Japan : Old & New Escorted Group Tour 12 March 2017/media/files/group-tours/... · 2016-03-04 ·...

Japan : Old & New

Escorted Group Tour

12 March 2017

Tokyo skyline at night

We are very proud to have received a number of awards over

recent years from The Guardian and Observer, The Telegraph

newspaper and Ultratravel magazine, and Wanderlust, as voted

by their readers. We are a Which? Recommended Provider

achieving the maximum five star rating across all categories and

have also won awards with The Sunday Times Travel Magazine

and Condé Nast Traveller. Additionally, we have achieved two

stars from the Best Company organisation for our great working

environment.

These awards are widely recognised as being the most respected

in the travel industry as they are professional surveys of the

publications’ readerships. With over 500 travel companies for

you to choose from in the UK alone, we hope you find these

awards are an additional reassurance of the quality of service you

can expect from Audley.

Contents

Introduction to tour ______________________________ 5

Flights & visas ___________________________________ 6

Day by day summary of our Japan : Old & New arrangements 7

Price _________________________________________ 9

Why travel with us? ______________________________ 10

Introduction to the region _________________________ 11

Photographs of the region __________________________ 14

Your itinerary in detail ____________________________ 16

Accommodation information ________________________ 31

Charity support _________________________________ 36

General information ______________________________ 37

Terms and conditions _____________________________ 40

Meet our Japan Specialists

4 Meet our specialists

Our experience in Japan varies from having spent

years teaching and living there to studying Japanese

at university and between them our Japan specialists

have spent over two decades in the country, falling

head over heels in love with it along the way. It’s

often said that Japan is the most alien culture for

western travellers and our level of expertise is

absolutely vital in planning a trip to get the most out

of it.

Introduction to our Japan : Old & New tour

Introduction to our Japan : Old & New tour 5

Introduction to our Japan: Old & New group tour

There are few places in the world as fascinatingly foreign as Japan. This is an unforgettable tour of contrasting images, in a

country where ancient and modern, natural and man-made, merge like nowhere else on earth.

For convenience and comfort the group will travel by a mixture of private coach and Japan's ultra-modern transport system:

speeding between cities on the famous 'shinkansen' bullet and limited express trains. Whilst the aim is to explore all sides of

the paradox - from the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo to the secluded temples and shrines of Kyoto and Kamakura - the

focus is on Japan's traditional past. You will experience the refined world of Kanazawa's gardens and museums, linger in the

shadow of the great torii gate on picturesque Miyajima island and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawago.

Accommodation will be mainly in excellent international style hotels, but there is also opportunity to try a more traditional

style of accommodation along the way, including hot spring baths and Japanese cuisine.

Climate

Due to the length of the archipelago, covering 20 degrees of latitude, Japan's climate varies greatly, ranging from

Scandinavian in the north island of Hokkaido to sub-tropical in Okinawa in the far south. Essentially, Japan's four seasons

resemble our own, but conditions are more pronounced, with a significantly colder and snowier winter and a much hotter

summer. Autumn and spring are generally considered the best times to travel.

Group size

The group size is kept to a maximum of 16, this ensures that the trip is a more personal experience and that you can always

hear and speak to your guides. The small group size also ensures that your experience of a particular sight is not marred by

the presence of too many people.

Your main mode of transport will be a coach that seats 20-30, so there is plenty of space for everyone.

There is a minimum requirement of 10 passengers to run this tour, so the first 10 people to book will be done so on a

provisional basis until minimum numbers are reached. Deposits for those first 10 people will be fully refundable should the

tour not operate.

Single travellers

We welcome single travellers on tours. You have two options - you can choose to share a room with another single

traveller on the tour and pay the standard tour price (this option will only be available if another single traveller of the same

sex is also willing to share), or you can choose to guarantee the sole occupancy of your room, in which case a single

supplement is payable.

Tour guide

You will be accompanied on your tour by one of our most experienced and highly regarded Japanese guides. Your guide will

have lead tours for Audley clients in the past and will ensure that your tour runs smoothly, to time and will be on hand to

solve any problems that may occur.

Meal arrangements

Daily breakfast is included at your hotel and dinner is included on six occasions, either at the hotel (where stated) or at a

local restaurant. Lunch is included on two occasions. Your guide will be able make suggestions for dining where this is not

included.

Special dietary requirements

Special dietary requirements should be highlighted by you on the booking form. However you must be aware that it is

unrealistic to expect specialist diets to be catered for in some of the destinations we will be visiting. We will advise hotels

and airlines of your request but we cannot guarantee their availability.

Tour health & fitness

To ensure that all participants get the most out of the tour, it is important that you are fully aware of the level of activity

and fitness and medical health required to successfully complete this itinerary. Please read this dossier carefully prior to

confirming your place on the tour, and having established the facts, it is your responsibility to contact us with any concerns

regarding individual levels of fitness, health or ability. Please be aware that our tour leaders have the right to exclude

customers from the tour if they feel they are not sufficiently fit, healthy or able to complete the tour without affecting its

Introduction to our Japan : Old & New tour

6 Introduction to our Japan : Old & New tour

safety, comfort or smooth progress. If you would like to discuss any of these issues further please the Japan team on 01993

838 210 to discuss in more detail.

Activity level - low/medium

A medium level of fitness is required for this trip but you should be physically active. You should be aware and prepared for

all or any of the following on this trip:

- To carry your own luggage through airports and from the vehicles to hotels and vice versa. However, some portering is

included as are luggage transfers when travelling by train.

- Walking up and down stairs to access train platforms.

- To join all day walking tours of cities, monuments and historic sites. (All of these are optional).

- To declare any food allergies or requirements prior to departure so that these can be incorporated into the itinerary

where necessary.

What to pack

Spring in Japan often presents a wide range in temperatures, from a chilly 5 or 6C in the mountains or early mornings, to a

warm 20C or so in Hiroshima and Kyoto sometimes. Taking layers is essential, as is a waterproof and sturdy shoes. There

can sometimes be lingering snow in areas such as Takayama, so a scarf and gloves by also be useful, although hopefully not

necessary.

Visas

Japan When travelling for leisure purposes, British, Canadian and US nationals, among many other nationalities,

can stay in Japan for up to 90 days without a visa.

Nationalities of other countries should check their visa requirements.

Important Note: We cannot under any circumstances guarantee that your visa application for any country will be accepted.

However, in our experience refusals are extremely rare. Visa information is given in good faith and is accurate to the best of

our knowledge.

Day by day summary

Day by day summary 7

1 Sunday 12

March 2017

Fly overnight with British Airways, arriving the following day. On-board the plane

2 Monday 13

March 2017

At Narita airport you are met by your guide, who will be

with you for the duration of the trip. Once the full group has

assembled, we will transfer to Tokyo by airport limousine

bus. You'll have lunch with the group before relaxing in the

afternoon.

Tonight the group meets for a relaxed, informal welcome

dinner to get to know the tour guide and fellow travellers.

Keio Plaza Hotel, Shinjuku,

Tokyo

Superior room

Lunch and dinner are included

3 Tuesday 14

March 2017

Today we explore some of the main sights of Tokyo,

including Meiji-jingu Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa and

Hamarikyu Garden.


Tokyo

Superior room

Breakfast is included

4 Wednesday 15

March 2017

A couple of hours` drive away from Tokyo is the seaside

town of Kamakura, celebrated for its ancient bronze Great

Buddha. We continue on to Hakone National Park in the

afternoon, stopping at a Marquetry Museum in Odawara

along the way.

The Prince Hakone

Fuji view room

Breakfast and dinner are

included

5 Thursday 16

March 2017

Hakone is best explored using a variety of public

transportation, including a cable car, funicular railway and

local bus. The loop around the park is scenic and provides

several Mt Fuji viewing spots along the way, weather

permitting. We also pay a visit to the excellent Open Air

Museum, which houses sculptures by Henry Moore and

Picasso, amongst others.

The Prince Hakone

Fuji view room


6 Friday 17

March 2017

This morning we transfer by private coach through the Japan

Alps, stopping for a Japanese cookery course to make soba

noodles for lunch. We`ll pay a brief visit to Matsumoto, home

to Japan`s oldest five tier castle, before continuing on to the

small city of Takayama.

Hotel Associa, Takayama

Standard room

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are

included

7 Saturday 18

March 2017

We explore Takayama on foot today, including the Sanmachi

merchant area and Festival Float Museum.


Standard room


8 Sunday 19

March 2017

The day begins with an opportunity to try the unusual

Japanese pastime of making plastic food, which you will see

along your trip in restaurant windows advertising the dishes

served within.

On the way to Kanazawa lies the secluded village of

Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to a

unique, traditional building style known as gassho-zukuri. We

reach Kanazawa this afternoon.

Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel,

Kanazawa

Standard room


9 Monday 20

March 2017

The first stop today is Kanazawa`s most celebrated

attraction, the Kenroku-en Garden, rated as one of the three

finest stroll gardens in Japan. You'll also visit the excellent

21st century Museum of Contemporary Art. The afternoon is

spent exploring some more of this convivial city including the

town's samurai district.


Kanazawa

Standard room


Day by day summary

8 Day by day summary

10 Tuesday 21

March 2017

We take the express and bullet trains from Kanazawa to

Kyoto.

On arrival we'll have time at leisure for lunch, before meeting

as a group in the afternoon to take part in a traditional

calligraphy & origami lesson with the Women`s Association

of Kyoto.

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Kyoto

Premium room with lounge

access


11 Wednesday 22

March 2017

Enjoy a full day tour to soak up the unique atmosphere of the

city, including the Kinkakuji Temple and Ryoanji Temple, as

well as visiting the lesser known Shunkoin for a Zen

meditation experience.



access


12 Thursday 23

March 2017

This morning is at leisure to explore some of Kyoto by

yourselves.

The group meets after lunch to head to the Gekkeikan sake

brewery for some sake tasting, before exploring the famous

Fushimi-inari Shrine.

Tonight we`ll dine at a local restaurant, which includes a

dance performance with a maiko, a trainee geisha.



access


included

13 Friday 24

March 2017

Today we travel to Miyajima by bullet train to Hiroshima and

then ferry to the island itself. Upon arrival we'll have time to

explore at leisure before dinner at the hotel in the evening.

Miyarikyu Hotel, Miyajima Island

Japanese Mountain View room


included

14 Saturday 25

March 2017

We'll begin today with a walk through Momiji-dani Valley,

where we'll then take the cable car to the top of Mount

Misen to gain some excellent views across the island.

Later, we'll take the ferry back across to Hiroshima, then on

arrival visit the moving Peace Park & Memorial Museum, a

poignant reminder of the horrific atomic bomb in WWII.

Granvia Hotel, Hiroshima

Superior room


15 Sunday 26

March 2017

We leave Hiroshima today and travel back to Tokyo by bullet

train.

On arrival in Tokyo, the rest of the day is at leisure for some

final exploring or shopping.

The group meets later in the evening for a farewell dinner in

a nearby Japanese restaurant.


Tokyo

Superior room


included

16 Monday 27

March 2017

Transfer by shared limousine bus to Narita airport, for the

return flight back to the UK.


Prices

Prices 9

Arrangements as specified per person ____________________________________________________ £6,695

Please note the following supplements and/or upgrades per person:

Single supplement ______________________________________________________________________ £1,690

Per person deposit required to confirm these arrangements ________________________________ £1,005

Optional carbon off-setting for your flights per person (see General Information section for further details) ____ £15

The deposit required is detailed above and relates to the itinerary detailed in this quotation. In most cases the deposit is 15% of the

total cost or £200 per person (whichever is the greater), however in some instances a larger deposit is required in order to secure

particular services. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions section at the back of this booklet. Please note if you confirm your

booking within 60 days of your departure date full payment is required at the time of booking. By paying the deposit you are

confirming you have read and agree to our Terms and Conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking.

How to book

If you have any questions regarding the tour or would like to

hold a no obligation option for a place on the tour, please

feel free to contact the Japan team on 01993 838 210 who

will be delighted to assist you. To confirm an option, please

send us a completed booking form and the deposit specified

above. The deposit can be paid by cheque, bank transfer or

credit / debit card. Please make cheques payable to Audley

Travel. Please see below for more information on paying by

credit card.

Payment by credit card

Please note that we do not charge a fee on deposit payments

by credit card, except when a deposit is more than 15%. In

this situation a charge will apply. Credit card fees are

detailed on the booking form. Balance or full payment is

subject to a 1.3% fee to cover the credit card issuer’s

commission. There is a 2% fee for AMEX. We make a credit

card fee due to the high fees charged to tour operators by

the credit card companies: we do not make a profit on this

charge. We charge a credit card fee due to the high fees

charged to tour operators by the credit card companies. We

have chosen to make this transparent rather than including it

within the trip price. You may therefore wish to pay the

balance by bank transfer, debit card or personal cheque.

Terms and Conditions

The Terms and Conditions that apply to all of our holidays

are detailed at the back of this booklet. By paying the deposit

you are confirming you have read and accept the Terms and

Conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking.

Included in the price

All flights as specified in the itinerary

Twin share accommodation as specified

All transfers and excursions as specified

Services of experienced local guides

Sightseeing and entrance fees

Meals as specified in the itinerary

Not included in the price

Meals not indicated within your itinerary.

Where applicable, local airport departure taxes; payable

locally on departure in some locations.

Where applicable, locally payable car hire related

charges, including optional excess reduction.

Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, etc..

Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary).

Any camera or video fees at any sites.

Entrance fees and other costs when on 'free time’.

Travel insurance (see general information section).

Why travel with us?

10 Why travel with us?

The New Mill, our offices on the outskirts of Witney in west Oxfordshire

Reputation and quality

Well over 80% of our clients have

travelled with us in the past or have

had Audley recommended to them.

When you book with us you are

assured of quality arrangements if only

for the fact that we simply cannot

afford to risk our excellent reputation.

Our service has been recognised by

the readers of well-known publications

including the Guardian & Observer, the

Daily Telegraph and Wanderlust

magazine, where we have consistently

featured in their ‘best tour operator’

awards for a number of years.

Personal service

We are committed to offering you a

very personal service, with all your

arrangements being handled by one

country specialist. They will remain

your one point of contact and will take

responsibility for the smooth operation

of your trip. They are supported by a

team of specialists for that region and a

professional administration and

management team.

From the moment you contact us, we

are here to answer your questions

accurately and honestly, be they about

specific arrangements or any more

general queries you may have. We are

experienced travellers with a thorough

and in-depth knowledge of our

specialist destinations, and the benefit

of this experience is yours throughout.

When we do not know the answer to

a question we will endeavour to find

out and get back to you as soon as

possible.

Quality service when you are

travelling

We take a good deal of care when

choosing our travel partners overseas,

taking into account their quality of

service, guides and vehicles. We have

built up many long-standing

relationships, ensuring that they deliver

the level of service demanded by

Audley clients. Our local guides and

drivers, where appropriate, are the

people you will meet. In many cases we

know them personally, in all cases we

ensure that they are of the highest

calibre. They are there to do much

more than show you specific sights and

provide factual information. They will

be able to tell you about local life,

culture, cuisines and customs; and,

where applicable, act as translator. In

certain parts of the world a specialist

guide is more appropriate, for example,

a wildlife expert.

First class guides

A smooth journey

We have procedures in place for

dealing quickly and efficiently with

mishaps from minor flight time

alterations to more fundamental

changes. If problems do occur we will

rapidly rearrange your itinerary to

make best use of your time given the

changed circumstances, not simply

cancel part of your trip or leave you

sitting in an airport waiting for hours

for a rescheduled flight. Importantly, in

these situations we will do everything

possible to minimise any extra costs

involved – in the vast majority of cases

no extra charges will be made. If a

problem does occur while you are

travelling you can contact us on our 24

hour number. We will do everything in

our power to rectify the problem

immediately rather than allow it to

spoil your trip.

Detailed travel documents

Approximately two to three weeks

before you travel we will send you all

your travel documents presented in a

convenient travel organiser. As well as

your full itinerary and travel

documents, there will also be

additional information such as

recommended restaurants and

practical tips. A few days before you

travel your specialist will call you to

have a final talk through your itinerary

and answer any last minute questions

you may have.

Responsible travel

We have a firm commitment to

minimising the environmental and

social impact of travel, and strive to

ensure that a visit from an Audley

client has a positive effect on the

destination. We have a

firm commitment to the principles of

‘responsible travel’ and have been

awarded AITO 5 star status (the

highest achievable) for our policies and

practises. We continue to work with

AITO, and a number of other bodies,

to improve our policies. For more

details please refer to our website

(www.audleytravel.com/rt) where you

will find details of our responsible

travel policy and also our Travellers’

Code. If you are particularly interested

in these issues, your country specialist

will be able to tell you more.

Legal liability

We are a UK company and hence must

fully comply with English law. When

booking with us you can rest assured

that your arrangements are carefully

planned as we have a reputation to

maintain and are legally liable for any

omissions or negligent acts. You may

not find you have this level of

reassurance if you make your own

travel arrangements independently. [

Introduction to Japan

Introduction to the region 11

Key facts:

Population: 127.82 million

Land area: 377.84 thousand square kilometres

Major languages spoken: Japanese

Currency: Japanese Yen

Time difference: GMT+9 hours

Capital city: Tokyo

Introduction

The archetypal image of the sleek bullet train gliding past snow-capped Mount Fuji encapsulates the magic of Japan in one freeze

frame: natural beauty and modern infrastructure and innovation merging in harmony.

Japan's four main islands contain a wealth of contrasts and spectacle; from the thronging cities of Tokyo and Hiroshima to the

provincial spa towns, neatly tended farming regions and rugged wilderness beyond. Delve into Japan's rich cultural heritage in

Kyoto to witness traditional ceremonies, dress and theatre, and take a glimpse into the closed world of the Geisha. Enjoy, too,

the delectable cuisine; taking time to sample the numerous local and seasonal delicacies to be found in every city and town.

The appeal of Japan encompasses all tastes and ages, whether your interest lies in embracing modern pop culture, discovering

ancient spirituality in secluded Buddhist retreats, or communing with nature in steamy jungles or high mountain peaks.

Whether relaxing on star-sand beaches in southerly Okinawa or whale watching in wintry Hokkaido, the scope of experience is

truly immense. In Japan, a striking backdrop of mountain scenery and crystal lakes, neon lit skyscrapers, landscaped gardens,

steaming volcanoes and traditional architecture forms a magical world that will amaze you on each step of your journey.

Hakone

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)

Avg Min Night Temperature (0C)

Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 53 73 128 145 165 240 179 228 228 183 96 48

Hiroshima






Kanazawa







12 Introduction to the region


14 Photographs of the region

Top: Tokyo sunset with Mt Fuji

Left: Asakusa shrine, Tokyo

Lower left: Higashi-chaya district, Kanazawa


Photographs of the region 15

Top: Hiroshima castle, Japan

Left: Hida Folk Village, near Takayama

Right: Kenrokuen Garden

Itinerary in Detail

16 Itinerary in Detail

Sunday

12 March, 2017

London Heathrow Terminal: 5 to Tokyo Narita Terminal: 2 British Airways - Flight No: BA 5 - Dep: 12:40 - Arr: 09:20 - (next day) - Duration:

11hr 40min; Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Monday

13 March, 2017

Keio Plaza Hotel,

Shinjuku, Tokyo


Buddhist Statues, Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo introduction Tokyo is a city that is hard to introduce. If you speak to people who have either

lived in or visited the city, each person will have a very different impression from

the others. Some will use words like 'amazing' and 'fantastic', while others will be

more cautious, warning of crowded trains and perpetual hustle and bustle.

However, all will share one thing in common: the experience of seeing one of the

world's most diverse and exciting cities, where the ultra-modern vies for attention

with the historical past, Michelin starred restaurants sit alongside back-street

noodle bars and smoky temples are nestled between glittering skyscrapers. Tokyo

is a city of juxtaposition and contradiction and is certainly not to be missed.

Ginza at night, Tokyo

Limousine bus from Narita airport to hotel shared transfer; accompanied by your guide

This is a shared transfer and there will be other drop-offs en route to your hotel.

Introductory Evening Meal group tour dinner

Held at a local restaurant or the hotel restaurant, this welcome dinner is an

opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers and tour guide a little better.

Itinerary in Detail

Itinerary in Detail 17

Kaiseki cuisine

Tuesday

14 March, 2017

Keio Plaza Hotel,

Shinjuku, Tokyo


Palace bridge & Keep, Tokyo

Tokyo City Tour Group tour excursion by private vehicle with your guide

Japan's modern capital has no single central point, rather it is an amalgamation of

many individual districts, each with its own unique character and highlights. Our

tour today takes in the best of Tokyo, combining both the modern and the ancient

attractions.

The day begins with a visit to the Tokyo Skytree, a new television broadcasting

tower and landmark of Tokyo. With a height of 634 metres (634 can be read as

"Musashi", a historic name of the Tokyo Region), it is the tallest building in Japan

and was the second tallest structure in the world at the time of its completion. A

large shopping complex is located at its base. Enjoy the spectacular Tokyo view

from the observation deck.

Head across town to Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town where you can soak in the

atmosphere of the Tokyo of old. Visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple and wander

down Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a

variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. The group

will have some free time here for a lunch stop.

Nearby is the Meiji Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji

and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Leaving this tranquil setting

behind, we will continue on to the lively Harajuku district, a mecca for anyone with

eclectic fashion tastes and an interesting place to people watch.

Take a boat cruise on the Tokyo Bay, before disembarking in Odaiba, where the

group has some time to explore at leisure. On arrival, you'll be greeted by Odaiba's

futuristic skyline and, in particular, the Fuji TV headquarters. Spend your time

wandering through the huge shopping malls and arcades or pop into the Miraikan

Science Museum, otherwise known as the 'hall of the future', housing some of the

latest home and automotive technology (including robots).

We'll then take the driverless monorail 'Yurikamome' to Shiodome, from where

we will transfer to Roppongi Hills. Here, we'll visit the Roppongi Hills Observatory

which has excellent views out across Tokyo's staggering skyline.

Itinerary in Detail


Palace gardens, Tokyo

Wednesday

15 March, 2017

The Prince Hakone,

Hakone


Hakone

Tokyo to Hakone, via Kamakura group-tour transfer by private coach; accompanied by your guide

This morning we drive on from Tokyo by private coach to the nearby town of

Kamakura. Just an hour south of Tokyo, this pretty seaside town was briefly the

seat of the feudal government in the 12th century, and though its importance soon

faded the remnants of its former glory are still visible in the Great Bronze Buddha

and the many interesting temples and shrines that are dotted throughout town.

The great image of Buddha is the principal attraction for all visitors to Kamakura,

and is a photographer's delight. Situated in the precincts of Kotokuin Temple, the

Daibutsu is a bronze statue depicting Buddha in a seated meditative pose. It

measures 11.4 metres in height. Leaving the town in the afternoon we drive on to

our final destination, our hotel in the heart of the Hakone countryside, stopping in

briefly at the Honma Marquetry Museum at Odawara.

Hakone introduction The Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park spreads over a large region to the south of

Tokyo, encompassing the Izu Peninsula, Hakone, Mt Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes.

Commonly referred to as simply 'the Hakone National Park', 'Hakone' is the

gateway to a scenic sightseeing loop, best visited utilising the good value Hakone

Free Pass ticket. On a clear day there are several Fuji viewing spots in the park,

serviced by various modes of public transport. The park encompasses several main

areas; Odawara, Hakone Yumoto, Miyanoshita, Gora, Sengokuhara, Moto Hakone

and Hakone Machi, with accommodation spread around all these areas.

Itinerary in Detail


Mount Fuji, Hakone, Japan

Thursday

16 March, 2017

The Prince Hakone,

Hakone


Lake Ashi, Hakone

Exploring Hakone Group tour excursion using public transport with your guide

We will be using the Hakone Free Pass ticket during our sightseeing trip around

the park, which allows unlimited access to a variety of public transportation,

including a cable car, funicular railway and local bus. There is also a lake crossing at

Lake Ashinoko on a quirky and kitsch replica pirate ship! We end the day at the

excellent open-air sculpture museum in Chokokunomori.

Mt Fuji can be spotted from various points around the park, weather permitting.

The loop we'll take around the park is scenic and provides several Mt Fuji viewing

spots along the way, weather permitting. We also pay a visit to the excellent Open

Air Museum, which houses sculptures by Henry Moore and Picasso, amongst

others.

Hakone Open Air Museum Sculpture

Itinerary in Detail


Friday

17 March, 2017



Hida Folk Village, Takayama, Japan

Hakone to Takayama, via Matsumoto group tour transfer by private coach accompanied by your guide

This morning we drive by private coach through the Japan Alps into mountainous

Nagano Prefecture, host to the 1998 Winter Olympics. On the way to Matsumoto

the tour will stop in Gotenba, where you can try your hand at Japanese cookery by

making soba buckwheat noodles for an early lunch.

The tour travels to Matsumoto, gateway to the Japanese Alps and home to Japan's

oldest five tier castle, built in 1593, before continuing on to the Alps town of

Takayama. Today is the longest transfer of the tour, taking around eight to nine

hours in total, including stops.

Takayama introduction Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is only a small city, but of significant

historic importance in the Hida district. The built up area around the station belies

the hidden charm of the streets to the east of Miwagawa River, which give way to

the Sanmachi district, a warren of traditional shops, museums, galleries and sake

breweries, all retaining their character in a country that otherwise has embraced

the modern age. The oldest buildings that remain are some storehouses (kura in

Japanese) built in the 17th century.

Most of the buildings in the Sanmachi district are from the late 19th century,

although they retain the charm of times gone by. That said, Takayama has lost some

of its charm over the past 20 years or so but the local architecture, ebullient

atmosphere and culinary specialties keep visitors coming back year after year.

Takayama also has an extensive wooded park and numerous shrines in the

Teramachi district, which has often led to comparisons with Kyoto. Food wise,

Hida beef and Japanese pickles are very delicious and popular here, with Kitchen

Hida serving some of the best (but fairly expensive) steaks.

Cityscape, Takayama, Japan

Itinerary in Detail


Saturday

18 March, 2017



Shopping in the Old Merchant District, Takayama, Japan

Exploring Takayama group tour excursion with your local guide

The morning is spent strolling among the atmospheric merchant houses and

markets of the Sanmachi district. Twice a year, Takayama plays host to a busy

festival, with a procession of 'yatai' festival floats through the centre of the town

over two consecutive evenings. We will be able to see some of these fascinating

floats up close at the Festival Float Museum and learn a little more about the

history of the festival. We also visit the Governor's House and enjoy a short

performance at the Marionette Museum. The rest of the afternoon is free for you

to further explore the old streets of this pretty town.

Takayama, Japan

Sunday

19 March, 2017


Kanazawa


Kanazawa Castle, Kanazawa, Japan

Takayama to Kanazawa via Shirakawago Group tour transfer by private coach, accompanied by your guide.

The first stop of today is at the small, traditional village of Gujo Hachiman, where

you will experience an unusual aspect of Japanese culture - that of making plastic

food to advertise dishes in restaurants.

Between Takayama and our destination, Kanazawa, lies the secluded village of

Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to a unique, traditional

building style known as Gassho-zukuri. For most of their history, the villages in this

region have lain hidden in the deep, snowbound valleys of the northern Alps, under

the shadow of sacred Mount Hakusan. The traditional style of housing, the

Gasshozukuri, designed with steep, thatched roofs to withstand the weight of

snow, has survived in this area, long after it has disappeared from other, more

accessible, areas.

The region was opened up in the 1960s, when the river upstream from the villages

was dammed, and the subsequent highway in to the mountains constructed. It was

designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, and consequently the number

of visitors and gift shops has increased dramatically. That said, the village of

Shirakawago is still a fascinating remnant of an older Japan.

The journey to Kanazawa passes through parts of the Hida Tunnel, which opened

in summer 2008. This tunnel is a feat of Japanese engineering, and the second

longest tunnel in the country.

Itinerary in Detail


Kanazawa introduction From the 15th century onwards, thanks to the wealth brought through local rice

production and trade, Kanazawa has been one of Japan's foremost cultural centres.

Located at the southwestern base of the Noto Peninsula, just inland from the Sea

of Japan, Kanazawa is the prefectural capital, and quite a large, sprawling town.

There are a number of interesting cultural sites that can be reached easily, using

the excellent bus service. These include the much-celebrated Kenroku-en Garden,

ranked together with those in Mito and Okayama as the three best in Japan, the

Nagamachi Samurai District, a silk-dyeing centre, the fascinating Myoryuji 'Ninja'

Temple, and the Gold Leaf Museum, amongst others. The 21st Century Art

Museum has been completed, and makes a very well worthwhile detour for those

wishing to view contemporary art.

Kenrokuen Garden

Monday

20 March, 2017


Kanazawa


Kanazawa Castle, Japan

Kenroku-en and Kanazawa City Tour Group Tour excursion with your guide

The first stop today, and the most important on any visit to Kanazawa, is the

town's most celebrated draw, the serene Kenroku-en Garden. The town is also

renowned for its craft work and we'll explore the shops and traditional stores as

well as some of Kanazawa's other attractions during the remainder of the day.

Kanazawa's number one attraction, ranked by the Japanese as one of the top three

gardens in Japan, is a must-see for any visitor to Kanazawa. It is located right in the

middle of town, within easy walking distance of the main shopping district and many

of the other tourist sites of interest. The name Kenroku-en refers to the six

attributes traditionally considered vital in the creation of the perfect garden, all of

which are said to exist here. One of these, seclusion, may seem a little hard to

come by at certain times of year but with a bit of luck we will be able to time our

visit to enjoy in peace the beautiful combination of ponds, streams, old trees and

teahouses that have made the garden justifiably famous. On one edge of the garden

is the Seisonkaku Villa, formerly the residence of the local feudal lord's mother and

now open to the public as a museum.

Next you'll have a chance to explore Kanazawa Castle by yourself, as well as find a

nice spot for lunch.

After lunch, head to visit Higashi Chaya district, a beautifully preserved area of

town replete with ancient wooden teahouses and traditional craft shops. We'll then

visit the Nagamachi Samurai district, where you can enter the the Nomura Samurai

House, a traditional Japanese home with tea-ceremony room, an interior courtyard

Itinerary in Detail


garden and artifacts from the Edo period.

Kanazawa castle bridge & gate

Tuesday

21 March, 2017

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel,

Kyoto


Kyoto, Japan

Kanazawa to Kyoto group tour transfer on bullet train

The group will be using the Japanese Express train for this journey from Kanazawa

to Kyoto, which should take around two and a half hours in total.

Kyoto introduction Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, and remains the most culturally

important city in Japan. The city houses about 1,700 Buddhist temples and 300

Shinto shrines as well as palaces, castles, canals and gardens. Here, modern

architecture stands side by side with buildings steeped in history. Walking down

narrow alleyways, you can still see the Japan of yesteryear; with women wearing

kimono and tatami mats being hand-made. Kyoto is one of the most entertaining

cities in the world, with some of the best restaurants in Japan, excellent shopping

and a host of cultural shows that serve to amuse and inform. No visit to Japan is

really complete without seeing Kyoto.

A Geisha in Gion, Kyoto

Calligraphy & Origami lesson group tour excursion with your guide

This afternoon you have the opportunity to learn more about two traditional

Itinerary in Detail


Japanese pastimes - Calligraphy and Origami. The course is organised by the

Women's Association of Kyoto, whose members are proud of their skills and have

become masters of these crafts over 10,15 or even 20 years. They are more than

happy to share these skills with you. This is a very personal experience and one

which will hopefully stay with you for many years to come.

Calligraphy is a beautiful art form in Japan and for centuries was used as a practice

for finer writings in everyday use. Gradually it developed into an art and was

appreciated for its intricacy and varying styles. Brush strokes, including the pressure

used and the direction painted, are important indications of the artist's expression

and skill. You will learn to paint a Japanese character of your choice.

Origami is paper folding, usually learnt at a young age but developed to create

fantastic shapes including animals or decorative boxes. The most well known

origami shape is that of the crane, tens of thousands of which you will have seen at

the Peace Park in Hiroshima.

Golden Pavillion, Kyoto

Wednesday

22 March, 2017

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel,

Kyoto


Golden Pavillion, Kyoto

Kyoto City Tour Group tour excursion by private vehicle with your guide

Today enjoy a fascinating introduction to the refined delights of Kyoto. We visit

some of the city's most celebrated sights, including Kinkakuji Temple and the iconic

Ryoanji Zen Garden.

Kinkakuji Temple, otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of the most

famous landmarks in the city and it can get very crowded in the spring and autumn.

However, it is very photogenic and a must-see of the city.

Ryoanji Zen Temple is located close to Kinkakuji. Originally an aristocrat's villa

during the Heian Period, the site was converted into a Zen temple in 1450. The dry

raked gravel of the Zen garden here is a collection of 15 rocks laid out in small

groups on patches of moss. Only 14 of these rocks are visible at any one time; the

garden is designed such that one is always hidden from the viewer. There has never

been an explanation of the garden's design, but gazing on it may well bring

enlightenment, one day!

To conclude the day, we'll visit Shunkoin, a sub-temple of Myoshinji, for a Zen

meditation experience. Here, we'll meet a buddhist priest who will give a lecture

on a traditional Japanese meditation practice called zazen. You'll also embark on a

tour of the temple, which is usually closed to the public.

Itinerary in Detail


Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto

Thursday

23 March, 2017

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel,

Kyoto


Heian Shrine, Kyoto

Sake brewery and Fushimi-inari visit Group tour excursion with your guide

This afternoon we drive to Gekkeikan Sake Brewery, located on the banks of the

Horikawa River. Here, we'll learn about the history and traditions of sake brewing

in the excellent museum, as well as indulge in some sake tasting. You'll learn about

the various stages of the brewing process and see some of the numerous

traditional brewing tools on display.

Nearby is the famous Fushimi-inari Taisha Shrine. People pray here for success in

business, good luck and better skills. The shrine is also the head shrine for 40,000

Inari-jinja shrines all over Japan. Red torii gates (shrine gates) donated by

worshippers, line the path so close together that they resemble a tunnel, all the

way to the top of Mount Inaris, rising high within the grounds. The winding four-

kilometre path to the summit is called the Oyama-meguri (Oyama tour) and is

always crowded with worshippers.

From ancient times, Fushimi has been an area rich in good-quality spring water,

hence its prominence in Japanese sake (rice wine) brewing. More than 40 sake

cellars still stand along the castle moat today, and retain the atmosphere of the

town in the Edo Period, which lasted from the 17th to the 19th century. Streets

with bars and restaurants unique to this brewing town, are another attraction for

tourists.

Sake casks

Itinerary in Detail


Dinner at a local restaurant including Maiko performance group tour excursion with your guide

Maiko are trainee Geisha (Geiko in Kyoto dialect) who train for six years before

becoming fully fledged Geisha. They learn skills such as dance, singing and

instrument playing as well as how to entertain guests with conversation. They

attend functions at discrete tea houses throughout Kyoto and live and work in five

'hanamachi' (literally flower towns) in the city. There are fewer than 2000 Geisha

and Maiko in Japan today; in the 1920s there were as many as 80,000. As such, time

spent in the company of a Maiko is now a rare and unique experience, open only to

a select few.

Maiko perform at Ganko Nijo-en, a traditional restaurant located near to the

Kamogawa River in central Kyoto, with an ornate landscaped garden dating back

over 400 years. We will be dining here on a sushi and kaiseki (banquet) set menu.

Please advise your specialist if you have any food allergies or special requests.

Japanese lady in summer kimono

Friday

24 March, 2017

Miyarikyu Hotel, Miyajima

Island


included

Communal area, Yamaichi Bekkan

Kyoto to Miyajima Island by bullet train and ferry Group tour transfer by bullet train and ferry

Today, you will travel to Hiroshima by shinkansen bullet train for one and a half

hours. From Hiroshima Station, a short ferry ride will take you to Miyajima

Island. A small sacred island located in the Inland Sea, it has been a holy place of

Shintoism since the earliest times.

Here you will find perhaps the most photographed site in Japan - The floating torii

gate. Designated as one of Japan's 'three most beautiful views', the shrine it belongs

to dates back to the 6th century with the present structure dating back to the 12th

century. The harmoniously arranged buildings reveal great artistic and technical

skill, and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mere 'commoners'

were not allowed to set foot on this holy place, and even now it is forbidden to

give birth or die on the island!

You will have time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples, sample

local goodies like maple leaf shaped cakes before heading back to your hotel.

Miyajima Island introduction Miyajima, or Itsuku-shima as it was formerly known, has been sacred to the

Japanese since the inception of the first shrine on the island over 1,500 years ago.

Itinerary in Detail


The present incarnation of the Itsukushima-jinja shrine is one of the island's

greatest attractions, and the 'floating' red torii gate that stands in the shallow

waters of the bay when the tide is in, remains one of the most photographed views

in Japan.

The small town has a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, particularly in the evenings, and

early mornings, once the day trippers have returned to the mainland.

Floating gate

Saturday

25 March, 2017

Granvia Hotel, Hiroshima


Cable Car to Mount Misen, Miyajima

Island

Exploring Miyajima Island group tour excursion on foot with your guide

We begin our sightseeing with a visit to the shoreline to see the 'torii' gate - at its

most photogenic when the tide is high but also interesting when the waters have

receded and you can walk up to the huge structure and admire it close up. After

some time here we explore some smaller temples dotted about the island before

walking up and through to Momiji-dani Valley. Please note, the valley becomes

slightly hilly in parts. Towards the top of the valley we reach the cable car station

for the ascent up to Mount Misen (a two stage cable car). On a clear day the views

from the top are spectacular.

Rainbow on Miyajima Island

Miyajima to Hiroshima by boat

Itinerary in Detail


Group Tour transfer with your guide

We take a boat directly from Miyajima pier, crossing back over the Seto Island Sea

and along the river to Hiroshima's Peace Park. The journey will take around an

hour in total.

Hiroshima introduction Hiroshima is a city that has risen from the ashes since the horrific events of August

1945, and although these events are justifiably and sensitively commemorated, the

city is now one with an energetic and cosmopolitan feel. The wide tree-lined

avenues, castle (reconstructed), Shukkei-en Gardens, and of course, the moving

Peace Park and Memorial Museum ensure that the visitor has plenty to see and do.

Atom Bomb Dome, Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima City Tour Group tour excursion on foot with your guide

Our sightseeing will focus on the powerful Peace Park and Memorial Museum,

which commemorate and explain the tragic events of 6th August 1945. The A-

Bomb Dome is one the most prominent reminders of the atrocity and was

declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. From the A-Bomb Dome we

cross into Heiwa-koen (Peace Park), which is dotted with various memorials

including the Children's Peace Memorial, which was inspired by a young leukaemia

sufferer's wish to fold 1,000 origami cranes before she died. Sadly her wish was not

fulfilled, but her classmates folded the rest and sparked a nationwide campaign.

Strings of cranes are kept at the memorial to this day and are regularly added to it.

We also pay a visit to the museum, which explains more about the history of

nuclear warfare and goes into more detail about 6th August 1945.

Itinerary in Detail


Hiroshima, Japan

Sunday

26 March, 2017

Keio Plaza Hotel,

Shinjuku, Tokyo


included

Temple, Akaskusa

Hiroshima to Tokyo by bullet train Group tour excursion with your guide

We'll leave Hiroshima and travel by bullet train to Tokyo, a journey of around four

hours.

Group Tour Farewell Dinner group tour dinner

Held at Hibiki, an upmarket izakaya with fantastic views out towards Odaiba and

serving delicious traditional Japanese food, this farewell dinner will be a chance to

share experiences and highlights of your tour with fellow guests.

Sushi

Itinerary in Detail


Monday

27 March, 2017

Tokyo, Japan

Limousine bus from hotel to Narita airport group-tour shared transfer; accompanied by your guide

Your guide will accompany you on the drive to the airport, which will be by shared

limousine bus. There will be other pickups en route to the airport.

Tokyo Narita Terminal: 2 to London Heathrow Terminal: 5 British Airways - Flight No: BA 6 - Dep: 10:50 - Arr: 15:20 - (same day) -

Duration: 12hr 30min; Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Important Notes

Flight times and the daily order of sightseeing are subject to change.

Transfer times are approximate and subject to local conditions at the time of travel.

All flight times are local.

Accommodation

Accommodation 31

OUR ACCOMMODATION GRADING SYSTEM

Your accommodation is described on the following pages. Please do not

hesitate to call us if you require any further information about any of the

properties. We classify accommodation into the following categories. These

are for your guidance only, they are based on the opinions of our staff and are

therefore quite subjective.

Basic: Very primitive accommodation where we are not aware of anything

better in the region.

Simple: Clean and simple but limited facilities.

Medium: A good standard of accommodation, reasonable range of facilities.

First Class: A high standard of accommodation with a wide range of facilities.

Deluxe: Superb accommodation with facilities and service to match.

Opulent: The world’s most unashamedly luxurious hotels, resorts and lodges.

Accommodation

32 Accommodation

KEIO PLAZA HOTEL,

SHINJUKU, TOKYO

First Class

This popular hotel is located in the

heart of Tokyo’s business district, just a

few minutes' walk from bustling

Shinjuku Station. The rooms are

conventional in style and décor,

with many offering great views of the

impressive cityscape. In addition to its

1,450 rooms, the hotel has a large

selection of restaurants, boasting

cuisine from around the world, as well

as an outdoor pool in the summer.

Our opinion: One of Tokyo's better international

hotels. It is located in Shinjuku, the

capital’s most vibrant locality.

THE PRINCE HAKONE,

HAKONE

First Class

Located at the side of Lake Ashi, this

hotel is one of the nicest places to stay

in Hakone with good facilities and

attractive Japanese-style annexes. It has

very large rooms, which look out over

either the mountains or the lake and

Mount Fuji can be seen from some of

the better rooms. An onsen is available

for you to enjoy views across the park

whilst bathing in the hot spring waters.

Accommodation

Accommodation 33

HOTEL ASSOCIA, TAKAYAMA

First Class

Set back from the town in the deep

forests and high mountains of the Japan

Alps, the Associa Hotel offers a high

standard of facilities in a peaceful and

secluded location. The hotel has a

couple of fine restaurants and, like

many Japanese resort hotels, has

excellent indoor and outdoor onsen

bathing facilities - an integral part of

any Japan experience. The open-air

baths on the top floor look out over

the mountains and are particularly

great for relaxation. Rooms are

spacious and tastefully decorated, and

on a clear day offer spectacular views

over the Japan Alps.

Our opinion: Though slightly out of town and rather

austere looking, the hotel is a great

place to relax and unwind away from

the hustle and bustle of central

Takayama.

KANAZAWA TOKYU HOTEL,

KANAZAWA

Medium

The hotel is well located in the centre

of the action, with the main shopping

areas and sightseeing highlights right on

the doorstep. There are plenty of

restaurants around the hotel and the

famous Kenroku-en Garden is only 500

metres away. Rooms, although basic

and slightly dated, are clean and the

beds are very comfortable.

Our opinion: Clean, comfortable and a great base in

Kanazawa.

Accommodation

34 Accommodation

KYOTO TOKYU HOTEL,

KYOTO

First Class

Beautifully decorated in modern

Japanese style, the Kyoto Tokyu Hotel

offers elegant and comfortable

accommodation, well located within

Kyoto. The hotel has a spa and a gym

and a choice of restaurants serving

Japanese, Chinese and local Kyoto

cuisine.

Our opinion: Although the rooms are not the most

attractive you can find, the hotel itself

is very nice looking, with a great

courtyard fountain with outside bar

seating area, and three great

restaurants.

The Miyarikyu is within a comfortable

stroll of all the major sights of

Miyajima, and benefits from the best of

traditional Japanese hospitality and

Western convenience.

MIYARIKYU HOTEL, MIYAJIMA

ISLAND

First Class

Situated on the shore of the Seto

Inland Sea, within a few minutes' walk

of the ferry terminal, the Miyarikyu

Hotel enjoys not only some of the best

views on the beautiful, historic island of

Miyajima, but also one of the most

convenient locations.

The property is fairly modern, with the

benefit of a coffee shop, bar and en

suite bathrooms, and the guest rooms

are spacious and decorated in

traditional Japanese style, with tatami

and shoji sliding screens. There is a

wonderful onsen (hot spring bath) up

on the fifth floor, the use of which is

included in the price. The onsen has

views over the shrine gate in the bay,

making it a very memorable

experience.

Our opinion:

Accommodation

Accommodation 35

GRANVIA HOTEL, HIROSHIMA

First Class

The Granvia chain is a recent addition

in to Japan's hotel scene, and has

cornered the market on high quality

station hotels. Like its popular sister

hotel in Kyoto, the Hiroshima Granvia

is located within two minutes' walk of

the station platforms, and offers good

quality, comfortable accommodation, in

this extremely convenient location.

Our opinion: A lovely place to stay and located right

next to the train, tram, and bus

stations, the Granvia offers great views

of the city and houses multiple well-

known restaurants and bars.

Charity support

36 Charity support

Audley has been supporting carbon reduction projects through Friends of Conservation since 2005 and in addition to this each

individual department also supports a charity of their choice with a yearly financial donation. This charity is one that is close to

their hearts and the team often chooses to fundraise to add to this amount. Please ask your specialist if you would like to find

out more as in most instances they will have visited the charity themselves, or one of their colleagues will have.

The Christina Noble Children’s Foundation and Audley’s Contribution

The Christina Noble Children's Foundation (CNCF) is dedicated to helping children in need with education, medical care, social

opportunities and job placement. Located in the country’s capital, the foundation conducts outreach work in and around Ulaan

Bataar offering housing for poor and single parent families as well as medical care, shelter and schooling for street children. In

1997 the foundation established a permanent centre here with the aim of creating a stable home for as many orphaned children

as possible. Today the charity’s ‘Sunshine Ger Village’, boasts a number of residential gers (the traditional felt tent of the

Mongolian people) and other facilities which serve as a stable home for 60 children and young adults ranging in age from 2 to 24

years old. Each residential ger is staffed by an adopted ger mother, often a single parent herself, who creates a loving home for

all of the children within her care. At school age the children are enrolled alongside their peers at the local district school:

learning within the community and gaining vital qualifications for later adult life. Children below school age attend the

Foundation’s kindergarten, constructed in 2002 on land adjacent to the ger village. The kindergarten also serves the wider

community and provides invaluable pre-school education to children of local families.

Our contribution

As part of their outreach work in the capital CNCF also administer the ‘Give a Ger’ fund, an emergency fund established to

provide families in danger of becoming homeless with a secure and comfortable place to live. This has proved an essential

lifeline for many in a country which is renowned for its particularly harsh winters where temperatures drop as low as -40C,

conditions which often drive whole families beneath the city’s streets as they find refuge in central heating pipes and vents. In

2008 our department made a £500 donation to the charity which bought a ger for a nomadic family who had been living in what

can only be described as a primitive hut in the heart of the city’s slum district.

In 2009 we decided to strengthen our support for the charity by committing our annual

donation to sponsor a child through his secondary education. Delgerbat is an, ambitious 15 year

old young man who we have been supporting through the Christina Nobel Children’s

Foundation Child sponsorship programme. We donate an annual amount to the foundation each

year which goes towards ensuring that he is able to attend school and provides the funds for his

family to purchase the supplies he needs. Delgerbat is from a single parent family and when we

started to sponsor him, he, his mother and his older sister were surviving on less than $100 a

month and were living in a run-down rented ger on the outskirts of Ulaan Bataar. The

sponsorship money has helped to ensure that he continued to attend school and as a result he

has flourished, learning Chinese and Russian and taking pleasure in reading, becoming the class

librarian. He has always had high hopes, when we first met him, through the foundation’s annual

reports, he just wanted to be the boss, now he hopes to be an economist, an ambition which we

wholeheartedly hope he realises.

If you would like further information please speak to your specialist or visit www.cncf.org

http://www.cncf.org/

General information

General information 37

Travel insurance

It is advisable to take out your travel

insurance at the time of booking your

trip as cover will commence for pre-

departure cancellation from the policy

issue date. This will, therefore, provide

cover should you have to cancel your trip

for an insured reason such as illness or

serious accident.

We strongly recommend that you and all

members of your party are adequately

insured, providing financial protection

against unforeseen circumstances. Cover

should include medical expenses and

repatriation in the event of accident or

illness. In addition, we strongly

recommend that you have cover for

personal belongings, delay at your

outward or homeward point of

departure, personal liability, overseas legal expenses and cancellation. If you are

undertaking any sports or adventurous

activities, including trekking, on your trip

you should also make sure that your

policy covers these. Please also ensure

you read the policy conditions and

exclusions.

The type of trips we create and the

requirements of Audley clients vary

greatly. We have therefore listed below a

number of companies who offer policies

which may suit these varying

requirements. You can find links to the

companies' websites, at

www.audleytravel.com/insurance. Other companies and policies are also

available. We are unable to provide you

with more detailed information and you

should contact the company concerned

directly for this. Please note this is general information only. We are not

providing any specific advice on travel

insurance or recommending any

particular policy or insurer.

Trips of up to £5,000 pp

A large number of companies offer

insurance policies which include cover for

cancellation charges of up to the full

holiday cost.

Trips over £5,000 pp

It can be more challenging to get

insurance which includes cover for cancellation charges of up to the full

holiday cost for higher value trips. A

number of companies do, however, offer

such policies. Thomson (in partnership

with AXA) (0845 366 2212) offer

cancellation cover up to £20,000 per

person, American Express (0800 232

277) offer cancellation cover up to

£12,500 per person and Insure and Go

(0844 888 2787) offer cancellation cover

up to £7,500 per person.

This information can also be found on our

website www.audleytravel.com/insurance

with links to the insurers’ websites.

Clients over 65 years of age

Many companies now offer cover to people

over 65 years of age. However, if you are

finding it difficult to get cover you could try

Age UK (0845 600 3348) or Saga (0800

015 0757) both of whom currently have no

upper age limit on their policies. See also

the companies referred to under pre-

existing medical conditions below. This

information can also be found on our

website www.audleytravel.com/insurance


Pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical

condition, there are a number of

companies that may be able to help you. P J

Hayman / Free Spirit (0845 230 5000) will

consider most pre-existing medical

conditions and they have no upper age limit

on single trip policies. Age UK (0845 600

3348) and Insure and Go (0844 888 2787)

will also consider a number of pre-existing

conditions and may be able to help. Cancer

Travel Insurance Services (0845 880 0163)

specialise in travel insurance for people

with non-terminal cancer and have no

upper age limit on their policies. This

information can also be found at

www.audleytravel.com/insurance


Non-UK residents

If you are not a UK resident you will

usually need to get insurance in your

country of residence. Some insurance

companies, such as Columbus Direct (0845

888 8893), will consider policies for non-

UK residents. This information can also be

found on our website

www.audleytravel.com/insurance


Once you have a travel insurance policy in

place, please let your specialist know who

your insurance company is and your policy

number.

The above information is provided in good

faith and is correct to the best of our

knowledge. No liability is, however,

accepted for any errors and all information

must be checked directly with the

insurance company.

Financial security

We hold an Air Travel

Organiser's Licence (ATOL)

issued by the Civil Aviation

Authority (ATOL number

4817). All the flight-inclusive holidays* that

we provide are financially protected by the

ATOL scheme. When you pay, you will be

supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please

check to ensure that everything you

booked is listed on it. Please see our

booking conditions for further information

about financial protection and

www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

for further information on the ATOL

Certificate.

*The flight inclusive holidays we arrange

are ATOL protected providing they are

made available in the UK. For further

information, visit the ATOL website at

www.atol.org.uk

Not all holiday or travel

services offered and sold by

us will be protected by the

ATOL scheme. Those

package arrangements which

are not protected by our

ATOL are covered by ABTOT, the

Association of Bonded Travel Organisers

Trust. This insurance means your money

will be refunded or you will be returned to

the starting point of your contracted arrangements if already abroad in the

unlikely event of our being unable to

provide your holiday due to our insolvency.

(For more details please see Section 12 of

the Terms and Conditions.) In these

instances you will not receive an ATOL

certificate with your invoice.

Health

It is essential that you see your GP or a

travel clinic before booking your trip and

before travelling to make sure that you

have taken all the necessary health

precautions. Some vaccinations require

more than one visit with a period of weeks

between injections. You should visit your

GP at least six weeks before departure. For

up to date medical advice you may wish to

use the Medical Advisory Service for

Travellers Abroad (MASTA).

MASTA Traveller’s Health Brief

Before travelling abroad, you can visit

www.masta-travel-health.com to obtain a

‘Health Brief’ specifically tailored to your

journey. Your brief will give information

about immunisations and malaria as well as any Foreign Office advice and the latest

health news.

http://www.audleytravel.com/insurance





http://www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

http://www.atol.org.uk/

http://www.masta-travel-health.com/

General information

38 General information

Other health information services are

available, including www.nathnac.org and

www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

The majority of international airlines now

issue advice on how to lessen the risk of

DVT, however, if you have any concerns,

we recommend that you consult your

doctor.

Pre-existing medical

conditions/Disabled passengers

It is essential that you advise us before

booking if you have any disability or pre-

existing medical condition which may

affect your holiday, or any special

requirements as a result of any disability

or medical condition (including any which

affect the booking process) so that we

can assist you in considering the

suitability of the arrangements and/or

making the booking. It will also enable us

to make sure you receive the relevant

level of assistance when you fly.

Full details must be confirmed in writing

at the time of booking and whenever any

change in the condition or disability

occurs. You must also promptly advise us

if any medical condition or disability

which may affect your holiday develops

after your booking has been confirmed.

The nature of many of the destinations

we travel to means that in the majority of

cases they are unsuitable for those who

are wheelchair-bound or have a lack of

mobility. We will be delighted to discuss

the feasibility of creating a tailor-made

itinerary for you that takes into

consideration your level of mobility.

On our escorted group tours the Tour

Leader is, unfortunately, unable to offer

additional assistance to passengers with

limited mobility and all such assistance

will need to be provided by whoever the

passenger is travelling with. We may request that you provide a letter from

your doctor confirming your fitness to

travel.

High altitude

Your itinerary may include sections

where the altitude exceeds 10,000 feet

(3,048 metres). If you suffer from

circulation, heart or respiratory problems

we advise that you consult with your

doctor before confirming your booking.

Smoking

Airlines do not permit smoking on the

aircraft. At the request of the majority of

our clients we do not allow smoking on any

form of transport used for our escorted

group tours. Stops are regularly made

where you will be able to smoke. For

smokers travelling on a tailor-made tour

we request that you check with your driver

or guide whether smoking is permitted in

the vehicle.

Health and safety standards

Each country has its own regulations and

enforcement levels relating to health and

safety standards. These do not always

match the very high standards we are used

to in the UK. We therefore recommend

that you follow a few precautionary safety

procedures. Always check where the

nearest fire exit is and how to raise the fire

alarm. Do not enter a swimming pool

before checking the water depth first. For

more suggestions please see the Important

Information section in your Travel

Organiser.

Passport and visa information for

British Citizens

Passengers must hold a passport which is

valid for at least six months following the

return date of your holiday. British

passport holders (full British Citizens)

currently require visas, in advance of travel, for the following destinations featured in

our brochures and on our website:

Australia, Bhutan, Burma, China, Cuba,

India, Kenya, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea

(also available on arrival), Russia, Tanzania,

Tibet, Uganda, the USA*, Uzbekistan and

Vietnam**.

Visas may be required for other countries

but can be arranged on arrival.

* British Citizens travelling to the USA

require an ESTA – please speak to your

specialist for more information

** Visitors to Vietnam can obtain a visa on

arrival but require a letter of authorisation

from ourselves – please speak to your

specialist

We are normally able to obtain visas on

your behalf, please ask for details at the

time of booking. Non-British passport

holders should check with the relevant

embassies as visa requirements may be

different to those of British passport

holders. It is your responsibility to ensure

you have the correct documentation and

visa stamp(s) for all sectors of your

journey. Failure or inability to obtain all

required visas for whatever reason does

not entitle you to cancel without paying the

applicable cancellation charges.

Travel advice

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Travel Advice Unit monitors all overseas

destinations and offers advice to British

travellers. In order to be fully informed of

safety issues, crime rates, political stability

and local customs you can view the advice

at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Flights and airlines

The difference between a direct flight and a

non-stop flight can cause confusion. To

clarify, on a direct flight no change of

aircraft is scheduled but touchdowns will

be made en route either to refuel or to

board or disembark passengers. On non-

stop flights no change of aircraft is required

and no stops are made en route. Exact

details of your route will be given in your

itinerary.

Premium Economy, Business and

First Class

If you require business or first class flights

these can be arranged on most airlines at

very competitive rates. Premium economy

can be arranged on certain airlines, please

call us for details.

Specific seat requests

We will do all we can to try to reserve a

specific seat for you, if you have a

preference. However, whilst airlines may

allow us to request seats, they will not

guarantee any specific seat reservation. If

this is important to you, it is always best to

arrive for your flight early, regardless of

having made this request in advance. Please

make it clear on your booking form if you

have a specific request.

Flight amendments

We generally use special ‘inclusive tour’

fares when we purchase your air tickets

from the airlines. While these fares are

very good value they are inflexible in terms

of changes and offer no refunds once the

tickets are issued. Once your flight is

confirmed the airlines will charge an

amendment fee or insist on the purchase of

a completely new ticket if you make

changes.

Internal flights

Smaller local airlines are often more likely

to change their schedule at short notice. We will endeavour to inform you of any

changes in advance of travelling but this

may not always be possible.

General information

General information 39

Frequent Flyer Clubs

If you collect points through any of the

airline frequent flyer clubs please provide

your membership details on the booking

form and we will ensure that these are

recorded against your flight reservation.

Please note that on some of our specially

negotiated ‘inclusive tour’ fares points are

not always awarded.

Carbon offsetting

Please let your specialist know if you

would like to carbon offset your flights.

We work with Friends of Conservation

(FOC) and all offsetting payments are

donated through them. For more details

visit www.audleytravel.com/offset. The

suggested contributions are based on the

approximate levels of CO2 expended on

an average flight, with the cost per tonne

of carbon taken from industry averages.

Flight information previously provided by

TICOS, now part of Beyond Carbon.

UK airport hotels, car parking and

lounges

We are able to arrange airport hotel

accommodation, car parking, meet and

greet services and airport lounge access

in the UK, subject to availability. To

arrange any of these services please call

us on 01993 838 051.

Hotel information There is often confusion over the

terminology used for bed arrangements

in hotel rooms. A ‘double’ is recognised

as meaning a room with a double bed,

this may be two single beds pushed

together. A ‘twin’ is a room with two

single beds. Please note that all rooms

are allocated at the discretion of the

hotel and cannot be guaranteed.

Single rooms

Single rooms tend to be smaller than

double or twin rooms, however, many

hotels do not have single rooms, in which

case you will be allocated a twin or

double room.

Special dietary requirements

Special diets should be requested on the

booking form; however, it is unrealistic

to expect special diets to be catered for

in some of the destinations we feature.

We will advise the hotels and airlines of

your request but we cannot guarantee

their availability. If you have an airborne

nut allergy you must make us aware at

the time of booking as most airlines require this information in advance of

travel.

Accuracy of information

We thoroughly check all the information

that is included within our brochures,

website and individual tour itineraries,

however, changes do occur and errors are

occasionally made. Airlines may change

their schedules, roads may close and

government regulations may alter. Should

there be any changes to the travel

arrangements you have booked we will do

our best to keep you informed of the

situation prior to departure.

Travel in the developing world

Many of our destinations are in the

developing world where attitudes,

infrastructure, priorities, lifestyles and

cultures are very different from our own.

This is often the very reason to visit the

destination but certain aspects may be

frustrating. We always advise that the first

thing you should pack is your sense of

humour. This can prove invaluable when

travelling over rougher roads, waiting for a

delayed aircraft and communicating with

hotel staff whose first language is not

English.

Data Protection Act

We will hold your name, address and any

other details you supply us with on our

database. This information will be used to

make your travel arrangements and to send

you information about Audley Travel. In order to make your travel arrangements

we will need to pass your details to

companies and individuals outside the EU

where less stringent data protection

controls may be in place. We will not pass

on your details to third parties for any

other purposes.

AITO Quality Charter:

The Association of Independent Tour

Operators

AITO is the Association for independent and specialist holiday companies. Our member companies, usually owner-managed, strive to create overseas holidays with high levels of professionalism and a shared concern for quality and personal service. The Association encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour operating.

Exclusive membership AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are admitted to membership. All members are required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational standards and conduct.

Financial security An AITO member is required to arrange financial protection for all holidays and other arrangements (including accommodation only) booked by customers with the member under the AITO logo. This financial protection applies to customers who are resident in the UK at the time of booking and to most overseas customers who have booked directly with the member. In doing so, the member must comply with UK government regulations. Members are required to submit details of their financial protection arrangements to AITO on a regular basis Accurate brochures and web sites All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications, print or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered.

Professional service and continual improvement All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards. Monitoring standards AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire the results of which are scrutinised by the Association.

Sustainable tourism All Members acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Sustainable Tourism ethos, which recognises the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating. Customer relations All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion. Audley Travel is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. To contact the Association, visit www.aito.com or call 020 8744 9280.

Terms and conditions

40 Terms and conditions

Please read the following conditions carefully. All holidays are sold by us subject to these conditions and the other general information in this booklet, our brochures and quotations.

Audley Travel Group Ltd (whose administrative offices are at New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxon OX29 9SX) are members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. Audley Travel Group Ltd (hereafter referred to as ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) offers a number of products and the trading names we use are ‘Audley’, and ‘Audley Travel’. In these Terms & Conditions, ‘you’ and ‘your’ means all persons named on the booking, or any of them as applicable (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date).

Your contract with us and all matters arising out of it are governed by English law. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which arises out of or in connection with this contract or your holiday, will be dealt with by the AITO Arbitration Scheme - see clause 9 or the Courts of England and Wales only unless, in the case of Court proceedings, you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In this case, proceedings may be brought in the Courts of your home country. If proceedings are brought in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have your contract governed by the law of Scotland/Northern Ireland as applicable. If you do not so choose, English law will apply. 1. Paying for your holiday (i) The procedure for making a booking is shown in your itinerary quotation and on our website. All bookings are subject to these terms and conditions and by asking us to confirm your booking, and by paying a deposit, the person who makes the booking is taken to have accepted these booking conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking. Once we have received the applicable payment(s) due at the time of booking (see below), we will, subject to availability of the requested arrangements, send you your invoice. It is at the point when we issue this to you that a valid contract will come into existence between us. Please check your confirmation/invoice and all tickets/documents carefully as soon as you receive them and contact us immediately if you think any details are incorrect. We regret we cannot accept any liability if we are not notified of any inaccuracies (for which we are responsible) in any document within ten days of our sending it out (five days for tickets).We will do our best to rectify any mistake notified to us outside these time limits but you must meet any costs involved in doing so.

(ii) The deposit is part payment of the holiday. The deposit required will be shown on the quotation page of your itinerary. In addition to the deposit, full or part payment of certain elements of your holiday (such as flights) may be required at the time booking or at some point between booking and balance due date. Also see clause I (iv). The deposit and all such additional payments are non-refundable except as set out in clause 4. The balance must be paid not later than the date specified on the invoice. This is normally no less than 8 weeks before the departure date. However, there are a few destinations or trip components that require payment no less than 90 days before the departure date which will be specified on your invoice and quotation. Please note if we do not receive all payments due (including any surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we are entitled to assume that you wish to cancel your booking. In this case, we will be entitled to keep all amounts paid or due at that date. If we do not cancel straight away because you have promised to make payment, you must pay the cancellation charges shown in clause 3 depending on the date we reasonably treat your booking as cancelled. (iii) Full payment is required at the time of booking for all bookings made after balance due date as above. (iv) On occasions, we may be asked by suppliers to make payment to them earlier than normal. Such requests may, for example, be made in order to secure accommodation and other services during periods of peak demand. Whilst suppliers may have no contractual right to make such requests, failure to comply with them may result in the loss of confirmed arrangements. Where this situation arises, we reserve the right to ask you to make payment of the requested sum within a stipulated period and prior to balance due date. We will of course endeavour to avoid doing so if we can. Any such early payment will be non refundable except as set out in clause 4. (v) If you are booking your holiday through one of our authorised travel agents the balance must be paid to the agent two weeks prior to the applicable balance due date as specified on the invoice and quotation. All payments made to one of our authorised travel agents for the arrangements

we have contracted to provide will be held by them on our behalf. If you book your holiday through a travel agent who is not a member of ABTA, all payments must be made to us directly and not your travel agent. 2. If you change your holiday If, after the contract between us has come into existence, you want to change your holiday we will do our best to pass your request to the relevant supplier, however we cannot guarantee that such changes can be made. Where a change can be made, we will charge for any additional costs incurred including any costs imposed or incurred by any of our suppliers, and including for example cancellation charges that may be incurred for sectors cancelled. You should note, for example, that a change of name on or other alteration to an airline ticket will usually incur a 100% cancellation charge and full rebooking fee. 3. If you cancel your holiday If you have to cancel part of the booking or cancel the entire booking once it has been confirmed by us, written notification must be sent to us by recorded delivery post or by email. As proof of receipt by email of your notification to cancel you must receive and retain written acknowledgement from Audley Travel. Charges will be applied from the date the letter is received, or the email is acknowledged by Audley Travel, according to the scale below. The charges are applied as a percentage of the total holiday cost excluding any amendment charges and any amounts paid in addition to the deposit at the time of booking or before balance due date (see clauses 1(ii) and I(iv)) which are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. The following cancellation charges apply if your final balance due date is 8 weeks prior to departure. Please note, different cancellation charges apply in relation to certain products – please see your quote for details. Period before departure Cancellation date within which written Charge notification is received at Per Person our offices Up to balance due date Deposit only Balance due date-43 days 30% 42-29 days 60% 28-3 days 90% Within 2 days 100% Alterations or cancellations by you after commencement of travel and unused services We will do our best to implement any changes to your arrangements you request once they have commenced, but we cannot guarantee this will be possible. In the event of such amendments being made you will be liable for any cancellation charges that may be levied for the services originally booked, and for the cost of booking the revised arrangements and the arrangements themselves. As a basic principle, no refunds will be paid to clients who do not complete a tour. However where we ourselves are able to obtain a refund from hotels or principals for services not used, we will pass this on to you, less any reasonable administration charges. THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE If you have taken out holiday insurance you may, depending on the detail of your policy, be able to recover the cancellation charges, check your policy for details. Never travel without insurance, the unexpected can always happen. It is your responsibility to ensure you are adequately covered by insurance for all elements of your trip. Please read your policy and take it on holiday with you. 4. If we change your holiday We start planning the holidays we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and correct errors in itineraries and other details both before and after bookings have been confirmed and cancel confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid changes and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do so. However, we promise we will only cancel your confirmed booking after balance due date where you have failed to comply with any requirement of these booking conditions entitling us to cancel (such as paying on time) or where we are forced to do so as a result of ‘force majeure’ as defined in clause 5 below. We will not cancel after this date for any other reason. Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a ‘significant change’. A significant change is a change made before departure which, taking account of the information you give us at the time of booking and which we can reasonably be expected to know as a tour operator, we

can reasonably expect to have a major effect on your holiday. Significant changes are likely to include the following changes when made before departure; a change of accommodation to that of a lower official classification or standard for the whole or a major part of the time you are away*, a change of accommodation area for the whole or a major part of the time you are away, a change of UK outward departure time or overall length of time you are away of twelve or more hours, or a change of UK departure airport to one which is more inconvenient for you (except as between Gatwick and Heathrow). *Please note: A change affecting a stay in a hotel during a tour where the hotel itself is not the focus of the tour, does not constitute a significant change. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will tell you as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of the following options:- (a) (for significant changes) accepting the changed arrangements or (b) purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar standard to that originally booked if available. Please note: Due to the original and individual nature of our holidays it frequently may not be possible to offer you a comparable holiday to that originally booked. (c) cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which case you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you have paid to us. You must advise us of your decision within 7 days of the date on which we notified you of the significant change or cancellation. Please note, the above options are not available where any change made is a minor one. A minor change is any change which, taking account of the information you have given us at the time of booking or which we can reasonably be expected to know as a tour operator, we could not reasonably expect to have a significant effect on your confirmed holiday. If we have to make a significant change or cancellation we will pay you the compensation set out below subject to the following exceptions. Compensation will not be payable and no liability beyond offering the above mentioned choices can be accepted where (1) we are forced to make a change or cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) we have to cancel because the minimum number of bookings necessary for us to operate your holiday has not been reached - in this case we will notify you no less than 60 days before departure. Please note: all escorted group trips are based on group arrangements involving a given minimum number of passengers. No compensation will be payable and the above options will not be available if we cancel as a result of your failure to comply with any requirement of these booking conditions entitling us to cancel (such as paying on time). Period of notification of Compensation change before scheduled per person departure date More than 60 days Nil 60-43 days £10 42-29 days £20 28-15 days £30 14-0 days £40 In the unlikely event that we become unable to provide a significant proportion of the services you have booked after you depart, we will make alternative arrangements for you at no extra charge, or, if this is impossible, or you do not accept these alternative arrangements for a good reason, we will provide you with transport back to the point where your holiday arrangements with us commenced. If we are forced by ‘force majeure’ (see clause 5) to change or terminate your holiday after departure but before the scheduled end of your time away, we regret we will be unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain any refunds from our suppliers), pay you any compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a result except as set out above. 5. Force majeure Except as set out in these terms and conditions, we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected, or you otherwise


Terms and conditions 41

suffer any loss or damage (as more fully described in clause 7 (i) below) as a result of circumstances amounting to ‘force majeure’. In these terms and conditions ‘force majeure’ means any event or circumstances which we or the supplier of the services in question could not foresee or avoid even with all due care. Such events and circumstances may include, whether actual or threatened, war, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil action, decisions by governments or governing authority, technical or maintenance problems with transport, changes of schedules or operational decisions of air carriers, terrorist activity, industrial action, natural or nuclear activity, epidemics/pandemics, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control. 6. Surcharges Once the price of your chosen holiday has been confirmed at the time of booking, we will only increase or decrease it in the following circumstances. Price increases or decreases after booking will be passed on by way of a surcharge or refund. A surcharge or refund (as applicable) will be payable, subject to the conditions set out in this clause, if transportation costs (e.g. fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline surcharges which are part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator) or dues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or airports change. Even in the above cases, only if the amount of the increase in our costs exceeds 2% of the total cost of your holiday (excluding any amendment charges), will we levy a surcharge. If any surcharge is greater than 10% of the cost of your holiday (excluding any amendment charges), you will be entitled to cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies you have paid to us (except for any amendment charges) or alternatively purchase another holiday from us as referred to in clause 4 ‘If we change your holiday’. Please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place. A refund will only be payable if the decrease in our costs exceeds 2% as set out above. Where a refund is due, we will pay you the full amount of the decrease in our costs.

You have 14 days from the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice to tell us if you want to cancel or purchase another holiday where applicable. If you do not tell us that you wish to do so within this period of time, we are entitled to assume that you will pay the surcharge. Any surcharge must be paid with the balance of the cost of the holiday or within 14 days of the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice, whichever is the later. We reserve the right to make changes to and correct errors in quoted prices at any time before your holiday is confirmed. We will advise you of any error of which we are aware and of the then applicable price at the time of booking.

7. Our responsibility (i) We promise to make sure that all parts of the holiday we have agreed to arrange, perform or provide as part of our contract with you are arranged, performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. This means that, subject to these booking conditions, we will accept responsibility if, for example, you suffer death or personal injury or your contracted holiday arrangements are not provided as promised or prove deficient as a result of the failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers to use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or providing, as applicable, your contracted holiday arrangements. Please note, it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment (for employees) or carrying out work we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers). We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (including loss of enjoyment), damage, expense, cost or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever which results from any of the following:- (a) the fault of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of their party or

(b) the fault of a third party not connected with the provision of your holiday which we could not have predicted or avoided or

(c) an event or circumstance which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not have predicted or avoided even after taking all reasonable care (see clause 5) (d) the fault of anyone who is not carrying out work for us (generally or in particular) at the time. In addition, we will not be responsible where you do not enjoy your holiday or suffer any problems because of a reason you did not tell us about when you booked your holiday or where any problems you suffer did not result from any breach of our contract or other fault of ourselves or, where we were responsible for them, our suppliers or agents or where any losses, expenses, costs or other sum you have suffered relate to any business. Please note: we cannot accept responsibility for any services which do not form part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or facilities which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where the services or facilities are not advertised in our brochure and we have not agreed to arrange them as part of our contract and any excursion you purchase during your holiday. (ii) The promises we make to you about the services we have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract - and the laws and regulations of the country in which your claim or complaint occurred - will be used as the basis for deciding whether the services in question had been properly provided. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the services will be treated as having been properly provided. This will be the case even if the services did not comply with the laws and regulations of the UK which would have applied had those services been provided in the UK. The exception to this is where the claim or complaint concerns the absence of a safety feature which might lead a reasonable holiday maker to refuse to take the holiday in question. (iii) We limit the maximum amount we may have to pay you for any and all claims or parts of claims which do not involve personal injury, illness or death. Except where loss of and/or damage to luggage or personal possessions is concerned or a lower limitation of liability applies to your claim, the maximum amount we will have to pay you for such non personal injury claims if we are found liable to you on any basis is twice the price (excluding any amendment charges) paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in total. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you have not received any benefit at all from your holiday. Where we are found liable for loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions (including money), the maximum amount we will have to pay you is £150 per person affected as you are assumed to have taken out adequate insurance at the time of booking. Please also see clause 7(iv) below. (iv) Where any claim or part of a claim concerns or is based on any travel arrangements (including the process of getting on and/or off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea, rail or road carrier or any stay in a hotel, the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to you on any basis is the most the carrier or hotel keeper concerned would have to pay under the international convention or regulation which applies to the travel arrangements or hotel stay in question (for example, the Warsaw Convention as amended for international travel by air and/or for airlines with an operating licence granted by an EU country, the EU Regulation on Air Carrier Liability for national and international travel by air, the Athens Convention for international travel by sea and COTIF, the Convention on International Travel by Rail). Please note: Where a carrier or hotel would not be obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable International Convention or Regulation in respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question. (v) You must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require. You must also tell us and the supplier concerned about your claim or complaint as set out in clause 9 below.

8. Flights and your responsibility The flight details shown in your itinerary quotation are for guidance only and are subject to change. Final details will be confirmed on your travel documentation, sent approximately 14 days prior to departure. The times shown on all tickets are local times and check in for both outward and return flights is at least 3 hours prior to the departure times on the travel documents. It is possible that flight times may be changed even after tickets have been dispatched - we will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs. In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005 Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a “Community list” which contains details of air carriers who are subject to an operating ban within the EU. The Community list is available for inspection at http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/ flywell_en.htm. In accordance with EU Regulations we are required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) (or, if the actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of booking, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible. If the carrier with whom you have a confirmed reservation becomes subject to an operating ban as above as a result of which we/ the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable alternative the provisions of clause 4 will apply. Any change in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, and/or aircraft type (if advised) will not entitle you to cancel or change to other arrangements without paying our normal charges except where specified in these conditions. We can accept no responsibility if you arrive late for the check in and miss your flight as a result nor can we accept responsibility for any loss by you of your holiday/flight travel tickets, vouchers or coupons. Air travel is subject to operational decisions of carriers and airports which may result in delays and diversions. Please note that minor carriers sometimes change the departure time of short-haul or domestic flights at short notice, and in some instances, schedules shown in the computers of intercontinental carriers differ from those actually flown by smaller local carriers. We advise you that it is your responsibility to be meticulous in locally reconfirming directly with the carrier operating the flight. We accept no liability for the consequences of flights missed owing to the passenger’s failure to reconfirm. Clients flying in economy class to long-haul destinations should be aware that flights are often full and you may not be able to get seats together. We also recommend that you check in early for a long flight, and in any case not less than 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. If your flight is cancelled or delayed, your flight ticket is downgraded or boarding is denied by your airline in circumstances which would entitle you to claim compensation or any other payment from the airline under EC Regulation No 261/2004 - the Denied Boarding Regulations 2004, you must pursue the airline for the compensation or other payment due to you. All sums you receive or are entitled to receive from the airline concerned by virtue of these Regulations represent the full amount of your entitlement to compensation or any other payment arising from such cancellation, delay, downgrading or denied boarding. This includes any disappointment, distress, inconvenience or effect on any other arrangements. The fact a delay may entitle you to cancel your flight does not automatically entitle you to cancel any other arrangements even where those arrangements have been made in conjunction with your flight. We have no liability to make any payment to you in relation to the Denied Boarding Regulations or in respect of any flight cancellation or delay, downgrading of any flight ticket or denial of any boarding as the full amount of your entitlement to any compensation or other payment (as dealt with above) is covered by the airline's obligations under the Denied Boarding Regulations. If your airline does not comply with these rules, you should complain to the Air Transport Users’ Council on 020 7240 6061 www.auc.org.uk We cannot accept liability for any delay unless it has a material effect on your holiday arrangements. See clause 4.


42 Terms and conditions

You undertake to behave with propriety and in such a manner as in no way causes or is likely to cause distress, danger or annoyance to other clients and/or any third party or damage to property. If, in the view of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers, you are in breach of this clause, we reserve the right to terminate your contract and neither we nor the providers of any of the services in question will have any further contractual obligations to you either in respect of covering any expenses, paying any compensation or refunds, or arranging for your return home. When you book with us, you accept responsibility for any damage or loss caused by you. Full payment for any such damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely known) must be paid direct at the time to the accommodation owner or manager or other supplier. If the actual cost of the loss or damage exceeds the amount paid where estimated, you must pay the difference once known. If the actual cost is less than the amount paid, the difference will be refunded. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible for meeting any claims subsequently made against us (together with our own and the other party’s full legal costs) as a result of your actions. You must ensure that all your travel documents, full passports, visas, vaccination certificates, currency and travellers cheques are in order and valid for travel. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. We are able to give general advice on these matters for British citizens holding a British passport. However, non-British citizens and non-British passport holders should check with their embassy or consulate vis-a-vis current requirements. See also our General Information section. If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly. The name on your airline tickets must be the name that appears on your full passport. Please note that if you believe that we have stated orally that a particular facility or service should be available, but is not in the brochure or in writing from us, please make reference to it on the booking form so that we may confirm it to you when accepting your booking. 9. Complaints Should you have any complaints about any aspect of your holiday arrangements, you must inform our local representative or tour leader immediately and the supplier of the arrangements concerned. Problems can most easily be dealt with on the spot. Please note, if you do not report a problem or complaint which, if it had been reported at the time it occurred could have been resolved there and then we cannot accept any liability in respect of that problem or complaint. It is sensible to expect a client travelling in the developing world to be reasonably resourceful if things go wrong. If you experience any difficulties, contact us in the UK on our 24 hour emergency telephone service. The number will be found on your pre-departure information and with your tickets. In the unlikely event that an acceptable solution cannot be found, you should then write to us within 28 days of your return with full details of your complaint. If you fail to follow this complaints procedure, your right to claim the compensation you may otherwise have been entitled to may be affected or even lost as a result. If we cannot reach an amicable solution to any dispute you do have the right to refer the dispute to the Association of Independent Tour Operators which operates an Independent Dispute Service (details on request) for resolution of the dispute by a mediator provided the claim does not involve personal accident, injury or illness. 10. The brochure and quotation We have taken every care in ensuring that the information in the brochure and given in quotations/itineraries is correct at the time of publication. However we are sure you will appreciate that subsequently minor alterations may arise. We reserve the right to change any of the prices, services or other particulars contained in this brochure or any quotation at any time before we enter into a contract with you. If there is any change we will notify you before we enter into such contract. Where we state that

additional information, a fact sheet or a dossier is available on a particular itinerary or programme, this information should be regarded as a term of the contract. The hotel classifications given on our website, in our brochures, quotations and dossiers and fact sheets are for guidance only. They are not based on any national or international classification system, they are the opinions of our staff or agents and are quite subjective. The photographs that appear in the accommodation section of your quotation are indicative only and may not be of the exact room you have been quoted for. 11. Special requests If you have any special request, you must advise us in writing at the time of booking. Although we will endeavour to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, we regret we cannot guarantee any request will be met. For your own protection, you should obtain confirmation in writing from us that your request will be complied with (where it is possible for us to give this) if your request is important to you. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of the special request on your confirmation invoice or any other documentation is not a guarantee that the request will be met by the relevant supplier. All special requests are subject to availability. We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. any booking which is specified to be conditional on the fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be treated as ‘standard’ bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests. If you have any medical problem or disability which may affect your holiday, please tell us before you confirm your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the chosen arrangements. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. If we reasonably feel unable to properly accommodate the particular needs of the person concerned, we must reserve the right to decline their reservation or, if full details are not given at the time of booking, cancel when we become aware of these details. 12. Your financial protection We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 4817). When you buy an ATOL protected flight-inclusive holiday* from us, you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists the flight, accommodation, car hire and/or other services that are financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you, and who to contact if things go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable).You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. *The air inclusive holidays and flights we arrange are ATOL protected providing they are made available in the UK. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme.

The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust

Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the

Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours

Regulations 1992 for Audley Travel (ABTOT Membership

number 5297) and in the event of their insolvency,

protection is provided for the following:

1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to

the UK;

2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a

country other than the UK; and

3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of

the UK, which are sold to customers outside of the

UK.

1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not

yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note

that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by

ABTOT when purchased directly with Audley Travel. 13. Excursions Please note that we do not provide or arrange excursions other than those listed in your itinerary and forming part of the arrangements booked and paid for in the UK. Our local representatives or guides may put you in touch with local organisers of excursions if you request but we can have no liability for such excursions, as your contract for such excursions will be with a local company providing the services and not with us. 14. Prices and Brochure Accuracy Please note, the information and prices shown on our website, in our brochures and/or quotations may have changed by the time you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the website, brochures, quotations and prices at the time of printing or when they are given to you, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. 15. Honeymoon Gift Service All honeymoon bookings and use of Audley's Honeymoon Gift Service are subject to our Terms & Conditions. It is important to note that in the unfortunate event of the cancellation of your booking you will be responsible for all cancellation charges as detailed in our Terms & Conditions. Audley also reserve the right to charge a £150 administration fee to cover refunding all monies to your guests. These refunds will only be made once all cancellation charges have been paid. As the client, you will take on the responsibility for the full payment of the booking as the amount of your guest contributions cannot be guaranteed. Audley Travel Group Limited. Registered Address: New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 9SX. Registered in England with Company Reg. No. 3190720. VAT Reg. No.125454721. September 2014.

http://www.atol.org.uk/

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