Journeys of Discovery - Fred.\ Holidays

Journeys of

Discovery Delve a little deeper into the heart of your destination with Fred.\

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Alaska

Africa

Iceland

Arctic

Journeys of D

elve a little deeper into the heart of your destination with an immersive holiday

experience from one of Fred.\ Holidays’ specialist divisions .\ Discover and.\ Expeditions.

From land tours allowing you to soak up the local culture, landscapes and people, to cruising experiences with a difference - we offer a range of authentic, inspiring and ‘once in a lifetime’ holidays to suit all travel styles and budgets.

If you are looking for something a little different to the traditional ‘bucket and spade’ holiday or city break, and are keen to discover what really makes the world tick, then one of the holidays featured within this mini-brochure could be for you...

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Passage through the Rockies

Journey though the Canadian Rockies and experience some of the world’s most beautiful scenery.

6Gorillas & Masai Mara

Fantastic wildlife viewing in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda - a once in a lifetime experience.

8Home of the Vikings

A memorable wilderness experience awaits on this expedition advenutire.

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Introducing Polar Expeditions

A chance to explore some of the earth’s most untouched regions, including the Arctic & Antarctica.

F

rom the awe-inspiring heights of the Canadian Rockies to the icy realms of Antarctica, you can experience things that many may only dream of, with our ‘Discover’ and ‘Expedition’ holidays.

Visit the alpine towns of Banff, Jasper and Whistler as you journey through the Rocky Mountains; or venture into the heart of Africa to witness animals in the wild and the chance to sit with wild gorillas.

Go in search of marine life whilst visiting some of the most remote settlements in Greenland, or step foot into the world of polar expeditions to the Arctic or Antarctica.

for more information or to book your adventure call

) 0808 163 5880

Passage

12 nights departing 14th May 2016

from

£2,799pp

Intinerary Day 1. Depart London

Depart London on your flight to Calgary. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers during a special Welcome Reception at Calgary Tower.

Day 2. Calgary, Banff Depart Calgary for Banff National Park, visiting the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary along the way! Learn about the significance of preserving wild wolfdogs in their natural environment, as well as promoting responsible wolfdog ownership. Upon arrival in Banff, enjoy a sightseeing tour of this charming town and its many attractions.

Day 3. Banff Today is at leisure in Banff. You can simply relax or perhaps revisit some of the places you discovered on your sightseeing.

Day 4. Banff, Lake Louise After a leisurely morning in Banff, visit the magical setting of glacier-fed Moraine Lake (weather permitting) on your way to world-famous Lake

Louise - otherwise known as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’.

your day at leisure.

Day 5. Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper

Embark on a ferry journey across the Georgia Strait from Horseshoe Bay to Victoria. Then, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

This morning, journey along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Stop at Athabasca Glacier for an Ice Explorer ride, then continue to the fairytale setting of Jasper.

Day 6. Jasper, Blue River Visit Maligne Canyon this morning, then descend the Canadian Rockies and journey to Blue River. Set off on an extraordinary River Safari to stunning Grizzly Bear Valley where you’re likely to witness active native wildlife on the riverbank. Unwind at Mike Wiegele Heli Village. This evening, dine by the waterfront.

Day 7. Blue River, Kamloops, Vancouver Travel through the spectacular Cariboo region to the vibrant city of Vancouver.

Day 8. Vancouver Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver.

Day 9. Vancouver, Whistler Head along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. Upon arrival enjoy the rest of

Day 10. Whistler, Victoria

Day 11. Victoria Enjoy a short orientation tour of beautiful Victoria. Visit The Butchart Gardens for a special Farewell Dinner.

These world-renowned gardens enjoy a style all of their own. Wander through the spectacular Sunken Garden and relax in the beautiful setting of the Japanese Garden and the Italian Garden.

Day 12. Depart Vancouver After a delicious breakfast this morning, your holiday concludes and you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Day 13. Arrive London

t hrough t he Rockies Trip Highlights ◆ Visit Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary ◆ Cruise through stunning scenery on a River Safari ◆ Awake to stunning mountainscapes at Blue River’s Mike Wiegele Heli Village ◆ Journey along the Icefields Parkway ◆ Travel onto the Athabasca Glacier for an exhilarating ride on an Ice Explorer ◆ Explore the vibrant city of Vancouver on a sightseeing tour

Fares Departing From 14th May 2016 £2,799pp Alternative departure dates and regional flights are available on request, please call for details

Included in your fare:

Return flights from London Services of a Canadian Tour Director and Driver All overseas transfers 11 nights premium accommodation 15 delicious meals - 11 breakfasts and 4 dinners Welcome Reception at Calgary Tower Special Farewell Dinner at the Butchart Gardens Tipping for land staff

for more information or to book your adventure call

) 0800 988 3369

Gorillas & Masai Mara Trip Highlights ◆ Travel on a classic overland expedition visiting Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda ◆ Enjoy one precious hour in the company of Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas ◆ Spend a full day discovering the vast plains and abundant wildlife of the Masai Mara ◆ Experience Wild Camping in Lake Nakuru National Park, home to the critically endangered Black Rhino

Alternative dates in 2015 & 2016 are available please call for details

Included in your fare:

Return fights from London All accommodation All transport and listed activities 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 13 dinners Tour Leader throughout Gorilla Permit

Intinerary

Day 1. Depart London Depart London on your overnight flight to Nairobi Day 2. Nairobi Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3. Lake Naivasha Depart Nairobi and travel down the escarpment of the Rift Valley towards your first destination, Lake Naivasha. With the busy capital in the distance it isn’t long before you have your first glimpse of classic African views with acacia trees scattering the vast landscape. This afternoon visit Elsamere, the former home of George and Joy Adamson and now a conservation centre where you can enjoy afternoon tea on the lawn and watch the Colobus monkeys whilst learning about the story of Born Free.

Day 4. Masai Mara Journey into one of the most famous ecosystems in the world using 4WD vehicles. Once in the reserve you have the opportunity to see wildebeest, gazelle, topi, zebra and buffalo abound, and never far away are the predators; cheetah, lion and hyena.

On both nights stay in a permanent camp just outside the gates to the Masai Mara. Please note, you will need to take a small bag to pack for these two nights as the truck stays behind in Navaisha.

Day 5. Masai Mara Enjoy a full day game drive in the Masai Mara encountering many of the wildlife species found in the reserve.

Day 6. Kembu Farm Leave the Masai Mara this morning and drive to Kembu Farm, near Njoro.

Located in the Rift Valley, the 400 hectare working farm is a popular overland stop where you will be warmly hosted by the Nightingale family. In the afternoon there is an opportunity to do a farm walk to learn about the local area.

Day 7. Lake Nakuru N.P. A 45 minute drive brings us to Lake Nakuru National Park, one of the finest small parks within Kenya.

Protected by an electric fence, the park is widely known for its impressive population of Black and White rhino which are relatively easy to spot on game drives in the open savannah.

Look out for lazy leopards amongst the trees, and the local population of flamingos. Tonight you can enjoy a true wilderness experience staying in a wild campsite within the park boundaries.

Day 8. Eldoret As your morning game drive takes you through the park you have the chance to observe more of Nakuru’s wildlife highlights, including Rothschild’s giraffe, lion and zebra.

Tonight’s camp is at Naiberi River which has excellent facilities including a bar and open swimming pool.

Day 9. Jinja, Uganda Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Jinja is the adventure capital of Uganda and the source of the River Nile. The area is most famous for grade IV and V white-water rafting excursions but there are plenty of other adrenaline fuelled activities here. We stay at a tented camp in a well-equipped resort that has a stunning location high up on the banks of the Nile.

Day 10. Day at Leisure Today is yours at leisure where you can choose from a range of optional activities including white-water rafting, a village walk, a visit to the source of the Nile, or learn about a vibrant community project known as Soft Power which supports education.

Day 11. Lake Mburo N.P. Leaving Jinja early this morning our journey takes you past sugar plantations and Mabira Forest before reaching the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. A stop at the Equator line is vitally important where you can take that all important photo straddling the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Continue west before arriving at Lake Mburo National Park. One of the smallest parks this boasts an impressive 313 different bird species and 68 mammals; zebra, impala, buffalo, topi and eland are found in abundance, and the rare Roan antelope may also be seen.

With luck, you may also spot leopard, hyena and jackal. Depending on the time of arrival, a walking safari, accompanied by an armed ranger, will be scheduled for either this afternoon or the following morning. Tonight’s campsite is located inside the park near the lake.

Day 12. Lake Bunyonyi Expect a change of scenery today as you travel to the south-west of Uganda into hilly terrain on our way to Lake Bunyoni. There are very few

for more information or to book your adventure call

towns as most people live in small family compounds known as rugos.

This evening stay at a tented camp in a very well equipped resort.

Day 13. Day at leisure at Lake Bunyonyi Lake Bunyoni is a beautiful spot to relax. Today you can enjoy a full day at leisure to experience the impressive landscape and excellent bird life.

Day 14. Ruhengeri, Rwanda Cross into Rwanda and drive to Ruhengeri and Parc National des Volcans, the home of wild Mountain gorillas.

Day 15. Trek to see the gorillas in Parc National des Volcans You will remember today for the rest of your life as you spend a full hour in the company of a family of Mountain gorillas! Owing to the nature of the terrain and the need to explore to find the gorillas, our trek doesn’t follow a path in Parc National des Volcans and instead our guides will cut a route through the undergrowth. After a safety briefing, you will be assigned to a gorilla family group and begin your trek. Expect a minimum of three hours walking on rough terrain to find the gorillas. Strong footwear is essential.

Day 16. Kigali Rwanda’s small and attractive capital, Kigali, is your final destination. There is a moving museum in Kigali to commemorate the genocide of 1994 in Rwanda’s history which you can visit today. The afternoon is free to explore the city at your own pace before an optional farewell dinner Day 17. Depart Kigali Depart Kigali for your return overnight flight to London.

Day 18. Arrive London

17 nights departing 22nd October 2015 & 6th January 2016

from

£2,999pp This tour is operated by

) 0800 988 3369

Home of Vikings Ic Intinerary Day 1. Depart London

Depart London on your flight to Reykjavik, Iceland and transfer to your hotel for a one night stay.

Day 2. Reykjavik, Iceland In spite of the fact that Iceland lies below the Arctic Circle Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital of a sovereign state. However it is not the only feature that makes this city special. Not far from Reykjavík one can find geysers and waterfalls, mountains and glaciers. Embark Poseidon’s Sea Spirit in the afternoon for your 10 night expedition voyage and keep an eye open for our first whales (humpback and Minke whales are most common) as you sail out of the picturesque bay.

Day 2-3. At Sea Day 4-5. South Greenland Your expedition on Sea Spirit rounds Cape Farewell, the southernmost point in Greenland, and calls in at Greenland’s most southerly town Nanortalik. The town lies at the mouth of beautiful Tasermiut Fjord surrounded by steep mountains that flank an intricate fjord system.

The name of the town translated as “the place with polar bears” says that these arctic animals could be often seen hunting on the sea ice outside of the settlement. The local open-air museum demonstrates the fascinating history from Viking and Inuit times to the present days.

The Uunartoq area is famous for its natural hot springs, where we can soak in the geothermal waters watching the icebergs pass by.

Day 6-10. West Greenland During the next five days you will go north visiting some of the enchanting Greenlandic tiny settlements and exploring fascinating fjords of Greenland’s western side.

Placed in a beautiful hillside settlement, Qaqortoq town boasts charming colourful houses and excellent museum captivating its gives us cultural, Viking history and nature experience.

At Hvalsey you can visit a church built in the 14th century that is the best preserved of all the churches in Greenland from that period.

Next, travel in the wake of the Vikings as your vessel navigates through the picturesque Eriksfjord to the settlement of Qassiarsuk. The town was founded back in the 10th

century, by Eric the Red following his exile from Iceland for murder. Here the foundation of his manor house remains, You can also visit the site of the first Christian church ever built in North America.

The town of Paamiut inhabited by the incredibly welcoming locals is justifiably proud of the church that is like a work of art. It is also an especially good place to spot whitetailed eagles.

In the capital of Greenland, Nuuk, see the famous Qilakitsoq mummies at the Greenlandic National Museum and learn about urban arctic living.

Meet incredibly welcoming people at a cosy and quaint Greenlandic village of Itteliq.

Sisimiut is located 40 km north of the Arctic Circle and it is the southernmost settlement where there exists enough snow for dog sledding in winter and spring.

Day 11. Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq Disembark in Kangerlussuaq after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your onward flight (indirect).

Arrive London.

celand &Greenland 11 nights departing 19th May 2016

from

£4,789pp

Trip Highlights ◆ Overnight stay in Reykjavik, Iceland ◆ Witness geysers, waterfalls, mountains and glaciers ◆ Soak in geothermal waters watching the icebergs pass by in Uunartoq ◆ Travel in the wake of Vikings as your vessel navigates to the settlement of Qassiarsuk ◆ Spot white-tailed eagles in Paamiut ◆ Learn about arctic living at the Greenlandic National Museum

Included in your fare:  Return flights from London  All overseas transfers  One hotel night accommodation in Reykjavik including breakfast  10 nights on board Sea Spirit  All scheduled landings/ excursions  Leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team  All meals on board throughout the voyage  Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily  Expedition parka  Welcome and Farewell cocktails

for more information or to book your adventure call

) 0800 988 3369

Polar Expedit ions Introducing

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any holiday and travel options claim to offer once in a lifetime experiences and whilst some do come quite close to offering more than just a cliché, none can truly rival a polar expedition from Fred.\ Expeditions.

Whether you are completely new to the idea of ‘adventure tourism’ or would like to embark on a quest to conquer ‘unexplored lands’, there is no doubting that a trip into the icy wilderness of Antarctica or the Arctic genuinely merits the use of a phrase that is often exhausted in this industry. Expedition travel is aimed at anyone and everyone who wants to push the boundaries of what a holiday usually entails. By venturing to destinations like Spitsbergen, South Georgia and Greenland you will be

foregoing the beaches and the suntans in favour of a trip into the unknown that you will never forget.

From luxury 6* expeditions where you can explore and marvel at the world’s creations from your private balcony, to immersive tours taking you into the heart of the wild and unexplored regions of the world, Fred.\ Expeditions can provide the perfect holiday experience to suit your budget. So whether you would like to travel on board authentic icebreakers and get closer than ever before to some of the most beautiful, memorable and extreme landscapes known to man, or prefer to gaze at wonderous wildlife from the comfort of your cabin, let Fred.\ Expeditions help you find the perfect trip for you...

F

rom the Galapagos Islands to the Arctic Circle; into the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula and even all the way to the North Pole, a variety of land and sea adventures await when you travel with Fred.\ Expeditions.

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f you are looking to satisfy that urge to discover new frontiers, see some of the most amazing sights on the planet and boldly go where so few have gone in the past, you’re sure to love our amazing expedition cruises.

www.fredexpeditions.co.uk

Why book with Fred.\ Holidays.

As a unique tour operator formed by Fred. Olsen Travel, which has over 25 years of experience within the travel and cruise industry; Fred.\ Holidays understands that security and the knowledge of our staff are two of the most important factors when making any holiday reservation.

We have therefore introduced a team of knowledgeable and experience staff, each with their own fields of expertise, enabling us to develop six distinct travel specialisms: Providing bespoke European holidays individually designed to your own personal requirements

Worldwide ocean cruising including all mainstream and niche cruise companies

Worldwide river cruising with the opportunity to tailor departures to include land stays

Taking you further into the heart of a destination, including the Arctic and Antarctica

Fred. owned hotel on La Gomera, the best kept secret in the Canaries

Worldwide ‘bucket list’ holidays with opportunities for unique immersive experiences

for more information or to book your adventure call

(formally Cruise Options / Susan Hampshire Travel)

) 0800 988 3369

As you embark upon your journey of discovery, you certainly won’t want to be without your camera or phone! Every booking will receive a FREE pocket sized Fred.\ Holidays Portable Battery Pack so that you can keep your electronic devices charged for longer!*

0800 988 3369

Call us free on or email sales@fredholidays.co.uk for more information or to book

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Discover

Expeditions

All offers are subject to availability and change and can be withdrawn at any time. Full operator terms and conditions apply. We include complete financial protection for all of the holidays we provide, with our ABTAand ATOL bonding. In addition to this, we work with all leading and niche holiday partners, allowing us to offer unbiased advice to ensure that we choose the right experience for you. *Free battery pack subject to availability.

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