Experience the living cultures of India | 2017
Dear Traveller Welcome to the first edition of our exclusive 2017 Far Horizon brochure, brought to you by Fred.\ River Cruises. Far Horizon Tours, established in 1992 by two passionate tourism industry professionals offers sailings along the Brahmaputra, one of the greatest rivers of Asia, aboard the prestigious river cruise vessel M.V Mahabaahu. The Brahmaputra river in Assam spans from 3 to 40 kilometres across (2-25 miles), flowing under the shadows of the eastern Himalayas with mountains reaching a height of over 7400 metres (24,278 feet). The area along the river is a true natural history paradise. Here you find over 850 different species of birds, fresh water dolphins, and four national parks with abundant elephants, single-horned rhinos, and wild buffalo. Perhaps most fascinating to visitors, are the over 40 different tribal cultures found in the region. Far Horizon Tours also takes you on a journey through the heart of the Dravidian South, through the backwaters of Kerala aboard a 9 cabin eco-friendly houseboat M.V Vaikundam. Visit famous temples of South India with their elaborate carvings and architectural styles, while witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat. Kerala is also known for its wonderful food. The backwaters give you an opportunity to experience the living cultures of Kerala at close quarters. Walk through the spice plantations for a glimpse of the exotic spices used in Indian cooking. Fred.\ River Cruises understand that every customer is different. Our team of specialists are on hand to help tailor-make your special trip to your requirements. Call today and start planning your next adventure! Yours sincerely,
Steve Williams Managing Director Fred.\ River Cruises 2
Contents 4.
Explore the real India by river
6.
Golden Triangle
10. Bhutan 14. Sikkim 18. Kolkata 22. M.V. Mahabaahu 24. M.V. Mahabaahu Ship Facts 26. South India 30. Sri Lanka 34. Eco Houseboats 36. Eco Houseboats Ship Facts 38. MV Mahabaahu Dates 2016-18 39. Terms & Conditions
3
Mangalore
Hassan Mysore
Ooty Kochi
BACKWATERS
Kerala Thiruvananthapuram
4
www.fredrivercruises.co.uk/far-horizons
Kollam
Route map of M.V. Mahabaahu From/to Delhi From/to Delhi Arunachal Pradesh BHUTAN
West Bengal
Manas Dhubri
Tezpur Hajo
Goalpara
Guwahati
Biswanath Ghat
Dibrugarh Majuli Island
Dhansiri Ghat Silghat Kaziranga National Park
Sibsagar
Neemati Johat Mon MYANMAR (BURMA) Nagaland From/to Kolkata
Meghalaya
Manipur BANGLADESH
From/to Kolkata
Tripura Mizoram
Waterways Roadways
Embrace...
Far Horizons’ uniquely personal and fresh approach to travelling the Indian subcontinent. Why simply view the famous monuments of this great land when you can experience the living cultures and natural history of India up close and personal. Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
5
E
xplore the Golden Triangle’s rich and cultured history with a tour of its most iconic landmarks, including the Taj Mahal
and Amber Fort, followed by a cruise along the fabled Brahmaputra river. This unique combination makes for a truly enchanting journey like no other.
Golden Triangle... with Brahmaputra upstream river cruise 13 nights | From ÂŁ2817 per person 6
www.fredrivercruises.co.uk/far-horizons
SHORT ITINERARY Day 1 Delhi
Hotel check-in
Day 2 Delhi Day 3 Delhi/Agra
City tour Visit Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal
Day 4 Agra/Jaipur
Visit the sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri
Day 5 Jaipur
Amber Fort Visit the Palace of Winds the Hawa Mahal and the ‘Pink City’
Day 6 Jaipur/ Guwahati
Flight to Guwahati Day at your leisure
Day 7 Guwahati Kamakhya Temple visit MV Mahabaahu EMBARKATION Day 8 Full Day Sail
Village visit and full day sail
Day 9 Silghat
Visit a tea estate & Jute Mill
Day 10 Kaziranga
Kaziranga National Park,
Bishwanath Ghat Weavers Village
Day 11 Dhansiri
Boat Safari
Day 12 Majuli Island
Visit Mishing Village
Day 13 Neamati Ghat
Sibsagar and home hosted Lunch
Day 14 Neamati Ghat/ Jorhat
Morning wildlife watching DISEMBARKATION Flight home
WHAT’S INCLUDED...
DEPARTURE DATES
s Pre cruise accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis s Life enriching tours and excursions s Buffet breakfast & lunch, A La Carte dinner during the cruise s Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water during the cruise s Luxurious air conditioned cabins on board
2016
LAND START DATE
CRUISE & LAND PRICE PP
Oct
24, 31*
£2,817
Nov
14*, 21, 28*
£2,817
Dec
5, 26*
£2,817
2017 Jan
2, 23*
£2,817
FEATURED EXCURSION
Feb
6*, 13, 20*, 27
£2,817
Kaziranga National Park
Mar
6*, 13, 20*, 27
£2,817
Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is
Apr
3*
£2,817
home to the most prized inhabitant of Kaziranga - the
Oct
9, 16*, 23, 30*
£2,817
Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros - as well as many other
Nov
6, 13*, 20, 27*
£2,817
varieties of wildlife. If you are lucky, you may spot the beautiful
2018
Bengal Tiger. You will also have the opportunity for a
Jan
22*
£2,817
once-in-a-lifetime elephant safari at sunrise to immerse yourself
Feb
5*, 12
£2,817
Mar
5, 12*, 19, 26*
£2,817
in this magical land.
*Sailing operates in reverse Cruise & land prices are per person in a Superior Cabin (without balcony) Airfare: Please call for special roundtrip airfares Internal flights: Additional £402 per person (upstream cruise direction), £379 per person (downstream cruise direction) Single Supplement – please call for further details Visa: A valid passport and entry visa are required for travel to India. Please consult with your Consulate for more information To upgrade to a higher category, add per person: Superior Cabin (with private balcony) – additional £291 Suite (with private balcony) – additional £1039
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
7
Detailed Itinerary: Golden Triangle with Upstream Cruise
8
Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Welcome to the capital city of India where
“Pink City” of India, Jaipur. The City Palace occupies the centre
you will be met and escorted to your hotel. Explore this wonderful
and houses the Royal residence along with museums of textiles,
city then stay overnight at hotel.
costumes, manuscripts, and paintings. You will also get to visit
Day 2: Delhi City Tour. Begin with a tour of Old Delhi and a
Jantar Mantar, a monument built by King Jai Singh II. Overnight at
visit to the Raj Ghat. Drive past the Red Fort on your way to the
hotel. (B)
Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. A tour through the bazaars
Day 6: Fly Jaipur/Guwahati. Taking a packed breakfast - transfer
of Chandni Chowk is followed by a drive past the historical India
to the airport to board your early morning flight to Guwahati. You
Gate, the President’s estate and the Parliament House. In the
will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the
afternoon, visit the capital’s most striking monument; the 70
day is at your leisure. Overnight at hotel. (B)
metre high Qutab Minar. Overnight at hotel. (B)
Day 7: Guwahati/Kamakhya Temple/MV Mahabaahu/Peacock
Day 3: Delhi/Agra. Drive to Agra and check in at your hotel. Visit
Island. The morning is at your leisure. At noon, you will be met at
the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands on the banks of the
your hotel and driven to the Kamakhya Temple - devoted to the
Jamuna River. Afterwards it is time for one of the highlights of this
eternal Feminine, Kama Khya, the goddess of desire. After the
trip - the Taj Mahal, surely the greatest monument and one of the
Temple visit, drive towards Pandu Port where you are welcomed
wonders of the modern world. Overnight at hotel. (B)
aboard the MV Mahabaahu. As you set sail for the first time,
Day 4: Agra/Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri. Leave for Jaipur, visiting
everyone gathers on deck to scan the river for a fleeting sight of
Fatehpur Sikri along the way. This sandstone city was the glorious
the Gangetic Dolphins. Visit Peacock Island and return for a talk
but short-lived imperial capital of Akbar. Lying on a rocky ridge, it
on ’Kamakhya and the Occult Assam‘. An evening in the Soma
features palaces, forts and mosques. Overnight at hotel. (B)
Lounge is followed by the ‘Kamrup Swaagat Bhoj’ welcome
Day 5: Jaipur. Take a half-day tour to the Amber Fort. En route,
dinner. Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu.
there’ll be a photo stop at the Palace of Winds, the Hawa Mahal.
(B, packed L, D)D
This 5-storied building has 953 windows so that ladies of the royal
Day 8: Village Visit/Full Day’s Sail. Your ship lifts anchor early
family could see the procession and events in the city without
today and you can enjoy yoga on the deck for an hour before
being visible to the people.This afternoon, you will arrive in the
breakfast. Afterwards, there’s a talk on ‘Assam, its location,
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international context and how it is gaining recognition’. Visit a
Day 11: Dhansiri Boat Safari. This morning sail towards the eastern
village that is occupied predominantly by a Bangla-speaking
range of Kaziranga for a boat safari. Enjoy breakfast and a talk on
Muslim community. Returning to the ship for lunch, sail towards
‘The River Brahmaputra and the life that exists alongside’. The
Orang Point. Enjoy a talk on ‘The River Brahmaputra and the tribal
shores are high but you might get to see array of wildlife. Sightings
life’ over a cup of tea and some snacks. Anchor at a deserted
are always determined by weather conditions. Return for lunch and
island for the evening and enjoy a bonfire to indulge in barbequed
the evening includes a cooking demonstration by the chef. There’s a
snacks. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
talk on Majuli Island before ending the evening on a deserted island
Day 9: Silghat/Visit Tea Estate and Jute Mill. Yoga and breakfast
with bonfire. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
are followed by a talk on ‘Wildlife in Kaziranga and in India’. Enjoy
Day 12: Mishing Village/Majuli Island. After yoga and breakfast,
a relaxed lunch, until you reach Silghat. After a talk on ‘Tea and
sail towards the Mishing Village and on to Majuli, a cosmos of
Jute Assam’, take a short drive to Kaliabore Tea Estate to see the
Assamese culture. The Mishings live on the river bank in houses
women pick tea leaves. Visit the tea factory to understand the
with raised platforms. After lunch, enjoy a talk on ‘Sibsagar and the
process of producing Assam Tea. Returning to the ship, take a look
Ahom civilization’ followed by a visit to Majuli Island. A short drive
around a nearby Jute Mill where you will see how the Jute material
takes you to a scenic corner of a Satra for a cultural performance by
is turned into eco-friendly gunny bags. Later, enjoy a cultural
Satriya singers and dancers. Next, drive to Kamlabari Satra to witness
evening on the ship, an early dinner and then retire for the evening.
the Vaishnavite priests dancing to the rhythm of cymbals, drums and
Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
chanting in the temple premise. Return to the ship and prepare for a
Day 10: Kaziranga National Park/Weaver’s Village at
traditional Assamese evening. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
Bishwanath Ghat. An early start as you take some snacks and drive
Day 13: Neamati Ghat/Sibsagar/Home hosted Lunch. After an
towards the Kaziranga National Park. The park is not only home to
early breakfast, start the day-excursion to Sibsagar, the ancient city
the fantastic greater one-horned rhino but as many as 180 more
and capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms. ‘Sibsagar’ literally means
mammals including wild elephants, tiger, deer, buffalo and a rich
‘the ocean of Lord Shiva’. Explore the Shiva Dol, believed to be the
variety of birds. You will get the opportunity to experience a once-
tallest Shiva temple in India, the Talatal or Kareng Ghar, the Palace
in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari. After breakfast in Kaziranga,
of the Ahom Kings and the Rang Ghar, an amphitheatre which held
drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of the park, swap the
important meetings for the royals and their guests. After the tour
elephants for a jeep and continue your explorations. Later, return
of the town, drive to a tea estate and enjoy a traditional Assamese
to the ship for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. After a break and a
lunch with a family who have been involved in the tea-making
chance to catch up on any lost sleep, we get together for a talk on
industry for around a century. Return to the ship by sunset and enjoy
‘Silk in Assam’ before heading ashore at Bishwanath Ghat. We visit
a relaxed evening before dinner. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
the Shiva Dol and watch weaver women helping their community
Day 14: Neamati Ghat/Jorhat/departure. Start the day with yoga
thrive. The evening features a talk on ‘Kamakhya, the Occult and
and/or a walk along the swamps to catch a sight of an aubundance
Peacock Island’ and is followed by a traditional Assamese dinner.
of wildlfe. After breakfast, bid farewell and prepare for your
Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
onwards flight.
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
9
U
nlock the secrets of the mysterious and magical Bhutan – one of the last Shangralas of the world. Known as the ‘Land of
the Thunder Dragon’ this Himalayan holyland mixes Buddhist traditions with new-found modernity like nowhere else on earth.
Bhutan... with Brahmaputra downstream river cruise 14 nights | From £3689 per person 10
www.fredrivercruises.co.uk/far-horizons
SHORT ITINERARY Day 1 Arrive Kolkata
Hotel check-in
Day 2 Kolkata/Paro/Thimphu
Flight to Paro
Visit Tashichhodzong
Day 3 Thimphu
Guided tour Thimphu
Day 4 Thimphu/Punakha
Visit Punakha Dzong temple
& local markets
Day 5 Punakha/Paro
Visit National Museum of
the Bhutan
Day 6 Paro
Visit Taktsang Monastery
Day 7 Paro/Kolkata
Flight to Kolkata
Guided tour Kolkata
Day 8 Kolkata/Jorhat
Flight to Jorhat
MV Mahabaahu
Day 9 Sibsagar
EMBARKATION Guided tour
Home hosted lunch
Day 10 Majuli Island
Visit Mishing Village
Day 11 Dhansiri
Boat safari
Day 12 Silghat
Visit a tea estate & Jute Mill
Day 13 Kaziranga
Kaziranga National Park
Day 14 Peacock Island
Visit farming community
Day 15 Guwahati
DISEMBARKATION
Visit Kamakhya Temple
Flight home DEPARTURE DATES
WHAT’S INCLUDED... s Pre cruise accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis s Life enriching tours and excursions s Buffet breakfast & lunch, A La Carte dinner during the cruise s Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water during the cruise s Luxurious air conditioned cabins on board
2016
LAND START DATE
CRUISE & LAND PRICE PP
Oct
23*, 30
£3,923
Nov
13, 20*, 27
£3,923
Dec
4*, 25
£3,689
2017
FEATURED EXCURSION
Jan
1*, 22
£3,695
Thimphu
Feb
5 , 12*, 19, 26*
£3,695
The capital of Bhutan, Thimphu is situated amongst the mighty Himalayas approximately 2000 metres above sea level. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals as you learn more about the city on a guided tour. Visit the National Library which houses an extensive collection of ancient Buddhist literature as well as Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) and the colourful farmers market.
Mar
5, 12*, 19, 26*
£3,928
Apr
2
£3,928
Oct
8*, 15, 22*, 29
£3,923
Nov
5*, 12, 19*, 26
£3,923
Jan
21
£3,695
Feb
4, 11*
£3,695
Mar
4*, 11, 18*, 25
£3,928
2018
*Sailing operates in reverse Cruise & land prices are per person in a Superior Cabin (without balcony) Airfare: Please call for special roundtrip airfares Internal flights: Additional £763 per person (upstream cruise direction), £775 per person (downstream cruise direction) Single Supplement – please call for further details Visa: A valid passport and entry visa are required for travel to India. Please consult with your Consulate for more information To upgrade to a higher category, add per person: Superior Cabin (with private balcony) – additional £291 Suite (with private balcony) – additional £1039
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
11
Detailed Itinerary: Land of the Thunder Dragon with Downstream Cruise
12
Day 1: Arrive Kolkata. Arrive at Kolkata International Airport where
The district is famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone
you will be met and escorted to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
carvings. Overnight at hotel (B, L, D)
Day 2: Kolkata/Paro by flight & drive to Thimphu. Today you take
Day 5: Punakha/Paro. After breakfast, begin your journey back to
a flight to Paro. The journey into the Himalayas reveals breathtaking
Paro via Simtokha Dzong, which houses a school for religious studies.
views of the world’s highest peaks. Upon arrival, you will be met by
Arrive in Paro and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Ta
your Bhutanese tour director and driven to Thimphu, the capital of
Dzong, the National Museum of the Bhutan which holds a fascinating
Bhutan. As afternoon turns to evening, visit Tashichhodzong, the
collection of art, artifacts and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Walk
beautiful medieval fortress/monastery. Overnight at the hotel.
down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. Overnight at hotel. (B, L, D)
(B, L, D)
Day 6: Paro. After an early breakfast, leave for an excursion to the
Day 3: Thimphu. The morning takes you on a sightseeing tour of
Taktsang Monastery. Non-Buddhists are not allowed inside the
Thimphu. Visit the National Library which has a vast collection of
monastery however you can look on from a view point nearby. The hike
ancient Buddhist texts. Later, drive to the Painting School, famous for
to the view point is about 5-hour round-trip. This afternoon, drive north
traditional thangkha paintings. You also visit the Traditional Medicine
to the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong. Visit a nearby Bhutanese Farm
Institute, where centuries-old healing methods are still practiced.
House which offers a good insight into the lifestyle of the local people.
Explore the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony
On the return, stop at the Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most
to Bhutanese culture. After lunch enjoy the Handicrafts Emporium
sacred shrines in all of the Kingdom. Overnight at hotel. (B, L, D)
before driving to the Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in memory of
Day 7: Paro/Kolkata. This morning drive to Paro airport to board your
Bhutan’s Third King. Overnight at hotel. (B, L, D)
flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your
Day 4: Thimphu/Punakha. With a short stop en-route at the Dochula
hotel. Enjoy a guided tour of Kolkata including a visit to the Victoria
pass, you drive to Punakha and check into your hotel. Later, visit the
Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral and Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of
Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress which has had an important
Charity. Overnight at hotel. (B)
influence on modern Bhutan. Stop at a local market, before seeing
Day 8: Kolkata/Jorhat/M.V. Mahabaahu. After breakfast, drive to
the newly built stupa at Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten. Drive to
Kolkata airport and board your flight to Jorhat. On arrival, you will be
the nearby town of Wangduephodrang and visit the local market.
greeted with smiling faces and a packed lunch, before driving to Neamati
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Ghat to board the MV Mahabaahu. This evening enjoy a welcome
Day 12: Weaver’s Village at Bishwanath Ghat/Sail to Silghat. You
dinner and an educational talk about ‘Sibsagar and the Ahom people
can attend an interesting talk on ‘Kaziranga and the wild life in India’
of Assam’. Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu. (B, packed L, D)
this morning, before heading to the shores of Bishwanath Ghat.
Day 9: Sibsagar/Home Hosted Lunch. Start your day-excursion
Enjoy a walk through the village, meeting the local weavers, and
to Sibsagar. Explore the Shiva Dol, believed to be the tallest Shiva
see how this suburban village thrives. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed
temple in India; the Talatal or Kareng Ghar, the Palace of the Ahom
lunch onboard before we arrive in Silghat. Take a short drive to the
Kings and the Rang Ghar, an amphitheatre which also held important
Kaliabore tea estate, where you will watch the women pick tea leaves
meetings for the royals and their guests. Drive to a tea estate to enjoy
and discover the process behind producing Assam Tea. Returning to
a traditional Assamese lunch with a family who have been involved in
the ship, stop at a Jute Mill to understand how the Jute fibre is made
the tea-making industry for around a century. Return to the ship by and
into eco-friendly gunny bags. Enjoy a cultural evening on the ship, an
enjoy a relaxed evening before dinner. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
early dinner and retire for the evening. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Majuli Island/Mishing Village. Start the day with the option
Day 13: Kaziranga National Park. An early start as you drive out
of yoga or a walk along the swamps. During breakfast, sail towards
towards the Kaziranga National Park. You will get the opportunity
Majuli Island. On arrival, you will enjoy a talk about ‘Majuli’, the largest
to experience a once-in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari. After
river island in the world, and an interesting cultural performance by
breakfast in Kaziranga, drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of the
Satriya singers and dancers. Next, drive to Kamlabari Satra to witness
park, swap the elephants for a jeep and continue your explorations.
the Vaishnavite priests dancing to the rhythm of cymbals, drums and
Later, return to the ship for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. The
chanting in the temple premise. Savour a hot lunch on board and
evening features a talk on ‘Kamakhya, the Occult and Peacock Island’
sail towards the nearest Mishing Village. The Mishing People live on
and is followed by a traditional Assamese dinner. Overnight onboard.
the bank of the river in raised houses known as ‘Chang ghars’. After
(B, L, D)
learning about the culture of the Mishing People, the ship heads
Day 14: Village Visit/Peacock Island. Yoga and breakfast are
towards Dhansiri Mukh. At this time, there will be a talk on ‘Assam, its
followed before heading towards an island that is occupied by a
geographical location & importance’. The evening will be spent on a
Muslim community who are involved in extensive farming. Return to
deserted island. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
the ship for lunch and sail towards Peacock Island, home to some
Day 11: Dhansiri Boat Safari. Sail on towards Kaziranga for a river
golden langurs. Later, sail towards Pandu Port and anchor at a jetty.
safari. Enjoy breakfast and a talk about the Brahmaputra and the life
Get ready for the Farewell Dinner ‘AlvidaBhoj’ and enjoy a relaxed
that surrounds it. Whilst exploring in the tender boats, you may be
evening. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
able to spot the various wildlife that populates the river - this will be
Day 15: Guwahati/Kamakhya Temple Visit/Departure. Enjoy a
dependent on weather conditions. Return for lunch followed by a
relaxed breakfast whilst the crew organises your transport to the
cooking demonstration by the chef and a talk on ‘Tea, Silk and Jute in
Kamakhya Temple. This Temple is devoted to the eternal feminine -
Assam.’ Enjoy dinner on board and gather around a bonfire onshore.
the goddess of desire whose name is Kama Khya. Prepare for your
Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
onward flight. (B, packed L)
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
13
S
howcasing India’s most picturesque side, Sikkim is hailed as one of the world’s last utopias. Beginning in the magnificent Himalayas, the
lovely towns of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok offer fabulous views, beautiful monasteries, visits to picture-perfect tea estates and interactions with the warm local people to enable you to Experience the Living Cultures of India.
Sikkim... with Brahmaputra upstream river cruise 14 nights | From £3040 per person 14
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SHORT ITINERARY Day 1
Kolkata
Hotel check-in
Day 2 Kolkata Day 3 Kolkata/Gangtok
City tour Flight to Bagdogra & drive to Gangtok
Day 4 Gangtok
Monastery of Rumtek visit
Day 5 Gangtok/Darjeeling Day at your leisure Day 6
Darjeeling
Ghoom Monastery
Day 7 Darjeeling/Guwahati Bagdogra & fly to Guwahati Day 8 Guwahati Kamakhya Temple visit MV Mahabaahu EMBARKATION Day 9 Full Day Sail Day 10 Silghat Day 11 Kaziranga
Village visit & full day sail Visit a tea estate & Jute Mill Kaziranga National Park & Bishwanath Ghat Weaver’s Village
Day 12 Dhansiri
Boat safari
Day 13 Majuli Island
Visiting Mishing Village
Day 14 Neamati Ghat
Sibsagar and home hosted lunch
Day 15 Neamati Ghat/ Jorhat
Morning wildlife watching DISEMBARKATION Flight home
WHAT’S INCLUDED... s Pre cruise accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis s Life enriching tours and excursions
DEPARTURE DATES
s Buffet breakfast & lunch, A La Carte dinner during the cruise
2016
LAND START DATE
CRUISE & LAND PRICE PP
s Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water during the cruise
Oct
23, 30*
£3,040
s Luxurious air conditioned cabins on board
Nov
13*, 20, 27*
£3,040
Dec
4, 25*
£3,040
FEATURED EXCURSION
2017
Darjeeling
Jan
1, 22*
£3,040
Its tea is considered one of the best in the world, yet Darjeeling is renowned for so much more than its famous tipple. A beautiful city in its own right, Darjeeling treats its guest to stunning mountain vistas, enchanting lakes and valleys. From here you will visit the Ghoom Monastery and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Zoological park, which is home to magnificent creatures including the Siberian tiger, black bear and elusive snow leopard.
Feb
5*, 12, 19*, 26
£3,040
Mar
5*, 12, 19*, 26
£3,040
Apr
2*
£3,040
Oct
8, 15*, 22, 29*
£3,040
Nov
5, 12*, 19, 26*
£3,040
Jan
21*
£3,040
Feb
4*, 11
£3,040
Mar
4, 11*, 18, 25*
£3,040
2018
*Sailing operates in reverse Cruise & land prices are per person in a Superior Cabin (without balcony) Airfare: Please call for special roundtrip airfares Internal flights: Additional £290 per person (upstream cruise direction), £349 per person (downstream cruise direction) Single Supplement – please call for further details Visa: A valid passport and entry visa are required for travel to India. Please consult with your Consulate for more information To upgrade to a higher category, add per person: Superior Cabin (with private balcony) – additional £291 Suite (with private balcony) – additional £1039
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
15
Detailed Itinerary: Sikkim with Upstream Cruise Day 1: Arrive Kolkata. Arrive at Kolkata International Airport where
enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha. Visit the Himalayan
you will be met and escorted to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Mountaineering Institute and the adjacent Himalayan Zoological Park.
Day 2: Kolkata. After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a guided
The latter is a wildlife park home to several high-altitude animals.
sightseeing tour of Kolkata. You’ll see the colonial buildings of
Overnight at hotel (B & D)
British Kolkata, explore the flower market on the bank of the Hoogly
Day 7: Darjeeling/Bagdogra & fly to Guwahati. After breakfast,
River and visit Kumhartuli - the idol-makers colony where you can
drive to Bagdogra airport for your flight to Guwahati. Arrive and check-
see craftsmen making clay idols. After lunch, drive to the Victoria
in at your hotel. The day is at your leisure. Overnight at hotel. (B)
Memorial to see this British era monument from the grounds/gardens
Day 8: Guwahati/M.V. Mahabaahu/Peacock Island. The morning
surrounding it. The tour also includes visits to St. Paul’s cathedral and Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. Overnight at hotel. (B)
16
is at your leisure. Later, you are met at your hotel and drive to the Kamakhya Temple. This Temple is devoted to the eternal Feminine,
Day 3: Fly Kolkata/Bagdogra & drive to Gangtok. You will be
Kama Khya - the goddess of desire. After the Temple visit, drive
transferred to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra. Upon arrival, you
towards Pandu Port where you are welcomed aboard the MV
will then be transferred to your hotel. Overnight at hotel. (B & D)
Mahabaahu. As you set sail for the first time, everyone gathers on
Day 4: Gangtok. Today you will visit the famous monastery of Rumtek,
deck to scan the river for a fleeting sight of the Gangetic Dolphins.
which was the official seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Kagyu
Visit Peacock Island and return for a talk on ‘Kamakhya and the Occult
order of Tibetan Buddhism. You will also see the Do Drul Chorten
in Assam’. An evening in the Soma Lounge is followed by the ‘Kamrup
(Stupa), the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, the Institute of Cottage
Swaagat Bhoj’ welcome dinner. Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu.
Industry, and the Enchey Monastery. Overnight at hotel (B & D)
(packed L, D)
Day 5: Gangtok/Darjeeling. After a leisurely breakfast, check out
Day 9: Village Visit/Full Day Sail. The ship lifts anchor early today
from the hotel and drive to Darjeeling. The rest of the day is at your
and you can enjoy yoga on the deck for an hour before breakfast.
leisure. Overnight at hotel (B & D)
Afterwards, there’s a talk on ‘Assam, its location, international context
Day 6: Darjeeling. Get up at sunrise to enjoy the magnificent views
and how it is gaining recognition’. Visit a village that is occupied
over Kanchenjunga and the eastern Himalayan peaks from Tiger
predominantly by a Bangla-speaking Muslim community who are
Hill. Enjoy a ride on the miniature train to Ghoom Monastery, which
involved in extensive farming. Return to the ship for lunch and sail
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towards Orang Point. Enjoy a talk on ‘The River Brahmaputra and
talk on ‘The River Brahmaputra and the life that exists alongside’.
the tribal life’. Anchor at a deserted island for the evening and enjoy
The shores are high but you might get to see array of wildlife.
sitting around a bonfire to indulge in barbequed snacks. Overnight
Sightings are always determined by weather conditions. Return
onboard. (B, L, D)
for lunch. The evening includes a cooking demonstration by the
Day 10: Silghat/Visit Tea Estate and Jute Mill. Yoga and breakfast
chef. There’s a talk on Majuli Island before ending the evening on a
are followed by a talk on ‘Wildlife in Kaziranga and in India’. Enjoy a
deserted island with bonfire. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
relaxed lunch, until you reach Silghat. After a talk on ‘Tea and Jute
Day 13: Mishing Village/Majuli Island. After yoga and breakfast,
Assam’, take a short drive to Kaliabore Tea Estate to see the women
sail towards the Mishing Village and on to Majuli, a cosmos of
pick tea leaves. Visit the tea factory to understand the process
Assamese culture. The Mishings live on the river bank in houses
of producing Assam Tea and learn everything that goes into its
with raised platforms. After lunch, enjoy a talk on ‘Sibsagar and
preparation. Return to the ship, take a look around a nearby Jute Mill
the Ahom civilization’ followed by a visit to Majuli Island. A
where you will see how the Jute material is turned into eco-friendly
short drive takes us to a scenic corner of a Satra for a cultural
gunny bags. Later, enjoy a cultural evening on the ship, an early
performance by Satriya singers and dancers. Next, drive to
dinner and then retire for the evening. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
Kamlabari Satra to witness the Vaishnavite priests dancing to the
Day 11: Kaziranga National Park/Weaver’s Village at Bishwanath Ghat. An early start as you take some snacks and drive towards the Kaziranga National Park. The park is not only home to
rhythm of cymbals, drums and chanting in the temple premise. Return to the ship and prepare for a traditional Assamese evening. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
the fantastic greater one-horned rhino but as many as 180 more
Day 14: Neamati Ghat/ Sibsagar/ Home Hosted Lunch. After an
mammals including wild elephants, tiger, deer, buffalo and a rich
early breakfast, start the day-excursion to Sibsagar, the ancient city
variety of birds. You will get the opportunity to experience a once-
and capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms. ‘Sibsagar’ literally means
in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari. After breakfast in Kaziranga,
‘the ocean of Lord Shiva’. Explore the Shiva Dol, believed to be the
drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of the park, swap the
tallest Shiva temple in India, the Talatal or Kareng Ghar, the Palace
elephants for a jeep and continue your explorations. Later, return
of the Ahom Kings and the Rang Ghar, an amphitheatre which held
to the ship for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. After a break and a
important meetings for the royals and their guests. After the tour
chance to catch up on any lost sleep, we get together for a talk on
of the town, drive to a tea estate and enjoy a traditional Assamese
‘Silk in Assam’ before heading ashore at Bishwanath Ghat. We visit
lunch with a family who have been involved in the tea-making
the Shiva Dol and watch weaver women helping their community
industry for around a century. Return to the ship by sunset and
thrive. The evening features a talk on ‘Kamakhya, the Occult and
enjoy a relaxed evening before dinner. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
Peacock Island’ and is followed by a traditional Assamese dinner.
Day 15: Neamati Ghat/Jorhat/departure. Start the day with yoga
Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
and/or a walk along the swamps to catch a sight of an ubundance
Day 12: Dhansiri Boat Safari. This morning we sail towards the
of wildlfe. After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow passengers as
eastern range of Kaziranga for a boat safari. Enjoy breakfast and a
you prepare for your onward flight.
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17
I
ndia’s intellectual and cultural capital, Kolkata is the city of feasts and festivals, with arguably the best Bengali cuisine in the region. A blend
of colonial-era architecture, juxtaposed with urban slums and modern suburbs afford visitors a glimpse into past and future of this country’s ‘second city’.
Kolkata... with Brahmaputra downstream river cruise 9 nights | From £2247 per person 18
www.fredrivercruises.co.uk/far-horizons
SHORT ITINERARY Day 1 Kolkata
Hotel check-in
Day 2 Kolkata
City tour
Day 3 Kolkata/Jorhat
Flight to Jorhat
EMBARKATION
M.V. Mahabaahu
Day 4 Sibsagar
Guided tour and home hosted lunch
Day 5 Majuli Island
Visit Mishing Village
Day 6 Dhansiri
Boat safari
Day 7 Bishwanath Ghat/ Weaver’s village
Silghat
Visit a tea estate and Jute Mill
Day 8 Kaziranga
Kaziranga National Park
Day 9 Peacock Island
Visit farming community
Day 10 Guwahati
DISEMBARKATION
Kamakhya Temple visit
Flight home
WHAT’S INCLUDED... s Pre cruise accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis s Life enriching tours and excursions s Buffet breakfast & lunch, A La Carte dinner during the cruise s Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water during the cruise s Luxurious air conditioned cabins on board
FEATURED EXCURSION Majuli Island Enjoy a cultural performance by Satriya singers and dancers and soak up the picturesque landscapes of this lush island. The welcoming local people live in stilted houses to stop water flooding their homes during the monsoon season - each year, the Brahmaputra helps itself to chunks of the island, leaving Majuli (once contender for the title of worlds’ largest river island) - just 400 sqm large. You will be privileged to visit this land before the river swallows it completely.
DEPARTURE DATES 2016
LAND START DATE
CRUISE & LAND PRICE PP
Oct
28*,
£2,247
Nov
4, 18, 25*
£2,247
Dec
2, 9*, 30
£2,247
Jan
6*, 27
£2,247
Feb
10, 17*, 24
£2,247
Mar
3*, 10, 17*, 24, 31*
£2,247
Apr
7
£2,247
Oct
13*, 20, 27*
£2,247
Nov
3, 10*, 17, 24*
£2,247
Dec
1
£2,247
Jan
26
£2,247
Feb
9, 16*
£2,247
Mar
9*, 16, 23*, 30
£2,247
2017
2018
*Sailing operates in reverse Cruise & land prices are per person in a Superior Cabin (without balcony) Airfare: Please call for special roundtrip airfares Internal flights: Additional £226 per person (upstream cruise direction), £203 per person (downstream cruise direction) Single Supplement – please call for further details Visa: A valid passport and entry visa are required for travel to India. Please consult with your Consulate for more information To upgrade to a higher category, add per person: Superior Cabin (with private balcony) – additional £291 Suite (with private balcony) – additional £1039
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
19
Detailed Itinerary: Kolkata with Downstream Cruise
20
Day 1: Arrive Kolkata. Arrive at Kolkata International Airport where
sight of the Gangetic Dolphins. As the evening comes, enjoy a
you will be met and escorted to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
welcome dinner and an educational talk about ‘Sibsagar and the
Day 2: Kolkata. Visit the Victoria Memorial. This marble-white
Ahom people of Assam’. Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu.
monument is one of the most fascinating landmarks in Kolkata.
(B, packed L, D)
Here, you will find images of Queen Mary, King George V and
Day 4: Sibsagar/Home Hosted Lunch. After an early breakfast,
Queen Victoria. Highlights include the Queen’s dresses, the
start the day-excursion to Sibsagar, the ancient city and capital
famous Rosewood piano, the Whispering Gallery in the dome and
of the Tai-speaking Ahoms who arrived in the 13th Century from
numerous artillery weapons used in the Battle of Plassey. You will
the north-east. ‘Sibsagar’ literally means ‘the ocean of Lord Shiva’
then move on to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Standing at 201 feet high,
as it is built around a huge man-made water tank ordered by the
it has the rare distinction of being the first Episcopal Church built
Ahom Queen. You will explore the Shiva Dol, believed to be the
in this part of the world. After the devastating 1934 earthquake,
tallest Shiva temple in India; the Talatal or Kareng Ghar, the Palace
the tower was redesigned in the image of the famous Bell Harry
of the Ahom Kings; and the Rang Ghar, an amphitheatre which
Tower at Canterbury Cathedral. Finish your tour with visits to
also held important meetings for the royals and their guests. After
Mother Teresa’s House, known as ‘Nirmal Hriday,’ and Shishu
the tour of the town, drive to a tea estate and enjoy a traditional
Bhawan, located nearby. The latter is a centre which continues the
Assamese lunch with a family who have been involved in the tea-
important work that Mother Teresa carried out by offering a home
making industry for around a century. Return to the ship by sunset
to the abandoned children on the streets of Kolkata. Overnight at
and enjoy a relaxed evening in the Soma lounge before dinner.
hotel. (B)
Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Kolkata/Jorhat/MV Mahabaau. Transfer to the airport
Day 5: Majuli Island/Mishing Village. Start the day with the
and board your flight to Jorhat (flight via Guwahati). On arrival
option of yoga or a walk along the swamps to catch sight of
at Jorhat airport, you will be greeted with smiling faces and a
various birds including owls, eagles, storks and kingfishers. During
packed lunch, before driving to Neamati Ghat to board the MV
breakfast, sail towards Majuli Island. On arrival, you will enjoy a
Mahabaahu. Once you have checked into your cabin, gather for
talk about ‘Majuli’, the largest river island in the world, and an
the essential safety briefing and sailaway. During this time, the
interesting cultural performance by Satriya singers and dancers.
team on board will encourage you to scan the river for a fleeting
Next, drive to Kamlabari Satra to witness the Vaishnavite priests
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dancing to the rhythm of cymbals, drums and chanting in the
Day 8: Kaziranga National Park. It’s an early start today as
temple premise. Savour a hot lunch on board and sail towards
you drive out towards the Kaziranga National Park. The park is
the nearest Mishing Village. The Mishing People live on the
not only home to the fantastic greater one-horned rhino but as
bank of the river in raised houses. Afterwards MV Mahabaahu
many as 180 more mammals including wild elephants, tiger, deer,
heads towards Dhansiri Mukh. At this time, there will be a talk on
buffalo and a rich variety of birds. You will get the opportunity
‘Assam, its geographical location & importance’. The evening
to experience a once-in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari as
will be spent under the stars on a deserted island. Overnight
you go in search of these animals. After breakfast in Kaziranga,
onboard. (B, L D)
drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of the park, swap the
Day 6: Dhansiri Boat Safari. Sail towards the Eastern Range of Kaziranga for a river safari. Enjoy breakfast and a talk about the ‘Brahmaputra and the life that surrounds it’. Whilst exploring in the tender boats, you may be able to spot the deverse wildlife along the water’s edge - this will, of course, be dependent on
elephants for a jeep and continue your explorations. Later, return to MV Mahabaahu for a leisurely lunch and a relaxed afternoon. The evening features a talk on ‘Kamakhya, the Occult and Peacock Island’ and is followed by a traditional Assamese dinner. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
whether conditions,. Return for lunch and the afternoon brings a
Day 9: Village Visit/Peacock Island. Yoga and breakfast are
cooking demonstration by the chef followed by a talk on ‘Tea, Silk
followed by the ship lifting anchor and heading towards an island
and Jute in Assam.’ Enjoy dinner on board and gather around a
that is occupied by a Muslim community who are involved in
bonfire onshore. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
extensive farming. After visiting the village, return to the ship for
Day 7: Weaver’s Village at Bishwanath Ghat/Sail to Silghat. Attend an interesting talk on ‘Kaziranga and the wild life in India’ this morning, before heading to the shores of Bishwanath Ghat. Enjoy a walk through the village, meeting the local weavers, and
lunch and sail towards Peacock Island, home to some golden langurs. Later, sail towards Pandu Port and anchor at a jetty. Get ready for the Farewell Dinner ‘AlvidaBhoj’ and enjoy a relaxed evening. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
see how this suburban village thrives. Afterwards, sail on for the
Day 10: Guwahati/Kamakhya Temple Visit/Departure. Enjoy a
next couple of hours and enjoy a relaxed lunch before you arrive
relaxed breakfast onboard whilst the crew organises your transport to
in Silghat. Take a short drive to the Kaliabore tea estate, where
the Kamakhya Temple - situated on the Nilachal Hill in the western
you will watch the women pick tea leaves and discover the process
part of Guwahati city in Assam. This Hindu Temple is devoted to
behind producing Assam Tea. Returning to the ship, stop at a Jute
the eternal feminine - the goddess of desire whose name is Kama
Mill to understand how the Jute fibre is made into eco-friendly
Khya. It is an important pilgrimage destination for general Hindu
gunny bags. Enjoy a cultural evening on the ship, an early dinner
and especially for Tantric worshipers. Bid farewell to your fellow
and retire for the evening. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
passengers as you prepare for your onward flight. (B, packed L)
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
21
A
journey upon the remarkable MV Mahabaahu is a journey of great discovery, friendly smiles, and unrivalled sunsets.
Your cruise has been professionally designed to enable you to experience all of the riches that the Brahamaputra has to offer. With incredible wildlife gracing its riverbanks, traditional weaver’s villages and tea plantations dotted along the shores, and an assortment of educational experiences from local experts, you are sure to create treasured memories to last a lifetime.
M.V. Mahabaahu Cruise the Brahmaputra in style 22
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From its source in southwest Tibet, the mighty
a visit here – home to the largest population of rhino in
Brahmaputra runs 1,800 miles through the Himalayas,
the world, you may also be lucky enough to come across
across the Assam basin and down towards Bangladesh,
the beautiful Bengal tiger. Other attractions are Buddhist
eventually meeting with India’s holiest river, the Ganges.
monasteries and Hindu Gurukuls, spanning over 5,000
Assam has earned the accolade ‘Serengeti of India’
years. With its green lands of rolling hills, plains and dense
thanks to its abundance of wildlife, yet this rich, fertile
forests, Assam itself is the gateway to the northeastern
land of rolling hills, plains and forests remains refreshingly
part of India. Its temples are built in traditional Indian
untouched by tourism. A true natural history paradise, you
and Thai style, showcasing the artistic talents of the local
will find over 850 species of birds, freshwater dolphins and
people. Lush tea plantations dot the landscape as Assam is
national parks teeming with elephants, one-horned rhinos
one of the world’s leading tea manufacturers in the world.
and buffalo. Kaziranga National Park is a true highlight of
Immerse yourself in a magical journey you’ll never forget.
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
23
Ship Facts... Deck plans & features 24
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FEATURES
DINING
The ship is 55m long and 10m in width. It has a total of five decks
Our chefs prepare local/Indian food and continental cuisine using
including one inside the hull and the top deck as an open sundeck.
locally sourced ingredients. All meals inclusive of tea and coffee
It is powered by three marine engines and four generators.
in the main indoor dining restaurant. Given advance notice, all
Built: 2011 in Kolkata | Dimensions: 55m by 10m, Height: 11.5m
dietary requirements can be catered for.
Draught: 1.65m /1.85m | Berths: 46 pax | Crew: 35
SHORE VISITS
ACCOMMODATION
Two excursion tenders ferry guests safely to and from the vessel
s 2 Suites with balcony – 283.2 sq ft (includes the cabin,
under the supervision of a senior office. All excursions are escorted.
bathroom and the balcony)
CURRANCY
s 9 Superior cabins with balcony – 206 sq. ft (includes the cabin,
Indian Rupees and credit cards - American Express, Visa and
bathroom and the balcony)* s 12 Superior cabins without balcony – 150 sq.ft. (includes the cabin & bathroom) *Cabins 109 & 110: 230 sq. ft (includes the cabin, bathroom and the balcony)
Master Card only. PASSENGER LIFT One passenger lift is between lower and second deck. The sundeck is served by an external staircase. SMOKING
CABIN FEATURES
Permitted in OPEN AREAS only.
s All cabins incorporate satellite TV, personal safe, mini bar,
CHILDREN
in-house telephone and attached bathrooms.
Children above six can be booked as passengers, but must be
AIR CONDITIONING
the sole responsibility of parents/guardians and must never be
s All cabins, restuarant/lounge are centrally air conditioned.
left unattended. CRUISING
ENTERTAINMENT
Cruising takes place between 6:00am and 5:00pm.
s Well stocked library s Board games
KEEPING IN TOUCH
s Swimming pool on first deck
Mobile phone usage is limited due to the remoteness of
s Spa and salon on lower deck
places visited.
DECK PLANS 2 Suites with private balcony 9 Superior with private balcony 12 Superior without balcony SUN DECK
DECK 2
DECK 1
MAIN DECK
LOWER DECK
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25
W
e take you on a journey through the heart of the Dravidian South. Visit the famous temples of South India
with their elaborate carvings and architectural styles. Glide through the backwaters of Kerela – God’s own country. The backwaters give you an opportunity to experience the living cultures of
South India... Kerala at close quarters.
with Kerala backwaters
13 nights | From £2584 per person 26
www.fredrivercruises.co.uk/far-horizons
SHORT ITINERARY Day 1 Mumbai
Hotel check-in
Day 2 Mumbai
Elephanta Caves Mani Bhavan (Gandhi’s former residence)
Day 3 Mumbai Bangalore Mysore
Transfer to airport for Bangalore Srirangapatna visit (time permitting) Hotel check-in
Day 4 Mysore Coorg
Sightseeing tour of Mysore
Day 5 Coorg
Sightseeing tour & walking tour of the plantation
Day 6 Coorg Nagarhole
Bird watching walk Nagarhole National Park boat safari
Day 7 Nagarhole
Safari & village visit
Day 8 Nagarhole Bangalore
Hike and/or village visit
Day 9 Bangalore/Cochin Transfer to airport for Cochin House boat EMBARKATION Day 10 Kerala
Backwaters & shore visits
Day 11 Kerala
Backwaters & shore visits
Day 12 Kerala Cochin
DISEMBARKATION Hotel check-in
Day 13 Cochin
Sightseeing tour
Day 14 Cochin
Flight home
WHAT’S INCLUDED... s Pre/post cruise accommodation with meals as specified s Breakfast, lunch & dinner during the cruise s Life enriching tours and excursions s Complimentary daily bottled water during the cruise s Luxurious air conditioned cabins on board
FEATURED EXCURSION Elephanta Caves The Elephanta Caves in Mumbai harbour are a network of sculpted caves associated to Lord Shiva. There are two groups of caves created from around the 5th to 8th century AD the largest being of Hindu origin, and the second, a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the caves feature a remarkable three-headed Shiva sculpture as the main attraction. Tailor-made itineraries available on request Sailings from October 2016 – April 2017, October 2017 – April 2018
Cruise & Land Price From
£2,584pp
Cruise & land prices are per person in a Twin Cabin (without balcony) Airfare: Please call for special roundtrip airfares Internal flights: Additional £114 per person Single Supplement – please call for further details Visa: A valid passport and entry visa are required for travel to India. Please consult with your Consulate for more information
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
27
Detailed Itinerary: South India with Kerala Backwaters
28
Day 1: Arrive Mumbai. You will be met on arrival at the airport
chance to take a guided walk in the extensive grounds then attend a
and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
talk with the resident naturalist. Overnight at hotel. (B,D)
Overnight at hotel.
Day 5: Coorg. Encounter everyday life up close in a region
Day 2: Mumbai. Leave for an excursion to the Elephanta Caves,
sometimes known as the “Scotland of India”. Here you will enjoy a
stopping at the Gateway of India for some photos along the way.
traditional coffee and see the round “coracle” boats used by local
The caves are reached via a public boat ride from Mumbai wharf.
fishermen. Back at the hotel, take a walking tour of the plantation
The caves were cut into the basalt rock between the 5th and the 8th
and learn about the coffee grown on it. After dinner, enjoy a cultural
centuries and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage
dance performance. Overnight at hotel. (B,L,D)
Site. This afternoon, drive to Victoria Terminus railway station for a
Day 6: Coorg/Nagarhole. Early this morning, embark on a bird
photo stop and then continue past the High Court, the university
watching walk to see some of the 300 species – 25% of all India’s bird
and Flora fountain. Finally, visit Mani Bhavan, a simple, old-style,
species – found here. Then leave the hotel for Nagarhole National
two-storied building. This is where Gandhi stayed between 1917 and
Park, one of India’s best preserved areas, where you may spot
1934 whenever he was in Mumbai. It has now been converted into a
leopard, bison, wild dogs, deer, antelope, hyenas and more. In the
museum and research centre. Overnight at hotel (B)
summer, this park is also home to the world’s greatest concentration
Day 3: Mumbai/Bangalore/Mysore. Transfer to the airport for your
of Asian elephants, estimated at 8,000–14,000. After lunch at
flight to Bangalore. You will be met on arrival and transferred to
the safari lodge, set out on a boat safari that takes in some of
Mysore. Time permitting, we may visit the town of Srirangapatna en
Nagarhole’s 247 square miles. If you are fortunate, you may spot the
route. Srirangapatna formed by the two subdivisions of the Kaveri
critically endangered Oriental white-backed vulture or some of the
River. It is of great religious and historic importance and the town
other threatened bird species that find shelter in Nagarhole. Dine at
is surrounded by a strong stone fort with four gates. Arrive Mysore.
the lodge tonight. Overnight at hotel (B,L,D)
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 7: Nagarhole.This morning, take a safari through Nagarhole in
Day 4: Mysore/Coorg. After breakfast, we leave for a sightseeing
search of wildlife. Once you have refueled with a spot of lunch, drive
tour of Mysore. Visit the Chamundi Hill, where you will find the
through the rural landscape to a village to visit with a local family
famous Chamundi temple and Mysore Palace. At the end of the tour,
in their home. More of the natural world is on tap tonight as you
leave for Coorg. Before dinner at the hotel this evening, there’s the
embark on an after-dinner nature walk to witness the nocturnal birds
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and reptiles in their natural habitats. Overnight at hotel (B,L,D)
Day 11: Backwaters (Houseboat). A vast network of lagoons, lakes
Day 8: Nagarhole/Bangalore. You have a choice of activities this
and canals formed by the confluence of Kerala’s numerous rivers
morning. There’s the option to enjoy a hike or visit a nearby tribal
and the Arabian Sea, the Kerala backwaters run alongside the coast
village. After lunch at the lodge, depart for Bangalore. Overnight at
for more than 550 miles. These labyrinthine waterways have served
hotel (B,L)
as a thoroughfare for boats like ours since ancient times and daily
Day 9: Bangalore/Cochin/Backwaters Houseboat. After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cochin. On arrival,
life in the communities here has changed little over the centuries. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
you will transfer to the house boat . This environmentally-friendly
Day 12: Backwaters (Houseboat)/Cochin. Disembark the
vessel is unique to Kerala’s placid waterways. Prior to their conversion
houseboat and drive to the hotel in Cochin. This evening, attend a
to passenger boats with all the modern comforts, these traditional
performance of Kathakali dance, where facial expressions and hand
crafts, known as kettuvallom, once plied these waters as rice barges.
gestures combine with movement to create a highly-expressive
The uniqueness of Kerala has always been its Backwaters and no
traditional Kerala art form which depicts great Indian epics. It
place in the world is blessed with this much mesmerizing beauty.
originated in Kerala during the 17th century and has developed over
It’s the reason this heaven is called ‘God’s Own Country!’ On this
the years with improved looks, refined gestures and added themes.
comfortable floating home, you may spend the rest of your day
Overnight at hotel (B)
relaxing. As you slowly cruise along the backwater canals of the
Day 13: Cochin.This morning takes you on a walking tour of
Arabian Sea, you may choose to stop and explore some of the many
Mattancherry, the bustling part of Old Fort Cochin and the epicentre
small villages, farmlands, old temples and churches that you come
of the spice trade for centuries. Begin with the Dutch Palace, before
across. Overnight onboard Houseboat (B,L,D)
moving on to St. Francis, India’s first European church (ca. 1510),
Day 10: Backwaters (Houseboat). Today, see Indian life up close
famed as the original burial site of Portuguese explorer Vasco de
as you slowly cruise along the palm-fringed backwater canals of
Gama. Next, we pay a visit to the picturesque Chinese fishing nets
the Arabian Sea. Along the way, venture ashore to visit some of the
that are unique to the city. These iconic land-based nets combine
local villages and farms, observing traditional livelihoods such as
elegance and ingenuity and are believed to have been introduced
coir making, boat building, fish farming, rice growing and toddy
by the Chinese explorer Zheng He. Overnight at hotel. (B)
tapping – the extraction of palm sap for production of palm wine, or
Day 14: Depart Cochin. Bid farewell to your fellow passengers
toddy. You will also see churches in a land synonymous with the very
as you transfer to Cochin International Airport to prepare for your
beginnings of Christianity. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
onward flight home. (B)
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
29
V
isit the famous temples of South India with their elaborate carvings and architectural styles. Glide through the
backwaters of Kerala – God’s own country. The backwaters give you an opportunity to experience the living cultures of Kerala at close quarters. Upon embarkation view the array of temples and rock fortresses of Dambulla and Sigiriya and a visit to an elephant sanctuary in Beruwela with plenty of free time to soak up the magic of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka... with Kerala Backwaters
7 nights | From £1,599 per person 30
www.fredrivercruises.co.uk/far-horizons
SHORT ITINERARY Day 1
Cochin
Hotel check-in
Day 2
Cochin
City tour
Day 3 Kerala Backwaters EMBARKATION Houseboat Backwaters & shore visits Day 4 Kerala Backwaters Backwaters & shore visits Day 5 Kerala Backwaters Full day cruise Day 6 Kerala Backwaters DISEMBARKATION Negombo Hotel check-in Day 7 Negombo Dambulla
Visit Golden Cave Temple
Day 8 Dambulla Sigiriya Polonnaruwa Dambulla
Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit the Royal Palace Visit Gal Viharaya
Day 9
Town tour Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic
Dambulla Kandy
Day 10 Kandy
Royal Botanical Gardens Town tour & free time
Day 11 Kandy Beruwela
Visit elephant orphanage
Day 12 Beruwela
Free time
Day 13 Beruwela
Free time
Day 14 Beruwela Colombo
Sightseeing Tour Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall
Day 15 Colombo
Flight home
WHAT’S INCLUDED... s Pre/post cruise accommodation with meals as specified s Breakfast, lunch & dinner during the cruise s Life enriching tours and excursions s Complimentary daily bottled water during the cruise s Luxurious air conditioned cabins on board
FEATURED EXCURSION The Gal Vihara Situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka, the Gal Vihara was built in the 12th century. The central feature of the temple is the beautiful group of four rock statues of the Buddha, which have been carved into the face of a large granite rock. It is said that the famous Catholic monk Thomas Merton fell into a “state of exaltation” when he visited here.
Tailor-made itineraries available on request Sailings from October 2016 – April 2017, October 2017 – April 2018
Cruise & Land Price From
£1,599pp
Cruise & land prices are per person in a Twin Cabin (without balcony) Airfare: Please call for special roundtrip airfares Internal flights: Additional £194 per person Single Supplement – please call for further details Visa: A valid passport and entry visa are required for travel to India. Please consult with your Consulate for more information
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
31
Detailed Itinerary: Sri Lanka with Kerala Backwaters
32
Day 1: Arrive Cochin. Arrive at Cochin Airport where you will be
backwater canals of the Arabian Sea. You may choose to stop and
met by our Cochin representative and transferred to your hotel.
explore some of the many small villages, farmlands and old temples
Overnight at hotel.
that you come across. Overnight onboard Houseboat
Day 2: Cochin. This morning takes you on a walking tour of
(B, L, D)
Mattancherry, the bustling part of Old Fort Cochin and the
Day 4: Backwaters (Houseboat). See Indian life up close as you
epicentre of the spice trade for centuries. Your tour reveals Cochin’s
slowly cruise along the palm-fringed backwater canals of the
multi-layered past, a rich brew of Arab, Portuguese, British, and
Arabian Sea. Along the way, venture ashore to visit some of the
Dutch influences. Beginning with the Dutch Palace, you will then
local villages and farms, observing traditional livelihoods such as
move on to St. Francis, India’s first European church (ca. 1510),
coir making, boat building, fish farming, rice growing and toddy
famed as the original burial site of Portuguese explorer Vasco de
tapping – the extraction of palm sap for production of palm
Gama. Next, pay a visit to the picturesque Chinese fishing nets.
wine, or toddy. See churches in a land synonymous with the very
These iconic land-based nets combine elegance and ingenuity
beginnings of Christianity. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
and are believed to have been introduced by the Chinese explorer
Day 5: Backwaters (Houseboat). A vast network of lagoons, lakes
Zheng He. Overnight at hotel (B)
and canals formed by the confluence of Kerala’s numerous rivers
Day 3: Cochin/Backwaters Houseboat. Today you will be driven
and the Arabian Sea, the Kerala backwaters run alongside the coast
approximately two hours along the Keralan coast to the docks at
for more than 550 miles. These labyrinthine waterways have served
Thothapally to board your private houseboat, an environmentally-
as a thoroughfare for boats like ours since ancient times and daily
friendly vessel unique to Kerala’s placid waterways. Prior to their
life in the communities here has changed little over the centuries.
conversion to passenger boats with all the modern comforts,
Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
these traditional craft, known as kettuvallom, once plied these
Day 6: Backwaters (Houseboat) – Cochin & fly to Colombo. After
waters as rice barges. The uniqueness of Kerala has always been
breakfast, disembark the houseboat and drive to Cochin airport for
its Backwaters and no place in the world is blessed with this much
your connecting flight to Colombo. Our Sri Lankan representative
mesmerizing beauty. On this comfortable floating home, you may
will meet you on arrival before you transfer to Negombo. Dinner at
spend the rest of your day relaxing. As you slowly cruise along the
the hotel. Overnight at hotel (B, D)
www.fredrivercruises.co.uk/far-horizons
Day 7: Negombo/Dambulla. This morning depart for a visit to
Day 10: Kandy. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya this
the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, a World Heritage Site and the
morning. They were first built by a Sinhala King and later expanded
most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The 2000 sq. metres of
by the British. The rest of the day is yours. Dinner at the hotel.
painted walls make up the largest area of cave paintings found in
Overnight at hotel (B, D)
the world. There are over 150 images, the largest of which is carved
Day 11: Kandy/Pinnawela/Beruwela. After breakfast, depart for
out of rock and spans 14 metres. The rest of the day is at your
Beruwela, visiting the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela en route.
leisure. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at hotel (B, D)
This orphanage is the home for about 89 elephants, some of which
Day 8: Dambulla/Sigiriya/Polonnaruwa/Dambulla. Proceed to the
were found abandoned or orphaned in the wild. The best time to
Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa excursion. Climb the 5th-century Sigiriya
visit is during the feeding, when you may have the opportunity of
rock fortress, a world heritage site built by King Kashyapa. A moat,
seeing the baby elephants being bottle-fed. After you’ve checked-
rampart, and extensive gardens surround the base of the rock, whilst
in to the hotel, the rest of the day is at yours. Dinner at the hotel.
world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ can be seen in
Overnight at hotel (B, D)
a sheltered pocket approached by a spiral staircase. Polonnaruwa,
Day 12: Beruwela. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you are given
once the capital city of Sri Lanka, was built during the 11th and 12th centuries and is a world heritage site. Here, you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace - the Gal Viharaya, where four statues of the Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ postures are carved out of the rock. Visit The Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, King Parakramabahu’s statue and the Parakrama Samudraya lake. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight at hotel (B, D) Day 9: Dambulla/Kandy. The name Kandy conjures visions of splendour and magnificence. Many of the legends are still lovingly kept alive, something you will see as you drive around Kandy. Visit the town and Bazaar, the arts & crafts centre and a gem museum, before checking into the hotel. In the evening, visit the Temple of
the entire day to discover Beruwela. (No transport services). Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at hotel (B, D) Day 13: Beruwela.There’s a chance to do anything you didn’t get a chance to yesterday, or simply relax in the hotel grounds. (No transport services) Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at hotel (B, D) Day 14: Beruwela/Colombo. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Colombo - including the Pettah bazaar, where one can shop for bargain, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. Also, visit some of the more popular shopping areas such as Barefoot, Odel, Paradise Road and Lakmedura. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at hotel (B, D)
the Tooth Relic and enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional Sri
Day 15: Depart Colombo. After breakfast, check-out from the hotel
Lankan dancing. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at hotel (B, D)
and transfer to Colombo International Airport for your flight home.
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
33
T
he people of Kerala welcome you. What better way to enrich yourself with the lives of those who inhabit this immensely
rich South Indian state than by visiting them at close quarters on a moving houseboat. Choose from two comfortable river cruise boats – the cosy two cabin Sauver Nigam, or the nine cabin Vaikundam - the largest houseboat on the backwaters to date and ideal for group travel.
Eco Houseboats...
Vaikundam and Sauver Nigam 34
www.fredrivercruises.co.uk/far-horizons
The experience on board is well summed up by the former
backwaters is, being a single hull and long boat instead of
Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, in his
a catamaran, it still manages to go into the narrow canals
comment “A Day to be Remembered�. He wrote this in
to experience the life of the people of the backwaters.
the guest book of the Vaikundam houseboat, during a
Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast
short sojourn on the backwaters when he was the Prime
expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined
Minister of India. If you are looking for a unique Kerala
up along either sides of the canals are panoramic un-
Backwater cruise for your group, then the Vaikundam
forgettable experiences. Be prepared to be wowed by the
is the perfect choice. If, however, you are looking for a
exquisite cuisine lovingly prepared the chef. The cuisine
more exclusive experience with just your family, then
is traditional Kerala flavour with the local specialties. We
Sauver Nigam is the houseboat of choice. However, what
invite you to explore the fascinating beauty of the Kerala
makes Vaikundam different from other large boats in the
backwaters.
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
35
Ship Facts... Deck plans & features
36
www.fredrivercruises.co.uk/far-horizons www.fredrivercruises.co.uk/farhorizon
ACCOMMODATION: Aesthetically designed cabins to meet all comforts offer: s Vaikundam - 9 Twin Cabins s Sauver Nigam - 2 Twin Cabins CABIN FEATURES s Attached bathrooms with running hot and cold showers through Solar Panels. AIR CONDITIONING s All cabins are air-conditioned with individually controlled units. AC’s are run 24/7 which is not a normal procedure in other boats in the back waters. Vaikundam has 9 air-conditioned cabins on main deck level. Sauver Nigam has 2 air-conditioned cabins on main deck level. DINING Vaikundam has an air-conditioned dining on the upper deck. Sauver Nigam dining is on its covered, open front of the main deck with a great front view of the cruise. Our Chefs serve you local Indian cuisine with additions of Continental Menu.Your stay with us is on full board, all meals are included, along with tea and coffee service at your choice of time. Given advance notice, all dietary concerns are taken care of. SUN DECK Vaikundam - sun deck is the open front of the first deck. Sauver Nigam - the sun deck is on the open first deck. ENTERTAINMENT s Well stocked library s Board games s Sun Deck sAir conditioned lounge and dining.
VAIKUNDAM DECK PLAN
Down
Buffet
Store
Kitchen
Down
5
3
Toilet
7
Toilet
Toilet
Toilet
9
3
Toilet
5
Toilet
6
Toilet
Toilet
Toilet
8
Cockpit
Store Toilet
Open Sun Lounge
Covered Open Lounge
Buffet
Store
Restaurant Electric Power Board
Solar Water Heater Panels Generators
Crew
Crew Toilet
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
37
MV Mahabaahu Dates 2016-18 Embark Date
Disembark Date
Cruise Direction
2016 30 Oct 16
06-Nov-16
Upstream
06-Nov-16
13-Nov-16
Downstream
20-Nov-16
27-Nov-16
Downstream
27-Nov-16
04-Dec-16
Upstream
04-Dec-16
11-Dec-16
Downstream
11-Dec-16
18-Dec-16
Upstream
01-Jan-17
08-Jan-17
Downstream
08-Jan-17
15-Jan-17
Upstream
29-Jan-17
05-Feb-17
Downstream
12-Feb-17
19-Feb-17
Downstream
19-Feb-17
26-Feb-17
Upstream
26-Feb-17
05-Mar-17
Downstream
05-Mar-17
12-Mar-17
Upstream
12-Mar-17
19-Mar-17
Downstream
19-Mar-17
26-Mar-17
Upstream
26-Mar-17
02-Apr-17
Downstream
02-Apr-17
09-Apr-17
Upstream
09-Apr-17
16-Apr-17
Downstream
15-Oct-17
22-Oct-17
Upstream
22-Oct-17
29-Oct-17
Downstream
29-Oct-17
05-Nov-17
Upstream
05-Nov-17
12-Nov-17
Downstream
12-Nov-17
19-Nov-17
Upstream
19-Nov-17
26-Nov-17
Downstream
26-Nov-17
03-Dec-17
Upstream
03-Dec-17
10-Dec-17
Downstream
28-Jan-18
04-Feb-18
Downstream
11-Feb-18
18-Feb-18
Downstream
18-Feb-18
25-Feb-18
Upstream
11-Mar-18
18-Mar-18
Upstream
18-Mar-18
25-Mar-18
Downstream
25-Mar-18
01-Apr-18
Upstream
01-Apr-18
08-Apr-18
Downstream
2017
2018
Upstream Cruise: Embarking in Guwahati | Disembarking in Jorhat Downstream Cruise: Embarking in Jorhat | Disembarking in Guwahati 38
www.fredrivercruises.co.uk/far-horizons
TERMS & CONDITIONS Terms & Conditions These Terms and Conditions should be read carefully and apply when we are the organiser of your package including travel by air and a cruise. In all other cases Fred.\ Holidays is simply an agent for Adventure Resorts and Cruises and you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us on their behalf after the booking has been made. Where we act as an agent, there is a different condition as to liability, as outlined in the “Our Responsibilities” clause below, and you should ask for a copy of Adventure Resorts and Cruises’s booking conditions before confirming your holiday if you have not seen them already. Your contract is with Fred.\ River Cruises a trading name of Fred. Olsen Travel Ltd (“FOT”), a company registered in England and Wales (Company Registration No. 2287241) whose offices are at Olympus House, 2 Olympus Close, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5LN. A contract will exist when we have accepted a deposit and issued our confirmation invoice. These Booking Conditions, together with any other information brought to your attention before you booked your package, form the basis of your contract and set out our respective rights and obligations, and all bookings are accepted by us subject to these Booking Conditions. In these Booking Conditions references to “we” and “us” mean Fred. Olsen Travel and “you” and “your” include the leadnamed person on the confirmation invoice (who must be at least 18 years old at the time of booking) and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made. Booking and Paying For Your Arrangements A booking is made with Fred.\ River Cruises when a) you tell us that you would like to accept our written or verbal quotation and b) you pay us a deposit of 25% of the total holiday cost unless advised differently at the time of booking. When we issue you with a confirmation invoice, a binding contract will come into existence. Upon receipt, if you believe that any details on the confirmation or any other documents are wrong you must advise us immediately as changes may not be possible later. The balance of the cost of your arrangements (including any applicable surcharge) is due 104 days prior to scheduled departure and 134 days for the Christmas and New Year Cruise. If we do not receive this balance in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in which case the cancellation charges set out below will become payable. A handling fee may apply to payments by credit card. Your Financial Protection We provide full financial protection for our package holidays. If you buy a single travel service then this might not apply. For flight-based holidays this is through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number (0944). 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 will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where we aren’t able to do so for the unlikely 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 are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for the unlikely 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 reassigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. When you buy a package holiday that doesn’t include a flight, protection is provided by way of a bond held by ABTA The Travel Association. For further information please see www.abta.com. Pricing Unless stated otherwise, all brochure prices are per person based on double occupancy of a cabin, or standard hotel room. Pricing is accurate at time of printing. The prices quoted do not include gratuities, flights, passports/ visas, excess baggage fees, or vaccinations. We reserve the right to amend the price of unsold holidays at any time and correct errors in the prices of confirmed holidays within 7 days of the booking. The price of your holiday is subject at all times to changes in transport costs such as fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline cost changes, which are part of our contracts with airlines (and their agents), Adventure Resorts and Cruises and any other transport provider; to cost changes arising from government action such as changes in VAT or any other government imposed changes; and to changes in currency exchange rates and to dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports any or all of which may result in a variation of your holiday price. For changes to pricing after booking, we will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements. You will be charged for the amount over and above that, plus an administration charge of £1.00 per person together with an amount to cover agents’ commission. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your travel arrangements (excluding any amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements), you will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (if this is of equivalent or higher quality you will not have to pay more but if it is of lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid to us, any amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on your final invoice. There will be no change made to the price of your holiday within 30 days of your departure. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place. When you buy a flight-based holiday, all monies you pay to the travel agent are held by him on behalf and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times. This is subject to the agent’s obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail. If we fail, any money held at that time by the agent, or subsequently accepted from you by him, is and continues to be held on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us. When you buy a holiday not including a flight, all monies you pay to the travel agent are held by him on our behalf at all times. Travel Insurance We reserve the right to refuse or cancel a booking if you do not have personal travel insurance. We will treat any cancellation for this reason as a cancellation by you and the cancellation charges will be payable as set out below. Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance you purchase is adequate and appropriate for your particular needs, and covers all travel, cancellation, medical and repatriation liabilities for the holiday. We reserve the right to request full details of your insurance policy, however please note that we do not check insurance policies for suitability. You are responsible for indemnifying us in full in the event that we incur any losses or expenses arising out of your failure to take out adequate insurance cover. Cancellation by You If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take
effect when it is received in writing by us at our offices at Fred.\ Holidays. Please note proof of postage (whether Royal Mail or e-mail) is not proof of receipt. You will be responsible for applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below, unless otherwise advised. The cancellation charge detailed is calculated as all non-refundable items plus a percentage of the remaining total cost payable by the person(s) cancelling: 104 days or more loss of deposit and non-refundable items 103 - 76 days 50% 75 - 46 days 75% 45 - 00 days 100% For Christmas and New Year cruises: 91 days or more loss of deposit and non-refundable items 90 - 00 days 100% We strongly recommend you take out suitable insurance to cover you for possible eventualities that would require you to cancel your holiday. Holiday insurance premiums are not refundable in the event of cancellation Changes by You If you wish to change any part of your booking you must inform us in writing. Whilst we will do our best to assist, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet your requested change. All changes will be subject to a charge of £50. Where we are unable to assist you and you do not wish to proceed with the original booking we will treat this as a cancellation by you. A cancellation fee may be payable. Please note that it is important at the time of booking to advise the names of travellers that match the name given on their passport. Failure to do so will usually result in a name change charge by the airline. Accuracy We endeavour to ensure that all the information and prices both on our website and in our brochures are accurate; however occasionally changes and errors occur and we reserve the right to correct prices and other details in such circumstances. You must check the current price and all other details relating to the arrangements that you wish to book before your booking is confirmed. Changes or cancellation by us As we plan your holiday arrangements many months in advance we may occasionally have to make changes or cancel your booking and we reserve the right to do so at any time. If we make a major change to your holiday, we will inform you or your travel agent as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before your departure. You will have the choice of either accepting the change of arrangements, accepting an offer of alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or cancelling your holiday and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. In some cases we will also pay compensation. These options don’t apply for minor changes. Examples of minor changes include alteration of your outward/return travel by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, change of accommodation to another of the same or higher standard, and changes of carriers. Please note that carriers such as airlines used in the brochure may be subject to change. Alteration of the holiday may be made of necessity or because it appears to us or any other party acting as operator responsible for the holiday or part of the holiday desirable for the safety, comfort or enjoyment of passengers or the operational efficiency of the holiday. Where possible and appropriate, we will make reasonable efforts to ensure that any changes are as limited as practical. Such alteration will not amount to material alteration of the holiday contract. We will not cancel your travel arrangements less than 90 days before your departure date (120 days for the Christmas and New Year cruise holiday), except for reasons of force majeure or failure by you to pay the final balance. We may cancel your holiday before this date if, for example, the minimum number of clients required for a particular travel arrangement is not reached. If your holiday is cancelled you can either have a refund of all monies paid or accept an offer of alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us, if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). In some cases, we will pay compensation. We reserve the right in our absolute discretion to terminate without notice the holiday arrangements of any customer whose behaviour is such that it is in our opinion likely to cause distress, damage, danger, or annoyance to our customers, our/supplier employees, or to any third party, or to property. If you are prevented from travelling because, in our or our suppliers’ opinion, you appear to be unfit to travel or likely to cause discomfort or disturbance to others, our responsibility for your holiday ceases and we shall be under no obligation to pay any refund, compensation or costs to you. Please note that we have no control over the behaviour of other persons staying at or visiting your holiday accommodation and we are not responsible for any withdrawal or impairment of facilities or other loss or damage caused by them. Under no circumstances are you entitled to share or sub-let your accommodation with anyone other than those individuals shown on your booking. Force Majeure We will not pay you compensation if we have to cancel or change your travel arrangements in any way because of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control. These can include but are not limited to war, riot, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, epidemics and pandemics, unavoidable technical problems with transport, and any other circumstances of any nature whatsoever. Our Responsibilities We are a Member of ABTA, membership number Y0128. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of this contract. The scheme is arranged by ABTA and administered independently. It is a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on you for costs. The upper limit on claims is £5,000 per person and £25,000 per booking form. The scheme doesn’t apply to claims which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. It can however deal with 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. Your request for arbitration must be received by ABTA within eighteen months of the date of return from holiday. For injury and illness claims, you can request the ABTA Mediation Procedure and we have the option to agree to mediation. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com. 1) Single Components If you have purchased a ‘single component’ i.e. cruise or accommodation only, we will accept responsibility only for our own negligence e.g. If we have negligently misdescribed the cruise or accommodation etc., or if we have been negligent in our choice of supplier. We will not be responsible for the negligence of our suppliers, their employees, servants or agents. 2) Package Holidays Subject to these booking conditions, your holiday arrangements will be made or performed using reasonable skill and care. We will be responsible if our employees, servants or agents fail to make or perform your holiday arrangements using reasonable skill and care as long as they were acting within the course of their employment or carrying out work which we had asked them to do. We will not be responsible or pay compensation for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost or other claim of any description which results from: (a) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected; (b) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of the services contracted for and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; (c) unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the
consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or (d) an event which either ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers and subcontractors could not, even with all due care, have foreseen or forestalled. The services and facilities included in your holiday will be deemed to be provided with reasonable skill and care if they comply with any local regulations which apply, or, if there are no applicable local regulations, if they are reasonable when compared to the local standards in practice. We limit the amount of compensation we may have to pay you if we are found liable under this clause: (a) Loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions and money, the maximum amount we will have to pay you is £25 per person in total because you are assumed to have adequate insurance in place to cover any losses of this kind. (b) Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of two times the cost of your travel arrangements. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you or your party has not received any benefit at all from your booking. (c) Claims in respect of international travel by air, sea and rail, or any stay in a hotel: i. The extent of our liability will in all cases be limited as if we were carriers under the appropriate Conventions, which include The Warsaw/Montreal Convention (international travel by air); The Athens Convention (with respect to sea travel); The Berne/Cotif Convention (with respect to rail travel); The Paris Convention (with respect to hotel arrangements); and The Strasbourg Convention (CNLI) (with respect to travel on inland waterways). You can ask for copies of these Conventions from our offices. In addition, you agree that the operating carrier or transport company’s own ‘Conditions of Carriage’ will apply to you on that journey. When arranging transportation for you, we rely on the terms and conditions contained within these international conventions and those ‘Conditions of Carriage’. You acknowledge that all of the terms and conditions contained in those ‘Conditions of Carriage’ form part of your contract with us, as well as with the transport company and that those ‘Conditions of Carriage’ shall be deemed to be included by reference into this contract. ii. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question. Complaints If a problem occurs whilst you are on holiday, you must inform the relevant supplier immediately so that the matter can be put right. If the supplier cannot resolve the problem to your satisfaction at the time, you must also contact us immediately by telephoning our offices so that we are given the opportunity to help. In the event that a complaint cannot be resolved at the time, you must write to us within 28 days of return to the UK quoting the original booking reference and giving all relevant information. PLEASE NOTE: Failure to take these steps will hinder our ability to resolve the problem and/or investigate it fully and in consequence, your rights under the contract may be affected. We regret we cannot accept liability for any claims which are not notified to ourselves and/or our suppliers strictly in accordance with this clause. Special Requests Any special requests must be advised to us at the time of booking. You should then confirm your requests in writing. Whilst every effort will be made by us to try and arrange your reasonable special requests, we cannot guarantee that they will be fulfilled. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part unless the request has been specifically confirmed. Refunds Any amounts due to you will be paid upon request within 28 days. Disabilities and Medical Problems We are not a specialist disabled holiday company, but we will do our utmost to cater for any special requirements you may have. If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your stay, please provide us with full details by writing or emailing us, before we confirm your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of your chosen arrangements if possible. A qualified and physically able travel companion must accompany travellers who need assistance. Excursions Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator. Passport, Visa and Immigration Requirements and Health Formalities It is your responsibility to check and fulfil the passport, visa, health and immigration requirements applicable to your itinerary. You must check requirements for your own specific circumstances with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates and your own doctor as applicable. Most countries now require passports to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. If your passport is in its final year, you should check with the Embassy of the country you are visiting. For further information please contact the Passport Office on 0870 5210410 or visit www. passport. gov.uk. Up to date travel advice can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, visit www.fco.gov.uk. We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements. Delays and other Travel Information We regret we are unable to offer you any assistance should a delay disrupt your itinerary. Any airline or other transport provider concerned may however provide refreshments and/or appropriate accommodation. We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to re-scheduling times by the airline or airline authorities, or any of the reasons set out in Force Majeure of these booking conditions. The latest flight timings will be shown on your tickets, which will be dispatched to you approximately two weeks before departure. You should check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. If flight times change after tickets have been dispatched we will contact you as soon as we can to let you know. Under EU Law, you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from the airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. Reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday price from us. Guest Behaviour We reserve the right to terminate your booking arrangements with us immediately, should you or your party fail to conduct yourselves in an orderly manner. In the event of such termination our liability to you and/ or your party will cease and you and/or your party will be required to leave your accommodation or other service immediately. We will have no further obligations to you and/or your party. Jurisdiction When you make a booking you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these booking conditions. A contract will exist as soon as we issue our confirmation invoice. This contract is made on the terms of these booking conditions, which are governed by English Law, and the jurisdiction of the English Courts. You may however, choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you wish to do so. Data Protection Full details of our data protection policy are available upon request. (updated February 2016)
Book your river cruise with your Travel Agent or call 0800 021 3189
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FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 0800 021 3189 sales@fredrivercruises.co.uk www.fredrivercruises.co.uk/far-horizons OR SEE YOUR ABTA TRAVEL AGENT
for your peace of mind 09 44
Fred.\ Holidays is a trading name of Fred. Olsen Travel Limited, Olympus House, 2 Olympus Close, Ipswich, IP1 5LN