travel 05 november 2013

1W

DP-E01-S3

Fjord fiesta

Western Daily Press, Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Tr a v e l

WESTERN DAILY PRESS TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5 2013 TRAVEL 3WDP-E01-S32 TRAVEL TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5 2013 WESTERN DAILY PRESS WDP-E01-S3

Cruise in comfortto scenic fjords orsun-kissed islands

Cruises make great holidays. But it iseven better when you do not have tomake a long journey to the departureport. So our cruise choices this weekcome to you, right on Bristol’s door-step, sailing from the port of Avon-mouth.

There are two on offer, one headingsouth for the sunshine islands of theAtlantic and the other heading northto Norway.

The nine-day Whitsun fjordland

cruise departs Avonmouth next Mayand costs from £1,699.

This tremendous-value cruiseshowcases western Norway’s magni-ficent fjords. See them at their verybest, clothed in the beauty of earlysummer, with the snow-capped hin-terland awakened to the glories of thenew season.

You sail there aboard cruise shipD i s c ove r y.

And the price includes eightnights’ accommodation in yourchoice of cabin, full-board arrange-ments including full breakfast,luncheon, dinner, afternoon tea andmidnight snacks, and on-board enter-tainment.

This will be the 20,000-tonne Dis-c ove r y ’s second season of cruisesfrom ports around the UK. With ac-commodation for 700 passengers, Dis-covery is a smaller ship built in tradi-tional style, and offers the perfecthome from home for a memorableh o l i d ay.

You sail out of Avonmouth at tea-time on the first day and head forN o r w ay ’s western fjords, taking instops at Ulvik, Eidfjord, Flam andBergen. Nine days later you sail backinto Avonmouth.

Our second cruise on offer sails outof the same port next October, againaboard Discovery, only this timeheading for Madeira, Cape Verde andthe Canaries on a 19-day voyage cost-ing from £2,079.

Discovery will call at the floralparadise of Madeira, two sun-kissedCanary Islands, and a trio of fascinat-ing outposts in the Cape Verde ar-chipela go.

There is also a day in Portugal’scapital Lisbon.

Ports of call are Funchal inMadeira, Santa Cruz de Tenerife inthe Canaries, Porto Novo, Praia andMindelo in the Cape Verde Islands,Arrecife in the Canaries, and Lisbon,before sailing back to Bristol.

Starting price of nine-day fjordland cruisedeparting from Avonmouth next May

£1,699

Cruise ship Discovery will call at the CapeVerde islands during a trip next year A view across the rooftops of Funchal in Madeira, one of the destinations of a cruise next October

High adrenalinesport that requiresstealth and gutsGot what it takes to defeat the enemy?Run, dodge and get camouflagedamong the scenery in a fun, safe andslightly scary afternoon of paint-balling.

This is the ultimate game of elimin-ation and exhilaration that requiresstealth and guts to overcome the op-position. Battlers get suitable protect-ive gear, combat suit and gun andthen battle commences. Warriors areassigned a team and sent out into thewilderness. There’s a selection ofskill-testing scenarios. and visitorsneed to be resourceful and daring andwork as part of a team to be tri-umphant.

Experience a combat situationwith this high adrenaline sport. Hidein the undergrowth and storm theenemy from behind trees, with eyespeeled and finger on the trigger, thisis a game requiring all the senses.

Discover the hidden chocolaty treas-ures of Chelsea with our chocolatewalking tour for two in London. Meetexpert chocolatiers and sample someof the most mouth-watering treats intown and learn about the origins ofchocolate and the modern trends thatare taking the chocolate world bystorm. An experienced guide willlead day trippers to some of the bestBritish and French boutiques inChelsea to sample award-winningchocolates and treats, like addictivesea salted caramels.

Discover new favourites and takehome mouthwatering delights with aVIP discount. The walking lasts threehours 30 minutes visiting some of thetastiest shops in Chelsea, withsamples like hot chocolate, trufflesand pralines.

Tour that reveals achocolaty treasurearound every corner

Minutes you will spend exploring chocolateboutiques on our walking tour for two

210

Paintballing is the ultimate game of elimination and exhilaration; take homemouthwatering delights after a tour of some of London’s finest chocolate shops

Perfect Places

Call us on 0844 472 4605 Or visit us www.bririviera.co.ukQuoteBRI Request a brochure online: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/brochures

Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Prices are from, per person, based on two people sharing a twin room unless stated otherwise, and are applicable to selected departure dates. These holidays and included excursions are subject to availability. Single rooms available at a supplement. Some visa costsand local departure taxes may not be included. Prices and holidays are subject to availability and change, some holidays are subject to minimum passenger numbers. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. *Supplements applicable for certain regional stations. Holidays organised by and are subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel, New Manor, 328 Wetmore Road, Burton uponTrent, Staffs DE14 1SP ABTA V4744 and ATOL 3430 protected, a company wholly independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission.

4 days from

£259per person

Return rail connections available*

4 days from

£379per person

Return flights from Bristol, other airports available

PARIS BY EUROSTARDepartures November 2013 andMarch to November 2014 This magnificent wide-ranging tour visits Prague, a

city without parallel often described as ‘The MagicalCity’, ‘The Golden City’ or ‘City of a Hundred Spires’and undoubtedly one of Europe’s most renowned andenthralling capitals. It’s dramatically beautiful too andalways a magnet for innumerable civilisations: Slav,Jewish and German, all leaving unique legacies. In morerecent times the 1989’s “velvet revolution”, so famouslyled by the self effacing poet Vaclav Havel, catapultedPrague back into the limelight as one of the finest citiesin all of Europe.

Paris was, is and always will be somewhere ratherspecial. Why not try it with this superb four-dayholiday. This inexhaustible city has something foreveryone – whatever your taste. It is everythingyou imagine it to be, romantic, inspiring, vibranteven outrageous, but best of all Paris is unique.You will stay in a centrally located hotel, wellsituated for all the sights and have a wealth ofvisits and excursions included in the price.

PRAGUEDepartures April to October 2014

Qwismas Presents

Call us on 0844 472 4583Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

QuoteBRS

Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline, other operators may vary. Experiences are subject to availability. Any applicable discounts have already been deducted. Postage not included, starts from £2.49. For further terms, please contact Acorne Plc. Acorne is wholly independent of dmg::media and Local World. When you respond,dmg::media, Local World and their Travel partners may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission; please let us know if you are happy for us to do so.

FULL DAY PAINTBALLING FOR TWOGet your camo on

CHOCOLATE WALKING TOUR IN CHELSEADiscover the hidden chocolate wonders

Perfect pictures

£119for one person

Stealth buzz

£25for two people

Indulgence

£89for two people

Price includes: • One full day with a professional photographer• Advice on aperture, shutter speed, ISO, light balance and exposurecontrol • Chance to test your new skills with expert tuition • Choice of11 locations nationwide • Cancellation Indemnity •

Price includes: • Entry to paintball park • All equipment rentalincluding semi automatic paintball gun • 8-10 paintball games perperson • 100 paintballs per person • Hot lunch (at selected venues) •Cancellation Indemnity •

Price includes: • 3 and a half hour chocolate walking tour, visitingsine of the tastiest shops in Chelsea • Samples to include hotchocolate, truffles and pralines • VIP discount on purchased goodies •Cancellation Indemnity •

A wide range of other experiences available

ONE DAY PHOTOGRAPHY COURSEPerfect for all levels

4 TRAVEL TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5 2013 WESTERN DAILY PRESS WDP-E01-S3

Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Prices are from, per person, based on two people sharing, are applicable to selected departure dates and may have been rounded up or down to the nearest pound. Any applicable discounts have alreadybeen deducted. These holidays and included excursions are subject to availability. Single rooms and regional departures are also subject to availability and a supplement may apply. Prices and holidays are subject to availability and change, some holidays are subject to minimum passenger numbers. Terms and conditions apply.Holidays are operated by various suppliers which are ABTA and/or ATOL bonded where applicable. These suppliers are independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receivesuch offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission.

Call us on0844 472 4545

For more information visit:www.diamondrailholidays.co.uk

QuoteBS

Stay in Switzerland’s ‘Italian’ region of Ticino, where Italian style and ‘la dolce vita’ meets Swiss quality along withpalm trees, vineyards, lakes and glaciers!

The price includes:• Return Eurostar from London St PancrasInternational to Paris and TGV to Zurich

• Three nights’ hotel accommodation in Bellinzona• One night hotel accommodation in Bern• Half board throughout• Visit to Locarno, Lake Maggiore

• Visit to Lake Lugano• Journey on the funicular railway to the topof Monte San Salvatore

• Journey on the William Tell Express• Visit to Lucerne• Visit to Bern

THE WILLIAM TELL EXPRESS & ITALIAN LAKESDeparting 17 May, 18 July & 19 September 2014

5 days from

£999per person

This summer city break takes you on a journey of discovery, as we stay in the heart of four of Europe’sgrand imperial capitals. With individually selected 4 star hotels and plenty of free time this is a fantasticopportunity to enjoy unique charms and cultures on a relaxing rail holiday.

The price includes:• Return Eurostar from London St PancrasInternational to Brussels

• Connecting rail journeys• Return transfers from station to hotels• Two nights’ bed and breakfast in Berlin withone evening meal

• Three nights’ bed and breakfast in Prague withone evening meal

• Two nights’ bed and breakfast in Budapest withone evening meal

• Two nights’ bed and breakfast in Vienna withone evening meal

BERLIN, PRAGUE, BUDAPEST & VIENNADeparting 15 July & 12 August 2014

10 days from

£959per person

A Rail Good Time!

Price includes:• Return Eurostar from London St PancrasInternational to Lille

• TGV high speed train from Lille to Niceand Marseille to Lille

• Seven nights’ half board accommodationon Corsica

• Two nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation inFrance

• Day time ferry crossing from Nice to Corsicaand returning to Marseille

• Train journey from Bastia to Calvi on Corsica• Train journey from Calvi to Corte on Corsica• Train journey from Corte to Ajaccio on Corsica• Coach transfers throughout

HIGHLIGHTS OF CORSICADeparting 25 April, 6 June & 26 September 2014

Corsica, ‘Ile de Beaute’, the little French island that is home to some of the most picturesque railwaysin Europe.

Rail travel from your local area for just £39

Price includes:• Return Eurostar from London St PancrasInternational to Paris

• Return TGV from Paris to Brive• Five nights’ half board accommodation• Visit to Rocamadour• Visit and entrance to the Caves ofGouffre de Padirac

• Visit to Sarlat• Visit to Souillac• Distillery Tour and tasting in Souillac• A cruise on the Dordogne in a traditional Gabare• A journey on le Truffadou train (The Truffle Train)• A visit to Martel

THE DORDOGNE & THE TRUFFLE TRAINDeparting 18 May, 16 June & 1 September 2014

Indulge your senses in the beautiful Dordogne region of France.

6 days from

£695per person

10 days from

£1349per person

Rail travel from your local area for just £39

Rail travel from your local area for just £39 Rail travel from your local area for just £39

WESTERN DAILY PRESS TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5 2013 TRAVEL 5WDP-E01-S3

Made to feel partof the tribe inPapua New Guinea

Birds of paradise, tree-dwellingkangaroos and men in colourful facemasks greet Liam Creedon on a tripto Papua New Guinea

“Never spend more than 24 hourswith a woman,” the village ‘b i g m a n’huskily intones, pausing to scratchhis nose with the sharpened tip of anarrow. “It will make a man lose hismagic and his powers will bewe a ke n e d . ”

Advice from a Huli tribesman inthe Papua New Guinea Highlands isgenerally heeded, especially if givenby a man whose facial expression ismasked under a thick layer of red andyellow war paint, whose nose ispierced by the long quill of a cas-sowary, and who is naked apart froma pig-tail belt.

chief devotes his thoughts to the twogreat concerns of the Huli male – warand gardening. I have the unsettlingfeeling that I’ve stumbled back intothe Stone Age.

Papua New Guinea is a place youd o n’t forget in a hurry. Sandwichedbetween Northern Australia’s CapeYork Peninsula and the sultry haze ofthe Equator, New Guinea is thewo rl d ’s second largest island afterGreenland. While Papua New Guineaoccupies the eastern part of theisland, Papua and West Papua in thewest belong to Indonesia.

It is a sweltering hotchpotch ofjagged peaks, half-forgotten malarialswampland, mighty rivers andremote, enveloping rainforest.

The island, shaped like a scurryingforest bird, is the most culturallydiverse place on earth with morethan 800 active languages spoken byits seemingly limitless ethnic groupsand tribes. This variety is matched byNew Guinea’s wildlife wherekangaroos live in trees and birdsappear to strut about in fancy dress.

For a land where travelling from Ato B can still be something of a chal-lenge, PNG has a mind-bogglingnumber of airstrips – more than 400 atlast count. I was earnestly ponderingthe veracity of this claim as my tinyplane plummeted toward a tangle ofjungle and certain oblivion. At thelast minute, the Highland airstrip ofTari shook itself free from the green-e r y.

New Guinea’s startling diversity isbest expressed in the Highlands – avast, previously impenetrable regionsheltering broad, fertile valleyswhere the majority of Papuans live.The area was only ‘d i s c ove re d ’ byEuropean explorers in the 1930s.

Tari is Huli territory. The Huli arethe largest ethnic group in the area,their distinctive red and yellow ochrecolours noticeable everywhere, fromface-paint to wooden fence postsguarding the airstrip.

Traditional culture thrives here.The unsealed Highlands Highway isthe only road, where Huli saunterbarefoot, casually swinging ma-chetes, their heads crowned withbamboo creepers – a Huli mark ofrespect to the jungle.

Children pause from pig-walkingduties to wave as our van travels everhigher to Ambua Lodge, situated at7,000ft in the Tari Gap, a worldfamous bird-watching area.

I find myself standing at a villageedge, face to ochre-painted face with aman whose head-dress is taller thanhe is. Four feathers in particularstand out, lending him the appear-ance of someone who’s suffered acatastrophic collision with a radiotransmitter. “Birds of paradise feath-e r s, ” whispers Peter, my interpreter.

The village is preparing for a festiv-al. Gardening is temporarily forgot-ten, head-dresses are dusted off, cas-sowary quills straightened throughseptums and face-paint applied viaplastic hand-held mirrors. Carved pigribs, giant hornbill beaks and bluebeads adorn necks.

A forest clearing reveals men delic-ately tending to oversized wigs. Huliwigmen are famous across PNG.

Advice from a Huli tribesman in the Papua New Guinea Highlands is generally heeded,especially if given by a man whose facial expression is masked under a thick layer of redand yellow war paint; the market in the ‘prettiest town in the Pacific’, Madang

TRAVEL FACTS

Liam Creedon flew courtesy ofSingapore Airlines(www.singaporeair.com) and Air Niugini(www.airniugini.co.uk), with TransNuigini Tours (www.pngtours.com).Trips from £4,775pp, based on twopeople travelling, including internationaland domestic flights, transfers,accommodation, most meals and allexcursions.

For further information about PNG visitwww.papuanewguinea.travel andwww.wildlifeworldwide.com

Number of active languages spoken inculturally diverse New Guinea

800

They attend wig schools wherethey’re taught incantations to en-courage hair growth. The hair is thenharvested and used for ceremonialwigs. Selling these helps the youngmen save for the all-important “brideprice”. Acquiring a wife means theycan enter adult Huli society.

PNG is the world’s best birdinglocation and the Tari Gap one of thecountry’s top spots. A lack of predat-ors and glut of food has encouragedextravagant diversity, epitomised bythe birds of paradise.

A 5am start reveals the first in aseries of birds seemingly designed bya madman. The silhouette of a tennisball attached to a metre-long blackstreamer bounces through the dawngloom. “Ste phanie’s Astrapia,” Pe t e rmouths – my first ever bird of para-d i s e.

This is bettered by the appearanceof a thrush-sized bird with TV anten-nae protruding from its forehead.Binoculars reveal the antennae to bechecked blue and black – King ofSaxony bird of paradise is added tomy list.

Madang, nestling against the warmwaters of the Bismarck Sea on PNG’snorth coast, provides welcome res-pite after the nervous excitement ofthe Highlands. Dubbed the ‘p re t t i e s ttown in the Pacific’, Madang is PNG’sleading tourist destination with agood range of hotels and excellentd iv i n g .

In the Fifties, the Malolo PlantationLodge was the first place in the

province where locals could samplealcohol. The raucous atmosphere islong-gone; the sound of waves crash-ing on the black-sand beach the onlydistraction nowadays.

More developed than the High-lands, Madang’s stifling tropical heatlends the region a laid-back feel. It’salso one of PNG’s diving jewels, boast-ing gin-clear water, extravagant wild-life and carcasses of warships holedduring the Second World War.

Being a coward I opt for snor-kelling. A hollowed-out canoe depos-its me on a tiny coral cay seeminglylifted from a Bounty advert. A con-fetti of psychedelic fish dance likeunderwater butterflies before myface-mask – zebra stripes, vermilion,sulphur with a blue trim – eve r yfeasible pattern is represented.

But it’s the corals that steal thebreath. I drift over a giant purplebrain, then dodge between the stiffleaves of a four-metre cabbage, thereverie broken only by a sea cucum-ber vomiting up its stomach to deter as n o rke l l e r.

I recall the “b i g m a n’s” warning. I’dspent much longer than 24 hours withPapua New Guinea. Rather thanstealing my powers, her magic hadsoaked me to the core.

Papua New Guinea encompasses jaggedpeaks, rainforest and beaches; a malehornbill; Malolo Plantation Lodge

Seated around an open fire in thegloom of a smoke-stained hut, myinterpreter explains that to preservehis “p owe r s ” the chief lives separ-ately from his three wives.

Wife number one lives next door ina similar lean-to, sharing space withthe pigs and children. Other wivesand relatives are housed around thesettlement, guarded on all sides bysteep mud walls designed to deterattacks from marauding neighbours.

While the women tend to the cook-ing, child and pig-rearing duties, the


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D-Day 70th Anniversary Cruise – TGZMadeira, Cape Verde and the Canaries Cruise – THMWhitsun Fjordland Cruise – THJ

Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Operated by Newmarket Promotions/Air Holidays Ltd. ABTA V787X/V7812, ATOL protected 2325. Prices are per person, based on two sharing. Subject to availability. Single supplements apply. Terms and conditions apply. These suppliers are independentof Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission.

D-DAY 70TH ANNIVERSARY AND WW1 COMMEMORATIVE CRUISEDeparting 1 June 2014, from Bristol on board MV Discovery

MADEIRA, CAPE VERDE AND THE CANARIES CRUISEDeparting 21 October 2014, sailing from Bristol

WHITSUN FJORDLAND CRUISEDeparting 24 May 2014, sailing from Bristol

On the 70th Anniversary of the Allied Invasionof Occupied Europe, which led to the end ofthe Second World War, join Discovery on avery special cruise that will visit the placesassociated with the conflict, and pay homage tothose who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Price includes:• Six nights’ accommodation on board MVDiscovery

• Three ports of call; Honfleur, St Peter Port(Guernsey), Cherbourg

• Commemorative sail-past of theNormandy beaches

• On-board Service of Remembrance

On this wonderful autumn cruise, Discoverywill call at the floral paradise of Madeira, twosun-kissed Canary Isles, and a trio of fascinatingoutposts in the Cape Verde archipelego. With aday in the colourful Portuguese capital, this is aperfect finale to Discovery’s 2014 programmefrom Bristol.

Price includes:• 18 nights’ accommodation on board MVDiscovery

• First-class on-board entertainment• Seven delightful ports of call; Funchal, SantaCruz de Tenerife, Porto Novo, Praia, Mindelo,Arrecife, Lisbon

This wonderful value cruise from Bristolwitnesses the fjords of Western Norway attheir very best, clothed in the beauty of earlysummer, with the snow capped hinterlandawakened to the glories of the new.

Price includes:• 8 nights’ accommodation on board MVDiscovery

• First-class on-board entertainment• Four delightful ports of call; Ulvik, Eidfjord,Flam and Bergen (all Norway)

7 days from

£749per person

19 days from

£2079per person

9 days from

£949per person

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE CRUISINGOnboard MV Discovery sailing from BristolBook by 7th Dec 2013 to take advantage of our amazing Buy One Get One Free offer. The first passengerpays the current brochure price, while the second passenger is free. Truly amazing value! When booking,please quote promotional code: 5J8WFY.

All MV Discovery cruises include:Entertainment whilst on board, Excellent service from an attentive crew, Traditional British and International full-board cuisine, Afternoon tea and late night snacks,

Informative guest speakers, A wide range of on board leisure facilities

MV Discovery – smaller ship cruising in classic styleOperated by highly respected British cruise line Cruise & Maritime Voyages and with a reputation built over many years, 20,000–tonne MV Discovery, with her classic lines, eight passenger decks and wonderful on-board ambience, offers accommodation forsome 700 passengers. Small enough to offer an intimate, friendly atmosphere, but large enough to offer a range of shipboardamenities - including two pools, lounges and bars, a restaurant and bistro and on-deck meals, shop, beauty salon, gym, library andlecture theatre - to ensure your holiday enjoyment, Discovery will be the perfect ‘home from home’ for your very special cruise.

For further information visit:www.newmarket.travel/wdp18358



WDPCall us on 0844 472 4655

Or visit uswww.newmarket.travel/wdp

Quote WDP

WESTERN DAILY PRESS TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5 2013 TRAVEL 7WDP-E01-S3

Call us on 0844 472 4605 Or visit us www.bririviera.co.ukQuoteBRI

Pick and Mix

Request a brochure online: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/brochuresCalls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Prices are from, per person, based on two people sharing a twin room unless stated otherwise, and are applicable to selected departure dates. These holidays and included excursions are subject to availability. Single rooms available at a supplement.Some visa costs and local departure taxes may not be included. Prices and holidays are subject to availability and change, some holidays are subject to minimum passenger numbers. Holiday organised by and is subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel, New Manor, 328 Wetmore Road, Burton upon Trent, Staffs DE14 1SP ABTA V4744 and ATOL 3430 protected, a companywholly independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel.

8 daysfrom only

£1199per person*

RHINE & MOSELLE RIVER CRUISESelected departures May to September 2014

RAJASTHAN, THE TAJ MAHAL &AMRITSAR’S GOLDEN TEMPLESelected departures from January to October 2014

Price includes:• Return direct scheduled flights from London Heathrow, with Manchester connectionsavailable

• Stay in handpicked three, four and five-star hotels• Visit the extraordinary Golden Temple of Amritsar• Experience the breathtaking Taj Mahal• Relax on a two night stay in beautiful Udaipur, India’s most romantic city of lakesand palaces

• Visit Pushkar, city of Lord Brahma and setting of the renowned ‘Camel Fair’• Stay two nights at one of Rajasthan’s best-known heritage hotels – the Khimsar Fort• Visit the ‘blue city’ of Jodhpur• Spend two nights in the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, with its teeming markets, amazing City Palace,remarkable 18th century Astronomical Observatory and iconic Palace of the Winds

• Experience the fascinating ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony on the Indo-Pakistani border• See the poignant site of the Amritsar Massacre• Opportunity to upgrade to Udaipur’s incredible five-star Lake Palace Hotel• Escorted by an experienced tour manager

India is steeped in history, mystery and magnificence. It’s a heady cocktail ofextraordinary contrasts, sumptuous palaces, splendid forts, lush countryside, hauntingdeserts and vibrant cities. This extraordinary tour takes you to some of the most colourfuland amazing places on the entire planet – from Amritsar’s Golden Temple to the ‘PinkCity’ of Jaipur, the gleaming white of the Taj Mahal, and the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur. Indiais all this and much more. It’s not just a country; it’s an entire continent crying out to bediscovered and explored.

14 daysfrom only

£1699per person

Price includes:• Return rail connections on selected datesfrom over thirty regional stations*

• Standard class reserved seat on Eurostar fromLondon St. Pancras or flight from a choice ofregional airports (at a supplement)

• Beautifully appointed four-star superior andfive-star cabins with hotel standard beds,private bathrooms and river views on eitherthe four-star superior Serenade 2, five-starLord Byron, Swiss Tiara or William Shakespeare

• Guided tour of historic Koblenz• Visit to Boppard, the picturesque ‘Pearl of the Rhine’• Time to explore the hillside town of Rüdesheim

• Cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge• Stop in Cochem – the historic centre of theMoselle wine trade

• Take a romantic stroll in the town of Bernkastel• Tour of Trier – once a key capital of the RomanEmpire

• Guided tour of Cologne – and see the stunningGothic Cathedral

• Full-board from dinner on your day of arrival untilbreakfast on your final day

• Escorted by an experienced cruise manager

There are many vessels cruising European rivers but few ships can match the luxury and eleganceof the four-star superior Serenade 2, the five-star Lord Byron, Swiss Tiara or William Shakespeare.Boasting superb cuisine and the most comfortable surroundings possible.

5 daysfrom only

£549per person*

ROME – ANCIENT AND BAROQUESelected departures April to November 2014

Price includes:• Return flights to Rome from Bristol, Birmingham,East Midlands or Manchester

• Four nights bed and breakfast at a centrally locatedfour-star hotel

• Guided tour of Baroque Rome – flamboyant yetelegant, the city of the Trevi Fountain and theSpanish Steps

• Guided tour of Ancient Rome – home to theColosseum, the Forum and capital of one of theworld’s mightiest ever Empires

• Timed visit to the Villa Borghese, which housessome of the city’s finest museums, with artefactsfrom throughout Rome’s history, plus one of theworld’s finest collections of paintings

• Escorted by an experienced tour manager

Rome was, is and always will be one of the world’s most compelling cities. With an uninterruptedrecorded history of more than 2,500 years, nowhere else seems to have managed to combine aheritage of classical antiquities and medieval buildings - from Renaissance palaces to intricateBaroque piazzas. The grandeur of the Colosseum and of the Vatican, the magnificence of St. Peter’s,the sheer brilliance of the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain and flamboyant Baroque buildings – thelist is endless. Combine all this with world-class cuisine and the Italian lifestyle, and you have anunbeatable destination for a tour.


Northern delightsin a frozen landof raw beauty

On her trip to Lapland HeatherPickstock saw the Northern Lights,drove a husky sled and had anargument with a stroppy reindeer. Buthad she been good enough to meetFather Christmas?

In forty-something years on thisplanet I have never felt the need tobuy a balaclava. Not a fashion access-ory deemed necessary in my ward-robe. However when you are spend-ing four days in the Arctic Circlewhere temperatures dip to minus 34and a few degrees below is classed as“b a l my ”, a balaclava, however un-fashionable, is a vital piece of kit.

Never having been to a “cold” coun-try before, my trip to Finnish Lap-land in Karesuvanto on the Finland/Sweden border was an adventure.The first excitement was on landingat the tiny Kiruna Airport. Descend-ing slowly through the skies I got myfirst glimpse of this picturesque,snowy fir tree-lined landscape.

How beautiful, I thought, until I

saw the runway, which immediatelyfocused my thoughts to “how on earthis this plane going to land on that?”

I travelled with Transun and stayedat the Davvi Arctic Lodge. And what agem this place is. Tucked away in thesnowy hillside, surrounded by whitefrosted firs, this quaint and rustichotel is the stuff of postcards.

We stayed in a three-bedroom fellhouse which was warm, cosy andincredibly spacious – plenty bigenough for a large family or group offriends. On arrival we went to collectour snow suits and shoes, which youget to keep for the duration of thes t ay.

As well as these suits you will alsoneed several layers to keep you warmunderneath – thermals are a neces-sity as are a good pair of gloves, andthat balaclava!

After taking in our surroundingsand playing in the snow for the firstnight we enjoyed a hearty meal in therestaurant. The food was warming,filling and tasty – just what is neededto keep the body energised for theactivities ahead.

Camping out under the stars in an ArcticCircle forest will have you reaching for thethermals; Heather Pickstock with her huskyteam; a ‘reindeer with attitude’

TRAVEL FACTS

Children (and adults!) wanting to seeSanta can enjoy a Winter Wonderlandday break to see the man in the red suitfrom Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter airportsas well as others across the UK. Pricesstart from £489 for an adult and £429for a child. Activities included are asnowmobile adventure, reindeer sleighride, private family meeting with Santaand snow activities. For moreinformation or to book your visit, seewww.transun.co.uk or call 01865 265200.

The Northern Lights Transun trip isoffered on a two, three, four and seven-night basis. Prices start from £699 perperson for a two-night itineraryincluding international flights, half-board accommodation, transfers andloan of a snow suit and boots for theduration of your stay. Activities includedare a Northern Lights SnowmobileSafari, Northern Lights Forest Trek, Callof the Wild Husky Safari, ReindeerCamp. Other optional activities areavailable at an additional cost.Departures for the 2013-14 NorthernLights season from Bristol leave onselected dates including January 26 andFebruary 27, 2014. For details or tobook your visit, see www.transun.co.ukor call 01865 265 200.

One of these was an overnightsafari by snowmobile into the forestwhere you stay in a cabin in theforest, watch the Northern Lightsand cook on an open fire.

You can also stay in an igloo for thenight and go cross-country skiing.

As well as the fell houses, guestscan also stay in log cabins in thegrounds. These cute little homes arewell appointed and even come withtheir own sauna. There is also theoption of staying in the main hotel.

As well as the trip I enjoyed, theDavvi also hosts Santa Safaris inNovember and December – a chancefor children to get up close and per-sonal with Father Christmas.

These trips are hugely popular inthe run-up to the festive season withthousands of children visiting eachyear to meet Santa.

Children and their families aretaken on a reindeer sledge throughthe forest to meet Santa and his elvesin a special log cabin.

All the elves are specially briefedby Santa so they know the names ofeach child, what they want for Christ-mas and whether they have beengood.

Davvi Arctic Lodge operationsmanager, Penny Zagloridou, said:“This is where dreams come true andmemories which last forever arem a d e.

“It is very emotional to see all thechildren so excited about meetingSanta. The whole experience is spe-cial for them – and us.”

As well as the chance to meet Santathere are also a range of activities,such as mini snowmobiles, for thechildren as well as face painting andarts and crafts.

There are also day breaks availablewhere children enjoy riding on snow-mobiles, toboggan runs, ice sculpt-ing, and riding on a reindeer sleighbefore enjoying stories around thec a m p f i re.

Between 1,000 and 1,500 childrenenjoy the Santa Safari in the run-upto Christmas each year while up to2,000 youngsters visit on a dayb re a k .

I hope to make a return to Kare-suvanto this winter to meet Santahimself – Christmas is a magical timeeven for us adults.

So it looks like I will have to begood, very good, this year, if I’m goingto impress the man in the red suit.And that, quite frankly, could be achalleng e.

We had four activities included inour Arctic Spirit Northern Lightspacka g e.

Our first was snowmobiling acrossthe frozen lakes at night in search of aglimpse of the Northern Lights.

Never in my life did I think I wouldbe standing on a frozen lake in themiddle of the Arctic Circle waitingfor the lights to appear. One word forit. Mesmerising.

The next day we were off to mushthe huskies across the snow. This tripis unique as many other tourists onlyget the chance to sit in the sleighwhile the huskies are driven by aninstr uctor.

This was my favourite experienceof the trip. The huskies are beautifulanimals and can survive temperat-ures of up to minus 60. But they areeager to work and go at quite a pace.Standing on the sleigh and workingthese dogs with a foot bar is challen-ging. Once back at the husky ranchwe got the chance to meet and cuddleour steeds, feed them and put themback in their kennels. The huskiesare so popular that when they retirethere is a waiting list to adopt them.

After that it was back to the hotelfor a refuel dinner before heading offto a reindeer farm where we enjoyeda sleigh ride across the snow beforegetting the chance to work our ownreindeer sleigh.

Trust me to get a ‘reindeer withat t i t u d e ’ which refused to keep to thetrack. Once the stubborn beasts goit’s hard to stop them and at one pointI thought I was en route to the NorthPole. Definitely an experience I’d tryagain, just next time with a better-behaved descendant of Rudolph.

Although we only stayed for threenights, there are seven-day trips atthe Davvi Arctic Lodge and a range ofadditional activities and trips to takeadvantage of.

Log cabins in the grounds of the Davvi Arctic Lodge in Karesuvanto on the Finland/Sweden border – cute little homes that come with their own sauna

travel 05 november 2013

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