Asia
INCREDIBLE BALI!
Travel from January 10 to March 15, 2012
14 days/12 nights
Air from Vancouver, 12 nights accommodation in double occupancy, breakfast daily or all inclusive
return airport transfers, 5 tours
Puri Saron Seminyak 3+* $1649
Novotle Benoa 4* $1849
Royal Beach Seminyak 5* $2299
Club Bali Mirage 4*- all inclusive $2199
Bali Tropic Resort 4* all inclusive $2499
Add ons to Vancouver from:
Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Regian or Saskatoon $150 per person
Toronto, Ottawa, Monreal or Winnipeg $200
Imperial Jewels of China
Who Are You?
The year is 228 B.C.
You are standing in the Badaling Hills, contemplating your next move.
By the age of 20, you have already achieved one of your main goals—conquering the kingdom of Chou and ending the period of the Warring States. Your cavalry has proved victorious. But still there are marauders—nomadic raiders who threaten your northern holdings...
How will you defend the Northern borders?
To keep these hordes at bay, you pull together the existing patchwork of defenses, uniting the ramparts in a single, huge defense system. This "great wall" will stretch some 1,400 miles along your northern and northwestern frontier. Thus, your empire will be well defended.
Will your life's work survive?
As is customary, you start your funeral preparations in good time—in fact, you allow some 40 years for the work, assigning over 700,000 slaves and artisans to the task. Such an important ruler must be protected for the afterlife. Tradition has it many of your servants will be buried with you. But ever the maverick, you instead create a massive army of terra cotta soldiers. Armed with chariots and cavalry, molded in exquisite detail, accurate down to rank, insignia and individual facial features, they are ready to defend you when the time comes.
Who are you?
You are Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, known as the "First Autocratic Emperor" of China. Your army still stands, long buried near China's city of Xian. Yes, the Terra Cotta Warriors are some 8,000 strong, even though they were only discovered by the modern world about 30 years ago. And indeed, even your ramparts remain—one of the most famous landmarks of all time, the Great Wall of China.
Cruise the Yangtze River on Viking Emerald, a beautiful, state-of-the-art river cruise vessel built for the 2011 sailing season. Accommodating 256 guests with full verandas, hotel-style beds in every spacious suite and stateroom and an outstanding crew, Viking Emerald is one of the most sophisticated river ships in the world. The ship’s hotel operations are 100% managed by Viking River Cruises Swiss-trained management team, employing the best and most knowledgeable English-speaking staff. Enjoy one of the Viking Emerald’s roomy 250-square-foot staterooms, or treat yourself to a Suite or Junior Suite. Or perhaps you would enjoy one of the two 605-square-foot Explorer Suites, with king-sized bed, separate sitting room and private wraparound veranda. The choice is yours! Ship Features
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Day 1BeijingFly to Beijing, China’s imperial capital whose rich history dates back more than 3,000 years, then transfer to your hotel.* After check-in, you have free time to relax or explore. Day 2Beijing
This morning visit the enormous Tiananmen Square, which can accommodate over 1,000,000 people. Then, tour Beijing’s Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; made up of nearly 800 buildings, it is the world’s largest surviving palace complex. Walk its grounds among the opulent palaces, pavilions, courtyards and imperial gardens within the 26-foot-high walls. Day 3Beijing
After breakfast, travel to the Badaling Hills. There, you behold one of the most impressive and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China—a 4,000-mile-long series of sandstone and earthwork fortifications built and maintained between the 5th century B.C. and the 16th century A.D. that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its winding pathways and marvel at the panoramic views from its ramparts. Day 4Beijing & Xian
Today tour Old Beijing’s hutongs (narrow alleys) via rickshaw.† Discover the sights and sounds of traditional Chinese life. Visit a silk carpet workshop for a demonstration of this ancient art. After lunch, fly to Xian, key city of the Tang Dynasty. From 618 to 907 A.D., this dynasty presided over one of China’s most glorious cultural periods spreading its influence throughout Asia into Europe and Africa. This evening, you may choose to dine surrounded by the song and dance of this colorful era, or have dinner and relax at your hotel. (B, L, D) Day 5Xian & ChongqingAfter breakfast, tour the mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was laid to rest over 2,000 years ago. See the thousands of life-sized terra cotta warriors, archers and infantrymen that were buried with him; each man and horse molded with its own distinctive features. Walkways provide a bird’s-eye view of the entire necropolis where the Terra Cotta Army was discovered in the 1970s. After lunch in Xian, fly to Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze to board your ship. You are welcomed aboard with a Western meal, and set sail this evening. (B, L, D) Day 6ShibaozhaiThis morning, visit Shibaozhai Temple, a 12-story pavilion built in 1650 along the Yangtze. Tour the pavilion and temple before returning aboard for lunch. Enjoy Yangtze River scenery as you cruise this afternoon and through the night. (B, L, D) Day 7Three Gorges & Lesser Three GorgesFor the next 150 miles, travel the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze as it forces its way through a spectacular series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. During breakfast, cruise through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most spectacular of the three large gorges. Then, board a smaller boat for an excursion through the Lesser Three Gorges. Sail through these remarkable canyons flanked by towering cliffs. Along the way, see fascinating sites including the hanging coffins of the Ba people and the ancient plank road carved into the cliffside. Return aboard for lunch, and spend the afternoon sailing through Wu (Witches) Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery. Dinner is served aboard. This evening, sail through the five-stage locks of the Three Gorges Dam. (B, L, D) Day 8Three Gorges Dam & Three GorgesThis morning, disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam where you learn about this immense engineering masterpiece and what it means for the Chinese people and the Yangtze. Lunch and dinner are served aboard while you cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. (B, L, D) Day 9JingzhouThis morning, arrive in Jingzhou, where you visit an elementary school sponsored by Viking River Cruises. You are greeted and entertained by the children, then return to your ship for scenic cruising. (B, L, D) Day 10Wuhan & ShanghaiAfter breakfast, disembark in Wuhan. Visit the Hubei Provincial Museum where you hear the music of ancient bronze bells. Then, fly to Shanghai, China’s largest city and one of the world’s most important ports. Here, you can see the modern metropolis of the financial district juxtaposed with the older sections of the city. Check in to your hotel. (B, L, D) Day 11ShanghaiThis morning, see Old Shanghai and travel along the elegant Bund, stopping to admire some of its historic buildings and city views. Then tour the Shanghai Museum, featuring displays of ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy and paintings. Visit a silk embroidery factory to see a demonstration of this delicate art. After lunch, we spend some time at the exquisite Yuyuan Garden, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before the world-famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe show from the best seats in the house. (B, L, D) Day 12ShanghaiAfter breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, continue your China journey with an escorted land program that includes 1 night in Guilin and 3 nights in Hong Kong. Spend a relaxing day along Guilin’s scenic Li River, then sightsee and shop in fabulous Hong Kong. (B)
The following meals are included: |
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VIETNAM CLASSIC
11 DAYS/9 NIGHTS $2699
Every Tuesday until March 31, 2012
Hanoi, Halong, Hua, Danang, Hoi An, Saigon, Can Tho
Package Price Includes:
- Return economy class air ticket from Vancouver to
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh via Hong Kong with
Cathay Pacific Airways.
- Domestic ticket Hanoi – Danang /// Hue to Ho Chi
Minh.
- Accommodation with twin share:
Hanoi – Prestige Hotel; Halong – Royal Lotus
Hotel; Hoi An – Hoi An Riverside; Hue – Mercure
Hue Gerbera; Ho Chi Minh – Movenpick Hotel;
Can Tho – Victoria or similar.
- Daily breakfast at hotel & some meals as indicated.
- Airport – hotel – airport transfers on coach service.
- Sightseeing tour with English speaking guide
Now’s The Time For Korea - Shopping, Temples, Beaches, Festivals – There’s So Much To Do
The 7,700-room Gyeongbokgung Palace is just one of the many historic sites to visit in Seoul, one of Korea’s three can’t-miss destinations.
The Visit Korea Year Campaign, running through 2012, welcomes the world with a full calendar of events, fascinating cultural events, its rich culinary traditions, world-class shopping, soothing spas, tranquil temple stays and the warmth of its people.
Korea’s Top 5
Places to see and stay and things to do that is. Check it out:
1. Temple Stay: Learn about Korean Buddhism during a temple stay. Witness, and participate in a ceremonial service involving chanting, Zen meditation, a tea ceremony) and a communal Buddhist meal service. You might find your 'true self' in this soothing experience.
2. Hanok Stay: Considered living museums, hanoks are traditional Korean houses that welcome overnight guests. Found in hanok villages (the most famous are in Andong and Jeonju) they combine modern amenities with traditional lifestyles for a wonderful look at everyday life of old.
3. Shopping: From traditional markets in cities throughout the country, to Seoul’s mega malls there is always something to buy. Korean goods include Hanbok, traditional Korean clothing; lacquerware, woodcrafts and paper crafts; and celadon pottery.
4. Palaces: Travel through 500 years of Korean history at the Joseon royal palaces. The four main palaces, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeongung, along with Jongmyo Shrine are where much of the country’s affairs were conducted.
5. Jeju: Walk the Olle paths and visit traditional villages to learn about the island’s unique culture. One of the top vacation spots for Koreans, Jeju Island was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2002, UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2010.
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Legendary Wall, Warriors & Wonders Classic China |
| 7 Days from $1,425 pp |
| Stylish & smart, this exotic adventure is a great way for travelers to experience China`s key highlights led by private guide without breaking the bank. They'll delve into its imperial past & the city that symbolizes its future as they tour the bustling capital of Beijing, the ancient relics of Xi'an & vibrant Shanghai. Tours include Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, Ming Tombs, legendary Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Neolithic Banpo Village, the historic buildings of Bund & more. Featuring private guide, shopping in colourful markets, charming hotels, scenic train rides & private transfers. |
BEST DEAL TO CHINA
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• Great Wall and Forbidden City • Hutong Tour • Shanghai Museum • Terra Cotta Warriors • Visit an ancient water town |
Vietnam Culinary Journey
10 Days - from $1,745 (land only)
An exciting gastronomic adventure exploring the delectable and varied world of Vietnamese cuisine
A journey that takes in 'must see' sights of Vietnam while tantalising the taste buds with some of south-east Asia's finest cuisine. Vietnamese cuisine is diverse and specific to each region. The north's cuisine is more traditional; as a 'new' land, the south's cuisine is more exotic and liberal, while the cuisine of central Vietnam is quite different to its counterparts in its use of distinct spices. Travel through this amazing country and discover its culinary Meccas. This comprehensive tour takes us to both historic capitals of Vietnam, from the colonial charm of Hanoi to its bustling southern counterpart, Saigon. Wonder at the splendour of Halong Bay and discover Hue, the former seat of power of the Nguyen Dynasty. We immerse ourselves in the historical sea port of Hoi An, which still exudes the aura of bygone days, and end our Vietnam experience with a visit down the bustling and colourful Mekong Delta.
Included:
• The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local tour leader throughout the tour, and local guides at some sites.
• Cooking class and dinner at KOTO café in Hanoi - a project providing vocational hospitality training and experience to underprivileged young people.
• Full day Red Bridge Cooking School in Hoi An, including ingredient picking in Tra Que Village and a river cruise back to Hoi An.
• Southern Vietnamese cuisine cooking class in Saigon.
• Traditional ‘junk’ boat cruise on Halong Bay, with a seafood lunch (non-seafood also available).
• Day trip to the Mekong Delta with a canal boat ride to sample local delicacies and a visit to Cao Dai temple.
• Authentic Vietnamese street food dinner in Hanoi; traditional ‘royal’ cuisine dinner in Hue; dinner at Nhu Y Restaurant - a hidden gem of Hoi An; and dinner at Bun Ta Restaurant’s renovated French villa specialising in authentic rice noodle dishes.
• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh’s House and Temple of Literature; Hue - Citadel and Purple Forbidden City, Thien Mu Pagoda and Emperor Tu Duc’s Mausoleum; Hai Van Pass; China Beach; Marble Mountain; Hoi An’s historical sites; and Saigon - Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Perfume River cruise in Hue.
• Local flights: Hanoi to Hue and Danang to Saigon.
• Free time to explore Hanoi and Hoi An.
• Arrival transfer.
SAILING IN THE GULF OF THAILAND
Guests explore islands in the Gulf of Thailand on 37-foot catamaran
New sailing tours in the Gulf of Thailand, exploring the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Koh Ang Thong National Park – just in time for Songkran, the Land of Smiles’ new year.
The marine program hopes to provide a unique and alternative way to experience Thailand’s beaches and remote islands that land-based trips struggle to access.
Travellers can snorkel and swim in water, sit in the sun, and enjoy traditional Thai meals prepared by an onboard chef.
A visit to Koh Ang Thong National Park also allows explorers to discover the area’s rock formations.
Aboard the 37-foot catamaran, the captain takes care of the work, but avid sailors are welcome to help and learn the ropes of sailing. Please note that eight people are booked per trip.
On their own or as add-ons to other Thailand adventures, the sailing tours, starting at $789, include Thai Sailing Adventure - Koh Samui to Koh Tao, Thai Sailing Adventure - Koh Samui to Kho Samui, Thai Sailing Adventure - Koh Tao to Koh Samui and Northern Thailand & Koh Samui Sailing Adventure.
Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand
$5,400 per person
15 Days / 14 Nights - Land Only
Highlights:
•Explore the shaded boulevards and the serene lakes of Hanoi
•Cruise on UNESCO designated Halong Bay
•Visit Hoi An & Hue in Central Vietnam
•Marvel at Ho Chi Minh City's rapid development and many historic sights
•Tour Cambodia's Capital, Phnom Penh, and the impressive temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap
•Travel to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, and then to bustling Bangkok
•Deluxe 4 & 5 star accommodation
~ Domestic air taxes & Vietnam entry visa fee: $150 per person
~ Valid for travel from Now to March 2012
~ Minimum of 2 people traveling together, sharing a room
GREECE
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