longitude edition july 2016

IN THIS ISSUE:

LongitudeJULY 2016EDITION 3

Climbing Kilimanjaro Why you should make this epic trek with us

Balkan Highlights Key places to see

Rio Carnival 2017 New trip just launched!

Exploring Iran Meeting its welcoming people

Solotravellers

South East Asia Offer

SAVEFREEup to Extra night and transfer

£500WORTH

£145pp on your next tripBook by

29 July 2016*Book by

22 July 2016**

2 n Tel: 01252 884 288

Welcome to our summer edition of Longitude. 28th July is a special date for us here at Explore as it marks our 35th year of operating adventure holidays. Having started as an Explore Leader myself, along with a few of my colleagues, it has been great for us to take a walk down memory lane and see our first edition brochure cover (p8), plus some of our landmarks over the past 35 years - none of which we could have achieved without your continued loyalty and support - thank you!

Over the past few months we have been busy. We have launched some brand new trips, including one just very recently – take a look at our new Rio Carnival trip (p23). We've also been travelling to less well-known areas of the world to bring you the hidden corners of Europe (p28-29), plus a ‘recce’ trip that will take you on an exciting journey along rivers, roads and rail from northern Thailand to Burma (p17).

We hope you enjoy this issue – and remember to keep exploring!

Ashley Toft, Managing Director

P.S. We know it is only July but now is the time to start planning your festive getaway! See pages 30-31 for more details.

Welcome to Longitude

n 3www.explore.co.uk

Contents4-5 What’s on The latest news from Explore HQ

6-7 Travelling solo? Save when you travel with us

8 35 years of Explore A look back over our 35 years

9 Climbing Kilimanjaro How to summit successfully

10-11 Cycling Saigon to Angkor Vietnam and Cambodia by bike

12-13 Exploring Iran Meeting the welcoming people

14-15 Tailor-make your holiday Ideas and inspiration for your dream holiday

16 Meet May San Aung We put our questions to our Burmese Leader

17 A new trip to Burma Travel by river, rail and road to Rangoon

18 Taste of Italy trips A range of holidays that will tantalise the taste buds

19 Walking and wine trips Easy walks combined with sampling the best wines

20 A dream trip to Japan A whistle stop trip seeing all the highlights

21 Festivals of Bhutan A colourful insight into the festivities

22 Argentinean Adventures Seeing inspiring landscapes of this wonderful destination

23 A new trip to Brazil A chance to watch the incredible Rio Carnival

24-25 Highlights of the Balkans Key sites and how you can see them

26 Explore the Philippines Five reasons to visit the Philippines

27 Discovering Antarctica Experiences of an amazing Antarctica trip

28-29 Europe’s hidden corners Top 10 places to visit in Europe

30-31 Where to travel this winter The best places to escape to over the winter months

WELCOME TO LONGITUDE n

4 n Tel: 01252 884 288

KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE WITH A WORLD OF ADVENTURE

What’s going on at Explore HQ...

Book any trip to South East Asia by 22nd July and receive a free extra hotel night (with transfer) worth up to £145 per person. In addition to this offer, book either of our trips to the Philippines – North Philippines Explorer (trip code: PIP) or North Philippines Explorer and Bohol Beach Extension (trip code: PIPB) and receive a free traditional Filipino meal in one of Manila's top restaurants.

See page 26 for more details.

**Terms and conditions apply – see explore.co.uk/SEAsia for details.

BOOK A TRIP TO South East Asia AND SAVE!

n IN THE NEWS

CAMBODIA PHILIPPINES

INDONESIA

BRUNEIMALAYSIA

VIETNAM

MYANMAR(BURMA)

LAOS

THAILAND

Travelling solo just became even better value as we’re offering a single room upgrade totally free when you book by 29th July. We have hand-picked trips most popular with solo travellers and are giving you the chance to book your own room - worth up to £500, completely free.

To see the full list of trips, visit explore.co.uk/solo

It’s our 35th birthday this month…28th July marks our 35th year in operation. Founded by three directors who in the 1960s and 70s started leading overland trips through Asia, Africa, and the Americas prior to setting up Explore in 1981; we’ve been pioneering adventures around the world ever since! Turn to page 8 as we look back at our first ever brochure...

An end to elephant ridingWe are really proud to announce that we are no longer offering elephant riding on any of our trips. We have been working with Mahouts Elephant Foundation to support their work in educating local people on how to offer alternative experiences to travellers, such as elephant walking safaris in the wild.

To find out more see explore.co.uk/elephants

SOLO TRAVELLERS SAVE UP TO £500!

book by

22nd July

2016**

book by

29th Ju

ly

2016*

2016

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IN THE NEWS n

New Trips

Without the expertise and experience of our leaders, Explore could not continue to deliver high quality small group holidays. We recognise their hard work and commitment year-round, but most significantly with our annual Explore Leader Awards. So, if you think one of our Leaders deserves extra recognition this year, please nominate them online in our 2016 awards.

Visit: explore.co.uk/TLnominations

We know we’re only in July but now is the best time to start booking your festive holiday. By booking now, you’ll not only have your pick of a wide range of holidays but at lower prices too; usually the nearer to December we get, the more the flight prices increase. We have a wide range of trips to choose from, plus see pages 30-31 to see our top picks of where’s best to travel over the winter months.

BOOK YOUR FESTIVE GETAWAY

Since their launch over a year ago, our self-guided walking and cycling holidays have proven very popular, so much so that we have more than doubled the collection. Now you can choose from over 40 trips across Europe to explore at your own pace.

To see the full collection visit: explore.co.uk/self-guided

Self-guided walking and cycling holidays – now even more choice!

2016 EXPLORE LEADER

Closing date:

11th N

ovember

2016

Remember to nominate your

Explore Leader...

We continually strive to launch new and exciting trips throughout the year. Trips launched in 2016 range from South Africa Highlights (trip code: SAH) and Highlights of Iran (trip code: HIR) to Sudan Expedition to Berenike (trip code: SUB). To be the first to hear about these new trips, sign up to our email newsletters on explore.co.uk.

Recently we have launched two new trips. The first will take you on a journey from Thailand to Burma. Created by Chris Ellis, our Product Manager for South East Asia, he travelled to Burma to ‘recce’ Rivers, Roads and Rail to Rangoon (trip code: QBU). Find out how he got on plus more about this trip on page 17.

Our second trip will take you on an amazing journey to the carnivals of Brazil. Created by Worldwide Programme Manager Hannah Methven, the Rio and Recife Carnivals trip (code: RRC), will show you the glitz and glamour of the famous Rio Carnival along with the lesser-known, but equally important Recife Carnival where you’ll join locals dancing in the streets at a typical bloco (street) party. Turn to page 23 to see Hannah’s highlights from this year’s carnival plus details of our 2017 departure.

2016

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6 n Tel: 01252 884 288

There are no strangers on our trips… just friends you haven’t met yet…

solo? TRAVELLING

On average around half the group will be travelling solo. Numbers vary from one trip to the next but you can always ask when you make your booking.


TRAVELLING SOLO n

If you’re travelling solo you don’t need to be travelling alone. When you join a small-group holiday with Explore you’ll be sharing the experience with other adventure-loving travellers. But don’t just take our word for it, who better to share the experiences of an Explore holiday than those Who have embarked on one?

All of it was a fantastic experience - very busy, lots of travelling with amazing scenery and culture. The highlights for me have to be the Temples at Angkor Wat, the Cambodian Cookery class and the sheer experience of being in these countries where the people are so friendly and welcoming. I would say don’t be afraid to book a trip if on your own. Explore cater for singles and couples; you will make some wonderful friends. This was my first big trip on my own and I will definitely do it again without hesitation.

Elizabeth Bainbridge travelled solo on Indochina Encounter. Trip code: QBK, Aug 2015.

If you are travelling alone don't have any concerns. There were 15 people in our group, some married couples, friends travelling together and single people. It was friendly and inclusive.

Maggie Perry travelled solo on South Indian Images. Trip code: DS, Jan 2015

I was a single traveller, looking for an exciting trip and I could not have asked for any more, plus the travelling companions I met all enjoyed themselves too, it was a good holiday.

Glenn Gardiner travelled solo on Cape Town to Victoria Falls Adventure. Trip code: SW, Nov 2014.

This was a well-planned trip which included a variety of sights that Burma has to offer, without us getting too ‘templed out.’ The most memorable moment, however, did involve temples and consisted of us watching the sunset at Bagan from a vantage point high up on one of the temples, after travelling there by horse and cart. You get a real sense of the scale of the complex without the crowds. The group was great, and as a single traveller, it was nice to be able to share this special moment in such good company.

Explore customer travelled solo on Burma Highlights. Trip code: BUH, Mar 2014.

This was my first holiday of this nature and oh what an “awesome” adventure. In one week we had such a diverse experience, every day we did something that was new to me and I learnt a lot from the guides and the rest of the group. I can’t pick a particular highlight as I loved the trip from start to finish. We had a great group and as a single traveller I felt we all bonded well relatively early on, which was of great importance to me.

Jane Newbold travelled solo on Trekking the Transylvanian Alps. Trip code: TTA, July 2015.

As my first solo holiday, this trip ticked all the boxes! I was very well cared for and the most incredible moment of the whole trip was snorkelling with the manta rays and seeing pods of dolphins whilst we were cruising.

Trish McCrohan travelled solo on Maldive Dhoni Cruise. Trip code: MC, Aug 2015.

*Terms and conditions apply – see explore.co.uk/solo

Solotravellers

SAVEup to

£500on your next trip

Book by 29 July 2016*

8 n Tel: 01252 884 288

n 35 YEARS OF EXPLORE

On 28th July we will be celebrating 35 years in adventure travel. From all of us here at Explore, we would like to say a big THANK YOU to you all for choosing Explore.

We have travelled to 87% of the countries in the world (171 out of 196) and 673,448 customers have travelled with us, of which:

● 50,867 have seen the Pyramids

● 18,564 have been on a cycling holiday

● 19,546 under 18’s have travelled – a whole new generation of Explorers

● 13,851 have walked Peru’s Inca Trail

● 6,349 have trekked Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)

Over 35 years our most popular holidays have been...● Imperial Cities and Desert (Morocco). Trip code: MR

● Classic Egypt with Nile Cruise (Egypt). Trip code: EG

● Cuba Libre! (Cuba). Trip code: CL

● Inside Vietnam (Vietnam). Trip code: VN

Trips launched in 1981 and still going strong:● Asia Minor Explorer (Turkey). Trip code: TU

● Rajasthan – Land of the Maharajahs (India). Trip code: RD

● South Indian Images (India). Trip code: DS

Four page brochure launched featuring six trips to Egypt, Turkey, North and South India, Nepal and Thailand.

Our first trip departs!

www.explore.co.uk website launched

2015

2004

2005

2008

Self-guided Walking and Cycling trips launched

First Families Brochure

First Cycling Brochure

First Walking and Trekking Brochure

First Tailormade Brochure

Since 1981…

July 1981

November 1981

August 1997

2002

Our timeline

Since launching in 1981 with just six trips in a four-page brochure, we now offer over 500 trips in more than 120 countries. See our first edition brochure vs our current range:

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KILIMANJARO n

By Caroline Phillips

Kilimanjaro 10 reasons why you should make this epic trip with Explore

We pride ourselves on our expert operation on the mountain. Here, Walking and Trekking Programme Manager Caroline Phillips gives 10 good reasons why you should make your once-in-a-lifetime trek with Explore:

1 Our Kilimanjaro ascent rates are slow and safe, resulting in a much higher

than average summit success rate of 95% We want you to have the best possible chance of success on this once-in-a-lifetime trek. We take seven days to complete our ascent to the Uhuru Peak summit on the less used and more scenic Lemosho Route. Acclimatisation is key, so several days include in-built periods spent at a higher altitude acclimatising before descending to overnight camps at a lower altitude.

2 We include the Kilimanjaro park fees in the trip price

Comprising fees for conservation, camping and emergency rescue, the Kilimanjaro park fees on our trek are currently worth $980 US Dollars. These are included in your trip price. There are no hidden extras with Explore.

3 The safety of our Kilimanjaro trek has been assessed by an independent

medical specialist The rate of altitude gain on our 7-day ascent on the Lemosho Route has been approved by Dr Jeremy Windsor, an expert in mountain medicine and one of two UK representatives on the UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) Medical Commission. Dr Windsor has summited Mount Kilimanjaro himself, as well as Everest, amongst others.

4 Our Kili Trek Leaders are regularly voted among the best in the world

Our Trek Leaders are regularly nominated by our customers in our popular Explore Leader of the Year awards. Known for his boundless enthusiasm and warm smile, Julius 'Whitey' White was our Explore Leader of the year in 2012. You can’t help but feel happy and motivated in his presence - no wonder he’s so good at getting our hikers to the summit!

5 Our Trek Leaders on Kilimanjaro are first aid and altitude trained

All of our Trek Leaders and the majority of our guides have completed an REC (Rescue Emergency Care) first aid course with a focus on altitude. Organised and paid for by Explore, the training takes place in Tanzania. Altitude specialist Dr Matt Ladbrook also spent time with the team focusing entirely on altitude education.

6 Oxygen cylinders and Gamow bags are carried on all treks for emergency use

Gamow (inflatable pressure) bags simulate a descent to lower altitude and are used for the treatment of severe cases of altitude sickness. Breathing 100% Oxygen can help reduce the effects of altitude sickness. We carry both for emergency use only.

7 Our local partner is a long established and reputable Kilimanjaro specialist

Our Tanzanian partners are based close to Kilimanjaro in Moshi. A family-run business which was set up by a former guide, they fully understand both the requirements of those climbing Kilimanjaro as well as respecting the needs of the local crews who support the trekkers.

8 Explore trekking staff are from the local area - revenues from our treks

benefit the local economy Our Tanzanian partners employ over 600 people, the vast majority of whom are from the Kilimanjaro region. All of our Trek Leaders and guides started off as our porters. Through experience and education they have risen through the guiding ranks to become professional, certified mountain guides.

9 We carry portable chemical toilets on all treks to help avoid degrading

the mountain All waste is taken off the mountain, helping preserve its natural beauty for future generations of trekkers.

10 Helping prevent Malaria Part of the proceeds of your climb

help the ‘Say No to Malaria’ campaign administered by our Tanzanian partners. Mosquito nets are being donated to a number of NGOs in the Kilimanjaro region.

Rising from the savannah of East Africa to the staggering height of 5895 metres, Mount Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak is both the highest in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain on earth. Conquering this unmistakable snow-capped volcano is a dream for many and a challenge undertaken for a variety of reasons, from those looking to bag another peak to a ‘significant’ birthday celebration.

To summit the rooftop of Africa with us, see Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Trek.

Trip code: KC

Kilimanjaro Extensions: Enjoy an additional four days relaxing after your

trek with a Zanzibar beach stay (Trip code: KCZ) or discover wildlife in some of

Tanzania's finest national parks on a three day safari (Trip code: KCS).

10 n Tel: 01252 884 288

By Hannah Owen

Saigon to Angkor

EASY CYCLING

**Terms and conditions apply – see explore.co.uk/SEAsia

Explore Cycling Product Executive Hannah Owen helps run our range of cycling holidays. However, until recently, she hadn’t travelled on any of them. Her first experience was on the Mekong Delta and Angkor trip – an easy-graded trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. How

did her experience compare with the idea of the trip she had in her mind? Here she shares all…


FREEExtra night and transfer

WORTH

£145ppBook by

22 July 2016**


CYCLING HOLIDAYS n

Hannah travelled on our 14 day easy grade Mekong Delta and Angkor holiday. Trip code: CVE

My top 10 most memorable moments from this trip are:

1 The immense knowledge of our Explore Leader and local guides. I loved hearing about their lives growing up here and meeting

some of their friends and families.

2 High-fiving with children along the road while cycling through rural villages in Cambodia and all the children that appeared

everywhere along the route, shouting 'hello, hello' and getting really excited when we shouted 'hi' back.

3 The boat rides across the Mekong in Vietnam.

4 Paddling on a sampan up a side creek on the Mekong and persuading my husband to row us.

5 Visiting a pecan nut factory and chatting with the ladies working.

6 Stopping for a break and buying fresh fruit and iced coffee from a street seller, then relaxing in hammocks for a while before

heading off again.

7 Chatting with novice monks at a temple and finding out about their day-to-day life.

8 An impromptu stop at a temple school and playing football with the children.

9 Our local guide showing us the best way to explore Angkor temples to get away from the crowd and take really

good pictures.

10 The food, generally. Lots of really good fresh local food everywhere.

While I have previously travelled on quite a few group holidays this was my first trip with Explore and my first group cycling holiday. My expectations were high having heard good things about visiting this region. I was expecting a full itinerary, amazing Explore Leader and the chance to get ‘off the beaten track’. The trip far exceeded these early expectations in every way, leaving me with so many wonderful memories, not to mention hundreds of photographs!

Our Explore Leader, Duan, was welcoming and friendly, combined with being super organised and having a brilliant sense of humour. He was extremely knowledgeable, not only about the history of his own country but he also had a really good understanding of western history and culture.

The trip kept us away from busy main routes wherever possible, instead exploring quieter backstreets and countryside lanes. While this was a cycling holiday, the emphasis was on a relaxed pace for sightseeing and experiencing local culture first hand. Our two week itinerary was full of variety. We cycled through rural towns and villages, explored the mighty Mekong River on private longboats, perused local markets, visited small family run businesses, travelled by boat to Cambodia and visited beautiful museums and temples.

Peddling along meandering riverbank paths behind village houses and feeling the refreshing warm breeze was a lovely way to see the countryside. I especially liked meeting so many people and stopping wherever we wanted to chat and buy freshly squeezed sugarcane juice drinks from local sellers, an ideal refreshment in the hot weather.

With its easy cycle pace and regular rest breaks for sightseeing, this trip suits anyone with a good general fitness level. You don’t need to be a serious cyclist to keep up and enjoy the holiday but be aware that it can be hot and humid and this can make it more tiring. However, you will be very well looked after and will have an amazing trip which will stay with you forever.

12 n Tel: 01252 884 288

Middle EastTREASURES OF THE

Explore’s Jonny May recently travelled on our Treasures of Iran trip where he met some of the friendliest people in the world.


Here is what he discovered…

Those I knew who had already visited told me that the best thing about

Iran is how friendly the people are. I had been to friendly countries before; I always talk about how friendly the Sudanese were when I visited their beautiful country. So on my first day in Tehran I wasn’t sure what to expect, but soon enough I was rewarded.

Whilst crossing the road a motorbike very nearly knocked me over and then stopped to say “Welcome to Iran!” and with a big grin on his face he rode off into the traffic. This was to be the norm for the rest of the trip, everywhere we went people approached us,

very politely asked where we were from and welcomed us to their country. They didn’t try to sell us anything or push an agenda, just wanted to be friendly and welcoming – I must apologise to my Sudanese friends, you’ve been gazumped.

Apart from the super friendly people, my other residing memory is the incredible architecture of the mosques and palaces. No matter the size of the town we were visiting, each had its own spectacularly decorated mosque, with beautiful tiles decorating the front and dome of the building.

The idea of spending 13 days looking at mosques and buildings would not usually be my ideal holiday but I absolutely loved every place we visited, each breathtaking in its own way, and thoroughly enjoyed every day on the trip.

Over the past few years Iran has been in the news for all the wrong reasons but I would definitely forget your preconceptions; this is a vibrant and peaceful country with proud and hospitable people in every town, just wanting to get on with their lives and welcome international visitors to their wonderful country.

THE MIDDLE EAST n

Jonny travelled on our 14 day Treasures of Iran Trip code: IR

Short on time? See our new nine day Highlights of Iran Trip code: HIR

By Jonny May

14 n Tel: 01252 883 475

Thinking about your next adventure? With 35 years’ experience the Explore Tailormade team will build a bespoke holiday so you can see what you want and chose where you want to stay while working within your budget. We can create an itinerary specifically for you, giving you the freedom to travel exactly the way you want to. With a wealth of regional knowledge, personal highlights and travel tips our regional specialists are ready to help you plan a truly memorable adventure.

Call: 01252 883 475Visit: explore.co.uk/tailormade

How to book your tailormade holiday…

1 2 3Browse our website to get initial ideas and to see some of the exciting options available.

Give us a call to discuss your ideas and travel plans in more detail. We can provide recommendations based on our own experience.

We will then send you your personal holiday itinerary and quote.

Countries we specialise in:Botswana, Costa Rica, India, Jordan, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Peru and Vietnam.

n 15www.explore.co.uk/tailormade

TAILORMADE n

4 5 6Once you have read your itinerary, we will tweak and refine your trip, based on your feedback, until it is your perfect holiday.

When you are happy with your itinerary and costs, your regional specialist will take a deposit and start to confirm arrangements.

Offering a personal service, the same Explore Tailormade specialist will be handling your holiday from start to finish.

Adventure in StyleWhen choosing to tailor-make your adventure, you can stay in a variety of accommodation that best suits your needs and budget. Your options for places to sleep are endless, from basic tented camps to lodges, homestays and houseboats, plus much more. Call us for ideas.

MEET SARAH SLOCOMBTailormade Regional Specialist for Latin America:

I have been in the travel industry for 13 years, with over 8 years spent right here at Explore. I’ve travelled to some fantastic places including adventures in South America, the Arctic and the Middle East. My most memorable experiences in South America included visiting the local communities on the Uros Islands of Lake Titicaca. I have also sailed in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina and slept under the stars in Wadi Rum (Jordan).

MEET SARAH PHELPS Tailormade Regional Specialist for Africa:

I am not sure how I fell into travel, but I am very glad I did! My first taster to Africa was a visit to Tanzania where I was introduced to the thrilling world of safari. To see such majestic animals in their natural surroundings has topped all of my travel experiences. I have since gone on to visit Kruger and the Eastern Cape game reserves in South Africa, Etosha in Namibia and the truly amazing Botswana where I had a fantastic sighting of a leopard and her two cubs drinking from a waterhole. My travels have also taken me to Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Japan, Mexico and Egypt.

MEET SREY BANERJEA Tailormade Regional Specialist for Asia:

I inherited the travel bug from my parents at an early age with road trips and holidays in India, Europe and the USA. Having travelled extensively in the Indian sub-continent, I know India like the back of my hand – Kerala with it’s beautiful and tranquil meandering rivers and Lucknow, a hidden gem with so much history, but a highlight for me was taking the toy train to Darjeeling. My travels have also taken me to Nepal and Vietnam where I loved wandering the streets of Hoi An, taking in all the sights and sounds.

16 n Tel: 01252 884 288

Meet May San Aung.May has been leading many of the Burma Highlights, Burma in Depth, and Essential Burma trips since 2012 and is considered a friend to many of the people she has shown round her country. Born and raised in Rangoon, the former capital of

Burma, she leads her trips with a passion and love for her country that rubs off on her colleagues and her groups. We caught up with May to find out what our customers can expect when they book their trip to Burma!

What is the best part of working for Explore? “The best part is certainly the great care from Explore to its leaders. All of us feel like a big family, even from the other side of the world.”

And do you ever encounter any difficulties? “Of course, as a trip leader you have to face different challenges especially around cultural differences, but I feel that I try to learn as much about our customers as they do about Burma. Learning can work both ways!”

Do you look up to anyone for inspiration? “Aung San Suu Kyi; our great democracy leader who sacrifices her whole life for our country. She always inspires me!”

Do you have any good memories or funny stories you could share about your time working for Explore? “My greatest moment was when I won the Explore Responsible Tourism project in 2013. I was extremely proud that we could build a water tank at a village school and supply it with clean running water.”

What advice would you offer to other Burmese or any individuals who wanted to become trip leaders? “When you have to face any difficulty, never give up. Keep going and those difficult challenges will make you a strong and matured woman who has enough confidence to lead not only your trips, but also your LIFE!”

Thank you May and to all our Explore leaders for the work you do!

The following trips are often led by May:

Burma Highlights. Trip code: BUHBurma in Depth. Trip code: BUI

Essential Burma. Trip code: BUE

Remember to nominate your Explore Leader. Complete our online nomination form @ explore.co.uk/TLnominations.

Closing date: 11th November 2016

Our leader in Burma Meet May San Aung

Burma has been a popular location for our Explore customers since the country opened up earlier this decade after 50 years of being closed off to most of the world! With such a popular destination, Explore needed to match it with a popular trip leader.


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Product Manager Chris Ellis recently had the chance to ‘recce’ an exciting new trip for us. Travelling from northern Thailand to the Old Burmese capital of Rangoon, Chris

lets us in on how he got on:

I’ve just returned from recceing an exciting new trip in Thailand and Burma, and wow what an experience it was!

My travels started in Chiang Mai where I spent some time wandering the streets and reacquainting myself with this charming walled city. I left Chiang Mai and headed for the border where I had the opportunity to learn about the infamous ‘Golden Triangle’ region. It was fascinating to get an insight into an area that was once the premier opium smuggling route into the world. A short hop from here is the border, so I waved goodbye to Thailand and crossed the border on foot into Burma. Crossing land borders is something I love doing when I have the chance, because I find the differences between the two countries are often immediately apparent. I certainly wasn’t disappointed – well maintained roads and expensive SUV’s gave way to dusty side streets, ramshackle buildings and ageing cars, highlighting the gulf between the two countries.

My first stop was Inle Lake, a lush and fertile region located high up on the Shan Plateau. Inle is known for a number of tribal communities that farm its shores, as well as the rowers who fish its lakes, now famous for their unique one-legged rowing style. After this I hopped on to a

public bus and made my way to Bagan, a scenic drive that dropped down from the high plateau, snaking past old hillstations before the mountains give way to the dry central plains that Bagan sits within. It was a great opportunity to try and strike up a conversation with some of the friendly locals I was sharing my journey with.

To coin a much-used, but in this case justified cliché – Bagan really did take my breath away. Its sheer size cannot be comprehended. There are over 3000 temples spread out across the plains, with each temple having its own unique story and style. To climb to the top of one and witness the sun set into the plain of pagodas really was a privilege. It was surprising how few tourists there were, Burma has been open for a few years now but it still hasn’t reached the masses.

Leaving the road behind, I took a gentle boat cruise up the Irrawaddy River to the old capital of Mandalay. It was great to take in the scenery as I passed rice terraces, small villages and various fishing boats.

After exploring Mandalay, I took to yet another form of transport, this time opting to make use of the British legacy of engineering left behind from its colonial days – the train. The tracks were old and bumpy in parts, and the going was slow, but I’m a real sucker for rail journeys and thoroughly enjoyed watching the countryside slowly pass me by with the familiar clickety-clack as my soundtrack. I stayed in a 4-berth sleeper cabin sharing it with a Japanese tourist and two Burmese locals, so we spent the evening exchanging stories in broken English over a few Myanmar beers before retiring for the night. A great way to end my interesting, exciting and varied experiences in this fascinating corner of the world.

Chris travelled through Thailand and Burma putting together our new Rivers, Roads and Rail to Rangoon holiday. Trip code: QBU

By Chris Ellis

Rivers, Roads and Rail to Rangoon New Trip!




WORTH

£145ppBook by

22 July 2016**

18 n Tel: 01252 884 288

n WALKS, FOOD AND WINE

Collection one: A Taste of Italy

To experience one of these holidays, take a look at the following trips:

A Taste of Amalfi. Trip code: TOA. A Taste of Emilia Romagna. Trip code: TOER A Taste of Puglia. Trip code: TOP. A Taste of Liguria and Tuscany. Trip code: TOLT

Europe is home to some of the most beautiful vineyards and wineries in the world, as well as some of its finest food. Walking Programme Manager Caroline Phillips introduces two new collections that will allow you to combine easy walks with sampling a region's local delicacies. Here she shares how she put together the "Taste of Italy" and "Walks and Wine" trips.

Walking, Italy and good food are all passions of mine. Suspecting I am not alone in this I decided to create some new holidays for 2016 that combine all three. I call them my

‘Tastes of Italy’ collection.

These four unique trips all explore different parts of Italy and combine some superb walking with a discovery and appreciation of the regions’ produce and cuisine. While quintessentially still very much walking holidays, a strong focus on food and drink permeates throughout. Every day provides opportunities to taste local specialties and there are visits to the producers. We will also watch and learn how many of the regional dishes we’re enjoying are made and you can even try your hand at making them. Special ‘tasting’ meals introduce regional specialties and dining out locations will be carefully chosen by your Explore Leader.

I decided to stick to easy graded walking to make the trips accessible to as many people as possible, to those who love to explore a country on foot but don’t necessarily see themselves as seasoned trekkers. I think

walking and eating compliment each other perfectly as the exercise both hones the appetite and hopefully burns away some of the calories consumed!

I have included three of our customers’ favourite Italian walking destinations, the glorious Amalfi Coast, Puglia in the 'heel' of Italy and Tuscany and Liguria’s Cinque Terre coast, as well as an exciting new one - Emilia Romagna. All have an array of mouth-watering regional dishes and wines to discover.

Emilia Romagna, the region whose capital is Bologna, is probably the ‘foodie’ centre of Italy being the home of more DOP (protected designation of origin) products than anywhere else in the country. Parmesan cheese, Parma ham, balsamic vinegar of Modena and Lambrusco wine to name a few. We will taste all of these and learn how they are made.

On the Amalfi Coast we stay at an agriturismo, (accommodation on a family-run small holding), where there are plenty of opportunities to join in farm activities and make local dishes (or just watch if you prefer). We also discover what may just be the world’s best pizza restaurant in its birthplace

of Naples. Seafood, pesto and trofie pasta are some of the specialties to discover in Liguria and in northern Tuscany where we will also stay at an agriturismo.

In Puglia we see how the DOP status Puglian breads are made and include visits to an olive oil mill, cheese maker and you can try your hand at making the regional orecchiette ‘little ear’ pasta.

There are a limited number of departures of ‘Tastes’ trips this year so if they tickle your tastebuds I suggest you book now. But I see this very much as a concept that can be extended to other regions of Italy and also other countries. I already have a few ideas in mind but any suggestions would be gratefully received!

If your appetite has been suitably whet for trips which combine activity and

gastronomy, check out our other walking holidays with a foodie angle, plus our cycling trips which include a focus on

local food and wine.


WALKS, FOOD AND WINE n

Collection two: Walks and Wine

To experience one of these holidays, take a look at the following trips:

Walks, Wine and Tapas in Spain. Trip code: CWW. Southern Spain – Walks and Wine. Trip code: SWW Walks and Wine Tasting in Spain and Portugal. Trip code: MWW. Tuscany – Walking and Wine. Trip code: TWW

Bordeaux to the Mediterranean – Walks and Wine. Trip code: BWW

Do you enjoy discovering a region in more depth? The popularity of our walking and wine trips suggests that the combination of rambling through attractive landscapes and sampling the products of the local vineyards has a certain appeal! Based in Spain, Italy, Portugal and France these trips explore well known wine regions such as Rioja, Chianti or Bordeaux, but also visit excellent wine producers in other areas that are still local secrets. The walks are mainly graded as easy, so are suitable for most people in good health. Typically there’s three to five hours walking, including rest stops, through gently undulating terrain and stunning scenery.

In Spain we have two trips. Wine, Walks and Tapas was our first itinerary and travels from Bilbao to Barcelona through the wine regions of Rioja, Montsant, Priorat and Cava. As well as the local wines you’ll discover the medieval towns of the region, including Zaragoza and Alquezar, and learn about the famous local cuisines of the Basque Country, La Rioja and Catalonia.

Southern Spain – Walks and Wine travels from east to west. Starting in the historic city of Malaga you’ll travel from the rural ‘Pueblos

Blancos’, via the dramatically set medieval town of Ronda, to the relaxed estuary town of Sanlucar de Barrameda. As you travel west the rural bodegas (wine houses) give way to more sophisticated ventures until you’ll reach the international wine houses of Sanlucar de Barrameda (manzanilla), Santa Maria (brandy) and Jerez (sherry). The varied walks include the beautiful hills of Axarquia and Sierra de Grazalema, the UNESCO protected wetlands of Donana National Park, and the ‘Old Town’ and city beachfront of Cadiz.

Our Walks and Wine Tasting in Spain and Portugal starts in Madrid and heads north to follow the River Duero/Douro through the Ribera del Duero region of Spain and the Douro winelands of Portugal to Porto. Local bodegas visited en route include the innovative Protos winery in the picturesque medieval town of Peňafiel in the heart of the Ribera del Duero, a series of ancient granite caves near the Spanish village of Fermoselle, and Sandeman (port wines) in Portugal’s historic city of Porto. The famous Mateus Palace at Vila Real, depicted on bottles of Portuguese Mateus rosé, is also visited.

Tuscany – Walking and Wine explores the rich culture and iconic landscapes of this famous region of Italy. The walks will take you among the villas of Lucca, the vineyards of Chianti and the rolling hills and vineyards of south Tuscany. En route you’ll sample wines in local bottegas (wine houses). From the Renaissance city of Florence you’ll travel to Greve to taste the local famous Chianti Classico. Staying on a small wine estate near the hill-top town of Montepulciano, famous for the local wine Vino Nobile, you’ll get to visit Montalcino known for the classic wine Brunnello de Montalcino.

Bordeaux to the Mediterranean - Walks and Wine combines wine tastings with easy rambles in some of France’s most famous regions. Around Bordeaux you’ll sample wines at the local wine museum, in Chateau Carbonnieux and the medieval town of Saint Emilion, as well as visiting the Atlantic coast with the opportunity to try the local oysters. In the historic town of Cahors you’ll sample more local wines before heading south by train via Toulouse to the UNESCO listed medieval fortified city of Carcassonne and historic Mediterranean fishing port of Collioure.

By Caroline Phillips

20 n Tel: 01252 884 288

A dream trip to Japan!By Margaret McEwan

n JAPAN

Last year Explore's Head of Customer Relations and Governance Margaret McEwan had the chance to fulfil a lifelong dream to visit Japan. Here she

sums up her experience…

I have always wanted to visit Japan. From the moment I first saw a photo of a stunning zen garden many years ago I knew this was somewhere I had to see for myself one day. Fast forward twenty years and I was given the wonderful opportunity to join our Japan Highlights trip. Needless to say I jumped at the chance!

Travelling at the beginning of April we were fortunate to catch the tail end of the cherry blossom season – a truly beautiful sight. We covered a phenomenal distance in a short time – about 2000 miles in a week – and we visited some absolutely stunning places. All made possible by the effortless efficiency and speed of the famous Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains.

Japan is a fabulous country of contrasts. One day we marvelled at the crazy chaos of Tokyo with its neon lights and rush hour commuters. The next day we enjoyed a charming and relaxing tea ceremony served by the most beautiful delicate Japanese ladies dressed in elegant kimonos.

After an enjoyable morning wandering the island of Miyajima with its serene temples and playful deer we took the train to Hiroshima. The Peace Memorial Museum was a sobering experience and truly brought home the horrors of the Nuclear Holocaust. We ended our day with a poignant visit to the iconic Hiroshima Peace Dome, the only building to survive the A-bomb. There were very few words spoken as we watched the sun set on this visually shocking reminder of nuclear war. Ringing the Peace Bell with optimism of a better future, we boarded our train for our final stop: Himeji.

Pretty as a picture, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Himeji Castle sits perched on a hill surrounded by trees in full blossom. The views from the top of the castle overlooking the town below are stunning.

Our final evening saw us enjoying a traditional Japanese meal, where our Explore Leader showed us how to cook our delicious food at the table on little stoves. The night was rounded off with an opportunity to partake in a lively karaoke session.

So did Japan live up to my expectations? Absolutely! And then some! This is the perfect trip for anyone wanting a quick taster of a beautiful and complex country. We crammed so much into a short space of time. It is fantastic value for money. Eating delicious Japanese food in traditional Japanese restaurants meant that it is easy to do the trip on a budget, especially as quite a few evening meals are included in the trip price. Spring departures will mean classic views of the cherry blossoms but travelling at the end of the year will reward you with magnificent autumn colours as the maples turn red. And then there are the omnipresent Japanese musical heated toilet seats - what's not to love!

Margaret travelled on our eight day Highlights of Japan holiday.

Trip code: JPH


BHUTAN n

THE COLOURFULFESTIVALS OF

Glyn travelled on Festivals of Bhutan. Trip code: BI

Bhutan

Explore Product Manager and keen photographer Glyn Thorneloe shares with us

his favourite moments and photographs of the fabulous time he had experiencing Bhutan's Punakha festival.

I was looking forward to visiting Bhutan, but not really because of the festival; it was more the stunning landscape, interesting people and the chance to learn about a mysterious place and culture. I certainly wasn’t expecting the festival to be the highlight that it was. So I didn’t quite appreciate what an incredible experience was about to unfold as I joined the locals outside Punakha Dzong, waiting for the gates to open on the first day of the festival.

Firstly there was the venue. Festivals in Bhutan are held in the local town hall;

however, the town halls are fortified palaces built in the 17th Century and the religious, military and administrative centre of their regions – very impressive and imposing!

Then there are the locals. For them this is an extremely important day in their calendar. Many have travelled days to get there and will be wearing their very best outfits. For men that means the Gho, a knee-length robe similar to a Japanese kimono that is tied at the waist by a traditional belt known as Kera. Women wear the Kira, a long, ankle-length dress accompanied by a light outer jacket known as a Tego and an inner layer known as a Wonju. They come in a variety of bright colours and help to give the event its sense of vibrancy. There are also tribal people wearing their own distinct outfits, religious devotees and an abundance of scarlet-clad monks.

Finally there are the events of the festival itself. As you’d expect there are many dances representing different aspects of Bhutanese life and tradition. What you might not expect is how authentic the experience feels. This is not something that is in any way aimed at tourists. In fact there were only a handful of

foreigners at the whole event. Given this it is perhaps surprising how accepted we felt. The locals were genuinely happy to have us there and in many cases they would be as interested in us as we were in them. They would explain the dances and share their knowledge gladly, as well as asking us about our lives and the countries we came from.

The climax of the festival is undoubtedly the ‘Dance of the Judgement of the Dead’. Characterised by scary masks, loud drums and acrobatic jumps and leaps, the dance is designed to prepare people for what will happen in the afterlife, the protagonist meeting various demons and eventually being judged based on the deeds of his life. It’s an experience that feels truly special, and one that reminds you of how different Bhutan is, but also how welcoming the people are of this hidden kingdom.

By Glyn Thorneloe

22 n Tel: 01252 884 288

n ARGENTINA

ADVENTURES

Yvonne travelled on our 17 day Adventures in Patagonia and Iguazu Falls trip. Code: PAI

Argentinean

Senior Operations Manager Yvonne Ramsay recently returned from seeing the inspiring landscapes on our Adventures in Patagonia and Iguazu Falls trip. Here she shares

with us her main highlights.

Travelling to the end of the earth - I was so excited! From the chilly climes of home to the chilly climes of the South, comforted by the fact it is summer down there.

What was I expecting? Well three things crossed my mind, walking amongst amazing scenery, lots of wildlife rapidly followed by great steak and excellent wine. Argentina and Chile exceeded these expectations on all fronts...

Patagonia lived up to everything and more. The scenery, the glaciers, the mountain peaks, the remoteness combined with great welcoming friendly local people who made this an overall amazing trip.

Since coming back, I’ve been asked what my highlights were. I really didn’t know where to start. There were so many but if I were to pick my top ones I would definitely include sailing along the Beagle Channel with its prolific wildlife including sea lions, cormorant colonies and penguins – there were hundreds of them! You can choose to see them from the boat or you can visit the Estancia Harberton where you will

have the incredible experience of walking amongst the penguins. This was closely followed by the scenic wonders of walking in Tierra del Fuego National Park.

We then headed north and nothing could prepare me for the outstanding panoramas of Torres del Paine National Park and the infamous Fitzroy Peak in the Glacier Park. There are plenty of walks and activities to do in the area in your free time; you may choose to take the more relaxed options such as a boat ride to the Viedma and Perito Moreno Glaciers, or for the more active the glacier trekking on the Viedma Glacier turned out to be on my TOP five experiences of a lifetime.

I decided to take the Iguazu extension – the last time I went there was 40 years ago when I was only 5 years old with my parents so this was a journey into my past. I was so happy to see that even though the towns nearby had grown and there was a lot of tourism, the falls themselves were not over developed or spoilt.

Do prepare yourself for cold temperatures, even though it is summer down there in February - it’s very FAR down. Plus take lots of layers and comfy walking shoes and just enjoy this trip, I promise you will not be disappointed.

By Yvonne Ramsay


To experience this too see Rio and Recife Carnivals. Trip code: RRC

By Hannah Methven

RIO DE JANEIRO n

Hannah Methven is Explore’s Worldwide Programme Manager. Back in February she got to experience the Rio Carnival. The great news is that we have since

launched our Rio and Recife Carnivals trip, so in 2017 you can experience all of this too…

Rio Carnival - the world’s greatest street party? In February 2016 I spent a few days soaking up the incredible atmosphere and I can confirm it’s AMAZING! Rio itself is a fantastic destination, set on the coast with over 40 kilometres of beaches and a stunning backdrop of mountains as well as the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. An unexpected highlight was visiting the colourful favelas set in to the steep hillsides. Home to Rio’s poorest people they have the most incredible views over the city and the sea and have an unforgettable buzz around the time of the Carnival when the whole country takes a holiday. For seven days straight people celebrate with music, dancing and ‘blocos’ - impromptu street samba parades which pop up on almost every corner. These street parties are a way of building the party atmosphere to fever pitch before the famous samba school parades at the Sambadrome.

It’s hard to describe the Sambadrome, the venue where Rio’s Samba schools perform in the hope of winning the coveted title of Best Samba School. Before I went I had no idea of the scale of the event. Each school has between 3000 and 5000 performers who are given 87 minutes to perform –with points docked for any schools that don’t finish right on time. There are 12 schools

in Samba Premier League and their performances are spread over two nights. Held overnight to avoid the heat of the day the first parade starts at 9pm and the last school finishes at around 6.30am. Each school has their own style, they design the music, choreography and costumes and the competition is fierce. With up to 500 drummers in each group it’s impossible not to embrace the rhythm and dance along with the performers (even with my two left feet). As I left to head back to the hotel and get some sleep (after a quick breakfast) I knew there was no chance anything was ever going to top that party.

Carnival is celebrated throughout Brazil and our Rio and Recife Carnivals trip starts off in the cities of Recife and Olinda, where the celebrations are more traditional than the glitz and glamour of Rio. All of the celebrations are held in the streets with free admission allowing you the opportunity to join in with the locals following the samba parade. Parades here typically feature huge paper-mache statues, including a giant rooster, which are carried through the crowds, swaying to the beat of frevo music, music which is said to make people move their feet as if the ground were boiling!

I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of festivals around the world. This one was special. My advice, if you have ever even briefly considered visiting Brazil at Carnival time then go, it was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before and even though it feels like a once in a lifetime trip I am definitely going back!

24 n Tel: 01252 884 288

The Balkans Peninsula is located in the south-east of Europe stretching down from Romania to the tip of Greece and is one of the few relatively unexplored and unspoilt corners of Europe. Its history has been troubled at times, but now in peace it’s left behind a wealth of cultural attractions and a vast array of tantalising cuisine. Here Product Manager Clare Collins shares her thoughts on some of the lesser known, but must see sights which this diverse region has to offer.

On our ‘Europe’s Last Frontier’ trip we’ll get under the skin of Albania from its colourful capital Tirana to the beautiful mountain scenery around Benja where we’ll sample a traditional lamb barbeque and drink raki with the locals. We’ll also walk through Llogara National Park, which is one of the most unspoilt areas in the Adriatic and discover Butrint, which has the esteemed accolade of being one of the greatest archaeological sites in the Balkans.

Lake Ohrid forms the border between Albania and Macedonia and on our ‘Ancient Macedonia’ trip we’ll get to spend time relaxing and exploring the area around one of the oldest lakes in the world. We’ll journey through Bulgaria, Greece and of course Macedonia to uncover the lost empire of Alexander the Great including visiting the ancient capital city of Macedonian Kings at Vergina. We’ll discover the brightly coloured frescoes of the Rila Monastery, experience

the natural wonder of the Matka Gorge and take a boat along the coastline of ‘the holy mountain’ of Mount Athos.

On our ‘Undiscovered Balkans’ holiday you can experience the capital cities and more rural areas of Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia. The beautiful UNESCO listed Decani Monastery is well worth visiting and the picture perfect town of Prizren is ideal for wandering along its cobbled streets. Whilst in Kosovo we’ll sample the lovely local wines in Rahovec.

Croatia is probably the Balkans' best known country, but few visitors venture further out than behind the old city walls of the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', Dubrovnik. On our ‘Old Dubrovnik and Dalmatia’ holiday we’ll discover the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace in Split and wander through the narrow streets in the charming old town of Trogir. One of the highlights of the holiday however,

must be Plitvice Lakes National Park with its glistening lakes and rambling waterfalls.

If you want to see Croatia from a different angle then why not enjoy a relaxing cruise aboard our chartered Oldtimer wooden motor cruiser on our ‘Dalmatian Island Cruise’ to the islands of Korcula, Hvar, Vis and Brac. Or you can combine these two Croatian trips for a longer holiday option.

The best known sight in Slovenia is the attractive Lake Bled with the Church of the Assumption on an island in its centre. On our ‘Alpine Lakes of Slovenia’ trip you’ll get to see this, as well as walking in the tranquil Julian Alps, exploring the baroque capital city of Ljubljana and marvelling at the Venetian Gothic architecture of Piran. We’ll also take one of the most scenic train journeys in Slovenia from Bohinjska Bistrica to Nova Gorcia and go underground in the UNESCO listed Skocjan Caves.

BalkansHIGHLIGHTS OF THE

By Clare Collins


BALKANS n

Nominate your Explore Leader complete our online nomination form @ www.explore.co.uk/TLnominations.

Closing date is 11 November 2016.

Serbia is now rising from its turbulent past and is quickly becoming one of the must see places in the Balkans. Its capital Belgrade was the former capital of Yugoslavia and has a mixture of historic buildings reflecting its Ottoman, Roman and more recent Communist history. On our ‘Highlights of Serbia’ holiday we’ll see how the traditional fruit brandy rakia is made, explore the country’s most wild and beautiful national park – Tara, ride the rail on the narrow-gauge Sargan 8 Railway and attempt to spot Griffon vultures as they soar above the Uvac Canyon.

If you’re short on time but want to see as much of the Balkans as possible then there are two great holiday opportunities for you:

Our ‘Journey Through the Balkans’ visits Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in just 12 days. You’ll discover the cultural gems of Kotor, Mostar and Trebinj, visit Sirogojno’s famous open air museum,

see the UNESCO listed Bridge Over the Drina, enjoy the cultural highlights of lesser visited Sarajevo and stroll the streets of one of the finest Medieval cities in the world, Dubrovnik.

Our ‘Former Yugoslavia Rail Adventure’ visits Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia and Kosovo on a 16-day journey of discovery. We’ll stop off in seven diverse capital cities, admire the natural beauty of the Plitvice National Park and Lake Ohrid, and ride on a variety of different trains including a journey along one of the most stunning routes in Europe on the Bar to Belgrade line. We’ll try traditional food along the way and take in the wealth of historical and cultural sights that the region has to offer the unexpected traveller.

To experience these areas of The Balkans, take a look at

the following trips:

Europe’s Last Frontier. Trip code: AB

Ancient Macedonia. Trip code: AM

Undiscovered Balkans. Trip code: KOA

Old Dubrovnik and Dalmatia. Trip code: DD

Dalmatian Island Cruise. Trip code: DC

Alpine Lakes of Slovenia. Trip code: SO

Highlights of Serbia. Trip code: SRB

Journey Through the Balkans. Trip code: YD

Former Yugoslavia Rail Adventure. Trip code: YUG

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n THE PHILIPPINES

By Chris Ellis

PhilippinesMY TOP 5 REASONS TO VISIT THE...

Often forgotten from the vast majority of bucket lists, this friendly island nation offers travellers a wealth of unique charms and interesting experiences. Here are

five of Product Manager Chris Ellis’ favourite things about the Philippines:

1 The Spanish legacy Whilst most of South East Asia practices Theravada or Mahayana

Buddhism and as such their landscapes are dotted with gold-tipped monasteries, the Philippines offers a refreshing twist on this tradition. Having been colonised first by the Spanish, and then the Americans, the Philippines is a predominately Christian country with an estimated 83% of the population practicing Christianity. As a result there are some wonderful churches to explore, and a curious and alluring Latino-like culture to immerse yourself in.

2 Banaue Filipinos consider the breathtakingly beautiful rice terraces at

Banaue as an eighth wonder of the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Carved into the hillside of the mountainous Ifugao province to take advantage of the high and fertile landscape, the terraces date back 2000 years and are a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3 Stunning Beaches With its warm tropical climate and staggering 22,000 miles

of coastline, it is perhaps unsurprising to hear that the Philippines has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. On our beach extension trip we visit the idyllic Alona Beach on the southern island of Bohul, known for its beautiful white sand beaches, its ‘chocolate hills’ landscape and the tarsier – the world’s smallest (and possibly cutest!) primate.

4 Its people The warm hospitality and friendly nature of Filipinos, combined

with widely spoken English means that there are plenty of opportunities to engage with the locals. Filipinos are known to be a fun-loving and vivacious bunch, and they are never happier then when they are indulging in their national pastime – Karaoke, which you’ll be sure to witness in bars dotted around Manila!

5 Vigan The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan is perhaps the best

example of Spanish colonialism in South East Asia. Here you can wander through the cobbled streets or perhaps take a horse-drawn cart around the city, taking in the grandeur of 16th Century churches and Hispanic colonial buildings.

If this inspires you to see a different side of South East Asia, be sure to check out our North Philippines Explorer, where you will get to experience all of this and more.

You can explore the Philippines on the following trips:

North Philippines Explorer. Trip code: PIP

North Philippines Explorer and Bohol Beach Extension. Trip code: PIPB

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ANTARCTICA n

By Hannah Green

Adventure Travel Consultant Hannah Green got the chance last December to travel on our Classic Antarctica trip aboard the M/V Polar Pioneer. Here she shares

her top five experiences of her amazing Antarctica adventure…

The Wildlife On day one of the trip we’d already seen penguins, seals, whales and a variety of different bird species and the remarkable sightings continued for the remainder of the trip. One of my biggest highlights was seeing a pod of Orcas including a calf and being able to follow their progress for a considerable amount of time before losing sight of them. I also never tired of watching the penguins’ comical antics.

The Scenery It goes without saying that the scenery in Antarctica is incredible but the scale of it surpassed all my expectations. We were lucky to have perfect weather so had crystal clear waters perfectly reflecting the towering icebergs and mountains.

The Boat The Polar Pioneer is small and intimate, taking only 54 passengers, and therefore it quickly became home. The size meant we could go to

places that other larger ships couldn’t and our expectations were set on day 1 when we were told by the crew that “we’re just like the other boats except we’re not afraid to scratch the paint job”. On a boat this size you bond quickly as a group and can ashore several times a day for landings, which was our main goal.

The Crew The crew and expedition staff were amazing, and they made the trip as successful as it was. Their knowledge was unrivalled and the operation of the trip ran like clockwork, thanks to their expertise. I was surprised to learn that the crew had learned everyone’s names within 24 hours of being on the trip and they all gelled well with everyone in the group.

Unexpected Moments Some of the best moments were the ones I hadn’t been expecting at all. We had a barbecue out on the deck one evening which was a surreal and unforgettable experience. We were also lucky enough to be able to get out on the pack ice one day for a group picture, as it was too thick for the boat to proceed forwards any further. A unique memory from our trip and one that no future destination is likely to beat.

Hannah travelled on our 12 day Classic Antarctica voyage aboard the M/V Polar Pioneer.

Trip code: PPAP

DISCOVERINGAntarctica

28 n Tel: 01252 884 288

Although mainland Europe is a region well-travelled to by most Brits, there are still areas that see few visitors and can surprise even the most experienced travellers. Here are seven of Product Manager Clare Collins' favourite hidden corners of Europe...

EuropeHIDDEN CORNERS OF

By Clare Collins


1 Every year many people travel to France to sun themselves on the coast or experience the classical elegance of Paris. However,

the beautiful walled town of Carcassonne in the south-west is one of the country’s lesser visited areas, which deserves more recognition. Built on a hilltop, this UNESCO listed citadel has been a stronghold for around 2000 years. The town looks as though it’s plucked straight out of a fairytale with its pointed turrets appearing above the enormous stone walls. You can discover this area of France and more besides on our ‘Highlights of the French Dordogne and Carcassonne’ trip or if you’d prefer to spend more time on foot then there’s our ‘Bordeaux to the Mediterranean – Walks and Wine’ or for the even more energetic there’s our cycling trip along the ‘Canal du Midi’.

2 Italy is filled with well-known favourite destinations for holiday makers, but if you head down south into the 'Heel of Italy' then

you’ll discover the honey-coloured Medieval town of Matera. The town clings to the sides of a deep gorge, and if you dig a little deeper, it becomes even more remarkable because underneath you’ll find ancient troglodyte dwellings, known as Sassis. The local people lived in these caves right up until the 1950’s and several have now been restored and we have the unique experience of staying in these on our ‘Discover Puglia the Heel of Italy’ and ‘Highlights of Puglia, the Amalfi Coast and Naples’ trips. The town itself is a warren of cobbled streets and twisting staircases which are a joy to explore. You can also see Matera on our ‘On Foot in Puglia and Basilicata’ walking holiday or cycling on our ‘Puglia on Two Wheels’.

3 Sicily isn’t short of charming towns and villages, but Erice is certainly a lesser known gem. Set on a hilltop over 760 meters

above the sea below, this stunning Medieval walled town is often hidden above the mists, all adding to its secretive allure. You can wander through the narrow cobbled streets, eat gelato in a small cafe or perhaps visit the Castello de Venere fortress which is on the site of a former ancient Temple to Venus. You can reach this delightful town by road or by cable car. We visit here on our ‘Classical Sicily’, ‘Ancient Sicily’ and ‘Cycle Western Sicily’ trips.

4 Spain also isn’t without its hidden highlights and the seductive city of Segovia has much to offer including a fine collection of

Romanesque churches and its old Medieval city walls. Looking over the city and dominating the skyline is the enormous 16th century Gothic cathedral and Alcazar Castle. The city’s main highlight though must be the 160 arches of the remarkably well preserved Roman aqueduct at the city’s heart. If you’d like to experience Segovia for yourself then you can visit it on our ‘Highlights of Old Castile’ or ‘Walks and Wine Tasting in Spain and Portugal’ holidays.

5 Moving into Eastern Europe now we’re really starting to get off the beaten track. Most people have heard of beautiful Krakow

and historic Warsaw, but less have found neighbouring Wroclaw. It’s one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Poland and has been awarded the status of a European Capital of Culture. Here you’ll find charming pastel buildings, cobbled squares, pretty old churches and over 120 bridges over its many rivers and canals. Perhaps you’ll also spot a few of Wroclaw's most famous residents, Gnomes! You can visit this lovely city on our ‘Highlights of Poland’ trip.

6 Moldova isn’t a country that your average person would easily be able to find on a map. It sits between Romania and Ukraine,

has some intriguing historical sights. One of the highlights is Orheiul Vechi, a complex made up of ancient fortifications, churches and the extraordinary Cave Monastery, dug into the cliff by Orthodox monks in the 13th century and inhabited until the 18th century. On our ‘Moldova and Romania’ holiday we’ll also journey to less-visited parts of Romania, enjoy local wine tastings and visit Moldova’s breakaway territory of Trans-Dniester, which feels as though we’re stepping back in time to the days of the USSR.

7 Lastly, I think one of the most hidden spots in Europe has to be Kaliningrad. This little known Russian exclave is separated from

its home nation by bordering Lithuania, Poland and the Baltic Sea. The city has a splendid domed cathedral and various remnants from its Soviet past, when it was a secretive military province. Today you can find the last preatomic submarine here. On our ‘Kaliningrad Short Break’ we’ll experience the city as well as strolling along the Curonian Spit with its towering sand dunes and curiously twisted pine trees. Across the Polish border we’ll visit the largest castle on the planet, Malbork, and the picture perfect city of Gdansk.

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Get off the beaten track in Eastern Europe, see the following trips:

Highlights of Poland. Trip code: KWWMoldova and Romania. Trip code: MOOKaliningrad Short Break. Trip code: KGD

Discover much more of France on the following trips:

Highlights of the French Dordogne and Carcassonne. Trip code: DOG

Bordeaux to the Mediterranean – Walks and Wine. Trip code: BWW

Canal du Midi. Trip code: CCM

Uncover some of the hidden gems in Italy on the following trips:

Discover Puglia the Heel of Italy. Trip code: PUGHighlights of Puglia, the Amalfi Coast and Naples.

Trip code: PANOn Foot in Puglia and Basilicata. Trip code: PU

Puglia on Two Wheels. Trip code: CIPClassical Sicily. Trip code: CSAncient Sicily. Trip code: SCS

Cycle Western Sicily. Trip code: CSI

Spend time in Segovia on the following trips:

Highlights of Old Castile. Trip code: HOOWalks and Wine Tasting in Spain and Portugal. Trip code: MWW

30 n Tel: 01252 884 288

WinterTRAVELS

There’s not a month in the year that isn’t perfect for an adventure somewhere in the world, but as it begins to turn cold and the nights start to draw in, escaping the winter chill for warmer climes is a very appealing option. Here we’ve put together the best places to be exploring during the UK’s colder months, and when.


Book any trip to Burma or Vietnam


WORTH

£145ppBook by

22 July 2016**


WINTER TRAVELS n

MoroccoThe climate in southern Morocco makes it the ideal location for autumn exploring. Daytime temperatures are mild and rainfall is low – perfect for riding a camel into the Sahara, sleeping in a Bedouin camp under the stars or wandering through the bustling streets of Marrakech.

VietnamWith distinct regions, ranging from the mountainous north, to the Mekong Delta, there is always a good time to visit some part of Vietnam. In November it is generally warm and dry making it an ideal time to travel through the country.

South IndiaOverlooking the Lakshadweep Sea, Kerala has a tropical feel. Exploring the palm fringed backwaters and villages of one of India’s most southerly states is ideal at this time of the year. Temperatures rise to mid-30°C, but only rarely drop below 20°C, making the UK winter seem like a distant memory.

October November December

Sri LankaFor a small island Sri Lanka has a complex weather system with two distinct monsoon seasons. Its equatorial position sees fairly consistent warm temperatures throughout the year. January is a great time to travel, especially to the central and southern regions where the weather is generally warm and dry.

BurmaTypical of many other destinations within South East Asia the favoured time to travel is from September to April. Chris Ellis (see page 17) travelled to Burma in February, and discovered more of this fascinating destination at a time when temperatures are pleasant, the Irrawaddy River remains in full flow and the forthcoming monsoon rains are still some time away.

CubaCuba’s dry season stretches from October to April. One of our favourite times to explore this vibrant island is March. At this time temperatures are beginning to build up and the number of tourists is beginning to fall as the hot and steamy summer months approach.

January February March

Highlights of Morocco. Trip code: MMRImperial Cities and Desert. Trip code: MRSouthern Oasis Cycling. Trip code: CSO

Vietnamese Hilltribe Hikes. Trip code: QVHGood Morning Vietnam! Trip code: QVNCycle Saigon to Hanoi. Trip code: CVIE

Kerala Backwaters. Trip code: KBBackroads of Kerala. Trip code: CKB

On Foot in Kerala. Trip code: WIK

Highlights of Sri Lanka. Trip code: SLHCycle Sri Lanka. Trip code: CSLBuddha’s Island. Trip code: SL

Cycle Burma. Trip code: CBUREssential Burma. Trip code: BUE

Hidden Trails of Burma. Trip code: HW

The Best of Western Cuba. Trip code: CNCycle Cuba! Trip code: CCC

Revolutionary Trails of Cuba. Trip code: CU

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