Steppes Travel Group Tours Brochure 2017

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Welcome This brochure is dedicated to showcasing some exceptional journeys.

Perennial favourites elephants in Kenya with Saba Douglas-Hamilton and orangutans in Borneo with Ashley Leiman return in our wildlife group tours. Russia with Katya Galitzine, Chris Alexander in Central Asia and Carolyn Perry in the Balkans amongst our expertled tours.

This year we are excited to offer new destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Iceland and Nepal, new leaders such as Hugh Thomson, Monty Halls, Hanli Prinsloo and Robin Hanbury-Tenison, new personalities such as Michael Portillo and Richard Dawkins.

We also have some incredible exclusive private charters to the Arctic and Antarctic in conjunction with Telegraph Tours.

The breadth and range of our tours is impressive and echoes our knowledge and expertise. I hope you agree.

Justin Wateridge Managing Director

2017 Group Tours Calendar & Contents MONTH AND TOUR JANUARY

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Kenya Elephant Insight & Lake Turkana India Jaipur Literature Festival India Snow Leopard Tracking in Ladakh Mozambique Freediving, Yoga & Dolphins Kenya Masai Mara Photography Safari

64-65 32-33 36-37 70-71 See website

FEBRUARY Chad Zakouma, Elephants & Nomads Ethiopia Christian Kingdoms Guatemala & Honduras The Maya World Chile Northern Patagonia Oman Arabian Deserts & Mountains Mozambique Freediving, Yoga & Dolphins

56-57 62-63 86-87 90-91 22-23 70-71

MARCH Saudi Arabia Behind the Veil Mozambique Freediving, Yoga & Dolphins India Flying Safari in the Land of Tigers India Snow Leopard Tracking in Ladakh South Africa Ocean Safari Sri Lanka Leopard & Whale Safari Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Fabled Silk Road Cities

24-25 70-71 40-41 36-37 58-59 38-39 28-29

MONTH AND TOUR

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APRIL India Durrell Wildlife Tour 44-45 Nepal Mustang Valley 52-53 Private Charters For 2017 & 2018 94-95 MAY Morocco Sketchbook Tour 68-69 Armenia & Georgia The Caucasian Silk Route 8-9 Iran A Persian Journey 18-19 Namibia Big Cats, Desert Rhinos & Elephants See Website JUNE Albania Origins of Illyria 6-7 Namibia Cheetah Kingdom 72-73 Malaysian Borneo Maliau Basin Expedition 48-49 Indonesian Borneo Orangutan Conservation 46-47 Brazil Paraty Literature Festival 80-81 Peru Pre-Inca Civilisations 88-89

JULY South Africa Rhino Conservation Project 60-61 Rwanda & DRC Gorillas and Conservation 76-77 AUGUST Colombia Amazon and Andes Archaeology 82-83 Iceland Photography in the Land of Fire and Ice 12-13

MONTH AND TOUR

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SEPTEMBER Uzbekistan Beyond the Oxus 26-27 Georgia Walking through the Caucasus 10-11 Russia Russian Revolution 14-15 Armenia & Iran Sacred Churches and Mosques 20-21 Madagascar Land of the Lemur 66-67 India Journey through Kashmir 34-35 Democratic Republic of Congo Bonobo Expedition See Website

OCTOBER Tanzania Tarangire Painting Safari 74-75 Iran A Persian Journey 18-19 India Classic Rajasthan 42-43 Mexico Day of the Dead Festival 84-85 Iraqi Kurdistan Land of the Kurds See Website Tibet Ancient Civilisations See Website

NOVEMBER Myanmar Shan Kingdoms to Mandalay 50-51 India Textiles & Artisans of India See Website

Europe “THE WORLD IS A BOOK AND THOSE WHO DO NOT TRAVEL READ ONLY ONE PAGE.” ST.AUGUSTINE

06 ALBANIA 08 ARMENIA & GEORGIA 10 GEORGIA 12 ICELAND 14 RUSSIA

ALBANIA

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Origins of Illyria

WITH CAROLYN PERRY 9 - 17 JUNE 2017 £1,665 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £1,295 PP EXC FLIGHTS Tirana

Durres

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

MACEDONIA

01 LONDON-TIRANA-KRUJA Fly to Tirana and transfer

to Kruja. City tour including a visit to the National Historical Museum.

ALBANIA

02 KRUJA-DURRES Drive to the historic town

of Lezhe, famed for its connection with Skanderburg. Depart for Durres.

03 DURRES-BERAT See the ancient city of Apollonia.

Following a degree in Classics and Archaeology, Carolyn lectured in Ancient History and Mythology at Queen Mary College. Her research into the Illyrian Kingdoms has led to the creation of this new tour.

Continue on to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the City of One Thousand Windows.

Leave Berat for the ancient Illyrian city of Amantia founded in the 5th century BC. Continue onto Oricum and then to Llogara National Park.

04 BERAT-LLOGORA

Travel along the ‘Albanian Riviera’ through spectacular scenery between the sea and the mountains. Continue onto Saranda.

05 LLOGORA-SARANDA

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06 SARANDA Explore Saranda and its surroundings,

Malathrea, Ksamil and the UNESCO site of Butrint.

07 SARANDA-GJIROKASTRA Depart Saranda to

Gjirokastra via the Muzine pass. En route visit Antigonea, a city founded by King Pyrrhus of Epirus in honour of his wife Antigone.

08 GJIROKASTRA-TIRANA Depart Gjirokastra for

Elbasan, via Tepelene the city of the infamous Ali Pasha. Continue to Petrela Castle, which dates to the 5th century AD.

09 TIRANA-LONDON A day exploring Tirana,

Albania’s capital city, before transfer for flight home.

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B Berat

LLlogora

Gjirokaster

GREECE

Saranda S

UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint Beautiful mountain scenery and hidden villages Grama Bay, site of more than 1,500 inscriptions This new tour explores Albania’s lesser known sites, including rock-cut tombs, quarries full of inscriptions and a Bronze Age site overlooking the sea. Combining Illyrian cities, like Amantia, with Roman towns such as Hadrianopolis, the tour also takes in the natural beauty of rural Albania. We have also included a visit to Butrint – one of Albania’s more well-known sites. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

10 LONDON Arrive London.

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ARMENIA & GEORGIA

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

The Caucasian Silk Route

WITH IAN COLVIN | 4 - 16 MAY 2017 £2,120 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £1,695 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-YEREVAN

RUSSIA

Arrive into Yerevan, transfer

to your hotel.

GEORGIA

02 YEREVAN Tour the city’s sights including a visit

to the Matenadaran museum, the Genocide Memorial and Museum, Victory Park, and Republic Square.

Explore Garni’s 1st century AD Roman temple and the rock-cut monastery at Geghard.

Ian Colvin is a historian and researcher at the University of Cambridge who specialises in South Caucasus, Byzantium and Sasanian Iran. He speaks and reads Georgian.

03 YEREVAN

04 YEREVAN-DZORAGET Depart Yerevan for

Echmiadzin, Zvartnots, Sevan and on to Dilijan.

05 DZORAGET Visit the monastery of Haghpat. Then

proceed to Sanahin Monastery.

06 DZORAGET-BORDER CROSSING INTO GEORGIA

Drive from Dzoraget to Gyumri via Vanadzor and Spitak cities.

07 VARDZIA-BORJOMI Visit Rabati Castle,

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Timotesubani church and Romanov Palace.

08 BORJOMI-KAZBEGI Drive to Gori, visit Stalin’s

Museum, continue to Aten Sioni church.

09 KAZBEGI-STEPANTSMINDA Travel to

Stepantsminda, a picturesque settlement overlooked by Mount Kazbek.

10 KAZBEGI-TBILISI Drive to Tbilisi visiting Ananuri

Fortress en route.

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TBILISI Full day city tour.

12 TBILISI-GAREJI-TBILISI Head east to the wild,

dramatic landscapes of Gareja.

13 TBILISI-LONDON Return flight to London.

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Kazbegi

Borjomi

Tbilisi

Vardzia

Gareji

Dzoraget

TURKEY

Yerevan ARMENIA

IRAN

Explore hill-top monasteries and fortresses Dramatic snow-capped Caucasus Mountains Exceptional religious art and archaeology Beginning in the shadow of Mount Ararat, see the world famous illuminated manuscripts in Yerevan. Visit the pilgrimage site of Echmiadzin and the 13th century monastic complexes of Saghmosavant. Crossing over in to Georgia, land of Jason and the Argonauts, discover dramatic, unspoilt scenery peppered with fascinating historical and religious sites. From Tbilisi’s Metekhi Citadel to the rock-cut monasteries of Gareja, explore Georgia’s magnificent art and architecture. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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GEORGIA

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Walking through the Caucasus

WITH PETER NAYSMTH | 7 - 20 SEPTEMBER 2017 £2,880 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £2,445 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-TBILISI Fly to Tbilisi.

RUSSIA

02 TBILISI Full day sightseeing tour of Tbilisi.

03 TBILISI-KAZBEGI Travel north on the Georgian

Military Highway towards Kazbegi.

Peter is a writer and journalist who has been travelling in the Caucasus for the past 13 years, writing on the area for most major UK newspapers as well as the Washington Post.

04 KAZBEGI Explore Sameba Trinity Church and a

walk to Chaukhi Mountain.

05 KAZBEGI-BAKURIANI Travel from Kazbegi to

Bakuriani via Khada Gorge and Gori.

06 BAKURIANI Trek in Borjomi-Kharagauli Park.

Train Journey to Borjomi. Travel on to Vardzia via Akhaltsikhe.

07 BAKURIANI-BORJOMI-VARDZIA

08 VARDZIA-TBILISI Visit the cave-city of Vardzia.

09 TBILISI-OMALO Travel from Tbilisi to Omalo.

10 OMALO Spend today walking amidst the beautiful scenery and villages of Tusheti.

OMALO There are several walking options on this

day in addition to visiting the local villages.

12 OMALO-TBILISI Travel from Omalo to Tbilisi via

Alaverdi Cathedral.

13 TBILISI Day trip to Bodbe, Sighnaghi and

Tsinandali.

14 TBILISI-LONDON Fly to London.

GEORGIA

•

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Omalo

Borjomi

TURKEY

Travel from Vardzia to Tbilisi via Paravani Lake.

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Kazbegi

Tbilisi

Vardzia

ARMENIA

IRAN

One of Europe’s undiscovered gems Walk amidst alpine meadows and valleys Spectacular scenery and Caucasian culture Georgia is a country in need of exploring. It encompasses unique Caucasian cultures, a rich Christian heritage, dramatic mountain scenery, fine wines and tasty food. Lying at the crossroads of trade for centuries, Georgia has a deep-rooted tradition of generous hospitality. Influenced by a rich mix of cultures, from the Persians and the Greeks, to the Turks and the Russians, the land of the Golden Fleece is blessed with a wonderful mix of art, architecture and history. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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ICELAND

GROUP SIZE 5 - 8

Photography in the Land of Fire & Ice

WITH TIM MANNAKEE | 26 AUG - 3 SEPT 2017 £5,645 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £5,245 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-REYKJAVIK Fly to Reykjavik.

02 REYKJAVIK-HOFN Fly from Reykjavik to Hofn, to

the first taste of nature at Vatnajokull National Park.

03 JOKULSARLON LAGOON Visit Jokulsarlon

Tim is a professional travel and landscape photographer with over 30 years’ experience. His work has been published worldwide including in the Sunday Times Travel magazine, Conde Nast and The Telegraph.

lagoon, a spectacular glacial lagoon with floating icebergs, considered as one of the natural wonders of Iceland.

04 SKAFTAFELL AND VATNAJOKULL NATIONAL PARKS

Skaftafell’s scenery is full of stark contrasts and is perfect for photographers. Walk to Svartifoss, known as the ‘black waterfall’. Continue on to Svinafellsjokull glacier.

05 HOFN TO HELLA Head along the south shore to

Hella, stopping to photograph the glaciers of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull on the way.

06 SOUTH SHORE Explore the beautiful south

shore. Photograph the basalt sea stacks of Reynisdrangar and continue to Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

07 LANDMANNALAGAUR Full day private super-

jeep tour of Landmannalgaur in the remote highlands.

08 THORSMORK Take a private tour of Thorsmork

in a super-jeep. Surrounded by high mountains, majestic glaciers and birch woods, Thorsmork valley is a truly amazing sight.

09 REYKJAVIK-LONDON Fly to London.

•

•

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ICELAND Hofn Reykjavik

H Hella

Discover dramatic, extreme landscapes Explore off the beaten track regions One to one photographic tutoring Iceland is a spectacularly beautiful island, so varied and extreme in its scenery that it is a photographer’s paradise. Travelling from Reykjavik to the far south east coast where a more undiscovered region awaits, the key focus will be on photography throughout. We have selected the best areas of this magnificent and very photogenic country including spectacular waterfalls, glaciers and mountains. You will be accompanied throughout by Tim Mannakee, who was named as a Finalist in Travel Photographer of the Year 2013. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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RUSSIA

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Russian Revolution

WITH KATYA GALITZINE | 8 - 14 SEPT 2017 £2,995 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £2,595 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY SWEDEN

01 LONDON-MOSCOW Arrival into Moscow.

Transfer to your hotel.

02 MOSCOW City tour including visits to Red

Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, Christ the Saviour Church and the Museum of Modern History of Russia.

03 MOSCOW-ST PETERSBURG Kremlin tour including

Katya Galitzine’s family name is one of the oldest in Russian history.

Katya is also a direct descendant of Catherine the Great.

its Cathedrals and Armory Museum. Direct train to St Petersburg.

04 ST PETERSBURG City tour exploring Peter &

Paul’s fortress, Museum of Political HistoryKshesinskaya mansion and Yussupov Palace with Rasputin cellars rooms, Finland station and Elizarov flat. In the afternoon visit the Fabergé Museum and Galitzine Museum.

Palace and Amber Room. Transfer for return flight to London.

ESTONIA

• •

•

RUSSIA

LATVIA

POLAND

06 ST PETERSBURG Explore Catherine Palace,

07 ST PETERSBURG-LONDON Tour of Catherine

St Petersburg

LITHUANIA

05 ST PETERSBURG Morning visit to Smolny Lenin’s

Alexander Palace and the Church of St Theodore. Afternoon visit to Pavlovsk Palace.

FINLAND

Moscow

BELARUS

Discover the history of the Russian Revolution See the hidden treasures of The Hermitage In-depth insight of Moscow and St Petersburg A unique opportunity to explore Moscow and St Petersburg, with a very personal insight from our expert. Katya Galitzine’s own family experiences are entwined with Russia’s fascinating history. Visit the iconic Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin in Moscow. Continue by train to the beautiful city of St Petersburg, once at the heart of the revolution. Discover the history behind the revolution that swept through Russia in 1917 and ended in the formation of the Soviet Union. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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Middle East & Central Asia “THEY WERE BEDU, AND THESE EMPTY SPACES WHERE THERE WAS NEITHER SHADE NOR SHELTER WERE THEIR HOMELANDS.” SIR WILFRED THESIGER, ARABIAN SANDS

18 IRAN 20 ARMENIA & IRAN 22 OMAN 24 SAUDI ARABIA 26 UZBEKISTAN 28 UZBEKISTAN & TURKMENISTAN

IRAN

GROUP SIZE 5 - 15

A Persian Journey WITH CAROLYN PERRY | 19 MAY - 2 JUN 2017 WITH KAMIN MOHAMMADI | 6 - 20 OCT 2017 | £4,795 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £4,195 PP EXC FLIGHTS TURKMENISTAN

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-TEHRAN

Fly to Tehran.

02 TEHRAN Visit Iran’s National Museum and the

Tehran

Golestan Palace.

03 TEHRAN Explore the carpet and glass museums,

and the crown jewels.

Carolyn lectures on the ancient Mediterranean and Islamic world .

Iranian born Kamin Mohammadi is an author, journalist, broadcaster, editor and public speaker.

04 TEHRAN-KERMAN Half day city tour including the

Friday Mosque.

05 KERMAN Full day visit to Rayen and Mahan.

06 KERMAN-SHIRAZ Drive from Kerman to Shiraz.

07 SHIRAZ Morning city tour. See the Poet’s Tombs

and Bagh-i-Eram.

08 SHIRAZ Spend a day at Persepolis and Naqsh-e

Rustam.

Pasargadae.

•

10 YAZD Explore the old city of Yazd and visit the

Tower of Silence.

YAZD-ISFAHAN Drive from Yazd to Isfahan via Meybod and Naein.

12 ISFAHAN Full day tour of Isfahan.

13 ISFAHAN Explore Isfahan’s Armenian quarter,

known as Jolfa.

14 ISFAHAN-TEHRAN Transfer from Isfahan to

Tehran by road.

15 TEHRAN-LONDON Fly to London.

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IRAQ

Yazd

KUWAIT

Kerman Shiraz

SAUDI ARABIA

09 SHIRAZ-YAZD Drive from Shiraz to Yazd via

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IRAN

Isfahan

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See the ceremonial city of Persepolis Experience the romantic city of Shiraz Explore the vast Imam Square of Isfahan Iran’s culture and architecture has flourished since rising to prominence under the Achaemenid dynasty, the rulers of the largest pre-Roman empire.

Visit the romantic city and cultural capital of Shiraz. Discover Yazd, a city designed around desert life. Explore the site of ancient Persepolis and the rock-cut tombs of the Achaemenid kings. Finally travel on to Isfahan, the beautiful creation of Shah Abbas and explore the magnificent Imam Square, one of the wonders of the world.

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ARMENIA & IRAN

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Sacred Churches and Mosques

WITH WILLIAM TAYLOR | 8-24 SEPTEMBER 2017 £4,995 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £4,295 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

ARMENIA

01 LONDON-YEREVAN Fly to Yerevan

T Tabriz

Matenadaran.

03 YEREVAN Full day excursion to Echmiadzin and

surrounding area.

William Taylor is a writer and broadcaster on the Islamic world and Orthodox Churches.

His publications include Light from the East, Christians in the Holy Land, Antioch and Canterbury.

04 YEREVAN-DZORAGET Travel to Dzoraget via Lake

Sevan and Dilijan.

05 DZORAGET Visit Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries.

06 DZORAGET-YEREVAN Return to Yerevan, via the

10th century Amberd Fortress.

07 YEREVAN-GORIS Drive to Goris, visiting Khor

Virap and Noravank Monasteries enroute. into Iran.

09 TABRIZ Explore the main highlights of Tabriz.

10 TABRIZ-TAKAB Drive to Takab via Kandovan and

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Mt Sahand.

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TAKAB-SANANDAJ Visit Takht-e-Soleiman.

Afternoon tour of Sanandaj.

12 SANANDAJ-KERMANSHAH Explore Kermanshah.

Visit the Sassanian reliefs.

13 KERMANSHAH-AHWAZ Drive to Ahwaz via Ilam

and Pol-e-Dokhtar to see the remains of the Sassanian Bridge.

14 AHWAZ Excursion to Chogha Zanbil and Susa.

15 AHWAZ-SHIRAZ Drive to Shiraz visiting Bishapur

enroute.

16 SHIRAZ Full day tour of Shiraz visiting Persepolis

and Naqsh-e Rustam.

17 SHIRAZ-LONDON Fly to London.

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TURKMENISTAN

G Goris

02 YEREVAN Visit the Genocide Memorial and

08 GORIS-TABRIZ Cross the border

D Dzoraget Yerevan Y

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T Takab S Sanandaj

IRAQ

Kermanshah

IRAN AFGHANISTAN

A Ahwaz S Shiraz

Spectacular architecture and pilgrimage sites Visit the ancient site of Persepolis Experience the romantic city of Shiraz Armenia and Iran are so culturally rich, with intriguing ancient histories, awesome monuments and beautiful landscapes that combining them into one trip is irresistible. Not only a fascinating combination for the first time visitor, this expert-led group tour also provides a deeper insight to those returning to the area. Our new group tour will do much to highlight the differences but also the similarities between the different religions of each country, illustrating how religion has influenced the people, the culture and the architecture of Armenia and Iran.

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OMAN

GROUP SIZE 4 - 15

Arabian Deserts & Mountains

WITH CARL PHILLIPS | 25 FEB - 7 MARCH 2017 | £4,895 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £4,195 PP EXC FLIGHTS GROUP SIZE 4-15

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-MUSCAT

UAE

Fly to Muscat.

02 MUSCAT Arrive in Muscat, transfer to your hotel.

Muscat Al Hamra

Rest of the day at leisure.

03 MUSCAT Morning visit to the Sultan Qaboos

Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souq and Bait al Baranda. Afternoon dhow cruise.

04 MUSCAT-AL HAMRA Leave Muscat and drive into

Carl specialises in the archaeology of Arabia and offers an excellent overview of the region’s politics, culture and history.

He is working on projects in the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

the Hajar Mountains.

05 AL HAMRA Full day tour of the Hajar Mountain

region.

06 AL HAMRA-WAHIBA SANDS Spend the morning

travelling with sightseeing en route to Wahiba Sands.

07 WAHIBA SANDS-RAS AL JINZ Travel to Wahiba

SAUDI ARABIA

Sur Wahiba Sands

OMAN YEMEN Salalah

Sands before visiting the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve.

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08 RAS AL JINZ-MUSCAT-SALALAH Drive from Ras Al

Jinz to Muscat. Fly from Muscat to Salalah.

09 SALALAH Visit Shanfari Mosque, Al Husn Souq

and Al Balid Museum.

10 SALALAH Visit Taqa, Khor Rori Creek, Samhuran

and Mirbat.

11

SALALAH-MUSCAT-LONDON Transfer to Muscat

for flight to London.

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Visit communities in the Hajar Mountains Spend a night under the stars at Wahiba Sands Visit Al Balid ruins and Salalah’s Museum Visit the major highlights of Oman and also unveil some of the country’s best kept secrets under the guidance of Arabian archaeology expert Carl Phillips. Starting in Muscat, travel into the mountains of Al Hamra and Nizwa. Spend a night dining under the stars in the Wahiba desert. Return to the coastal area known for its turtles before visiting the UNESCO sites and the garden city of Salalah. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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SAUDI ARABIA

GROUP SIZE 6 - 10

Behind the Veil WITH PETER HARRIGAN | 3 -14 MARCH 2017 £5,245 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £4,595 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-JEDDAH

S Sakakah Fly to Jeddah.

02 JEDDAH Arrive Jeddah. Morning at leisure.

Mada’in Salehh

Visit old city and Abdul Raif Khalil Museum.

03 JEDDAH-ABHA Fly to Abha. Visit a local village,

Shada Palace and traditional Saudi home.

04 ABHA Full day sightseeing around Abha.

Peter Harrigan is founding director of Medina Publishing & senior contributor to Aramco World Magazine. He has travelled extensively in the region and writes on the culture and history of Saudi Arabia.

05 ABHA-MEDINA-AL ULA Fly to Medina, travel by

road to Al Ula, access point for Madain Saleh.

06 AL ULA Full day sightseeing at archaeological site

of Mada’in Saleh.

07 AL ULA-AL JOUF Travel by road from Al Ula to Al

Jouf. Visit the oasis town of Sakakah.

08 AL JOUF-HA’IL Drive to Ha’il via Sakakah Fort,

Al-Rajajil and rock carvings at Jubbah.

09 HA’IL-RIYADH Visit Oraif and Qishla Forts.

•

Fly from Ha’il to Riyadh.

10 RIYADH Visit Diriyyah archaeological site,

National Museum, Murabba Palace and Dira Souq.

11

RIYADH Visit the towns of Shagra and Ushaiger

on the outskirts of Riyadh. Transfer to Riyadh airport where the tour ends.

12 RIYADH-LONDON Fly from Riyadh to London.

•

•

Al Ula

Jeddahh

Ha’il Riyadh

M Medina

SAUDI ARABIA

A Abha

Visit the spectacular site of Mada’in Saleh Explore the old town of Jeddah Meet the Flower Men of Tihama If the prospect of travelling in the footsteps of T.E Lawrence and Wilfred Thesiger inspires you, then this is the journey you have been waiting for.

Peter Harrigan has exceptional knowledge and the experience needed to fully understand this region. There are few places left in the world that represent the last frontier of tourism. Follow your curiosity and visit key sites such as the spectacular Mada’in Saleh and Jeddah. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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UZBEKISTAN

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Beyond the Oxus WITH SIDDIQ WAHID | 1 - 12 SEPT 2017 £3,145 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £2,495 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-TASHKENT

KAZAKHSTAN

UZBEKISTAN

Fly to Tashkent.

02 TASHKENT Arrive Tashkent. Afternoon tour

KYRGYZSTAN

of the city’s 16th century sector.

Urgench

03 TASHKENT-SAMARKAND Travel by train to

Samarkand. Drive on to Urgut to see the local bazaar.

04 SAMARKAND Full day sightseeing including the

Siddiq Wahid is a historian of medieval Central Asian political history, with a focus on Buddhism and Islam. He is a visiting lecturer at universities in South Asia, Europe and the United States.

impressive Registan Square.

05 SAMARKAND Tour of the remarkable Shah-i

Zinda complex and the Afrosiab Museum.

06 SAMARKAND-SHAKR-I-SABZ-BUKHARA Drive to

Bukhara via Shakr-i-Sabz, birthplace of Timur.

07 BUKHARA Explore Bukhara, the former capital,

and religious centre of Uzbekistan.

including a visit to the Arc Citadel and Bolo Hauz Mosque.

09 BUKHARA-KHIVA Drive to Khiva across the

•

10 KHIVA Full day at the UNESCO Ichan Kala.

•

Also visit the carpet and silk making workshops.

11

KHIVA-URGENCH-TASHKENT Time at leisure before your evening flight to Tashkent.

12 TASHKENT-LONDON Morning sightseeing.

Fly to London.

Khiva Bukhara

Samarkand

Shakr-i-Sabz

TAJIKISTAN

TURKMENISTAN AFGHANISTAN

08 BUKHARA Further exploration of the city

Kizilkum Desert.

Tashkent

•

Turquoise domes of Timurid architecture Samarkand’s Registan Square Bazaars of Bukhara with traditional artisans This journey is a wonderful cultural overview of the country. Take in the arts, crafts, architecture and historical sites, accompanied by Siddiq Wahid and expert local guides who will help bring the region to life. A dazzling array of mosques, madrasas, tombs and tales of Tamerlane reflect the depth of history, making Uzbekistan the perfect introduction to the Central Asian Plateau. Discover the art, architecture and culture of the fabled Silk Road cities and UNESCO sites of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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UZBEKISTAN & TURKMENISTAN

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Fabled Silk Road Cities

WITH CHRIS ASLAN ALEXANDER | 24 MARCH - 7 APRIL 2017 £4,270 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £3,475 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-TASHKENT

KAZAKHSTAN Fly to Tashkent.

Konye-Urgench

02 TASHKENT Visit Khast Imman Square and the

Nukus

Museum of Fine Art.

Dashoguz

03 TASHKENT-SAMARKAND Travel by train to

Samarkand.

04 SAMARKAND Full day tour of Samarkand.

Born and raised in Turkey and Lebanon, Chris travelled to Uzbekistan in 1998 to work on content for a guidebook.

He went on to live in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and speaks fluent Uzbek.

05 SAMARKAND-BUKHARA Travel by road to

Bukhara, visit the town of Shakrisabz en route.

06 BUKHARA Full day sightseeing including the Arc

Citadel and Bolo Hauz Mosque.

07 BUKHARA-KHIVA Travel by road to Khiva.

08 KHIVA Full day tour of Khiva.

09 KHIVA-NUKUS Visit to Kala and the Savitsky

museum enroute to Nukus.

10 NUKUS-DASHOGUZ-ASHGABAT Travel to Hojeili

border. Continue to Konye Urgench. Drive to Dashoguz to connect with the evening flight to Ashgabat.

11

ASHGABAT Full day city tour including a visit to

the Carpet Museum.

12 ASHGABAT-MARY Explore Nisa and Kipchak.

Arrive in Mary.

13 MARY Full day tour of Mary, visiting Gonur Depe.

14 MARY-ASHGABAT Discover ancient Merv and visit

Mary History Museum. Return to Ashgabat.

15 ASHGABAT-LONDON Fly to London.

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•

•

•

Khiva

UZBEKISTAN

TURKMENISTAN Ashgabat

IRAN

Bukhara

Gonur Depe Mary

Tashkent

Samarkand

Shakr-i-Sabz

AFGHANISTAN

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Merv See Samarkand’s Registan Square Discover Bustling bazaars of the fabled Silk Road This tour combines two of Central Asia’s most intriguing and architecturally rich countries, linked by their shared importance along the legendary Silk Road. In Uzbekistan, discover Khiva’s splendid palaces, mosques and the ancient domes of Bukhara. Visit Samarkand’s Registan Square and Tashkent, the country’s 2,000-year-old capital. Explore the riches of Turkmenistan, the ancient capital of Nisa, the mysteries of Gonur Depe and the magnificent UNESCO sites of Merv and Konye-Urgench.

GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS | T: 0843 783 4456 | GROUPS@STEPPESTRAVEL .COM | WWW.STEPPESTRAVEL .CO.UK

India & The Far East “ASIA IS NOT GOING TO BE CIVILISED AFTER THE METHODS OF THE WEST. THERE IS TOO MUCH ASIA AND SHE IS TOO OLD” RUDYARD KIPLING

32 INDIA 34 INDIA 36 INDIA 38 SRI LANKA 40 INDIA 42 INDIA 44 INDIA 46 INDONESIAN BORNEO 48 MALAYSIAN BORNEO 50 MYANMAR 52 NEPAL

INDIA

GROUP SIZE 6 - 10

Jaipur Literature Festival

WITH LOCAL GUIDES | 15 - 25 JANUARY 2017 £4,070 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £3,345 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-DELHI

Fly to Delhi.

02 DELHI Day at leisure to explore the city. Welcome

dinner at Claridges.

03 DELHI Morning city tour of old Delhi by

rickshaw, pass through the vibrant bazaars situated at the foot of Jama Masjid. In the afternoon visit the Sanskriti Foundation.

04 DELHI-JAIPUR Fly to Jaipur. Visit the City Palace

You will have a local guide and driver to escort you to and from the festival and accompany you on sightseeing excursions in Delhi and Jaipur.

and Birla Temple.

05 JAIPUR Experience the festival at your own pace

and attend talks and events that interest you.

Evening dinner invitation with a key organiser of the festival.

Delhi

INDIA

NEPAL

J Jaipur

06 JAIPUR Full day at the festival.

07 JAIPUR Full day at festival. In the evening attend a

private dinner with one of the festival authors.

08 JAIPUR Visit the festival and events around the

•

09 JAIPUR Full day at festival. In the evening take an

•

city. Optional visit to the Jaipur Vintage Car Rally.

elephant safari with farewell dinner at Dera Amer camp, behind the hills of the famous Amber Fort.

10 JAIPUR-DELHI Visit Amber Fort and Anokhi

Museum. Fly to Delhi.

11

DELHI-LONDON Fly to London.

•

Pass to access all areas Free entry into the music events around Jaipur Rub shoulders with authors at private parties Join our exclusive tour to one of the world’s greatest literary festivals. The Jaipur Literature Festival founded by William Dalyrymple and Namita Gokhale in 2006 is now regarded as one of the foremost literary festivals of its kind. From Nobel Laureates to Man Booker prize winners and debut novelists, every year the most remarkable, witty and brilliant authors gather here for debate and discussion at Diggi Palace. This tour is dedicated to experiencing the festival but with time for sightseeing in Delhi and Jaipur. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

P32

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INDIA

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Journey through Kashmir

WITH ZARA FLEMING | 15 - 27 SEPT 2017 £4,495 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £3,795 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-DELHI

Fly to Delhi.

CHINA

02 DELHI-SRINAGAR Fly to Srinigar. Shikara boat

trip on Dal Lake.

03 SRINAGAR Explore Srinagar, visiting the

impressive Mughal gardens, the old city and the mosques of Jama Masjid and Hazrat Bal.

04 SRINAGAR Visit Dachigam National Park,

Zara is an independent art consultant, researcher and exhibition curator who has specialist knowledge of Buddhist art. She lectures at the National Association of Decorative and Fine Art Societies.

Shankracharya Temple and Hari Parbat Fort.

05 SRINAGAR Full day shikara boat excursion

around Dal Lake’s waterways.

06 SRINAGAR-LEH Fly to Leh. Afternoon at leisure to

allow for acclimatisation.

07 LEH Explore Leh, visiting Leh market, the

Central Asian Museum, LAMO and Leh Palace.

On to Gompa Soma and Changspa stupa for a sunset view at Shanti stupa.

•

08 LEH Morning prayers at Thiksey monastery

before visiting Nyarma, Hemis and Shey.

09 LEH-ULEYTOKPO Explore Alchi’s Buddhist art

and history. Visit Choglamsar and Ridzong Ridzong Monastery.

10 ULEYTOKPO-TINGMOSHGAM Visit Da Hanu for

the Brokpa, the last Caucasian Buddhists of the Himalaya. Return to Tingmoshgam with time to visit its monastery.

11

TINGMOSHGAM-LEH Visit the old labyrinthine village of Tia and Lamayuru monastery. Return to Leh.

12 LEH-DELHI Fly to Delhi. Rest of the day at leisure.

13 DELHI-LONDON Fly to London.

P34

•

•

L Leh

Srinagar

PAKISTAN Delhi

INDIA

Explore Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake Sample Kashmiri hospitality Visit remote monastic villages Few places embody mystique as much as Kashmir. Off limits for many years and now very much back on the map, it is a wonderful region to visit.

Under the expert guidance of Zara Fleming, trace the history of Kashmir’s predominately Muslim region. See the snow-capped mountains and picturesque lakes of Srinagar and then fly over the Himalayas to Leh. Sitting on the Tibetan Plateau at the heart of India’s least accessible region, Ladakh is known for its strong Tibetan Buddhist influences. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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INDIA

GROUP SIZE 6 - 8

Snow Leopard Tracking in Ladakh WITH DAVID SONAM | 22 JAN - 3 FEB | 29 MAR - 10 APR 2017 £4,420 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £3,595 PP EXC FLIGHTS

Ulley Valley

Leh

CHINA David Sonam is the managing trustee of the Snow Leopard Conservancy in India. His understanding of the snow leopard’s behaviour gives unparalleled insight into the world of this big cat.

• • •

INDIA

Delhi

NEPAL

Proven history of snow leopard sightings in Ulley Exceptional leader from the Snow Leopard Conservancy Traditional homestay accommodation Ulley is in the centre of three interlocking valleys that support between eight and ten snow leopards according to the last census. Sightings of The Ghost of the Himalaya are not unusual here, especially when tracking is handled

by Tchewang Norbu and overseen by David Sonam from the Snow Leopard Conservancy. Explore this less frequented corner of Ladakh, looking for snow leopards, blue sheep, ibex and Ladakhi urial by 4WD and on foot and then return to the warmth of a traditional homestay. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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SRI LANKA

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Leopard and Whale Safari

WITH NOEL RODRIGO & VIMUKTHI WEERATUNGA 10 - 24 MARCH 17 | £5,345 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £4,745 PP EXC FLIGHTS Trincomalee

Wilpattu National Park Noel Rodrigo, also known as the ‘Leopard Man’ of Sri Lanka has over 35 years of experience of tracking leopards in Sri Lanka.

Conservationist Vimukthi will lead the group in Trincomalee.

• • •

Knuckles Mountain Range Negombo Colomboo

SRI LANKA Yala

Explore Wilpattu, Knuckles Ranges and Yala Capture data for a leopard conservation project Experience blue and sperm whales in Trincomalee A hands-on safari visiting Sri Lanka at the optimum time for seeing leopards and whales. Track wildlife in the company of renowned naturalists, Noel Rodrigo and Vimukthi Weeratunga. Noel will deliver privileged insight into ongoing leopard research projects while Vimukthi and his colleagues will showcase the blue whale project. During March large congregations of blue whales and sperm whales are frequently seen in the waters of Trincomalee. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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INDIA

GROUP SIZE 8

Flying Safari in the Land of Tigers WITH HARPREET DHILLON | 21 - 30 MARCH 2017 £6,945 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £6,295 PP EXC FLIGHTS Delhi

Harpreet Dhillon is a keen photographer, wildlife and nature enthusiast. He will share his enthusiasm and experience as a naturalist and tiger tracker in Kanha, Bandhavrarh National Parks.

• • •

NEPAL

INDIA Bandhavgarh National Park Kanha National Park

Private air charter between Delhi and national parks Maximum time wildlife viewing Best time of the year to see tigers Getting to India’s national parks has always taken time and patience and usually means losing a few day’s holiday to travelling by road. Not anymore.

Steppes has chartered a Cessna Grand Caravan to allow a group of up to eight wildlife lovers to fly directly from Delhi to Bandhavgarh and Kanha, giving maximum time on safari and minimal time in transit. Escorted by a brilliant naturalist and staying at beautiful lodges, the emphasis is on maximising your time on game drives in search of tigers and other wildlife. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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INDIA

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Classic Rajasthan

WITH GILES TILLOTSON | 7 - 19 OCTOBER 2017 £5,895 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £5,195 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-DELHI

PAKISTAN

CHINA

Fly to Delhi.

Delhi

02 DELHI Meet and greet upon arrival.

Half day city tour of New Delhi.

03 DELHI Half day city tour of Old Delhi. Guided

tour of the National Gallery of Modern Art.

Giles Tillotson is a writer and lecturer on Indian architecture, art and history. His specialisms include the history and architecture of the Rajput courts of Rajasthan. He lives in Delhi.

04 DELHI-AGRA Take the Gatimaan Express train

from Delhi to Agra. Explore Agra Fort and the Bagh Gardens.

05 AGRA-JAIPUR Early morning visit to the Taj

Mahal. Transfer to Jaipur with a stop en route at Fatehpur Sikri. Private tour of City Palace.

06 JAIPUR Explore Amber Fort and visit the

Anokhi Museum. Evening cookery class at Dera Mandawa.

07 JAIPUR-JODHPUR Sunrise Aarti prayer ceremony

Jodhpur

A Agra

Jaipur

Udaipur

INDIA

M Mumbai

at Galta Ji Temple. Drive to Jodhpur.

08 JODHPUR Explore the old city bazaar and visit

•

09 JODHPUR-NARLAI Travel to Narlai. Village walk of

•

the Jaswant Thad Cenotaph. Evening tour of Mehrangarh Fort.

Narlai.

10 NARLAI Jeep safari in the countryside around

Narlai.

11

NARLAI-UDAIPUR Drive to Udaipur, stopping en route to visit Ranakpur Temples.

12 UDAIPUR Visit the City Palace. Farewell dinner.

13 UDAIPUR-MUMBAI-LONDON Fly to London via

Mumbai.

•

See the sublime Taj Mahal Attend a private event at Jaipur’s City Palace Champagne tour of Mehrangarh Fort Join Giles Tillotson whose specialist knowledge on the history and architecture of the Rajput courts of Rajasthan will guide you on a classic journey through the golden triangle of India. Steppes have privileged access and private events so that you can fully appreciate the splendours of this royal state. Marvel at the royal dynasties and heritage of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. See the key sites of the Mughal cities of Delhi and Agra, including the sublime Taj Mahal. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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INDIA

GROUP SIZE 6 - 22

Durrell Wildlife Conservation WITH LEE DURRELL | 2 - 14 APRIL 2017 £4,450 INC FLIGHTS* | £3,850 PP EXC FLIGHTS CHINA Delhi Lee Durrell is Honorary Director of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

She gained a PhD in zoology from Duke University in the US. In 2011 she was awarded the MBE for services to conservation.

• • •

Orang Guwahati

INDIA

Kaziranga

Kolkata

Join wildlife conservationist Lee Durrell Safari in Kaziranga National Park Learn about Pygmy Hog Conservation Travelling with Lee Durrell offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about a diverse range of wildlife and gain insight about the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. Head to Guwahati to meet the research team at Ecosystems India, learn about their work at the Pygmy Hog Basistha Centre and spot the endangered Gangetic dolphin on the Kukurmara river. Safari in Kaziranga National Park with ample opportunity for game drives and time with naturalists in search of the Asian one-horned rhinoceros. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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INDONESIAN BORNEO

GROUP SIZE 6 - 10

Orangutan Conservation

WITH ASHLEY LEIMAN | 3 - 13 JUNE 2017 £3,745 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £2,895 PP EXC FLIGHTS

INDONESIA Pangkalan Bun Ashley founded the Orangutan Foundation UK in 1990 and is one of the leading figures in orangutan conservation. She has made numerous radio and television appearances.

• • •

TTanjung Puting National Park

Visit the renowned Camp Leakey Gain exclusive access to orangutan release sites Join experts from the Orangutan Foundation Meet experts from the Orangutan Foundation and understand the importance of habitat and the role of local communities in securing the orangutans’ future. Visit areas which are only accessible through this unique partnership; escaping the crowds to see these magnificent primates in the wildest parts of Indonesian Borneo. Come face-to-face with orangutans in their fragile natural environment and also spend time at the three feeding sites, including the famous Camp Leakey. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

P46

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MALAYSIAN BORNEO

GROUP SIZE 6 - 14

Maliau Basin Expedition

WITH ROBIN HANBURY-TENISON 2 - 17 JUNE 2017 £6,995 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £6,295 PP EXC FLIGHTS SULU SEA Kota Kinabalu Conservationist, broadcaster, film maker, author, lecturer and campaigner Robin Hanbury-Tenison OBE is one of the few British explorers to merit the name ‘greatest explorer’ as penned by the Sunday Times.

• • •

Sandakan

Kinabatangan Wildlife Santuary W

MALAYSIAN BORNEO (SABAH)

Maliau Basin

LLahad Datu Danum Valley

CELEBES SEA

Trek into the Maliau Basin with a support team Meet leading scientists of the Sabah Foundation UK Explore wildlife-rich Danum Valley with expert guides Often termed ‘Sabah’s Lost World’ the Maliau Basin is a land of immense, vine-clad jungles and ancient trees. It is also home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, with over 270 birdlife species and more than 80 mammal species. This expedition-style adventure is an opportunity to see the pristine rainforest of Borneo, following orangutans in their natural habitat with Robin Hanbury-Tenison. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

P48

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MYANMAR

GROUP SIZE 6 - 12

Shan Kingdoms to Mandalay

WITH CAROLINE COURTAULD | 2 - 17 NOV 2017 £3,945 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £2,995 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-YANGON

Monywa

Pyin Oo Lwin Hsipaw

Overnight flight via Bangkok.

Mandalay

02 YANGON Arrival. Yangon Heritage Walk.

03 YANGON See the Shwedagon pagoda. Visit the

Bagan

war cemetery and the National Museum.

Caroline Courtauld is a writer, published photographer, documentary film producer and researcher.

She worked with Jonathan Dimbleby on a BBC documentary project The Last Governor.

04 YANGON-LASHIO-HSIPAW Fly to Lashio. Drive to

Hsipaw. Afternoon walk through Shan villages.

05 HSIPAW Discover the history of the Shan

Kingdom.

06 HSIPAW-PYIN OO LWIN Take the train over the

Gokteik viaduct to Naung Cho, continue by car to Pyin Oo Lwin.

07 PYIN OO LWIN Sightseeing including a horse

and cart trip to the botanical gardens.

08 PYIN OO LWIN-MANDALAY Drive to Mandalay.

Inle Lake

MYANMAR THAILAND Yangon

Sightseeing of Mandalay’s monuments.

•

09 MANDALAY-MONYWA Drive to Monywa.

Sightseeing in and around Monywa.

10 MONYWA-PAKKOKU-BAGAN Visit Pakkoku before

travelling by boat to Bagan.

11

BAGAN Full day tour of Bagan’s pagodas.

12 BAGAN-HEHO-INLE LAKE Fly to Heho and

continue by road to Inle Lake. Visit the floating gardens.

13 INLE LAKE Visit the Indein temples.

14 INLE LAKE-HEHO-YANGON Travel to Heho, fly to

Yangon.

15 YANGON-LONDON Fly to London.

16 LONDON Arrive London.

•

•

Explore little-visited Hsipaw in Shan state Travel by rail over Gokteik Viaduct Serene Inle Lake and Bagan’s pagodas This tour has been thoughtfully created to showcase both the must-see gems of this country as well as the lesser-known but equally fascinating places.

Join Caroline Courtauld and explore the northern Shan State, visiting local village schools and monasteries. See the Shan Palace and learn about the intriguing royal history of Myanmar’s former kingdom. Travel by rail to the former British Hill Station of Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo). Explore Bagan’s plain of pagodas and float across Inle Lake’s glassy waters. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

P50

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NEPAL

GROUP SIZE 6 - 9

Mustang Valley

WITH NIMA LAMA | 29 APRIL - 15 MAY 2017 £3,595 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £2,995 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-DELHI

Mustang Valley

Fly to Delhi.

02 DELHI-KATHMANDU Arrive Delhi, fly to

J Jomson

Kathmandu.

03 KATHMANDU-POKHARA Fly to Pokhara.

For 18 years Nima Lama has led treks and expeditions throughout Nepal, Sikkim, Ladakh and Tibet. He was also a member of the expedition that made the first Nepali ascent of Saribung Himal in 2006.

04 POKHARA-JOMSON-CHHUSANG Fly up the Kali

Ghandaki Gorge.

5-9 MUSTANG VALLEY Spend the next few days

trekking through mountain villages, valleys and across isolated trails and river gullies.

10 LO MANTHANG Day at leisure (no trekking).

Discover Lo Manthang.

11

CHINA

LO MANTHANG Explore Lo Manthang. Option to

explore the valley to the south of the ‘city’.

12 LO MANTHANG-SAMAR Drive from Lo Manthang

NEPAL Kathmandu

INDIA

to Samar.

•

13 SAMAR From Samar descend into the Kali

Ghandaki Valley to Chhusang.

14 JOMSON-POKHARA Morning flight to Pokhara.

Afternoon at leisure.

15 POKHARA-KATHMANDU Morning arrival.

Afternoon at leisure.

16 KATHMANDU Day at leisure.

17 KATHMANDU-DELHI-LONDON Return flight to

London via Delhi.

•

•

Trek to Mustang in the spectacular Himalaya Explore the fabled city of Lo Manthang Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture The Kingdom of Mustang sits on the border with Tibet and for many years was closed to foreign visitors. However, the Nepalese Government re-opened the region for strictly limited numbers of organised trekking groups. Mustang is a remote, barren, but starkly beautiful landscape with a remarkable spiritual Tibetan Buddhist heritage. Trek and travel through Mustang’s fascinating villages, alongside Buddhist shrines and temples, in the shadow of the Himalayas to experience a place few get to see. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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Africa “IF YOU HAVE MEN WHO WILL ONLY COME IF THEY KNOW THERE IS A GOOD ROAD, I DON’T WANT THEM. I WANT MEN WHO WILL COME IF THERE IS NO ROAD AT ALL” DAVID LIVINGSTONE

56 CHAD 58 SOUTH AFRICA 60 SOUTH AFRICA 62 ETHIOPIA 64 KENYA 66 MADAGASCAR 68 MOROCCO 70 MOZAMBIQUE 72 NAMIBIA 74 TANZANIA 76 RWANDA & DRC

CHAD

XGROUP SIZE 5 - 6

Zakouma, Elephants & Nomads WITH ANTHONY KASCHULA | 5 - 15 FEB 2017 | 12 - 22 FEB 2017 £8,750 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £7,875 PP EXC FLIGHTS CHAD SUDAN

N’Djamena Anthony Kaschula was raised and educated in Zimbabwe and South Africa and holds one of the highest guiding qualifications in the world.

• • •

Zakouma

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Privileged insight into pioneering wildlife conservation Encounter Zakouma’s large herd of 400 elephants Expert knowledge of one of Africa’s best young guides Flourishing under the stewardship of African Parks (who have paved the way in National Park rehabilitation and management), Zakouma is squeezed between the sands of the Sahara and the jungles of the tropics.

Famed for its resurgent elephant population – once poached almost to extinction – the park forms a haven for the region’s wildlife, which includes Kordofan giraffes and West Africa savannah buffalos. Experience the vital work of African Parks in the knowledge that there are few who get to see this fantastic conservation success story. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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SOUTH AFRICA

GROUP SIZE 5 -8

Ocean Wildlife Safari

WITH MONTY HALLS | 19 - 31 MARCH 2017 £6,390 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £5,395 PP EXC FLIGHTS Johannesburg

Monty Halls is a marine biologist, writer, explorer, television presenter and President of the Galapagos Conservation Trust.

He was awarded the Bish Medal for his services to exploration.

• • •

SOUTH AFRICA

LESOTHO

Shamwari Game Reserve Port Elizabeth P

Accompanied by marine biologist Monty Halls Track whales, dolphins and sharks as they hunt Dive and snorkel beside teeming spheres of fish Join Monty Halls in search of the marine life of South Africa’s seas. Track whales, dolphins and sharks as they hunt magnificent bait balls; dive or snorkel beside these spinning spheres of marine prey. In addition, head inland for several days at the beautiful Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

Gain an insight into the conservation work at this reserve such as the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary and spot South Africa’s terrestrial wildlife including big cats, elephants and rhinos. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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SOUTH AFRICA

GROUP SIZE 4 -12

Rhino Conservation Project WITH DR PETER ROGERS | 22 - 30 JULY 2017 £2,990 INC FLIGHTS* | £1,995 EXC FLIGHTS

MOZAMBIQUE

Hoedspruit

Dr Peter Rogers is a specialist in wild animal capture and translocation. He has previously assisted with the capture and aerial translocation of various species including white rhino, giraffe, wildebeest, blesbok and cheetah.

• • •

Johannesburg

Kruger K National Park

SOUTH AFRICA

Hands-on experience of a rhino darting project Guided game drives and walks in the Greater Kruger Visit a wildlife rehabilitation centre This tour is perfect for wildlife lovers wanting hands-on experience of an authentic conservation project. Accompany chief vet, Dr Peter Rogers and rangers from Klaserie Nature Reserve as they locate a rhino and undertake the task of notching and micro-chipping. Expect to be more than just a spectator, with duties being assigned to the group in order to assist with this vital conservation work. With rhino horn fetching more money than gold, the stakes have never been higher. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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ETHIOPIA

X GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Christian Kingdoms WITH WILLIAM TAYLOR | 10 - 22 FEB 2017 £4,125 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £3,650 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

SUDAN

01 LONDON-ADDIS ABABA Overnight flight.

02 ADDIS ABABA City tour including Mount Entoto,

the highest peak in Ethiopia.

03 ADDIS ABABA Full day tour including the National

Archaeological Museum, Holy Trinity Church and Menelik’s Mausoleum.

04 ADDIS ABABA-AXUM Fly to Axum. Explore the

William Taylor is a writer and broadcaster on the Islamic world and Orthodox Churches. He has travelled extensively throughout the Balkans, Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.

Stelae Park, the Royal Tombs and Mary of Zion Church.

05 ADWA-YEHA Visit Adwa where Emperor Menelik

II defeated the Italian Army in 1896. On to Yeha.

06 AXUM-LALIBELA Fly to Lalibela, explore the

exceptional 13th century rock-hewn churches.

07 LALIBELA Travel north to the remarkably

preserved church of Ymrahanna Kristo.

08 LALIBELA-GONDAR Fly to Gondar and explore its

•

many forts and castles.

•

09 GONDAR Full day to explore Gondar.

10 GONDAR-BAHIR DAR Drive to Gorgora on the

northern banks of Lake Tana, take a boat to Bahir Dar.

11

BAHIR DAR Visit the source of the Nile and the Tis

Abbay Monastery.

12 BAHIR DAR-ADDIS ABABA Fly to Addis Ababa.

Day at leisure.

13 ADDIS ABABA-LONDON Fly to London.

•

Gorgora Lake Tana

Axum

Adwa

Gondar

Bahir Dar B

Lalibela

ETHIOPIA Addis Ababa

See the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela The auspicious and enigmatic stelae of Axum Explore monasteries at the serene Lake Tana With immense scenery and a intriguing culture, Ethiopia is a front runner for Africa’s most unique country. The history is ancient, yet alive and vibrant, with places like Lalibela, Axum and Gondar. When combined with Ethiopia’s remarkable people, it is little wonder that the country leaves an indelible impression on all those who visit. Journey to the northern highlands of Ethiopia, where the rich architectural heritage of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church illuminates a history packed with religious fervour, powerful empires and charismatic characters. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

P62

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KENYA

GROUP X SIZE 8 - 9

Elephant Insight and Lake Turkana WITH SABA DOUGLAS-HAMILTON | 13 - 23 JAN 2017 £11,720 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £10,995 PP EXC FLIGHTS Lake Turkana

Saba DouglasHamilton is an award-winning wildlife filmmaker, TV host and conservationist and a key member of the Save the Elephants team. She helped set up Samburu research monitoring over 900 elephants.

• • •

KENYA

Samburu

Lake Naivasha

Nairobi

Hosted by BBC presenter, Saba Douglas-Hamilton Safaris with researchers from Save The Elephants Helicopter safari over Lake Turkana The contribution made to elephant conservation by the DouglasHamiltons is legendary and so to spend a week in their company, on their home soil of Samburu and Naivasha, is the opportunity of a lifetime. Take walks and game drives in Samburu escorted by Saba Douglas-Hamilton and Elephant Watch’s Samburu guides. Meet with researchers from Save The Elephants who will introduce you to the resident elephant herd. The trip has a full day’s helicopter safari into Kenya’s Northern Frontier, staying overnight at Desert Rose Lodge. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

P64

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MADAGASCAR

X GROUP SIZE 6 - 8

Land of the Lemur

WITH LOCAL GUIDES | 9 - 23 SEPT 2017 £3,395 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £2,595 PP EXC FLIGHTS

MADAGASCAR

Toamasina Palmarium A Andasibe A Antananarivo

M Morondava Kirindy K

• • •

Spot lemurs, chameleons and the elusive fossa Explore Andasibe, Pangalanes and Kirindy Support the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Experience the diversity of Madagascar’s unique fauna and flora. Away from the crowds, explore the island’s jungles searching for the various lemur species and other endemic wildlife such as colourful chameleons and the cat-like fossa. Visit Andasibe-Mantadia Park, where the song of the Indri lemur echoes through the forest. Venture into the little-explored Pangalanes Region, the iconic Avenue of Baobabs and Kirindy Forest. Journey in specially adapted 4x4 vehicles, by boat and trek on foot to maximise wildlife sightings. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

P66

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MOROCCO

GROUP SIZE 6 - 12

Moroccan Sketchbook

WITH MAXINE RELTON RWA | 4 - 12 MAY 2017 £3,020 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £2,695 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-MARRAKECH-ATLAS MOUNTAINS

Fly to Marrakech. Transfer to the Atlas Mountains

02 ATLAS MOUNTAINS Day at the Kasbah sketching 03 ATLAS MOUNTAINS

Visit the local village of Aremd

Maxine Relton RWA is a full-time artist working out of Gloucestershire.

She is an elected Academician at The Royal West of England Academy and teaches, lectures and exhibits widely.

04 ATLAS MOUNTAINS Visit the local village of Imlil,

spend the afternoon sketching.

05 ATLAS MOUNTAINS-MARRAKECH

Transfer back to Marrakech.

Spend the afternoon touring the city.

06 MARRAKECH Visit the Majorelle Gardens 07 MARRAKECH-ESSAOUIRA Spend the afternoon

exploring the town

Marrakech

Essaouira

Mountains Atlas A

MOROCCO

08 ESSAOUIRA Spend the day sketching around

the town.

•

09 ESSAOUIRA-MARRAKECH-LONDON Transfer

•

from Essaouira to Marrakech. Fly to London

•

Learn the art of sketching from a professional artist Non-sketchers, beginners and artists welcome Explore the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech and Essaouira Combining the vitality of Marrakech with the fresh air of the mountains and the dramatic Atlantic coastline, this trip will prove the perfect muse for any would-be sketcher. With paper, paints and pencils at the ready, explore the picturesque Atlas Mountains and isolated villages which dot the landscape with the Berber people as your hosts. Stroll through the vibrant old quarter and colourful souqs of Marrakech and finish at the small fishing port of Essaouira with its white-washed walls and artisan galleries. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

P68

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MOZAMBIQUE

GROUP SIZE 6 - 8

Freediving, Yoga & Dolphins

WITH HANLI PRINSLOO | 30 JAN - 8 FEB | 27 FEB - 8 MAR 20 - 29 MAR 2017 | £3,970 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £2,995 PP EXC FLIGHTS MOZAMBIQUE SWAZILAND

Hanli Prisloo is an 11 times South African Freediving Record Holder and the founder of the ‘I AM WATER’ Foundation, which focuses on ocean conservation through human experience.

• • •

Ponta Malongane

SOUTH AFRICA

LESOTHO

Durban

Learn freediving with expert Hanli Prinsloo Swim with dolphins off the Ponta D’Ouro coast Practise yoga in view of the ocean Join the ‘I AM WATER’ team for a week learning to freedive off the Mozambican coast. Learn the basics amidst idyllic tropical surroundings under the expert tutelage of champion freediver Hanli Prinsloo.

Spend mornings swimming beside the region’s playful dolphins, before returning ashore for relaxing yoga, looking out over the beautiful waters of the Indian Ocean. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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NAMIBIA

GROUP SIZE 4 - 8

Cheetah Kingdom

WITH AFRICAT SPECIALISTS | 20 JUN - 2 JULY 2017 £4,790 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £3,895 PP EXC FLIGHTS

Hobatere Lodge

AfriCat were one of the first organisations to fully embrace tourism as an effective means of supporting conservation and continue to be at the forefront of big cat conservation.

• • •

Etosha National Park

NAMIBIA Okonjima

Windhoek

Hands-on participation in AfriCat’s conservation Fantastic big cat sightings at Okonjima See AfriCat’s community work at Hobatere Concession Working exclusively with AfriCat, Steppes offer a unique conservation tour, with hands-on participation. Work with AfriCat’s vets on the Annual Big Cat Health Examination weekend at Okonjima. Gain special access to cheetahs; help the vets to ensure all cheetahs are vaccinated and given a thorough health examination. Spend time with AfriCat’s founder Donna Hanssen and learn how AfriCat is now one of Namibia’s most effective carnivore conservation organisations. In Etosha spend time exploring the Hobatere Concession, accompanied by Tammy Hoth, head of AfriCat North. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

P72

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TANZANIA

GROUP SIZE 4 - 8

Tarangire Painting Safari

WITH ALASDAIR HILLEARY | 7 – 17 OCTOBER 2017 £8,345 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £7,595 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

KENYA

01 LONDON-AMSTERDAM-KILIMANJARO

Fly from London to Kilimanjaro (Arusha)

TANZANIA

02 ARUSHA-TARANGIRE Drive to Tarangire.

03 TARANGIRE

Painting, game drives and bush walks.

Alasdair Hilleary has been painting and sketching for almost 40 years.

He has become renowned for his cartoons and caricatures, having exhibited across the world.

04 TARANGIRE

Painting, game drives and bush walks.

05 TARANGIRE

Painting, game drives and bush walks.

06 CHEM CHEM CONCESSION

Painting, game drives and bush walks.

07 CHEM CHEM CONCESSION

Painting, game drives and bush walks.

A Arusha

Kilimanjaro

Chem Chem TTarangire National Park

08 CHEM CHEM CONCESSION

Painting, game drives and bush walks.

09 CHEM CHEM CONCESSION

•

Painting, game drives and bush walks.

10 TARANGIRE-KILIMANJARO-AMSTERDAMLONDON Drive back to Kilimanjaro.

Fly from Kilimanjaro to London.

11

LONDON Arrive into London.

•

•

Take a slow safari to experience Tarangire’s wildlife Hands-on art tuition by artist Alasdair Hilleary Capture both landscapes and wildlife on paper or camera Join artist Alasdair Hilleary for a painting safari exploring Tarangire National Park. Stay at an exclusive private camp and at Chem Chem Lodge’s private concession with time and flexibility to discover this captivating and varied landscape of roaming elephant herds and ancient baobabs. Soak up the atmosphere with game drives, bush walks and varied artistic opportunities, sketching wildlife with half-day watercolour sessions under Alasdair’s expert tuition. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

P74

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RWANDA & DRC

GROUP SIZE 3 - 7

Gorillas and Conservation

WITH THALIA LIOKATIS | 8 - 18 JULY 2017 £7,745 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £6,995 PP EXC FLIGHTS UGANDA

DRC

Thalia is FFI’s Programme Coordinator for the DRC. She develops and manages the programme, which focusses on implementing a community conservation approach.

• • •

Volcanoes National Park

RWANDA K Kigali

Bukavu

Nyungwe Forest National Park

TANZANIA

BURUNDI

Visit Fauna & Flora International (FFI) projects Encounter critically endangered gorillas Explore this fascinating, biodiverse region Travel through the jungles, mountains and lakes of Rwanda and DRC, exploring this fascinating and fragile region. Venture into Kahuzi-Biega National Park, to meet the iconic Grauer’s gorilla, before encountering the critically endangered mountain gorilla in the impressive Virunga Massif. Accompanied by FFI’s Thalia Liokatis, an experienced conservationist, gain an insight into the vital work taking place here. See community-focussed conservation in action and meet the local people at the forefront of pioneering initiatives, including those run by the International Gorilla Conservation Programme. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

P76

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The Americas “FOLLOWING THE LIGHT OF THE SUN, WE LEFT THE OLD WORLD.” CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS

80 BRAZIL 82 COLOMBIA 84 MEXICO 86 GUATEMALA & HONDURAS 88 PERU 90 CHILE

BRAZIL

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Paraty Literature Festival

WITH LOCAL GUIDES | 25 JUNE – 2 JULY 2017 £3,445 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £2,595 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-RIO DE JANEIRO Fly to Rio de Janeiro.

BRAZIL

02 RIO DE JANEIRO Take a train through the Tijuca

rainforest to the Christ Statue offering breathtaking views of the city. Continue to Santa Teresa, ’the coolest part of Rio’.

Salman Rushdie, Don DeLillo, Ariano Suassuna, Isabel Allende, Neil Gailman, Angélica Freitas, Toni Morrison and Chico Buarque are just some of the names that have visited Paraty Literature Festival.

03 RIO DE JANEIRO Morning historical city tour.

Afternoon Sugar loaf mountain tour.

04 RIO DE JANEIRO-PARATY Drive to Paraty from Rio

de Janeiro. Attend the Paraty Literature Festival opening ceremony in the evening.

05 PARATY Morning and afternoon events as part of

the festival.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore the festival. Evening meeting with one of the authors.

06 PARATY

07 PARATY Morning boat tour. Afternoon events as

Rio de Janeiro Paraty

ATLANTIC OCEAN

part of the festival. Farewell dinner.

08 PARATY-RIO DE JANEIRO-LONDON Transfer

•

09 LONDON Arrive London.

•

to Rio de Janeiro for overnight flight back to London.

•

Unique Festival at UNESCO-listed Paraty Exclusive behind the scene access to the Festival Private dinner with a notable speaker Paraty Literature Festival offers a unique literary infused experience.

The festival started in 2003 and is now more than an event, it is a cultural statement, with an ongoing interaction with the arts and a focus on diversity.

Hosted in the beautiful UNESCO-listed Brazilian town of Paraty, with its cobbled streets and pretty whitewashed colonial buildings. A backdrop of jungle-clad mountains and the beautiful bay make Paraty an idyllic spot to experience a taste of Brazil. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

P80

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COLOMBIA

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Amazon & Andes Archaeology

WITH JUAN ORTIZ AND LOCAL EXPERTS | 18 AUG - 1 SEPT 2017 | £5,090 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £3,995 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Santa Marta S

Cartagena 01 LONDON-BOGOTA Depart London on the evening 02 03 04

05

flight to Bogota.

BOGOTA Walking tour of Paloquemao market.

Afternoon at leisure.

BOGOTA Visit Zipaquira and the Salt Cathedral.

City tour of Bogota.

BOGOTA-SAN JOSE DEL GUAVIARE Fly to San Jose del Guaviare. Visit Cerro Azul and discuss the history of the Karijonas of the Amazon basin.

SAN JOSE DEL GUAVIARE Travel by boat to the Raudal del Guayabero wall painting site. Boat ride along the River Guaviare.

PANAMA VENEZUELA

06 SAN JOSE DEL GUAVIARE-BOGOTA-SOGAMOSO

Juan Ortiz will host this group, along with an impressive line-up of Colombia’s leading experts who will be joining the group locally in various destinations.

Fly to Bogota and on to Sogamoso.

07 SOGAMOSO-VILLA DE LEYVA Visit the Eliecer

Silva Celis Museum and the Monquira Archaeological Park.

09 10

11

12 13 14 15

P82

SAN AGUSTIN-NEIVA-BOGOTA-SANTA MARTA

Drive to Neiva. Fly to Santa Marta via Bogota.

Meet with Tayrona expert.

SANTA MARTA Full day at Publito archaeological ruins with a local archaeologist.

SANTA MARTA-CARTAGENA Transfer to Cartagena. City tour.

CARTEGENA-BOGOTA-LONDON Visit the Fort of San Sebastian. Fly to London via Cartagena.

LONDON Arrive London.

Bogota

•

•

•

COLOMBIA

Neiva San Agustin

08 VILLA DE LEYVA-BOGOTA-NEVA-SAN AGUSTIN

Transfer to Bogota via Sutatausa Church and then fly onto Neiva. Drive to San Agustin.

SAN AGUSTIN Visit San Agustin Archaeological Park. Walk around the Bosque de las Estatuas.

SAN AGUSTIN Visit Alto de Los Idolos Archaeological Park and Alto de Las Piedras archaeological site. Return to San Agustin.

Villa dee Le Leyva Sogamoso S

San Jose del Guaviare

San Agustin’s ceremonial statues and burial mounds Amazon basin river trip to see ancient wall paintings Tayrona National Park’s archaeological ruins Explore remote archaeological sites in the Andes, Amazon and northern tropical forests to see exquisite stone sculptures, paintings and tombs. Learn about the indigenous cultures that crafted this legacy. Discover Spanish colonial heritage in Bogota, Villa de Leyva and Cartagena as well as taking the opportunity to view wildlife in the Llanos-Amazon region. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS | T: 0843 783 4456 | GROUPS@STEPPESTRAVEL .COM | WWW.STEPPESTRAVEL .CO.UK

MEXICO

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Day of the Dead Festival

WITH ALFREDO HERNANDEZ | 27 OCT - 9 NOV 2017 £6,095 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £5,395 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-MEXICO CITY

MEXICO

Fly to Mexico City.

IIzamal Cancun Chichen Itza

Merida

02 MEXICO CITY City tour including the Cathedral,

Palacia National and The Templo Mayor.

03 COYOACAN-SAN ANGEL-XOCHIMILCO Guided

tour of Frida Kahlo museum. Canal cruise on board the colourful gondola style boats.

04 TEOTIHUACAN Full day visit of Teotihuacan with

Alfredo is a historian who grew up in Mexico City. He has worked for more than three decades in museums as a Director, sharing Mexican history across publications, radio and television.

the head archaeologist of the site.

05 MEXICO CITY-OAXACA Fly to Oaxaca. Visit the

colourful markets preparing for the Day of the Dead celebrations. Special Observance of Day of the Dead at midnight.

06 OAXACA Visit important sites celebrating Day of

the Dead.

Mexico City M Villahermosa Oaxaca

Tuxtla Gutierrez

08 OAXACA-TUXTLA GUTIERREZ-SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS Fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez. Visit

•

Sumidero Canyon.

the surrounding villages.

10 SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS-PALENQUE

Travel to Palenque. Private guided tour of the archaeological site.

11

VILLAHERMOSA-MERIDA Visit the stone heads at

La Venta Park. Afternoon tour of Merida.

12 MERIDA-CHICHEN ITZA Visit Hacienda Sotuta de

Peon, followed by a private out of hours guided visit of Chichen Itza.

13 CANCUN-LONDON Morning transfer to Cancun,

return flight to London.

14 LONDON Arrive London.

P84

GUTEMALA HONDURAS

0 7 OAXACA Explore the Zapotec Panteons.

09 SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS City tour including

P Palenque

•

•

Experience the Day of the Dead celebrations Visit the impressive Teotihuacan pyramids Private out-of-hours tour of Chichen Itza Despite the ghoulish connotations, the Day of the Dead is actually a celebration of life and an important annual event in the Mexican calendar.

The origins of this festival date back to the Aztec period and the goddess Mictecacihuatl (Queen of the Underworld). Immerse yourself in the elaborate, colourful festivities which take place to honour ancestors.

Experience modern Mexican culture which links to an ancient past and explore the Mayan sites of Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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GUATEMALA & HONDURAS

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

The Maya World WITH CARLOS VIVAR | 25 FEB - 10 MAR 2017 £4,845 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £4,095 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Flores

01 LONDON-GUATEMALA CITY-ANTIGUA Fly to

Guatemala City and transfer to Antigua.

TTikal

MEXICO

02 ANTIGUA Walking tour of Antigua. Afternoon-

evening Semana Santa processions in Antigua.

03 ANTIGUA Morning visit to school project.

Carlos grew up in the remote village of Uaxactún and has spent thousands of hours in the field, studying Mayan archaeological sites alongside many of the world’s most prominent Maya scholars.

Afternoon at leisure.

04 ANTIGUA-COPAN Drive to Copan (Honduras).

Evening presentation by David Sedat on his archaeological work at Copan.

05 COPAN Explore ruins, famous for intricately

carved Maya stelae and early royal tombs.

06 COPAN-QUIRIGUA-LIVINGSTON Visit Maya site

of Quirigua before travelling by boat along the Caribbean coast to the port of Livingston.

07 LIVINGSTON-TIKAL Boat trip through Rio Dulce

Livingston

GUATEMALA

Lake Atitlan

Iximche A Antigua

Puerto Barrios

Copan G Guatemala City

HONDURAS

Canyon before driving to Tikal.

•

08 TIKAL Sunrise at the archaeological site of Tikal

followed by full day tour of the ruins.

09 YAXHA-TOPOXTE-GUATEMALA CITY-ANTIGUA

Tour the ancient Maya sites of Yaxha and Topoxte.

Fly to Guatemala City. Transfer to Antigua.

10 ANTIGUA-IXIMCHE-LAKE ATITLAN Archaeological

site visit and Shaman ceremony at Iximche enroute to Lake Atitlan.

11

LAKE ATITLAN Full day boat tour visiting San Juan

and Santiago villages.

12 LAKE ATITLAN Free day at Lake Atitlan.

13 LAKE ATITLAN-GUATEMALA CITY-LONDON Transfer

to Guatemala City with a visit to Ixchel & Popul Vuh museums. Fly toLondon.

14 LONDON Arrive London.

P86

•

•

Explore the great Maya cities of Copan and Tikal Colonial Antigua and volcano-fringed Lake Atitlan Meet modern shamans and the Maya deity Maximon This journey focuses on the legacy of the ancient Maya in Guatemala and Honduras, including impressive ancient cities and a modern culture that draws much from the traditions, religion and heritage of the past. Visit some of Central America’s most scenic locations including the historic Spanish colonial city of Antigua and the ethereally beautiful Lake Atitlan. Our guide will be joined by eminent archaeologist, David Sedat, in Copan, who will present on his archaeological work here. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS | T: 0843 783 4456 | GROUPS@STEPPESTRAVEL .COM | WWW.STEPPESTRAVEL .CO.UK

PERU

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Pre-Inca Civilisations

WITH HUGH THOMSON | 30 JUNE - 13 JULY 2017 £4,595 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £3,895 PP EXC FLIGHTS DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON-LIMA-CHICLAYO Fly to Chiclayo via Lima.

Chachapoyas

02 CHICLAYO-SALAS Explore the vast archaeological

Chiclayo

site of Tucume. Drive to the 4,500 year old site of Ventarron. Onto Salas.

Kuelap

03 SALAS-CHACHAPOYAS Travel to Chachapoyas

Cajamarca Hugh Thomson, film-maker and author of ‘The White Rock: An Exploration of the Inca Heartland’ and ‘Cochineal Red’ has over twenty years’ experience of travelling in Peru.

taking in the beautiful scenery.

04 YUMBILLA WATERFALL Walk to discover Yumbilla

Waterfall.

05 CHACHAPOYAS-LEYMEBAMBA Explore Kuelap;

the Chacahpoyan fortified ceremonial city set in the cloud forest. Scenic drive to Leymebamba.

06 LEYMEBAMBA Drive to Yerbabuena and walk

to the colourful cliff tombs of Revash. Visit Leymebamba museum’s collection of more than 200 mummies.

Huaraz Lima

BRAZIL

PERU

07 LEYMEBAMBA-CAJAMARCA Drive to Cajamarca

along one of the most scenic roads in Peru.

•

08 CAJAMARCA-LIMA Explore Cajamarca in the

•

morning before flying to Lima

09 LIMA-HUARAZ Fly to Huaraz. Drive into the

Cordillera Negra and walk back to Huaraz via a series of old hiking trails.

10 HUARAZ Explore the UNESCO archaelogical site

of Chavin de Hauter.

11

HUARAZ Day at leisure.

Visit Llanganuco Lakes, at the foot of Hauscaran mountain. Continue to Cebolla Pampa and trek to the ethereal glacial lake of Laguna.

12 HUARAZ

13 HUARAZ-LIMA-LONDON Transfer from Huarez to

Lima. Fly to London.

14 LONDON Arrive London.

•

Explore Peru’s best Pre-Inca historical sites Visit 6th century Kuelap citadel Discover the UNESCO site of Chavin de Huantar Explore the fascinating, yet little visited, pre-Inca archaeological sites of northern Peru and the snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera Blanca.

Discover Moche artefacts from Sipan and the adobe pyramids at Tucume.

Concealed in northern Peru’s cloud forest discover the citadel of Kuelap, a huge stone fortress that rivals Machu Picchu in scale and grandeur but without the crowds. Finally there is the opportunity to trek in the Cordillera Blanca mountains and visit the UNESCO archeological site of Chavin which dates back to 1200BC. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

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CHILE

GROUP SIZE 6 - 10

Northern Patagonia

WITH HILARY BRADT | 26 FEB - 11 MAR 2017 £6,395 PP INC FLIGHTS* | £5,495 EXC FLIGHTS Santiago

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 01 LONDON -SANTIAGO Fly to Santiago.

ARGENTINA

02 SANTIAGO Arrive into Santiago.

Day at leisure to explore the city.

Travel to Coyhaique which lies in the broad green valley of the Río Simpson. Horse riding excursion in the Aysen region.

03 SANTIAGO-BALMACEDA-COYHAIQUE

04 PUERTO GUADAL Travel across General Carrera

Hilary Bradt first travelled to South America in 1973 on a journey that led to the creation of Bradt Travel Guides. She has an MBE for services to the travel industry and to charity.

Lake to Chile Chico and Puerto Guadal.

0 5 PUERTO GUADAL Full day tour to Leones Glacier

by jet boat.

06 CALETA TORTEL Travel to Caleta Tortel via Tamango National Reserve.

07 CALETA TORTEL Full day excursion to Los

CHILE

Coyhaique Puerto Rio Tranquilo

Muertos National Monument and Montt Glacier.

08 PATAGONIA PARK Travel to Patagonia Park. Learn

•

about this amazing project by talks and a tour provided by the local resident guides.

09 PATAGONIA PARK Exploration of Patagonia Park.

10 PUERTO BERTRAND Drive to Puerto Rio

Tranquilo, stopping at Puerto Bertrand on the way for outdoor adventure.

11

PUERTO RIO TRANQUILO Visit the Marble Caves,

Cerro Castillo and Coyhaique.

12 COYHAIQUE-BALMACEDA-SANTIAGO Early

morning visit to see the Andean condors followed by a city tour of Santiago.

13 SANTIAGO-SAO PAULO-LONDON Fly to London,

•

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Balmaceda Patagonia Park Caleta Tortel

Experience the remote wilderness of northern Patagonia Visit glaciers on the Patagonian Ice Fields Meet wildlife specialists, historians and park guides Travel the Carretera Austral, the ‘southern highway’, accompanied by Hilary Bradt, founder of the Bradt Travel Guides. Explore the little-visited area of Aysen in northern Chilean Patagonia, an area of incredible natural beauty with snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, glaciers and glacialfed streams. *guide price including international flights. Flight cost quoted at time of booking.

via Sao Paulo.

14 LONDON Arrive London.

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Why Choose Steppes Travel In the Company of Experts Our long association and friendship with the British Museum, academic institutions and wildlife conservation charities worldwide means we have an enviable pool of expertise from which to choose our tour lecturers and expert guides. We carefully select our leaders based on their expertise, unparalleled knowledge, companionship and general affability. While travelling in the company of these experts quite often their influence can facilitate private access to sites and museums not typically open to the public.

Small is Beautiful Our average group size is typically 8 – 10 people, far smaller than the larger group tours typically offered by our competitors, a factor which many of our clients appreciate. Travelling as part of a smaller group provides a more intimate, personalised and relaxed atmosphere, while making the logistics of visits to sites and museums that much easier.

24 hour Emergency Service We do not believe in answer machines so 24 hours a day, 365 days a year your call will be answered by a person who can connect you to one of our team in case of emergency.

Financial Protection Steppes Travel is a fully bonded tour operator (ATOL 6945) that complies with the Civil Aviation Authority bonding ensuring that your booking is fully protected.

Many of the flights and flight inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL certificate then the booking will not be protected by ATOL. If you do receive an ATOL certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk-ATOLCertificate. If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.

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Steppes Tailor-made Tailor-made For those travellers who wish to take the opportunity to extend their tour and explore more, we can easily arrange this for you, on a tailor-made basis. Our detailed country knowledge and local contacts means we can provide extension suggestions and seamlessly add additional arrangements to your itinerary. If you have a tour in mind that you would like to take with friends or family as a private departure, we would be very happy to arrange it for you. Do get in touch and let’s start a conversation.

Private Tours As well as tour extensions, we also have an impressive track record in organising Private Tours for societies, schools, colleges and other interest groups, as well as for groups of friends. The same meticulous attention to detail goes into the planning of these private bespoke tours as with our own group tours. We can even arrange these to be led by one of our expert lecturers if you wish. Organisations who we’ve arranged private group tours for in the past include: • Christie’s Education • The Victoria and Albert Museum • Oxford Alumni • Eton College • The Saudi British Society • The Roman Society • The English National Opera • Current World Archaeology • The Egypt Exploration Society • Sudan Archaeological Research Society Steppes Travel Heritage Our group travel heritage stems from the former tour operating department at the British Museum and the pioneering wildlife tours of Discovery Initiatives. We have over 26 years experience of travel that goes beyond the ordinary. A team of 40 people in the UK office, plus worldwide partnerships in destination countries makes us arguably the most knowledgeable team of specialist travel experts in the UK. Furthermore, our experts venture each year to their region of specialisation, ensuring they are fully up to date with new developments and new places of interest.

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EXCLUSIVE STEPPES PRIVATE CHARTERS

LUXURY TRAIN JOURNEY THROUGH IRAN WITH MICHAEL PORTILLO

BAJA CALIFORNIA WHALE WATCHING WITH ART TAYLOR

ARCTIC EXPEDITION CRUISE WITH MONTY HALLS AND SUE FLOOD

If you have an adventurous spirit, a love of history and an interest in culture you will relish this opportunity to travel across Iran by luxury train. Accompanied by Michael Portillo for some of the journey you can expect fascinating insight on board.

Join the expedition vessel Searcher for the best whale watching trip in the world. Spend twelve days on our Steppes charter around the Baja Peninsula. A wonderful opportunity to explore this rich marine world including grey, blue, fin, sperm and humpback whales with some of the best naturalist guides available. Art Taylor, owner and captain of the Searcher, has been navigating these waters for over thirty years and is hugely passionate about the wildlife and sharing his unrivalled knowledge with you.

Join Steppes aboard the Akademik Ioffe on a charter to Spitsbergen. Seeing or photographing a polar bear in its natural habitat is one of the most remarkable sightings. Spitsbergen is the perfect setting for such an endeavour and with Sue Flood and Monty Halls at your side, you are guaranteed expert advice to ensure you make the most of every opportunity.

This privately chartered luxury train explores many of Iran’s remarkable sites and incredibly scenic landscapes through the Alborz Mountains.

Accompanied by English speaking experts, visit Shiraz, Persepolis and Isfahan’s impressive Islamic architecture, as well as the desert city of Yazd.

7 -21 April 2018 15 days from £10,999 PP Excluding flights In conjunction with Telegraph Tours

22 January - 4 February 2018 14 days from £4,445 PP Excluding flights

While polar bears are the main draw here, Spitsbergen has much to offer. Take zodiac safaris and drift alongside towering glaciers; visit expansive cliffs that provide sanctuary to huge colonies of birds and photograph large herds of walrus on land and in the sea.

7- 18 July 2018 12 days from £5,595 PP Excluding flights In conjunction with Telegraph Tours

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CANADA GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST CRUISE WITH SUE FLOOD

ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA AND FALKLANDS CRUISE WITH SIR RANULPH FIENNES, MONTY HALLS AND SUE FLOOD

GALAPAGOS PHOTOGRAPHIC CRUISE WITH SUE FLOOD

A unique opportunity to join a photographic yacht cruise in British Columbia, sailing a section of the Inside Passage, known as the Great Bear Rainforest.

For anybody with a love of wildlife and wild places, an expedition voyage to the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula is the ultimate experience. Towering ice cliffs, gigantic glaciers and bergs the size of skyscrapers are on an epic scale. The wildlife is equally as spellbinding. None more so than the 200,000 strong king penguin colony of Salisbury Plain on South Georgia. Add to this the line-up of Sir Ranulph Fiennes (two pre-voyage, private lectures), Monty Halls, Sue Flood and the crew of the Akademik Ioffe and you can see why we’re billing this as the ultimate trip to Antarctica.

Join our Galapagos charter on the Majestic motor yacht, accompanied by wildlife photographer Sue Flood. Sue will join the group on all excursions, giving tips, advice and workshops aimed at improving your photography skills.

Grizzlies and Black bears inhabit this remote piece of British Columbia’s coastline and make for exciting photographic quarry with the west coast’s towering mountains and lush, temperate forests providing a beautiful backdrop. The rare spirit bear also inhabits this region. But let’s not be bear-centric as the Inside Passage is also renowned for humpback whale sightings, Steller sea-lions, spectacular displays from birds of prey and a fascinating First Nation cultural history.

3 - 13 September 2017 11 days from £4,495 PP Excluding flights

25 January - 17 February 2017 24 days from £10,950 PP Excluding flights In conjunction with Telegraph Tours

Spend eight days in the Galapagos and visit islands such as San Cristobal, Floreana, Espanola, Santa Cruz and Genovesa. There will be daily opportunities to explore and get close to the islands’ unique wildlife, either on foot, by kayak, by panga (small boat) or when snorkelling. Wildlife highlights include all three types of booby (bluefooted, red-footed and Nazca), frigate birds, waved albatross and sea lions.

29 April - 9 May 2017 11 days from £4,895 PP Excluding flights

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