dec 25 Jan 1 Jan 8

2019 Start Jan 5 Jan 12 Jan 19 Jan 26 Feb 02

End Jan 15 Jan 22 Jan 29 Feb 5 Feb 12

Start Feb 9 Feb 16 Feb 23 Mar 2 Mar 9

End Feb 19 Feb 26 Mar 5 Mar 12 Mar 19

Start Mar 23 Apr 6 Apr 20

End Apr 2 Apr 16 Apr 30

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplements available from €570 A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am.

A Nagano-Tokyo train transfer is available. To purchase speak to your travel agent or visit Contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54.

ASIA 2018/19 53

WINTER AND SKI

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

BEFORE YOU BOOK WHAT’S INCLUDED (ESSENTIALS) All accommodation, transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost of your Contiki trip (in most regions we offer breakfast every day, plus a cherry-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals).

We also include our No Regrets Inclusions, which are basically the sights and activities we think you just can’t afford to miss. And then of course you also get our expert and highly trained team of Contiki staff; our Trip Managers, and English speaking Local Guides. Plus we include all private coach transport and internal flights (check your itinerary). We also include sightseeing tours of all major cities and orientations in all other destinations, and Hotel tips, local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED Flights and airport transfers to and from your start and end destination are not included in the cost of your trip. We also keep a number of meal times free for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for noncatered meals is important. In terms of activities, we also offer Free Time Add-Ons, see below, which are not included in the overall price. If you’re hitting the slopes with us in Japan, we can point you in the right direction for ski & snowboard hire or lessons if you need to brush up on your skills. If you have your own kit, you’ll also need to budget any excess baggage fees, or additional transfer charges, and any tips for porters. Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and need to be booked separately.

AIRFARES Flights as specified on individual trip itineraries are included as part of the price. As detailed within our Booking Conditions (p.55) under ‘General’ we rely on international conventions regarding air travel & other transportation as specified. Through enrolment & payment for your trip you acknowledge & accept such.

Individual electronic tickets may not be issued to you prior to travel due to the group nature of the air/flight booking. In such circumstances you acknowledge that by receipt of any applicable boarding pass &/or by boarding the aircraft you have accepted the airline’s terms & conditions of travel & the application of all relevant International Conventions & applicable national & international law governing air transportation.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger & heavier suitcases on trip. We suggest that you use a backpack/rucksack but it's not required. Wheeled suitcases can be used on Contiki trips in Asia.

Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred for overweight luggage. Luggage is at the owner’s risk and insurance is strongly recommended.

TRAVEL INSURANCE DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE? A simple one - yes. It’s essential that you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of cancellation, personal injury and medical expenses before you travel with Contiki. Visit p.55 or contiki.com/insurance for more information on this, and for a quote on what Contiki can offer.

SLEEPING WHERE WILL I STAY? HOTELS: Our hotel accommodation is always twin-share (except in some Unique Special Stays and on overnight trains), staying in superior tourist class hotels, many of which are centrally located, with great facilities. Twin-share is 2 people sharing, either travelling together or as a same-sex room match. We also offer upgrades to single rooms for a supplement and savings on triple room options on Japan Unrivalled. Please note that on rare occasions the availability of single rooms at some hotels can be limited. There is WiFi at all hotel accommodation so you can gram/snap/chat to your heart’s content. Note: On occasion, due to reasons outside our control, alternative hotels may be used.

Whilst it is always our intention to use hotels of a similar standard & location, no liability can be accepted for any variation of either. WiFi is not available at remote Special Stays.

TRIPS WITHIN TRIPS You may notice on some of our trips that some groups join and leave at different stages. That’s because we offer shorter trips within a larger itinerary, giving greater choice & flexibility so our travellers can choose when they start their trip and how long they travel for. Life’s an adventure and one that’s best spent sharing new experiences with new friends. So, if you have the time don’t take a mini break, instead, choose to see as much of Asia as possible with us. The trip that allows you this extra flexibility is – Big Indochina Adventure p.28.

MAKING YOUR BOOKING

Visas are super important and are essential for entering certain countries.

You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Sometimes the requirements and cost of entering and leaving a country can change. In Asia, you might be able to purchase your visa at the border. At contiki.com/ travel-resources we have info on all of the countries that we visit in Asia and you can learn about the specific requirements for each place. Contact your travel agent (if applicable) to determine which visas you require and how to get them.

Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months after your arrival. Without enough validity, authorities may deny your entry into a country, even if you’re only staying for a short while.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

IMPORTANT

FlexDeposit is a policy you automatically get once you’ve paid a deposit on any Contiki trip, and works as credit towards a future Contiki adventure, ensuring your deposit money isn’t lost if you can’t travel on your original trip as intended. FlexDeposit can be used up until your 36th birthday, after which time it can then be transferred for use with any other travel brand within The Travel Corporation family of brands. It can also be gifted to a friend within 5 years of the original booking date. * You can find out more about both policies in the T&C's on p.55 & on the following websites: contiki.com/freedomguarantee contiki.com/flexdeposit

1. Visas can take up to six weeks & a fee is normally charged.

2. Failure to obtain all necessary visas could cause you to miss part of your trip & will result in you incurring considerable expense & inconvenience.

3. It is better to apply for all visas through your travel agent or local consular services before you leave home. Be aware that some visas can be purchased & arranged on arrival.

4. It is very important that the entry & exit dates are correct on the visa. Your travel agent will contact Contiki for full details.

PACKING

We get that sometimes plans change unexpectedly, so our cancellation policy offers you absolute flexibility and comes in two parts:

FREEDOM GUARANTEE The Freedom Guarantee policy ensures that even if your travel plans change, you’ll never miss out or be charged fees for changing your booking. If you want to change the dates of your trip, swap onto another trip or even change your trip for a different region entirely, that’s all possible, without incurring fees*.

FLEXDEPOSIT

HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING?

NOW THAT YOU’VE BOOKED

For our Asian trips, luggage is restricted to one decent sized, non-expanding suitcase, approximately 29” × 20” × 10” (73cm x 50cm x 25cm) with a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs.) plus one small hand/day bag. For the Japan City to Slopes trip, one set of skis or snowboard and boots is permitted. Charges may apply for additional equipment.

On some overnight Special Stays you may have to store your main luggage and utilise your smaller bag.

On trips with included flights, your luggage should not exceed the weight restrictions imposed by airlines.

Just like you, we want your trip to run as smoothly as possible, so before you travel, make sure you register your details online at MyContiki. This only takes a few minutes, and means we’ll have info on: • Your personal details, including your email address and phone number. Your emergency contact info, just in case we need it.

• Any dietary requirements you may have.

• You’ll also need to make sure your trip is paid in full 45 days prior to departure.

54 ASIA 2018/19

REGISTERING AT MYCONTIKI

You’ll also find out where your Contiki Trip will start and exactly what accommodation you’ll be staying in.

Visit contiki.com/mycontiki now

FREE TIME ADD-ONS HOW DO I KNOW WHAT FREE TIME ADD-ONS ARE ON MY TRIP? Look out for the F symbol on our trip pages for the Add-Ons available on each trip. A full list of Add-Ons and approximate costs will also be sent to you with your travel documents, around 21 days before your trip departs.

HOW DO I PAY FOR FREE TIME ADD-ONS? Payment for your Free Time Add-Ons is made direct to your Trip Manager on your trip. You can choose to pay in cash (local currency or on some trips USD cash).

Note: It’s a good idea to let your bank know you’re travelling & check if there is a daily transaction limit, so you always have access to money when you need it.

Note: In a few destinations we cannot accept credit card payment. Ask your Trip Manager for details when you start your trip.

MONEY WHAT WILL I NEED MONEY FOR ON THE TRIP? In terms of spending money, you’ll need to budget for the following: • Any meals (normally lunches and dinners) that are not included. The trip page lists included meals look out for these: (B,L, D) • Any Free Time Add-Ons you would like to do on your trip.

• Any additional sightseeing you plan on doing in your Free Time, that is not covered either by our No Regrets Inclusions or Free Time Add-Ons. • Any additional personal expenses. This includes alcohol, shopping, and any evening entertainment not included.

PAST TRAVELLER 5% DISCOUNT We're massive fans of our Contiki Travellers, particularly those that love us so much they come back for more.

That’s why when you travel with us; we’ll offer you a 5% discount on the land portion of your trips from then on. And we’ve even wrestled our TTC sister brands (found here - ttc.com) into offering the same.

NO COMPULSORY TIPPING - REWARD ONLY

British Travel Agents under membership number Y1792.

ABTA & ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel & assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct & the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ. Tel: 020 3117 0500 or www. abta.com. Contiki Holidays also holds a current ATOL Licence No. 10144. When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package and/or flights from Contiki Holidays Limited you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us (or via our authorised agent through which you booked) confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.

For further information, visit the ATOL website at www. caa.co.uk. Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. Only bookings from countries subject to the EC Package Travel Directive will receive financial protection from ABTA and the CAA. For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security, local laws, passport and visa information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

BROCHURE AUTHENTICITY We have put a great deal of effort into producing this brochure. The information given & literature produced

by Contiki has been compiled with care & is published in good faith (this includes Contiki.com & our ebrochures). Sometimes, because of circumstances outside our control, we have to alter some activities due to seasonal closing or repairs to buildings, etc., especially early or late in the season. If this happens, alternatives will be arranged.

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Photos courtesy of © Villa Ombak Hotel Gili Trawangan p.12-13. Photos courtesy of © Aonang Cliff Beach Resort Krabi.12. Photos courtesy of © Kerala Backwaters Houseboat India p.12-13. Photos courtesy of © Nuovo City Hotel Bangkok p.13. Photos courtesy of © Craig Howes p.38-39 Cherry Blossom, Geisha, Torii Gate Miyajima Island, Japan. Photos courtesy of © Chris Rodgers p.50 Hammock. Photos courtesy of © Renee Ayris p.50 Bike Ride.

HOW TO READ A TRIP PAGE

END

CHIANG MAI

HEALTH DO I NEED VACCINATIONS? At the time this brochure went to press (September, 2017), the following immunisations are recommended for travellers in Southeast Asia by the CDC (US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention): • Diphtheria & tetanus • Typhoid • Hepatitis A • Rabies • Japanese Encephalitis • Hepatitis B Zika, Malaria & Dengue Fever may also be present within this region. You should consult a travel doctor who specialises in travel medicines or your local doctor to advise on what vaccinations and/or preventative medicines would be required. Don’t forget to bring with you any medication that you may require en route such as antihistamines, antibiotics, etc.

4 (1 night)

(2 nights)

meals. B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner START

2

THAILAND Ayutthaya

3 1

START

BANGKOK (1 night)

START ICON: Shows the city where you will start your trip.

END ICON: Shows the city where you wil finish your trip.

VISIT: Shows places you’ll visit but not stay the night ITINERARY DAY: Shows which day of 1 the trip you will arrive in a city.

11 9 ITINERARY END DAY: These icons show the day of the trip you arrive, in the end city and the day the trip finishes.

SPECIAL STAY: Nights spent at unique, 3 special accommodation.

END

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW PANEL ACCOMMODATION: Show you how many nights & what style of accommodation you’ll be sleeping in.

MEALS: Shows the number of meals included in each trip.

Security is a major concern to all of us and the situation globally is constantly changing. Events around the world, coupled with the “Travel Advisories” put out by various governments, may at times necessitate changes to the accommodations and itinerary or even trip cancellation.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further information in this regard. You must accept these risks involved in travel to any country that may experience security difficulties and accept responsibility for your own travel decisions.

Contiki has been running trips for young people since 1962. It is a matter of law that tour operators must fully protect their clients’ funds under regulations specified by the European Community Package Travel Directive.

We confirm that Contiki is fully complying with the law, therefore your monies are fully protected. Contiki Holidays Limited is a member of the Association of

KANCHANABURI

KEY

(B,L,D) MEALS: Included

SAFETY INFORMATION

BOOKING SECURITY

7

(2 nights)

EXCELLENCE!

Within Asia, in service industries tipping is common practice. All other tipping is entirely optional, and not an expectation. If you feel your Contiki Team has delivered an outstanding level of service throughout your trip you may wish to tip them, but this is at your discretion, no one else’s.

5

ESSENTIALS: All of the things included on a Contiki trip as standard.

FREE TIME ADD-ONS: Some of the top experiences you can do, that aren’t included in the price of your trip.

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS: Some of the top experiences you will have included in the price of your trip.

PRICE PANEL ASIA 2018

CODE: NOTH

START B’KOK & FINISH CH’NG MAI

The price panels sit beneath each trip map & €769 Start itinerary. It indicates if it is a Summer or Winter Jan 2 departure, trip code, any included taxes, & Jan 6 Jan 9 Start and End location. Departures are listed under a price bracket in chronological order. Jan 13

End

Jan Jan Jan Jan

9 13 16 20

BOOKING CONDITIONS Once Contiki accepts your booking by confirmation thereof a contract is made between Contiki & you upon the terms & conditions set out below.

The following Booking Conditions, have to the extent possible, taken account of the European Community Package Travel Directive. Legal interpretation on specific clauses of this directive may vary between European Community member states. Contiki accept that the legal interpretation of the member state where the booking is made will prevail over the following Booking Conditions where the Package Travel Directive have been adopted into law.

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. YOUR HOLIDAY RESERVATION On receipt of your deposit, subject to availability and at our discretion, Contiki will reserve your place on your selected holiday. A contract is made between you and Contiki Holidays Limited (Registered in Guernsey No. 50681 (Contiki)) only upon your booking being confirmed and accepted by us and our communication thereof to you or your travel agent.

2. YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION Contiki are a member of ABTA and hold ATOL Number 10144 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, which provide for your protection in the event of our insolvency. Only bookings from countries subject to the EC Package Travel Directive will receive financial protection from ABTA & CAA. Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed in this brochure. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative).

In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.

Any monies paid to us for non-licensable products (accommodation and packages which do not include flight elements) are protected by means of a bond held by us with ABTA. This means that if, in the unlikely event of our insolvency, the accommodation or package cannot be provided, the client will receive their money back or, if their stay has started, arrangements will be made for them to be able to continue as planned.

3. PRICE GUARANTEE Prices in this brochure are based on costs, taxes (including VAT/ sales taxes), levies & exchange rates as at 21st July, 2017. Should these costs change, it may be necessary to make a surcharge on the price of your holiday. Should the total trip price increase by more than 10% you will have the right to cancel within 7 days of notification without penalty. No surcharge in respect of cost or currency fluctuations will be made once payment of the deposit for your land trip has been received. This guarantee excludes fuel surcharges & does not apply to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or their agencies. In exchange for these guarantees, no refund will be made if costs are reduced.

4. IF WE CANCEL OR CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY 4.1 Contiki reserves the right to change or cancel your booking in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control.

4.2 Should change or cancellation prove necessary we will give you reasonable notice thereof, in the circumstances, and where available, offer you a comparable alternative. Where cancellation is necessary, a minimum period of 45 days notice will be given by us unless the circumstances leading to the cancellation were beyond our reasonable control.

4.3 If an alternative is not available or acceptable you will be entitled to either a full refund of monies paid by you to us or transfer to another Contiki holiday without payment of any transfer fee.

4.4 If the change or cancellation is due to force majeure (i.e. circumstances like political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, closure of airports or ports, industrial disputes, terrorist activity, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemic or health risk, Acts of God, adverse weather conditions or other similar events beyond Contiki’s control) we will give a full refund of any monies paid to us less reasonable expenses incurred by us in respect of your booking.

4.5 Contiki is not responsible for the cost of any other travel arrange-ments affected due to cancellation or the rescheduling of any holiday.

5. HOLIDAY DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 5.1 The information in our brochure is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to print (September, 2017) but we cannot guarantee that any item or amenity mentioned will be available especially where we have no direct control over it.

5.2 Contiki will do their best, at their discretion, to select accommodation, sightseeing trips and transportation to give you good value for money.

5.3 Contiki constantly strives to improve trip itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. Contiki is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.

5.4 We reserve the right to alter or substitute the type, size of vehicle and/or the style of transport mentioned in the brochure, resulting in occasionally having to utilise transport without some of the features promoted including WiFi & power outlets.

6. LIABILITY 6.1 Your travel agent shall, on the receipt of any monies, hold such monies for you until the booking is confirmed at which time those monies shall be remitted promptly by your travel agent to us. All such monies received by us will be deposited as required by law. Any money paid to a travel agent where land arrangements and flights are booked together is held by the travel agent on behalf of Contiki at all times.

6.2 We will be entitled to keep for our account any interest earned on such monies.

6.3 All monies paid by you to us through your travel agent or otherwise, whether in respect of the deposit or full payment, may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit, in respect of the services to be provided and/or fees payable under your selected holiday. The payment of a deposit or any other monies in respect of

your holiday shall be deemed to be an authorisation for disbursement thereof as aforesaid.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY 1.1 In order to reserve your holiday, a deposit of €100, per person per trip, or the full amount payable if booking is made within 45 days of your trip departure, must be submitted to Contiki by you in respect of that holiday. This payment is in addition to any deposit required by your travel agent. The deposit is accepted as a first instalment of the holiday price by Contiki only once the booking has been confirmed in writing by Contiki or your travel agent.

1.2 Your land reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a non-refundable deposit of €100 per person, per trip, which must be within 7 days of booking or the reservation will automatically be cancelled.

1.3 Any special meal requirements will be made on a request basis only. Contiki cannot guarantee special meal requests nor will it assume any responsibility or liability if clients’ special meal requirements are not fulfilled.

2. PAYING THE BALANCE 2.1 The balance of the holiday price must be paid by no later than 45 days before the scheduled holiday departure date from your home country which shall be by the due date stated on the confirmation issued to you by Contiki. When making multi-trip bookings, full payment is due no later than 45 days before scheduled departure date of the first departing trip.

2.2 If payment isn’t made by the due date, Contiki may assume that you have cancelled and cancellation charges in accordance with clause 3 below will be levied by Contiki.

2.3 Tickets and other documents will not be forwarded until full payment has been received by us.

2.4 In the case of Late Bookings made within 45 days of your departure from your home country, the full cost of the holiday will be payable immediately on booking and we reserve the right to provide all travel documents at the holiday departure point.

2.5 Contiki reserves the right to cancel the booking and apply cancellation charges should payments not be received within the above specified periods.

3. IF YOU CANCEL 3.1 FlexDeposit : We know that travel plans can change. If you need to cancel for any reason, your deposit will remain secure until you’re ready to use it.* Or if you can’t go, you deposit value is also transferable, so you can gift your deposit at no extra cost.* *With FlexDeposit, the value of the original deposit can be used as credit towards booking a new trip with Contiki. Original deposit refers to the trips deposit only and excludes any addition deposits such as Inca Trail, or flights. Deposit credit is not valid on existing bookings. The credit will be applied as a discount on the final payment of your new trip. The amount allowed to be redeemed is equal to the original deposit amount paid. In the case of multiple deposits due to back to back trips, only one deposit amount can be credited per trip, they cannot be combined.

However multiple trips can be booked using multiple expired deposits. Valid on all Contiki trips 7 days or longer. Credit is valid until the client turns 36. i.e. fitting within Contiki’s age limit as per Contiki’s booking conditions. Credit can be gifted to family or friends. To gift to family or friend the customer must email confirmation to Contiki stating the nominated name. Gifting only valid within 5 calendar years of the original booking. (eg cancelled in 2014, valid on trips up to end of 2019). The credit has no cash value and is non-refundable. The credit is combinable with all other applicable discounts. FlexDeposit is not combinable with Early Payment Discounts or Last Minute Deals within 120 days of original travel date.

3.2 Your deposit is non-refundable upon cancellation by you.

3.3 Upon cancellation you will be liable to pay a fee to cover the estimate of cost and expenses incurred by us in the terms of the schedule set out hereunder. This is expressed as a percentage of the holiday price and is calculated as follows: PERIOD OF NOTICE CANCELLATION FEE Over 45 days notice: ...............................................................Deposit is forfeited 45-31 days:..................................................................................25% of trip fare 30-8 days: ....................................................................................50% of trip fare 7-1 days: ......................................................................................75% of trip fare Day of departure: .......................................................................100% of trip fare NB: Please note, Contiki’s cancellation policy is different in Asia due to internal flight ticketing timeframes & ground transport confirmations. These must be booked well in advance in order to secure high quality services that adhere to our strict safety standards. Where the percentage cancellation fee is less than the trip deposit, the cancellation fee will equal loss of deposit. If the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of any vacation insurance policy which you hold, then any such charges may, subject to the terms of your insurance policy, be refunded to you by the insurance company.

All cancellation policies valid as at 28th September, 2017 and are subject to change. Final policy will be confirmed at the time of booking.

3.4 Any cancellation of additional services within 14 days from date of service, such as pre & post accommodation & transfers, will incur a 100% cancellation fee. For cancellation of additional services outside of 14 days from date of service, please refer to the above cancellation policy.

3.5 These cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that may be levied by your travel agent. All cancellation policies valid as at 28th September, 2017 and are subject to change. Final policy will be confirmed at the time of booking.

4. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING 4.1 If after your booking has been confirmed, you wish to change to an alternate departure date you may do so subject to availability & provided the new holiday date is also in this brochure.

4.2 A fee of €25 per person will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed, unless the change increases the value of the booking. A change of booking within 45 days of departure will be treated as a cancellation & normal cancellation fees will apply (as detailed in section 3) except when the change is to an earlier departure date of equivalent or greater value, in which case a €25 per person amendment fee will be charged in addition to any amendment fees imposed due to internal flights/local ferries.

4.3 Transfer of the package to another traveller is allowed, however both the original booker and transferee are liable for the payment of any outstanding monies. This may also include any service charges/amendment fees levied on Contiki by 3rd party contractors.

5. HOLIDAY DETAILS & CONDITIONS 5.1 Please read the brochure carefully for those items included in the price. No allowance or refund can be made for meals, accommodation, excursions, etc. that you elect not to take, or when museums, shops, etc are closed. Hotel facilities may vary from place to place. Meals may vary in style.

5.2 Clients must be aged between 18 & 35 inclusive to travel on Contiki trips.

Contiki’s holidays are specifically planned for those in the 18 through 35 age group. Consequently the facilities & activities on a Contiki holiday are not appropriate to persons outside this age bracket. If you have a question regarding the age groups, you are welcome to discuss this with a Contiki staff member.

5.3 Contiki strives to provide a safe, enjoyable & memorable travel experience for all passengers. Contiki welcomes passengers with special needs or disabilities.

However, please note the following: • Passengers are required to advise Contiki, in advance, of any physical, medical or other special needs that require accommodation.

• All guests must ensure they are medically & physically fit for travel. Contiki may impose safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the trip. Contiki may also exclude an individual from participating in a trip or an activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety.

• Contiki does not provide personal devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, assisting with luggage, toileting or dressing,). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any passenger who requires services of a personal nature.

• Contiki does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger’s expense. Contiki is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on your trip, or for the quality of the care or services received.

• Passengers should be aware some trips include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, steps & locations & overnight accommodations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. During the trip, Contiki may make arrangements with carriers, hotels & other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities over which Contiki has no control. Accommodations on international trips may differ from those in North America. Contiki cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for passengers traveling on international trips.

• Passengers are required to carry their own luggage to the coach & also to their rooms, there may be times passengers are required to carry their luggage far distances & up many flights of stairs with no assistance.

• Contiki may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with Contiki’s terms & conditions. Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred in the event a passenger is removed from a trip. Passengers agree not to hold Contiki or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms & conditions.

5.4 You are responsible for all travel arrangements & costs to/from the point of commencement/conclusion of the holiday.

5.5.1 There may be times when the Contiki Representative has to make a decision in your best interests or the best interests of their group. You agree to comply with the authority & decisions of the appointed Contiki Representative & the laws of the country in which you are travelling. If you do not so comply or if, in the Contiki Representative’s opinion, you are not compatible with the general enjoyment & well being of other members on the holiday or smooth operation of the holiday itself, we reserve the right to refuse to let you continue with the holiday. We do not tolerate the possession or carriage of illegal or restricted substances (drugs). Furthermore, you agree that your fellow travellers & any Contiki Representative have the right to travel/work in a safe environment. Any threats to their safety, well being or inappropriate behaviour by you, whether verbal or physical, will be taken extremely seriously & may result in the immediate termination of your holiday. In such event, you will be responsible for your own repatriation & related costs & have no claims against us.

5.5.2 You are responsible for any costs incurred as a result of damage or excess cleaning fees related to your accommodation. You are advised to immediately report any pre-existing damage in your room to hotel staff &/or a Contiki Trip Manager as soon as it is discovered.

5.5.3 The Company may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with the Company’s terms & conditions. The Company is not responsible for any costs incurred in the event a passenger is removed from a trip. Passengers agree not to hold the Company or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms & conditions.

5.6 Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the operator or service providers, agents or cooperating organisations shall be liable for any illness, injury or death nor any loss, damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of the accident or incident.

5.7 It is your responsibility to have a valid passport & all visas, permits & certificates required for your selected holiday as well as any necessary vaccinations & to comply with all applicable laws.

5.8 You agree that our Trip Manager or Contiki Representatives may take photographs & films of you while you are on holiday & that these may be used in our Group brochures &/or advertising or publicity material without obtaining any further consent or payment in respect of such photographs &/or films.

5.9 Should you have a complaint in respect of the holiday, you should inform the Contiki Representative during the course of the holiday & if the matter cannot be resolved after the representative’s best endeavours to do so during the holiday, your complaint should be made in writing to Contiki as soon as is reasonably possible after the holiday but within 42 days thereof so that your complaint can be investigated. If you do not write within 42 days, your rights under this contract may be affected. If you choose to write to Contiki via the Internet, please provide your home address so that we are able to reply to you in writing.

5.10.1 The contract & all matters arising in respect hereof shall be subject to Guernsey Law, unless we agree otherwise in writing.

5.10.2 If any provision of this contract is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be deemed to be re-written to give effect to the same purpose within the permitted limits of the law. The validity & enforceability of the other provisions shall not be affected.

5.10.3 If you are unsuccessful in any legal action instituted against us, you agree to pay all our costs, including but not limited to, attorney/client costs.

6. COMPULSORY INSURANCE Travel insurance is compulsory on our trips, visit contiki.com/insurance for more info. It is compulsory that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and evacuation expenses before you travel on a Contiki holiday. We strongly recommend your insurance also covers cancellation, personal liability and loss of personal property. Please check that the insurance covers all of the activities that you are going to be participating in. Some policies exclude certain adventure activities. This should be arranged at the time of payment of the deposit and will, in certain circumstances, cover you against loss of deposit or cancellation fees from the date of confirmation of your booking, as shown in the insurance policy. Contiki cannot be held responsible for your failure to take out appropriate insurance. You also agree to indemnify us against all third-party claims, actions, damages and remedies which may be brought against us in respect of your participation in the holiday.

7. ILLNESS OR ABSENTEEISM In the event of your withdrawal from a holiday after the commencement as a result of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. No refunds will be made for any absence from the trip.

8. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE: Airfares to & from your holiday destination (unless you have booked a trip & fly package), airport taxes, passport & visa fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to Trip Managers & Trip Drivers, items of a personal nature, excess baggage & optional excursions.

9. WEATHER CONDITIONS Under no circumstances can we be held responsible for snow or weather conditions, nor can any holiday be cancelled or amended by you at any time on the basis of snow or weather conditions.

10. LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS Luggage is restricted to one reasonable sized, non-expanding suitcase size up to 29” x 20” x 10” (73cm x 50cm x 25cm) & the maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs.) plus one small hand/day bag that can go on the coach with you. Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger suitcases on the trip.

GENERAL 1. CONTRACTING PARTIES 1.1 The Booking Conditions detailed herein contain the entire contract between you & Contiki. No representation, term, warranty or condition can be expressed or implied by reference to any other writing, advertisement or conversation. This contract may only be varied in writing by a duly authorised officer or director of Contiki.

1.2 Your contract is with us as the trip operating company. At any time & at our complete discretion we may nominate to you in writing any other company or person to have the benefit of some or all of those provisions of this contract, which we may then specify, as if you had agreed the provisions concerned directly with that company or person in the first place as well as agreeing them with us. We may at our complete discretion assign all or any rights & liabilities arising under or by virtue of this or any other contract with you.

1.3 Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international conventions, national & international law, which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol & Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road & the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage & delay to passengers & luggage. Enrolment in & payment for a trip shall constitute agreement & acceptance by the passenger of the terms & conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company.

1.4 Contiki is not a carrier or hotelier nor does it own aircraft, hotels or coaches.

All bookings with carriers, hoteliers & other service providers are subject to the terms & conditions & limitations of liability imposed by those carriers, hoteliers, & other service providers. Please note that some of these limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay & loss or damage to baggage. Whilst we cannot accept any responsibility for any loss as a result of such actions or as a result of any act or omission of any such third-parties, we will give every reasonable assistance in helping to resolve any reasonable dispute. Please also note that Contiki cannot be held responsible for the failure of any of these parties to provide facilities or services for handicapped clients (see also 5.3 under Holiday Details & Conditions).

1.5 Please note that no airline or carrier depicted or recommended in this brochure by virtue of their endorsement of this brochure represent themselves either as contracting with any purchaser of a holiday from Contiki or as having any other legal relationship with any such purchaser.

1.6 Every effort is made to ensure brochure accuracy at the time of going to print, however Contiki cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances.

2. ARBITRATION Disputes arising out of, or in connection with, this contract which cannot be amicably settled, may be referred to arbitration, if the customer so wishes, under a special scheme arranged by the Association of British Travel Agents, & administered independently by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. The scheme provides for a simple & inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on the customer in respect of costs. Full details will be provided on request or can be obtained from the ABTA website (www.abta.com).

The scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5,000 per person. There is also a limit of £25,000 per booking form. Neither does it apply to claims, which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. The scheme can however deal with compensation claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of £1,500 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element. The application for arbitration & Statement of Claim must be received by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators within eighteen months of the date of return from the holiday. Outside this time limit arbitration under the Scheme may still be available if the company agrees, but the ABTA code does not require such agreement.

3. VALIDITY The programmes advertised in this brochure are valid from January 2018 to April 2019.

4. OPERATING COMPANIES Contiki’s Asian programmes are operated by Contiki Holidays Asia Ltd., Travel House, Rue du Manoir, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH, Channel Islands.

5. CONTIKI IS REPRESENTED IN: Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom and USA. Contiki is a registered trademark of Contiki Tours International Ltd, Guernsey.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: ABTA statement: Contiki Holidays Ltd is a member of ABTA under the following membership numbers: Contiki Holidays Y1792. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist when things don’t go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For more information on ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 0500 www.abta.com DATA PROTECTION STATEMENT Please be assured that we have measures in place to protect the personal booking information held by us. This information will be passed on to the principal and to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking companies. We will only pass your information on to persons responsible for your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, or dietary/religious requirements. (If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers we will be unable to provide your booking. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons.). Where the data might be passed on for marketing purposes, you have the right to opt out of future marketing. You also have a right of access to data held which can be obtained by writing to Contiki Holidays Asia Ltd, Travel House, Rue du Manoir, St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, GY1 2JH. FURTHER ADVICE For further advice please visit www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ This brochure was published in September 2017 and supersedes any other current brochure in the market.

ASIA 2018/19 55

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