traveltime...traveltime is a family owned group of seven travel agencies. since 1993 we have been...

Traveltime Magazine for discerning travellers Issue 17 - Summer / Autumn 2011

Holiday ideas from around the world

Years

Since 1993 …

It is hard to believe that it is now 18 y ears since we

set up Trav eltime in 1993. We started with branches in

Watlington and Beaconsfield and hav e expanded steadily f rom there. Much has changed, not just in the travel industry, but also in lif e in general. Mobile phones, the internet, no frills airlines were all in their infancy back in 1993. All have signif icantly changed the lives of our clients and our business. Some things nev er seem to change, though, including predictions that the latest development will see the end of trav el agents! Well I am pleased to report that we are still aliv e and kicking.

We are not complacent, howev er, and do recognize that to surv ive and thriv e we do need to adapt to changing needs. I do though believ e that the f our cornerstones on which we built the business are still v alued by our customers today, namely:

- wider range of choice - f riendly, knowledgeable advice - value f or money - efficient administration.

If I had to sum it up in a f ew words I would call what we offer ‘good, old f ashioned serv ice’. It is pleasing to find that we have clients who v alue our approach, as they come back to us year after year. It is also pleasing to f ind that we are still attracting a steady stream of new clients. I would like to thank all of our clients for their business. In recognition of the support you have given us, we will be introducing offers and initiatives to celebrate our 18 y ears in business and trust that we can continue to be of serv ice f or many years to come.

Barry Moxley Trav eltime Owner and Managing Director

Inside this edition 4. Tenerife still a winter f avourite. 5. Mauritius - cure f or the winter blues. 6. Relax your mind and body in Caribbean. 7. Affordable Dubai winter sun. 8. Ski Club Med in France. 9. Ski Switzerland. 10. Mexico - once in a life time holidays. 11. Scenic New England is best in The Fall. 12/13. Canada - World’s Greatest Trip, Rockies, wildlif e, scenery. 14. Family v illas in Mallorca. 15. Family adv enture holidays. 16. Las Vegas - world entertainment capital. 17. Venice - cultural capital of the world. 18. Turkey - boutique at its best. 19. Relax in style in the Caribbean. 20/ 21. Australia - take a bite of the cherry - in two weeks. 22. Belize/ Guatemala - off the beaten track. 23. New Zealand - exploring North Island. 24/ 25. Africa - making the most of y our saf ari. 26. Discover the ‘real’ Cyprus. 27. The Alentejo - Portugal rediscovered. 28. Eastern & Oriental Express. 29. Burma highlights tours. 30. Grenada garden tours. 31. Garden tours to Spain. 32. Trav eltime contact details.

2 For further information and reservations sp eak to your lo cal Traveltime expert.

Exclusive holiday experience The Caribbean Gardens of Grenada

Escorted by Chelsea Gold Medal Winner, Suzanne Gaywood.

Discover the colourful, exotic plants of the Caribbean in the company of an expert. Departing 24 November 2011 for 7

nights to Grenada. Prices from £1,799 per person. More information on Pag e 30.

Years

Why Traveltime?

Independent

Travelti me is a family owned group of seven travel agencies. Since 1993 we have been servi ng the needs of discerni ng

travellers.

Know ledgeable team Our team of over 30 friendl y, knowl edgeable consultants have

visited over 90 countries and can provide advice and hel p, whatever your budget.

Personal service Customer ser vice is i mportant to us and we are proud to have

won a number of awar ds including being voted Top 3 UK Travel Agent in 2008/9 by AiTO holiday companies.

Your money is safe For your financi al protection we are members of ABT A and

hold ATOL and IATA licenses. So you can book with confidence without ris king losing your holiday and what you

spend on it.

We save your time Choosing and findi ng the right holiday does take ti me. Our experience and knowledge, though, can save your time and

help find your perfec t holiday.

Wider choice As an independent agent we of fer wider choice, so wherever

you want to go we can help.

3

Traveltime branches

Watlington 6 High Street - 01491 614614 Henley on Thames 43 Market Place - 01491 411040

Beaconsfield 184 Maxwell Road - 01494 680681 Gerrards Cross 19 Packhorse Road - 01753 889088

Crowthorne 94 High Street - 01344 771515 Frimley 52 High Street - 01276 62766

Weybridge 5 Temple Market - 01932 856066

www.traveltimegroup.co.uk

Tenerif e, the largest of the Canary Islands, has been a fav ourite winter holiday destination for many years. With av erage daily temperatures throughout the year of 20oC and abov e and ov er six hours sunshine per day, Tenerif e is a welcome escape from a British winter.

During February ev ery year, the internationally acclaimed Carniv al of Tenerif e takes place. Second only to that of Rio de Janeiro and lasting f or six days it is an extrav aganza of exotic floats, rhythmical tropical music and fireworks in Puerto de la Cruz.

Tenerif e has a choice of quality hotels from old f av ourites such as Botanico in Puerto de la Cruz, to more recent additions such as Gran Bahia del Duque and Abama. For families there are many good choices. Do come and talk to us and we can share our experience of those hotels that really are f amily f riendly and yet still manage to prov ide f irst class service f or adults. Our consultant’s view ‘An excellent choice for a winter break not too far from home.’ Karen


Tenerife - still a winter favourite

Mauritius - Indian Ocean cure for the winter blues

Beachcomber Hotels were the pioneers of the hotel indust ry in Maurit ius , opening their first hotel as long ago as 1952. Since those early days the group has grown to the present

nine hotels. With dev elopments such as building the Dinarobin Hotel, Golf & Spa in 2002, the introduction of the only f ully inclusiv e resort on the island at Shandrani Resort & Spa, to the latest project of the newly rebuilt Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa with an inv estment of more than 140 million euros. The group has not stood still and remains committed to providing the best hotels in the Indian Ocean. 2012 sees Beachcomber Hotels ’ 60th birthday and to celebrate they are offering 60% off. Couples trav elling to Beachcomber hotels in Mauritius and the Seychelles in June 2012 can join in the celebrations by receiv ing 60% off half board accommodation costs f or the second person and this offer can be combined with Honeymoon, Wedding Party and Repeat Client offers. This offer applies to two f ull pay ing adults sharing a room and is not

applicable to unit priced apartments, suites and v illas. Mauritius is also a popular choice for f amilies. Take y our f amily on a Mauritius holiday this October half term and save up to 20% off your half board accommodation costs. Stay at Shandrani, Trou aux Biches, Paradis, Dinarobin or Roy al Palm in Mauritius or the Sainte Anne Resort & Spa in the Seychelles between 1 October and 30 Nov ember 2011 to take advantage of this sav ing. Stay at Le Victoria, Le Canonnier or Le Mauricia in Mauritius for a 15% saving on y our half board accommodation costs during the same period. Our consultant’s view ‘Couple or f amilies, Mauritius is not to be missed.’ Charlotte

5 www.traveltimegroup.co.uk

Relax your mind and body in the

Caribbean

To stay at The BodyHoliday LeSPORT in St. Lucia is an exceptional experience. On offer is a combination of one of the most beautif ul islands in the world, St. Lucia, a resort that prov ides a truly luxurious and personal service, a Wellness Centre that prov ides an outstanding range of treatments and a range of activities that could keep y ou busy from dawn until dusk. In addition most tastes in f ood and drink are catered for in three restaurants and relaxing bars. Guests can choose just how energetic or quiet they want to be when staying at The BodyHoliday, LeSPORT. As its name suggests, a holiday at this beautiful beachf ront resort will energise, soothe and rev italise your body and soul. The Oasis is one of the f inest spas in the Caribbean and

offers an extensiv e range of f abulous treatments. For the more energetic, there’s a superb range of complimentary watersports and outdoor activ ities, including golf and tennis, from which to choose. Accommodation is in air-conditioned rooms and suites, all with four poster bed, bath or shower and a balcony or terrace. Rooms hav e garden, pool or ocean v iews. Deluxe Ocean Front Rooms are adjacent to the sea and are beautifully decorated with marble f looring and contemporary bathrooms. The impressive Grand Luxury Ocean Front Rooms and Suites are located on the water's edge. The Single Garden Rooms hav e been recently renov ated and f eature a queen size f our poster bed, marble bathroom and garden views (no balcony or terrace).

There is a minimum age restriction of 16 except during Easter, Summer, and Christmas when it is 12.

Our consultant’s view ‘An excellent choice for single trav ellers or couples look ing to relax and re juv enate themselves.’ Kerrie

6 6 For further information and reservations sp eak to your lo cal Traveltime expert.

For a number of y ears Dubai has ac qu i red a reputation as b e i n g a play ground f or

the rich and famous – and not without some justif ication. Undeniably it can be an expensiv e place to v isit, but with the benefit of a little insider knowledge this need not necessarily be the case. Our team and our suppliers visit Dubai on a regular basis and we are delighted to be able to share our experiences with y ou, prov iding inv aluable hints and tips to enable y ou to thoroughly enjoy this truly unique and captiv ating destination without impacting too sev erely on your bank balance. Our intimacy with the destination will not only prov ide y ou with access to the extremely attractiv e accommodation rates negotiated with hotel partners, but also inv aluable practical advice on when to go, where to visit, where to dine and so on. Whether y our pref erence is for an affordable family holiday, a cultural city break, a honeymoon, a shopping spree or an activity weekend, we are able to point y ou in the right direction. Furthermore, to assist y ou in budgeting in

adv anc e , an a t tract iv e al l -inclusiv e option is also now available w i t h o u t any comprom ise in standards. Indeed the majority of the ac c om m odat ion we can recommend as ‘affordable’ is of a fiv e star standard. The accent is very much on offering our clients undisputed value f or money through programmes such as If Only’s ‘Affordable Dubai’. Our consultant’s view ‘Dubai is a popular winter choice. With this new range of affordable options it is sure to become ev en more attractiv e.’ Carol

Affordable Dubai winter sun


Discov er the various snow sports in group lessons: small groups f or all lev els, with prof essional instructors. Club Med all inclusiv e ski holidays feature some of the world's f inest ski resorts. Take adv antage of the Club Med All Inclusive formula and enjoy all the pleasures of the slopes. With Club Med accommodation, meals and lessons are included, you only need to bring or hire y our ski equipment.

Skiing for all levels Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned skier, with Club Med y ou can ski or snowboard to y our heart's content. Whatev er y our level, alone or with prof essionals, the joys of the slopes await y ou f or an ideal ski holiday. Skiing from your front door Take adv antage of the finest ski domains in the world and France in particular. In France y ou can choose between f av ourites such as Val D ’Isere, Les Arcs, Chamonix, Meribel and La Plagne. Club Med Ski Holiday Resorts welcome y ou in exceptional surroundings to ski or snowboard in ideal

conditions. Located at the foot of the slopes, y ou can literally put on y our gear in the ski room and ski f rom the door. Children are catered for For 40 years, Club Med has been running children's clubs f or babies through to teenagers. Qualified staff with boundless enthusiasm ensure parents and children gain maximum benef it, guaranteeing happiness for children and peace of mind f or parents . Our consultant’s view ‘The original all inclusiv e skiing holiday. Nobody does it better’ Amanda


The best resorts in France with Club Med

Skiing holidays in Switzerland off er a perfect blend of fantastic skiing and snowboarding, atmospheric mountain restaurants, beautiful scenery and high standards of service and hospitality.

Choose from top-class Swiss ski resorts, such as the world-f amous resorts of Zermatt and Verbier, well-known for their challenging skiing and liv ely après-ski. Or choose a Swiss ski holiday in gorgeous Grindelwald at the foot of the Eiger. Choose beautiful traff ic-free Wengen f or the ideal Swiss ski holiday experience. Pretty Klosters and St Moritz, home of celebrity skiers and royals, are also on the agenda. Or take a ski holiday in Villars for spectacular scenery. Accommodation available ranges from well-equipped hotels to catered chalets. Wherev er you stay you will enjoy a warm

Swiss welcome. And whatev er y our lev el of skiing ability, y ou will f ind skiing holidays in Switzerland to suit, with good, English speaking instructors and a range or slopes.

2-for-1 Lift Passes in Switzerland If y ou are skiing in Switzerland in 2012, you can ski for less this winter with Inghams 2-f or-1 lift pass offer. With any Switzerland ski holiday f or 7 nights (plus 8 night holidays on 30 Dec), y ou can book two lift passes and only be charged for one! Saving up to £285! Our consultant’s view ‘Some of the best skiing in Europe. Let us f ind the resort for y ou.’ Lucy

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Ski Switzerland



Mexico - beaches and historic Mayan monuments

Beaches to die for From the moment y ou arriv e in Cancun, it is easy to see why this is Mexico’s most-v isited destination! Take y our pick f rom lux ury h igh-end resorts to great value getaway s, nestled

upon f ine white sand beaches and fringed by the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Your most difficult decision in Cancun is whether y ou spend the day enjoying watersports, browsing the shops, take a great v alue excursion, or simply relaxing by the beach or the pool. In the ev ening experience the destination’s renowned nightlif e.

Just south of Cancun lies the tranquil Riviera Maya, where pristine beaches are joined by serene lagoons to create one of Mexico’s most stunning and romantic destinations. Named after the ancient May an culture, the Riv iera May a blends rich culture, history and modern conveniences with all-inclusive resorts. Relax with the casual pace of Puerto Morelos, discov er the ancient May an world at Chichen Itza, browse the quaint streets of Play a del Carmen and Playacar or explore

the underwater secrets and natural sights that can be f ound south in Tulum. For evening entertainment, the lively area of 5th Avenue in Play a del Carmen offers a wide choice of boutique shops, local cafes, restaurants and bars. In this May an paradise, you can be as activ e or relaxed as you wish.

With so much to see and do, it is no wonder that clients come back regularly to experience the many riches, contrasts, and warm hospitality of Mexico choosing either a single or a twin centre holiday. Prices start f rom around £950 per person for 7 nights ’ accommodation in a 4* hotel, airport transf ers and f lights departing from the UK. Our consultant’s view ‘An enticing mix of beach and history for all ages.’ Emma


New England remains a firm fav ourite with UK holiday makers. New England holidays are a special experience. New England encapsulates rural America: white wooden churches and clapboard houses nestling among the trees, grey-timbered barns set amid lush pastures, and delicious wholesome f oods such as blueberries, cranberries and maple sy rup. There are many ways we can help y ou plan a New England holiday. We can provide examples of the most popular holidays and itineraries to New England and help y ou tailor make one to suit you. If you have plenty of time then explore each area of New England f rom the beaches of Cape Cod, the mountains of Vermont, the historic towns and the city of Boston. There is a truly massiv e choice of amazing accommodation. To really experience the country New England Inns are special, with warm and f riendly American hospitality shown by the Innkeepers. Spend a night in a cosy, antiques-f illed room perhaps with its own f ireplace and jacuzzi bath. Awaken to the aroma of fresh coffee, homemade muffins, or waff les with maple sy rup. This is typical of

what y ou can expect in New England. For f amilies and groups we can also offer a selection of hand-picked individual holiday homes on Cape Cod, ideal f or those who wish to enjoy the space and v alue an American home can offer. Our consultant’s view ‘We had one of our best ev er f amily holidays in New England. There was something for all of the family’ Claire

Scenic New England is best in the Fall

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Canada - the world’s greatest trip

Canada is the world's second largest country and the Canadians take a real pride in their glorious natural environment. A tailor made holiday to Canada offers astonishing value for money and you can be sure a warm welcome awaits you from the friendl y locals. A fascinating blend of breathtaki ng landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and opportunities to spot varied wildlife make Canada a trul y unique destination. From choosing where to s tay – Montr eal, Niagara, Toronto or Quebec for example – to deciding what to do, our professional travel consultants ar e speci alists in planning holidays and will turn your i deas and dreams i nto the perfect personalised holiday for you, allowing you to discover Canada your way. W ildlife aplent y If you have a passion for wildlife, an interest in bird watching or you want the chance to see some of the world's greates t mammals, then Canada is the place to go. From humpback whales to moose and wol ves to caribou, ther e are plenty of opportunities to vi ew a tr emendous variety of mammals, birds and other wildlife in their natural environment. From black bears and

grizzlies to the polar bears in the N orth Pole, we can arrange bear viewing packages on a range of tours, gi ving you the chance to search for bears in an unobtrusi ve fashi on throughout the mountains and fores ts of Canada. Rocky Mountaineer - W orld’s Greatest Trip Travelling onboar d the Rocky Mountaineer is an unforgettabl e experience, considered by many to be the trip of a lifetime. The two-day rail journey recaptures the romance of rail travel as it follows the historic train r oute construc ted over 100 years ago thr ough C anada's Wes t and the Canadian Rockies , uniting the countr y. The entire train ride takes place during daylight hours to ensure you enjoy every minute of the breathtaking scenery of glacier-fed lakes, maj estic mountai ns ranges and ferocious rivers. The R ocky Mountaineer train travels in both eastbound and westbound directions between the beautiful coastal city of Vancouver, British Columbia, the resort town of Whistler, British Columbia, and Jasper or Banff and Calgar y, Alberta. Whether it's a passion for historical adventur e, an appreciati on for natural wonders, or a desire to visit world-class destinations, this is an experience to suit ever yone's taste. Per haps this is why Rocky Mountaineer was named i n Nati onal Geographic's Journeys of a Lifetime as one of the World's Greates t Trips and also voted by the Society of American Travel Writers as the Best Train Experience in the World.


Romance, adventure and drama abound on the Yukon and Alaska Explorer self drive two week tour. You will be supplied with a compl ete self-drive kit including a detailed itinerar y, maps and sightseeing information. T he dri ving is easy and unhurried al ong major highways . Yukon’s capital is Whitehorse where gues ts stay for 2 nights. Whitehorse was prospectors’ first stopping point in the Gold R ush days, befor e hoppi ng on steamboats to take them nearer the “paydirt” they sought. You can reli ve a littl e of those times by visiting the SS Klondi ke, 2 miles upriver from town. Pick up your car and set off on the Kl ondike Highway to D awson City. Once a thri ving rush town, now with just 2,000 i nhabitants. Monuments from its heyday include Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall, a legal casino with honky tonk piano tunes for the danci ng girls. 2 nights here. The Top of the World Highway, the highest crossing point between Canada and USA, takes guests into Alaska to the city of Fairbanks for another 2 nights stay. Fairbanks is a great spot to see the mysterious and beautiful Northern Lights (from mid August onwards). T ake a cruise on the Chena and Tanana rivers on a sternwheeler, or l earn more about First Nation art and Gold Rush histor y. Now off to D enali on the George Par ks Highway crossing the T anana Ri ver i n the Danali N ational Park, some 6 million acres of wilderness. Experience Alaska’s interior beauty with towering mountai ns, rushing rivers. The first time you view majestic Mt

McKinley at over 20,000 feet is breathtaking! Enjoy a full day wildlife viewing tour per haps spotti ng moose, grizzly bears and caribou. Anchorage calls on day 9 with a 4 hour dri ve through dense evergreen forests which give way to lush agricultural land in the Matanuska Ri ver Valley. There is lots of ti me to discover Kenai Fjords National Park or enj oy a 3 hour guided hi ke to the Matanuska Glacier. T hen explore Anchorage city and look for moose, brown or black bears and eagles in the foothills of the Chugach mountains. The Wrangell – St Elias Nati onal Par k is the largest in the US with sixteen of the tallest peaks in North America. You stay i n Tok, often considered the sled dog capital of Alaska! The last lap is along the Alaska Highway back in Canada. T he route passes through the Khare National Par k with several l arge glaciers and Mount Hogan, Canada’s highest mountai n. T he drive through superbl y beautiful scenery leads you back to Whitehorse for your last night. Our consu ltant’s view ‘An amazing j ourney of discover y can be arranged at any time between mid May and late August.’ Alison

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... The Rockies, wildlife and stunning scenery.


Villa freedom for the family A v illa holiday can be home from home in the sun. For families in particular a v illa offers the chance to suit yourselves. You can eat in, maybe using the BBQ, or dine at one of the many local restaurants. Trav eltime is again the exclusive agent f or beautif ul villas in the Pollensa area of Mallorca. Pollensa is well known for good beaches, restaurants and bars, and yet it still retains its Spanish character and is not as dev eloped as other parts of the island. We recommend that you hire a car to allow y ou the freedom to explore the island from Palma to the quieter ports of Soller and Porto Petro.

The f amily villas hav e private swimming pools, three bedrooms and two bathrooms and can sleep up to six people. There are sun terraces and a BBQ so you can make the most of outdoor liv ing.

Villa rental starts from £799 per week (for up to six people). If required we can also arrange f lights, car hire and taxi transfers.

Villas of all sizes - sleeping 2 to 16 We can offer villas of many sizes. Our smallest v illa sleeps just two f or a romantic break and our largest sleeps 16 and is ideal f or larger families or groups. Book now for 2012 before flight and accommodation prices increase. Booking now will allow y ou to enjoy lower f light prices in particular. For a f amily or group the price differential can amount to hundreds of pounds. So do speak to us as soon as y ou are able to do so.

Mallorca villas with private pools for family freedom


Imagine, all the exhilaration and excitement of an adv enture holiday but planned specially with f amilies in mind. Family Adventure Holiday s by Explore take their simple yet successful f ormula for adventure travel and f ine-tune it to cater for the younger explorer, with departures timed to coincide with school holidays. New for 2012 There are on off er ov er 70 tours in more than 40 countries around the world. New in 2012 as part of the Family Adventures brochure are an expanded collection of Budget tours. Hav ing prov ed a popular addition in 2011, f ive family Budget trips will be av ailable in 2012. In total 15 new tours and six new destinations f eature in the latest programme.

Other highlights include family holidays in Burma, Madagascar and Russia as well as an ice hotel adventure in Romania and timber rafting in Sweden.

In addition to Burma, Madagascar, Russia and Romania, Guatemala also features as a new destination. The Guatemala Explorer is ideal f or adv enturous families who are keen to get off the beaten family holiday track. The 16-day trip explores volcanoes, jungles and hot springs and v isits an important turtle conserv ation centre. With a strong emphasis on interaction with the ind igenous communities, the trip includes a visit to a local school. With a minimum age of six, prices start f rom £2,255 per adult and £1,655 per child including flights; bed and breakf ast accommodation; two lunches; transport; tour leader; local guides and driver. Our consultant’s view There are plenty of adv entures on offer, all seriously good fun f or the whole f amily and truly unique holiday experiences.’ Nicky

Family adventure holidays


Las Vegas is like nowhere else on earth! A near-perf ect climate is nature’s gift to this breathtaking destination. The spectacular shows, unique hotels and magnif icent f acilities are Las Vegas ’s gift to us. Whether looking for a short break to enjoy some winter sunshine, taking a couple of days f or some fun in the desert or going to spend an entire two week v acation here, Las Vegas is a ‘must see’ destination.

Day or night the options are plentiful and v aried. Take a land or air sightseeing trip to the Grand Cany on, Lake Mead or Hoov er Dam. Play a round or two of golf at one of the prestigious courses. Enjoy some retail therapy at Fashion Show Mall, Caesars Forum Shops or Venetians Grand Canal Shoppes. Spend an ev ening at one of the many shows or try y our hand in the casino. Marv el at the dancing waters on the lake at Bellagio, watch the v olcano erupt at Mirage or take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal at The Venetian. There is so much to do in the city that nev er sleeps or, if y ou pref er to unwind, amazing pools invite y ou to relax and enjoy the Nev ada sunshine.

Your choice of hotels is amazing. The Bellagio and Caesars Palace are established f avourites. A newer addition is the Wy nn. If you enjoy Italy then the Venetian may be for y ou. This hotel recreates the f eel of Venice with its very own Grand Canal! A 5 night holiday including direct f lights f rom UK can cost from about £800 to £900 per person in the Autumn and Winter.

Our consultant’s view ‘You will be amazed by the hotels, the shops and the shows.’ Karen

Las Vegas - entertainment capital of the world


When it comes to culture Venice has it all. Art galleries, museums, music, sculpture, buildings, architecture and history. There are so many reasons to visit Venice and go back again. Add to its attractions its setting on an archipelago of 117 islands traversed by some 200 canals, which in turn, are spanned by ov er 400 bridges. Despite the rise in the waters of the lagoon and the f lowing tide of visitors, Venice rises above it all. There are hotels aplenty to choose f rom. We can recommend ov er 30 ourselves, f rom luxurious fav ourites to less well known family-run gems that we have discovered. Venice is reasonably compact so y ou can

easily get around by walking or water taxis, which take y ou from one f amous place to another. In a weekend y ou can certainly get a f lav our of the city, see many of the major sights such as St Marks and the Doge’s Palace and drop into some of the well known and hidden galleries and palazzos. When in Italy y ou can be sure of good food and wine. Venice will not disappoint. We can recommend restaurants and ev en make adv ance reserv ations f or y ou to ensure that y ou do not miss out. For some their f irst visit is their last. For most it is the start of an attraction to this magical city that nev er loses its gloss .. and they return again and again. Our consultant’s view ‘For me Venice is one of the great cities of the world.’ Barry

Venice - cultural capital of the world


Turkey is an enormous, culturally rich and scenically diverse country. There are a plethora of ancient cultures, fascinating landscapes and archaeological ruins that span 13 successiv e civilizations. It is a land whose known historical origins date back almost 10,000 years to one of the world’s earliest communities at Catalhoyuk and is acclaimed as the "Cradle of Civilization." In summer coastal Turkey comes into its own. The port of Kalkan with its winding cobbled streets, colourful shops, excellent restaurants and stunning v iews is an excellent choice. We recommend stay ing in a boutique property such as the 5* Liky a Residence & Spa. This luxury , intimate boutique property hotel has just 27 Suites and unrivalled panoramic v iews across the bay with superior levels of service.

Contrast the quiet of Kalkan with vibrant Istanbul, a f ascinating and colourful city where two continents meet, which is currently very much in v ogue and well worth exploring. Choose a hotel with character such as the 5* Legacy Ottoman, set in a historical By zantine-sty le building in Istanbul’s central Eminönü District. It f eatures an indoor pool with jacuzzi, hammam and massage treatments and a restaurant ov erlooking the river. Our consultant’s view ‘Choose either hotel and y ou simply cannot go wrong.’ Claire


Turkey … boutique at it’s best

Relax in style in the Caribbean

In need of pure relaxation? Carlisle Bay offers stylish luxury in a beautiful white beach setting with the additional element of health and wellbeing if you want it. The spa is a particular highlight offering natural botanical therapies. A luxurious boutique-style hotel, Carlisle Bay lies on a beautif ul stretch of beach on the southwest coast of Antigua. Carlisle Bay is a CampbellGray Hotel; a collection of exquisite hotels including One Aldwych and Dukes in London. There are a total of 80 spacious suites, each with calm, stylish interiors and wonderf ul ocean views from their priv ate terrace or balcony. Health and wellbeing are fundamental to Carlisle Bay: The Blue Spa has six luxurious treatment rooms, and both here and in the suites only natural products are used; there's also a state-of-the-art gym, juice bar, open-air y oga and pilates pavilion,

sauna and plunge pools. Other sports f acilities at Carlisle Bay include a div e centre, a range of water sports, a large freef orm swimming pool and nine tennis courts with the serv ices of a tennis pro. Carlisle Bay has two excellent restaurants: Indigo on the Beach offers light and healthy grills, fresh seaf ood and salads and East serv es excellent Pan-Asian cuisine f or dinner in a stunning contemporary setting. Unique bonuses to the Carlisle Bay hotel are the luxurious cinema and fabulous library with a collection of books to suit all tastes. A purpose-built kids ’ club organises activ ities for children aged six months to twelv e years and free of charge for those ov er two years old v isiting the hotel. Our consultant’s view ‘Carlisle Bay exudes luxury, style and understated eleganc e wit h high standards of accommodation, comfort and serv ice.’ June


Being on the ‘other’ side of the world, Australia enjoys wonderf ul summers just when it’s seriously bone chilling at home. Ev en if y ou’ve only got two weeks to spare, Oz is def initely worth it, although since it’s such a huge country - even Singapore is closer to Perth than Sydney - I’d recommend picking one small region and exploring it at a leisurely pace rather than leapf rogging from place to place. You can see the rest another time – remember that most f irst timers to Australia go again. And again! But where should y ou go? If y ou are trav elling during our winter I would suggest sticking to the southern half of Australia as the tropical north can be both very wet and too hot f or comf ort. One of my f avourite approaches, one which I did with my f amily two Christmasses ago (the children then being 19, 16 and 10), is to combine Sy dney – which is, in my book, the most engaging city on the planet - with the enormous, undev eloped beaches at Jervis Bay, the dramatic scenery of the Blue Mountains and the viney ards of the Hunter Valley. City, coast, country and wineries, in other words, all within easy driving distance of one another.

Two weeks would cost from £1,640 per person including transfers, 14 nights ’ accommodation and 8 days ’ car hire; (International f lights extra.) Extra week? Why not continue f urther north along the Pacif ic Coast Highway , stopping at beachy -boaty Port Stephens and the low rise, laid back resort of Byron Bay whose gorgeous and enormous beach is backed by rainf orest, then f lying home from Brisbane. This would add around £550 per person f or 7 nights ’ accommodation and car hire. While it may sound sacrilegious to ev en think about Australia without Sy dney, or ev en its arch riv al Melbourne, another destination that works well f or this neatly pruned approach is South Australia. Within the state’s boundaries y ou’ll find something of everything that enticed y ou to f ly half way round the world in the f irst place!

Australia Taking a bite at the cherry By David Wickers


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Australia In two weeks By David Wickers

Adelaide, f or starters, is the most elegant of all Australian towns. Its settlers came not as conv icts but

to create a Utopia, a place where they could recreate the “Best of British,” y et with religious f reedom. The planning was meticulous, its core square mile of gridded streets protected from the suburbs by a thick duv et of green. Shops, excellent museums, an amazing f ood market and civ ic buildings are right in the middle, f rilly lace bandstands, a botanic garden, a racecourse, parrots and possums in the acres of parkland beyond. Two of South Australia’s prime wine lands lie on the city’s doorstep, the pretty Clare Valley, home to the country ’s top Rieslings as well as highly respected Shiraz and Cabernet Sauv ignons, and the viney ards of the more f amous Barossa Valley, f irst settled by German Lutherans and still f eeling more like a Teutonic castaway than part of the New World.

A plane hop away is Kangaroo Island, one of the best places on the continent to see a menagerie of native animals in their natural habitat, including species that are rare, ev en extinct, on the mainland. You could also incorporate two or three nights in South Australia’s very own Outback in the shape of the rugged Flinders ranges which encompass some of the oldest terrain on earth. A two week trip would cost from £1,410 per person including transfers, 14 nights ’ accommodation, return flights to KI and 11 days ’ car hire. (International flights extra). Extra week? I would recommend taking the legendary Ghan train f rom Adelaide to Alice Springs, experiencing nights at Kings Cany on and Uluru (Ayers Rock) then going to Sydney f or 3 nights bef ore f lying home. This would add £1,820 per person to include Gold Serv ice trav el on the Ghan, 7 nights ’ accommodation, 4 days ’ car hire and f lights from Ayers Rock to Sy dney. (International f lights extra.)

Dav id Wickers is Joint Managi ng Director of Bridge & Wickers and former Sunda y Times Chie f Trav el Correspondent. Trav eltime is an appointed age nt of Bridge & Wickers.


Little known Belize and Guatemala m ak e f o r a f ant as t ic and unique ho liday destination. The world ’s second largest coral reef hugs the coast of Be l ize. In land May an ruins dot the landscape and big cats roam the

dense jungle. Guatemala is a vibrant and f ascinating country with traditional markets, towering v olcanoes and colonial towns. The Cay o district in Western Belize has a lush tropical f eel to it. Rolling countryside borders the jungle, brightly coloured houses line the roads, hummingbirds, parrots and toucans f ill the skies. An important region for the ancient May an, sev eral of their sites hav e been uncov ered and restored including the ruins at Xuanantunich, one of the country ’s best sites. The centrepiece is the 40 metre high El Castillo. A f ew miles off the mainland, the Northern Cay es are the hub of much of Belize’s

tourist traffic. San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is the main destination. The town, although popular, retains a relaxed and welcoming Caribbean feel and the world’s second largest reef is nearby, so snorkelling and div ing are first class. Only a half hour drive from Guatemala City is the wonderf ul colonial city of Antigua. Founded in 1543, Antigua is one of the Americas ’ must see destinations. An easy place to explore on foot, each cobbled street has its share of brightly coloured houses and secret courty ards. The Spanish built sev eral opulent churches and a number of grand town houses, many of which have been converted into charming hotels. There are good museums, a wide choice of quality restaurants and excellent shopping. Lake Atitlán rightly deserv es its reputation as being the world’s most beautiful lake, a two hour driv e f rom Antigua. Viewed f rom the north shore the lake is very impressiv e. Three v olcanoes rise between 1500 and 3100 metres on the southern shore and looking at these across a calm, tranquil, shimmering lake is an amazing experience. Motor launches connect the small town and villages that line the lakeshore.

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Belize and Guatemala

stunning wildlife, scenery, Mayan ruins

For further information and reservations sp eak to your lo cal Traveltime expert.

New Zealand exploring North Island


New Zealand has been in the headlines for many reasons in recent years - Lord of the Rings, the earthquakes i n Christchurch and 2011 Rugby World Cup. What a great place to visit and so much to see. Here is a taste with a 17 day self drive iti nerar y around North Island. Day 1 Depart the UK for Auckland (with a stopover en route in Hong Kong or Los Angeles if required) Days 3/4 Arri ve in Auckland for a two night stay. Auckland, the City of Sails is the largest city in New Zealand. Per haps take a city highlights tour, including the volcanic crater of Mount Eden. Kelly Tarleton’s Under water World is well worth a visit, or explore the art galleries i n Newmar ket and Parnell. Day 5 Collect your rental car and head north to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy the fantastic scenery of 144 islands dotted thr oughout the Bay with some lovely, secl uded beaches . Day 6 Head north to C ape Rei nga or perhaps an excursion to swi m with dolphins. Day 7 R eturn to Auckl and, perhaps take a trip up the Sky Tower for a different city view. Day 8 Drive to Coromandel and enjoy its white sandy beaches, perhaps visit the Driving Creek narrow gauge rail way. Day 9 Continue to Tauranga, the largest city in the Bay of Pl enty region. With many natural attr actions and a great climate it is really popul ar for outdoor activiti es such as golf and white water raf ting. Day 10 Drive to Waitomo C aves and the famous glow-wor m grotto.

Day 11 Continue to Taupo - a lovel y town. Day 12 From your Taupo base, visit the Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and M ud Pools. Day 13 Go for a ride in the Jetboat at Huka Falls on the Wai kato River, trout fishing or even take a Float plane flight. Day 14 Leave Taupo and drive two hours south-east to N apier, the art-deco city, with a great variety of 1930’s style architec ture. Day 15 Enjoy the H awkes Bay Wineries and have lunch at the Mission Estate or the Church R oad Vineyar ds. Day 16 Take the r oad to the south, through Palmerston N orth onward to Wellington, your total drive should be j ust over four and a half hours. Day 17 Wellington is filled with things to do, fr om the enthralling Te Papa Museum and City Gallery to the Botanical Gar dens which you can visit by cable car. Tour the Parliament Buildings and visit the Mount Victoria look out. Day 18 Depart for flight back to UK.

W e will be pleased to provide advice and adapt this itinerary to su it your o wn p ersonal needs.

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For most people a holiday to Africa is the trip of a lif etime, but with so much choice, it can be hard to know where to start. A saf ari is the most popular reason f or visiting the continent, but Africa has so much more to offer, with glorious scenery, beautiful beaches and a rich cultural heritage. With so much to explore, let us help y ou get the most from your holiday. We recommend a combining a saf ari holiday with sight seeing, a beach break or other activ ities. 2 or 3 nights is the optimum stay at any one safari location, but it is possible to visit more than one area, either as part of an escorted or priv ate tour or by combining two different reserv es. Accommodation v aries from ultra-luxurious Lodges with infinity pools

and a la carte dining, to Tented Camps with bucket showers and commumal dining around the f ire. Ev en the more rustic sty le of camp will have f lush toilets and hot water on call, providing a more authentic but enjoy able safari experience. Telev ision has made us f amiliar with the vast open plains of the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, but there are a number of other countries that offer amazing wildlif e sightings, each with different terrains and animals. Most people hav e a ‘wish list’ of animals that they would like to see, Leopards, Lions and Giraffes are always high on the agenda! Comprising of Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Buffalo and Leopard, the ‘Big 5’ can be found in reserv es in Keny a, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa and all reserv es will hav e the other popular plains animals, such as Giraffe, Zebra and Antelopes. Our consultants view ’Af rica will remain in y our memory for ever once y ou have been and seen its wonders.’ Alison

Africa Making the most of your safari holiday


For big cat sightings, Cheetahs f avour open spaces, where they can use their speed to wear down their prey. For this reason places such as the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Namibia are the best areas to v iew them. Leopards use an ambush technique and need trees, making them harder to spot. Wildlif e film makers often trav el to the Sabi Sands Reserve in South Africa where Leopards are found in large numbers. Lions are common all over the east and southern Af rican continent and can be f ound in most reserv es. For something a little different, visit the Black Maned Lions of the Kalahari, or the tree climbing Lions of Lake Many ara, Tanzania.

Only Kenya and Tanzania offer the opportunity to v iew the spectacle of the annual Wildebeest migration. Whilst rain dependent, the migration occurs all year round, constantly mov ing to f ind the lush new grass. It is estimated something like 4 million animals participate. The Wildebeest lead this annual exodus followed by the Zebra and lesser Antelope, with the ominous presence of the carniv ores trailing the herds.

Af rica is a “twitchers” paradise. Habitats are v aried and specialist guides are av ailable. We recommend the Okavango Delta in Botswana, South Luangwa in Zambia, and St Lucia Wetlands, South Africa.

A little off the beaten track, but definitely worth the extra effort, is the Lowland Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. A trip out to the mountains requires at least a couple of nights which can be combined with a stay in Keny a or Tanzania. Chimpanzees can be f ound in Uganda, western Tanzania and on a large sanctuary in Ol Peteja Conservancy in Keny a. Our experts can help y ou plan your perfect saf ari holiday in any part of Af rica, whether in a mobile tented camp or a luxury safari lodge.


Africa More ideas for your safari holiday

Cyprus away from the tourists

Cy prus has something f or every body whether f amilies, groups or couples. You can absorb y ourself in the rich history and beautif ul coastlines, escape into the viney ards and beautiful woodland of the Troodos Mountains, top up y our tan on the white sandy beaches, discover the bustling nightlif e, or explore the ancient surroundings of Nicosia such as the 1920s Old Quarter. Whatev er y our dream holiday may be, Cy prus can offer a choice of activities and attractions. A new accommodation option A more recent holiday option is to stay in a village house. These houses are set in timeless villages and have been renov ated in keeping with Cy priot traditions. Village houses in the Fasoula/ Limassol area were

originally built in 17th century but hav e been renov ated and updated using traditional methods and materials. Some have their own priv ate swimming pools as well as comf ortable accommodation. These houses offer guests a chance to experience Cy priot village life and a peacef ul, get-away -from-it-all holiday . Hire a car and y ou can explore and f ully appreciate the surrounding areas. Indicative prices start from about £450 per person f or 7 nights. Our consultants view ’Cy prus is a stunning island and these v illage houses are a new addition that will suit those who want to get to know the island better.’ Jacqui


Portugal, with its many contrasts, is a most stimulating and rewarding one to tour. The white holiday beaches of the Algarv e and the cities of Lisbon and Porto are relativ ely well known. Less well known is the Alentejo region which stretches south from Lisbon. Inland, bey ond the mountains of Monchique and the Serra do Caldeirao, stretch the plains of the Alentejo a magnificent landscape of sweeping f ields of wheat and sunf lowers dotted with tiny whitewashed villages, f orests of pine and cork and mighty riv ers. The coastal region of the Alentejo, the Costa Azul, is still practically deserted, with just a handf ul of pretty seaside v illages such as Vila Nov a de Milf ontes with its fine sandy beaches, just like those in the Algarv e 40 years ago. For those who enjoy exploring there are picturesque whitewashed v illages, historic hilltop towns crowned by Mediev al castles and the royal city of Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Alentejo region also produces arguably

some of the best wines in Portugal and has many restaurants serv ing gastronomic delights. This region has some of Europe’s best historic luxury hotels and pousadas, historic buildings conv erted into country house hotels whilst retaining their original character. Our consultants view ’Portugal without the tourists!’ Cathy

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The Alentejo - Portugal rediscovered


Orient Express - a travel icon Now that Concorde has ceased to operate, Orient Express journeys are arguably the most iconic travel experiences in the world. Trav elling aboard the Orient-Express really is a once in a lif etime experiences...(or more!) Eastern & Oriental Express Through rainf orests and paddy fields, past golden temples and misty mountains, travel to the heart of Asia in sty le. The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a unique way of experiencing and discov ering South-East Asia.

New f or 2011 are f our stunning journeys giv ing guests the chance to discover parts of Thailand, Malay sia and Laos. Indicative prices range f rom around £2,400 f or a four day journey in Laos to £5,500 f or a 7 day journey in Thailand or Malay sia.

Or y ou may choose to add a journey f rom elegant Singapore to bustling Bangkok on to a longer holiday in Asia. Indicative prices from £1,300 per person.

Our consultants view ’Orient Express is a name without paralle l. Thei r train experiences should not be missed.’ Charlotte


Eastern & Oriental Express

Orient Express Bellini Club Member

Travelt ime is one of only 38 travel agents in Europe selected by Orient-Express to promote

its portfolio of unique experiences. By Appointment

Burma is a f ascinating

land home to an extremely friendly people and steeped in a strong cultural tradition where animist beliefs co-exist harmoniously with the teachings of Buddha. The colonial character and beauty of Yangon washes over y ou whilst the soaring pagodas on the banks of the mighty Ay eyarwady spread f or miles in a dreamlike splendour. The cultural traditions of Mandalay, the unique leg rowers of Inle and miles of unspoilt beaches are just some of the other attractions of this gem of South East Asia. A new small group tour ‘Burma Highlights ’ takes in the most popular and spectacular sights of this rarely explored country. Beginning in Yangon y ou v isit the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda, bef ore trav elling up to Bagan with its thousands of stupas and pagodas, on to Burma’s cultural capital Mandalay and ending at the vast Inle Lake. Prices: start from £2,495 per person including international f lights, transf ers and accommodation.

Departures: 6 and 29 October 201, 6 and 26 November 2011, 21 January 2012, 18 February 2012, 3 and 10 March 2012. Special Festival Departures 6 October 2011 Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, Inle Lake: (28 Sept - 15 Oct 2011) Watch the procession of leg-rowed boats, which are ceremoniously tugging four Buddha statues situated on a royal barge clockwise around Inle Lake. Hundreds of other vessels trav el in the entourage in a general f estiv e atmosphere. 6 November 2011 Shwezigon Festiv al, Bagan: (4 - 12 Nov ember 2011) With ev ening entertainments such as Zats (dances, songs, short and long plays), Any eints (in which a number of 'jokers' caricature current situations), and often open air screenings of popular movies.

Our consultants view ’Now is the time to visit Burma is ov errun by tourists.’ Christina

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Burma highlights tours


The island of Grenada has a unique charm with a f ascinating history and spectacular scenery. Grenada has rainforest covered mountains, f ertile valley s and stretches of f ine sandy beaches. Known as the ‘Spice Island’ because of its production of nutmeg, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and v anilla, the island is also home to a fantastic range of tropical and subtropical exotic plants encouraged by the perf ect year round warm climate and rich volcanic soil. The island’s gardeners hav e traditionally surrounded their homes with colourf ul selections of shrubs and flowering plants many of which are shown at the world famous ‘Grenada at Chelsea’ stand. Grenada Garden Tour special departures in 2011 and 2012 will giv e guests the chance to experience glorious public and priv ate gardens of Grenada. Orchids, anthuriums, heliconias and many more tropical plants, as well as spices, will be at their best and in f ull display. Suzanne Gaywood, the f amous gardener and coordinator of the ‘Grenada at Chelsea’ exhibits, will be leading our tours in Nov ember 2011 to add further insight into

this beautif ul island. Itineraries also include cultural and history tours and visits to places, such as the picturesque capital St George’s. You will see exotic plants and wildlif e in native habitats such as The Grand Etang rainforest, waterf alls and national parks. The Belmont Estate prov ides an insight into the production of Grenada’s dark rich organic chocolate and we learn more about rum production at the Westerhall Rum Distillery .

Grenada Garden Tours Departing on Thursday 24 Nov ember 2011 Prices include: - Return scheduled flights - Bed and breakfast accommodation sharing a deluxe suite at Blue Horizons Garden Resort (single rooms also available for a supplement of £33 per night) - Two dinners, a lunch and afternoon tea - Programme of escorted tours and garden visits. 7 night holidays from £1,799 per person Our consultants view ’Gardens and the Caribbean with the inside v iew of an expert, award winning gardener.’ Peter


Grenada escorted garden tour

Spain is well known for its beaches, monuments, museums and more. Less well known are its gardens. When you get to know its secret treasures, though, y ou will be surprised by what is to be seen.

Camellias of Galicia In the North West, in Galicia, are camellias that attract v isitors f rom all ov er the world. This is the tour f or camellia lov ers with v isits to public and private gardens at the height of their season. 5 nights f rom £699 per person.

Flowers, art, gardens of Catalunya Taking in Barcelona, the Gerona Flower Festival and Costa Brav a’s Mediterranean gardens this tour visits Catalonia for The Girona Flower Festival. Held in May each y ear, it comprises an intriguing mix of art and f lowers throughout the streets of Girona. 5 nights f rom £699 per person.

Madrid - gardens, palaces, tapas Experience Madrid’s many attractions as well as gardens in nearby Aranjuez, Avila and Toledo. A real mix of gardens, parks and palaces and tapas. 5 nights from £799 per person.

Colours of Andalucia This tour v isits the m agn if ic ent gardens and castles of M a l a g a , Granada and C o r d o b a , taking in the f a m o u s Alhambra. Andalucia offers magnif icent, f ormal gardens such as Alhambra as well as small ‘carmens ’ and ‘patios ’ that can only be visited for a few weeks every year. 7 nights from £999 per person.

Mallorca in bloom Mallorca is well known f or its beaches. Less well known are its enchanting gardens, mountains and historic buildings. Mallorca, one of our f avourite places, really does have something f or ev eryone, including garden lov ers. 5 nights f rom £699 per person. Our consultants view: ’Gardens worth visiting in all parts of Spain.’ Maureen

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Garden tours of Spain


Contact our know ledgeable, friendly team at any of our branches

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Beaconsfield 184 Maxw ell Road - 01494 680681 www.traveltimegroup.co.uk

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