A&K Small Group Journeys 2023 Portfolio

Join us as we celebrate 60 years of inspiring luxury travel.

Dear Traveller,

This year marks 60 years since I founded Abercrombie & Kent with my parents in East Africa, the first step on a journey that has taken thousands of discerning guests to every corner of the earth. As we celebrate six decades of inspiring travel, I invite you to look ahead to new adventures in the year to come with this preview of our 2023 portfolio, featuring some of our best and most popular Small Group Journeys.

Travel in a group of no more than 18 guests, a Resident Tour Director and local guides at your side, and experience every destination through our unique combination of luxury, insider access and impeccable attention to detail. Imagine exploring the wilds of East Africa or the cultural heritage of Mexico on journeys designed around the convenience of private air. Choose from journeys that reveal ancient wonders in Egypt and the Middle East, timeless civilizations in Asia, the historic splendours of Europe or awe-inspiring vistas in the Americas. Wherever you go, count on the unrivalled support of our more than 55 offices in over 30 countries around the world, as well as our up-todate health and safety protocols that help ensure your wellbeing while you travel.

We hope to welcome you on an A&K journey soon, and to demonstrate how the same passion for inspiring discovery that drove our earliest safaris still informs every journey we create.

Enjoy exploring!

2023 Calendar of Journeys

*JOURNEY TYPES: LUX = Luxury Small Group Journeys LTD = Limited Edition Small Group Journeys WOW = Wings Over the World For information on different travel styles, see pages 10–13.

Please note: Some departures may operate on alternative itineraries to those featured within this brochure. Please see website for details.

To reserve your space now on these select 2023 Small Group Journeys, talk to your travel agent or call Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 583 901. For details on our full range of 2023 Small Group Journeys, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au

Since our first journeys in 1962, we’ve set the standard for luxury adventure.

Our Unmatched Legacy of Service, Expertise and Authenticity

Abercrombie & Kent is the world’s premier luxury travel company, with an unrivalled legacy of creating memorable, inspiring adventures in the world’s most compelling destinations. Our approach combines singular service, authentic local expertise and beyond-the-guidebook insider access, all of which come together to create a journey of a lifetime, every time you travel with us.

From our first pioneering safari in Africa in 1962 — when Geoffrey Kent led his debut tour with little more than a refrigerated ex-Army truck and the best tents money could buy — we’ve been setting the standard for luxury small group journeys. A lot has changed in the intervening years, but we still want to take you down the road less travelled, devising unique, meticulously planned journeys into hard-to-reach places to commune with authentic cultures.

Nearly six decades later, with Geoffrey Kent still at the helm, we have grown into a family of over 55 offices in more than 30 countries. These experts have turned their passion for travel into a vocation. We are devoted to making your holiday dreams an unforgettable reality, and our long-standing networks allow us to reveal local secrets beyond the reach of most.

Our globe-spanning local access takes you places no one else can, with an authenticity no one can match.

The Difference Local Access Makes

When you travel with A&K, we don’t just take you to the front of the line, we take you into the rooms in the palace not typically open to visitors, on an exclusive tour with the best historian in the region. This kind of unencumbered access to the authentic heart and soul of a place — to the people and sites that exist far beyond the reach of the average traveller — is something we pride ourselves on and ensure we deliver on every journey we create, whether to the world’s most iconic, or to more off-the-beaten-track destinations. It is unequivocally what sets A&K apart from any competitor. And it has everything to do with our extensive and long-established connections throughout every locale in which we operate.

The Most Extensive Network of Travel Experts in the World

A&K works tirelessly to design adventures you won’t be able to undertake with any other tour provider, backed up by the most robust support network, including over 55 offices in more than 30 countries around the world. Unlike other operators, we recruit, train, and manage our own full-time staff, orchestrating every aspect of your journey with precision and flexibility, down to the last detail. Whether it’s the seamless flow of an itinerary or the prompt attention paid to an unexpected request, you can be sure our global family is the driving force making it happen.

Resident Tour Directors With Deep Local Ties

Imagine strolling the market of a little-known village alongside a friendly local — your A&K Resident Tour Director — who grew up just down the street and has probably known some of the vendors their entire life. They make warm introductions and suddenly you are taking a bite of some exotic fruit picked just that morning. Our Resident Tour Directors are year-round residents in the places we visit, with the kind of insight into local culture that can only come from being a local. Their expertise is unmatched and their enthusiasm inspiring. Overseeing your entire journey, they accompany you every day, sharing a beyond-the-guidebook understanding of daily life and introducing you to everything from temples at dawn to the savannah at its wildest. The result is a journey that reveals the real spirit of a place, connecting you to the people, places and wildlife you encounter in a way you’ll never forget.

When it comes to inspiring travel, a small group makes a big difference.

An Ideal Small Group Size

A&K’s small groups rarely number more than 13 guests on average, and no more than 18, meaning you travel in a like-minded group at a pace that suits you all. It also means more one-on-one interaction with your Resident Tour Director and expert local guides, getting to know them for the insightful, dedicated travelling companions they are.

Itineraries Only Possible With a Small Group

A small group size lets us craft journeys that are seamlessly orchestrated and packed with the insider access opportunities that are A&K’s hallmark. Many of your journey’s most memorable activities — whether a visit to a local family’s home or a guided tour of a private art gallery — are only possible with a smaller group. Small groups also enable A&K to reserve one-of-a-kind accommodations, splendid hotels and luxury camps that can’t house the typically larger groups that travel with other companies*. *Please

An Intimate Group of Like-Minded Travellers

Seasoned travellers say the best part of a journey is often the people you meet. On an A&K Small Group Journey, this extends not just to the fascinating locals you encounter, but to the new friends you meet within your group — in fact, guests who meet on one journey are often soon making plans together for their next.

Guaranteed Departures

As soon as we have at least two people booked on an A&K Luxury Small Group Journey, it is guaranteed to take place*. You don’t need to worry about a last-minute phone call saying your holiday has been cancelled. If you’re committed to going, then so are we.

*Excludes Wings Over the World.

Exclusive, Immersive Encounters Designed Just for You

On every A&K journey, experience locally-inspired moments crafted by our experts just for A&K guests. You might explore a charming neighbourhood visit by cyclo or tuk-tuk, attend exclusive concerts, gain private entry to a museum, and end the day with a refreshing cocktail in an extraordinary location against a breathtaking sunset. Each of these elements and encounters will broaden the mind and result in unforgettable experiences in each destination.

Dining that Explores Local Flavours

We provide you with the perfect mix of planned group meals and mealtimes left unscheduled, as well as opportunities to dine à la carte. Depending on your journey, experience favourite local restaurants, or enjoy a cooking class or a culinary demonstration.

Travelling Bell Boy and Traveller’s Valet*

With A&K’s exclusive Travelling Bell Boy service, you simply leave your packed bags behind in your room as you walk out the door and find them waiting inside your room at your next accommodation. A&K also offers you Traveller’s Valet: complimentary laundry service provided once per journey.

Indulge with Breakfast in Bed*

On two select days of your journey, opt to enjoy a continental breakfast in the privacy of your hotel room, compliments of A&K. *Luxury Small Group Journeys & Wings Over the World only.

The Flexibility of Design Your Day

Experience your destination the way you want to with Design

Your Day. On a select day of your itinerary, choose from at least three expert-crafted activities, with options created for guests with interests in arts and culture, culinary delights and active adventures.

Airport Meet & Greet, Return Private Transfers

Be truly escorted on every step of your journey with an airport meet and greet service on arrival and return private transfers to and from your first and last hotels regardless of when you choose to arrive or depart.

Excursions as Stated, Entrance Fees and Taxes

Let us take the strain off your wallet while you are away by making sure you won’t need to think about the usual sundry costs of entrance fees and taxes. These are all included in the price of the journey, meaning you can focus on the experience, not the expense.

Wherever you travel, we deliver the luxuries that matter most.

Gratuities Included

On these journeys, all of your gratuities (e.g. hotel and airport porterage, guide and restaurant tips) are included ^, except for your Resident Tour Director tip, which is included only on Limited Edition Small Group Journeys.

^Excludes some Australia & New Zealand Small Group Journeys.

Stay Connected on Us

Don’t wait for your trip to end to share photos and stories with the folks back home — enjoy complimentary Internet access during hotel stays.

Domestic Flights, Where Applicable

If in-country air travel is part of your Small Group Journey, rest assured the cost is accounted for and you won’t be asked for more. Transfers by air also provides more time spent in the places that matter, instead of in transit.

Farewell and Welcome Dinners

Being part of an A&K Small Group Journey is more than just a trip away. It’s a chance to meet other travellers and enjoy the experience together. Our welcome and farewell dinners provide the perfect frame around your holiday — this is when your memories will both begin and be cemented. We also include most breakfasts in your stay, as well as selected lunches and dinners throughout.

Included with Every Luxury Small Group and Wings Over World Journey

• English-Speaking Resident Tour Director and Local Guides

• Hand-Selected Luxury Accommodations

• Travelling Bell Boy Luggage Handling

Breakfast in Bed on Select Days

• Traveller’s Valet Laundry Service

• Internet Access

Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers

• Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and Dinners

• Entrance Fees, Taxes and all Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director

• 24/7 A&K On-Call Support

• Guaranteed Departures with Just Two Guests (excludes Wings Over the World)

Limited Edition Journeys and Wings Over the World.

Within this portfolio, you will find some journeys labelled as Limited Edition Journeys, or Wings Over the World. In addition to the many signature A&K benefits including a small group size, remarkable accommodations, and more time exploring alongside your Resident Tour Director, these journeys also offer added features designed for the traveller who really wants to get under the skin of a destination.

Limited Edition

Originally designed for more intrepid, yet still fastidious, Australian travellers, our Limited Edition Small Group Journeys are expertled, shared adventures to more off-the-beaten track destinations. They have been creatively designed with a fine balance of breathing room and guided activity. They also feature educational elements and local encounters that broaden the mind and result in unforgettable experiences in each destination. These journeys typically feature a small group size of just 8-12 guests.

Itineraries You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

For those looking to blaze a trail, these journeys go farther afield with a bold lineup of exotic destinations, exceptional experiences and insider access. Uncover the ancient monuments and desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia, otherworldly creatures of Madagascar and the captivating sights and sounds of southern India. Experience an unforgettable Nordic odyssey to beautiful Norway and Iceland, or journey to South Korea and uncover absorbing local customs, flavoursome culinary delights and cutting-edge art. Limited Edition Small Group Journeys typically have fewer departures and are less likely to operate in the following year so, with space at such a premium, secure your place now and avoid missing out.

Leisurely Pace

Travelling at an unhurried tempo also means more free time in your chosen destination. You can go with the slower flow and explore under your own steam. Your Resident Tour Director and guides will be happy to make recommendations based on your interests and tastes — from niche museums and specialist stores, to hidden city cafés the locals love — so you can get a real sense of place in your mornings, afternoons or evenings at leisure.

Gratuities Included

Tips are included for the dedicated A&K personnel who are at your service along the way, from the airport representative on arrival to the hotel porters at each stop, your drivers and Resident Tour Director.

Solo Traveller Special on 2023–24 Journeys

A&K Small Group Journeys are perfect for solo travellers. For a limited time, we will waive the single supplement for the first two solo travellers booked on select departures of our 2023–24 Limited Edition Small Group Journeys. Please talk to your travel agent or see our website for more information.

Wings Over The World

Our Wings Over the World journeys take our small group journey portfolio to a whole new level — elevated, literally, in both style and luxury. Travel by chartered private plane with as few as 12 and no more than 18 guests, meaning you arrive at your destination sooner and far more conveniently. This gives you more time and energy for what matters — settling in and getting to the heart of your chosen destination.

Comfort In The Air, Ease On The Ground

Relax with hassle-free flight departures and arrivals, avoiding waits at airports necessitated by restrictive commercial aviation schedules. Privately chartered air travel also means you often fly from separate terminals, allowing for fewer crowds and faster security procedures. And your dedicated flight crew aboard your chartered aircraft offers you superb personalised service in the air and on the ground, in a comfortable, sociable atmosphere.

Unique Itineraries Only Possible by Chartered Air

This distinctive combination of flexibility and convenience results in a higher calibre of Small Group Journey, showcasing each destination at its most luxurious and inspiring. Distances between destinations are dissolved, clearing the way for singular itineraries that allow you to see and experience more than you ever thought possible on a single journey. Every minute saved by flying between locales is better enjoyed exploring, relaxing in luxurious five-star accommodations and experiencing the incomparable advantage of insider access.

Please visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au to view our entire portfolio of A&K Small Group Journeys.

Our experts choose the best luxury accommodations to complement your journey.

For our Small Group Journeys, we select only the most remarkable hotels, boutique lodges and luxury small ships, each of which must combine superior service, local character and unanticipated luxuries.

Award-Winning, Iconic Properties

When luxury is what you’re looking for, there’s no reason to settle for second-best. Our local experts choose only the very best properties in a given destination. In many cases, their choice will be the undisputed local favourite, synonymous with five-star style. But the choice might also be a whispered secret, a better option, a small but perfectly-formed boutique property with a certain significant atmospheric, experiential or locational advantage.

One-of-a-Kind Locations

When considering your accommodation, our experts look at more than just the rooms. Wherever possible, we arrange to stay close to the places you most dream of seeing, close to the people you’ll most enjoy meeting, and close to the experiences you’ll most enjoy discovering. We’ll choose the right option from within the region’s best properties, whether historically iconic, coveted high-design or supremely located in the heart of pristine wilderness.

Intimate Boutique Camps and Lodges

As a home base on secluded and extraordinary wilderness adventures, our more off-the-beaten track journeys feature luxurious boutique camps and lodges available only to smaller groups and always with an incredible front seat to wildlife, often just outside your door.

Stylish Ships

Our commitment to luxury doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. When it comes to river cruising with A&K, step aboard knowing you’ll experience the same comfort, service and style you would on land, all while discovering the beauty of life on the water.

Award-Winning Excellence

Many of the hotels selected for our guests are Condé Nast Traveler Gold List or Travel + Leisure World’s Best properties — when luxury is what you’re looking for, there’s no reason to settle for second best.

Explore more.

A&K can craft a tailored extension before, during or after your Small Group Journey, adding anything from upgraded accommodations to small-group extensions, to completely customised itineraries before and after — all with the goal of making your journey unique and individual.

Start (or End) Your Journey With a Small-Group or Private Extension

Added to the beginning or end of your itinerary, small-group extensions (which may include other guests from your smallgroup journey) focus on a city or region not included on the main journey and offer the same luxury accommodations and amenities. We can even create a custom extension exclusively for you and your travelling companions, designed around your specific interests — contact A&K or your travel professional to learn how a custom extension can enhance your journey.

Turn a Small Group Journey Into a Private Adventure

Many of today’s travellers, while eager to see the world again, prefer the comfort of travelling exclusively with their own family and loved ones. If you prefer to travel this way (or our departure dates don’t align with your schedule), our Journey Designers can assist you in booking a Small Group Journey as a private journey — the same itinerary, hotels and sightseeing where possible for just you and your private party, led by your own local guides.

Creating a journey just for you.

Suppose you’re looking for a customised journey that aligns exactly with your interests from start to finish; our experts can create a luxury tailor-made journey around all the things you like to see and do when travelling.

Travel in Your Own Private Party on a Journey Designed For You

On a Luxury Tailor Made Journey, you travel with just family and friends, sharing every extraordinary hour with the people who matter most to you and returning home with shared memories you’ll treasure. We plan departure and arrival dates — as well as the perfect balance of scheduled activity and free time — to match everyone’s schedule and preferences.

Working with you or your travel professional, we learn everything there is to know about how you love to travel and what you’re looking for in your journey. From there, every amazing destination, authentic local encounter and luxury accommodation is chosen with your interests in mind, making each day an adventure you won’t want to end.

Travel With Peace of Mind and in Expert Company

We oversee your journey from the moment your A&K representative welcomes you at the airport. From there, an experienced team ensures that every hour of your itinerary unfolds according to plan, freeing you to simply enjoy yourself. Joining you on your itinerary are English-speaking local guides with their own unique firsthand perspective. Both an expert planner and an adept improviser, your local guide also brings a sincere love for the places they call home — something you’ll soon come to share.

Be a part of travel that changes lives.

Make a deeper local connection on your next journey with a visit to an Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy project.

“In just the past few years, travellers introduced to our AKP-supported projects during their journeys helped improve the lives of more than 125,000 men, women and children worldwide through donations to over 45 programs in 24 countries. That’s the impact that travel can make.”

Building on a Legacy of Partnership

Established in 1982, A&K Philanthropy (AKP) is dedicated to giving back to the vibrant environments and communities we are so privileged to explore. As part of our ongoing mission, AKP partners with local communities to improve education, conservation, health care and enterprise with over 45 projects spanning seven continents — a philanthropic commitment unequalled in the travel industry.

Experience an AKP Project Firsthand

A number of our Small Group Journeys offer opportunities to visit an AKP partner community, affording a wealth of moving experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s celebrating a newly opened maternity ward or serving lunch to local schoolchildren, many of our guests experience their journey’s most impactful moments during these visits.

Sharing Genuine Perspectives

AKP employs a team of dedicated Philanthropy Coordinators stationed throughout the world, allowing for deeper, more meaningful cultural exchanges. AKP Coordinators facilitate the face-to-face interactions that reveal the true fabric of these communities, from speaking with a local teacher in a Kenyan village to witnessing the impact of clean water wells in rural Cambodia.

If you’d like to meet one of our Philanthropy Coordinators and experience an AKP project firsthand, please contact A&K or your travel agent to arrange a site visit on your next journey. You can also learn more by visiting www.akphilanthropy.org

Case Study: Bwindi Bike Shop

AKP launched an Australian branch in 2018 which has already shipped more than 800 bikes to AKP Bike Shops in Africa, including shipments to a shop in Karatu in Tanzania, near the Ngorongoro Crater, and to the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise in Uganda. The Bwindi Bike Shop employs five local women from the communities around the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to A&K’s Sanctuary Retreats Gorilla Forest Camp and to some of the world’s last remaining communities of mountain gorilla.

The women in the Bike Shop have completed an extensive training programme to learn business skills and how to be bike mechanics, and they have used the shipments of used bikes and the shipping containers themselves to set up a village bike shop and tourism enterprise.

The project has given these women the opportunity to earn a muchneeded income while also giving their community vital access to transportation. In addition to being a viable business model, the bike shop serves as a social enterprise, with a portion of the profits set aside to be used in charitable initiatives in the community; such as, fee sponsorship for orphaned students, investments in local health care and conservation initiatives.

The Bwindi Bike Shop can be visited on the Uganda Post-Tour Extension to the Great Migration Safari in Style journey (page 24).

Look for this symbol for opportunities to visit an A&K Philanthropy project on your Small Group Journey.

Okavango Delta

Maun

Livingstone

Victoria Falls Chobe National Park

ZAMBIA ZIMBABWE

BOTSWANA

To Cape Town

Elevation: Johannesburg – 1,706 m.

Johannesburg

SOUTH AFRICA

Day 1 : Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa. Arrive in Johannesburg, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a gourmet welcome dinner prepared with locally sourced ingredients. A professional photographer joins you to offer tips for the days ahead. Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa | Meals: D

Day 2: Livingstone, Zambia | Sundowner River Cruise. On arrival, continue overland to Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, where you stay in a luxury tree house built into the riverside canopy. At twilight, cruise the Zambezi River, sipping cocktails, gazing out across a verdant vista and gliding past pods of hippos, on a memorable Scenic Sundowner. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Livingstone | Design Your Day. This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

> Visit Nakatindi Village to see a bike shop, school and clinic supported by A&K Philanthropy.

> Walk Close to Rhinos, pausing on a game drive in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to draw near the giants on foot.

> Canoeing on the Zambezi River, enjoying sightings of birds and wildlife while experiencing the tranquillity and beauty of the river. Return to camp for lunch and the rest of your afternoon at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a cocktail and a Chef’s Table tasting of traditional Zambian fare, followed by dinner. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma | Meals: BLD

Day 4: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | The Smoke That Thunders. This morning, drive to Zimbabwe to join your private guide on an awe-inspiring exploration of Victoria Falls, which plummet 354 feet to cast up the mist that inspired their original name, Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders). Enjoy lunch in the town of Victoria Falls before continuing to Chobe National Park in Botswana to settle into your lodge for unparalleled panoramic views across the islands and floodplains of the Chobe River. This afternoon, set out on a river cruise or game drive that includes the opportunity to see elephants — a staggering 120,000 live in the park — along with impalas, buffalo and possibly lions. Return to the lodge to relax in the comforts of your luxury accommodations and enjoy a freshly prepared meal. Later, drift to sleep, serenaded by the sounds of Africa beneath a blanket of stars. Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero | Meals: BLD

Day 5: Chobe National Park, Botswana | Chobe River Safari. Set out on a game drive at sunrise to catch the animals at the start of their day, when they are most active. You may even glimpse a leopard returning from the hunt. Later, embark on a Chobe River safari cruise and watch for crocodiles and hippos, as well as elephants that come down to drink and play in the water. The park’s beautiful wetlands also lure a wealth of birdlife to the region, and you may glimpse many of the 460 species that either live here or migrate through, including raptors, vultures and waterfowl. When you return to the lodge this evening, gather for an A&K-exclusive experience that introduces you to Botswanan culture. Enjoy the soft sounds of a marimba band with the option to dance with cultural professionals and learn about the Setswana language as well as local food, traditional attire, rituals and ceremonies. Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero | Meals: BLD

Day 6–7: Okavango Delta | Wonders of a Private Reserve. Fly to a vast private concession in the Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure with a choice of activities, such as a Ride Like a Local by seasonal mokoro (dugout canoe) on the delta or a nighttime game-viewing drive, made possible on this private reserve. The next morning, continue with your choice of activities. Set off on a thrilling, guided game drive in a customized 4x4 vehicle or a bush walk in the company of an armed, expert guide, on the lookout for Africa’s smaller denizens among the unique flora. Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Okavango Delta | Predator Capital. Fly across the Okavango Delta to your next amazing safari camp. Widely acknowledged as the “Predator Capital of the World,” this area offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa and is one of the best places in Botswana to see the Big Five — lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalo — drawn here from surrounding regions by the lush delta. Predators include cheetahs, spotted hyenas and, at the very top of the food chain, large resident prides of lions. This afternoon, take advantage of game-viewing

activities led by experienced guides or enjoy the vistas from your own private viewing deck. Sanctuary Chief’s Camp | Meals: BLD Day 9: Okavango Delta | Remarkable Game Drives. Depart on another spectacular early morning game drive. Beyond predators, the Okavango Delta draws large concentrations of elephants, buffalo, red lechwes, giraffes and impalas. Enjoy a seasonal mokoro ride for a rare safari opportunity across deceptively quiet marshlands alive with crocodiles, bathing hippos, birds and tiny red reed frogs. If you opt for an afternoon game drive, listen for roaring lions on the hunt or spy nocturnal animals as they start out for the night. After a full day of game viewing, return to your camp for a farewell dinner. Sanctuary Chief’s Camp | Meals: BLD Day 10: Depart Johannesburg, South Africa. Fly to Johannesburg for your flight home. Relax in the Premier Lounge, compliments of A&K, before your departure Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Award-winning camp with 10 luxurious, air-conditioned bush pavilions, each with a private dining area, plunge pool and outdoor shower.

Twelve heavenly air-conditioned tree houses set in a riverine forest.

Fifteen incredibly luxurious guest suites and a full-service spa.

An intimate, classic camp with 10 tents on a large private concession.

Travel + Leisure World’s Best all-suite hotel with six pools, set on 10 acres.

Extend Your Journey

Cape Town Post-Tour Extension

Discover one of the world’s great cities, the cosmopolitan “Mother City” of Cape Town. From Table Mountain to the Cape of Good Hope, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Constantia wine tastings, and penguins at Boulders Beach. Available on select departures. See website for details.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

rom the cradle of civilisation to Africa’s highest peak, internationally acclaimed wildlife reserves and a rich tribal culture, a journey to East Africa is full of theatre. On this unique safari adventure, you follow in the footsteps of pioneering explorers who also gazed across the savannah at the same extraordinary wildlife. You’ll see elephants against the backdrop of snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro, hippo snorting in the Mara River, predators on the prowl in the Serengeti, and birds of all shapes and colours gliding over the landscape. Safari accommodation is of the highest standard — glamorous lodges and luxury tented camps — and you’ll travel in comfort in A&K’s customised 4WD safari vehicles, with

Experience six nights in the heart of Great Migration country, three each in the Serengeti and the Masai Mara Behold Africa’s astoundingly diverse wildlife, including the iconic Big Five, from custom-made vehicles with an

Explore alongside handpicked safari guides whose in-depth tracking expertise leads to amazing wildlife encounters

Discover both the modern and traditional aspects of daily local life, with visits to a Maasai village as well as a typical town, for a unique, culturally immersive experience

Expend less time travelling and more time spotting game thanks to convenient flights between game regions

Finish with a three-night stay at enchanting Sanctuary Olonana, the ultimate luxury safari lodge, set on the Mara River, where hippos wallow and wander nearby Limited to a maximum group size of 18 guests

Day 1: Arrive Nairobi, Kenya. Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your luxurious hotel. Hemingways Nairobi

Day 2: Amboseli National Park | At the Foot of Kilimanjaro. Today, drive to Amboseli National Park at the base of soaring, snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro, which, at 5,895 metres, is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. Set out in search of the region’s spectacular wildlife. Amboseli’s huge draw is elephants. Watch as big herds roam the dusty plains, including “tuskers,” large, older bulls who have grown impressive tusks. This evening, gather with fellow guests for a welcome dinner celebrating the start of an unforgettable safari adventure.

Tawi Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Amboseli National Park | A Full Day in the Bush. Spend a full day exploring wildlife-rich Amboseli National Park. In addition to watching elephants up close from a safari vehicle that seats just six, so that every guest enjoys a window seat, view other game such as giraffes, Cape buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas and, occasionally, lions — all roaming freely amid swamps, springs and a shimmering, dried lake bed. After savouring a morning on safari, break for lunch. This afternoon, head out again for another game drive that reveals even more of East Africa’s natural wonders. Tawi Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 4: Tarangire National Park, Tanzania | Game Viewing. After crossing the border into Tanzania, stop for lunch in Arusha. Then, board a flight to Tarangire National Park and settle into your luxurious accommodations. Set in a secluded area of the park for a more exclusive safari experience, Sanctuary Swala’s large tents are built on raised decks under umbrella acacia trees overlooking a popular watering hole. The layout of this eco-friendly abode is very open, with resident herds of impalas often grazing in camp. Wide panoramas of wooded savanna stretch in every direction in the park, which is nurtured by the permanent Tarangire River and populated by abundant big game, such as lions, elephants and buffalo. Its dusty red landscape also hosts a large bird population. Tonight, dine in camp. Sanctuary Swala | Meals: BLD

Day 5: Tarangire National Park | Into the Wild. Embark on morning and afternoon game drives to explore Tarangire National Park and its stunning concentration of animals — herds of elephants, impalas and zebras. Look, too, for pythons and the twitching tails of leopards hiding high above in sausage trees. Activities available at an additional cost include a walking safari and exploring Lake Gursi by canoe. Once back at Swala, partake in a Chef’s Table experience, including a cooking demonstration of local dishes such as ugali, makande and kachumbari, followed by an opportunity to taste them. Sanctuary Swala | Meals: BLD

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater | Design Your Day. Learn how Tanzanians live today, exploring in and around the village of Mto wa Mbu, as you Ride Like a Local by tuk-tuk, a major form of transport here. See rice fields and a banana plantation. In the village, walk the local market to see the colourful produce on display. Afterward, head to your restful luxury lodge, set near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

> Walk with a Maasai Healer, discovering the uses of over 20 different indigenous plants in the Ngorongoro forest.

> Bicycle Village Streets and Back Roads, and visit a bike shop supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy.

> Enjoy a Traditional High Tea on the veranda overlooking the gardens at Gibb’s Farm; meet the artist-in-residence. Settle in for a tranquil evening and overnight stay. Gibb’s Farm | Meals: BLD Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater | Wildlife-Rich Haven. Descend into Ngorongoro Crater to explore the panoramic, game-rich prairies of this ancient volcanic caldera. Backdropped by crater walls over 600 metres high, Ngorongoro offers the safari experience of a lifetime in a setting unmatched the world over. Observe profuse and diverse wildlife roaming freely in an authentic “Lost World,” where it’s possible to encounter every member of the Big Five in a single day. Enjoy lunch al fresco in this UNESCO World Heritage site before returning to your lodge. Tonight, gather for dinner with your fellow guests. Gibb’s Farm | Meals: BLD

Day 8–10: Serengeti National Park | On the Endless Plains. Fly to Serengeti National Park, a vast Tanzanian landscape that during part of the year hosts one of earth’s greatest wildlife spectacles: the annual Great Migration, when millions of herbivores trek across the Serengeti plains in search of water and fresh grass, with hungry predators awaiting them. Over the next two days, your adventure may reveal giraffes, wildebeests, elephants and far more on morning and afternoon game drives. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti | Meals: BLD

Day 11: Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya | Crown Jewel. Fly to the Masai Mara, the northern extension of the Serengeti. After settling into your accommodation on a private stretch of the Mara River, immerse yourself in the wild during an afternoon game drive. Follow the Mara River to see crocodiles basking in the sun, hippos as they wallow in muddy water and monkeys busy sparking mischief overhead. Here, too, you may sight any of more than 400 species of birds, among them eagles who glide effortlessly above the sun-soaked landscape. During your time in the Mara, enjoy the peace of mind that comes with staying at Sanctuary Olonana, recognized as one of the finest safari lodges in all of Africa. Tonight, join fellow guests for a Scenic Sundowner, followed by an elegant dinner. Sanctuary Olonana | Meals: BLD

Day 12–13: Masai Mara Game Reserve | Incredible Wildlife. Venture forth for two full days of exploring the open savanna, woodlands and tree-fringed rivers of the Masai Mara, where patience is rewarded with unique sightings such as a leopard retrieving a kill from the upper branches of an acacia or elephants protecting their young from opportunistic lions. Game viewing is never dull in the Mara, especially when the dramatic annual Great Migration unfolds. Amid the stunning scenery, watch as Maasai tribesmen traverse the plains or herd goats and cattle. On one day here, visit a Maasai village and meet with an elder to learn about local culture and traditions. Connect with local residents when you visit a village and primary school supported by A&K Philanthropy. Learn firsthand how A&K Philanthropy’s LifeStraw partnership is changing lives by providing locals access to safe, clean drinking water, on an inspiring A&K-exclusive experience. Sanctuary Olonana | Meals: BLD

Day 14: Depart Nairobi. Fly back to Nairobi and enjoy the afternoon at leisure in a comfortable dayroom. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your departure flight or begin a Post-Tour Extension to Uganda. Hemingways Nairobi (dayroom) | Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Sanctuary Olonana

Superb luxury safari lodge with 14 spacious suites with king-size beds.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Amazing lodge set deep within Serengeti National Park.

Sanctuary Swala

Twelve elegant pavilions near a waterhole, with panoramic vistas.

Tawi Lodge

Thirteen cottages, each with a view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, on a private reserve.

Gibb’s Farm

Travel + Leisure World’s Best boutique inn featuring modern amenities.

Hemingways Nairobi

Exclusive boutique, all-suite hotel, located near Nairobi National Park.

Extend Your Journey

Victoria Falls Pre-Tour Extension

Experience epic Victoria Falls from vantage points in both Zambia and Zimbabwe and stay in a luxurious tree house beside the Zambezi River in Zambia. Available on select departures. See website for details.

Uganda Post-Tour Extension

Encounter endangered mountain gorillas up close during your trek into lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Available on select departures. See website for details.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Madagascar: Otherworldly Marvels

13 DAYS FROM $9,995 2023 DEPARTURE DATES:

Curiousand other-worldly, Madagascar is full of surprises and extraordinary creatures. It has people, wildlife and landscapes found nowhere else on earth and a culture far removed from any of its near neighbours. On this fascinating journey you’ll explore the island nation and its flora and fauna with the help of expert guides. Still largely untouched by tourism, Madagascar is astonishing. You’ll be amazed by its rainforests, its clear blue seas, white beaches and spiny forest habitat on this incredible journey of discovery.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Seek out rare species on escorted wildlife outings by day and night with expert local guides

• Tick off several varieties of lemur and chameleon in the country’s finest national parks

• Hike through 500-year-old baobabs in the Sacred Spiny Forest, one of the oldest on the planet

• Experience the culture of the unique Antandroy tribe, one of the most traditional in Madagascar

• Immerse yourself in the idyllic island life of Nosy Komba, with its picturesque beaches of white sand and turquoise waters, dense forest and extraordinary variety of fauna and flora

• Explore the incredible undersea world with a spot of snorkelling, or take a ride in a dugout boat or canoe with a chance to view dolphins on an almost daily basis

• Limited to a small group size of 14 guests

Day 1: Arrive Antananarivo, Madagascar. Arrive into Antananarivo (known locally as Tana), one of Africa’s most striking capitals where you are met by A&K and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. The largest city on the island, Tana is bustling with life. Your accommodation is located in the embassy district of Haute-Ville. This part of the city is a tangled assortment of steep, partly cobbled streets, red-tiled rooves and pastel-coloured houses and a lovely cool climate. After time to settle in, gather with your fellow travellers and Resident Tour Director for a festive welcome drinks and dinner. Hotel Colbert | Meals: D

Day 2: Andasibe | Protected Rainforest Reserve. Head east out of the city today to Andasibe through a panorama of rice fields, redbrick houses and roadside stalls selling seasonal fruits and vegetables. Andasibe is a stunning rainforest park comprising two protected areas — the Perinet Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park. Perinet is world famous for its population of Indri, which is the largest living lemur species.

After settling into your lodge, enjoy a guided night walk in the forest surrounding the reserve on the look out for a variety of nocturnal species: mouse lemur, white footed sportive lemur, fat-tailed dwarf lemur, as well as the woolly lemur.

Relax after a day of safari with a visit to the lodge spa, indulging in a massage with natural Madagascan oils, a dip in the spa or some laps in the outdoor pool. Mantadia Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Andasibe | A Wildlife Haven. Spend a day in the 810-hectare Perinet Reserve in search of the Indri, considered to be the largest lemur in the world. There are another 11 species to spot as you wander through the rainforest, including grey bamboo lemur, common brown lemur, diademed sifaka and black and white ruffed lemur. Birdwatchers should look out for the velvet asity, blue coua and nuthatch vanga and many more endemic species. Perinet is also home to many reptiles, invertebrates, and some of Madagascar’s thousand orchid species.

This evening visit Mitsinjo Forest Reserve, a private reserve operated by a local NGO funding reforestation, community education and Madagascar’s first amphibian captive-breeding facility. Enjoy a guided night walk, keeping an eye out for the endemic lemur species, spectacular insects, floral wonders and other natural wonders. Mantadia Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 4: Antananarivo | Discover Lemur Island. Prepare to be amazed as you venture to explore Lemur Island, a small private reserve that protects a number of habituated lemurs. There are four species to see: bamboo lemur, black-and-white ruffed lemur, brown lemur and one diademed

sifaka, with plenty of space for them to play, forage and rest. Afterwards, return to the capital. Relais des Plateaux | Meals: BLD

Day 5: Ifotaka | Otherworldly Forest Explorations. This morning take a flight to Fort Dauphin located in the far south of the island. Head into the interior by road to Mandrare River Camp, a classic tented safari camp offering majestic views over the Mandrare River.

In the late afternoon, venture on foot with your expert guide into the sacred spiny forest, home to the highest percentage of endemic plants in Madagascar. Keep an eye out for some extraordinary wildlife, including Verreaux sifaka, chameleons and ground boa constrictor. Mandrare River Camp | Meals: BD

Day 6: Ifotaka | Sacred Spiny Forest & Ancestral Tombs. Today, immerse yourself in this incredible region. Set out for the stunning sacred gallery forest, travelling on foot or by boat across the Mandrare River. See inquisitive groups of ring-tailed lemurs and the always entertaining Verreaux sifaka, in addition to many species of birds and more than one hundred other species including reptiles, turtles, and bats.

Later today, venture on foot for a second foray into the sacred spiny forest and stand in awe of the ancestral tombs of the local Antandroy tribe, one of the most traditional in Madagascar. Returning to your lodge, savour sundowners on the river bank, watching the dusky light bathe the beautiful landscapes surrounding you. Mandrare River Camp | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Ifotaka | Village Encounters. Your day is off to an active start, exploring the spiny forest on an early morning walk. A place bursting with natural wonders, see the sunlight break through the octopus trees and look out for endemic birds such as crested coua, a variety of vangas and the running coua.

This afternoon, relax in camp and sip sundowners amidst the baobabs as the sun sets and the moon rises. Mandrare River Camp | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Antananarivo | Highland Hub. After a leisurely morning return by road to Fort Dauphin for your flight back to Tana. This evening enjoy dinner with your travelling companions. Le Relais des Plateaux | Meals: BLD

Day 9: Nosy Komba | Remote Coastal Seclusion. Today you will take a flight to Nosy Be before a short boat ride south to Nosy Komba. This beautiful, mysterious island is a former volcano covered by luxuriant vegetation and a dreamy coastline that lures with its stunning white sand and turquoise waters. There are numerous villages, deserted coves, sheltered harbours, isolated beaches, as well as hills to explore offering

outstanding viewing points, and an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna to discover including black lemurs and chameleon.

After settling into your stunning lodge surrounded by lush tropical gardens with glorious ocean views, enjoy some time at leisure. You may choose to wander through the lodges private indigenous nature reserve, take to translucent waters in a canoe or enjoy a walk along the beach. Tsara Komba Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 10: Nosy Komba l The Island of Perfumes. This morning join your local guide for a trek through the dense and majestic forest bordering the property. Nosy Komba is a former volcano today covered by a lush tropical forest, which is home to all kinds of trees or flowers and extremely rich in wildlife. You can meet the mischievous Macaco lemurs, the slow but bright chameleons, birds, lizards, frogs and colourful butterflies. You’ll also be passing through vanilla and wild pepper plantations, bringing a delightful touch of fragrance to your trip.

Return to the lodge for lunch and a relaxed afternoon keeping an eye out for dolphins that swim by regularly in the bay. Tsara Komba Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 11: Nosy Komba l Design Your Day. Today, choose your own adventure with Design Your Day activities:

> Take to the waters in a traditional dugout canoe, visiting the bustling village of Ampangorina to observe their handicrafts skill, and Nosy Ambariofasy, a charming small island surrounded by translucent waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

> Go snorkelling at Nosy Tanikely, known for its outstanding marine and land-based biodiversity. With a mask and a snorkel, you will discover the underwater wonders of which this natural aquarium abounds.

> Relax with a massage using Madagascan essential oils designed to soothe sore muscles, energize and improve skin tone, all whilst comfortably relaxing on your private terrace, looking out into the bay.

Return to the lodge for dinner. Tsara Komba Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 12: Antananarivo | Farewell Madagascar. After an early breakfast, transfer back to Nosy Be airport for your flight back to Tana. This evening, enjoy a sumptuous farewell dinner and drinks with local entertainment. Hotel Colbert | Meals: BD

Day 13: Depart Antananarivo. After breakfast, transfer to the international terminal for your onward flight. Meals: B

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

BURKINA FASO TOGO

BENIN NIGERIA GHANA

Day 1: Arrive Accra, Ghana. On arrival into the Ghanaian capital, you are met and transferred privately to your hotel. Situated on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, Accra is notable for its colourful beachside structures that dot the coastline, and an energy that is unique to the rest of the country. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure before a tour briefing and welcome dinner, complemented by a local folk singing performance. Labadi Beach Hotel | Meals: D

Day 2: Accra | Design Your Day. Spend the day exploring Accra. Start with a guided visit to the National Museum, the old quarter of James Town, and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and memorial park dedicated to Ghana’s first President. Next, enjoy a visit to a fantasy coffin-building workshop, famed for its collection of handcrafted coffins in a variety of shapes from fruit, fish and other animals to cars and planes. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

> Visit the Africa Artist Alliance gallery showcasing artworks, sculptures and carvings from established and emerging African artists.

> Explore the 65-hectare Aburi Botanical Gardens, a botanist’s paradise with its extraordinary collection of rare plant species and trees.

> Discover why Accra has produced so many world champion boxers when you step inside some of its many boxing gyms and understand how the sport has become entrenched in the local culture.

Labadi Beach Hotel | Meals: BL

Day 3: Lomé, Togo | Pearl of West Africa. Drive into neighbouring Togo and on to Lomé, the vibrant capital. Lomé is the only African city that was a colony of the Germans, British and French, and its unique heritage is reflected in the lifestyle of its inhabitants and the architecture of the town. Arrive at the hotel in time for a barbecue lunch, with the rest of the day at leisure to explore the coastal capital. Hotel 2 Fevrier Lomé | Meals: BL

Day 4: Lomé | Art, Textiles & Markets. Start your day with a visit to the central market where the famous “Nana Benz” women, the Queens of African textiles, control the market in Wax Hollandais, the vibrant highly valued wax-printed fabrics. Continue to the administrative quarter with its handsome colonial buildings, before a visit to the voodoo market where all the necessary ingredients used by traditional healers are on offer. Later today, meet renowned local artists from the modern Togolese school whose work has been exhibited in Europe over many decades.

Hotel 2 Fevrier Lomé | Meals: BL

Day 5: Ouidah, Benin | Voodoo Traditions. Head to a remote village to visit a voodoo priest, or witch doctor, to get a deep understanding of the voodoo culture. Join in a voodoo ceremony: the frenetic rhythm of the drums and the chants of the mediums call in the voodoo spirit which takes possession of at least some of the dancers who fall into a deep trance. After lunch, cross the Benin border and board a boat for the journey to the coastal town of Ouidah. Stop along the way at remote fishing villages to learn about their traditional farming and fishing techniques. La Casa del Papa | Meals: BLD

Day 6: Ganvie & Abomey | Stilt Village & Mask Festival. Drive to Lake Nokwe and on by boat to Africa’s largest stilted village, Ganvie, situated in the middle of the lake. After lunch, continue to Abomey and visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Royal Palace. Now a museum, it displays items belonging to the ancient kings: thrones, altars, costumes and weapons. Return to Ouidah, stopping en route to attend an Egun dancing masks festival. The masks represent the spirits of the deceased. Dressed in brightly-coloured clothing, masked dancers emerge from the forest and form a procession through the village streets performing a kind of bull fight. La Casa del Papa | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Ouidah | Built on the Slave Trade. Spend the day exploring Ouidah, one of the main slave ports in the 18th century. Enter the python temple and learn of its importance to voodoo culture. Visit the Catholic Cathedral and the Ouidah Museum displaying a collection of local contemporary art. After lunch, visit the Portuguese Fort, now a museum, and continue to the old slave market where thousands of slaves were paraded and sold to the highest bidder. The city tour ends by following the “slave road” to the beach, where slaves were loaded onto ships. La Casa del Papa | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Kpalimé, Togo | Village Life Up Close. Drive to the Togo border and continue into the rainforest region that surrounds Kpalimé, a town with a rich colonial past. Along the way stop at local villages including Tado, considered to be the 12th-13th century birthplace of the Aja people. See villagers preparing family meals and harvested goods for sale, enjoy locally-brewed beer in a village “bar” and visit a village school. Arrive into Kpalimé this evening, a town surrounded by coffee and cocoa plantations. Parc Residence Hotel | Meals: BLD

Day 9: Kpalimé | Coffee & Cocoa Plantations. A morning walk in the tropical forest with an entomologist reveals endemic butterflies and insects, and provides an understanding of how plants are used in local art and medicinal remedies. After lunch, enjoy time at leisure, or an optional tour of colonial buildings, the bustling market and local arts centre. Parc Residence Hotel | Meals: BLD

Day 10: Akosombo, Ghana | Sacred Monkeys. Cross the Ghana border and on to the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, created to protect a community of sacred forest monkeys. Take a leisurely guided walk to see the resident mona and colobus monkeys. Arrive into Akosombo and check into your resort overlooking the Volta River. The Royal Senchi Resort | Meals: BL

Day 11: Akosombo | Volta River. A full day at leisure to enjoy the resort facilities. Afternoon optional visit to the bead factory where traditional techniques are still used to create beads from scrap glass. The Royal Senchi Resort | Meals: B

Day 12: Kumasi | Ashanti Community & Culture. Drive to Kumasi, historic and spiritual capital of the old Ashanti Kingdom. The Ashanti realm was one of the most powerful in Africa until the end of the 19th century. Visit the Ashanti Cultural Centre where a rich collection of artefacts is housed in a wonderful reproduction Ashanti house. Later, attend a traditional Ashanti funeral, a festive public occasion where mourners wear beautiful red or black togas — an intriguing sacred experience.

Golden Tulip Kumasi City | Meals: BLD

Day 13: Kumasi | Royal Akwasidae Festival. Visit the Royal Palace Museum and attend the splendid Akwasidae Festival. This traditional ceremony maintains ancient Ashanti rituals with a procession of royal court attendants bringing gifts to the King, storytellers reciting ancient tales, dancers and drummers performing and trumpeters playing horns of ivory. This afternoon, visit the sprawling central market, one of the biggest in Africa. Every type of Ashanti craft (leather goods, pottery, Kente cloth) is found here, plus all kinds of tropical fruit and vegetables. Golden Tulip Kumasi City | Meals: BLD

Day 14: Elmina | Colonial Relics. Drive to Elmina on the south coast. Ruled at different times by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, Elmina has a rich history. Arrive at your seaside resort in the afternoon with time to relax before dinner. Coconut Grove Beach Resort | Meals: BLD

Day 15: Elmina | Portuguese Castle & Coastal Shrines. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Elmina Castle, the oldest European building in Africa, erected by the Portuguese in the 15th century, and explore the adjacent 19th century Dutch cemetery. Outside the castle visit the local fishing village. In the old town, see the important Posuban shrines of the Asafo warriors and stroll through the lively alleyways. After lunch, return to Elmina with a special farewell dinner and gospel choir performance. Coconut Grove Beach Resort | Meals: BLD

Day 16: Depart Accra. Early morning transfer by road back to Accra, stopping en route for lunch before your departure flight. Meals: BL

Inspiring Accommodations

Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra

Small, intimate eco-lodge with just 6 spacious bungalows with privates decks designed for you to relax and enjoy the magnificent views.

Fevrier Lomé

Comfortable air-conditioned rooms located in the heart of Antananarivo.

La Casa del Papa, Ouidah

25 comfortably appointed rooms with private terraces and panoramic views.

Parc Residence Hotel, Kpalimé

Modern and elegant air-conditioned rooms come complete with balcony.

The Royal Senchi Resort, Akosombo

Set amongst 35 acres of lush greenery on the banks of the Volta River.

Golden Tulip Kumasi City

Set in lush tropical gardens in the heart of historic Ashanti.

Coconut Grove Beach Resort, Elmina

Located on a sandy beach on Ghana’s Cape Coast close to Elmina Castle.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Splendours of Morocco

12 DAYS FROM $11,965

2023 DEPARTURE DATES: Jan 14–25, Jan 24–Feb 4, Feb 7–18, Feb 25–Mar 8, Feb 28–Mar 11, Mar 11–22, Mar 14–25, Mar 22–Apr 2, Mar 25–Apr 5, Mar 28–Apr 8, Apr 12–23, Apr 15–26, Apr 18–29, Apr 29–May 10, May 2–13, May 6–17, May 9–20, May 13–24, May 20–31, May 27–Jun 7, Jun 3–14, Aug 26–Sep 6, Sep 2–13, Sep 9–20, Sep 16–27, Sep 19–30, Sep 26–Oct 7, Sep 30–Oct 11, Oct 7–18, Oct 14–25, Oct 22–Nov 2,

Uncover vibrant, colourful and exotic Morocco, jewel of North Africa and one of the world’s most stylish and fascinating destinations. Journey from the coastal port city of Casablanca inland to medieval Fes, the Atlas foothills and the Saharan desert reaches, to sensuous, legendary Marrakech, where snake charmers, musicians, storytellers and acrobats bring Djemaa el-Fna Square to life. Explore labyrinthine souks full of treasures, savour mouth-watering cuisine, marvel at ancient medinas, bustling kasbahs and towering minarets, and relax in elegant hotels.

Day 1: Arrive Casablanca, Morocco. Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to your luxurious accommodations, designed with contemporary styling and traditional Moroccan accents. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in this exotic setting, the inspiration for the eponymous 1942 Humphrey Bogart film. Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca

Day 2: Rabat & Fes | Ancient Traditions, Rich Heritage. Begin the day in the port city of Casablanca, Morocco’s largest metropolis and its commercial hub. Visit the stunning Hassan II Mosque, which accommodates up to 25,000 worshipers; its minaret stands as the tallest religious structure in the world. Then, travel to the Moorish city of Rabat, capital of Morocco, to visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of modern Morocco, grandfather of the current king. View the Mauresque-style Hassan Tower and Oudaya Kasbah, along with its palmdotted Andalusian garden. Continue to Fes for a special cocktail reception. Then, sit down to a welcome dinner, joined by a female professor who shares her insights on the role of women in modern Morocco, an A&Kexclusive experience. Palais Faraj Suites & Spa | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Fes | Timeless Medieval City. Explore Fes el-Bali (Old Fes), the cultural heart of Morocco. Founded in the eighth century by Moulay Idris I, this imperial capital was a renowned centre of medieval learning. Stroll the old quarter, with its 9,000 narrow lanes, alleys and souks, on a market visit of exceeding authenticity. Watching local craftsmen in action — working with bronze and pottery — makes for an engaging artisan visit as well. Proceed to the intricately detailed Karaouine. Built in 859 AD, it is one of the oldest still-functioning universities in the world. You also visit Nejjarine Square before continuing to Fes el-Jadid (New Fes), where you see the Royal Palace, madrasas (Islamic schools) and mellah (Jewish quarter). Palais Faraj Suites & Spa | Meals: BL

Day 4: Volubilis | Roman Ruins & Lunch at a Vineyard. Journey overland to explore Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. With its triumphal arches, basilicas and capitals, the Volubilis skyline brims with iconic examples of Roman architecture. Among its greatest treasures, however, are the mosaic floors of former family dwellings, which include depictions of Orpheus charming animals with his lyre, nine dolphins signifying good luck and a portrait of Amphitrite in a seahorse-drawn chariot. Proceed to a winery outside Meknes for a Chef’s Table experience at an on-site restaurant set among the region’s sunbathed vineyards and olive groves. Return to Fes, with your evening at leisure. Palais Faraj Suites & Spa | Meals: BL

Day 5: Erfoud | Desert Oasis. Travel to small, desert-fringed Erfoud, pausing for lunch en route and marvelling at everyday life as you pass Berber villages, endless date palm plantations and the majestic Atlas Mountains. After the day’s scenic drive, settle into your hotel before gathering for dinner this evening. Tonight’s meal is prepared with locally sourced, organic ingredients. L’Hotel by Chateau de Sable | Meals: BLD

Day 6: The Sahara | Into the Desert Dunes. This morning, discover the fortified desert town of Rissani. Continue into the desert dunes of the Sahara, at first by four-wheel-drive vehicle, amid stunning reddish-hued sand dunes that reach up to 150 metres high, creating an otherworldly landscape. Then, switch modes of transport and Ride Like a Local, camelback, to your nomadic tented camp, where a reception with mint tea and pastries awaits you. As the sun sets over the Saharan dunes, celebrate your unforgettable desert foray with a Scenic Sundowner. Return to your camp for a traditional meal before a campfire, along with distinctively Moroccan entertainment. Then, slumber in comfort as the sounds of the desert lull you to sleep.

A&K Exclusive Desert Tented Camp | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Ouarzazate | Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Journey overland to Ouarzazate, once a stopping point for African traders travelling to the cities of Morocco and Europe. En route, absorb stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains’ southern slopes, intersecting the Dades Valley’s flourishing crops, irrigation canals and palm trees. Travel along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to Ouarzazate and your delightful oasis of a hotel. Le Berbère Palace | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Ouarzazate | Door of the Desert. Begin the day in Ouarzazate, a city originally built as a French garrison in the 1920s. Today, it is a regional trade centre, known for its pottery and carpets. See the Kasbah of Tifoultoute, a majestic 17th-century fortress featuring a panoramic view of the valley of Ouarzazate and the scenic High Atlas Mountains. Continue to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home of the region’s most exotic kasbahs, some of which have been featured in films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator Le Berbère Palace | Meals: BLD

Day 9: Ouarzazate | Crossing the High Atlas Mountains. Journey over the High Atlas Mountains, observing everyday life in remote rural towns, to the fascinating “Red City” of Marrakech, where you check in to your luxurious hotel. Four Seasons Resort Marrakech | Meals: BLD

Day 10: Marrakech | Exploring the Red City. Today, begin to unearth the secrets of Marrakech, starting in the medina, the old walled section of town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at its architectural jewels, including the soaring Koutoubia Minaret. Then visit Dar Si Said Museum, originally built as a palace in the 19th century. Afterward, visit Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech’s main square, which is filled with orange juice stalls and vendors, along with acrobats, dancers and street musicians performing at every turn. You may also wish to stroll the city’s fabled, labyrinthine souks. Four Seasons Resort Marrakech | Meals: BL

Day 11: Marrakech | Design Your Day. Begin your day at Jardin Majorelle, a picturesque garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by design legend Yves Saint-Laurent. Stop at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum nearby for an up-close look at some of the famed designer’s creations. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

> Learn to Cook with Moroccan Spices with a cooking demonstration and tasting.

> Explore the Souks of Marrakech with an expert guide, walking narrow streets lined with centuries-old shops.

> Enjoy a Guided Walk of the Jewish Quarter, once a thriving centre of religious freedom and tolerance.

Tonight, attend a special farewell dinner with entertainment by a local gnaoua band. Four Seasons Resort Marrakech | Meals: BD

Day 12: Depart Marrakech. Transfer to the Marrakech airport and board your flight home, or join an Essaouira Post-Tour Extension. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

A&K Exclusive Desert Tented Camp

A nomad-style desert camp with en suite facilities.

Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

Travel + Leisure World’s Best hotel in a beautiful Moorish garden setting.

Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca

Travel + Leisure World’s Best hotel with traditional Moroccan accents.

Palais Faraj Suites & Spa

Boutique hotel set in a former palace featuring Arab-Andalusian design.

L’Hotel by Chateau de Sable

An oasis in the middle of the desert with a refreshing swimming pool.

Spacious, luxurious desert oasis built with flair in the Moroccan style.

Extend Your Journey

Essaouira Post-Tour Extension

Journey overland from Marrakech for two days exploring the seaside town of Essaouira, meandering through its medina filled with artisan workshops and driving the dramatic coastline to Casablanca.

Available on select departures. See website for details.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Egypt & the Nile

10 DAYS FROM $12,880

Journey to the heart of an ancient land that has captured the imagination of travellers for millennia. Follow in the footsteps of pharaohs, emperors and conquerors from Cairo to Luxor and along the Nile to

Day 1: Arrive Cairo, Egypt. Arrive in Cairo, where you are met by your A&K representative and transferred to your historic hotel ideally situated near the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World — the Great Pyramid of Giza. Marriott Mena House Hotel

Day 2: Cairo | Ancient Treasures. This morning, join your expert A&K Egyptologist for an exploration of the Grand Egyptian Museum to view its huge collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts. Tonight, gather with your fellow guests for a welcome dinner. Marriott Mena House Hotel | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Giza | The Pyramids & Sphinx. Today, roam the Giza Plateau, site of the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chephren as well as the Great Pyramid, built in the Fourth Dynasty (approximately 2690 BC). Revel in the opportunity to enter the interior of one of these legendary structures, and marvel at the massive stones used to construct them. Ride a camel across the sands of Giza, and then view the Great Sphinx backdropped by the pyramids, a setting that has captured the imaginations of adventurers for centuries. Marriott Mena House Hotel | Meals: BLD

Day 4: Luxor | Temple of Luxor & Valley of the Kings. Fly to Luxor, site of the ancient city of Thebes. Begin your day with a visit to the striking Temple of Luxor. View the three large statues of Ramses II along the front of the temple pylons, the Courtyard of Ramses II and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, with its 15-metre-high columns. Walk in their shadows, as visitors have done since antiquity, and ponder the astonishing feats of engineering it took to create them. Then, step aboard ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV,’ an elegant river cruiser renowned for the warmth and attentiveness of its service staff. Enjoy lunch on board before disembarking to explore the west bank of the Nile river and the Necropolis of Thebes, and view the Colossi of Memnon. Continue to the architecturally stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt’s first female pharaoh and regarded today as one of its most successful. Carry on to the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs and a UNESCO World Heritage site. For a period of 500 years beginning in the 16th century BC, tombs were built along this valley for pharaohs and nobles, including that of “the boy king,” Tutankhamun. Enter the tomb of Tutankhamun — found in 1922 by British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter — to discover the secrets of this storied chamber. Next, descend into the beautifully decorated tomb of Seti I, the father of Ramses II, one of the best-preserved tombs in the valley. ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’ | Meals: BLD

Day 5: Cruising the Nile | Luxor to Esna. Journey once more to the east bank of the Nile, this time visiting the Temple of Karnak, where generations of pharaohs wished to record their names. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall, strolling among its expertly aligned columns, which soar 25 metres high. This afternoon, cruise to Esna and visit the Temple of Khnum to marvel at its superb art and hieroglyphics. ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’ | Meals: BLD

Day 6: Cruising the Nile | Temple of Horus & Kom Ombo. Today, view the Temple of Horus, falcon-headed god of the sky. Built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III, this amazingly well-preserved and colourful structure reveals what temple worship in ancient Egypt was like. Back on board, learn to prepare local dishes during a Chef’s Table experience: a cooking lesson with an onboard chef. Later this afternoon, enjoy a refreshing Scenic Sundowner as you cruise to Kom Ombo. Disembark at Kom Ombo (hill of gold) to visit the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god), whom some ancient Egyptians considered the creator of the world. View the mummified remains of several crocodiles that once basked along the ancient Nile shore, just as their descendants do today. ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’ | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Aswan | Majestic Philae. Cruise to Aswan and proceed to the ancient granite quarries and site of the Unfinished Obelisk. Illustrating the skills of Egypt’s stonemasons, this monolith is taller than any other ancient Egyptian obelisk. Board a motorized boat to picturesque Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. A sacred complex dedicated to the goddess Isis, it reflects a fusion of three great civilizations: Egyptian, Greek and Roman. Later, Ride Like a Local around the Aswan Islands in a felucca (traditional sailboat). ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’ | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Abu Simbel | Temples of Ramses II & Nefertari. Today, bid farewell to ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV,’ disembarking to fly to Abu Simbel

and discover the commanding twin temples of Ramses II and his wife, Queen Nefertari. The former’s façade is dominated by four 20-metre-tall statues of the pharaoh. Perhaps even more impressive, this entire site was disassembled and moved here to save it from the floodwaters caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Return to Cairo for an evening at leisure. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza | Meals: B

Day 9: Cairo | Design Your Day. Drive to Sakkara, site of hundreds of tombs and 14 pyramids, including the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser. After lunch, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

> Discover Coptic Cairo, visiting a church built where the Holy Family stayed, as well as St. Barbara and the Church of the Virgin Mary.

> Tour Islamic Cairo, including a walk in El-Moaz Street, and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.

> View the Royal Mummies, and countless other artefacts , as you tour the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

This evening, gather with your fellow guests to reflect on your journey through Egypt and along the Nile at a farewell dinner. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza | Meals: BLD

Day 10: Depart Cairo. After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’

Award-winning luxury Nile cruiser, offering an Art Deco-inspired interior, 40 air-conditioned cabins, fine dining and impeccable service.

Marriott

Travel + Leisure World’s Best hotel conveniently set near the pyramids of Giza, featuring unparalleled views of its epic surroundings.

Extend Your Journey

Jordan Pre-Tour Extension

See the White City of Amman, the Roman ruins in Jerash, the Dead Sea, the Holy Land, and astonishing Petra, the ancient city cut from rose-red stone. Available on select departures. See website for details.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Petra to the Pyramids & a

Egypt’s awe-inspiring monuments, lush green Nile and a history that simply must be explored, makes it a mighty adventure. Meanwhile, Jordan has intrigued guests for centuries with its endless UNESCO World Heritage sites, welcoming villages

Day 1: Arrive Amman | Jordan. Arrive in Amman, where you are met by an A&K representative and privately transferred to your hotel.

The St. Regis Amman

Day 2: Aqaba | City of Mosaics. Proceed to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land he would never enter. Just beyond, Madaba — the “City of Mosaics” — reveals the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Land. Composed of two million pieces of coloured stone, it informed scholars about Jerusalem’s layout after its destruction and rebuilding in AD 70. Continue to Aqaba and check in to your hotel. Tonight, sit down to a special welcome dinner at the members-only Royal Yacht Club. Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Wadi Rum | In the Valley of the Moon. After a morning at leisure in Aqaba, travel to Wadi Rum — the “Valley of the Moon” — which you explore by 4x4, traversing rose-tinted vistas and visiting a place where Lawrence of Arabia once lived. Tonight, embrace Bedouin life with a Chef’s Table dinner beneath twinkling desert skies before returning to your hotel. Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea | Meals: BD

Day 4: Petra | The Rose-Red City. Explore stunning Petra, the ancient Nabataean city carved from solid rock. Enter through a narrow gap, the Siq, to view the majestic Treasury, Temple of the Winged Lions and Palace Tomb. Once a stop for camel caravans bearing spices and silk, Petra was lost for 1,000 years until it was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. After lunch, relax on a drive to your hotel along the shore of the Dead Sea. Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea | Meals: BLD

Day 5: The Dead Sea | Design Your Day. This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day options.

> Explore Third-Century Jerash, “Pompeii of the Middle East,” with its well-preserved Roman ruins, on foot.

> Explore Amman, visiting its historic downtown, the Citadel and the impressive Roman Theatre.

> Visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, known as the baptism site of Jesus.

Enjoy time at leisure, free to float in the restorative waters of the Dead Sea. Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea | Meals: BL

Day 6: Cairo, Egypt | Land of the Pharaohs. Fly to Cairo. This afternoon, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza | Meals: B Day 7: Luxor | Cruising the Nile, World’s Longest River. This morning, fly to Luxor and journey to the Temple of Karnak, where generations of pharaohs wished to record their names. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall with its expertly aligned columns, a sight to behold. Board ‘Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau,’ embarking on a three-night cruise to discover the Nile’s significant impact on ancient Egyptian civilization. After lunch, visit the striking Temple of Luxor. Along the front of the temple pylons, there were six large statues of Ramses II (of which three remain), while behind the East Tower is the Courtyard of Ramses II. Marvel at the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, which consists of 14 papyrus-headed columns, leading to the Court of Amenhotep III. ‘Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau’ | Meals: BLD

Days 8–9: Nile Cruise | Storied Structures. Discover the Valley of the Kings, the legendary burial ground of the pharaohs, including entrance into the tomb of “the boy king,” Tutankhamun. View the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut before returning to ‘Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau’. Continue cruising to the Temple of Horus, the falconheaded god. Built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III and having spent much of the modern era buried in sand and debris, this well-preserved and colourful structure reveals what temple worship in ancient Egypt was like. Sail toward Aswan while enjoying a Scenic Sundowner overlooking the Nile. ‘Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau’ | Meals: BLD

Day 10: Aswan | Riverine Heritage. Disembark in Aswan and ride a motorized boat to Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. Continue to the impressive granite quarries and site of the Unfinished Obelisk, thought to have belonged to Queen Hatshepsut or Queen Nefertiti. Arrive at your historic luxury hotel. Dating back to 1899, the property was built by Thomas Cook to house European travellers, among them Sir Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher and Agatha Christie, whose novel, Death on the Nile, included this Victorian palace. Board a felucca (traditional sailboat) and sail around Elephantine Island and dine in your hotel’s famed 1902 restaurant. Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan | Meals: BD

Day 11: Abu Simbel & Cairo | Twin Temples. Fly to Abu Simbel and discover the commanding twin temples of Ramses II — Egypt’s longestruling pharaoh — and his wife, Queen Nefertari. Located on the banks of Lake Nasser, this site is both an ancient and a modern engineering marvel. Return to the airport and fly to Cairo via Aswan. Check in to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza | Meals: B

Day 12: Cairo | Giza Plateau by Camel Back. This morning, visit the necropolis of Sakkara, site of the storied Step Pyramid of King Djoser and the oldest-known Egyptian pyramid. Then, join your expert A&K Egyptologist and discover the pyramids built for Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus on the Giza Plateau. Ride Like a Local, by camelback, as you take in the panorama of the Giza Plateau backdropped by the soaring pyramids. Also see the fabled Great Sphinx, a monumental limestone statue. Tonight, toast to your travels with fellow guests at a farewell dinner. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza | Meals: BLD

Day 13: Depart Cairo. Transfer to the airport and board your flight home. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Israel Pre-Tour Group Extension

Explore historic and biblical sites throughout Jerusalem and its Old City, including the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and visit Bethlehem on the West Bank.

Available on select departures. See website for details.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Acre

Caesarea

Tel Aviv

Jerusalem

Masada

Tiberias

Nazareth

Dead Sea

Jerash

Amman

Madaba/ Mount Nebo

Petra

Wadi Rum

Day 1: Arrive Amman, Jordan. Arrive in Amman, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Four Seasons Hotel Amman

Day 2: Amman & Jerash | Ancient Roman Streets. Today begins with a visit to Jerash, a city founded by Alexander the Great, to marvel at its Greco-Roman ruins. Walk the Roman cardo, viewing grooves made by chariot wheels. Return to Amman and, after lunch at a local restaurant, explore the city and its Citadel and Roman Theatre. Tonight, gather for a festive welcome dinner. Four Seasons Hotel Amman | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Mount Nebo/Madaba | Design Your Day. This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

> Set out on a walking tour of Amman to experience this fascinating, modern capital city from ground level.

> Visit the Royal Automobile Museum, home to King Hussein’s personal collection of cars and motorcycles.

> Relax in the Four Seasons Spa, indulging in the spa facilities and a 50-minute massage.

After lunch, journey to Mount Nebo, in the footsteps of Moses, for expansive views of the Holy Land. Proceed to Madaba, known as the “City of Mosaics” for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad examples. Finish the day with check-in at your hotel in close proximity to Petra. Mövenpick Resort Petra | Meals: BL

Day 4: Petra | From the Rose-Red City to Wadi Rum. Spend a full day exploring Petra, passing through the Siq to view the majestic Treasury, the Temple of the Winged Lions and the Palace Tomb. Once a rich merchant city and a stop for camel caravans bringing spices, silk and slaves from Arabia to the Mediterranean, Petra was lost for 1,000 years, emerging from antiquity in 1812 when it was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Later, depart for Wadi Rum — the Valley of the Moon — which, with its immense size, colour and aweinspiring shapes, creates an almost supernatural atmosphere. Tonight, experience a Bedouin dinner and stargazing at your comfortable desert camp. Palmera Camp | Meals: BLD

Day 5: Wadi Rum | Across the Valley of the Moon. This morning, venture into the rose-tinted mountains and marvellous desert vistas where T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) lived with his Bedouin friends and allies during World War I. Bedouin camps are evident in the wadi (valley), which is still home to a number of Bedouin families. Traverse Wadi Rum

by four-wheel-drive vehicle, and then Ride Like a Local, on camel back, to take in the stunning landscape in an unforgettable way. This afternoon, travel north to the Dead Sea and settle into your accommodations upon arrival. Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea | Meals: BL

Day 6: The Dead Sea | Bethany Beyond the Jordan. Today, visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan, known as the place of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. This UNESCO World Heritage site features Roman and Byzantine remains and is a place of pilgrimage for many. Return to your resort hotel for time at leisure and a float in the buoyant, mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea | Meals: B

Day 7: Jerusalem, Israel | The Garden of Gethsemane. Cross into Israel and drive to the Mount of Olives for a view over the Temple Mount (Al Haram el-Sharif). Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus is said to have prayed with his disciples before his crucifixion. Stroll Machane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s largest food market, which takes up an entire neighbourhood between Yafo and Agripas. Enjoy lunch and experience the market’s vibrant energy. After a full day, check in and later, dine at your hotel’s restaurant. The King David | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Jerusalem | Epicentre of Faiths. Join your expert local guide for a full day’s exploration of the Old City, first stopping at the Western Wall, one of Judaism’s most sacred sites. View the Temple Mount area with its Dome of the Rock. After lunch at a local café, walk along the Via Dolorosa, where Jesus carried the cross, arriving at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Later, visit the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book to view a portion of the Dead Sea Scrolls and see the Second Temple Model. As your day ends, view the city’s skyline with a Scenic Sundowner.

The King David | Meals: BL

Day 9: Bethlehem | Yad Vashem & Lunch in a Family Home. Visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to Holocaust victims and witness how its striking art and architecture frame compelling exhibits devoted to remembrance, research and education. Drive to Bethlehem, located in the West Bank, for a lunch served in the home of a local family, providing a unique opportunity to engage in authentic cultural interaction, on an A&K-exclusive Chef’s Table experience. Then, visit the Church of the Nativity, a sixth-century basilica that stands over a cave held to be the birthplace of Jesus. Dine tonight at a top restaurant in Jerusalem. The King David | Meals: BLD

Day 10: Masada | Zealot Stronghold. Explore Masada, built by King Herod in 31 BC atop a rocky plateau with views of the Dead Sea. Take a cable car up to this final stronghold, where Jewish Zealots made their last stand against the Romans, ultimately taking their own lives rather than becoming enslaved. Return to Jerusalem for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. The King David | Meals: BL

Day 11: Acre & Nazareth | Jesus’ Boyhood Town. Drive to Acre, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s oldest ports, to see the Crusader Halls, markets and the old town. Then, journey to Jesus’ boyhood town of Nazareth. After lunch, visit the Church of the Annunciation, built on the traditional site of Mary and Joseph’s home. Continue to Tiberias and your hotel, which occupies a historic building along the Sea of Galilee. Prior to dinner, experience an artisanal wine talk and tasting organized by a professional sommelier. Scots Hotel | Meals: BLD Day 12: Sea of Galilee | In the Footsteps of Jesus. Embark on a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. View the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount, and stop at Capernaum to see the remains of the ancient synagogue where Jesus taught as well as St. Peter’s house, which was later converted into a church. After lunch, drive to the Golan Heights to learn about the rich history and strategic importance of this rugged landscape. A source of the Jordan River, it was home to the Tribe of Dan and has remains dating to the Roman, Hellenistic and Persian periods. Gather tonight for a memorable farewell dinner. Scots Hotel | Meals: BLD Days 13–14: Tel Aviv & Jaffa | Artist Quarter. Visit Caesarea, built to honour Augustus Caesar and later occupied by the Crusaders. Discover Israel’s largest city, Tel Aviv. Located along a beautiful stretch of beach on the Mediterranean, Tel Aviv is a busy metropolis that inspires visitors with a unique and energetic atmosphere. Set out on a walking tour of Jaffa, an ancient port town that has become a noted artists’ colony, located just south of Tel Aviv. The next day, transfer to the Tel Aviv airport for your departing flight. Dan Tel Aviv Hotel | Meals: BL (Day 13), B (Day 14)

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Saudi Arabia: Desert Kingdoms

The birthplace and spiritual home of Islam, Saudi Arabia is a mysterious desert kingdom that has been closed to much of the outside world until recently. On this journey you’ll discover the hidden delights of uncharted territory on an exclusive glimpse at a realm veiled in secrecy. Encounter the carved temples of Hegra, known as the second Petra, and stand in awe of the sophisticated rock art of Jubbah, some of the kingdom’s greatest pre-Islamic treasures. Explore fascinating Riyadh, a showpiece for modern Saudi Arabia, while the World Heritage coral architecture of Jeddah reveals a bustling pilgrim port on the glistening Red Sea. From the capital’s lively centre to the mud-brick village of AlUla, rock art galleries and contemporary museums, Saudi Arabia conceals a host of architectural and ancient icons.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the mysterious mountain and desert landscapes of AlUla, and the surrounding breathtaking sites including Hegra, Al Ragasat and Elephant Rock

Visit ancient monuments and wonders, including Jeddah’s ‘Floating Mosque’

Attend a special guest lecture by an esteemed local expert

Be immersed in the local language with a Thamudic script demonstration

Savour Saudi hospitality as you sit down to a traditional lunch at a local farm

Witness a captivating demonstration of Saudi dance alongside a flavourful farewell dinner

Typically features a small group size of 10–12 guests

Day 1: Arrive Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Arrive in Saudi Arabia’s buzzing capital where you are met by A&K and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. Riyadh is one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Once a walled, mud-brick way station along desert trading routes, it is now a modern metropolis that is changing at a rapid rate. Freshen up before an arrival briefing followed by a welcome dinner with your Resident Tour Director. Ritz Carlton Riyadh | Meals: D

Day 2: Riyadh | Ancient Crossroads Meets Modern Powerhouse. Start your day by visiting UNESCO World Heritage listed At-Turaif, Diriyyah on the outskirts of Riyadh, said to be the birthplace of the first Saudi state and the current home of the royal family. Take a walk through the old town to admire its many ancient ruins including the once-splendid palace, houses and marketplace, before continuing on to Musmak Fort, in Riyadh’s old quarter. Afterwards, explore Dirah Souq, a market famed for colourful textiles, before stopping for lunch.

This afternoon, be guided through the National Museum, a national treasure that tells the complete story of Arabian history. Continue to Murabba Palace, built by King Abdul Aziz in 1937 and afterwards, discover Saudi fashion on a visit to the Kingdom Tower shopping mall. Travellers will be fascinated by a women-only shopping mall, where there are opportunities to meet local women who will share their stories and insight into life in the kingdom.

This evening, meet a special guest from within the antiquities, finance or creative sectors, learning about their projects, their impact and how work has changed over recent years. Ritz Carlton Riyadh | Meals: BL

Day 3: Hail | Ancient Rock Art at the Crossroads of History. This morning fly north-west to Hail in the Shammar mountain region. Visit UNESCO World Heritage listed Jabal Umm Sinman, Jubbah, where magnificent rock carvings and petroglyphs adorn the surrounding sandstone outcrops depicting thousand-year-old illustrations of camels, lions and other wildlife.

A historic crossroads of trade, especially during the Hajj season when camel caravans passed through, Hail has played an intriguing role in the history of modern Saudi Arabia and is home to a buzzing souq. Be treated to some Saudi hospitality and learn about the importance of camels in Saudi culture as you sit down to a traditional farm lunch.

Return to Hail and pay a visit to Qeshla Palace, admiring the monumental structure from the outside before exploring the ancient A’arif Fort. Afterwards, meet with Fraih Al Shummari, a local guide, and his family, who will immerse you in the local language with a written demonstration of the elegant Thamudic script. Millennium Hotel Hail | Meals: BLD

Day 4: AlUla | Legendary Landscapes and the Mirrored Desert. This morning, visit the intriguing Hail Local Heritage Museum, the private museum of a local resident set in a traditional Najd house. Peruse his eclectic collection and glimpse a bygone era. Drive to AlUla for lunch with your fellow travellers at the Harrat Viewpoint to take in the epic landscape. Visit the city of Dadan which was built meticulously from stone and sits astride the valley’s oasis. After exploring the ruins, drive to Jabal Ikmah and view the rock art and petroglyphs set in a stunning desert canyon.

Later, witness the sunset reflecting on the 9,740 mirrored panels at Maraya. This beautiful piece of art is set in the desert canyon of Ashar Valley and is designed to blend into the surrounding landscape like a mirage. It has been the setting for spectacular concerts and thrilling performances to art residency programs and arthouse films. Enjoy dinner tonight in the Old Town. Habitas AlUla | Meals: BLD Day 5: AlUla l Towering Ancient Monuments. Spend your morning exploring the wonders of UNESCO World Heritage listed Hegra. The southernmost settlement of the Nabataean Kingdom, the city was known as ‘Al Hijr’ during ancient times and was once a stopover on the trade route. The site spreads over 2000 square metres, with an abundance of relics and rock-cut tombs. Discover the Nabatean Well, Qasr Al Bint, Diwan Tomb, and Al Farid Palace as well as the preserved railway station.

After lunch adventure to Al Ragasat and its towering carved rosecoloured sandstone mountains, known as ‘The Dancers’. This evening, embark on an exhilarating helicopter flight over the surrounding landscape taking in breathtaking aerial views of AlUla. Habitas AlUla | Meals: BLD Day 6: AlUla | Desert Oasis and Stargazing. This morning, explore the Heritage Oasis Trail. This lush haven in the midst of the windswept Saudi Arabian desert has provided life to AlUla’s residents, weary travellers, flora and fauna for thousands of years. Learn firsthand about the landscape from local farmers. Visit their fields to understand the ideal conditions for growing local produce in this climate before lunch.

This evening it’s off to the iconic ‘Elephant Rock’ monolithic sandstone rock formation that stands three stories high. Have dinner and drinks

basking in the golden sunset from this spectacular vantage point. Far from city lights, vast open spaces in remote desert lands create some of the world’s most enviable dark skies, making AlUla an idyllic locale for star watching. A local expert guide will lead your stargazing experience, regaling you with Saudi stories of the night sky. Habitas AlUla | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Jeddah l Captivating Port City. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s commercial capital and the main gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. Your first stop in this cosmopolitan city is the open-air museum on the Corniche where you can admire an extraordinary array of modern sculptures ranging from traditional Arabic designs to the abstract and monumental.

Afterwards, gaze upon the ‘floating mosque’ and pause to take in the spectacular views over the Red Sea. Next, discover King Fahd’s Fountain, also known as Jeddah Fountain, which is the tallest of its kind in the world, shooting saltwater from the Red Sea 300 metres into the air. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Ritz Carlton Jeddah | Meals: B

Day 8: Jeddah l Ancient City Explorations & Design Your Day. This morning, be led on a tour of UNESCO World Heritage listed Jeddah’s traditional architecture. Visit some of the old Ottoman houses, constructed from coral and reinforced with wooden beams, including Nasif House, which was built in the 1850’s by the distinguished Nasif Family, influential traders. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

> Explore Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum, showcasing the 2,500-yearold history of the city. Exhibitions span the history of the pre-Islamic era, pre-modern civilisations and the rich Islamic cultural heritage.

> Gaze at geological wonders while exploring majestic Moon Valley, known for its unique rock formations that have naturally formed over millions of years.

> Jeddah boasts some of Saudi Arabia’s best beaches. Escape the city to relax in the sun or explore the underwater tropical forest on a snorkelling adventure.

Return to the hotel for your farewell dinner accompanied by a traditional dance performance. Ritz Carlton Jeddah | Meals: BD

Day 9: Depart Jeddah. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Meals: B

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Taj Mahal & the Treasures

India is a lively land of vivid colours and endless activity. It is also a profoundly spiritual place with a proud heritage and extraordinarily diverse scenery.

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai, India. Arrive in Mumbai, where an A&K representative meets and transfers you to your iconic hotel. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

Day 2: Mumbai | The Gateway of India. Explore the city’s classic sites, including the Gateway of India, a 26 metre-high arch whose design reflects India’s Muslim and Hindu traditions. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum and Mani Bhawan, a museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, see the Dhobi Ghat, the largest open-air laundry in the world and a wonderfully colourful spectacle to behold. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai | Meals: BD Days 3–4: Udaipur | Cruise to Jag Mandir. Fly to Udaipur and settle into your stunning palace hotel set in the middle of scenic Lake Pichola.

Relax this afternoon before embarking on a private cruise past Jag Mandir, a marble palace on an island in Lake Pichola. Then, admire the vibrant sunset from your island hotel on a Scenic Sundowner followed by dinner. The next morning, visit the stunning City Palace, a marble complex that offers unforgettable views of the lake and its surroundings. Continue to the Crystal Gallery in Fateh Prakash Palace. Stroll through the Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour) before returning to the hotel. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur | Meals: BD (Day 3); BL (Day 4) Days 5–6: Jaipur | Design Your Day. Fly to Jaipur and check in to your hotel, the former residence of the Maharajah of Jaipur. Later, explore the City Palace, a unique and arresting complex of several palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples. Located within the palace’s gates

is the Mubarak Mahal, or “Auspicious Palace,” which contains textiles including the royal formal costumes, Sanganeri block prints, Kashmiri pashminas and silk saris. Then, visit Jantar Mantar, an open-air array of astronomical instruments. The next day, view the Palace of the Winds — built so the women of the royal household could observe street life without being seen. Proceed to explore the beautiful Mughal-style Amber Fort. This red sandstone and marble palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

> Practice Yoga During a Private Session at Rambagh Palace.

> Visit Digantar Vidyalay to interact with the students at an innovative school supported by A&K Philanthropy.

> Discover the bazaars of Jaipur, taking in the vibe of local life and shopping for keepsakes from your journey.

Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur | Meals: BD (Day 5); BL (Day 6)

Days 7–8: Agra | Visions of the Taj Mahal. Drive to Agra, observing the colourful rural life of Rajasthan on your journey. Upon arrival, catch your first glimpse of the breathtaking Taj Mahal from your luxurious room. Visit the Taj Mahal in the late afternoon, as the setting sun bathes it in a soft orange glow. Return the next morning, when the rising sun lends a warm pink tint to its marble face. Visit the Agra Fort, once the prison of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal after the death of his beloved wife. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra | Meals: BL (Day 7); BD (Day 8)

Day 9: Panna National Park | Into the Wild. Depart by express train to Jhansi. After lunch, continue to remote Panna National Park, a haven for India’s wildlife, and check in to your wilderness lodge. Then, on an A&K-exclusive experience, meet with a member of the nomadic Pardhi community to learn about their role in the continuing effort to repopulate Panna National Park with the majestic Bengal tiger. Pashan Garh, Panna National Park | Meals: BLD

Day 10: Panna National Park | Tiger Tracking. Rise early for a game drive in Panna National Park aboard a four-wheel-drive vehicle, spotting crocodiles or perhaps the elusive Bengal tiger. Learn how a successful conservation program has grown the park’s tiger population, increasing the odds of a sighting. Return to the lodge to savour a Chef’s Table experience featuring an Indian cooking demonstration, as your lodge’s chef prepares local delicacies for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before returning to Pashan Garh for dinner. Pashan Garh, Panna National Park | Meals: BLD

Day 11: Khajuraho & Varanasi | India’s Holiest City. Drive to Khajuraho to see all of life — joy, love, divinity, war — depicted in detail on every inch of its 85 Hindu and Jain temples. Then, fly to Varanasi, a city of more than a thousand temples and shrines, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. At dusk, beside the Ganges River, witness the aarti ceremony. Chanted prayers and rhythmic drumming fill the air as you watch lantern-bearing priests bid the gods and goddesses a restful slumber. Taj Ganges, Varanasi | Meals: BLD

Day 12: Varanasi & Delhi | Private Sunrise River Cruise. Rise early for a private sunrise cruise on the Ganges River to observe activity along the ghats (stone steps leading down to the river), where locals and pilgrims cleanse themselves, literally and spiritually. Later, fly to Delhi for a farewell dinner. The Oberoi, New Delhi | Meals: BD

Day 13: Delhi | Exploring the Old & the New. Visit the great Jama Masjid, the most important mosque in India. Completed in 1656, its two minarets each stand 40 metres tall. Then, Ride Like a Local by rickshaw through the narrow alleys and stalls of Chandni Chowk bazaar, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. Like Jama Masjid, it dates to the era of Shah Jahan and today is a vital part of everyday life here — frequented by locals and a must-see destination for visitors. After lunch, tour New Delhi, including Humayun’s Tomb, the last resting place of an esteemed 16th-century Mughal emperor and an architectural precursor of the Taj Mahal. The Oberoi, New Delhi | Meals: BL

Day 14: Depart Delhi. Transfer to the airport early this morning for your flight home, or begin your post-tour extension to Kathmandu. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Historic palace on Lake Pichola, a Travel + Leisure World’s Best hotel.

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra Travel + Leisure World’s Best hotel with views of the nearby Taj Mahal.

The Oberoi, New Delhi Iconic luxury hotel conveniently located in the heart of the city.

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Once residence of a maharajah, now a Travel + Leisure World’s Best hotel.

Pashan Garh, Panna National Park

A luxury lodge with 12 cottages in Panna National Park.

The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai Iconic, historic hotel located next to the Gateway of India.

Taj Ganges, Varanasi

Contemporary hotel set on 12 acres of elegantly landscaped gardens.

Extend Your Journey

Nepal & Kathmandu Post-Tour Extension

Visit Buddhist shrines and Hindu temples in the heart of the Himalaya. Walk with Tibetan pilgrims at Boudhanath stupa, Explore Bhaktapur, the “City of Devotees” and see Mount Everest from the air. Available on select departures. See website for details.

Experience the Pushkar Fair

Experience India at its most vibrant on four special departures that feature two extra nights in Pushkar to attend the Pushkar Fair, a beloved and colourful festival centred around an annual livestock sale. Contact A&K for more details.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive Chennai, India. Welcome to Chennai (formerly Madras) where you are met by A&K and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. A bustling hub situated on the Bay of Bengal, Chennai showcases India’s artistic, religious and culinary traditions, with many museums and temples to explore and deliciously authentic delicacies to sample. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Taj Connemara

Day 2: Chennai | Colonial Madras. After breakfast meet your Resident Tour Director for a briefing along with your fellow travellers. Take a walking tour and discover colonial Madras through the buildings left behind by the British. Then zigzag your way through the bustling bylanes of vibrant Georgetown with your guide pointing out the fresh produce and colourful market stalls, pausing along the way to taste handpicked street food treats. Finish the day at Marina Beach at sunset, before a wholesome welcome dinner held at award-winning restaurant, The Raintree. Taj Connemara | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Mahabalipuram | World Heritage Wonders. Travel south to the ancient Pallava capital of Mahabalipuram, site of the UNESCO World Heritage listed cave temples, bas-relief sculptures, pillared halls carved out of the rocky hillside and the delightful shore temple. After a lunch of southern Indian delicacies, head to Puducherry and your hotel in the French Quarter. Palais de Mahe | Meals: BLD

Day 4: Puducherry | Local Flavours. Explore ‘Pondy’ on foot, starting in the French Quarter admiring the wide shady streets, colonial architecture and soft pastel-colours. Pause at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by the Indian philosopher, yogi, guru, poet and nationalist Sri Aurobindo in 1926, and today a community of more than 1,200 devotees. The main building houses the mortal remains of Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator, ‘the Mother’ in a marble mausoleum.

This evening, visit a local market with a chef who will provide important tips on the selection of fresh ingredients before joining kitchen staff at your hotel in preparing dinner which, as per tradition, is served in the kitchen. Palais de Mahe | Meals: BD

Day 5: Puducherry | The Legend of Auroville. Travel to the nearby New Age community of Auroville. It was founded in 1968 and attracts devotees of Sri Aurobindo from over 45 nations. You will also have a chance to wander through the site and visit Mohanam Cultural Centre which is preserving the rich cultural heritage of South India. The rest of the day is your own to explore, or relax in your hotel. Palais de Mahe | Meals: B

Day 6: Thanjavur | Nataraja Temple. Drive further south to Thanjavur (formerly Tanjore), the ancient Chola capital, stopping on the way in Chidambaram to visit the vibrant Nataraja Temple, famed for its bronze dancing Shiva. Observe the daily Brahmin rituals at shrines throughout the

40-acre complex. Thanjavur is home to many magnificent temples and shrines, making it one of the most important and most visited historical sites in India today. Svatma | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Thanjavur | Dravidian Temple Architecture. Spend some time today admiring the 11th century Brihadisvara Temple, one of India’s most spectacular. Seek out its elaborate stucco sculptures, shrines and statues and the exquisite Chola frescoes. Later, stroll through the 14th century Tanjore Palace built for Maratha royalty and meet artisans who craft the melodious veena, a musical instrument carved from a single piece of jackwood. Watch master painters at work perfecting the classical Thanjavur style and bronze sculptors whose techniques have changed little since the Chola period. Enjoy time at leisure where you may choose to indulge in the facilities of the hotel before dinner. Svatma | Meals: BD

Day 8: Karaikudi | Chettinad Cuisine and Culture. Journey on to the Chettinad region, home to a prosperous banking and business community and a remarkable cuisine, one of Tamil Nadu’s most famous. Take a bullock to lunch where you’ll savour subtle and aromatic local flavours followed by a visit to a tile factory and a weaving centre to admire soft cotton sarees before continuing to Madurai. This evening, savour a sundowner on the magnificent Moon Deck, admiring spectacular city views. The Gateway Pasumalai | Meals: BLD

Day 9: Madurai | Design Your Day. Step out into vibrant Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Famous for temples built in the Dravidian style, Madurai is also home to a maze of markets and museums. This afternoon, chose from a selection of Design Your Day activities:

> Visit a potter’s village to observe their artistic skill and discover mystifying stories from the potters who breathe life into clay models.

> Head out on a food trail, experiencing Madurai’s lively food scene experiencing some of its recorded history that spans two millennia.

> Join a local expert on a stroll through this ancient city and discover stories that span the length of time some set a millennia ago, some more recent.

This evening travel like a local by tuk tuk to witness the aarti Hindu prayer ceremony at the 12th century Meenakshi Temple, a multi-tiered, dazzling wonder, heaving with carved mythical figures and devout pilgrims. The Gateway Pasumalai | Meals: B

Day 10: Munnar | Western Ghats. Your journey continues into Kerala and the lush Western Ghats to Munnar, a city surrounded by rolling hills, carpeted in emerald green tea plantations. After settling into your old-world plantation retreat, stroll around the estate with an expert naturalist who will identify the local flora and fauna. Windermere Estate | Meals: BLD

Day 11: Munnar | Tea Immersion. Discover a world of tea today as you witness the complete process from leaf plucking and processing to packaging and pouring. Visit the tea gardens, see the plantation workers and their villages, taste the various grades and enjoy the opportunity to ‘make your own brew’. Afterwards, visit a nearby village to experience local regional life and admire houses amidst the rolling green hills.

This evening, enjoy some lively conversation with the planter’s family over high tea in the hotel. Windermere Estate | Meals: BLD

Day 12: Kochi | Capital of Kerala. Drive through scenic countryside where rubber trees grow and spices are cultivated to Kochi (formerly Cochin), known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Set on a magnificent estuary, serene Kochi has been drawing traders, explorers and travellers to its shores for over 600 years. After lunch with your group, the afternoon is yours to explore. This evening motor around the harbour and soak up the sunset. Brunton Boatyard | Meals: BL

Day 13: Kochi | Oldest European Settlement in India. Spend the morning with a local expert as Kochi comes to life. Watch as the fishermen reveal their catch before the morning hustle at the fish market. Have tea at a local chaikadda, then pay a visit to the Soviet-era communist reading rooms. Take a ride on the local ferry to Ernakulam, where you can catch all the action of the local market and pay a visit to the city’s namesake temple.

After breakfast, visit one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in India, decorated with blue ceramic Chinese tiles and surrounded by an aromatic spice market and the boutiques of Jewtown. See the story of the Ramayana depicted in the wonderful murals at charming Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) and visit St. Francis Church, both of which were erected by the Portuguese in the 16th century. On the harbour shore, see the cantilevered fishing nets brought from southern China by traders — a testament to the centuries old link between these regions.

This afternoon is at leisure before absorbing Kerala’s Hindu culture at a Kathakali performance. See the elaborate make-up process before the show, an extravagant display of costumes and expressive dance. Brunton Boatyard | Meals: B

Day 14: Kochi | Design Your Day. Today, personalise your travel experience with a selection of Design Your Day adventures.

> Enjoy a day in the Backwaters. Cycle to a market to taste local fruits and delicacies, cruise leisurely down palm-lined canals, lunch on typical Keralan fare with a local family and admire the impressive craftsmanship of local boat builders.

> Meet a local cook and food consultant, Nimmy, who shares her Syrian Christian heritage through homecooked food.

> Tour the city with a local expert who shares the heritage and history of the Malabar Coast through its temples, mosques, palaces and museums.

Return to your hotel for a farewell dinner. Brunton Boatyard | Meals: BD Day 15: Depart Kochi. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Taj Connemara,

Luxury hotel that offers all the modernday comforts in an opulent interior

Svatma,

Indulgent, restored heritage residence located in the heart of the city.

the Western Ghats.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Anuradhapura

Dambulla

Kandy

SRI LANKA

Nuwara Eliya

Day 1: Arrive Colombo, Sri Lanka. Welcome to Sri Lanka, arriving in the charismatic capital of Colombo where you are met with a warm A&K welcome, fast tracked through arrivals and privately transferred to your boutique hotel. Colombo boasts a rich colonial heritage, and is a melting pot of religion and cultures with a wide array of Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques and churches reflecting the various beliefs. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Uga Residence

Day 2: Colombo | Seaside Colonial City. This morning, meet with your Resident Tour Director and fellow travellers for a tour briefing before exploring the island’s capital like a local — by tuk tuk. Weave your way through the city’s bustling bazaars and past landmark monuments before finishing at Galle Face Green, to soak up the Indian Ocean views. Wander back to your hotel for a breather before meeting Colombo local, and passionate photographer, Mark Forbes, your escort on a captivating walk through the old town bringing the city’s multifaceted history to life. See the 17th century Dutch Hospital,

Colombo Fort, charming colonial mansions and wind up at a speakeasy for arrack-themed cocktails. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner where a culinary curator introduces you to Sri Lankan home cooking. Uga Residence | Meals: BD

Day 3: Colombo | Tropical Modernism. Before leaving the city, make a short stop at No.11 Bawa Residence, designed and built by the great Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa in the 1960s. An essay in architectural bricolage, the house was built from four smaller bungalows that Bawa bought and combined over a period of years.

Continue your journey to the Cultural Triangle in the centre of the country where ancient World Heritage sites abound and your secluded island sanctuary accommodation awaits. Settle in before enjoying dinner accompanied by special guest Dr. Shanti Jayewardene, an Oxfordeducated Sri Lankan architect, historian and critic. She will provide an incredible understanding of Sri Lanka’s anthropology, architecture, history and politics in an accessible way. Ulagalla Resort | Meals: BD

Day 4: Cultural Triangle | Design Your Day. Start the day with a visit the organic garden to pick fresh produce for use in a cooking demonstration at the resort’s traditional hearth kitchen. Watch as your fresh ingredients are transformed into Sri Lankan delicacies which you’ll savour over lunch. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

> Travel like a local on a village tuk tuk. Enjoy an afternoon discovering the best the city has to offer, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and day-to-day goings-on.

> Take to the waters of the Wannemaduwa Tank in a kayak to experience the breathtaking wildlife of the forest up close at a time when it’s most active as the sun goes down.

> Under the guidance of a local, learn how to craft, launch and fly a bamboo and paper kite of classic Sri Lankan design.

Ulagalla Resort | Meals: BLD

Day 5: Cultural Triangle | Cradle of Buddhism. Discover a world of ancient ruins today in the Cultural Triangle. Start at one of southeast Asia’s most impressive sites — Anuradhapura — the country’s first ancient capital which dates from the 5th century BC. Marvel at giant stupas, a vast statue of Buddha and receive a blessing near the sacred Bodhi tree, the oldest recorded, planted in 236 BC. This afternoon climb up to the spot where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka — at the summit of Mihintale — and admire the religious monuments and views.

Return to the hotel for time at leisure before enjoying a special barbecue dinner by the pool at the hotel. Ulagalla Resort | Meals: BLD

Day 6: Cultural Triangle | Ancient Temples and Forts. Delve further into the Cultural Triangle at World Heritage listed Polonnaruwa, an interesting blend of Buddhist and Hindu archaeological monuments. Don’t miss the famous Gal Viharaya or “Rock Temple”, which comprises four colossal statues of Buddha cut into the stone.

This afternoon, visit Minneriya National Park for a game drive with a local tracker for a chance to see elephants and, if lucky, the purple-faced langur and toque macaque which are endemic to Sri Lanka. Afterwards, travel to your hotel and settle in with a group dinner at the in-house restaurant. Water Garden | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Sigiriya | Ruined Fortified City. Rise early for an exhilarating hot air balloon ride over the surrounding landscape, glimpsing Sigiriya from above (additional cost, paid locally). Then, climb the steep stairs 200 metres up through the Lion Gate to the top of the imposing fifth century rock fortress admiring the water gardens, moats and ancient frescoes on the way. Soak up the unparalleled 360-degree views of the surrounding jungle and hills before returning to the hotel.

This afternoon, meet a farmer and his family to enjoy a home cooked Sri Lankan lunch, indulging in delicious traditional fare and savouring the locally grown ingredients. Water Garden | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Dambulla | Buddhist Cave Temples. An early start to visit the extraordinary World Heritage listed Buddhist cave temples at Dambulla, with statues and murals dating back to the first century BC representing Sinhalese Buddhist art at its best. Continue south to Kandy, the country’s cultural capital with sundowners and a traditional Kandyan cultural performance this evening with an opportunity to meet the dancers afterward. Jetwing Kandy Gallery | Meals: BD

Day 9: Kandy | Temple of the Tooth. Join well known botanist Bandara Palipana at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya for a guided walk through the extraordinary botanical collection, comprising over 4,000 plant species, including a priceless collection of 300 varieties of orchids.

Relax for the remainder of the day before a pooja ceremony this evening at the sacred Temple of the Tooth, the city’s most famous landmark. Amid scents of lotus and jasmine, join monks and pilgrims who gather to make offerings to the Buddha. Afterwards, enjoy VIP entry to the inner “Shrine Room” where the sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha is kept. Jetwing Kandy Gallery | Meals: B

Day 10: Nuwara Eliya | The World of Ceylon Tea. Travel through the misty highlands into hill country, past lush tea estates and scenic waterfalls. Lunch in Nuwara Eliya before an afternoon “Tea Experience”. Visit tea plantations and a factory to learn from an expert about the journey from planting and

plucking, to manufacturing, grading and processing, and finally a tasting. This evening indulge in a delicious tea-themed dinner at your luxurious hotel, a converted tea factory. Heritance Tea Factory | Meals: BLD

Day 11: Nuwara Eliya | Design Your Day. Today, choose your own adventure with Design Your Day activities:

> Spot sambar deer, mammals, reptiles, as well as endemic monkeys and birds, and take in the breathtaking view from World’s End on a trek in Horton Plains National Park.

> Take a scenic train ride through the heart of tea country to the hill station of Ella, Considered one of the most beautiful railway journeys through the highlands of Sri Lanka.

> Ramble through the tea fields on a plantation tour led by a knowledgeable guide to gain an in-depth understanding of how tea is grown, plucked and the processed.

Heritance Tea Factory | Meals: BD

Day 12: Galle | Colonial Walled City. Journey south to the colonial seaside city of Galle arriving in time to savour the sunset at the ramparts of the heritage listed Galle Fort. Dine in a local home for an evening of Sri Lankan family cuisine and warm hospitality. Le Grand Galle | Meals: BLD Day 13: Galle | Craft & Heritage Walk. Join local archaeologist and heritage expert, Tharanga, on an absorbing walking tour of the Galle Fort. Built by the Dutch in 1663, the fort is the largest remaining European fortress in Asia.

Refuel on refreshments at an old Dutch house and meet the family who have lived there for generations. Seek out local arts and crafts, textiles, jewellery, homewares and Sri Lankan delicacies as you wander the cobbled streets. In the afternoon meet traditional mask makers and admire the skill of their carving before trying your hand at this age-old craft. A farewell dinner is planned this evening at your hotel. Le Grand Galle | Meals: BD

Day 14: Depart Colombo. Transfer to Colombo for your departure flight. Meals: B

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Images of Indochina & Angkor Wat

13 DAYS FROM $14,330

2023 DEPARTURE DATES: Jan 5–17, Jan 12–24, Jan 29–Feb 10, Feb 16–28, Mar 2–14, Mar 23–Apr 4, Apr 6–18, Sep 28–Oct 10, Oct 12–24, Oct 19–31, Oct 26–Nov 7, Nov 9–21, Nov 30–Dec 12, Dec 7–19, Dec 21–Jan 2, 2024

Join this breathtaking journey to four of Southeast Asia’s most intriguing destinations, each with their own world class attractions. Admire the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay and its extraordinary limestone pinnacles, the tree-lined boulevards and colonial villas of Hanoi and vibrant Saigon. Marvel at the extraordinary ancient temples of Angkor and the sleepy pace of Luang Prabang. The adventure culminates in buzzing Bangkok where you’ll soak up the river views at your landmark hotel. At every turn you’ll enjoy the fresh flavours of the subtly spiced local cuisine and be warmly welcomed by some of the friendliest people

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam. Arrive in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and transfer to your colonial-style hotel. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi | Exploring the Historic Old Quarter. Hanoi is the country’s cultural heart, bearing traces of centuries of changing dynasties. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s house, a simple structure that served as home to the revolutionary guerrilla leader. After lunch, visit the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison, where American prisoners of war were once confined, and hear from a war veteran about his first-hand experiences. Ride Like a Local by cyclo through the city’s Old Quarter. This evening, gather with your fellow guests for a welcome dinner. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Ha Long Bay | Cruising Among the Karsts. Travel to Hai Phong, where you board ‘Orchid’ for a cruise of picturesque Ha Long Bay. Relax on deck as ‘Orchid’ snakes her way past countless islets, their striking karsts (limestone formations) rising dramatically from the emerald waters. Disembark on Cat Ba Island and discover Trung Trang Cave’s intricate features, formed over millennia. Back on board ‘Orchid,’ view the sunset framed against the Gulf of Tonkin shoreline, followed by dinner aboard. ‘Orchid’ | Meals: BLD

Day 4: Ha Long Bay & Ho Chi Minh City | Sunrise Tai Chi. Greet the day on deck with sunrise tai chi overlooking the bay. Set out for an early morning kayak excursion among the towering limestone pinnacles. Return for brunch on board as ‘Orchid’ sails home to port in Hai Phong. Back on terra firma, proceed to Hang Kenh temple and take in a local water puppet show. Later, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon, where you settle in at your hotel. The Reverie Saigon | Meals: BL

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City | Vibrant, Evocative Saigon. Experiencing a resurgence of art and culture, Ho Chi Minh City is a lively, evocative hub of activity. Rise early for a curated, A&K-exclusive experience that starts with a cyclo ride through the streets as the city slowly comes to life. Stroll through Tao Dan Park, a neighbourhood gathering place, and then enjoy specialty Vietnamese coffee at a local shop. Continue along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street to visit a little-known, hard-to-find weapons bunker. Round out your morning exploration of local life by sampling some of the city’s most sensational pho at one of its best-kept-secret restaurants. Return to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure. At lunch, participate in a Chef’s Table experience where you try your hand at making banh khot, a savoury Vietnamese pancake. This afternoon, view examples of the city’s colonial legacy, including Reunification Palace and the Central Post Office, and then explore a Cao Dai temple. Tonight, gather for dinner at a local culinary hot spot. The Reverie Saigon | Meals: BLD

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City | Design Your Day. Today, venture outside of the city to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and speak with a former Vietcong soldier, learning how this vast subterranean network was used to conceal and support a stealthy underground fighting force. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

> Visit the War Remnants Museum to view photographs from Bunyo Ishikawa, a Vietnam War photojournalist, followed by a walking tour of a historic neighbourhood.

> Explore the City’s Bustling Culinary Scene, sampling traditional dishes prepared by local street-food vendors.

> Cycle the Countryside around the Cu Chi Tunnels, passing through local villages to observe daily life.

Return to your hotel, where the rest of your afternoon and evening are at leisure. The Reverie Saigon | Meals: B

Day 7: Siem Reap, Cambodia | Mysterious Ta Prohm. Fly to Siem Reap, the town nearest to Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Begin your exploration at Ta Prohm, where the roots of great trees seem to have spilled over the roof of this iconic stone temple. Enjoy an evening at leisure. La Résidence d’Angkor, A Belmond Hotel, Siem Reap | Meals: BL

Day 8: Siem Reap | Sunrise Over Angkor Wat. Rise early this morning to experience the incomparable serenity and inspiration of watching the sun rise over mystical Angkor Wat before exploring the vast temple complex with your expert local guide. Return to your hotel for breakfast and time to relax. This afternoon, visit Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer kingdom, and Bayon Temple, its 172 large-scale faces — bearing beguiling smiles — representing gods, goddesses, and other beings from classical

poems and mythology. This evening, take a tranquil gondola cruise on the Angkor Thom moat while sipping a cool drink on a Scenic Sundowner.

La Résidence d’Angkor, A Belmond Hotel, Siem Reap | Meals: BD

Day 9: Siem Reap | Hidden Temples & Treasures. Today, explore a less-visited temple: Banteay Srei, known as the “Citadel of Women.” Learn about the essential work of the Cambodia Clean Water Project, an Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy project that builds pumping wells in rural communities throughout the country. After lunch at a local restaurant, bid farewell to Cambodia as you fly to Luang Prabang.

La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang | Meals: BL Day 10: Luang Prabang, Laos | Living Temples. Step back in time for a day as you explore charming Luang Prabang and its tranquil streets. Begin with a visit to the National Museum, once a royal palace. Then, follow quiet back lanes to the beautiful Heuan Chan Heritage House. After a refreshing tea in the gardens, proceed to the enchanting Wat Xieng Thong, a Buddhist Temple noted for its “Tree of Life” wall mosaic, and then visit Wat Khili. Later, join your fellow guests for a relaxing sunset cruise along the tranquil and iconic Mekong River before dinner. La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang | Meals: BD

Day 11: Luang Prabang | Giving & Receiving. Rise very early to give alms to Buddhist monks, putting you in touch with the local culture and community. Return to your hotel with some time to relax and pack. After lunch, join locals in their home for a baci ceremony — a good-luck ritual for a safe journey that is part of the local culture — before flying to Bangkok. The Peninsula Bangkok | Meals: BL

Day 12: Bangkok, Thailand | Along the Chao Phraya River. Visit the sprawling Grand Palace, a complex that is the historic Siamese court and home to Thailand’s most important shrine, the green-jade Emerald Buddha. Continue by tuk-tuk to the 46-metre-long reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Your afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner of Thai specialties. The Peninsula Bangkok | Meals: BD

Day 13: Depart Bangkok. After breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart for home. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

country of astonishing contrasts, Japan is a wonderful and varied destination. On this journey, marvel at some of the country’s most impressive gardens and glimpse magnificent mountain landscapes as you travel by bullet train. Be introduced to ancient Samurai traditions and visit sacred Shinto shrines. Take the opportunity to appreciate Japan’s myriad arts and crafts, and meet a local artist and collector, and savour its extraordinary cuisine in local eateries, fine restaurants and street food stalls. Be amazed at a sumo wrestling bout, find respite in a classic onsen and rest up in a traditional — just a handful of Japan’s cultural highlights.

Behold the exalted flowering cherry trees, known locally as sakura, or view the vivid red leaves of autumn

Experience neon-lit Tokyo and feel the vitality of this buzzy drums and visiting a seafood market

Stay at Gôra Kadan, one of the country’s most exclusive (traditional inns), thanks to A&K’s small group size Zoom by bullet train along the classic stretch past majestic Mount Fuji to Osaka, where you savour a foodie experience in the renowned Dotonbori district

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto as you discover the art of the tea ceremony, witness sumo wrestling and take part in a special geisha dinner

Limited to a maximum group size of 18 guests

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo, Japan. Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s exciting and modern capital. Transfer to your hotel, located near the Imperial Palace. Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

Day 2: Tokyo | Spiritual Centres & Exclusive Workshop. This morning, visit Asakusa Kannon Temple. This colourful pagoda-style temple was completed in 645 and is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy in several East Asian spiritual traditions. Continue to a family-owned workshop that specializes in Japanese drum making, and try your hand at playing the taiko, on an A&K-exclusive experience. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest national museum in Japan and home to a vast collection of Japanese art and antiquities. Continue to Meiji Shrine, a Shinto complex dedicated to an emperor that was rebuilt after World War II. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner. Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Tokyo | Design Your Day. Start your day at a local fish market, a bustling hub of Japanese daily life boasting a dizzying array of seafood. Then, receive a lesson in sushi making, followed by lunch, during a Chef’s Table experience. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

> Explore the Mori Art Museum to take in local contemporary art.

> Learn the Secrets of the Samurai Warriors and test your sword skills during a private class led by a modern-day master samurai.

> Indulge in a Sake Tasting, sampling some of Japan’s finest sake and learning about its cultural importance.

Return to your hotel. Evening at leisure. Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi | Meals: BL

Day 4: Hakone | Traditional Ryokan. Travel to Hakone, among Japan’s most popular hot-spring destinations, and view the forested slopes of Hakone National Park, an area encompassing coastlines, mountains, lakes and more than 1,000 volcanic islands. Board an aerial tram rising above the wooded slopes for inspiring views of Mount Fuji. Savour a lunch of Japan’s famed Kobe beef before strolling the grassy hillsides of Hakone’s Open Air Museum. Admire the impressive contemporary sculptures and artwork on display, including masterpieces by Henry Moore and Rodin. The museum also features one of the world’s finest Picasso exhibits, presenting visitors with some 300 works by the cubist master. Tonight, experience unparalleled service and traditional Japanese cuisine at Gôra Kadan, a top-rated ryokan (traditional inn), which is also your authentic accommodation for the night. Gôra Kadan | Meals: BLD

Day 5: Osaka | Dotonbori District Delicacies. After breakfast at your ryokan, visit the Okada Museum of Art to view its stunning collection of paintings, ceramics, lacquerware and bronzes from Japan, Korea and China. Then, Ride Like a Local by bullet train to Osaka. Historically known

as a merchant city, it is today renowned as Japan’s undisputed culinary capital, where diners indulge in everything from octopus dumplings to okonomiyaki, a battered, grilled concoction of chopped cabbage, meat or seafood, and seaweed, topped with mayonnaise. This evening, take in city views, refreshing drink in hand, on a Scenic Sundowner, before you set out on a foodie tour in the popular Dotonbori District, sampling dishes from the brilliantly lighted and gastronomically creative restaurants that line the street. The St. Regis Osaka | Meals: BL

Day 6: Nara | Insights into a Profoundly Spiritual Heritage. Travel to Nara, Japan’s first capital, to visit Todai-ji, a temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage site that contains the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. Proceed to Nara Park, home to hundreds of deer, venerated here as divine spirits, which you have the opportunity to feed by hand. Complete your Nara excursion with a visit to celebrated Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and experience a Shinto ceremony firsthand. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding to the Kehaya-za Sumo Pavilion, where you observe a demonstration of this fabled Japanese sport by two sumo wrestlers. Return to your hotel, where you enjoy dinner. The St. Regis Osaka | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Kyoto | The Golden Pavilion & Bamboo Grove. Travel into Kyoto early this morning to contemplate the iconic Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji, the perfect spot for a meditative moment, and discover the

glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) — covered with gold leaf and surrounded by green gardens — casting its delicate reflection in the tranquil pond beside it. After lunch, explore the Arashiyama neighbourhood, including the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. Later, bask in the magical atmosphere of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, strolling along a winding path as sunlight filters down through towering bamboo shoots, considered by many a healing experience. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto | Meals: BL

Day 8: Kyoto | Hillside Views & Tea Traditions. Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for stunning views of Kyoto. Proceed to a local temple to experience the art of the tea ceremony, noting its refined sense of hospitality and etiquette, which dates to the time of the samurai. Tonight, savour traditional Japanese cuisine, while an attending geiko (as a geisha is known in Kyoto) and maiko (apprentice geisha) dance, sing, pour sake and share stories about life in modern Kyoto. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto | Meals: BD Day 9: Depart Kyoto. After breakfast, transfer to Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport, both located just outside of Osaka, for your flight home, or begin a post-tour extension to Hiroshima. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Extend Your Journey

Hiroshima Post-Tour Extension

Journey from Kyoto to explore the historic town of Uji and Osaka, ride by bullet train to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and see the Itsukushima Shrine before returning to Osaka. Available on select departures. See website for details.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

his unique journey visits one of Asia’s most surprising destinations. This captivating country is a relative newcomer to the luxury travel scene with a host of fascinating natural and cultural highlights. South Korea is a surprise package known as much for its street food and high speed internet as it is for its heavily militarised border, from hip and edgy Seoul where new meets old and pop culture is alive and well, to folk villages and ancient temples. Uncover absorbing local customs, flavoursome culinary delights and picturesque scenery on this unforgettable adventure.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Watch as spirited artists perform an adrenalin pumping taekwondo demonstration

Admire traditional Korean architecture in the palaces of Seoul Journey to Korea’s haunting demilitarised zone and learn about its sombre history from a North Korea defector

Visit Kyochon Village, with the opportunity to wear a traditional Korean hanbok

Explore heritage listed temples aplenty, including Bulkuksa Temple, sharing a tea ceremony with monks

Seek out the magical springtime cherry blossom display when parks, gardens and hillsides are veiled in a mass of pink (March departures only)

Enjoy fantastic night views of Gwangan Bridge through floorto-ceiling windows at Park Hyatt in Busan

Typically features a small group size of 10–12 guests

Day 1: Arrive Seoul, South Korea. Arrive at Incheon International Airport to a warm A&K welcome before your private transfer to your hotel. Seoul, South Korea’s captivating capital, is a bustling metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore the wonders of this buzzing metropolis. Grand Hyatt Seoul

Day 2: Seoul | City Discovery & Village Treasures. Meet your fellow travellers and Resident Tour Director at a briefing before beginning your discovery of this fascinating city with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Wander through the grounds, filled with lotus ponds, pleasure gardens and ornate statues, and peruse the exhibits at the National Folk Museum. Head to the charming Bukchon Hanok village, where you’ll stroll the cobbled streets, seek out quaint teahouses or curio-filled galleries and immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture.

Savour lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Gwangjang Market, the first permanent market in Korea, overflowing with fresh produce, textiles, handicrafts and items used in Korean traditional medicine. Later, discover the 2,300-year-old Korean martial art, taekwondo, in a high energy demonstration before enjoying a welcome dinner at an authentic Korean BBQ restaurant. Grand Hyatt Seoul | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Seoul | DMZ & Design Your Day. Journey north to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) which demarcates North Korea from South Korea. Your guide, a North Korean defector will enlighten you on what it’s like to live under the storied censorship of the northern provinces, and share Korean military history and how the DMZ was created at the end of the Korean War. Much of your exploration is on foot, hiking through tunnels, along rugged paths, to the Unification Bridge and other places of

interest. Plot your own course this afternoon with one of these Design Your Day activities:

> Join a Korean culinary experience and uncover the secrets of how to make Kimchi, the perfect traditional Korean side dish, and one of the country’s most famous.

> Visit the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, a fascinating museum that focuses on traditional and modern paintings, sculptures and installations by a range of Korean and international artists.

> Explore the many hidden wonders of East Bukchon by pedicab. Travel back in time as you explore this traditional village, preserved to showcase a 600-year-old urban environment.

Grand Hyatt Seoul | Meals: B

Day 4: Seoul | Folk Villages & Imposing Fortresses. Begin with a visit to the Korean Folk Village, exploring the farming village, a private house, official districts, Confucian academy, seodang (village school), and village street. This afternoon, visit Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, built as a show of the King’s filial piety towards his father Jangheonseja. Here, try your hand at traditional Korean archery, a long-respected weapon of war. The evening is at leisure. Grand Hyatt Seoul | Meals: B

Day 5: Gyeongju | Temple Territory. Take a thrilling journey on the KTX high speed train from Seoul to Gyeongju, a city with more tombs, temples, rock carvings, pagodas, Buddhist statuary and palace ruins than any other place in South Korea. After lunch, visit heritage listed Bulguksa Temple before a traditional tea ceremony with local monks, immersing yourself in this incredible humbling experience. Afterwards, visit Seokguram

Grotto, located on Mt.Tohamsan. A heritage listed wonder, this granite temple houses a monumental Buddha statue overlooking the sea and is considered a national treasure. Continue on and check into your hotel, Hilton Hotel Gyeongju, and settle into your Premium Lake View Room. This evening, enjoy a group dinner. Hilton Hotel Gyeongju | Meals: BLD

Day 6: Gyeongju | Otherworldly Monuments. Enjoy a full day sightseeing in Gyeongju, starting with the Daereungwon Royal Tombs Complex, housing large ancient tombs of kings and noblemen of the Silla Dynasty. Continue to Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. Also, visit Kyochon Village with the opportunity to experience being dressed in Hanbok (traditional Korean costume) before lunch. A long-standing cultural tradition, treasure this incredible honour.

Visit the rebuilt Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond. The pond was originally built in 101 AD within Wolseung Fortress, however the fortress was destroyed and now lies in ruins. In 1974, thanks to excavation findings and existing historical records, Anapji Pond has been restored almost to its former glory. The rest of your day is at leisure. Hilton Hotel Gyeongju | Meals: BL

Day 7: Andong | Immersed in Traditions & History. Journey to Andong to visit Hahoe Folk Village, a village that preserves many cultural traditions, showcasing Korean living cultures and ancient architectural styles. Witness the Hahoe mask dance, a ritual originating from more than 600 years ago performed to praise the village’s God. After lunch, visit to The Andong-Soju Traditional Food Museum, tasting a traditional spirit known as soju while you explore the sounds, smells, and flavours that awaken your senses. This evening, enjoy a traditional Korean meal with your group. Hilton Hotel Gyeongju | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Busan | Port Town Explorations. Transfer to Busan, and explore Jagalchi Market, Korea’s largest seafood market and the diverse Gukje Market. Afterwards, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to explore this colourful maritime city. In the evening, gather for Sundowner cocktails followed by dinner at the hotel. Park Hyatt Busan | Meals: BD

Day 9: Busan | Panoramic Views & Military History. Start your sightseeing at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. The many temple treasures can all be seen looking out over the ocean that surrounds this sacred place. Afterwards, wander to Igidae Park a natural haven bursting with picturesque scenery. Enjoy spectacular sea views on a trek along the Oryukdo Skywalk, a translucent walkway crossing over breathtaking ocean scenes.

Visit the UN Memorial Cemetery honouring UN soldiers and aids from five countries killed in battle during the Korean War. After your sobering exploration, visit Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan’s cultural centre and a creative community home to colourfully painted houses, delicious street food, spectacular street art and a labyrinth of intriguing alleyways. Park Hyatt Busan | Meals: B

Day 10: Busan | Breathtaking Natural Scenes & Historic Sites. Visit Taejongdae Park, especially famous for its rock beach and immense forests. After lunch, journey to Nurimaru APEC House on Dongbaekseom Island, the historic site of the 2005 APEC Leaders’ Meeting, and a modernistic expression of “jeongja,” a pavilion in traditional Korean architectural style. Finish your day relaxing on the crushed shell sands of popular Haeundae Beach. Park Hyatt Busan | Meals: BL

Day 11: Daegu | Mountain Views & Traditional Medicine. Transfer to Daegu, starting your immersion with a visit to Palgongsan Mountain, drinking in the scenery from a round-trip cable car ride to the top of the mountain. In the afternoon, pay a visit to Yangnyeong Market in Daegu, showcasing the natural herbs and products used in traditional Korean healing remedies, even and offering exotic wellness experiences. Continue your education with a visit to Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, with its displays and hands-on demonstrations. Return to Seoul on a thrilling high-speed train journey, watching the landscapes speed past. This evening, gather for an authentic Korean farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Grand Hyatt Seoul | Meals: BD

Day 12: Depart Seoul. Transfer to Incheon International Airport for your departure flight. Meals: B

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

UZBEKISTAN

Nukus

Dashoguz

Ashgabat

Khiva Mary

Bukhara

Samarkand

TURKMENISTAN

From Kazakhstan

Tashkent

Day 1: Arrive Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Arrive into the Uzbek capital where you are met by A&K and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. Tashkent is a Central Asian hub known for its many museums, bazaars, ancient mosques and mix of modern and Soviet-era architecture. Enjoy some time at leisure, settling into your spacious Junior Suite before meeting with your Resident Tour Director for a tour briefing before a welcome dinner. Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace | Meals: D Day 2: Tashkent | Mosques & Madrasas. Explore 2,000 years of history in the sprawling city of Tashkent with an expert guide, including the Hazrat Imam Islamic complex with mosques and madrasas constructed from the 11th century to today. Stroll through Chorsu Bazaar, the fresh produce and open-air market, before visiting the Museum of Applied Arts, built at the height of the Soviet era, which showcases regional ceramics, textiles and artworks by Uzbek artists. Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace | Meals: BLD Day 3: Tashkent | Heart of the City. Your day starts at the History Museum exploring Zoroastrian and Buddhist artefacts, ethnic art and costumes from different parts of Uzbekistan. After lunch, stroll around Independence Square before taking a ride on the Tashkent underground before a private visit to the ceramic workshop of the Rakhimov family where six generations of master potters have practiced their art. Visit the Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre for a behind the scenes tour and to meet some of the performing artists. Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace | Meals: BL

Day 4: Samarkand | Gleaming Domes of Cerulean Blue. Journey by high-speed train to the ancient city of Samarkand, widely considered

Uzbekistan’s most magnificent. Its long history is most famously linked to the legacy of the great 14th century ruler Tamerlane whose aim was to create the richest city on earth. Visit his famous mausoleum and Registan Square, arguably the most spectacular architectural ensemble in Central Asia. Visit a local home for lunch and learn the secret to making Uzbekistan’s signature dish, plov. The afternoon is yours to explore with your expert city guide, visiting some of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites and unique masterpieces of ancient architecture for which the city is famous. Hotel Dilimah | Meals: BL

Day 5: Samarkand | Uzbek Artistic Traditions. A fascinating encounter with local artisans at a papermaking workshop and silk carpet factory. After lunch at a local tea-house, you will make a stop at Pokrovskaya Russian Orthodox church to meet the famous local painter and icon restorer — Alexander Galak. Next, visit the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis which sits on a pretty hill overlooking the city, and marvel at the impressive Bibi Khanym Mosque, one of the largest in Central Asia, before heading to the 15th century Ulugh Beg Observatory. There’s time this afternoon to visit the local bazaar where stalls are bursting with colourful handicrafts and mounds of fresh fruits, spices, nuts and freshly baked bread. Hotel Dilimah | Meals: BL

Day 6: Bukhara | Medieval Jewel. Today journey west by high-speed train to the magical city of Bukhara, a major centre for trade in the Middle Ages and the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia. Begin your introduction to the city at the ancient trading domes and, later on, the spectacular Ark, a royal citadel dating to the 5th century. After lunch, explore Bukhara by foot with a local guide. Hotel Minorai-Kalon | Meals: BL

Day 7: Bukhara | Architectural Marvels. Immerse yourself in Bukhara’s historical and architectural wonders as you explore the early 18th century Bolo Hauz Mosque boasting some of the most beautiful painted wood and carved columns in Central Asia, and the striking Ismail Samani mausoleum, the towns oldest Muslim monument dating back to the 10th century. This evening, delight in a private folk show with dinner at a local restaurant. Hotel Minorai-Kalon | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Bukhara | Design Your Day. This morning, visit the glorious Summer Palace of the last Bukhara emirs which dates from the beginning of last century. Plot your own course afternoon with a choice of Design Your Day activities:

> Meet a local ceramics artist for a private master class to learn the secrets of this fine art.

> Explore the city’s Jewish heritage on a stroll through the old Jewish quarter, taking a deep dive into the city’s layered history with an expert local guide.

> Immerse yourself in a traditional Bukhari Hammam in the Old Town. Experience every step of this cleansing process, including real steaming, skin peeling, massage, and washing.

Hotel Minorai-Kalon | Meals: BL

Day 9: Mary, Turkmenistan | Silk Road Oasis Town. Journey southwest today to the Uzbek-Turkmen border at Farab, and continue on the road to Mary, an oasis city in the Karakum Desert. Enjoy an evening at leisure exploring the city or taking a stroll along the Murgab River. Hotel Mary | Meals: BL

Day 10: Merv | One of the World’s Great Vanished Cities. This morning explore Merv with an expert guide, believed at one time to be the largest city in the world. The entire ancient city has World Heritage status and its beautiful monuments bear witness to the glory of days past. The most famous is the Sultan Sanjar mausoleum, which dates to the 12th century and stands alone on the open plain. Visit the regional museum and bustling bazaar before your evening flight to the Turkmen capital Ashgabat, whose bright white skyline rises starkly from the surrounding desert. Oguzkent Hotel | Meals: BL

Day 11: Ashgabat | The White City. Visit the World Heritage listed fortress of Old Nisa, a beautiful landmark at the foot of the Kopet-Dag Mountains. Later on, an exclusive tour of the Arkadash stud farm, home of the famous Akhal-Tekke horse, one of the oldest breeds in existence. Back in Ashgabat, visit the Russian Market for a vivid taste of life in the capital. Finish up at the National Carpet Museum with its rare collection of hand-made Turkmen carpets. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Oguzkent Hotel | Meals: BL

Day 12: Dashoguz | Ancient Capital of the Achaemenid Empire. A morning flight to Dashoguz in the far north of the country, the ancient capital of Khorezm. Travel to world heritage listed Kunya-Urgench and explore the old town monuments including the mosque, caravanserai gates, fortresses, mausoleums and a 60-metre-high minaret. This afternoon, cross the Uzbek border and travel on to the “living museum” of Khiva. Zarafshon Boutique Hotel | Meals: BL

Day 13: Khiva, Uzbekistan | Ancient Citadel and Caravanserais. Spend the day touring this medieval gem of a town where brilliant blue tilework embellishes the rich ochre of the mudbrick architecture. Wander through the twisting alleyways of the city, visiting the Kunya Ark or old citadel, the Emir’s Palace, the magnificent Juma Mosque, the caravanserai and the bustling local bazaar. This evening, soak up the sunset and some amazing views of Khiva from the old city walls, before dining on traditional delicacies at a local family home. Zarafshon Boutique Hotel | Meals: BD

Day 14: Nukus | Avant-Garde Russian Art Collection. Journey northwards to the ancient site of Ayaz-Kala, one of the largest surviving castle fortresses, where a short trek is rewarded with breathtaking views over the desert landscape followed by a picnic lunch. Afterwards, head to the ancient settlement of Toprak-Kala before arriving into the remote city of Nukus where the Savitsky Museum is the major highlight. Marvel at the extraordinary collection of Russian avant-garde art amassed by Igor Savitsky during the 1950s and ‘60s. Jipek Joli Hotel | Meals: BLD

Day 15: Tashkent | Sprawling Uzbek Capital. Return by air to Tashkent with the rest of the day at leisure to explore more of the Uzbekistan capital. In the evening freshen up before a farewell dinner. Lotte City Hotel

Tashkent Palace | Meals: BD

Day 16: Depart Tashkent. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Centrally located with a classical appearance with sophisticated interiors.

Hotel Dilimah, Samarkand

Comfortably furnished rooms decorated with Uzbek artefacts.

Hotel Mary

Grand hotel located in the city centre with spacious rooms.

Hotel Minorai-Kalon, Bukhara Charming, comfortable hotel ideally located in the old town centre.

Oguzkent Hotel, Ashgabat

Opulent and centrally located combining Turkmen tradition with modernity.

Zarafshon Boutique Hotel, Dashoguz Modern boutique hotel with elegant rooms designed in Uzbek style.

Jipek Joli Hotel, Nukus Boutique hotel decorated in Karakalpak national style.

Extend Your Journey

Kazakhstan Pre-Tour Extension

Explore Almaty, bursting with awe-inspiring architecture, bustling city streets and vibrant markets full of flavourful local fare, and be inspired by the landscapes and breathtaking vistas of the Charyn Canyon. Available on select departures. See website for details.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Italian Treasures: Rome, Florence & Venice

8 DAYS FROM $13,230

2023 DEPARTURE DATES: Apr 14–21, Apr 21–28, May 5–12, May 12–19, May 26–Jun 2, Jun 16–23,

Withcultural riches, architectural marvels, an extraordinary art cache and inimitable style — few people can fault Italy as one of the most essential destinations in the world. View legendary masterpieces firsthand, experience unrivalled insider access to historic sites, savour unmatched gastronomy, and meet with artisans devoted to timeless romantic traditions, on this quintessential journey to Italy’s most sought-after destinations.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the Vatican Museums in the early morning hours, and view the Sistine Chapel, at this cooler, less-crowded time

Set out on a walking tour of Florence, visiting the Accademia to view great works, such as Michelangelo’s David, led by a

Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant in Florence, savour a wine tasting in Tuscany, and try your hand at pizza-making in Rome for a well-rounded sampling of Italy’s culinary delights Enjoy exclusive access to an architectural restoration project in Florence that is supported by A&K Philanthropy

Limited to a maximum group size of 18 guests

Day 1: Arrive Rome, Italy. Arrive in Rome, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your Resident Tour Director for dinner. Hotel de la Ville | Meals: D

Day 2: Rome | Essence Of The Eternal City. This morning, begin with early access to the Vatican Museums, before visiting St. Peter’s Basilica. After lunch, discover the Eternal City, starting at the Palatine Hill, where your local guide brings to life the city’s origin. Pass the Arch of Constantine to visit the mighty Colosseum, opened in AD 80. Hotel de la Ville | Meals: BL

Day 3: Rome | Artistic Masterpieces. Today, explore the Montemartini Museum, set in a building that once housed Rome’s first electric power station, to view a grand collection of classical statues depicting early Roman life, all displayed in thought-provoking juxtaposition with the extraordinary industrial architecture surrounding them. Pause in Rome’s Eataly emporium to taste local specialties. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure. Later, get a hands-on feel for an Italian culinary tradition, when you take part in a pizza-making class in a top Roman neighbourhood pizzeria. Hotel de la Ville | Meals: BD

Day 4: Florence | Tuscan Landscapes & Wine Tasting. Drive to Florence, roaming through the sun-splashed Tuscan countryside. Along the way, stop at a distinctive winery for a guided tasting of Brunello di Montalcino and a light lunch. Continue to Florence and check in to your historic hotel in the city centre. Hotel Savoy | Meals: BLD

Day 5: Florence | Accademia & Farm-to-Table Dinner. Walk the lively streets of Florence with your local guide, an art specialist, who accompanies you to fascinating sites, including the Accademia, where you behold striking masterworks such as Michelangelo’s incomparable David. Next, visit the Cappella di San Luca of the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata to meet with a restorer working on the precious Renaissance art within, a project supported by A&K Philanthropy. Dine at a local Tuscan-style restaurant on a delectable Chef’s Table experience. Hotel Savoy | Meals: BD

Day 6: Florence | Mountain Views & Wondrous Mosaics. Today, cross the Appennines by express train to the valley of the Po and onward to Venice. Upon arrival, Ride Like a Local in a water taxi along the Grand Canal, and then board a gondola for a quintessential Venetian experience. Break for lunch, before visiting St. Mark’s Square; St. Mark’s Basilica, beholding its mosaics; and the Doge’s Palace. Later, check in to your hotel. Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice | Meals: BL

Day 7: Venice | Design Your Day. Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

> Visit one of the City’s Last Gondola Workshops to learn about this time-honoured boat-building craft.

> Marvel at the Textile Weavers of Tessitura Bevilacqua and take a walking tour of Venice’s historic Jewish ghetto.

> Learn the Art of Venetian-Style Rowing from the city’s most decorated female rowing champion.

> Explore Sites Featured in Famous Films, visiting the shooting locations of scenes from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Italian Job and others.

Follow up your exciting experience with an afternoon at leisure, free to relax or further explore the city. Tonight, savour a Scenic Sundowner overlooking the Venetian Lagoon, setting the mood for your farewell dinner. Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice | Meals: BD

Day 8: Depart Venice. Transfer by boat to the airport and depart. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive Lisbon, Portugal. Arrive in Lisbon, capital of Portugal, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and then join your A&K Resident Tour Director for a welcome drink followed by dinner at your hotel. Olissippo Lapa Palace | Meals: D

Day 2: Lisbon | Private Tile-Painting Workshop. This morning, discover the National Tile Museum — set in the 16th-century Convent of Madre de Deus — admiring its impressive displays of the beautifully detailed painted tiles for which Lisbon is renowned. Then, attend an interactive private tile-painting workshop and take home your creation. The rest of your day is at leisure. Olissippo Lapa Palace | Meals: B

Day 3: Évora | Walled Medieval City. Journey to Évora, a beautifully preserved medieval city, stopping for a wine tasting en route. On arrival, visit the historic town centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to

view an ancient Roman Temple, the Gothic 13th-century Sé Cathedral with its Romanesque architectural influences, and the striking city walls. Convento do Espinheiro | Meals: BLD

Day 4: Mérida, Spain & Seville | Ancient Mérida. Today, drive eastward into Spain, stopping in Mérida to view its Roman amphitheatre, inaugurated in 8 BC to host theatrical performances and gladiatorial combat. Also see an ancient 82-foot-tall aqueduct built from stone and brick. Afterward, continue into Spain’s storied Andalusia region for a two-night stay in vibrant Seville. Once there, ride a horse-drawn carriage to a palace where the owners host your private dinner, followed by a performance of flamenco dancing and singing on the patio of this historic home. Hotel Palacio de Villapanes | Meals: BD

Day 5: Seville | Gothic Cathedral & Jewish Quarter. Set out on a guided excursion through Seville, including a visit to the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Proceed to the Jewish Quarter, with its labyrinth of narrow streets dating to the time of Moorish rule. Then, relax during an afternoon and evening at leisure. Hotel Palacio de Villapanes | Meals: B

Day 6: Granada | The Moorish Architecture Of Alhambra. After breakfast, travel to Granada and take in the city. Visit Alhambra, a vast palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site that exemplifies Moorish architecture. Tonight, dine at a local restaurant overlooking the site. Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Córdoba & Madrid | Jewish Quarter & Mezquita. Travel to Córdoba, where you visit this city’s historic Jewish neighbourhood and roam its narrow streets, and then enter the former Great Mosque, now known as the Mezquita, to view its breathtaking Moorish-influenced interior. Enjoy time to explore before boarding a high-speed AVE train to Madrid. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Cap off your day of exploring with a fun tapas tour for dinner. Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá | Meals: BD

Day 8: Madrid | Royal Splendour. Set out on a city tour that includes the Royal Palace, with its rich decor comprised of marble, stucco and mahogany. Break for lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure. Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá | Meals: BL

Day 9: Madrid & Toledo | Design Your Day. Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

> See Madrid on a Parks & River Bike Tour, cycling in a vast, beautiful city park and along the Manzanares River.

> Discover Toledo, a place in medieval Europe where Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities coexisted.

> Tour the Prado Museum, viewing works by El Greco, Velázquez and Goya, guided by a local expert. Spend your evening at leisure in Madrid, free to sample the city’s many culinary attractions. Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá | Meals: B

Day 10: Elciego | An Enchanting Food & Wine Experience. Journey to La Rioja, stopping en route for a tour, followed by a Chef’s Table experience featuring a gourmet lunch with wine pairings at the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture. Proceed to Elciego and check in to the Hotel Marqués de Riscal. Settle into your luxurious room and admire the hotel’s amazing design, created by master architect Frank Gehry. Gaze out upon the vineyardcovered hills surrounding this contemporary retreat from one of its terraces and enjoy your evening at leisure. Hotel Marqués de Riscal | Meals: BL

Day 11: Elciego | Tasting The Fruits Of The Rioja. This morning, explore Spain’s storied Rioja region, visiting an olive oil mill and sampling their oils, walking through Laguardia, and tasting wine with tapas in one of the village cellars. Return to your hotel to relax in the lush surroundings before dinner. Hotel Marqués de Riscal | Meals: BLD

Day 12: Bilbao | Guggenheim Museum Tour. Drive to Bilbao today, where you tour galleries devoted to modern and contemporary art, including the monumental sculpture The Matter of Time, at the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. After lunch at a local restaurant, fly to Barcelona, settle into your hotel, and then enjoy a light dinner. Almanac Barcelona | Meals: BLD

Day 13: Barcelona | Gaudí’s Unfinished Masterpiece. This morning, set out on a panoramic city tour. See the Barcelona Pavilion, a study in minimalism built for the 1929 International Exposition, and then explore the Sagrada Família, a spectacular basilica designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. This amazing structure features eight towering spires outside and an incomparably detailed vaulted ceiling inside. Begun in 1882, parts of it are still under construction. Enjoy time for lunch at leisure in the Central Market, also known as La Boqueria, one of the city’s many vital marketplaces for fish, meat and produce. Spend your afternoon with time to relax or explore this colourful, vibrant city on your own. Tonight, join your Resident Tour Director and fellow guests for a Scenic Sundowner followed by a festive farewell dinner. Almanac Barcelona | Meals: BD Day 14: Depart Barcelona. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Spectacular contemporary luxury retreat designed by Frank Gehry as a work of art, featuring rooms with cathedral-height ceilings and an on-site winery.

Luxurious 19th-century retreat in a tranquil historic neighbourhood.

Historic luxury hotel in central Granada, set in a renovated convent.

Beautiful, historic luxury hotel built from a former convent in Évora.

Extend Your Journey

Porto Pre-Tour Group Extension

Cruise the Douro River in a traditional rabelo boat and enjoy a full-day winery tour of the Douro Region.

Available on select departures. See website for details.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Splendours of Budapest,

From Budapest’s neoclassical, Eclectic and art nouveau buildings to Vienna’s soul-stirring music and ornate streetscapes, and on to Prague’s endless urban explorations — the splendours of this region are breathtaking. Discover the three most

Day 1: Arrive Budapest, Hungary. Arrive in Budapest, a city occupying both sides of the Danube River and founded in 1873, when right-bank Buda and Obuda joined left-bank Pest. Budapest’s broad avenues and turnof-the-century architecture have earned it the name, “the Paris of Eastern Europe.” Like Paris, it is a cultural mecca for writers, artists, and musicians. Transfer to your hotel, where you join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest | Meals: D Day 2: Budapest | Matthias Church & Fisherman’s Bastion. This morning, cross the Danube River to explore the Buda side of the city. Visit Matthias Church, the 13th-century coronation cathedral of Hungarian

kings, and Fisherman’s Bastion, offering spectacular views of the city. Built in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque styles, the bastion is named for the guild of fishermen who defended this part of the city during the Middle Ages. Then, meet a Buda resident for lunch in the gardens of her villa, an experience specially planned for A&K guests. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure, relaxing in your luxurious accommodations or exploring this romantic city on your own, perhaps dining at one of Budapest’s fine restaurants. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest | Meals: BL Day 3: Budapest | Across the Bridge in Pest. Today, discover Pest, starting with a private visit to the Liszt Academy of Music. Continue

exploring the city as you view Heroes’ Square and stop to see the Great Synagogue as well as St. Stephen’s Basilica, whose south tower houses the largest bell in Hungary. Then, visit the Central Market Hall to view the vast array of food and crafts on sale throughout its three floors, including cheeses, sausage, and other local specialties, and enjoy time at leisure for lunch on your own. Later, visit the Parliament Building before spending the remainder of your afternoon at leisure. This evening, after dinner, embark on a private cruise of the romantic Danube to watch the glittering lights of Budapest drift by in the night, toasting your journey on a memorable Scenic Sundowner experience. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest | Meals: BD

Day 4: Bratislava, Slovakia & Vienna, Austria | Chef’s Table. Journey overland to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, for a guided walk through its old town, once a jewel of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Stop at a local restaurant for a Chef’s Table experience, where the esteemed chef greets you and shares insights into the seasonal dishes you are to enjoy for lunch. Then, Ride Like a Local, embarking by high-speed catamaran for a quick cruise along the Danube River to Vienna, Austria. Hotel Imperial | Meals: BL

Day 5: Vienna | Austrian Treasures. Join your local guide for a walking tour of marvellous Vienna. At the Hofburg Palace — former seat of emperors and current residence of the president of Austria — visit the Imperial Treasury to admire its glittering collection of imperial regalia. Then, continue to the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Spend your afternoon at leisure. Dine at a local restaurant before attending a concert at the Mozarthaus Vienna, the historic house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived in the 18th century. Hotel Imperial | Meals: BD

Day 6: Vienna | Visions of the Imperial City. This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Vienna, viewing the Prater and its Giant Ferris Wheel. See the Secession Building and the famous Hundertwasser House, and then visit the Belvedere Gallery, where you view many works by the brilliant and controversial symbolist artist Gustav Klimt, including The Kiss. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and then visit Schönbrunn Palace, the former residence of Habsburg monarchs. Spend your evening at leisure. Hotel Imperial | Meals: BL

Day 7: Popice, Czech Republic | Wines of a Unique Terroir. Travel to Prague, stopping en route at the Sonberk winery in the Czech countryside for a tasting of its signature vintages, followed by lunch. Continue to Prague, where you check in to your hotel, and then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Mandarin Oriental, Prague | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Prague | History Remembered. Today, explore the city’s Castle District, starting with the towering, Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, which houses the tombs of Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors, including that of Wenceslas I, Duke of Bohemia, legendary subject of the beloved Christmas carol “Good King Wenceslas.” Stroll the Golden Lane, the last surviving vestige of Prague Castle’s 16th-century architecture, where the castle’s original craftspeople lived and worked.

Follow this with a private visit to the Baroque library halls of the Strahov Monastery to view its incredible frescoes, which reside amid detailed stucco ceiling decorations. Stroll in the peaceful quiet, looking up at the mural devoted to the intellectual progress of mankind, and let yourself contemplate a bygone era. Then, admire the religious artefacts at the Loreto Chapel, a remarkable Baroque monument that remains a place of pilgrimage. Cross the famous Charles Bridge, an iconic landmark of Prague completed in 1402, to embark on a walking tour of Josefov, the city’s Jewish Quarter, which remained a walled ghetto until 1848. View the birthplace of Franz Kafka (part of the Jewish Museum complex), best known for his existentialist novel The Metamorphosis. Proceed to visit the Old Jewish Cemetery, site of 12,000 graves, and the Old-New Synagogue, Europe’s oldest active synagogue, completed in 1270. Afterward, enjoy your evening at leisure. Mandarin Oriental, Prague | Meals: B

Day 9: Prague | Design Your Day. This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

> Attend a Traditional Puppetry Workshop, and then visit the National Gallery Prague in the Schwarzenberg Palace.

> Set Out on a Foodie Walking Tour, savouring tastes of Czech cuisine, from pastries to goulash to beer.

> Relax with a Spa Experience at your hotel, in a haven for the body and spirit, choosing from an array of treatments.

Spend your afternoon at leisure. Tonight, gather for a celebratory farewell dinner at a nearby local restaurant. Mandarin Oriental, Prague | Meals: BD Day 10: Depart Prague. Transfer to the airport to board your flight home. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Travel + Leisure World’s Best hotel, offering stately grandeur and a serene retreat from the bustle, located along the shimmering Danube.

Luxurious, opulent hotel set in a historic former palace in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the Vienna State Opera and the Imperial Palace.

Extend Your Journey

Warsaw & Krakow Pre-Tour Group Extension

Tour Warsaw’s highlights, explore Krakow with a local guide, and visit Auschwitz and the former Schindler factory. Available on select departures. See website for details.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

n this unique journey, explore the historic and cultural riches of the ancient world, from the glories of Athens and Istanbul, to the Minoan culture of idyllic Crete and the wonders of Cappadocia, flying by chartered air around this fascinating region, and walking historic paths to experience the local life of yesterday and today, up close. Wings Over the World itineraries feature private charter flights between destinations, allowing you the convenience of visiting remote places with less time spent getting there.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Fly in comfort between iconic locales aboard an exclusively chartered aircraft, with a dedicated flight crew

Explore Athens, the birthplace of democracy, learning about Greek civilization at the Acropolis Museum and viewing the

Discover Crete, where you visit the Palace of Knossos archaeological site, savour lunch at a winery and set out on an

In Turkey, journey to the ruins of Ephesus, one of the bestpreserved ancient cities in the world, arriving at, exploring and departing from this legendary site on the same day, thanks to the convenience of privately chartered flights Enter Cappadocia’s incredible underground city of Kaymakli, view volcanic stone “fairy chimneys” and discover the

Stay four nights in historic, legendary Istanbul, as you visit the famed Topkapi Palace on an exclusive private opening, view spectacular examples of Ottoman architecture and ferry across the Bosphorus to experience life on its Asian bank Limited to a maximum group size of 13 guests

Day 1: Arrive Athens, Greece. Arrive in Athens, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in the city centre. Tonight, join your Resident Tour Director and fellow guests for a welcome dinner. Hotel Grande

Bretagne | Meals: D

Day 2: Athens | Private Rooftop Dinner. This morning, set out on a foodie walking exploration of Athens, visiting some of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city and experiencing its charming byways, street food and traditional dishes. Devote your afternoon to leisure, perhaps setting out to explore Athens on your own. Later, view the Parthenon in the early evening light before a private dinner with stunning views on the rooftop of the Acropolis Museum. Hotel Grande Bretagne | Meals: BD

Day 3: Crete | Minoan Treasures. Board your private aircraft for the short flight to Crete. On arrival, enjoy lunch before visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, viewing items collected from across the island that date back 5,500 years and offer glimpses into the ancient Minoan civilisation. Afterwards, proceed to your beach resort on the eastern shore of the island. Daios Cove | Meals: BLD

Day 4: Heraklion | A Triumph of the Bronze Age. Today, explore the Palace of Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. As you do, learn more about the Minoans, the people who built the palace sometime in the 17th century BC and who were named by historians for the mythical King Minos, remembered for constructing the labyrinth that imprisoned the monstrous Minotaur. After lunch at a Cretan winery, return to your hotel to enjoy its many amenities. Daios Cove | Meals: BL

Day 5: Crete | Roaming the Countryside. Today, set out on an exhilarating off-road safari to absorb fun information about Greek mythology as well as breathtaking views. Visit a local village and take in majestic vistas over Mirabello Bay. Journey to the plateau of Katharo, along winding dirt tracks, passing through the biggest forest on the island, where the mountains soar to nearly 1,500 metres above the sea, perhaps stopping at a kafenio (café) for a refreshment. Later, wind down the mountainside to another plateau, for a delicious al fresco barbecue lunch, served with wine. Afterwards, visit Zeus’s Cave, where legend holds the father of all the Greek gods was born. Continue along roads that can only be accessed by 4WD vehicle, crossing rivers and admiring the rugged terrain, until you reach the village of Krassi. Head back to your hotel, passing en route through the Selinari, an area noted for endangered vultures, which you may spot soaring overhead. Daios Cove | Meals: BL

Day 6: Izmir, Turkey | Ancient Ephesus. Depart for Turkey this morning on an illuminating day trip made possible by privately chartered flights. Touch down in Izmir, where you visit the ruins of ancient Ephesus, some of the most well-preserved remains of an ancient civilisation anywhere in the world. Founded in the fourth century BC, the city has at times been ruled by the Persians and the Romans as well as the Greeks. It was home to Saint Paul for more than three years, and it was here he established the church that became the head of the Seven Churches in Asia Minor. After your exploration of this history-laden site, with its ruins of temples, roads, baths, fountains and far more, re-board your aircraft and continue to Cappadocia. Argos in Cappadocia | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Cappadocia | Ballooning Over Cappadocia. This morning, lift off on an inspiring hot air balloon excursion over Cappadocia, and explore the area’s volcanic stone “fairy chimneys.” View frescoes at the rock-carved churches of Goreme, and discover the stunningly restored Dark Church. Then, sit down to a private barbecue lunch, while taking in views of the incredible Cappadocian landscape. Afterwards, visit a pottery shop in Avanos to learn how the renowned earthenware of the region is created and observe master potters at their craft. Argos in Cappadocia | Meals: BL Day 8: Istanbul | Lunch with a Local Family. Explore the fascinating underground city at Kaymakli, which dates to as early as the eighth century BC and includes chapels, kitchens, and living quarters carved out of volcanic rock. Then, get to know the Goreme Weavers Association on an engaging artisan visit. Next, meet with a local family and join them for lunch in their home. This afternoon, fly by private charter to Istanbul, and settle into your luxuriously appointed hotel. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus | Meals: BLD

Day 9: Istanbul | Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace. Rise early for a private, before-hours opening of the Basilica Cistern, with its marble columns still standing since the sixth century. Continue to the timeless Hagia Sophia for a visit, marvelling at the structure’s imposing façade, matched only by the grandeur of its towering, vaulted ceilings. Next, revel in the ornately decorated ceilings and spectacular tile work of Topkapi Palace, on an exclusive private opening of this one-time imperial residence of Ottoman sultans. This evening, privately cruise the glittering Bosphorus, toasting its beauty on a Scenic Sundowner. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus | Meals: BL

Day 10: Istanbul | Design Your Day. Set out this morning to explore the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

> Ferry to the Asian side of the city, strolling its vibrant food markets and staying for lunch.

> Explore cultural Istanbul at the Pera Museum, the Galata shopping district and Karakoy’s coffeehouses.

> Indulge in an historic hammam experience, or simply relax in the spa at your hotel.

This evening is at leisure. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus | Meals: BL

Day 11: Istanbul | Legacy of a Magnificent Ruler. Today, explore Suleymaniye Mosque and Istanbul’s fabled Grand Bazaar, meeting local craftspeople along the way. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure, free to relax or explore this marvellous city on your own. This evening, gather with fellow guests for a farewell dinner. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus | Meals: BD

Day 12: Depart Istanbul. After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your departing flight. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

RUSSIA

Gori

GEORGIA

ARMENIA

Yerevan

Kazbegi

Mtskheta

Tbilisi

Sadakhlo

AZERBAIJAN

LAKE SEVAN

Garni

Day 1: Arrive Tbilisi, Georgia. Arrive into the Georgian capital where you are met by A&K and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. Located in a dramatic valley setting, Tbilisi is a vibrant melting pot blending nightclubs and speakeasy cafes with a picturesque bohemian old town full of narrow cobblestoned alleyways and rich architecture. This evening join your Resident Tour Director and fellow travellers for a drink and briefing on the adventure ahead. Tbilisi Marriott Hotel

Day 2: Tbilisi | An Assortment of Architectural Styles. Your adventure starts with a walk through the cobbled streets of the atmospheric old town. Visit the 12th century Metekhi Church and a 19th century Jewish synagogue. Admire the old Georgian houses with their distinctive wooden, curved balconies and the Sioni Cathedral. You’ll see the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi before getting a bird’s-eye view of the city from the Narikala Fortress, which can be accessed by cable car or on foot. Tonight is a chance to savour some of Georgia’s finest cuisine at a favourite traditional restaurant accompanied by a private polyphonic ensemble performance. Tbilisi Marriott Hotel | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Tbilisi | Design Your Day. Visit the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia with its extraordinary collection of gold filigree work. Continue to the Georgian National Centre of manuscripts for a private visit with a specialist to talk about important restoration work. There will also be time to visit National Museum of Fine Arts, and the Sukhoi Bridge open air market. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

> Experience an artisan introduction to the ancient technique of cloisonné (decorative enamelwork) during a private workshop.

> Join an architectural expert for a walking tour around the city to gain insights and depth into Tbilisi’s unique architectural history.

> Visit the historic Tbilisi Sulphur Baths, renowned for its therapeutic and healing properties and experience an authentic scrub treatment.

Tbilisi Marriott Hotel | Meals: BL

Day 4: Kakheti | Birthplace of Winemaking. Explore the most picturesque part of Georgia — Kakheti, which borders the Great Caucasus range. This area is the birthplace of viticulture and winemaking. Admire the profusion of vineyards and beautiful churches as you drive through. Stop at the 9th century Bodbe Monastery before arriving at the pretty fortified town of Sighnaghi, famous for its wine and carpet making. Meander through the narrow streets before lunch with a local family serving up traditional dishes from the region, and of course matching wines.

Before returning to Tbilisi visit the grand Tsinandali Estate, once home to the noble Chavchavadze family and noted for its historic winery. This evening, attend the Akhvlediani House Museum, studio of one of the first recognised female artists in Georgia, Elene Akhvledian. Admire her works over drinks and a private piano recital. Tbilisi Marriott Hotel | Meals: BL

Day 5: Mtskheta | Medieval Religious Architecture. The World Heritage site of Mtskheta is your first stop today. Georgia’s cultural and religious centre, it is also one of the country’s oldest towns. Visit the early medieval Jvari Church and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Arrive into the sleepy town of Kazbegi later this afternoon where views of Mt. Kazbek are breathtaking — especially from your hotel room. Rooms Hotel Kazbegi | Meals: BLD

Day 6: Kazbegi | Gergeti Holy Trinity Church. This morning, journey to the beautifully situated 14th century Gergeti Holy Trinity Church, perched high on a hill overlooking the town and the surrounding mountain scenery. Get up close by 4WD or, for the more energetic, on foot. More traditional Georgian hospitality today over lunch with a local family before visiting a studio to observe the traditional craft of felt making. This evening, enjoy the stylish Nordic atmosphere of the hotel before sundowners on the terrace. Rooms Hotel Kazbegi | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Tbilisi | Heart of Georgia. Heading along the Georgian Military Highway, take in the Ananuri Architectural complex, with churches and towers dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Indulge in flavourful Georgian dishes paired with locally-made wines before continuing to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin where you will visit the controversial museum that traces his life. Afterwards, Return to Tbilisi with your evening at leisure. Tbilisi Marriott Hotel | Meals: BL

Day 8: Yerevan, Armenia | Byzantine Monasteries. Farewell to Georgia this morning, crossing into Armenia at the Sadakhlo border.

Stop at the 10th century Akhtala Fortress and Church, as well as the Haghpat and Sanahin monastic complexes on the way to Yerevan, Armenia’s capital and its largest city. Yerevan stretches along the banks of the River Hrazdan at the foot of Mount Ararat, and is marked by grand Soviet-era architecture. A traditional dinner of Armenian cuisine is arranged this evening. Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan | Meals: BLD Day 9: Lake Sevan | Pearl of Armenia. Travel to Lake Sevan to explore the largest body of water in the Caucasus region by private boat. Discover Sevanavank Monastery, a monastic complex located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore. Afterwards, return to Yerevan. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan | Meals: BL Day 10: Yerevan | In the Shadow of Mount Ararat. Your introduction to the capital begins with a guided tour of the city, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited metropolises. See the beautiful Government buildings, the Central Post Office and banks. Visit the State History Museum as well as the Cafesjian Modern Art Museum which exhibits collections of Armenian and international contemporary artworks. Later, pay a visit the sombre Genocide Museum and Memorial, commemorating the massacre of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1922. Discover why Armenian brandy is world famous at a specially organised VIP tasting at the Yerevan brandy factory, followed by private entry to the Parajanov Museum, featuring an exclusive musical performance with drinks and canapes. Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan | Meals: BL Day 11: Yerevan | World’s Oldest Cathedral. A morning visit to the ruins of the 7th century Zvartnots Cathedral, followed by Etchmiadzin Cathedral for holy mass. This ancient cathedral is the headquarters for the Armenian Orthodox Church. Afterwards, head to lunch at the family owned Megeryan Carpet Factory & Museum. Get comfortable as you admire the exquisite handmade carpets before savouring a traditional Armenian meal. Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan | Meals: BL Day 12: Geghard & Garni | Temple & Monastery. Begin with a private spiritual vocal performance in the acoustic hall of the ancient Geghard Monastery. Afterwards, visit the pagan Temple of Garni, built around 77 A.D. before taking part in a centuries-old Armenian cultural tradition at a hands-on lavash making ceremony, followed by lunch in a local home. Afterwards, there will be time to pore over the stalls at the Vernissage flea market, a short walk from the hotel and the perfect place to immerse yourself in the fusion between national traditions and modern flair. This evening, a farewell dinner is held. Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan | Meals: BLD Day 13: Depart Yerevan. Transfer to the airport for departure flight. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive Oslo, Norway. Arrive in the leafy and cultured capital of Norway, to a warm A&K welcome, and enjoy a private transfer to the luxury Grand Hotel right in the heart of the city. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and A&K Resident Tour Director for a welcome dinner in exquisite Nordic style. Grand Hotel Oslo | Meals: D

Day 2: Oslo | Europe’s Greenest City. Take to the sustainable streets of Oslo for an expertly guided tour. From the stunning architecture of the National Theatre and the majestic history of the Royal Palace to the National Museum and the contemporary sculptures of Vigeland Park. This afternoon, take a scenic cruise into the Oslo Fjord passing narrow sounds, idyllic bays and a water-maze of emerald islands. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Grand Hotel Oslo | Meals: BL

Day 3: Oslo | Oslo Opera House and Design Your Day. This morning, enjoy an exclusive backstage tour of the Oslo Opera House which is home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. Visit the backstage area and the Main Stage with your expert guide, full of insider stories about life in the wings. This afternoon, choose from one of the below Design Your Day options, before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

> From traditional Norwegian hot dogs and waffles to hot cocoa and cured meats , enjoy intriguing stories and insights into Oslo’s history and cuisine, while enjoying delicious local produce.

> For an active afternoon, enjoy the cultural and architectural majesty of Oslo on a leisurely bike tour around the city sites.

> Return to the origins of Norway on an expert tour through the Historical Museum Tour, Norway’s largest cultural-historical collection, hearing fascinating stories of Viking culture and lifestyle.

Grand Hotel Oslo | Meals: B

Day 4: Flam | ‘The Best Train Journey in the World’. Prepare to board what has been described as the ‘best train journey in the world’ through the achingly beautiful and dramatic Valley of Flamsdalen to the high mountains of Myrdal — a height difference of 20 kms. See breathtaking views of the sharp mountainsides bearing the clear marks of landslides, huge waterfalls and the crystal-clear waters of the Flamselvi River. Pause at Kjosfossen Waterfall and feel the spray on your skin before continuing on to the fjord village of Flam. This afternoon, take a leisurely visit to the local brewery for some craft beer tastings before a delicious five-course dinner at the brewery restaurant. Fretheim Hotel | Meals: BLD

Day 5: Bergen | Viking Villages & Nærøyfjord. Today, cruise through the spectacular waterways of UNESCO World Heritage listed Nærøyfjord — with its towering peaks of up to 1,700 metres, hanging valleys, snowfields, waterfalls and small hamlets — before visiting a traditional Viking Village in the small village of Gudvangen. Continue to Bergen where you’ll take an expertly guided walking tour, culminating at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen (the Wharf) hearing intriguing stories of early hanseatic life. Opus XVI | Meals: BL

Day 6: Bergen | From Fjord to Table. Spend the day touring the beautifully preserved wooden buildings and clapperboard houses of Bergen, before boarding the funicular to Mount Floyen for breathtaking views of the city. Visit world-famous composer Edvard Grieg’s former home ‘Troldhaugen’, where you’ll enjoy a live concert of his chamber music while enjoying the very scenery that inspired his work. After stopping for lunch, visit the reconstructed Fantoft Stave Church — one of the most photographed sites in Norway. This evening, enjoy a scenic sundowner on the pier before a cruise along the fjord banks to a small island in Western Norway, for dinner at one of Scandinavia’s most prestigious seafood restaurants. Opus XVI| Meals: BLD

Day 7: Depart Bergen, Norway – Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland. After a leisurely morning, your driver will take you to the airport for your onward flight to Iceland. Arrive in Reykjavik and transfer to the Canopy Hotel by Hilton. This evening enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant, Geiri Smart. Canopy Hotel by Hilton | Meals: BD

Day 8: Reykjavik | The ‘Bay of Smokes’. Kickstart your Iceland adventure with an expertly guided tour around the trendy capital. Learn about Reykjavik’s early history and architectural evolution with stops at key cultural landmarks including famous Hallgrimskirkja Church, where you’ll experience Reykjavik from the sky, with its pageant of colourful corrugated houses all the way to the coast. Perhaps taste a traditional Icelandic snack of schnapps with dried fish, before a private visit to a local gallery. Canopy Hotel by Hilton | Meals: B

Day 9: Thingvellir National Park | The World’s Oldest Parliament. Experience the only place in the world where you can stand between two continental, tectonic plates at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Thingvellir National Park — home to the oldest ongoing parliament in the world. Walk through the gob-smacking seismic rift valley before warming your belly with traditional Icelandic bread and butter. This evening, enjoy a thoroughly unique private dinner with your fellow travelling companions at the Fridheimar Geothermal Greenhouse. Hotel Geysir | Meals: BLD

Day 10: The Golden Circle | Geysir, Gullfoss & Langjokull Glacier. Continue along the iconic and world-famous Golden Circle route, with its incredible cache of geological phenomena. Feast your eyes on the Strokkur Geysir, blasting steaming water to heights of up to 40 metres in an extraordinary show of volcanic prowess. Then it’s on to thundering, mighty Gullfoss waterfalls, plummeting 32 metres over two vast ledges into the canyon below. To top off the day, enjoy

a thrilling drive over the face of the mighty Langjokull Glacier on a private snowmobile tour — an exquisite ice sheet that hides two active volcanoes beneath. Hotel Geysir | Meals: BLD

Day 11: The Thorsmork Valley | 4X4 in the ‘Valley of Thor’. Strap in for an exhilarating private 4X4 Super Jeep tour into the deserted wilderness of Thorsmork Valley, otherwise known as the ‘Valley of Thor’, with a breathtaking lunch stop in the wilderness. The contrasting vistas of lush oases and roaring glacier rivers cutting through black desert not only make Thorsmork unique in Iceland but to the entire world. Parts of the valley are rich with moss, fern, and birchwood, while jagged mountain ridges and ice-capped peaks crown the horizon. Drive through gushing brooks and stony landscapes as you enjoy privileged access to terrain only accessible during Iceland’s short summer. Hotel Geysir | Meals: BLD

Day 12: The Blue Lagoon | Heart of the Volcano. Enjoy a thrilling 120-metre descent into the Thrihnukagigur Volcano, where you’ll explore the solidified magma chamber with your expert local guide. This afternoon, after checking into the ultra-luxurious Blue Lagoon Retreat, bask in the healing sky-blue waters of the incredible geothermal lagoon, as well as the hotel’s own exclusive extension and its subterranean spa. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in the Moss Restaurant, with its exquisite reinvention of Icelandic seasonal cuisine. Recommended by the 2020 Michelin Guide, Moss occupies the highest point at the Blue Lagoon, offering stunning views of the volcanic horizon. Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel | Meals: BLD

Day 13: Depart Reykjavik. Your Icelandic adventure has come to an end. Enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Wonders of the Galápagos & Machu Picchu

12 DAYS FROM $22,100

2023 DEPARTURE DATES:

Perfectly paired, neighbouring countries Ecuador and Peru present a fascinating combination of experiences. From the ancient landscapes and rare wildlife of the Galápagos Islands which you’ll explore by boutique luxury expedition ship to Peru’s extraordinary Inca ruins and colonial cathedrals. Snorkel in the Pacific waters, hike in search of giant tortoises and get up close to endemic birdlife during the cruise, while in the Sacred Valley of the Incas meet Quechua farmers whose practices have changed little in centuries. This is a journey sure to inspire.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise for four nights in the Galápagos Islands aboard stylish ‘La Pinta,’ a 48-guest expedition vessel that offers comfort and flexibility for exploring

• Experience some of the most intimate and up-close wildlife encounters in the world, both on land and in the water

• Explore the Galápagos on twice-daily shore excursions that include nature walks led by a certified naturalist guide, and choose from activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, light trekking or relaxing on shore

• Discover magnificent Machu Picchu firsthand in the company of a local expert guide, and stay at the only hotel on-site for access to the ruins before most other visitors arrive

• Meet people of the Sacred Valley of the Incas when you privately visit their remote village to gain insight into their centuries-old weaving and farming techniques

• On select departures trek the last portion of the Inca Trail from KM104 to Machu Picchu

• Limited to a maximum group size of 18 guests

Day 1: Arrive Guayaquil, Ecuador. Arrive in tropical Guayaquil, gateway to the Galápagos, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Hotel del Parque

Day 2: Guayaquil | Baltra, the Galápagos. Fly to the remote Galápagos island of Baltra, where you join your naturalist guide for the ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island. Disembark and drive up into the island’s mist-shrouded highlands in search of giant tortoises. Continue on to Puerto Ayora and board ‘La Pinta,’ your expedition ship for your four-night cruise through the Galápagos’ northern islands. ‘La Pinta’ is built for adventure, offering spacious cabins, floor-to-ceiling windows and a comfortable atmosphere. The vessel is ecologically sound and comes equipped with pangas (rubber rafts), a glass-bottom boat and sea kayaks that allow for independent exploration. Tonight, dine on board. ‘La Pinta’ | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Cruising the Galápagos | Eden & Sombrero Chino. After breakfast, get fitted for your wetsuit and snorkelling gear. Then, Ride Like a Local, boarding a panga for a shore excursion to Eden Islet, a secluded, biodiverse enclave off Santa Cruz. Here, observe the island’s iconic blue-footed boobies. Take this opportunity to snorkel the reef or view marine life aboard a glass-bottom boat. Back aboard ‘La Pinta,’ cruise onward to Sombrero Chino, yet another secluded islet of the Galápagos archipelago. Disembark your panga to hike wilderness trails, swim in a sandy cove, and snorkel among white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins. ‘La Pinta’ | Meals: BLD

Day 4: Cruising the Galápagos | Bartolomé & Santiago Islands. Disembark on Bartolomé Island to hike up to the volcano’s summit and take in the views. After a panga ride to visit the penguins of Pinnacle Rock,

snorkel the reef, relax on the beach or take in the local marine life aboard a glass-bottom boat. Later, swim or snorkel along the white coral sand beach of Sullivan Bay. ‘La Pinta’ | Meals: BLD

Day 5: Cruising the Galápagos | Genovesa Island. This morning, hike and snorkel Genovesa Island, a birdwatcher’s paradise. Explore Darwin Bay, snorkeling along the cliffs or paddling out in sea kayaks. View the island’s cliffs before disembarking to climb the steep, rocky pass of Prince Philip’s Steps. Your ascent leads to a clifftop frequented by Nazca boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels and the elusive short-eared owl. ‘La Pinta’ | Meals: BLD

Day 6: Guayaquil & Lima, Peru | Begin a Peruvian Adventure. Disembark ‘La Pinta’ at Baltra Island, where you transfer to the airport to fly to mainland Ecuador, before boarding a connecting flight to Lima, Peru. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport | Meals: BL

Day 7: Cusco | Sacred Valley. Fly to Cusco, located more than 3,352 metres above sea level, where you are met and transferred to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route, visit Manos de la Comunidad to interact with the South American camelids living there — such as llamas and alpacas — and learn about the valuable fibres created from their coats. Then, visit the beautiful Hacienda Sarapampa for a Chef’s Table experience. Enjoy lunch with the owner, who cordially shares his family’s history in farming and shows you around the farm. Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Sacred Valley | Like a Journey Back in Time. Today, visit Moray, a fascinating archaeological site comprising a series of concentric agricultural terraces, some almost 500 feet deep. Then, journey

to a remote mountain village, where you experience ancient agricultural methods used for centuries, on an A&K-exclusive experience. Continue to the Children of the Rainbow school, a project supported by A&K Philanthropy, where you enjoy lunch and take in an equestrian performance featuring Paso Fino horses. Return to your hotel to enjoy a relaxing Scenic Sundowner before dinner. Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba | Meals: BLD

Day 9: Machu Picchu | Bingham’s Stunning Find. Today, depending on your choice of departure, visit the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, with its massive stone terraces, and then Ride Like a Local by train, journeying deep into the Andes toward Machu Picchu. Alternatively, start toward Machu Picchu by train, stopping at KM 104 to disembark and hike to the Sun Gate above the Incan citadel. Either way, explore the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu, guided by a local expert. Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire. Although this “Lost City” was revealed to the rest of the world by American Hiram Bingham in 1911, its location was long known to locals. Its original purpose, however, remains a matter of some conjecture, as the Incas left no written records. As you wander amid the age-old stone walls, picture life here as it might have been. Tonight, stay in the only hotel on site, just steps from the entrance. Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu | Meals: BLD

Day 10: Machu Picchu | Walk the Spectacular Ruins. Rise with the sun and join your expert guide to walk through Machu Picchu in the early morning mist before the crowds arrive. After your explorations, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Ollantaytambo by train, savouring incomparable views of the mountain scenery that surrounds you. On arrival,

transfer to your hotel in Cusco, a 400-year-old architectural treasure that was once a monastery. Tonight, relax or stroll this ancient Incan capital on your own. Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco | Meals: BL

Day 11: Cusco | Design Your Day. This morning, discover Cusco on a city excursion that includes the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas’ principal religious building. Later, visit the well-preserved ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a testament to Incan architectural skill. Compiled from colossal stones, its walls were cut and placed together with incredible precision and without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. Back in Cusco, stop for lunch at a local restaurant near the plaza. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

> Visit the San Blas Neighbourhood , a unique bohemian enclave where you find the workshops of artisans.

> Stroll San Pedro Market and Visit the Inca Museum for a taste of local fruits and cheese, and a glimpse into history.

> Join a Photographer in Cusco who helps you capture authentic images of the city’s architecture and people.

Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at an elegant Cusco restaurant. Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco | Meals: BLD

Day 12: Depart Lima. Relax on a morning at leisure in Cusco. Later today, fly to Lima and connect with your homebound flight. Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport (dayroom) | Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu Hotel set on site at Machu Picchu.

Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco Historic luxury hotel set in the heart of the city.

Hotel del Parque

Hacienda-style hotel featuring luxury casitas with Andes mountain views.

Quietly elegant boutique luxury hotel located in the heart of Guayaquil.

‘La Pinta’ Comfortable and stylish expedition ship featuring fine onboard cuisine.

Hike

Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport

Convenient, comfortable hotel within steps of the airport.

the Inca Trail

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Patagonia: The Embark

on a journey jam-packed with outdoor adventure in some of the most rugged and breathtaking landscapes on the planet. Ease into the experience with an urban exploration of Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital before venturing to the far south of the continent for a Patagonian immersion. Hike, ride and/or boat through glacial wonderlands, rich native forest and awe-inspiring alpine scenery. And visit traditional working ranches to see how the European settlers influenced today’s pastoralists. Your journey finishes in the sophisticated Chilean capital, one of the world’s most remarkably located cities.

Sail on an exclusively chartered boat through the Beagle Channel and stand amid a lively colony of Magellanic penguins on a rarely visited island, while staying in Ushuaia,

Visit a working Patagonian ranch, observing authentic skills such as herding and shearing, and enjoy hiking and

Explore the unspoiled Patagonian forest on a guided hike, sail Argentino Lake and view the Perito Moreno Glacier from a

Roam through iconic Torres del Paine National Park to experience the otherworldly beauty of its jagged peaks,

Explore wild Patagonia by horseback, on foot or by boat, as

Limited to a maximum group size of 18 guests

Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina. Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s vibrant capital, and transfer to your hotel. Relax or explore the neighbourhood on your own before gathering for a welcome dinner served family style. Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires | Meals: D

Day 2: Buenos Aires | Colonial Capital. Explore Buenos Aires in the company of your expert Resident Tour Director. Visit the Plaza de Mayo, pass through the San Telmo neighbourhood, continue to La Boca and walk along Caminito Street. After a light lunch, fly south to Ushuaia, set in magnificent Tierra del Fuego at the remote tip of South America. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel, with a view of the city and Beagle Channel. Arakur Ushuaia | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Ushuaia | Walking Among Magellanic Penguins. Drive to Estancia Harberton, the oldest estancia (farm) in Tierra del Fuego and an Argentine National Historical Monument. Embark on a private cruise to Martillo Island to walk among a teeming rookery of Magellanic penguins before continuing to Gable Island, in the middle of the Beagle Channel, for lunch. Relax and embrace the solitude of its remote, primal landscape, where wind, waves and birds make the only sounds. Later, cruise back to the estancia and return to your hotel for dinner. Arakur Ushuaia | Meals: BLD

Day 4: El Calafate | Gateway to the Glaciers. Fly to El Calafate to experience Patagonian rural life in this rustic town with well-kept gardens and pretty homes. Later this afternoon, experience over 100 years of history during a visit to an authentic ranch. Watch sheep shearing and herding, and hike or Ride Like a Local on horseback along the pristine banks of Argentino Lake. Admire the stunning Patagonian landscapes during a relaxing Scenic Sundowner; dine tonight on lamb grilled the traditional Patagonian way. Hotel Posada Los Alamos | Meals: BD

Day 5: El Calafate | An Astonishing, Icy Spectacle. Start the day cruising to Argentino Lake’s Seno Mayo, stopping along the way for an interpretive walk in the Andean Patagonian forest and getting up close to limestone rock formations and majestic landscapes. Continue to Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few remaining advancing glaciers in the world. Hike at your own pace and ability along the seven walkways located at different heights and distances from the glacier, taking in magnificent views of the glacier’s northern and southern faces. Return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. Hotel Posada Los Alamos | Meals: BL

Day 6: Puerto Natales, Chile | Trekking, Hiking & Biking. Journey to Puerto Natales, where, after a late lunch, you will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Opened in 1940 and honoured as a National Heritage site, the Singular Patagonia was once a cold-storage plant. Today it features an industrial museum on site and offers a wide range of expeditions and activities, such as horseback riding, trekking and mountain biking. Choose your preferred mode of exploration and experience this incredible location on your own terms. The Singular Patagonia | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Puerto Natales | Torres Del Paine National Park. Today, discover the magnificent wilderness of Torres del Paine National Park, again selecting from available activities — with opportunities to explore fjords, mountains, glaciers, forests and ranches — all with varying grades of difficulty and duration. This park was created by tectonic movements; its rugged landscapes were sculpted during the ice ages, and the motion of glaciers has continued to reshape them. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park is renowned for its otherworldly landscape of granite spires, ice and deserted pampas. See firsthand the serrated ridges and spires of the Torres del Paine mountains. Watch closely as you scan the peaks and you might pick out a soaring Andean condor riding an updraft. Later, unwind in your room or marvel at the Patagonian night sky, awash with countless pinpoints of starlight. The Singular Patagonia | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Puerto Natales | Design Your Day. Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

> Cruise the Patagonian Fjords to Two Glaciers (weather permitting), witnessing their majesty and power up close.

> Ride Horseback at Puerto Consuelo, the first ranch in the region, and roam through the surrounding landscapes.

> Trek to Condor Lookout on Mount Benitez, viewing rock paintings en route and watching condors in flight.

Additional activity options are also available. Tonight, gather with your Resident Tour Director and fellow guests for an interactive Chef’s Table experience, joining a chef as he prepares barbecue and explains his distinctive preparation for this traditional meal, savouring the result for dinner. The Singular Patagonia | Meals: BLD

Day 9: Santiago | Chile’s Cosmopolitan Capital. After a leisurely morning, fly to Santiago, capital of Chile, a vibrant city set against the backdrop of the Andes that sits some 610 metres above sea level in Chile’s Central Valley and is surrounded by a ring of spectacular mountain peaks. Your hotel is strategically located in Santiago’s most prestigious and refined neighbourhood, El Golf. The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago | Meals: BD Day 10: Depart Santiago. Explore Santiago during a morning tour of city highlights, including the Palacio de La Moneda (presidential palace) and the Plaza de Armas, with its impressive Metropolitan Cathedral and Central Post Office. Ride by cable car up San Cristóbal Hill to behold the stunning statue of the Virgin Mary and take in expansive views of Santiago. Relax this afternoon, with late access to your room, before transferring to the airport for your departing flight. The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago | Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Celebrated hotel set in the historic Recoleta district.

Surrounded by ancient woodlands, built to blend in with the landscape.

The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago

Ideally set in the heart of El Calafate, near Lake Argentino.

Luxurious, relaxing lodgings in Santiago’s best neighbourhood.

Extend Your Journey

Easter Island Post-Tour Extension

Fly from Santiago to remote Easter Island, 3,500 kilometres offshore. Discover its unique island culture, volcanic craters, and gain a better understanding of the gigantic moai sculptures Available on select departures. See website for details.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Wings Over Argentina, Chile & Brazil

12 DAYS FROM $54,925

2023 DEPARTURE DATES: Feb 25–Mar 8, Sep 19–30

Discover three vibrant nations, experiencing their people, cultures and culinary treasures firsthand, including fine wines, on an active, immersive journey that explores Mendoza’s winelands, Patagonia’s epic landscapes and stunning Iguazú Falls. Wings Over the World itineraries feature private charter flights between destinations, allowing you the convenience of visiting remote places with less time spent getting there.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel between destinations in style on private flights chartered by A&K

• Share a meal with a celebrated wine maker and set out on a full-day winery experience in Mendoza, featuring a variety of tastings and lunch with wine pairings

• Choose your own way to explore the rugged, untouched wilderness of Patagonia, including iconic Torres del Paine National Park, with A&K’s Design Your Day feature

• Pursue exhilarating activities in scenic surroundings, including horseback riding, hiking, biking and kayaking

• Experience life at an estancia (ranch) outside of Buenos Aires and savour a traditional asado (barbecue) lunch

• Behold magnificent Iguazú Falls from your hotel situated mere steps away; also view the thundering cascades firsthand, from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides

• Limited to a maximum group size of 11 guests

Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina. Arrive in Buenos Aires, where you are met and transferred to your hotel, enjoying guaranteed early check-in. Tonight, after a behind-the-scenes visit at the Colón Theatre, gather for a cocktail reception and festive welcome dinner. Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires | Meals: D

Day 2: Buenos Aires | Barrios & Tango Culture. Explore cosmopolitan Buenos Aires and its various barrios — each with their own unique character. View some of the city’s modern street art in La Boca and Barracas, which are steeped in art and history, and home to some of the most spectacular murals in the city. This experience provides an in-depth look at the effect of politics, economics and social change on Buenos Aires street art and activism, to help foster a greater understanding of how the city’s history has influenced public expression. Experience a private tango demonstration and lesson from performers at the famed Rojo Tango cabaret. Later, delight in dinner and a tango show at this intimate venue. Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Buenos Aires | Polo and Estancia Traditions. Journey into the countryside to an estancia (ranch), where you have a polo lesson and try your hand at swinging a mallet, or opt for a carriage or bicycle ride through the surrounding landscapes instead. For lunch, savour asado (barbecue), a local favourite of Porteños. Afterward, return to your hotel. Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires | Meals: BL

Day 4: Patagonia, Chile | A Scenic Treasure. This morning, fly south by private charter to Puerto Natales, in windswept Chilean Patagonia, arriving in time for a late lunch at your luxury hotel. This afternoon, take advantage of the wide range of activities and expeditions available, in varying grades of difficulty and duration. Tonight, dine at your hotel. The Singular Patagonia | Meals: BLD

Day 5: Puerto Natales | Torres del Paine National Park. Explore the magnificent wilderness of Torres del Paine National Park — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its otherworldly landscape of granite spires and deserted pampas. See firsthand the serrated Torres del Paine mountains and scan their peaks, where you may spot a soaring Andean condor riding an updraft. After dinner, simply relax or marvel at the Patagonian night sky, awash with starlight. The Singular Patagonia | Meals: BLD

Day 6: Puerto Natales | Design Your Day. Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

> Cruise the Patagonian Fjords to Two Glaciers, witnessing their majesty and power up close.

> Ride Horseback at Puerto Consuelo, the first ranch in the region, and roam through the surrounding landscapes.

> Trek to Condor Lookout on Mount Benitez, viewing rock paintings en route, and watching condors in flight.

Additional activity options are also available. Tonight, gather for another dinner accompanied by superb Chilean wines. The Singular Patagonia | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Mendoza, Argentina | Foothills of the Andes. Fly by private charter to Mendoza, Argentina’s famous wine region and enjoy lunch with a celebrated winemaker at one of the most recognized wineries, where viticulture and literature combine in an unforgettable dining experience. Then, transfer to your hotel, set in a 55-acre vineyard. Enjoy dinner at your hotel. Cavas Wine Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Mendoza | Winery Visits with Tastings. Set out on a full-day winery experience that includes visits and tastings at three wineries, enjoying lunch with paired wines at one of them. Tonight, dine at a restaurant owned by one of Argentina’s top chefs. Cavas Wine Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 9: Mendoza | Learning the Secrets of a Local Chef. Today is yours to pursue activities as you desire. Perhaps horseback ride through the local vineyards, mountain bike or do a bit of hiking. A cooking lesson this evening is led by a chef who introduces you to the secrets of Argentinian cuisine. Savour the repast you have created as you relax beside a fire amid the vineyards. Cavas Wine Lodge | Meals: BD

Day 10: Iguazú, Brazil | Splendours of the Falls. Fly northeast to Iguazú, landing on the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls. Bordering Brazil and Argentina, the falls are located in lush Iguazú National Park — a vast forest that is home to rare birds, such as macaws, toucans and parrots, as well as monkeys, crocodiles, armadillos and elusive jaguars. Explore the Argentine side of the falls, starting with a train ride. Disembark to trek along pathways to the top of the waterfalls to take in spectacular views and bask in a natural setting filled with orchids, colourful birds and endemic wildlife. Proceed to a suspended platform at the brink of Devil’s Throat, the largest cascade in Iguazú National Park, to experience the immense power of the water up close. After the visit, cross the border to your hotel on the Brazilian side. This evening, savour a memorable dinner in the care of a celebrated local chef who takes you on a culinary journey through Brazilian culture. Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls | Meals: BLD

Day 11: Iguazú | Up Close with Natural Wonders. Today, experience Iguazú Falls from the Brazilian side. Thanks to exclusive park access, enter before regular operating hours, descending on a canyon trail for panoramic views of more than 240 cascades. Then, board a glass elevator to a platform, for a new perspective. Later, a private boat takes you right up to the bottom of the falls to feel the true force of this natural wonder. In the afternoon, make a backstage visit to the Parque des Aves bird sanctuary that includes access to restricted areas and the privileged opportunity to interact with toucans and flamingos, among others. Tonight, if the sky is clear, enjoy the unique opportunity to explore the falls by moonlight. Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls | Meals: BLD

Day 12: Depart São Paulo. After a leisurely morning and lunch at the hotel, fly by private charter to São Paulo, Brazil, where you connect with your international flight. Meals: BL

Inspiring Accommodations

Travel + Leisure World’s Best hotel with a superb wine cellar, set just south of Mendoza on a 55-acre vineyard at the foot of the Andes Mountains.

Celebrated luxury hotel, set in the exclusive Recoleta neighbourhood

Customise Your Journey

Falls.

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Cuba Awakened

Threadbare

but dazzling, perplexing and entertaining — this charming Caribbean nation is nothing short of magic. Stuck in a time warp yet full of quirky invention, it’s these rich contradictions that make Cuba so fascinating. Beyond its palmfringed beaches, you’ll find a country steeped in radical history, grand architecture, soulful music and bohemian spirit. From Cuban cigars and vintage convertibles to tobacco farms and salsa; relive revolutionary moments with local experts and explore the favourite haunts of Ernest Hemmingway on this

Cruise ‘Cuban’ style, in a vintage convertible car-tour of Havana

Enjoy lively conversation with a local economist over a

Be enthralled by the natural wonders of Guanayara in Topes

Understand the majesty and delight of Cuban cigars on a

Explore the legacy of Benny Moré with a guided arts school

Wander the cobbled streets of UNESCO World Heritage

Typically features a small group size of 10–12 guests

Day 1: Arrive Havana, Cuba. Arrive in Havana to a warm A&K welcome and VIP assistance through the airport, followed by a private transfer to your hotel. A city trapped in time, Havana captures the imagination like no other. Faded glamour meets careful colonial-era reconstruction against a backdrop of irresistible colour, an eclectic history, and a magnificent artistic and cultural heritage. Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana

Day 2: Havana | Classic Cars & Historical Icons. This morning meet your Resident Tour Director before you get a taste of Havana daily life on a walking tour of the colourful UNESCO World Heritage listed old city. In the afternoon, cruise around town in style admiring stunning baroque churches, Spanish colonial structures and neoclassical buildings in a vintage convertible. This evening, savour a welcome dinner with your group at La Guarida, widely acclaimed to be the best paladar in Cuba. Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana | Meals: BD

Day 3: Havana | Design Your Day. Today be immersed in everything classically Cuba, with a guided tour of a Havana cigar factory. Afterwards, discover the tastes of Cuba at lunch enjoying lively conversation with an expert economist. This afternoon Design Your Day with one of the following activities:

> Discover the origins of one of Cuba’s most famous exports at the Havana Club Rum Museum. Gain an understanding of the rummaking process, wrapping up with a tasting.

> Ernest Hemingway is possibly the only American to have achieved idol status among the Cuban locals. Join your expert guide as you drive around Havana and learn about the great writer’s life on the island that was his home for more than 20 years.

> Spend the afternoon at an organic farm learning from its welcoming Nicaraguan owners Anabelle and Alfredo about their passionate farm-to-table business. Enjoy an inventive Cuban cooking class and then sit down with the couple to share stories over food and drink.

Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana | Meals: BL

Day 4: Viñales | Traditional Tobacco Farming. Travel west of Havana to Viñales and the rolling hills of Pinar del Rio. Stop for lunch en route and take a tour of Finca Robaina, Cuba’s most famous private tobacco farm which has been growing tobacco since 1845. Arrive in Viñales for dinner at the foot of a stunning mogote. Hotel E Central Viñales | Meals: BLD Day 5: Viñales | Discovering the Valley of Penance. Discover Valle de la Penitencia (Valley of Penance) on a relaxed walking tour with picturesque rounded hills that dot the dramatic landscape as far as the eye can see. Afterwards, visit a tobacco stripping house (despalillo) to witness local women moisten, smooth and strip the leaves which will be used in iconic Cuban cigars. Return to the city with your evening at leisure. Hotel E Central Viñales | Meals: BL

Day 6: Cienfuegos | Immersed in Military History. Today, you’ll take a dive into Cuban military history at the infamous Bay of Pigs. Stop for a traditional home-cooked meal on the open terrace at Casa Zuleyda, a stunning house overlooking the beach, followed by a leisurely dip in the crystal-clear waters. This afternoon, it’s on to the Bay of Pigs Museum to discover the fascinating story behind one of the biggest military blunders of the Kennedy administration. Finish the day at the French and Caribbean inspired coastal town of Cienfuegos — ‘The Pearl of the South’. Sip sundowners at the Palacio del Valle with the rest of the night at your leisure. Boutique La Union | Meals: BL

Day 7: Cienfuegos | The Pearl of the South. Discover the ‘Pearl of the South’ on a guided city tour. Explore Jose Marti Park, the lavish Tomas Terry Theatre and the Palacio del Valle at Punta Gorda, with its exotic mix of Byzantine, Venetian, Gothic, Baroque and Mudejar architecture. Afterwards visit Cienfuegos’ Benny Moré School of Arts with an expertly guided tour and witness a choir performance by aspiring trainees. Enjoy delicious local fare for dinner with your travel companions. Boutique La Union | Meals: BD

Day 8: Trinidad | Sugar Barons & Seaside Views. Travel to Trinidad and discover the hidden secrets of this UNESCO World Heritage listed city with your expert local guide, keeping a camera at the ready as you stroll through the cobbled streets. Sugar and slavery were intertwined in the 18th and 19th centuries in Cuba, showcased on a guided tour to the vast ‘Valley of the Sugar Mills’ before dinner at Los Conspiradores in the heart of the historic district. Iberostar Grand Hotel Trinidad | Meals: BD

Day 9: Trinidad | Design Your Day. This morning you can choose your own adventure, with three Design Your Day activities on offer:

> Put your best foot forward in an hour-long salsa lesson led by a professional local dancer, who will teach you the basic Cuban salsa steps and have you moving to the local rhythms in no time.

> Cycle to La Boca and Ancon beaches. Continue to Playa Ancon, Trinidad´s main beach resort and enjoy the expanse of white sand beach and warm turquoise seas.

> Take an expertly guided Art and Artisan Tour to discover some of Cienfuegos’s leading artists and artisans in their studios and galleries enjoying lively chatter with the locals.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city. Iberostar Grand Hotel Trinidad | Meals: B

Day 10: Santa Clara | Natural Wonders & Revolutionary Icons. This morning is for natural wonders, exploring beautiful Guanayara in Topes de Collantes National Park on foot, admiring gorgeous scenery culminating in the chance to swim in a natural pool and stunning waterfall. Transfer to Santa Clara — a city steeped in history and culture. Your day comes to an end with a group dinner. Hotel E Central Santa Clara | Meals: BLD

Day 11: Santa Clara | The History of Che Guevara. Further your cigar education at Fabrica de Tabacos Costantino Perez Carrodegua, Santa Clara’s main tobacco factory producing some of the best cigars in the

country. No trip to Cuba is complete without a visit to the Che Guevara Mausoleum, located in Plaza Che Guevara alongside the bronze statue of the revolutionary icon. Continue exploring the city with a guided tour, including a visit to the Santa Clara Cathedral with its spectacular collection of stained-glass windows. Hotel E Central Santa Clara | Meals: B

Day 12: Havana | Farewell to the Caribbean. Travel to Havana and visit Los Almacenes de San Jose, an iconic handicraft market and cultural hub featuring art exhibitions and musical performances. Celebrate your Cuban discovery at a farewell dinner on your hotel’s rooftop terrace. Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana | Meals: BD

Day 13: Depart Havana. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

A luxurious retreat located in the heart of Havana.

Charming hotel set in the heart of Viñales.

Restored mansion with rooftop bar offering exceptional views.

Iberostar Grand Hotel

Boutique accommodation combining tradition and modern amenities.

Hotel

Clara Comfortable accommodation boasting stunning, classically Cuban architecture.

Extend Your Journey

Mexico Pre-Tour Extension

Why not spend a few days enjoying Mexico’s white beaches and Mayan ruins prior to your arrival in Cuba? Be spellbound by the pristine Caribbean coastline, majestic monuments of Chichen Itzá, flavourful Mexican fare, and the enduring architecture.

Available on select departures. See website for details.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Australia & New Zealand Small Group Journeys

Whenit comes to inspiring travel, a small group makes a big difference. Our Small Group Journeys are intimate, immersive, expert-led, shared adventures with a fine balance of guided activity and breathing room, allowing time and space for more exploration and self-discovery. Small groups of 6–12 guests also mean more one-on-one interaction with your local guide, and allows A&K to reserve splendid accommodations that might not be an option for larger groups.

If scheduled departure dates don't work for you, or you would prefer to travel privately, please talk to your A&K Journey Designer or your travel agent about a journey tailor-made for you. Please visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au for detailed itineraries, departure dates, prices and inclusions.

xplore the very best of the Apple Isle on this captivating Small Group Journey which combines culture, history, wilderness and a healthy dose of adventure. Marvel at the myriad spectacular landscapes and heritage-listed natural wonders, from Lake St Clair and Cradle Mountain to Flinders Island and Freycinet National Park. Taste the cornucopia of epicurean delights from award-winning whisky to Bruny island’s celebrated cheeses. Dive into Tassie’s thriving creative scene, from lauded Mona to Risby Cove Gallery and the art town of Sheffield. And bed down in complete luxury, with stays at some iconic Tassie lodgings from MACq 01 and Verge to Cradle Mountain Hotel and

Take a private charter flight to picturesque Flinders Island for a day of epicurean indulgence and untamed landscapes

See inspirational conservation work up close on a privileged insider access visit to the AKP-supported Raptor Refuge

Discover pristine wilderness and a rare convict heritage on a cruise of the Gordon River in the Premium Upper Deck

Admire rare natural wonders at Lake St Clair and Cradle

Join Risby Cove Gallery curator for a fascinating insight to the gallery’s eclectic collection of work by local artists

Typically features a small group size of 12–14 guests

Day 1: Arrive Hobart. Arrive into Tasmania’s charming capital to a warm A&K welcome. Transfer privately to your accommodation at MACq 01 Hotel, and this evening join your fellow travellers for a welcome briefing and dinner at Old Wharf Restaurant in your hotel, celebrating Tasmanian produce and locally caught seafood. MACq 01 Hotel | Meals: D

Day 2: Hobart | Inspiring Art & Conservation Insights. Today head southwest towards the beautiful Huon Valley and the small town of Kettering, where you will be treated to A&K’s exclusive insider access to the inspirational Raptor Refuge. Supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, the refuge rescues and rehabilitates injured birds of prey, and your private tour takes you up close to the aviaries to observe the work being done with recovering birds and those being prepared for release back into the wild. From wedge-tailed and sea eagles to goshawks, kestrels and falcons, there are many locally threatened species which pass through the refuge and which you will have the opportunity of seeing.

This afternoon, visit the breathtaking and utterly brilliant Museum of Old & New Art (Mona), with free rein to explore the permanent collection of contemporary art and antiquities and temporary exhibitions. Enjoy lunch at The Source Restaurant, perched atop the Mona site with sweeping views. Return to Hobart in style aboard Mona’s fast ferry where you have seats in the Posh Pit, enjoying drinks and canapés on the private deck with breathtaking harbour views. MACq 01 Hotel | Meals: BL

Day 3: Hobart | Bruny Island Epicurean Exploration. This morning take the ferry from Kettering over to Bruny Island where stunning views, epicurean delights and rare wilderness awaits. Taste your way across the island visiting some of the renowned artisan producers including award winning cheese from Bruny Island Cheese Company, Get Shucked’s famous oysters, handcrafted chocolate and fudge and delicious honey. Balance your feasting with some active discovery, visiting The Neck lookout, and a short walk through the surrounding rainforest keeping an eye out for the rare white wallaby. MACq 01 Hotel | Meals: BL

Day 4: Strahan | An Immersion into Local Art. Journey northwest to Strahan, stopping en route at Lake St Clair National Park to hike amid spectacular wilderness. Lunch is at leisure before wandering through the

forest of towering gum trees and leatherwoods to Hogarth Falls. Keep an eye out for the elusive platypus.

Tonight, head down to Risby Cove on the Strahan waterfront for a personalised tour of Cove Gallery with the curator. Admire the eclectic collection of works by accomplished Tasmanian artists housed within the converted, century-old sawmill workshop. Savour dinner at Risby Cove Restaurant, with views of the marina through the floor to ceiling windows. Strahan Village | Meals: BD

Day 5: Gordon Wild Rivers National Park | Heritage River Cruise. Board the award-winning Gordon River Cruise for a unique opportunity to experience this World Heritage Wilderness Area from the water. Your guided exploration, with Premium Upper Deck inclusions, starts at Macquarie Harbour and drifts up the Gordon River. Cruise across to notorious Hells Gates, named by convicts to signal the point of no return. Pass fish farms en route and learn about the local industry farming salmon and ocean trout.

Stop to wander amongst the largest swathe of temperate rainforest on earth, home to thousand-year-old trees, and explore the ruins of Sarah Island, once the largest boat building settlement in the British colonies. Cruise back to Strahan and transfer by road to Cradle Mountain National Park, enjoying a 3-course ‘Mountain Rock’ dining experience at Altitude Restaurant. Cradle Mountain Hotel | Meals: BLD

Day 6: Cradle Mountain | Ancient Wonders & Devil Encounters. This morning set out on one of Tasmania’s most impressive walks to picturesque Dove Lake, located at the foot of Cradle Mountain. Afterwards, enjoy an unforgettable encounter with the mysterious Tasmanian devil with the opportunity to observe these extraordinary animals up close.

Return to your hotel and visit the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery, located right next door, showcasing the wilderness around Cradle Mountain and the stories of Tasmania through photographs, art installations and film. Cradle Mountain Hotel | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Sheffield & Launceston | History & Art. Travel northeast to Launceston by road, stopping in the quirky rural art town of Sheffield en route. Wander through the village admiring outdoor installations, giant murals as well

as galleries and studios. This evening dinner is at the award-winning Stillwater Restaurant on the shores of the Tamar River. Hotel Verge | Meals: BD

Day 8: Flinders Island | Wild & Untamed. Transfer by private charter aircraft from Launceston to Flinders Island for a full day exploring. Taste local whisky and gin on a distillery tour before a coastal discovery of picturesque Trousers Point, the island’s most celebrated and widely photographed beach. A gourmet seafood lunch showcases the local catch before continuing to Walkers Lookout for panoramic island views and a visit to the Furneaux Museum. Enjoy a beach walk and afternoon tea before your return charter flight to Launceston. Hotel Verge | Meals: BL

Day 9: Freycinet National Park | Iconic East Coast Wilderness. Transfer southeast to Freycinet National Park and your luxurious lodge, Saffire. Spend the rest of the day soaking up the natural wonders which surround you relaxing at the lodge or embarking on one of the many activities on offer. Saffire | Meals: BLD

Day 10: Freycinet National Park | Design Your Day. Your last day on the Apple Isle is yours to navigate. Choose your own adventure from the spectacular selection available to you at Saffire.

> Experience an unforgettable culinary encounter and learn some of the secrets of beekeeping with a visit to the onsite Saffire apiary.

> Don a pair of waders and visit a working oyster farm located in a beautiful setting with views of the Hazard Mountains . Includes a tasting of freshly shucked oysters straight from the lease.

> Choose from 2 guided walks, either a coastal stroll along the beach with an Indigenous guide Mick Quilliam, or join a knowledgeable guide for a relaxed two-hour tour exploring the Freycinet Peninsula with stunning views of the Tasman Sea as well as glimpses of Wineglass Bay. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the lodge, toasting your unforgettable journey and new friends made along the way. Saffire | Meals: BLD

Day 11: Freycinet National Park – Depart Hobart. Enjoy a leisurely morning before departing Freycinet National Park for the return shared transfer to Hobart Airport and your onward flight. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Defined by its subtle but chic interiors, a fluid architectural design, and luxuriously appointed suites featuring the best in design and furnishings.

Offers informal luxury set on an historic waterfront location.

Charming cottage accommodation in a tranquil setting on the waterfront.

Cradle Mountain Hotel

Stylish, comfortable rooms nestled within alpine wonderland.

Sophisticated, central hotel with spacious, well-appointed rooms.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Traditions of the Top End: An Air Safari

8 DAYS FROM $10,595

2022–23 DEPARTURE DATES:

Be spellbound by the ancient wonders of Australia’s Top End on this immersive 8-day air safari. From the tropical capital of Darwin to the storied plains of Arnhem Land, led by local guides you’ll take a deep dive into Aboriginal Dreaming and Creation stories of the land. Be captivated by the majesty of Kakadu on land and by river cruise, and be immersed in this biodiverse region with a glamping safari in Mary River at breathtaking Bamurru Plains. An all-encompassing adventure, this journey will see you humbled by

Day 1: Arrive Darwin. Arrive into Darwin to a warm A&K welcome and transfer by private vehicle to your accommodation, Mindil Beach Casino & Resort, Set among tropical beachside gardens around a lagoon. This afternoon meet your group of fellow travellers and enjoy a two hour guided city tour of Darwin. Highlights include historic Fanny Bay Gaol, Government House, Stokes Hill Wharf, St Marys Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens and the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, housing an impressive Aboriginal art collection and Cyclone Tracy display. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner and drink. Mindil Beach Casino Resort | Meals: D

Day 2: Darwin | Indigenous Discovery. This morning, meet your expert Indigenous guide for a captivating immersion into Indigenous culture on a private full day Litchfield experience. A true wonder of the Top End, Litchfield National Park is possibly the Northern Territory’s best kept secret covering 1,500 square kilometres, of dramatic landscapes, lush waterholes, misty waterfalls and monsoonal vine forests.

Get a hands-on education of bush tucker and medicinal traditions, learning of the bush resources in season. Take a refreshing walk to a picturesque waterfall, your scene for a flame-grilled lunch of ocean-caught barramundi, marinated kangaroo and crocodile eye fillet, before returning to your hotel. Mindil Beach Casino Resort | Meals: BL

Day 3: Arnhem Land | Welcome to the Homeland. This morning, transfer by charter aircraft to your accommodation on Mt Borradaile in the Indigenous homeland of Arnhem Land. Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris Lodge is located on an exclusive lease of 700-square kilometres of pristine wilderness in northwest Arnhem Land. Nestled against the Arnhem Land escarpment, this landscape of rugged ranges fringed by idyllic billabongs allows an immersion in unique ecosystems teeming with birdlife and crocodiles as well as bush food and medicinal plants. Valleys, overhangs and caves carved out by an ancient sea have been the traditional lands of the Aboriginal people for over 50,000 years with world-class galleries of rock art, occupation and burial sites.

Arrive to a warm welcome, before enjoying a short walk to see the famous Rainbow Serpent, where you will start to learn about the local rock art, the geology of the area and some of the local bush tucker.

Following lunch, there is the chance to enjoy one of Davidson’s included activities. Try your hand at barramundi fishing, enjoy a walking excursion to view the magnificent galleries of Indigenous rock art, take a dip in a natural swimming hole or simply sit back and relax poolside at the lodge. Davidson’s Safaris Arnhemland Safari Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 4: Arnhem Land | Design Your Day. Wake up to a strikingly beautiful landscape of rugged ranges fringed by idyllic billabongs, floodplains, paperbark swamps and monsoonal rainforests. After a leisurely breakfast, continue your exploration of Arnhem Land with your choice of the included activities available.

> Enjoy sundowners as you cruise along a billabong viewing a kaleidoscope of plants and wildlife as the sun sets over the floodplains painting Mt Borradaile in magnificent colours.

> Choose from a range of guided walking tours exploring the rainforest areas, savannah woodland, or incredible catacombs learning about the region’s rich Indigenous history and ecosystem.

> Take a 4WD excursion into the savannah landscapes, woodland areas and rainforest, each with its own distinct array of flora and fauna. Enjoy a dinner of freshly prepared cuisine amidst a relaxed atmosphere at Mt Borradaile’s dining room, the social hub. Davidson’s Safaris Arnhemland Safari Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 5: Mary River National Park | Regional Discovery Begins. A final morning spent at Davidson’s before boarding your private plane this afternoon for the charter flight to the wildlife haven of Bamurru Plains. Arrive to a warm welcome and transfer to your safari-style bungalow which gives you an immersion in the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush. Situated on the edge of Kakadu National Park, Bamurru Plains has exclusive access to floodplains and savanna woodland located along Mary River.

This evening, you may like to take a river cruise in search of crocodiles, or embark on a quad bike safari before savouring a sundowner drink in breathtaking surrounds. Bamurru Plains | Meals: BLD

Day 6: Mary River National Park | Design Your Day. A choice of activities is on offer today, or alternatively you may choose to simply relax and enjoy your spectacular surrounds. Bamurru has over 300 square kilometres of private concession waiting to be explored. So large is the property that there are four distinct habitats: floodplains and wetlands full of magpie geese and big crocs; stunning melaleuca forests, savannah woodlands where you might bump into brumby, buffalo, dingo and wallaby; and finally a riverine environment abundant in fish, crocodiles and diverse birdlife.

> Go on an airboat safari across the floodplains. Feel the rush as you skim the surface at speed, then float in silence listening to the sound of nothing but the bush and the surrounding wildlife

> Experience an open-top game drive, one of the best ways to witness the variety of wildlife in this diverse environment including wallaby, crocodile, wild horses, buffalo and some of the 236 bird species.

> Head out on a guided walking safari, learning the Indigenous uses for the various plants and animals, and how wildlife can be tracked.

Return to the lodge this afternoon to enjoy sundowners on the deck before a sumptuous dinner of bush-inspired recipes. Bamurru Plains | Meals: BLD Day 7: Mary River National Park | Top End Safari. Start today with an exhilarating flight to Jabiru for a private tour of Kakadu National Park. Explore the landscapes and ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, one of Kakadu’s most breathtaking Aboriginal art sites, in your custom-built safari vehicle led by a knowledgeable local guide. Then embark on a cruise on the East Alligator River through pristine wilderness. Led by an Aboriginal guide, uncover the secrets and history of one of the richest biological regions in the national park. Stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre for an engaging look at the history and traditions of the land, before arriving back at the lodge in time for sundowners and canapés before your farewell dinner. Bamurru Plains | Meals: BLD Day 8: Mary River National Park – Depart Darwin. Depart this morning after breakfast, flying by private charter to Darwin airport, where you will transfer to your onward flight. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Premium hotel and resort accommodation set among tropical beachside gardens around a lagoon just moments from the CBD.

Featuring

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Davidson’s cabins are simple and comfortable, and designed to embrace the sounds of the bush and the cool morning breeze.

just 10 safari bungalows each boasting views over the wetlands, allowing immersion in the bush, while also enjoying luxurious touches.

Gourmet

Embark on an indulgent journey of New Zealand as you’re wined and dined in some of the most picturesque locations across the country. From cultural capital Wellington to the scenic South Island where you can indulge in the freshest seafood straight from the waters of the Marlborough region. Renowned for its wines, experience blending your own signature bottle of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc before travelling south to the quaint coastal town of Kaikoura. Immerse yourself in nature’s playground with a memorable stay in Hapuku Lodge and enjoy a unique farm-to-table cooking experience with a New Zealand MasterChef finalist. Close-up encounters with New Zealand’s diverse marine-life and a decadent progressive dinner in Queenstown round off this journey of the senses.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Learn the art of winemaking on a behind-the-scenes tour of a

Be whisked away on a breathtaking helicopter ride for a picnic atop Mt Fyffe with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain range, Kaikoura Peninsula and Pacific Ocean

Stay in a luxury tree house nestled in the canopy of a Manuka Grove in Kaikoura, a world renowned eco-marine area

Forage for fresh produce and enjoy a hands-on culinary experience with renowned chef Fiona Read

Enjoy a breath-taking, up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale on a whale watching cruise in Kaikoura

Indulge in a progressive dinner at three iconic and hidden gems around Queenstown showcasing fine wine and delectable food Cruise privately through Lake Wakatipu’s secluded coves, mountain ranges and inner harbour aboard the Pacific Jemm Typically features a small group size of 6–8 guests

Day 1: Arrive Wellington, New Zealand. Arrive in Wellington, where a warm A&K welcome awaits. You will have the afternoon to explore the city at leisure after settling into your harbour view room at QT Wellington. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers at Hot Sauce, QT’s signature restaurant. QT Wellington | Meals: D

Day 2: Picton & Blenheim | Seafood Indulgence. After breakfast, enjoy VIP lounge access on the Interislander ferry ride across Marlborough Sounds to Picton, built around a sheltered harbour with an attractive seafront dotted with cafés, restaurants, and galleries.

Upon arrival in Picton enjoy a private seafood cruise as you marvel at the beauty of Marlborough Sounds. Keep an eye out for a rich variety of birdlife and wildlife that flourish in this natural paradise. Visiting salmon, oyster and mussel farms, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into local aquaculture as you sample fresh seafood including Regal salmon, Cloudy Bay clams and greenshell mussels, paired with a refreshing glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Arriving back at Picton Wharf, continue on to Blenheim where you have an evening at leisure. Hotel d’Urville | Meals: BL

Day 3: Blenheim | Winemaker for a Day. With over 100 wineries in the region and a host of primary food producers, cafés, and restaurants, Marlborough is an epicurean delight. After breakfast, enjoy a tour of select vineyards and a working winery where you’ll learn about the winemaking process and create your very own signature bottle of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Afterwards, enjoy a gourmet platter lunch and a guided wine tasting. You’ll have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure before dinner at a local restaurant. Hotel d’Urville | Meals: BLD

Day 4: Kaikoura | Immersion in Nature. After a leisurely breakfast, continue your journey south to the quaint coastal town of Kaikoura. On arrival, experience an unforgettable heli-picnic on top of Mt Fyffe. Wash down your locally prepared picnic hamper with a bottle of Marlborough wine as you soak up the breathtaking 360-degree views of the mountain ranges, Kaikoura Peninsula and the surrounding ocean.

Back on land, transfer to Hapuku Lodge, your luxury accommodation for the next two nights. Sitting snuggly at the base of the spectacular Kaikoura Seaward Mountains, beautiful Hapuku Lodge provides a luxurious base from which to explore this stunning area. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure soaking up the breathtaking views from your elevated

Tree House, or by the fire with a glass of wine. For something more active, walk to the nearby beach or bike ride along a Hapuku trail. Join your group early evening for sundowner drinks and canapés before enjoying a delicious dinner, made with produce sourced from the lodge’s own garden, free-range chickens and olive grove. Hapuku Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 5: Kaikoura | Reconnecting with Land and Sea. This morning, enjoy a hands-on farm-to-table cooking class at Hapuku Kitchen with renowned chef and former MasterChef finalist, Fiona Read. Forage in the garden for fruit, vegetables and herbs before returning to the kitchen with your harvest to prepare the dishes under Fiona’s guidance. Your morning concludes after dining on your creations, washed down with wine and beer from some of Fiona’s favourite local winemakers and brewers.

This afternoon, experience an unforgettable up-close encounter with Kaikoura’s abundant marine life. Enjoy your cruise from the comfort of the Captain’s Cabin situated on the upper deck in the wheelhouse, the perfect vantage point to spot a rich variety of whale species as well as dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and royal albatross. Return to your lodge this evening for dinner. Hapuku Lodge | BLD

Day 6: Christchurch | From Coast to Garden City. After breakfast, travel by road to scenic Christchurch, stopping en route for lunch and a wine tasting at organic winery Black Estate. Arrive into Christchurch with some time at leisure, before an afternoon visit to the Riverside Market, a vibrant indoor farmers market where a chef will take you on a guided tour to sample local delights as you go, before a delicious dinner in a nearby restaurant. The George | Meals: BD

Day 7: Christchurch | Touch of France in Akaroa. Today, travel over the breathtaking Banks Peninsula for a full-day tour to Akaroa, the only town in New Zealand settled by the French. This picturesque region was formed following violent volcanic eruptions over six million years ago, while the town of Akaroa itself sits in an ancient volcanic crater. You’ll have the opportunity to wander around the charming 175-year-old French harbourside village of Akaroa with its museums, art and craft shops and studios before enjoying lunch at an award-winning cafe. On the journey back to Christchurch, visit the cheese factory at Barry’s Bay, the Little River Art Gallery and, if time permits, Vince’s Gemstone Museum. The George | Meals: BL

Day 8: Queenstown | Journey for the Tastebuds. Continue your journey south today with a short flight to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Visit Zenkuro Sake, New Zealand’s first and only Sake brewery where you will learn the process of Sake making, followed by a tasting of their award-winning range. Continue to The Rees, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu. This evening, take part in an indulgent progressive dinner hosted at a selection of iconic and hidden gems around Queenstown showcasing fine wine and delectable food. The Rees | Meals: BD

Day 9: Queenstown | Whisky and Wine. This morning, witness the spectacular vistas of the Wakatipu Basin on a scenic drive from Queenstown to Cardrona driving on the Crown Range, the highest main road in New Zealand. Visit the Cardrona Distillery and learn the whisky-making process from grain to glass before a stop at the iconic Cardrona Pub. From there, descend into the charming Gibbston Valley, a world class Pinot Noir region. Enjoy wine tasting and a lunch at some of the region’s top local wineries. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Queenstown’s eclectic shops and diverse range of dining options. The Rees | Meals: BL

Day 10: Queenstown | Design Your Day. Continue your exploration of Queenstown and Design Your Day with your choice of activities:

> Enjoy an exhilarating jetboat experience on the Dart River deep in the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park.

> Starting in the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, pedal your way by e-bike along the Arrow River Trail downstream to the Kawarau River. Finish your ride with a wine tasting at Gibbston Valley Winery.

> Visit the Thomas L Brown Gallery, a former cheese factory originally built in 1912 and converted into a studio and gallery by renowned artist Thomas Brown in 1992.

The perfect end to a memorable day, enjoy a cruise aboard private charter, Pacific Jemm as you explore Lake Wakatipu’s secluded coves and towering mountain ranges, private beaches, and a vibrant inner harbour. Soak up the stunning sunset views with drinks and canapés before dining on a gourmet BBQ prepared by the Head Chef. The Rees | Meals: BD Day 11: Depart Queenstown. After breakfast, transfer to Queenstown Airport where your gastronomic adventure comes to an end. Meals: B

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.

Darwin

AUSTRALIA

Broome

Bullo River Station

Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle Range)

ARRIVE/DEPART AIR

stories of living on the land and witness 50,000 years of history in Indigenous rock art. Experience

TYPICALLY FEATURES

Be dazzled by all that the Red Centre has to offer on this inspiring adventure. Delve into the highlights of Alice Springs and the rugged heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Witness extraordinary Kings Canyon and its Garden of Eden. Discover the beauty of the outback from dazzling heights on a morning hot air balloon ride and dine under starry southern skies with an astronomer pointing out the sparkling constellations. Finally, be left in awe of the red jewel in Australia’s crown, Uluru, with a stay at celebrated luxury camp, Longitude 131°, on this journey sure

Shores of the Southern Ocean: An Air Safari

OCT 27, 2022 & MAR 30, 2023 9 DAYS

FROM $16,855 PP TWIN SHARE LIMITED TO 9 GUESTS

Delve into a cornucopia of epicurean delights, rare wildlife, sophisticated artworks and coastlines battered by the great Southern Ocean on this exclusive 9-day air safari from South Australia to Tasmania. On this extraordinary journey only made possible by chartered flights, you will dine on Port Lincoln’s daily catch and meet the fishermen who haul it in. Admire abundant wildlife and epic landscapes on Kangaroo Island. Visit workshops and studios where painters, sculptors and potters create singular works of art and learn about bees from an apiarist. You’ll banquet ocean to table and paddock to plate on the region’s finest produce from local farms, providores and the bountiful ocean, washed down by some of the country’s best wines and home-distilled beverages toasting the beauty of our rare southern land on this unique air safari.

AUSTRALIA

Port Lincoln

Kangaroo Island

ARRIVE/DEPART

Outback SA Adventure: An Air Safari

MAR 7 & APR 11, 2023 9 DAYS

FROM $17,500 PP TWIN SHARE

ROAD

Adelaide

King Island

TASMANIA

Hobart

Outback to the Reef

Horn Island

Lizard Island

AUSTRALIA

Contrast Queensland’s rich outback spirit with the pristine natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the remote Cape York peninsula on this adventure which combines the ancient landscapes and untamed wilderness of Mount Mulligan, a working cattle station in the Atherton Tablelands, with the rich marine life of tropical hideaway, Lizard Island. An exhilarating helicopter trip from Horn Island to Roko Island in the Torres Strait reveals hundreds more pristine islands and beaches as well as the region’s rich pearling heritage. Travel by a combination of private 4WD vehicle, charter aircraft and helicopter maximising your time spent in each destination.

Take Your Small Group Journey Private

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking one of these Small Group Journeys as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on these itineraries. Please call Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 583 901 or talk to your travel agent to find out more.

A Rewards Programme for Repeat Travellers

Experience the Marco Polo Club

Marco

A&K delivers the finest luxury expedition cruise experience in the world.

Cultural Cruises That Enrich and Enlighten

A unique and compelling sense of discovery defines every A&K cultural voyage, from the comprehensive itinerary designed by A&K experts to the enriching and authentic insider access opportunities found on your choice of included shore excursions, curated by A&K and accompanied by passionate local guides.

Adventure Cruises to Earth’s Farthest Frontiers

Explore awe-inspiring Antarctica, the Arctic and Australia’s Kimberley on astonishing itineraries found nowhere else. Led by A&K’s award-winning Expedition Team — real-life explorers who are experts in their fields — experience a spectacular cruise aboard a luxurious ship purpose-built for adventure.

Please visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au for up-to-date information, including availability and pricing, on 2023–24 departures.

Arctic Cruise Adventure: In Search of the Polar Bear

15 days | Jul 17, 2023

From $26,040 per person twin share (was $29,560)

Discover geological wonders and see the majestic polar bear in its natural environment on a thrilling voyage to Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland.

The Northwest Passage: From Greenland to the Bering Sea

25 days | Aug 25, 2023

From $54,565 per person twin share (was $60,200)

Follow in the footsteps of legendary polar explorers and under the wing of A&K’s famed Expedition Team on an epic expedition from Greenland to Alaska.

Antarctic Cruise Adventure

13 days | Dec 10, 2023

From $20,970 per person twin share (was $25,195)

Explore Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in the height of the austral summer, encountering rare wildlife, towering icebergs and vast glaciers.

Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands

18 days | Dec 20, 2023 & Jan 4, 2024

From $30,830 per person twin share (was $36,465)

Explore the Falkland Islands, unspoiled South Georgia with its rookeries of king penguins, and the incomparable Antarctic Peninsula.

Antarctica Discovery: Beyond the Antarctic Circle

15 days | Jan 19, 2024

From $26,605 per person twin share (was $31,535)

Embark on a thrilling voyage beyond the Antarctic Circle to the most historic and rarely explored treasures of the Southern Ocean.

Cruising the Seychelles & Coastal Tanzania

14 days | Mar 11, 2023

From $21,115 per person twin share (was $23,230)

See Africa from a unique perspective on an expedition from Zanzibar through the remote tropical paradise of the spellbinding Seychelles.

Italy Cruise: Hidden Treasures from Florence to Venice

12 days | Sep 9, 2023

From $19,005 per person twin share (was $20,415)

Cruise an exciting and comprehensive itinerary that explores nearly the entire navigable coastline of Italy and visits its most unique ports.

Adriatic Voyage: Croatia, Montenegro & Greece

8 days | Sep 20, 2023

From $14,075 per person twin share (was $15,485)

Discover the gems of the dazzling Adriatic on a luxury culture-rich cruise highlighting the best of Croatia, Montenegro and Greece.

Cruising the Greek Isles

10 days | Sep 27, 2023

From $16,895 per person twin share (was $18,305)

Set sail on A&K’s most popular cruise voyage to idyllic Greece, exploring ancient ruins, volcanic vineyards and hidden gems from Patmos to Syros.

Combine these three cruises into one Grand Mediterranean Voyage

Experience the Mediterranean in all its splendour on A&K's Grand Mediterranean Voyage, a uniquely comprehensive 28-day expedition that combines up to three cruises encompassing five countries and countless kilometres of beautiful coastline. Please contact A&K or your travel agent to find out more.

European Coastal Cruise: Portugal, Spain

& France

9 days | Apr 27, 2023

From $14,075 per person twin share (was $15,485)

Embark on a unique Western European cruise highlighting Porto’s wine country, the cultural heritage of Spain and historic regions of France.

Cruising Scandinavia & the Baltic Sea

10 days | Jul 15, 2023

From $16,895 per person twin share (was $19,710)

Set sail on an all-encompassing luxury cruise to the grand and historic cities of seven countries, enjoying visits with renowned cultural experts.

Wonders of Japan Cruise: Cherry Blossom Season

14 days | Mar 29, 2023

From $29,570 per person twin share (was $32,385)

Experience this fascinating island nation in cherry blossom season, exploring famed coastal cities, mesmerising gardens and museums, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Kimberley Cruise: Australia’s

Last Frontier

13 days | May 12, 2023

From $20,415 per person twin share (was $22,530)

Venture to a spectacular wilderness, resplendent with dramatic reefs and waterfalls, astonishing wildlife and Indigenous culture.

& Great Barrier Reef

Indonesia Voyage: Komodo, Papua

17 days | Oct 20, 2023

From $24,640 per person twin share (was $28,865)

Discover tribal traditions, natural wonders and the paradisiacal shores of Komodo, Papua, and Australia with an unmatched Expedition Team.

French Polynesia to Easter Island Expedition

14 days | Oct 27, 2023

From $23,230 per person twin share (was $25,345)

Embark on an adventure into the heart of French Polynesia, retracing the route of the legendary ‘HMS Bounty’.

These Terms and Conditions apply to group journeys including Australia and New Zealand Small Group Journeys (including those that have ‘An Air Safari’ in their title), Luxury Small Group Journeys, Limited Editions Journeys, Marco Polo Journeys, Family Journeys, Connections, Connections

European River Cruise Journeys and Wings Over the World Journeys as well as Group Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions, departing between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 and bookings for future years until updated. For all other terms and conditions, please refer to abercrombiekent.com.au

Please ensure that you read all the Conditions below. In particular, we draw your attention to the following Clauses:

Clause 2 – Basis of Contract

Clauses 3.1 and 3.2 – Quotations and Deposits

• Clause 3.6 – COVID-19 Acknowledgment and Vaccination

• Clauses 4 and 5 – Price Policy and Payment

Clause 7 – Cancellations by the Customer

• Clause 8 – Force Majeure and Alterations by A&K

• Clause 9 – Obligations and Liability

• Clause 18 – Travel Advisories

Payment of a Deposit indicates your acceptance of these Conditions. A contract is formed once the Customer has paid the Deposit.

1. Definitions

“A&K” means Abercrombie & Kent (Australia) Pty Ltd ACN 005 422 999.

“ACL” means the Australian Consumer Law Schedule to the Competition and Consumer Act.

“Booking” means a Customer’s acceptance of a Quotation as informed to A&K, subject to these Conditions.

“Conditions” means these Terms and Conditions.

“Contract” means any agreement for the provision of the Services by A&K, and the provision of the Travel Arrangements, to the Customer.

“Customer” means a person, jointly or severally if more than one, acquiring Services from A&K, or acquiring Travel Arrangements.

“Departure Date” means the date scheduled for the Customer to depart at the start of the Travel Arrangements.

“Deposit” means an amount payable by the Customer to A&K at the time of Booking, as set out in a Quotation.

“Force Majeure” means unusual and/or unforeseeable circumstances beyond A&K’s control or the control of our suppliers, that affect the ability of A&K to provide the Services or the ability of the Suppliers to provide Products, including, but without limitation, acts of God, flood, drought, earthquake, extreme weather or other natural disaster, epidemic, pandemic or significant risk to human health such as the outbreak of disease (including but not limited to COVID-19 and any disease caused by a new strain of the coronavirus), terrorist attack, civil war, civil commotion or riots, war, threat of or preparation for war, armed conflict, imposition of sanctions, embargo, or breaking off of diplomatic relations, nuclear, chemical or biological contamination or sonic boom, any law, guidance or advice issued, or any other action taken by a government (local or national) or port, border, river and/or aviation authority (local or national) or other public authority, collapse of buildings, fire, explosion or accident, or interruption or failure of utility service.

“GST” has the definition given in A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (“Act”) or any amending legislation, and includes any similar value–added or consumption tax.

“Material Alteration” means a material change to the Travel Arrangements as reasonably determined by A&K.

“Products” means individual components of Travel Arrangements, such as accommodation, meals, transport, airfares, cruises and tours.

“Quotation” means A&K’s quotation provided to the Customer in respect of proposed Travel Arrangements.

“Refundable Amounts” means the amount/s paid by a Customer to A&K in respect of a particular service the subject of amendment or cancellation, less any unrecoverable costs incurred by A&K and any Retainable Amounts.

“Retainable Amounts” means any Amendment Charge, any Cancellation Charge, and any other amount unrecoverable by A&K or identified in a Quotation as retainable.

“Services” means the booking and payment services provided by A&K in relation to the Travel Arrangements, and the delivery of the Travel Arrangements which are directly controlled by A&K, but does not include delivery of any Products provided or to be provided by Suppliers.

“Suppliers” means the parties that are responsible for providing the individual Products.

“Supplier Fees” means any amounts payable by the Customer to a Supplier, including but not limited to amounts payable to the Supplier in the event of amendment or cancellation.

“Tax Invoice” means a tax invoice which complies with the definition contained in section 29 – 70 of the Act or any amending legislation.

“Travel Arrangements” means the travel arrangements made by A&K including all Products.

2. Basis of Contract

2.1 The Conditions apply exclusively to every contract for Services by A&K to the Customer and cannot be varied or supplanted by any other condition unless expressly accepted in writing by A&K.

2.2 Acceptance: Payment of a Deposit indicates the Customer’s acceptance of the Conditions. A contract is formed once the Customer has paid the Deposit.

2.3 Different Products may have specific terms and conditions, Deposit requirements and cancellation charges applicable to the Product. These will be communicated in the Quotation or prior to the Customer making a Booking.

2.4 Customers who book with A&K are also bound by the terms and conditions of any relevant Suppliers (Supplier T&Cs) insofar as they relate to Products and Travel Arrangements, and the Customer accepts and agrees that:

(a) it is the Customer’s responsibility to read and understand the Supplier T&Cs as provided to them or where access is made available to them; and

(b) in the event of an inconsistency between these Conditions and any Supplier T&Cs, these Conditions will prevail to the extent they relate to any Contract between a Customer and A&K.

3. Booking Your Travel Arrangements

3.1 Quotations – are valid for a period of seven (7) days.

3.2 Deposit – a Deposit of $1,400 per person and full names of all Customers as per passport are required to secure the Booking. The Customer is responsible for the accuracy of the information it provides.

An additional nonrefundable permit fee is required at time of booking for Travel Arrangements including Uganda and Rwanda. There may be an additional Deposit depending on the policies of the Supplier of Products being booked. Any additional Deposits will be advised at time of making a Booking.

A Deposit of 25% per person of the price of the journey is required for Wings Over the World Journeys.

3.3 Requests to make a Booking within 90 days of the Departure Date (60 days for Australia and New Zealand Journeys) must be accompanied by full payment and may be subject to an urgent processing fee, in addition to any applicable Supplier Fees. Select Journeys indicated below must be paid in full 120 days before the departure date. Wings Over the World Journeys must be paid in full 180 days before the departure date.

3.4 Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions are only available to customers booked on related group journeys.

3.5 Select Journeys: Brazil: The Amazon, Pantanal & Iguazú Falls; Chile: From the Andes to the Atacama Desert; Cruising the Mekong: Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat; Easter Island & the Tapati Festival; Egypt & the Nile: A Holiday Journey; Family Costa Rica; Family Galápagos; Galápagos Holiday Adventure; Galápagos Wildlife Adventure; India Wildlife Safari; Mongolia: Naadam Festival & the Khan Legacy; Myanmar & the Irrawaddy; Oman & the Emirates: The Sands of Time; Patagonia: The Last Wilderness; Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley; Rwanda: Land of a Thousand Hills; South Korea & Japan: Cultural Legacies;; Splendours of Morocco; Taj Mahal & the Treasures of India; Wonders of the Galápagos & Machu Picchu; and all Connections European River Cruise Journeys.

3.6 COVID-19 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND VACCINATION - Prior to making a Booking, the Customer must sign an acknowledgement attesting to their fitness to travel and agreeing to comply with all health protocols as directed by A&K staff during their Travel Arrangements. All guests must be up-to-date with their vaccinations for COVID-19 and present proof of vaccination during travel on Small Group Journeys. A&K accepts approved vaccines per the World Health Organization list. Guests must also comply with all vaccination requirements for country entry and any local regulations which may change from time to time. A&K reserves the right to change, modify or amend the A&K COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for future bookings at any time and without prior notice. If the Customer is making a Booking on behalf of a group of individuals, all members of the travelling party above 18 years of age must sign an acknowledgement. For individuals under 18 years of age, a Parent or Guardian must sign on their behalf. The Customer must not travel if they test positive for COVID-19 during the 14 days prior to departure; standard cancellation terms will apply. The Customer must maintain adequate physical distancing and frequently wash or sanitize hands during their Travel Arrangements. Masks are required to be worn in accordance with local regulations and recommended to be worn at all times in vehicles, indoor spaces, any outdoor spaces where physical distancing is not possible. Noncompliance with these measures will result in not being able to continue on the Travel Arrangements. The Customer voluntarily assumes all risks and related expenses in the event that they or any member of their travelling party require testing, quarantine or become infected with COVID-19. The Customer is required to follow the legal and regulatory requirements regarding COVID-19 testing and quarantine per individual country regulations. The testing procedures and results are solely subject to the control of local governments. A&K has no control and has no authority to overrule, change or amend local government policies as they relate to testing or providing private quarantine facilities. A&K will assist all guests where COVID-19 testing is required; however, A&K is merely acting as a facilitator in order to assist guests who require a COVID-19 test. All COVID-19 testing is carried out by third party testing facilities with no association or affiliation to A&K, and A&K is not liable or responsible for any results, issues, delays or problems encountered during the testing process or the performance or non-performance of the testing facilities.

4. Price Policy

4.1 Prices are valid for travel arrangements made and travelling in the period until 31 December 2023 (until 30 April 2024 for Limited Edition Journeys and until 30 August 2024 for Australia and New Zealand Journeys). All prices are per person in Australian Dollars unless otherwise specified. Prices are subject to the Quotation provided.

4.2 Travel Arrangement prices set out in the Quotation are for the entire package and itemised component costs cannot be given.

4.3 Travel Arrangements – prices may be based on Products being booked for all Customers in the Booking, and accordingly Customers must travel together throughout the Travel Arrangements.

4.4 Surcharges – the price of the Travel Arrangements is subject to the possibility of surcharges. Surcharges may be

incurred (without limitation) in connection with: currency exchange rates, increases in Product prices, fuel levies, scheduled airfares, hotel, cruise and ground transportation charges, game park entrance fees and any other increases in connection with the Travel Arrangement.

4.5 Where there is any change in the costs incurred by A&K in providing the Services, A&K may vary its price to account for such change by notifying the Customer, whether or not the Customer has made full payment.

4.6 Changes in the Australian Dollar – the financial commitments A&K undertakes in order to offer the prices mean that prices cannot be reduced or refunded if the Australian dollar strengthens.

4.7 Products not Utilised – no refunds are made in respect of Products not utilised, for example, flights, accommodation, meals and sightseeing excursions.

4.8 A&K Price Assurance - A&K will honour any lower advertised price on abercrombiekent.com.au for the same journey, travel date and accommodation classification for all small group journeys available through A&K excluding Private Jet, Inspiring Expeditions by Geoffrey Kent, international and internal air and extra services. The Travel Professional or customer must contact A&K for a price adjustment prior to travel. A&K reserves the right to modify or cancel the A&K Price Assurance for future bookings without prior notice, and such modification or cancellation applies in respect of any Bookings made after such modification or cancellation takes effect.

4.9 Inclusions for Luxury Small Group Journeys, Marco Polo Journeys, Connections Journeys, Connections European River Cruises, and Wings over the World Journey – All accommodations, meals and fully guided sightseeing (including park and entrance fees) as noted in the itinerary; airport transfers to/from hotel/ship in the first/last published city regardless of day of arrival and departure ; services of A&K Resident Tour Director or appropriate guide on Preand Post-Tour Extensions; coffee/tea/soft drinks/water at included meals; local wine and beer at all designated welcome and farewell dinners and with all lunches and dinners on Connections European River Cruises; local bottled water during sightseeing; porterage of up to two (2) pieces of baggage; complimentary Internet access (where available on cruises and at land accommodations; service levels are not guaranteed); hotel taxes; and gratuities throughout, except to the Resident Tour Director/Extension guide/East Africa safari driver-guides.

Additional inclusions for Luxury Small Group Journeys, Family Journeys, Marco Polo Journeys and Wings over the World Journeys only – A&K’s Travelling Bell Boy Service is provided; however, because of security regulations, this service may be limited at airports, railway stations and points of embarkation for cruises. A&K’s Traveller’s Valet includes laundry service for eight (8) pieces (excludes Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions). Dry cleaning is not included. A&K’s Breakfast in Bed service is included on Luxury Small Group and Wings Over the World Journeys up to two times per journey (limitations may apply for safari journeys).

Inclusions for Limited Edition Journeys - All accommodation as detailed on a double/twin share basis with private facilities; meals as specified; bottled water during transfers and touring; wine and beer with all designated lunches and dinners; airport welcome; assistance with luggage and group transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle; services of English speaking A&K Resident Tour Director; economy flights only if specified as included in itinerary; all entrance fees, planning, handling, operational and communication charges; all tipping, including the Resident Tour Director (where a ‘Guest Host’ accompanies the journey, tipping of the Guest Host is not expected).

Inclusions for Australia and New Zealand Journeys - All accommodation as detailed on a double/ twin share basis with private facilities; meals as specified; bottled water during transfers and touring; wine and beer with all included dinners; airport welcome; assistance with luggage and group transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle; services

of a Local Guide; travel in a private aircraft as specified in the itinerary; economy flights only if specified as included in itinerary, all entrance fees, planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

4.10 Exclusions for Luxury Small Group Journeys, Family Journeys, Marco Polo Journeys, Connections Journeys, Connections European River Cruises and Wings over the World Journeys – International airfares, unless otherwise noted; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; reciprocity and other border fees; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted; excess baggage charges; gratuities to the Resident Tour Director/Extension guide/East Africa safari driver-guides; meals other than those specified in the itinerary; room service; beverages other than those noted in inclusions above; sightseeing not included in the published itinerary; and personal expenses such as laundry (except for A&K’s Traveller’s Valet as noted), communication charges, Internet access for all trains; and optional activities (which are subject to availability).

Exclusions for Limited Edition Journeys – International airfares, unless otherwise noted; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; reciprocity and other border fees; insurance coverage of personal loss, injury, illness or damages incurred during your trip; items of a purely personal nature such as drinks, laundry, dry cleaning, internet, fax or phone charges; transfers, sightseeing or meals not specified in itinerary; excess baggage charges; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted.

Exclusions for Australia and New Zealand Journeys - Airfares, unless otherwise noted; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; reciprocity and other border fees; insurance coverage of personal loss, injury, illness or damages incurred during your trip; items of a purely personal nature such as drinks, laundry, dry cleaning, internet, fax or phone charges; transfers, sightseeing or meals not specified in itinerary; excess baggage charges; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted, tipping.

4.11 Prices set out in a Quotation include GST. Prices for the supply of the Travel Arrangements and the Services exclude any other taxes, duties or imposts imposed on or in relation to the Travel Arrangements and the Services in Australia or overseas. The Customer is liable to pay any amount of GST imposed on any Product.

4.12 Air Transportation – International or domestic airfares (to the journey starting point and from the ending point) are not included in programme pricing. A&K has special agreements with many air carriers and can offer quotations from most departure points. Some journeys include internal flights as specified in the itinerary. All internal air is offered and provided by Suppliers, and unless otherwise specified in these Conditions or the relevant Supplier T&Cs, are based on economy class seating and is 100% non-refundable at time of final payment (some exceptions may apply). All international and internal air prices are subject to change until final payment has been received by A&K. Flight confirmation is based on availability. Air reservations cannot be confirmed until full passport details are received by A&K.

All air carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by A&K. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airlines (and not A&K), even if purchased through A&K.

A&K is not liable for and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, name changes, schedule changes, flight changes and/ or cancellations. Should you change or cancel your air transportation arrangements before or after your travel begins, all airline change and cancellation fees will apply.

4.13 Baggage – A&K provides porterage of up to two (2) pieces of baggage per person. Please note should your journey include internal/domestic or charter flights, your luggage allowance may be less than two (2) pieces of baggage and weight/size restrictions and additional costs may apply.

Details will be provided in your Pre-Travel Documentation. Baggage and personal effects are at the owner’s risk

throughout the travel programme, and A&K assumes no liability for lost or damaged baggage. Please check with your international carrier for other baggage restrictions and fees applicable to your international flights.

4.14 Child Policy - The minimum age is 10 years old unless noted on the itinerary and all children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Some activities on journeys may require a minimum age to participate. Note that some accommodations require that children below a certain age share a room with an adult.

A parent or guardian travelling alone with a child is recommended to carry documentation that proves their relationship to the child (e.g. birth certificate) and evidence that they have permission to travel with the child (e.g. consent letter). Customers travelling with children who are not related are recommended to carry documentation which provides evidence they have permission to travel with the child. Customers are advised to check with the appropriate government authority to determine the necessary documents required for travel with children. A&K cannot be held responsible should the Customer, child or any member of the travelling party be denied entry to a country due to noncompliance with a country’s requirements.

4.15 Hotel Check-in - Most hotels allow check-in to take place during the mid-afternoon. Should you wish to have a guaranteed room ready for your immediate check-in upon arrival, it requires an additional room night to be confirmed. Please ask A&K for details and prices. Requests for early check-in based on hotel availability cannot be guaranteed and are at the sole discretion of the hotel.

4.16 Room Upgrades and Special Requests - Upgrades are typically available on request at individual hotels for an additional cost. Please ask A&K for details and prices. Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking rooms and special dietary needs should be advised at time of booking. Please note that reasonable efforts will be made to secure special requests; however, they cannot be guaranteed.

5. Payment

5.1 Final Payment – unless otherwise agreed in writing, the final payment must be received by A&K 90 days prior to the Departure Date. Select Journeys (see Clause 3.5 above for the list) must be paid in full 120 days before the departure date. Wings Over the World Journeys must be paid in full 180 days before the departure date. Australia and New Zealand Journeys must be paid in full 60 days before departure.

5.2 If you pay A&K by credit card, a surcharge will be added to the total price. The current surcharge for all credit cards is 1.5% of the total price

6. Amendments by the Customer

6.1 A&K will endeavour to assist if the Customer requests an amendment to the Travel Arrangements up to 90 days prior to the Departure Date subject to the following:

a) Amendment Charge – fees may apply to any Customer requesting a change to a confirmed Booking or Contract.

b) Additional Charges – all other expenses incurred by A&K may also be payable by the Customer at A&K’s discretion.

c) Any charges arising from a request for an amendment are payable by the Customer whether or not A&K is successful in confirming the requested amendment.

d) Late Amendments – amendments made by the Customer within 90 days prior to the Departure Date (or 60 days for Australia and New Zealand Journeys or 120 days prior for Select Journeys and 180 days prior for Wings Over the World) are treated as cancellations and re-bookings. Cancellation charges apply as detailed below.

7. Cancellations By The Customer

7.1 The Customer must give A&K notice if the Customer intends to cancel any Travel Arrangements.

7.2 Charges – unless otherwise agreed by A&K and the Customer in writing, the following cancellation charges, excluding international airfares, are payable by the Customer

in accordance with the number of days prior to the Departure Date following notice being received by A&K of cancellation: Luxury Small Group Journeys by A&K, including Limited Edition Journeys, Marco Polo Journeys, Family Journeys, Connections Land Journeys range:

8.2 To the maximum extent permitted at law, A&K is not liable to the Customer or any third party in any way whatsoever to the extent provision of the Services, or availability of the Products or any part of the Travel Arrangements, is impacted by a Force Majeure Event.

8.3 Where a Force Majeure Event occurs, if A&K seeks to rely on Clause 8.1, it must:

(a) give immediate notice to the Customer stating the nature of the event, and its likely duration (if known to A&K), and the effect of the Force Majeure Event on its ability to perform any of its obligations under these Conditions; and

(b) use all reasonable endeavours to mitigate the effect of the Force Majeure Event on the performance of its obligations.

8.4 If A&K considers the provision of its services to a Customer, or a Product or the Travel Arrangements or any party of a Product or the Travel Arrangements, is or will be impacted by a Force Majeure Event, it may:

(a) suspend or terminate the Agreement by written notice to the Customer;

(b) cancel the Travel Arrangements or any part of the Travel Arrangements;

(c) subject to Clause 8.5, offer the Customer alternative Travel Arrangements of comparable standard as may be appropriate in the circumstances; or

(d) elect to offer the Customer, at A&K’s discretion:

(i) travel credit with A&K in the sum of the Refundable Amounts; or

(ii) a refund in the sum of the Refundable Amounts.

8.5 If a Customer accepts an offer made by A&K under Clause 8.4(c):

(a) Unless otherwise agreed by A&K in writing, A&K may charge the Customer, and the Customer must pay, the Amendment Fee; and

(b) the Customer will be liable for and must pay any relevant fees to Suppliers.

8.6 A&K must use reasonable endeavours to ensure Travel Arrangements proceed as booked by the Customer. However, the Customer acknowledges and agrees:

a) delivery of the Products and certain parts of the Travel Arrangements are matters out of A&K’s control or influence; and

b) A&K, or any Supplier, may alter any part of the Travel Arrangements, including programme itineraries, arranged activities and sightseeing, accommodation and transport, where reasonably necessary due to matters beyond their control other than a Force Majeure Event, without liability. Such alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued.

8.7 Where A&K alters any part of the Travel Arrangements subject to Clause 8.6(b), it must endeavour to ensure any alternative arrangements substituted in place of the affected Travel Arrangements are of a comparable standard.

The Customer agrees the sums referenced in the cancellation provisions above are not a penalty and represent a genuine pre-estimate of the loss and damage to which A&K will be subject in the event of such cancellation. These include, amongst other costs but not limited to, fees charged by hotels and travel suppliers to A&K for cancelled bookings.

7.3 Additional Charges – the Customer may further incur Supplier Fees for cancellation, including international flight providers, over which A&K has no control.

7.4 A&K may treat a Booking as cancelled and levy cancellation charges if the Customer does not pay the balance of the Travel Arrangements price at 90 days prior to the Departure Date (60 days for Australia and New Zealand Journeys).

8. Force Majeure and Alterations by A&K

8.1 A&K and, where applicable, any relevant Supplier, shall be excused from performance of their respective obligations under these Conditions to the extent that it is prevented from acting due to circumstances amounting to a Force Majeure Event, for as long as such circumstances last and affect such performance.

8.8 Material Alteration – if A&K, or any Supplier, makes a Material Alteration to the Travel Arrangements other than as a result of a Force Majeure Event within 120 days of the Departure Date, A&K will give notice to the Customer within a reasonable time. The Customer will have the choice to accept the Material Alteration, or accept comparable Products offered by A&K (if applicable), or receive a full refund of all monies paid by the Customer less any unrecoverable costs. The Customer must notify A&K of its choice within seven days. If A&K does not hear from the Customer within seven days, A&K will assume that the Customer has chosen to accept the Material Alteration.

8.9 Refunds related to a Material Alteration or Force Majeure Event – subject to Clauses 8.4 and 8.8, and without prejudice to any obligations it has at law, A&K will refund the Customer the Refundable Amounts within a reasonable time after cancellation. However, the Customer acknowledges and agrees that in certain circumstances, a refund will be delayed if A&K requires the refund to be processed by a Supplier.

8.10 Claims and Refunds - In circumstances other than those

relating to a Material Alteration or Force Majeure Event, refunds are not made for any missed Services, except for verifiable extenuating circumstances. Please see Clause 9 relating to our obligations and liability. For claims to be considered, they should be received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the Travel Arrangements and be accompanied by supporting documentation and/or a statement from the local destination management company verifying the claim. Any adjustment considered will be based on the actual price of the services involved and not on a per diem basis. Adjustments will not be made for unused sightseeing trips or meals.

9. Obligations and Liability

9.1 Booking Agent - A&K acts as an agent for the Suppliers of Products and accepts no liability for any injury, loss, damage, accident, delay or irregularity that may arise to any Customer or third party resulting from the Customer’s or third party’s use of the Products, unless recoverable from A&K on the failure of a statutory guarantee under the ACL. A&K makes reasonable enquiries to determine that Suppliers provide appropriate Products, but A&K is not responsible for the Products or their standard.

9.2 Except as the Conditions specifically state, the Agreement does not include by implication any other term, condition or warranty in respect of the quality, merchantability, acceptability, fitness for purpose, condition, description, specification or performance of the Travel Arrangements or Services or any contractual remedy for their failure.

9.3 Nothing in these Terms restricts, limits or modifies the Customer’s rights or remedies as a consumer against A&K for failure of a statutory guarantee under the ACL.

9.4 Loss – To the maximum extent permitted at law, A&K is not liable for and accepts no responsibility for any direct or indirect loss, financial loss, consequential loss, loss of enjoyment, pain and suffering, damage, injury, accident delay or irregularity occasioned to the Customer.

9.5 COVID-19 – A&K is not liable for and accepts no responsibility for any direct or indirect loss, financial loss, consequential loss, loss of enjoyment, pain and suffering, damage, injury, accident, delay or irregularity occasioned to the Customer as a result of:

a) local quarantine restrictions, government-imposed travel restrictions, or other laws, regulations or orders imposed by governmental authorities;

b) any failure of a Customer to comply with local quarantine restrictions, government-imposed travel restrictions, or other laws, regulations or orders imposed by governmental authorities;

c) a Supplier refusing to provide the Products to a Customer on the basis that the Customer has failed to comply with the Supplier’s reasonable directions, or local quarantine restrictions, government-imposed travel restrictions, or other laws, regulations or orders imposed by governmental authorities;

d) a Supplier refusing to provide the Products to a Customer on the basis that the Customer has not met the health and safety protocols applied by the Supplier or its authorised agents (including, but not limited to, if the Customer develops or presents with symptoms of COVID-19);

e) a Customer developing or presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 prior to departure or at any point throughout the Travel Arrangements, and refusing to comply with a reasonable direction by A&K or a Supplier to seek medical care; and

f) a Customer providing inaccurate or misleading information on its COVID-19 Acknowledgment Form at or before the time of making a Booking.

9.6 Nothing in the Conditions is to be interpreted as excluding, restricting or modifying the application of any relevant State or Federal legislation which cannot be excluded, restricted or modified.

9.7 Passport and Visa Requirements – it is the Customer’s responsibility to ensure that the Customer has a valid passport, visas and permits which meet the immigration and

governmental requirements of the country of travel. The Customer may be refused boarding or disembarked from a plane, vessel or train without liability for refund, payment, compensation, or credit of any kind if the Customer does not have proper documentation, and the Customer will be subject to any fine or other costs incurred by A&K which result from improper documentation or noncompliance with applicable regulations.

9.8 The Customer agrees and acknowledges that A&K will not be liable for any loss or damage incurred by the Customer due to the Customer’s failure to obtain any valid passports, visas, permits or any other governmental requirements of the countries of transit or travel.

9.9 Medical Conditions – Some active elements have been incorporated into some itineraries. To enjoy the trips as intended, a minimum level of fitness is required. The Customer must notify A&K of any pre-existing medical conditions that might reasonably be expected to affect the Travel Arrangements. The Customer agrees and acknowledges that A&K will not be liable for any loss or damage incurred by the Customer as a result of any pre-existing medical condition or health issue of the Customer that may preclude, delay, affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements.

9.10 Health Issues – It is the Customer’s sole responsibility to:

a) obtain any vaccinations or take any other health precautions applicable to the country or region of travel;

b) take all steps reasonably necessary (including, without limitation, the consultation of appropriate medical professionals) to identify whether they have any pre-existing medical conditions or health issues (whether known or unknown) that may preclude, delay, affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements; and

c) notify A&K if the Customer has any pre-existing medical conditions or health issues that may preclude, delay, affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements.

9.11 The Customer agrees and acknowledges that A&K may decline any booking request where, in its reasonable opinion, the Customer has a pre-existing medical condition or health issue that may affect or interfere with the pace of the Travel Arrangements or the enjoyment of other participants.

9.12 The Customer agrees and acknowledges that A&K may remove from any trip, at the Customer’s own expense, anyone, who, in A&K’s reasonable opinion, has a physical condition or has engaged or is engaging in any conduct which may negatively impact the enjoyment of the other participants or otherwise disrupts the tour.

9.13 The Customer acknowledges and accepts that different places, countries, facilities and tour operators may have lower standards of safety, labelling, warnings and precautions. The Customer is responsible for maintaining personal diligence and safety notwithstanding the level of standards. A&K is not liable for any loss, damage, injury or death that could be avoided if the Australian standards were to apply.

9.14 While A&K makes efforts to audit our suppliers and hoteliers it may not be possible to enforce standards of health and safety that would be expected in Australia. Local regulations can be ad hoc and not rigorously enforced. When considering a holiday, you must make a personal assessment on the health and safety risks you are likely to incur.

9.15 Insurance - A&K strongly recommends that all Customer insure themselves against loss of deposit, cancellation charges, medical and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death, loss of personal possessions or baggage, and any other foreseeable loss, expense, cost, damage or liability related to the Travel Arrangements. A&K expressly excludes liability to the Customer or any third party for any loss, expense, cost, damage or liability arising from or in any way related to a Customer’s failure to obtain suitable travel insurance.

10. Notice

10.1 A notice by the Customer must be in writing, and may be delivered by hand, sent by prepaid mail, sent by facsimile or sent by electronic means such as e-mail to the address or number specified.

10.2 A notice is treated as given to A&K, when:

a) if hand delivered, when delivered,

b) if sent by prepaid mail, when received or within 48 hours after posting, whichever is the sooner,

c) if sent by email or facsimile, on confirmation of successful transmission.

11. Governing Law

11.1 These Conditions are governed by and are to be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria and Australia.

11.2 Each party irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts and Tribunal of Victoria and Courts entitled to hear appeals from those Courts and Tribunals.

12. Privacy Information

12.1 Any personal information that A&K obtains from the Customer, or about the Customer from its representative, is necessary for A&K’s business purposes or providing the Customer with A&K’s Travel Arrangements, Products and Services, and may be used in answering any queries the Customer may have, considering the Customer’s application for credit or to become a Customer, performing internal administration and operations, developing, improving and marketing A&K’s Services, and related purposes.

12.2 A&K’s Privacy Policy details why A&K collects this personal information, who A&K may disclose it to (including whether A&K is likely to disclose it to overseas recipients), and the main consequences (if any) if A&K does not collect the personal information of the Customer. A&K’s Privacy Policy also contains information about how the Customer may seek access to, or correction of, the personal information held about the Customer, and A&K’s complaint resolution procedures.

12.3 A&K will not disclose any personal information to any other party without the consent of the Customer except to the Suppliers, a related entity or adviser of A&K or where A&K is otherwise required by law to do so.12.4 A&K’s Privacy Policy is available at http://www. abercrombiekent.com.au/legal or by request to A&K by phoning +61 3 9536 1800 or via email at privacy@abercrombiekent.com.au.

13. Consent for cross-border disclosures

13.1 By making a Booking, the Customer acknowledges and consents that A&K will not, as would otherwise be required, be obliged to take steps to ensure that an overseas recipient of Customer Information complies with the Australian Privacy Principles.

14. Miscellaneous

14.1 A&K’s failure to enforce any of these Conditions shall not be construed as a waiver of any of A&K’s rights.

14.2 If any Condition is unenforceable, it shall be read down to be enforceable or, if it cannot be read down, the condition shall be severed from the Conditions without affecting the enforceability of the remaining conditions.

15. A&K Guaranteed Departures

15.1 All group journey types as named in the introductory paragraph to these Terms and Conditions are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of two (2) persons unless noted on the itinerary and except Wings Over the World journeys. Australia and New Zealand Journeys described as ‘An Air Safari’ in the name of the journey are guaranteed to operate with six (6) persons.

15.2 Guaranteed departures will operate except in cases of Force Majeure, which could include any major world event adversely effecting international travel patterns or other circumstances beyond A&K’s control.

16. Photography or Recording During Travel

16.1 A&K reserves the right to take photographs or video or audio recordings of Customers during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use, re-use, publish,

and republish their image, identity likeness, name, voice, interview, statements, video clips and sound recordings, and/ or photographic portraits or pictures in which customer(s) may be included (an “Image”), for promotional purposes during the program and thereafter. By making a Booking for a program with A&K, Customers acknowledge that A&K is the owner of the photographs and video and agree to allow their images and/or voice to be used in such photographs, videos and recordings, which may thereafter, be used by A&K. Customers who prefer that their images and/or voice not be used must (1) identify themselves to their Resident Tour Director at the beginning of their Journey; and (2) notify their A&K Travel Consultant by email, not later than thirty (30) days following the end of the journey. In the event the Customer fails to comply with both obligations, the Customer shall not be exempt from this section. If such written notice is not timely provided, the Customers, individually and on behalf of any minor child travelling with them, have granted unrestricted rights and permission for A&K to use the Images.

17. Travel Documents

17.1 Travel documents will be issued after final payment has been received. Travel documents may include special conditions including restrictions such as baggage size and weight limits. Travel documents are not transferable. All airline tickets must be issued in the name of the passport holder and some carriers will deny carriage if the name varies and the Booking may be cancelled. It is the responsibility of the Customer to collect all travel documents prior to travel.

17.2 A&K Mobile App - Abercrombie & Kent may provide information for your journey via a web platform and an A&K mobile app (the “App”). The use of the App is not part of your holiday package experience and is merely intended to offer an interactive option to view your itinerary and other related information. Once downloaded, you are subject to the privacy policy and terms of use as found in the App. You are responsible if you provide access or use of the App to any members of your traveling party.

18. Travel Advisories and Warnings

18.1 It is the responsibility of the Customer to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the Australian Government’s website at smarttraveller.gov.au or by phone to 1300 555 135. For journeys in Australia, please refer to the website of the relevant State government.

18.2 In the event of an active Travel Advice against travel to the specific destination location(s) of the trip, should the Customer still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, the Customer assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.

19. Terms & Conditions Amendments

19. 1 A&K reserves the right to correct any errors or omission in its published materials and to amend these Conditions at any time as a result of any material change to legislation or regulations or change to A&K policies. Amended Conditions shall automatically be effective upon being posted by A&K to the website www.abercrombiekent.com.au or by providing Notice to the Customer.