Granite arch, Namib desert
Namibia (NA) Tour Dossier Click to download itinerary (pdf format)
Namibia is Africa’s last wilderness, rich in natural resources and spectacular beauty. Home to a varied range of ethnic peoples we encounter the Herero, Ovambo, Himba and Damara tribes. Tour highlights include the world-renowned wildlife rich Etosha National Park, the towering sand dunes of the Namib desert and the colonial architectural heritage of Swakopmund
Leh at sunset
The beauty of the Himalayas extends beyond into the trans-Himalayan regions of India. Few people know that a part of India lies on the other site of the mighty Himalayas. This trans-Himalayan region is spread over Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh and is culturally closer to Tibet than the rest of India. This is a land of lamas and their ancient monasteries, of the rugged and barren beauty and of clear blue sky. The beauty of the region is to be seen to be believed. It looks like somebody has made these mountains using water colours. Barren, brown mountains which look stunningly beautiful…the most amazing scenery one could imagine. The land being so high above sea level, almost everything is the ‘highest in the world’ there. Indeed, Ladakh is one of the most stunning places on earth. The tour is timed to coincide with the annual Hemis Tsechu; a 2-day long cultural extravaganza. The Hemis festival is dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) venerated as the Dance Performance at Hemis Monastery representative reincarnate of Buddha. He is believed to have been born on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Monkey year as predicted by the Buddha Shakyamuni. The most esoteric of the festivities are the mystic mask dances performed by the lamas, that illustrates good prevailing over evil. The performers wear elaborate and bizarre costumes and brightly painted masks. These masks are the most vital part of the dance. The dance movements are slow, and the expressions grotesque. The music is characteristically punctuated with sounds of cymbals, drums, and unwieldy trumpets. The Mask Dances of Ladakh are referred collectively as Chams performance. Chams performance is essentially a part of Tantric tradition, performed only in those gompas which follow the Tantric Vajrayana teachings and the monks perform tantric worship.
Lion hunt mosaic, Pella
This mountainous peninsula of mainland Greece, with its rugged and dramatic landscapes, was once home to two of the greatest rulers of the ancient world; Philip II and Alexander the Great. This groundbreaking tour is mainly based in historic Thessaloniki, capital of Northern Greece; a World Heritage centre full of beautiful churches and Roman palaces. Nearby we discover Alexander the Great’s birthplace and capital, the ancient Greek city of Pella and explore the ancient sacred city of Dion, the religious centre of the Kingdom of Macedonia. We also visit the spectacular Royal Tombs at Vergina, resting place of the murdered Phillip II of Macedon
Wawel Royal castle, Krakow
20 – 28 April 2017
Poland Tour (SC) Dossier 2017 Click to download itinerary (pdf format)
We discover Poland’s historic highlights on this comprehensive tour that concentrates on its wonderful historical and cultural attractions as well as beautiful countryside, dotted with medieval towns, castles and villages. This tour includes three nights in Krakow’s beautiful old town, as well as exploring the magnificently rich architectural well-preserved gems of Poznan and Wroclaw. Poignant visits to the former Auschwitz concentration camp and the Oskar Schindler factory in Krakow are also included in the tour
Stunning Sicilian coastline dominated by Mount Etna
An in-depth exploration of the historic island of Sicily, whose strategic location has attracted great civilisations since the ancient times. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Arabs and Spaniards have all left their legacy on this magical land at the crossroads of the Mediterranean. The Sicilian landscape is quite breathtaking, particularly at this time of year when its diverse range of flowers are in bloom and its stunning topography includes the still snow capped Mount Etna. We will also be able to sample some of the locally produced food and wine that has made Sicily so gastronomically famous!
Lycian Rock Tombs at Kaunos
This short but comprehensive tour concentrates on the rich cultural heritage of ancient Lycia, founded in the 2nd century BC and that later became a Roman province. The region has an unrivalled concentration of archaeological treasures as a result, comparable to an open-air museum, and we spend time visiting a carefully chosen selection of the best sites. The tour starts in Antalya, the eastern border of ancient Lycia, with Perge and Aspendos on its doorstep. In the heart of Lycia we visit some of the principal Lycian cities; Tlos, Patara, Myra, Arycanda and Phaselis. Apart from the excellent preservation of many of the sites, their location is equally breathtaking and this region of southwest Turkey is undoubtedly its most scenic and dramatic
The highly intelligent and well respected BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner puts forward an interesting and disturbing possibility of the recent ISIS gains in Eastern Syria and Western Iraq as the new Jihadistan
Stunning Gheralta mountain peaks, Eastern Tigray © Patrick Syder Images
This classic northern circuit itinerary covers all the main heritage sites plus includes some of the most beautiful regions of northern Ethiopia. The remarkable 12th century churches at Lalibela are a tour highlight and two days are spent to marvel at this Eighth Wonder of the World. Ethiopia’s rich history stretches back nearly 3000 years in Axum, where the legends of the Queen of Sheba and the lost Arc of the Covenant are famous. The Ethiopian Orthodox church with its many ancient traditions and festivals has had a significant influence on the country’s way of life for centuries. The lesser known but equally extraordinary rock-cut churches of the Eastern Tigray region around Mekele and the 17th century castles and palaces of Gonder, Africa’s Camelot, are also included in the tour and the dramatic mountain terrain and fertile plateaus of the North and the picturesque setting of Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, adds to the country’s mystery
ITINERARY
Day 1 Fly to Addis Ababa
Evening flight from Heathrow Terminal 2 with Ethiopian Airlines. Transfer to the Belle Vue hotel or similar for two nights
Day 2 In Addis Ababa
Morning at leisure. This afternoon we visit the National Museum that houses the famous remains of ‘Lucy’ and the magnificent Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Haile Selassie. Welcome dinner in a smart Addis Ababa restaurant overlooking the city (B,L,D)
Day 3 Fly to Mekele. Drive to Gheralta
We take an early morning flight to Mekele, in the Eastern Tigray, a fascinating region containing many rock-hewn churches dating from the 8th century. These architectural gems remain in active use today and house priceless paintings and sacred medieval artefacts and their remote location add to their mystery and intrigue. Two nights at the boutique standard Gheralta Lodge with dinner (B,L,D)
Day 4 Drive to Gheralta. Visit rock-cut churches of Eastern Tigray
A day to visit one or two of the more inaccessible rock-cut churches spectacularly set high up within a stunning landscape of sandstone plateaus. We return to the Lodge in the early evening for dinner (B,L,D)
Day 5 Drive to Axum
A long but interesting drive north-west to Axum today and along the route we visit Yeha temple, the oldest of Ethiopia’s antiquities beautifully set in scenic surroundings, dating back to the 4th century BC. We arrive in Axum, Ethiopia’s spiritual centre and possibly home to one of the world’s most elusive relics; the Arc of the Covenant! Two nights at the Sabian hotel (B,L,D)
Day 6 In Axum
This morning we visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion and see the nearby Sacred Chapel, reputed to be the resting place of the sacred Ark of the Covenant, plus the town’s small but interesting museum and nearby famous giant obelisks, which have puzzled archaeologists for centuries. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Drive to Simien National Park
We depart Axum and journey into one of Ethiopia’s most scenic highland range with spectacular plateaux and deep gorges. In the late afternoon we arrive to entrance to the Simien Mountain National Park. We have a two night stay at the Simien Eco-Lodge located with fabulous views across the dramatic mountain range the dramatic landscape of the Simien range home to the indigenous Gelada baboon and rare Simien fox. (B,L,D)
Typical Tigrayan child’s hairstyle © Patrick Syder Images
Day 8 Walking in the Simien Mountains.
We have a full day walk to fully appreciate the parks’ stunning scenery and pastoral lifestyle that has remained unchanged for centuries and are able to immerse ourselves in this extraordinary landscape with plenty of time on foot in the heart of the park to discover its uniqueness and breathtaking beauty (B,L,D)
Day 9 Drive to Gondar. Visit the old city
We drive to Gondar this morning and spend the afternoon visiting the 17th century imperial capital. This ‘City of Castles’ is picturesquely located beneath the Simien Mountains and today we explore the Royal Enclosure with its complex of impressive castles and palaces. We also visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, whose ceilings are covered with paintings of winged angels. Overnight at the Goha hotel or equivalent (B,L,D)
Day 10 Drive to Bahar Dar. Visit Lake Tana
This morning we drive to Bahar Dar, on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. After lunch we spend the afternoon enjoying a relaxing boat trip on Lake Tana and spend time visiting some of the more accessible monasteries situated on the islands, beautifully painted with colourful frescoes of biblical scenes Overnight stay at the Tana hotel, located on the lakeshore, with private gardens (B,L,D)
Day 11 Drive to Lalibela
An early start and a morning drive to Lalibela, located in the remote northern highlands at 8500ft. On our arrival we visit the Na’akkutolab Monastery carved from living rock set in a large cave The highlight of our visit is to the remarkable complex of UNESCO listed 12th century rock-cut churches. We transfer to the Jerusalem hotel for our four night stay.(B,L,D)
Day 12 In Lalibela
This morning we visit the Eastern cluster of six with many of their interiors adorned with beautiful, well-preserved frescoes. Later we will visit a traditional tukul hut and enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony with a local family. (B,L,D)
Day 13 In Lalibela
This morning we drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful Axumite style, stone church set in a large cave. After lunch we visit the western complex of Lalibela churches with their elaborate exteriors this morning. After lunch we drive the short distance to and also see the Church of Saint George, arguably the finest of all the rock churches carved in the shape of a cross (B,L,D)
Day 14 In Lalibela
Today we hike to the highest point above the town of Lalibela to visit the less accessible but equally stunning interior of Ashetan Maryam church. After our visit we will have a picnic lunch and enjoy the incredible views across the Lasta mountain region that surrounds Lalibela (B,L,D)
Day 15 Fly to Addis Ababa
We return to Addis and have time at leisure perhaps to visit some of the Churchill Road souvenir shops and an historic coffee house. A farewell Ethiopian dinner with a traditional cultural show has been arranged before a late evening transfer to the airport for Ethiopian Airlines flight arriving into Heathrow Terminal 2 early the next morning (B,L,D)
The Imam Mosque, a fine example of Iran’s incomparable Islamic architecture, Isfahan
Escorted and guided by local expert Mr Rahman Mehraby
Iran Tour (IR) Dossier 2016 Click to download itinerary (pdf format)
A detailed and comprehensive journey through Iran, concentrating on its rich legacy as the once great Persian Empire. The itinerary allows time for the traveller to appreciate the concept of modern Iran, as well as the stunning Islamic architectural heritage and archaeological monuments of ancient Persia. Highlights of the tour include Persepolis; the great ceremonial capital of the Archaemenid kings and Isfahan, the famous 17th century Safavid capital described then as ‘half the world’ with its rose gardens, stunning blue domes and tiled minarets.
The extraordinary preserved Trajan’s Arch at the Roman garrison city of Timgad © Patrick Syder Images
Algeria has recently emerged as a safe destination to travel, especially the fertile East with its friendly peoples and enormously rich variety of archaeological and historical sites. Combined with stunning mountainous scenery and fine colonial architecture this is reason enough to warrant a comprehensive visit, particularly now before tourism takes hold. With a number of listed UNESCO World Heritage sites and some of the finest Roman remains in North Africa, this detailed 10 day tour is designed to allow for adequate time to fully appreciate Algeria’s capital and Eastern region
ITINERARY
Day 1 Fly to Algiers. Visit Algiers
Morning departure from London Gatwick on British Airways direct to Algiers. Lunchtime arrival and transfer to our centrally based hotel. We spend the afternoon with an orientation bus tour of Algiers city with its fine colonial architecture and include a visit to the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral. Welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant (D)
Day 2 Fly to Oran. Visit city
We fly to the coastal city of Oran in the west of Algeria this morning. With a wealth of colonial heritage we visit the main architectural highlights and the picturesque Santa Cruz area with its pretty church and fortress plus great views over the whole of the city. Two nights with dinner at the hotel (B,L,D)
Day 3 Visit Tlemcen. In Oran
We spend the day in the historic town of Tlemcen, famous for its olive plantations and vineyards. We visit the Grand Mosque, one of the most important Islamic buildings in North Africa, the ruins of 13th century Mansourah and the tomb of Sidi Boumedienne. We return to Oran in the late afternoon. Dinner in a local restaurant (B,L,D)
Day 4 In Oran. Afternoon flight to Annaba.
We spend the morning in Oran exploring the city including the Bey’s Palace and the 18th century Grand Mosque before our mid-afternoon flight to Annaba and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay with dinner (B,L,D)
Day 5 In Annaba. Drive to Constantine via Guelma
We visit ancient Hippo (Annaba) including the ruins of Hippo Regius and the modern Basilica of locally born St Augustine before continuing to Guelma to view its restored outstanding Roman theatre. Our destination is Constantine, capital city of Eastern Algeria and unquestionably its most beautiful, dramatically situated on the Rhumel Gorge, where we spend two nights (B,L,D)
Day 6 In Constantine. Visit Tiddis
We spend the morning in beautiful Constantine and have a tour of ‘the city of bridges’, which are suspended over the spectacular gorge. We include visits to the excellent museum and the city’s other architectural wonders such as the Roman aqueduct, the Palace of the Bey and view the impressive Mosque of Amir Abdel Kader. In the afternoon we drive the short distance to Tiddis, a Roman site built into the hillside that displays some very impressive architectural features for its time (B,L,D)
Statue of Serapis at Guelma Theatre © Patrick Syder Images
Day 7 Visit Timgad and Lambesis. Drive to Batna
The fabulous and incredibly preserved Roman city of Timgad founded in 100AD by Emperor Trajan is one of Algeria’s major highlights. We spend the day at the site with a guided tour and time to wander at leisure. We continue to the modern city of Batna for two nights, stopping to visit the ruined legionary fortress and amphitheatre at nearby Lambesis (B,L,D)
Day 8 Visit oasis town of Biskra
A wonderfully scenic drive through the Aures Mountains and the Balconies of Ghoufi, Algeria’s own Grand Canyon, brings us to the oasis town of Biskra known as the ‘gate of the desert’. We stop for lunch before a short drive to Sidi Oqba, named after the man who brought Islam to Algeria in the 7th century and where we can see his tomb and the town’s mosque and koranic school. We return to Batna via the dramatic El Kantara Gorge and Roman bridge (B,L,D)
Day 9 Visit Zana and Djemila. Drive to Setif
We pause at the ruined triumphal arch and forum of Zana, littered with inscriptions and perfectly set at the base of Jebel Mestaoua before continuing to Djemila, the most outstanding of Algeria’s Roman antiquities. A remarkable setting and extensive ruins, Djemila, meaning ‘beautiful’, lives up to its name in every way as much for its location as its remarkably preserved architectural features. We spend the afternoon in the site with a guided tour and time to wander at leisure. Overnight in the nearby town of Setif (B,L,D)
Day 10 Drive to Algiers. Visit Algiers
We drive to Algiers this morning and spend the afternoon with further sightseeing in the capital and include visits to the Museum of Antiquities, and the UNESCO listed Casbah. Two nights in a centrally located hotel in Algiers (B,L,D)
Day 11 Visit Roman Tipasa and Cherchell Museum
We drive west to the UNESCO listed Roman site of Tipasa, beautifully located on the shores of the Mediterranean below Mount Chenoua, an extinct volcano which rises dramatically from the sea. We also journey to the historic city of Cherchell with its famous museum, which houses an unrivalled display of statues, mosaics and busts. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Visit Botanical Gardens. Fly to London
After a leisurely breakfast we visit the Jardin d’Essai, Algiers own tropical botanical gardens. Mid-afternoon transfer to Algiers international airport for our early evening departure to London Gatwick with British Airways (B,L)
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