BATTLEFIELDS TOURS
Retrace the footsteps of heroes; visit the locations of monumental events. Battlefield tours allow you to see with your own eyes where history was made.
Tours can be tailormade to suit your interests and allow you to make the most out of your experience. There are a range of tours to choose from, for example:
*Arras - Britain's Bloodiest Battle and the War Underground
5 days from £349
Staying for 4 nights at the 3* Mercure Arras, in the heart of the city.
Breakfast included.
Coach offers a local departure service.
Visiting 3 battlefields: Arras Underground, Vimy Ridge, and Chemical Works.
* * *
Tours to different parts of the world.
Morocco
Imperial Cities of Morocco
Day 1 - UK to Marrakech, on arrival transfer to the Atlas Medina & Spa (or similar) for a three night stay.
Day 2 - Start your tour with a guided half day sightseeing of the historical sights of Marrakech. Begin with the Menara Gardens where you will see the small Saadian pavilion mirrored in still water with the Atlas mountains and olive groves in the background. this pavilion was used by sultans for romantic interludes. Next, enter the old medina, buried within the imperial walls, stop at the foot of the 12th Century Koutoubia Minaret, one of the masterpieces of Islamic architecture. stroll through the famous Djemaa el-fna square (place of the dead), the ancient meeting point of the tradesmen in northwest Africa. Return to your hotel for lunch by the pool perhaps, at your own leisure. In the afternoon visit the colourful souks of Marrakech. In the evening you have the oppertunity to join the Fantasia dinner show (a grand folklore show with a moroccan dinner served under the Caid's tents)
Day 3 - Take an excursion to the weekly Berber souk, which provides a fascinating insight into rural local life and trade. The journey there takes you past rivers meandering through the foothills of the mountains and typical hamlets of baked clay and stone houses. En route there may be time to stop and see inside a typical Berber home. Late afternoon return to Marrakech.
Day 4 - After breakfast, drive across the ceder forests and picturesque scenery of the Middle Atlas Mountains to Fes, the present day religious capital of the Kingdom. Arrive for dinner and overnight stay at Les Merinides (or similar)
Day 5 - A full day of sightseeing of this religious capital and oldest of the imperial cities will highlight the old and new Medinas, including visits to the 14th Century religious schools and the intriguing labrynth of souks which have been delared by UNESCO to be one of the worlds cultural treasures. An optional three course Moroccan lunch (at extra cost locally), in the old medina at a beautifully preserved private palace, originally built as a home to a Moroccan vizier and later used as a home of French General Lyautey, is highly recommended. Dinner and back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 6 - This morning drive to Volubilis to see the largest and best preserved Roman ruins in Morocco, which include about thirty impressive mosaic floors dating from 25BC. Continue on to nearby Meknes, a city founded in the 9th century. Tour this former imperial city of Morocco including the ramparts and Agdal Basin which was used to water the Royal gardens and amuse the favourite concubines. Also see Bab el Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco and the Moulay ismail Mausoleum, one of the very few holy sites in Morocco. Visit the Medina before continuing to Rabat, one of the imperial cities of Morocco and the seat of government in today's kingdom. Dinner and overnight at Le Tour Hassan or similar.
Day 7 - Commence your day with a half day guided tour of Rabat, including the picturesque Kasbah of the Oudaya Gate, built during the Almohad dynasty. See the well preserved minaret, Le Tour Hassan and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the buriel place of the present King's Father. Beyond the city walls, visit the Chellah, the remains of an ancient Roman city built in the 12th and 13th Centuries by the Merenids and see the front of the Royal Palace and Government district. An optional three course lunch is available at La Caravelle, a charming restaurant built within the old ramparts of the city with a splendid view of the Atlantic Ocean. This afternoon drive back to Marrakech for dinner and your last night at the Atlas Medina & Spa (Or Similar)
Day 8 - Marrakech to the UK
Prices from £975 Per Person
Sri Lanka
Ceylon Tour
Day 1 - Fly UK to Sri Lanka
Day 2 - On arrival transfer to the Colonial Mount Lavinia Hotel, afternoon at leisure to enjoy your surroundings.
Day 3 - Morning start for the Pinnawela elephant orphanage. After lunch continue onto Chaaya village, Habarana for two nights.
Day 4 - Morning optional sightseeing available at extra cost to Polonnaruwa the 12th Century Sinhalese capital. After Lunch, visit the staggering rock fortress of Sigiriya. A climb to the top (only for the energetic!) will reveal perfectly preserved frescoes and a spectacular view. The gallery of frescoes is a definate highlight.
Day 5 - After breakfast drive to the Chaaya Citadel in Kandy for two nights visiting the magnificent Dambulla rock caves, a spice plantation and batik workshop en route. This afternoon visit the Temple of the Tooth. Evening visit to see a Kandyan dancing and culture show.
Day 6 - Full day to enjoy some sightseeing in Kandy. Visit the Royal botanical Gardens ablaze with colourful exotic plants. This afternoon enjoy a tour of the market square, a gem showroom and upperlake drive.
Day 7 - Leave Kandy on the way for the hill country, with a stop en route to visit a tea plantation and factory. Then travel on to Nuwara Eliya, most celebrated of the hill stations set in a stunning mountain valley some 6,000 feet above sea level. Enjoy the afternoon sightseeing of Nuwara Eliya with spectacular views of the beautiful green hillsides, rushing waterfalls and tea plantations.
Day 8 - This morning travel to Udawalawe National park, after lunch enjoy a jeep safari. Besides Sambhur deef, wild buffalo, mongoose to name a few, the park is famed for its herds of elephants. Travel to the Cunturia Hotel, Embilipitiya for an overnight stay.
Day 9 - Leave for the Riviera hotel, Enroute enjoy lunch and a visit to the Dutch Fort at Galle.
Day 10-14 Time to relax and enjoy the delightful hospitality and beaches of Sri Lanka.
Day 15 - Sri Lanka - UK
prices from £899 Per Person
Nepal
Walking In Nepal
Day 1 - UK to Kathmandu
Day 2 - Arrive Kathmandu and stay two nights at the Annapurna hotel. Rest of day at leisure to explore this amazing city.
Day 3 - After breakfast enjoy a relaxing half day tour of the city including Durbar Square, Temple of the Living Goddess, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient royal residential quarter and the Mahadeva and Parvati Temples. Later visit Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in existence, perfectly complimented with panoramic views of he entire Kathmandu valley. Optional afternoon visit to Patan.
Day 4 - A morning visit to Bhaktapur, a remarkable ancient town that still retains much of its medieval charm. Spend time discovering the Ancient city gateway, Durbar Square, the Royal Residential Quarter of Bhupatindra Malla and various temples including the famous five storied temple of Nyatapola. Continue on to Dhulikhel for a one night stay at the Marabel Resort. Optional flight over Mount Everest is also available.
Day 5 - After breakfast a leisurely day of walking through the stunning Himalayan countryside begins with a stroll up to the summit of the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha, perched above the medieval town of Panauti. The contrast of the Buddha statue, surrounding stupas and backdrop of the Himalayas forms a memorable impression. Descend down to Panauti and learn of its history and specialism for highly detailed wood craftmanship. Later make the short drive to Nagorkot for one night at the Club Himalayas Resort.
Day 6 - Early rise to view sunrise over the Himalayas then make the scenic journey to Pokhara via Kathmandu along the Trisuli and Marshyangdi Rivers. Arrive at the Fulbari Resort for two nights.
Day 7 - Pokhara lies within a beautifull valley situated at a height of 2950 feet, a rare conbination of soaring snow clad peaks, crystal cler lakes, strean and gorges and picturesque villages inhabited by friendly smiling gurungs, Magars and other ethnic tribes. The scenery is breathtaking with excellent views of overwhelmingly beautifull mountain ranges. Begin the day with a morning city tour of Pokhara visiting the local market, Bindebasini temple, Seti Gorge Phewa Lake, Davis Fall and Gupteswore cave etc. In the Afternoon enjoy a short boat ride on phewa Lake.
Day 8 - After breakfast transfer to the starting point of your morning trek to Dhampus, for one night at the Basanta Lodge, situated on a ridgeline overlooking Phedi Valley to the south and the Mardi Valley to the north. From the lodges landscaped garden you can witness a breathtaking sunset or sunrise withviews of the entire mountain ranges. Afternoon free to admire the views and relax or after lunch partake in an optional walk to the old village of Dhampus.
Day 9 - Following breakfast it's a morning light walk through scattered villages and paddy fields to Phedi, where you are transfered to the airport for your flight back to Kathamandu and one more night at the Hotel Annapurna.
Day 10 - Kathmandu to UK
Prices from £998 Per Person
Costa Rica
Highlights of Costa Rica
Day 1 - UK to San Jose. Transfer to the Gran Hotel Costa Rica
Day 2 - Transfer by road into the Caribbean lowlands and continue through the Jungle by boat to Mawamba lodge. Nestled in lush rainforest on a sandbar overlooking the Caribbean, the lodge is an ideal base from which to explore the Tortuguero National Park. The park is an area of significant biological diversity, which includes toucans, macaws, monkeys, crocodiles, colourful frogs and the green turtles, which lay their eggs on the beaches between July and September.
Day 3 - Learn about the local flora and fauna from you guide as you spend the day exploring the National Park by boat and foot.
Day 4 - Continue west to your next hotel located close to the Saraqipui River in an area of verdant tropical wet forest. Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the wonderfull surroundings.
Day 5 - A leisurely day to include a gentle walk through the forest, where there is oppertunity to bathe beneath the nearby waterfalls.
Day 6 - Join the 'Chocolate Trail' in Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve, learning how cacao os grown, processed, its history as well as the chance to sample the final product. In the afternoon continue to the town of La Fortuna set beneath Arenal Volcano. The almost perfect conical peak is an impressive sight and you can often watch as it spews ash and steam, while at night you may be able to see the glowing lava as it rolls down the slopes. Two nights are spent at the Arenal Paraiso hotel located just out of town, offering spectacular views of the volcano from its spacious grounds.
Day 7 - Discover a little more about the local culture: learning about agriculture at a typical farm house, visiting a local school and taking a ride on a tractor drawn trailer.
Day 8 - A morning walk in the National Park taking you across an old lava field to an area of forest where toucans and other wildlife can often be seen. In the afternoon, depart along the northern shore of ALke Arenal, climbing by road to the small town of Monteverde, located amid pristine cloud forest. It is noticeably cooler here and the flora and fauna are distinctly different from the tropical forests experienced so far. Two nights at the Cloud Forest Lodge, where comfortable bungalows are scattered around the attractive grounds, where hummingbirds can often be seen.
Day 9 - A morning walk in the Santa Elena cloud forest reserve, the abundant vegetation here is home to a variety of wildlife including the highly elusive jaguar and the resplendant quetzal, although sightings are rare amid the dense vegetation. In the afternoon, visit the Don Carlos Coffee Plantation.
Day 10 - Return to San Jose and overnight
Day 11 - San Jose back to the UK
Prices from £1660 Per Person
Peru
Peruvian Highlights
Day 1 - UK to Lima. On arrival transfer to the Libertatador San Isidro Golf Hotel.
Day 2 - Full day tour of Lima, 'The city of the Kings' including a visit to colonial Lima and then continue to modern Lima with a visit to the Archaeological Musuem.
Day 3 - Depart for an early morning flight to Iquitos on the banks of the Amazon Jungle. Continue by motorboat for the fascinating 25 mile trip down the Amazon to Ceiba Tops Lodge for Overnight.
Day 4 - Wake up to the sounds of the Amazon. Take a short walk to a nearby Indian Village, to meet the Yagua Indians and barter for local crafts. Later, take a boat trip up the river to I quitos. Fly to Lima for an overnight stop.
Day 5 - Fly up to Cuzco, the magnificent city which was once the capital of the great Inca Civilisation. An afternoon tour of this historic town, and nearby ruins has been arranged. Two nights at the Libertador Palacio Del Inka hotel.
Day 6 - A day to enjoy Cuzco on your own or take up an excursion to Pisac or Urumbamba and Ollantaytambo.
Day 7 - The visit to the 'Lost city of the Incas' is a truly unforgetable experience. Enjoy a fascinating three hour journey by narrow gauge railway and bus to take you up to Machu Picchu. Spend the night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu hotel.
Day 8 - Morning at leisure offering a further chance to explore to ruins before returning to Cuzco by train through the ever changing mountain scenery of the Peruvian Andes. Stay another night at the Libertador.
Day 9 - Today an incredible journey across the Andes by railway lasting about ten hours, passing one of the highest points of any railway system in the world. A long and tiring day, however the spectacular scenery makes it a highlight of a lifetime. Arrive late afternoon in Juliaca and take a short bus transfer to the Libertador hotel located on the shores of lake Titicaca where you will stay overnight.
Day 10 - Drive to Juliaca for the short flight to Arequipa, once an Inca town and re-founded by the spanish in 1540. Stay two nights at the Libertador Cuidad Blanca.
Day 11 - Enjoy a city tour including a visit to the Santa Catalina Convent. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the many churches, museums and old colonial streets.
Day 12 - Fly to Lima and drive on to Ica, Peru's main wine producing centra, and the hotel Las Dunas for two nights.
Day 13 - Weather permitting, take an optional flight over the famous Nazca Lines by light aircraft. The Nazca Lines have been cut into the stony desert in geometric and animal-like patterns. Although accredited t othe Nazcas, archaeologists still debate their origins. In the afternoon a tour will be included to see the Ica Museum and Huacachuna Lagoon just outside town.
Day 14 - Leave for Paracas for a fascinating boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, Known for a wonderful variety of seabirds and sealions. Lunch in Paracus. Return to the Libertador hotel in Lima.
Day 15 - Lima back to the UK
Prices from £2649 Per Person
