NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2015
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8 reason you need to visit Mexico this year
Your monthly destination travel guide
Discover Japan with Insider Journeys
Africa - the land that time remembers
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Welcome to our 2015 newsletter. We have had a very busy year sending our clients to destinations all over the world. This year we have included some great information on Iran, Africa, Mexico and Japan as well as some new Peregrine and Intrepid Food Tours. I hope these pages inspire you to start planning your next adventure. Here’s an update on what the Peregrine team has been up to:
Lisa went to Greece and did the Intrepid 8 day ‘Athens to Santorini’ Original Style Tour. The glorious fresh food, sightseeing of ruins, scenery and relaxation on the gorgeous beaches made for a fantastic trip.
Early in 2015 I returned to South Africa for the fifth time and travelled the beautiful Garden Route to Cape Town which is one of my favourite cities of the world. Of course while in Cape Town one of the highlights is a visit to or stay in the stunning Winelands, just one hours drive away and experience one of the most beautiful wine regions of the world with the delightful Cape Dutch architecture.
Lauren joined the Peregrine team this year as our Marketing Coordinator. In June Lauren travelled to Thailand where she stayed in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and did 3 Urban Adventures. Lauren will travel to Vietnam on an Intrepid ‘Real Food Adventure’ in December 2015.
In October I lead a group on a 16 day trek into the stunning Annapurna region of Nepal highlighted by 6 days of remote trekking in fantastic mountain wilderness. We trekked to the Holy and Hidden lakes, only visited by local shepherds, nestled at base camp of Annapurna South. No other Western group was seen during our time in this stunning and remote region of Nepal.
From December this year I will be taking a step back from Peregrine Travel Centre, as I take a year off to spend time with my family on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Cathy Escorted a group on a Zoos SA wildlife adventure to Sri Lanka in March, where she spotted all types of wildlife including two leopards! Cathy also spent time in Africa, where she visited Victoria Falls and Chobe national park in Botswana in April. In May Cathy went on the 17 day ‘Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia’ Peregrine tour. For next year Cathy has planned a special ‘Classical Music Tour’ of Spain and Portugal in conjunction with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. This tour will be departing in January 2016 – for more details contact Cathy as places are limited.
Sherrie has had a busy year sending groups away and is now planning a holiday to the UK to visit her family in 2016.
You can read all about our staff travels and many other travel articles on our blog - www.peregrinetraveladelaide.com.au/travel-blog
And don’t forget ‘So much planet – not enough time’ and live by it! Safe travels,
Geoff Simpson Founder - Peregrine Travel Centre Adelaide
Bronny has had a very busy year sending lots of our clients to fabulous destinations including sending her first client ever to North Korea! She also had a great opportunity to take a lovely group of her regular clients to a destination she could at last share with them, her favourite place on the face of the earth - Botswana. A trip to Peru for the first time surprised and delighted her and her great bunch of fellow walkers. A trek on the Salkantay Trail high in the Andes had the group walking on trails they had all to themselves with spectacular scenery and comfortable lodge accommodation along the way. Monica’s year has seen her travel to Taiwan on the 9 day Peregrine Adventures ‘Treasures of Taiwan’ tour. Taiwan was full of surprises; wonderful food and night markets, mountainous countryside, numerous walking trails, quirky accommodation and a hands on craft and local industry. Louise has spent the year experiencing the beautiful beaches of South Australia including Robe and Normanville. She is planning to take an escorted walking tour through Iceland in August 2016, there is still room to join, so talk to Louise if you are interested! Carrie’s year has seen her travel to Western Canada to visit her sister who currently resides there and experience snow for the first time. She thoroughly enjoyed skiing in Whistler, tubing, and snow shoeing and dog sledding at Lake Louise.
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Geof Peregrinef Simpson - Found Travel Ce e ntre Adelr aide
Mouthwatering adventures: Intrepid and Peregrine food tours Sipping a glass of malbec in balmy Buenos Aires, devouring a fragrant tagine in Morocco, searching for the yummiest dumplings in Beijing – food is one of the best parts of travelling. It brings strangers together in morning markets and families together over kitchen tables. It also happens to be delicious. Peregrine and Intrepid’s authentic culinary adventures will take you right to the heart of the world’s greatest food destinations. Whether you’re looking for a cross-country food odyssey or a snack-sized day trip, there are trips to suit every time frame, budget and appetite. Not only will you enjoy the benefits of seeing the world with like-minded foodies (with plenty of included meals thrown in), you’ll also experience all the usual cultural highlights and grass-roots adventure that define our travelling style. STREET FOOD TOURS Cheap, fresh and authentic – in many countries around the world, street food is the best food. Especially in a place like Vietnam, where the banh mi’s are crunchiest straight from the cart and the rice paper rolls are wrapped right in front of you. Peregrine and Intrepid’s expert leaders will take you on crawls through the buzziest food markets and point out the best roadside vendors. They’ll even swap ‘street’ for ‘river’ as they row you among the floating markets of the Mekong. COOKING CLASSES WITH LOCAL CHEFS Strap on an apron and get behind the counter during hands-on cooking classes. In the culinary capital of Lima, stock up on fresh produce at the fish market of Chorrillo, before learning how to make traditional ceviche and chicharron (fried fish) at a nearby restaurant.The best bit? You get to eat it too.You will be introduced to ancient cooking traditions and artisanal producers, and sent home with a whole list of delicious new recipes. EXPERT FOODIE GUIDES The local leaders love food more than anyone.They also know their home countries and cities inside out.They’ll give you the lowdown on must-try dishes, point you to the hottest fine dining establishments and lead you to right to hidden backstreet gems. They can tell you
where to get the tastiest sushi, the sweetest baklava or the strongest coffee. Just try to stop them. HOMESTAYS AND HOME-COOKED MEALS In a new place, nothing is more welcoming than a home-cooked meal. Peregrine and Intrepid’s culinary adventures take you off the tourist trail and right into the homes of locals. In Cambodia, spend the night with a Khmer family in their traditional stilted house, preparing and sharing a meal using fresh ingredients and time-tested cooking methods. Intimate experiences like these often stay with you the longest. BEVERAGE TASTINGS Introducing you to everything from Peruvian Pisco Sours to Turkish apple tea, these tours are sure to quench your thirst, not to mention take you through some of the world’s best wine regions. Summon your inner sommelier on a guided stroll through the vineyards of the Rhone Valley, followed by a tasting of the local drop at a centuriesold cellar. Because nowhere makes a crisp vintage quite like France. With over 30 trips in more than 20 different countries, Intrepid and Peregrine have just the treat to satisfy your hungerlust. Written by Peregrine Adventures
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8 reasons you need to visit Mexico this year
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Mexico is one of those places that, no matter how many times you might have visited previously, always begs a return. It’s a big country, sure; that’s part of it, but in a way, it’s many countries. Two coastlines, 29 pyramids, 69 languages, verdant highlands, vast deserts, the largest metropolitan area in the western hemisphere… Mexico is much more than tacos and tequila. Don’t just take our word for it though. Here is what Joe Diaz, founder of AFAR Magazine, identifies as his favourite things about traveling in Mexico. 1. VALUE Your dollar can go a long way in Mexico and the price to value ratio is high (remember what Warren Buffett says: ‘Price is what you pay, value is what you get’). Two of the best value destinations to my mind are San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato.
2. FOOD From roadside stands to Michelin-starred restaurants, Mexico is home to some of the world’s best food. When in Mexico City, don’t pass up the opportunity to eat at one of Mexico’s highest rated restaurants; Anatol! 3. THE PACIFIC COAST Many visitors make a bee-line for the Caribbean, but I love Mexico’s Pacific coast. One of my favourite towns is the mellow little surfie-hangout of Sayulita, which is a 45 minute drive north of party-city, Puerto Vallarta. 4. ESCAPE FROM IT ALL From the beaches of the Yucatan to the haciendas of Oaxaca, you won’t have to search long or hard to find your perfect escape. Zihuatanejo is my choice for a secluded getaway, while our Editor in Chief always professes a soft spot for Tulum. 5. INDIGENOUS CULTURE Not only are the hand-woven textiles produced by Mexico’s indigenous cultures beautiful, they serve as forms of communication between people; identifying their heritages. Chiapas is arguably the best place to see these being worn. 6. THE MUSIC From mariachi to modern rock, Mexico knows music. Guadalajara is considered the hometown of mariachi, but you can also hear the old-timers crooning their tunes in Mexico City’s Plaza Garibaldi. 7. TEQUILA AND MESCAL Forget any encounters you might have had with tequila in your home country, Mexico keeps the best stuff for itself! It really takes a trip to Jalisco and Oaxaca to appreciate the depths of flavor in the mescal varieties. 8. ARCHITECTURAL RUINS Mexico is home to some of the richest archaeological sites in the world. Gigantic pyramids dot the country’s landscape, with the most famous being Teotihuacan (just outside Mexico City) and Chichen Itza (near Tulum). If you are dreaming of Mexico, speak to your favourite consultant at Peregrine Travel Centre! Written by Peregrine Adventures
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Your monthly destination travel guide 1
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JANUARY Head to the Maldives for a break snorkelling in the turquoise waters. The Northern Lights – visit northern Scandinavia to view the extraordinary northern lights.
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FEBRUARY Cuba or Jamaica – both with excellent weather in February you can enjoy a relaxed Caribbean island break.
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Thailand – not too hot and not too wet, choose from a beach break through to trekking in the north. MARCH The Seychelles - Indian ocean paradise of 115 small islands. Known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, diving and rare wildlife. Japan – visit Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, the beautiful cherry blossom season typically takes place in late march to early April. APRIL Italy – perfect weather to visit Rome and Florence for culture or Tuscany for countryside. Alternatively hike the Cinque Terre on the Liguria coast. Mexico – great weather to explore the food and culture of Mexico city or head to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta or one of the many other beach resorts.
MAY The Cotswold – visit the 9 centre of England and enjoy the picturesque countryside and the annual cheese rolling in Gloucestershire.
JUNE Iceland - 24 hour daylight 11 during June means an outdoor activity paradise. Go hiking, kayaking, cycling or whale watching off the coast.
10 South France – head to Cannes for the famous film festival.
12 Peru - great weather ideal for trekking to Machu Picchu.
JULY Take a baltic cruise to 13 visit the fjords of Norway, Oslo, Copenhagen, Helsinki and Stockholm. 14 Canada – visit Canada’s Rockies and go to the Calgary stampede - an amazing rodeo festival.
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AUGUST Head to Edinburgh for 15 the Edinburgh festival fringe, the largest arts festival in the world. 16 Kenya – go on a safari holiday in Masai Mara and see the annual migration of wildebeest. SEPTEMBER 17 Turkey – enjoy the beaches, food and Turkish culture in September.
18 China – best overall time of the year to visit China. Head to Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai. OCTOBER 19 Nepal – best time to go trekking in the Himalayas or visit as part of a larger trip to India. 20 Malaysia – best time to visit Borneo to enjoy the beautiful Orangutans.
NOVEMBER Vietnam and Cambodia 21 – a great time to visit both countries as par t of a tour or independent travel. 22 Burgundy in France for the release of Beaujolais nouveau – the new seasons’ first tastings and celebrations.
DECEMBER 23 New Zealand – early summer is excellent time to visit the picturesque north and south islands. 24
Christmas markets – visit the traditional Christmas markets in Cologne, Berlin, Vienna or Bruges.
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Japan with Insider Journeys As you’ll discover as soon as you step off the plane, Japan is a country with many sides to it. It’s a country that’s capable of producing futuristic gadgets while continuing to embrace ancient traditions such as the tea ceremony, where bullet trains co-exist with geisha, and where skyscrapers are juxtaposed against extraordinary natural landscapes. Insider Journeys can introduce you to this land of contrasts by way of some of Japan’s greatest highlights. Even if you only have 10 days to spare, you can join our Highlights of Japan tour and discover the best of Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima, as well as picturesque Hakone and the old world charms of Takayama. If you have a bit more time, you could join the 15 day Secrets of Japan tour, and fully immerse yourself in experiences like learning the traditional ar t of paper-making in Shirakawago, and taking par t in a traditional tea ceremony. Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) and enjoy the exper t knowledge of our tour leaders and guides as you get to know the real Japan. Insider Journeys has special depar tures around the spectacular Cherry Blossom season in Spring, festival depar tures travelling during the Autumn Takayama festival and Kyoto Gion festival, and new to 2016 are winter depar tures. From incredible snow sculptures and rare birds in Hokkaido to snow monkeys and cultural treasures on Honshu; the winter tours demonstrate the myriad attractions of the enchanting winter season on Japan’s two largest islands. Take an icebreaker cruise amongst the creaking floes of the Okhotsk Sea and in Yudanaka you’ll witness the Japanese macaques as they stave off the cold in the mountain hot springs. When you join Insider Journeys on a Small Group Journey to Japan, you travel with peace of mind and in comfort, knowing that your itinerary has been designed to ensure that you see the highlights, but also gain a deeper understanding of the culture through a range of Insider Experiences. You will travel with a maximum group size of 16 travellers, a western tour leader, and local guides.
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Tours sta from rt
$ 5, 6 June 895 * - 10 O
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*Price based on the 10 day Highlights of Japan tour. 6 Jun – 10 Oct 16. Book with Peregrine Travel 6 months in advance and save 5% on a Small Group Journey!
Botanica World Discoveries 2015 / 2016 Botanica World Discoveries is celebrating 15 years of hosting boutique garden-themed cruises and tours by expanding its offering to include a greater selection of complementary experiences including history, art, music and gourmet. The newly released 2015/16 brochure contains more than 30 international and domestic land tours, river and sea cruises, that take small sized groups of like-minded travellers ‘beyond the garden gate’ into some of the most beautiful private and public gardens around the world. To enhance their guests’ experiences and to complement the botanically themed journeys, many of the tours now offer additional cultural experiences which are further enriched by a range of talks, demonstrations and guided tours by professional and engaging guest guides and lecturers who generously share their knowledge and expertise on their particular field of interest. The unique experiences on offer are often only able to be achieved through Botanica as many of the private gardens visited will open exclusively for Botanica guests, and even when visiting more iconic, public gardens and tourist attractions, from the Chelsea Flower Show in London to Machu Picchu in Peru, Botanica guests are frequently treated to ‘behind the scenes’ experiences via their botanical or specialist guide. Botanica’s most popular UK tour is a small-ship cruise around the British Isles visiting castles, estates and private gardens and learning about the unique bird-life with an ornithological guide. This can also be combined with land tours of Cornwall, and the Lakes and Peaks districts. On mainland Europe, the Holland & Belgium river cruise, which includes a visit to the 2016 Floralies Flower Show, which occurs once every five years, is already gaining interest. A combined cruise and tour which includes the Italian Lakes, Slovenia and the Croatian Islands is always popular, whilst a new cruise this year which crosses the Aegean, Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas from Istanbul to Naples via the Greek Islands will be hard to resist, as will the ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ rail journey on the Trans-Siberian Golden Eagle Train.
Other countries visited include France, Ireland, Morocco, USA, Canada, Japan, China, Singapore, Chile, Brazil, Argentina and New Zealand, as well as a range of Australian tours in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia. Botanica’s recipe for success is taking small-sized groups of people who share a common interest and providing them with unique and exclusive experiences. Botanica guests will return from their journey having experienced an amazing array of sights, sounds, scents and tastes as well as gaining a great deal of knowledge, pleasure and memories about the places they have visited and the people they have met. It’s no wonder that more than 70 per cent of Botanic guests are repeat travellers and proud members of the Botanica Club. Once you travel with Botanica you automatically become a member of the club and will receive benefits, discounts and offers on your next Botanica adventure. Founded by Judy Vanrenen in 2000 and co-owned by the APT Group, Botanica has the backing of over 85 years experience in the travel industry and is run through the APT Group’s sophisticated management and reservations systems. To celebrate 15 years of creating exceptional travel experiences and lasting memories for Botanica guests, Judy Vanrenen has produced a superb coffee-table book containing hundreds of original and beautiful photos of plants, people and places from all over the world. Travellers on Botanica’s 2015 and 2016 cruises and tours will receive a copy of this delightful memoir as par t of their booking. For further information or to request a copy of the 2015/16 Botanica World Discoveries brochure, please visit www.peregrinetraveladelaide.com.au or call 08 8223 5905.
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Africa - the land that time remembers This is a land where the thunder of wildebeest echoes over the Serengeti. Between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the world’s largest waterfall roars into an immense chasm. In the red, volcanic earth of Lalibela, monolithic churches stand sentinel, while the peaks of the Drakensberg watch over the ports of Cape Town. Among its desert, savannah and delta wetlands, Botswana houses some of the world’s most endangered species, as mountain gorillas struggle on in Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forest. All over East and Southern Africa, tribespeople adhere to tradition and values that were born before recorded time. Peregrine’s Lost Tribes of Ethiopia trip is a story that’s told through the country’s people and their home. Travellers can experience long reaching savannahs by four-wheeled drive, arid landscapes by minibus, and green hills and thriving forestry on foot. It’s here you’ll find the tribal villages of the Omo Valley. In the small town of Konso, you can interact with the tribespeople and board a 4WD with a local leader, exploring a community of markets and villages in one of Africa's last great wilderness areas. Passengers can connect this with
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the Historic Lalibela Extension trip, which uncovers the holy city and its rock-hewn churches and crypts - a great chance to get a feel for Ethiopian culture. Start in the capital of Addis Ababa for authentic Ethiopian food, music and daily life, then fly down to Lalibela to comb the mountains for edifices that have stood for millennia. In Botswana, Peregrine’s independent Okavango Delta Experience is a rare opportunity to see the savannah from the air, cruising over the waterways of the Okavango Delta. Guests can head out on a camping expedition during a vintage safari and stay in deluxe Meru tents, complete with standalone baths and private outdoor showers.There’s something pretty special in cruising down the delta in a mokoro during sunset, spotting hippos and elephants through the long grass. If you’re looking to cover a huge amount of land in 36 days, Peregrine’s Classic Africa Safari trip encompasses the highlights of East Africa with a thorough overland journey in Southern Africa. Starting in Nairobi and finishing up in Cape Town, South Africa, you’ll explore the national parks of Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, the
Wild earth travel Just released, is the 2016 Wild earth travel brochure with a collection of exclusive Small Ship and Expedition Cruises. Inside you will find the largest range of options for exploring the world by sea; these are not your typical cruise ships with thousands aboard, Wild Earth’s ships take between 10 and 250 travellers at a time on unique journeys of exploration and discovery.These are travellers with a passion for seeing, experiencing and learning about the destinations. In addition to smaller groups you will find destination focussed itineraries offering a maximum of time ashore, accompanied by expert guides who bring the destinations alive with their knowledge and expertise.
Serengeti, Victoria and Etosha with a huge variety of transport and accommodation along the way. It’s a classic contrast of African landscapes and wildlife: the World Heritage listed Victoria Falls and the concrete jungle of Johannesburg; the great caldera of Ngorongoro Crater and the gazelle, lions, cheetahs and hippos of the Serengeti. Stay in a lodge by the falls, sleep in a houseboat on the delta, relax in a farmhouse in the desert and lie beneath the stars in a mobile-tented Serengeti camp. Striking a balance between adventure and comfort is paramount to getting the best out of East and Southern Africa. But thanks to a tourism boom over the last few decades, finding a characterful eco-lodge with top class amenities isn’t as tough as it used to be. Peregrine’s trips are designed to combine ultimate comfort and relaxation with a spectacular backdrop, whether you travel independently or with a small group. And although adventures in Africa provide unforgettable experiences, your memories of them are always yours, and yours alone. Written by Peregrine Adventures
There are two main styles of travel, often aboard the same ships at different times of the year; Small Ship Cruises offer all the benefits of travelling with a smaller group, the unique insights of the onboard lecturers and the ability to access smaller villages and towns. All with the ease of walk on walk off access and no queuing. Expedition Cruising allows access to more remote and difficult to access destinations making use of zodiacs to explore wilderness areas. Expedition cruises are accompanied by expert lecturers as well as naturalists and guides, there is also the opportunity on select programs to kayak, dive, and snorkel or even go mountain climbing! Destinations are as diverse as the shores of the world’s ocean, in the Arctic you might sail the ice searching for Polar Bears north of Svalbard or retrace the early explorers in the NW Passage. Antarctica could see you walking through Mawson’s Hut or searching for Emperor Penguins. If your preference is for something a little warmer then Alaska’s Inside Passage and the Scottish Isles are perennial favourites. If it is culture and history maybe a voyage through the Greek Islands or around Japan is more to your liking. And if tropical is what you are looking for then the Galapagos Islands, Papua New Guinea or even Australia’s very own Kimberley Coast have some excellent options. Explore the world of options available by requesting your copy of the new Wild Earth brochure and speaking with our knowledgeable team at Peregrine Travel.
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Iran - a feast for your senses Elegant Islamic-inspired architecture, desolate windswept plateaus, spice-scented bazaars, astoundingly beautiful carpets – describing Iran is rather like describing the Arabia of old. Were it not for the country’s troubled history with the West, tourism in Iran would be a far bigger deal than it is; and adventurous travellers have been reaping the benefits. Visitor numbers have been growing steadily in recent years; a trend that’s only set to continue as the country starts normalizing its relations with Europe and the US. Reza Poorhoseini has been leading trips in Iran since 2006. We asked him what travellers could expect on a visit to his country. What is the question travellers most frequently ask about Iran? ‘Travellers are generally very curious about the history of Iran and the Persian empire, but also about contemporary social and political issues. The advice I am always giving visitors is to not hold off from asking the locals questions! Iranians love to talk and are grateful for any opportunity to disprove the stereotypes about their country’. WHAT USUALLY SURPRISES VISITORS MOST ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY? ‘Many things! How clean the country is, how safe it feels, but mostly how friendly Iranians are. Many travellers expect that, due to the history between Iran and the USA, they will not be made to feel welcome. This is not the case at all. Hospitality is a very important part of Islamic, Persian and Iranian cultures and Iranians love the opportunity to meet people from other countries.
ANY ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS HEADING TO IRAN? ‘It is important to pack appropriate clothing for Iran. For women this means loose-fitting trousers, a manteau or long-sleeve shirt that comes down to the knees (any colour is fine) and a headscarf. For men, short or long-sleeve shirts are equally fine, although long trousers rather than shorts are recommended.’ FINALLY, HOW DO YOU SAY ‘HELLO’ AND ‘THANK YOU’? ‘Salam’ is Farsi for hello and mamnoon means thank you.’ Mamnoon Reza. Mamnoon! Written by Peregrine Adventures
Reza Po or Intrepi hoseini d Iran
The landscapes also are not what travellers typically expect. Yes, two of the world’s biggest deserts lie in Central and Eastern Iran. But we also have beaches, subtropical dense forests, mountains, plains… even ski fields!’
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL DISH? ‘A dish called Fesenjan, which is a rich, thick, slow-cooked chicken stew flavoured with pomegranate syrup and ground walnuts. It usually ends up becoming the favourite of my travellers too! In Yazd there’s also the chance to try the regional variation of this delicacy, which uses camel instead of chicken.’
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Get $100 OFF* your holiday when you mention this newsletter and book by the 31st of January 2016 Terms & Conditions: *1. One discount per booking only. 2. Newsletter discount offer must be mentioned on initial contact with Peregrine Travel Centre Adelaide. 3. Not to be used in conjunction with any other voucher or bonus offers from Peregrine Travel Centre Adelaide. 4. Voucher is only valid for new bookings. 5.Valid for bookings until 31 January 2016. 6. Minimum holiday spend of AUD$5000 per booking applies excluding taxes. 7. Some exclusions may apply.
Level 1, 192 Rundle Street, Adelaide SA 5000 Phone 08 8223 5905 Email adventures@peregrinetravel.com.au www.peregrinetraveladelaide.com.au