regent 2005 small · regent holidays has continually developed its programmes, knowledge and...

WORLD 2006

part of Western & Oriental

Baltic States, Balkans, Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia,Indo-China, Japan, China, Caucasus, North & South Korea

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:39

2

REGENT’S WORLD

J A P A N

I R A N

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:39

CONTENTS 2006 Page No.

The Balkans & Eastern Europe Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Albania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Macedonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

The Balkans - Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia & Serbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11

Bulgaria and Romania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-14

Hungary, Slovakia & Czech Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-16

Belarus & Kaliningrad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17-18

Poland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20

Poland & Belarus with Ukraine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Ukraine & Moldova . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23

The Baltic States - Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-29

Russia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-35

The Trans-Siberian Railway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-39

The Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia) & Iran . . . . . . 40-43

Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45

Central Asia - Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,

Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-49

Mongolia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-51

China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52-55

Taiwan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

North & South Korea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57-59

Indo-China - Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar & Vietnam . . . . . . . . . . 60-65

Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Reading Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Visa and Climate Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Airline Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Booking Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Booking Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Regent Holidays15 John Street, Bristol BS1 2HR

Tel: 0117 921 1711 Fax: 0117 925 4866 Email: [email protected]

www.regent-holidays.co.uk

REGENT’S WORLD

3

YOUR COMPLETE FINANCIAL PROTECTIONRegent Holidays (UK) Ltd is a fully licensed and bonded tour operator.You can book with Regent Holidays in complete confidence that all moniespaid to us are fully protected.

The air holidays and flights in this brochure are protected by theCivil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 0856.

We also fully comply with the bonding requirements of theAssociation of British Travel Agents. Our ABTA number is V7051.

Regent Holidays is a part of Western & Oriental Plc a leading specialist travel company comprises of anumber of specialist travel companies and brands. This includes Western & Oriental Travel, RegentHolidays UK Limited and The Mediterranean experience in both the UK and Germany. Western &Oriental Plc provides clients with expert specialist knowledge in a range of destinations around theworld, comprising of every major continent and many of the world's leading island resorts. Its servicesrange from bespoke tours to hotel bookings and flight reservations. All of the companies and brands arespecialists in their sphere of operations and dedicated in providing interesting and enjoyable holidays.

Dear Traveller,

A warm welcome to our latest collection of holidays to the BalticStates, Eastern Europe, Russia, Caucasus and many other Asianregions. Every destination has been carefully selected for itscombination of culture and adventure. Every tour has been designedto ensure that your holiday is an experience never to be forgotten.

We should know, because for many years, Regent Holidays’knowledge has provided a specialist travel service for clients whoshare our passion for these fascinating destinations. We seek out themost alluring aspects of these wonderful parts of the world.

Our new selection of tours from Eastern Europe to selected parts ofthe Far East offer something for everyone, whether visiting for thefirst time or maybe returning to discover a new region.

From the classic to the unusual, our itineraries explore the wonderfuldiversity of sights and cultures. Historic buildings rub shoulders withbustling cities, forts, remote villages and beautiful scenery.

Of course, if you would like your own unique programme, with ourfirst-hand knowledge and expertise we can plan a completely bespokeitinerary to fit your requirements. You may wish to enjoy someadditional nights in one of the cities, or combine two tours together.The choice is yours.

We look forward to sharing our experiences with you.

Ian NealeManaging Director

Regent World 2006.qxd 17/10/05 09:51

4

ABOUT REGENTThroughout this brochure we have outlined our suggested itineraries, althoughlike many travellers, you may prefer to devise your own tailor-made trip. Our stafftravel frequently and extensively throughout Regent’s destinations and can offerspecialist advice to help plan your ideal holiday. We can give you the most up-to-date information, guidance and travel suggestions. Many of our staff have lived,worked and studied in their specialist areas so can provide first-hand knowledgeand tips that you can’t always find in a guidebook! Whether you are travelling aspart of a group, booking one of our suggested itineraries, or undertaking a tailor-made independent tour, we will do everything we can to make your RegentHoliday your best ever travel experience.

HOW TO CONTACT USRegent Holidays, 15 John Street, Bristol BS1 2HR.Tel: 0117 921 1711 Fax: 0117 925 4866 Email: [email protected]

CONSULTATIONSIf you would like to discuss your holiday face to face with one of our specialists,we would be very happy to arrange an appointment for you with the relevanttours manager. Please do not hesitate to contact us for an appointment - ouroffice is located in the centre of Bristol.

REGENT’S WORLD

HOW TO BOOK1. Contact us and together we will discuss and plan your proposed itinerary.

2. Depending on the destination and the duration of your holiday it is often possible for us to prepare a costing immediately. However, it can sometimes take a few working days for us to obtain specific information from overseas to finalise your itinerary.

3. We will then contact you with a quote by email, fax or through the post.

4. Next, just complete our booking form and return with a deposit of £100 per person.

5. We will then book all the agreed travel arrangements. Confirmation usually takes between two and four days depending on the destination.

6. Once the reservation is confirmed, you will receive an invoice and,where necessary, information about visas.

7. The full balance is to be paid eight weeks before departure.

8. We will send your documents to you approximately two to three weeks before your departure.

9. All you have to do is to set off on your Regent holiday.

REGENT’S CITIESIf your holiday time is limited or if perhaps you wishto take several shorter trips, take a look at our citybreaks 2006 brochure. You will be surprised at theplaces you can visit for a long weekend from Sarajevoto Skopje, Tallinn to Tirana or Yerevan to Yalta. Newfor 2006 are Dubrovnik, Gdansk and Palanga. Weoffer a range of accommodation from home-stays tofive-star luxury hotels all at very competitive prices.

TEL: 0117 921 1711

CITIES 2006


Tirana, Zagreb, Split, Ljubljana, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Bucharest, Sofia, Budapest,Bratislava, Prague, Warsaw, Krakow, Kaliningrad, Stockholm, Uppsala, Gothenburg,

Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, Moscow, St Petersburg, Ekaterinburg, Minsk, Kyiv, Lviv, Odessa, Yalta, Chisinau, Istanbul, Yerevan, Tbilisi, Baku

EXHIBITIONSRegent Holidays will be at stand AP27 in LondonEarls Court from 2-5 February 2006. This showprovides an excellent opportunity for you to meetour experienced staff. We have access to free anddiscounted tickets for this show – please contact usfor details

REGENT’S CUBAWe have specialised in Cuba since 1975 and we areproud to launch our new dedicated brochure to Cuba.The island is a lot more than just Havana andVaradero. Use our expertise to help you escape intothe mountains, find exclusive island resorts or drivelazily through sugar and tobacco plantations.

TEL: 020 7821 4020

REGENT’S ICELAND &GREENLANDWe know Iceland like the back of our hand; after allwe started there in 1973. Few realise its diversity; wedo. We offer luxury or camping, fishing or bird-watching, staying put or touring. The appeal ofIceland is simple: year-round, all-round relaxation. Forthe ambitious, add Greenland too.

TEL: 01983 864212

ICELAND & GREENLAND 2006


Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

5

EASTERN EUROPE INTRODUCTION

Regent Holidays has continually developed its programmes, knowledge andexpertise in Eastern Europe since the early 1970s, when we first operated grouptours into then communist Albania. Now in 2006 we offer the largest selection of holidays in Central and Eastern Europe, the Baltic States and Balkans fromthe UK. In the following pages you will find a variety of suggested individualitineraries, fly-drive tours and group tours.

We offer two different kinds of group tour. Some are operated exclusivelyfor Regent Holidays’ clients. These include the services of an experienced RegentHolidays tour escort (where stated) and are limited in number to 15, thus keepingthem small and friendly. We also offer group tours run by our overseas partners,where transportation is by car, mini-bus or coach (dependent on numbers) andRegent Holidays’ clients share their tour with those of other operators.

Similarly, we offer various suggested individual itineraries. Some are fully-escorted tours with extensive sightseeing using a private guide and car, whereasothers include accommodation and transfers from one place to the next, allowingyou to spend the days as you wish.

We are proud of our ability and knowledge to tailor-make your holiday to suit you and your budget. We have many options and ideas for combiningcountries, cities and accommodation types. If there are countries, cities and townsthat you would like to combine on one trip - please do not hesitate to contact us.We enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to get from Skopje to Minsk!

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

6 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO ALBANIA SINCE 1970

ALBANIAGROUP TOUR

BEST OF ALBANIAYour tour begins in Tirana, where the hustle and bustle of Skanderbeg Square isbest viewed over a raki from a pavement café. Although a sightseeing tour isincluded, free time will be given here for you to wander at leisure and absorb theinfectious atmosphere. The next day, you visit Kruje with its cobbled ‘TurkishBazaar’ and socialist-realist Skanderbeg museum, before continuing to thecoastal resort of Durres with its impressive Roman amphitheatre andarchaeological museum.

The tour takes in Elbasan and Progradec along the ‘Via Egnatia’ ancientroute before reaching the beguiling town of Korca. You will see the highlights ofthis area including visits to ancient churches, a medieval art museum, mosquesand Lake Prespa on the Macedonian/Greek border.

Proceeding to Gjirokastra, birthplace of Enver Hoxha, through thesouthern highlands you will visit the Museum of Weapons and the imposingfortress built by Ali Pasha. After a morning excursion to the impressive ruins ofButrinti, you will have a free afternoon in Saranda for relaxing and swimming.The tour heads north along the breathtaking coastal road to Vlora and thearchaeological site of Apollonia before making its final stop in Berat. Berat, theso called ‘city of a thousand windows’, is a striking hillside museum towndominated by its medieval citadel and 14th-century Red Mosque.

NEW

TOUR DEPARTURE DATES PRICES PER PERSON (TWIN-SHARE)

BOA1 15-26 Jun £1195BOA2 14-25 Sep £1195Single supplement £195

Day 1 Arrive TiranaDay 2 Tirana Day 3 Kruja and DurresDay 4 Korca via Petrela and ElbasanDay 5 Korca Day 6 Voskopoja, Dardha and MborjeDay 7 Saranda via Tepelena, Erseka and GjirokastraDay 8 ButrintiDay 9 Vlora via Albanian RivieraDay 10 Vlora to Berat via Fieri and ApolloniaDay 11 Berat to TiranaDay 12 Depart Tirana

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four and five-star hotels • Half board• Transfers and transportation throughout• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• Albanian entry and departure taxes (20 euros payable at Tirana airport)

SUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

TIRANA AND BEACH STAYThis itinerary combines Tirana with the relaxing splendour of the Mali RobitGolem Resort near Durres, located around 46kms from the capital.

Set on the Adriatic coast with a stunning mountain backdrop this excellentfour-star hotel is located in a peaceful setting not far from Durres. Your stay willbe on half board basis in one of the 45 apartments or 5 villas that make up thisresort. Rooms have air-conditioning, fridge, satellite TV and private balcony. Thehotel has an outdoor pool and a private sandy beach. Excursions can be made tonearby Durres, Kruja, Petrela and further afield to Berat.

NEW

Day 1 Arrive TiranaDay 2-3 TiranaDay 4 Tirana to Mali Robit Golem Resort Day 5-6 In resortDay 7 Transfer to Tirana for departure

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotel with breakfast in Tirana and half board

at the four-star Mali Robit Golem Resort • All transfers by private car

PRICES EXCLUDE• Albanian entry and departure taxes (20 euros payable at Tirana airport)

Price per person twin-share £595Single supplement £165

Flight departures are from London Gatwick with BritishAirways direct. Regional connections are possible from£75 return per person

A 3 night city break in Tirana costs from £350 perperson twin-share including return flights and air taxes,staying at the Hotel Brilant

A new good quality three-star hotel located in the citycentre near the Parliament. The hotel has 11 spaciousand modern rooms.

Raki is the national drink, a colourless spirit made from

grapes or plums. Famous areas for raki production are

Permet and Skrapar but it is made everywhere in Albania.

It is usually very strong, and should be treated with

respect! Gezuar!

FACT BOX

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO MACEDONIA SINCE 2003 7

MACEDONIASUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

THROUGH THE NATIONAL PARKS ANDMONASTERIES OF MACEDONIAMacedonia known as ‘The Land of Lakes’ is truly one of the best kept secrets ofthe Balkans. This unique itinerary will take you to beautiful stone monasteriesand churches, resplendent with colourful frescoes and icons. You will also discoverold Roman ruins, and wander along the shores of tranquil mountain lakes.

After spending a few days sightseeing in and around Skopje you will travelto the second largest city, Bitola. En route you will drive though the spectacularcanyon of the Vardar River and visit the archaeological site of Stobi. Afterviewing the continuing excavations at Heraclea, you will spend a day exploringthe Pelister National Park, known for its two mountain lakes called Pelister's Eyes.Here you can visit the village of Kurbinovo, and a monastery church built in1191 dedicated to St. George and famous for its frescoes.

You will spend a few days in Ohrid and visit Galicica National Park and theMonastery of St Naum. On the return to Skopje you will stop at Struga, a smalltown at the northern end of Lake Ohrid. Divided by the Black Drim River,which flows from its source near St Naum across Albania into the Adriatic Sea,the town is famous for its eels. Be brave and taste this delicacy prepared withdifferent herbs served in earthenware dishes!


SKOPJE WITH LAKE OHRIDStarting in the capital Skopje, you will spend a few days exploring the charms ofthis historic crossroads. The city is split into two parts by the River Vardar. Itsfamous landmark, the Stone Bridge with its elegant thirteen arches joins the OldTurkish and Muslim quarter to the north and the Orthodox Macedonians to thesouth. Your sightseeing should certainly include the old bazaar and the intricatewood-carved iconostasis inside the Church of the Holy Salvation.

On the fourth day you will be transferred by car to the town of Ohrid,nestled on the lakeshore of its namesake. Here you can spend your days relaxingand your nights sampling heady local wines and freshly caught Ohrid trout.Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in the world and is under the protection of UNESCO. For the more active traveller many day trips are possible fromOhrid – you can visit Bitola, the second largest Macedonian town and see oldmosques and churches side by side. Tours are also possible to Kalishta villagewhere you visit a 14th century nunnery and taste their home-made plum brandyand goats cheese before continuing on to St. Jovan Bigorski and admiring itscolourful frescoes.

Day 1 Arrive SkopjeDay 2-3 SkopjeDay 4 Skopje to OhridDay 5-7 OhridDay 8 Depart Skopje


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Czech Airlines via Prague • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• All transfers by private car

NEW

Day 1 Arrive Skopje Day 2-3 SkopjeDay 4 Skopje to Bitola via PrilepDay 5 Bitola Day 6 Bitola to Ohrid Day 7 OhridDay 8 Galicica National ParkDay 9 Ohrid to Skopje via Struga Day 10 Depart Skopje

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Czech Airlines via Prague• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• All transfers by private car• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours


Flight departures are from London Heathrow andStansted with Czech Airlines. Regional departures arealso possible from Birmingham, Manchester andEdinburgh via Prague and cost an extra £20 per person

A 3 night city break in Skopje costs from £399 per persontwin-share including return flights and air taxes, stayingat the Hotel Arka

A lovely four-star hotel located in the centre of Skopjewith a great pool and bar overlooking the Old Town. Thehotel has modern rooms with air-conditioning, mini-barand satellite TV.

A good time to visit Lake Ohrid is from mid-July to mid-August

when the Ohrid Summer Festival takes place. This international

event offers classical music concerts, ballet and opera.

FACT BOX

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

8 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO THE BALKANS SINCE 2004

THE BALKANSSUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

CROATIA-BOSNIA-MONTENEGROMuch of Zagreb’s early history is unknown, but the twin hills of Kaptol andGradec have always been focal points and still remain among the most popularattractions. The seaside city of Zadar retains the feel of an ancient Mediterraneantown with outdoor cafés and harbourside promenade. Visit Roman ruins at Solinand the Emperor Diocletian’s Palace at Split, two of the best examples ofCroatia’s Latin heritage. Experience a different historical perspective at Mostar,with its strong Turkish influence. It was the scene of intense fighting during therecent war and the destruction of the ancient bridge is a potent symbol of theregion’s troubles. Happily, it is now being restored. Sarajevo suffered similarly butis now undergoing a renaissance, especially in the bustling Turkish Quarter,Bascarsija. There is also time to enjoy the view of Montenegro’s winding coastlinefrom Dubrovnik’s harbour.

Flight departures are from London Heathrow withAustrian Airlines. Regional departures are also possiblefrom Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh with theircode-share partner Lufthansa via Frankfurt or Munich

Direct flights are available with Croatia Airlines toZagreb and with British Airways to Dubrovnik

A 3 night city break in Zagreb costs from £450 per persontwin-share including return flights and air taxes, stayingat the Regent Esplanade (weekend stays only)

The Regent Esplanade is a luxury five-star plus hotellocated in the heart of the city centre. There are 209spacious and lavishly furnished rooms and suites.Facilities include Zinfandels restaurant and cocktaillounge bar Esplanade 1925, where food and drinks areinspired by the old Orient Express.

FACT BOX

A unique souvenir to buy in Croatia is ‘morãiç’ from Rijeka. It refers primarily to earrings,

decorated with a black person’s head (but the icon can be found on lots of other items).

It was believed to be an amulet having protective powers, whilst, according to legend,

women wore it as a symbol of victory over the Turks in the 16th century.

Day 1 Arrive ZagrebDay 2 Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes Day 3 Plitvice Lakes to SplitDay 4 SplitDay 5 Split to MostarDay 6 Mostar to SarajevoDay 7 Sarajevo to DubrovnikDay 8 DubrovnikDay 9 Day trip to MontenegroDay 10 Depart Dubrovnik


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Austrian Airlines via Vienna • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• Day trip to Montenegro

PRICES EXCLUDE• All transfers• Bus tickets

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO THE BALKANS SINCE 2004 9

THE BALKANS


ZAGREB-SPLIT-DUBROVNIKStart your city tour walking along Zagreb’s main street, which follows the formerroute of the old river and is now the divider between Kaptol and Gradec, theoldest neighbourhoods in the city. Kaptol is home to the city’s awe-inspiringCathedral and a phalanx of graceful 19th-century facades. Gradec, meanwhile, isperhaps the most enchanting section of the city with its charming squares,Baroque architecture, and excellent little shops and cafés. More than ninecenturies of culture shine through all over Zagreb, whether you are looking atpriceless art in the Mimara Museum or exploring one of the castles thatdominate the surrounding countryside.

Taking the local bus to Split, you arrive in the largest city on the DalmatianCoast, where a long list of must-sees include the Diocletian’s Palace, one of themost spectacular classical remains in Europe. This bustling city is an ideal basefor tours and excursions of the Makarska region and to the Islands of Hvar andBrac. Catching the local bus down the Makarska Riviera you arrive at your finaldestination, the perfectly preserved medieval town of Dubrovnik. Here, you canspend days exploring steep cobbled-stepped streets and evenings sipping Croatianwine on terraces overlooking the sea.

Day 1 Arrive ZagrebDay 2-3 ZagrebDay 4 Zagreb to SplitDay 5-6 SplitDay 7 Split to DubrovnikDay 8-9 DubrovnikDay 10 Depart Dubrovnik

Price per person twin-share three-star £850Single supplement £195Price per person twin-share four-star £1150Single supplement £285

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Austrian Airlines via Vienna • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• All arrival transfers• Bus tickets, Zagreb to Split and Split to Dubrovnik


BUDAPEST-LJUBLJANA-ZAGREBThe itinerary begins in Budapest, a city of culture and style, divided by theDanube River, its main focal point. Explore Buda hillside with its castle andchurches, or take in the sights of Pest, where fine examples of Baroque and ArtNouveau architecture can be found around every corner.

Across the border into Slovenia is the capital city of Ljubljana, whichdespite its small size, is a flourishing, lively city. During the summer months,cafés spill on to the narrow streets where you can be entertained by streetmusicians and dancers. Take the trolley bus to Ljubljana Castle, or visit the OldTown with its ornate Baroque churches. Continue to the bustling city of Zagreband explore its hidden charms. The beautifully crafted façades, fine museumsand art galleries are not to be missed. To complete your stay, take a walk to thethousand-year old upper town of Gornji Grad and see the changing of theguard at the Presidential Palace.

Day 1 Arrive BudapestDay 2-3 BudapestDay 4 Budapest to LjubljanaDay 5-6 LjubljanaDay 7 Ljubljana to Zagreb Day 8-9 ZagrebDay 10 Depart Zagreb


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Czech Airlines via Prague • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• All arrival transfers• First class train tickets, Budapest to Ljubljana and Ljubljana to Zagreb

NEW

Flight departures are from London Heathrow and Stansted withCzech Airlines. Regional departures are also possible fromBirmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh via Prague and cost anextra £20 per person

Austrian Airlines also fly from London Heathrow via Vienna.Regional departures are possible from Birmingham, Manchesterand Edinburgh with their code-share partner Lufthansa viaFrankfurt or Munich.

Adria Airways fly direct to Ljubljana from London Gatwick

A 3 night city break in Ljubljana costs from £355 per person twin-share (executive rooms) including return flights and air taxes,staying at the Grand Hotel Union

A good four-star hotel divided into two parts; executive andbusiness. We book the executive rooms, which are spacious andelegantly decorated. The hotel is centrally located and facilitiesinclude restaurants, café, bar and garden café. There is alsoswimming pool and fitness centre.

FACT BOX

Experience a different perspective of Ljubljana with a hot air balloon ride over the capital!

In the summer you can take a 90 minute flight (weather permitting) over Ljubljana in early

mornings and evenings

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

10 REGENT HOLIDAYS – NEW FOR 2006


DALMATIAN TOURThis tour can be taken as a fly-drive or using local buses. If you choose totake the local buses, on day 3 you will overnight in Sibenik, then on day 4depart from Sibenik to Split.

Split, a compact and lively city, nestled in the heart of the Dalmatian Mountainsis renowned as a hub for transportation connections along the Adriatic coast.The seaside city of Zadar combines a wealth of history found in its culturedOld Town with stunning harbour views. Enjoy the natural beauty of Kornati,an archipelago of 147 islands and islets, riddled with caves, grottoes andrugged cliffs. Take in the splendour of Krka National Park, with itsremarkable cascades and waterfalls.

Returning to Split, visit the Emperor’s Diocletian’s Palace, a fine exampleof Latin heritage and one of the most imposing Roman ruins in existence.Known as the Croatia Madeira, Hvar Island is a luxurious coastline of coves,inlets and celebrated lavender fields. Whilst staying in Dubrovnik, known as the‘pearl of the Adriatic’ you will take a day trip to Montenegro and visit the smallcoastal town of Kotor, protected by UNESCO since 1979.

Day 1 Arrive SplitDay 2 Split to Kornati via ZadarDay 3 Skradin (fly-drive option) or Sibenik (local bus option)Day 4 SplitDay 5 Split and Brac IslandDay 6 Split and Hvar IslandDay 7 Split to DubrovnikDay 8 DubrovnikDay 9 Day trip to MontenegroDay 10 Depart Dubrovnik


Fly Drive SupplementPrice per person twin-share £195Single supplement £390

PRICE INCLUDES• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• Arrival transfer in Split and departure transfer in Dubrovnik • Day trip to Montenegro• Car Hire Group A including CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage

and all taxes


DUBROVNIK AND KORCULAThis two centre stay trip combines the medieval town of Dubrovnik with thestunning island of Korcula. You spend a total of 4 nights in Dubrovnik and 7on the island.

Korcula is one of the largest and most attractive of Croatia’s many islandswith over 190 unspoiled rocky coves, secluded beaches and extensive vineyards.Korcula, the main town on the island has a fascinating Old Town. Thearchitecture is mainly Venetian but the wonderful stone walls and tower thatsurround the Old Town are from the 14th century. There is plenty to do onKorcula and it is an excellent place for walking with numerous routes aroundthe island.

Day 1 Arrive DubrovnikDay 2 Dubrovnik to Korcula Day 3-8 Korcula Day 9 Korcula to Dubrovnik Day 10-11 Dubrovnik Day 12 Depart Dubrovnik


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• All transfers• Bus and ferry tickets to/from Korcula

NEW

Flight departures are from London Gatwick with BritishAirways direct. Regional connections are possible from£75 return per person

A 3 night city break in Dubrovnik costs from £360 perperson twin-share including return flights and air taxes,staying at the Hotel Argosy

A good standard three-star hotel, part of the Babin Kukhotel complex is located in a quiet area outside ofDubrovnik. There are 308 air-conditioned rooms andfacilities include restaurant, bar and outdoor pool.

FACT BOX

The Peljesac peninsula and the Island of Korcula are hometo some truly thoroughbred Croatian wines. Good choices toaccompany that leisurely al fresco Mediterranean dinner areGrk, Posip and Marastina (the white wine of Korcula) andDingac and Postup (the red wines of Peljesac).

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

REGENT HOLIDAYS – NEW FOR 2006 11


A LONG WEEKEND IN BOSNIA

Your trip starts in Sarajevo, one of the most culturally diverse capitals in Europe.Sarajevo spent over 300 years under Turkish governorship before becoming partof the Austro-Hungarian Empire. You will wander through the Bascarsija and itsnarrow ancient passageways, bartering over beautiful hand-made coffee pots. Incontrast to the busy city you will visit Lukomir, Bosnia’s highest village with itsancient stecci (medieval tombstones). Here you will be able to glimpse thetraditional lifestyles of Bjelasnica highlanders and view the amazing RakitnicaCanyon. This itinerary also includes a night in the oriental gem of Herzegovina –Mostar with its famous bridge. You can still witness the scars of war, but thesedays Mostar is a warm and bustling place with a fascinating history to tell.

Day 1 Arrive in Sarejevo Day 2 Sarajevo and Lukomir Day 3 Mostar and BlagajDay 4 Depart Sarajevo

Price per person twin-share £635This itinerary operates with a minimum of 2 persons

NEW NEW


EXPERIENCE BOSNIA

This itinerary will allow you to experience the beauty of Bosnia, blessed withrugged canyons, plush forests, crystal clear rivers and lakes, and a preciousmélange of the cultures and traditions that have evolved from this mountainousregion of the Southern Alps.

After Sarajevo and Lukomir, you will pass through the colourful outskirts ofan ancient village called Kraljeva Sutjeska with its Franciscan Monastery SvetiIvo. Journeying up through the valley you will reach the ruins of a 14th-centurycitadel; last residence of Bosnian King Tvrtko III. A stop is made at Travnik, anold Ottoman trading post which boasts some of the most beautiful Turkish-stylebuildings including many mosques. You will visit the amazing Buna Spring inBlagaj, which flows out of a 200 metre cliff and is the starting point for the BunaRiver. Nearby is a 16th-century Ottoman monastery built for the Dervish cult.En route back to Sarajevo you will visit Radimlja and its numerous Christianmedieval tombstones.

Flight departures are from London Heathrow andStansted with Czech Airlines. Regional departures arealso possible from Birmingham, Manchester andEdinburgh via Prague and cost an extra £20 per person

A 3 night city break in Sarajevo costs from £480 perperson twin-share including return flights and air taxes,staying at the Hotel Saraj

A three-star hotel with a wonderful view overlookingthe Old Town. The hotel is located about 500 metresfrom Bascarsija and has 140 modern rooms withgood facilities. The hotel has a fine restaurant andsummer terrace.

Don’t leave without trying Bosnian cheese – if you like

light salty cheeses then ask for the Travnicki Sir or the

Mladi Sir, served with freshly-made doughnut like rolls!

Day 1 Arrive Sarajevo Day 2 Sarajevo Day 3 LukomirDay 4 Sarajevo to Travnik Day 5 Travnik to MostarDay 6 Mostar to Sarajevo via Blagaj, Pocitelj and RadimljaDay 7 Depart Sarajevo


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Czech Airlines via Prague • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels and guesthouses with breakfast• Dinner on Day 1 and some lunches• All transfers by private car• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

FACT BOX

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Czech Airlines via Prague • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels and guesthouses with breakfast• Dinner on Day 1 and some lunches• All transfers by private car• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

12 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO BULGARIA AND ROMANIA SINCE 2001

BULGARIA AND ROMANIASUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

ROMANIA AND BULGARIABucharest surprises its visitors as an unexpectedly beautiful and grand capitalcity. With its lively café society, wide boulevards, theatre and opera – Bucharestis rightly reclaiming its former title ‘Paris of the East’. Your journey begins witha visit to the former 14th century capital city, Curtea de Arges, before anovernight in Sibiu. Sibiu is a colourful medieval town which was the main townof the German speaking ‘Saxon Transylvanians’. You will visit Sinaia and theformer summer residence of the royal family - the extravagant Peles Castle,before journeying to Brasov. The tour of Brasov includes the Black Church,so called after a fire in 1689, which blackened its walls. After a visit to thelegendary Bran Castle, you will reach the heart of Transylvania and themust-see medieval town of Sighisoara, before returning to Bucharest.

The tour continues to Bulgaria and stops are made in Veliko Turnovoand Kazanlak as well as one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns – Plovdiv. You will alsovisit the Rila Mountains. Snuggled into a narrow picturesque forested valley,Rila Monastery is a shrine for all Bulgarians. Your final stop on this tour is thecapital city of Sofia, where examples of Byzantine, Ottoman and NationalRevival art exist together in the many buildings, monuments and narrowstreets of the centre.

FACT BOX


Day 1 Arrive BucharestDay 2 Sibiu via Curtea de ArgesDay 3 Sighisoara Day 4 Sinaia via Brasov and BranDay 5 Bucharest via Targoviste and SnagovDay 6 Veliko TurnovoDay 7 Kazanlak via ShipkaDay 8 PlovdivDay 9 Sofia via Rila MonasteryDay 10 Depart Sofia

NEW

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• 1 dinner in Romania and 1 lunch and dinner in Bulgaria• Transfers and transportation throughout• Sightseeing with English speaking guides (guide and driver in Bulgaria,

driver as guide in Romania)• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

Flight departures are from London Heathrow with BritishAirways direct. Regional connections are possible from£75 return per person

A 3 night city break in Bucharest from £340 per persontwin-share including return flights and air taxes, staying atthree-star Hotel Central.

New for this year we are offering stays in the charming village

of Hoteni in Mararmures. Stays are in a traditional guesthouse

called Casa Popicu (Popicu’s house). Here you can immerse

yourselves in authentic rural Romania. Prices from £25 per

person per night on half board basis.

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO BULGARIA AND ROMANIA SINCE 2001 13


BULGARIA FLY-DRIVEDriving in mountainous Bulgaria is easier and less stressful than you think.On quieter roads the greatest danger is horse-driven carts laden with hay.This itinerary will take you through high passes and verdant valleys. You willdrive through isolated villages with skeletal minarets rising tall. Country roadsdissect fields of tobacco, hand-picked by women clad in colourful skirts andhead scarves.

After visiting Rila you will stop off in Melnik, famed for its robust deep-flavoured red wine. From here you drive to Bulgaria’s second capital Plovdiv. Thiscity has a wonderful old quarter, where you can savour oriental sweetmeats andsip slivovica, a delicious plum brandy. En route to Veliko Turnovo, you can visitsome of the region’s famous monasteries. When the Turks ruled the country fornearly 500 years until 1876, the monasteries became the bastion of Bulgarianart and traditions. Veliko Turnovo is built over a series of precipitous hills dividedby deep gorges, the Yantra River and overlooked by the massive, medievalTsarevets fortress complex. One of your last stops is at the Troyanski Monastery,situated off the beaten track by a rippling stream; this monastery has some of themost dramatic frescoes, painted by Zahari Zograf, Bulgaria's greatest religiouspainter. The explicit illustrations of the Last Judgement are particularly striking.

NEW

Day 1 Arrive Sofia and pick up car at airportDay 2 Rila and MelnikDay 3 Plovdiv via Rojen and Bansko MonasteriesDay 4 PlovdivDay 5 Kazanlak via Shipka Pass Day 6 Veliko Turnovo via Sokolski and Drianovo MonasteriesDay 7 Arbanassi and Lyaskovo MonasteryDay 8 Sofia via Troyanski MonasteryDay 9 Drop off car at airport, depart Sofia

Price per person twin-share three-star £689Single supplement £323

PRICE INCLUDES• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• Car Hire Group A including CDW, unlimited mileage and all taxes

Flight departures are from London Heathrow withBritish Airways direct. Regional connections arepossible from £75 return per person

A 3 night city break in Sofia costs from £299 per persontwin-share including return flights and air taxes, stayingat the Lion Hotel

This new three-star hotel is located in the city centre,close to the Lion Bridge. There are 33 comfortablemodern rooms with air-conditioning, TV, internetconnection and mini-bar. Facilities include a goodpizza-bar, which doubles as the breakfast room.

When staying in Veliko Turnovo stay at the Hotel Gurko,located in the Old Town this small family-run hotel has11 traditionally furnished rooms with private bathrooms,air-conditioning and TV. There is also a fabulousrestaurant serving delicious Bulgarian food.Prices start from £27 per person per night twin-share.

FACT BOX

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

14 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO BULGARIA AND ROMANIA SINCE 2001


BUCHAREST-SOFIA-ISTANBULStart in Bucharest, where the tree-lined boulevards, pompous public monumentsand its very own Arc De Triomphe lend an almost Parisian feel to the city.Join the city’s inhabitants in their evening promenade along the elegant andmost fashionable street - Calea Victoria. To escape the hustle and bustle ofmodern Bucharest, visit the Village Museum on Lake Herastrau, housing afascinating collection of wooden churches, windmills and peasant dwellings fromevery region of Romania.

Taking the overnight train, you will awake in Bulgaria’s grand capital Sofia,where mosques, synagogues and medieval churches await exploration. Visit thedaily flea market located near the Foreign Art Gallery, where you can barter for amemento from the Soviet era. Relax by strolling through the Sofia City Garden,a favoured gathering place for chess-playing pensioners.

Leaving the sights of Eastern Europe behind, head for Istanbul – theultimate traveller’s city, with one foot in Asia and the other in Europe.Besides world famous buildings such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace andHagia Sofia, Istanbul boasts numerous absorbing museums and architecturalcuriosities. Shopaholics can revel in the sights, smells and sales patter of Istanbul’smaze-like bazaars.

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• All arrival transfers• Train tickets in 1st class 2-berth compartments, Bucharest to Sofia • Bus tickets, Sofia to Istanbul

Flight departures are from London Heathrow with British Airways direct. Regional connections arepossible from £75 return per person

Turkish Airlines fly from London Heathrow and Manchester direct to Istanbul

A 3 night city break in Istanbul costs from £330 per person twin-share including return flights and airtaxes, staying at Sude Konak

This is a good standard three-star hotel located in the Sultanhmet area, close to the Blue Mosque andHaghia Sophia. There are 25 modern rooms with air-conditioning, mini-bar and TV. Facilities includerestaurant, terrace bar and café.

For more itineraries in Turkey including our adventurous fly-drive itinerary in Eastern Turkey, pleasesee page 44-45.

FACT BOX

For a more authentic Turkish experience head for the colourful Egyptian Spice Market and finish the morningwith a superb Ottoman lunch in one of Istanbul’s oldest restaurants Pandelis. Pre-booking is essential if youwant to sample their superb oven-baked lamb and poached sea bass!

Day 1 Arrive BucharestDay 2-3 BucharestDay 4 Bucharest to SofiaDay 5 Arrive SofiaDay 6-7 SofiaDay 8 Sofia to IstanbulDay 9-11 IstanbulDay 12 Depart Istanbul


Price per person twin-share four-star £840Single supplement £290

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40


SLOVAKIA


EAST SLOVAKIAEastern Slovakia has surprisingly a lot to offer even the most jaded EastEuropean aficionado. Not only does this region have stunning mountain scenery,great skiing and ample opportunity for walking, it also has attractive towns likeBardejov and Levoca, medieval castles, sleepy rural villages and more unusualsites like the Andy Warhol Museum in the village of Medzilaborce and afascinating open air museum at The Dukla Pass, north of Svidnik.

This itinerary begins in the second largest city in Slovakia - Kosice, a citydominated by its magnificent Gothic cathedral. En route to Bardejov, you passthrough Presov – an important cultural and historic centre in East Slovakia. Theinfluences of Hungarian and German colonialists can be seen in the style of thehouses in the main square and the Klobusicky Palace is a must see for anyBaroque enthusiasts. You should also include time to visit the two fortifiedmedieval castles to the north of Presov – Saris and Kapusiansky Hrad Castle. Astay in Tatranská Lomnica is not complete without a ride on the cable car up tothe top of Lomnicky Stit - the highest peak in the Tatra Mountains. Youritinerary finishes in the town of Poprad - a real mix of Slovak, Hungarian, Polish,Ukrainian and Austrian influences.

Day 1 Arrive Kosice and pick up car at airportDay 2 Bardejov via PresovDay 3 LevocaDay 4-5 Strbske Pleso Day 6-7 Tatranska LomnicaDay 8 Drop off car at airport, depart Poprad


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with SkyEurope direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• Car hire Group A including CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage

and all taxes

Flight departures are from Stansted with SkyEurope -a low cost carrier. They also fly to Bratislava direct fromStansted and Manchester

You can add 1 night in Bratislava at the start of thisitinerary including an internal flight to Kosice from £52 per person

A 3 night city break in Bratislava costs from £240 perperson twin-share including return flights and air taxes,staying at the Botel Fairway

A three-star boat-hotel moored on the Danube River.The 28 cabins have twin-beds, TV and en-suite showerroom. Facilities include restaurant and sun deck.

FACT BOX

Book a tour to the Small Carpathians wine-growing

region, the northernmost wine-growing area in Europe.

The Small Carpathians are a stretch of rolling hills north

of Bratislava where some of the best little towns in Slovak

wine country are found.

NEW

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

16 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO SLOVAKIA SINCE 2002

HUNGARY, SLOVAKIA AND CZECH REPUBLICSUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

BUDAPEST-BRATISLAVAWelcome to Budapest, a charming city of cosmopolitan spirit and proudHungarian identity. Discover art treasures, café culture and colourful citymarkets. ‘Taking the waters’ at one of the well-known spas will ensure a realHungarian experience. Why not extend your stay in Hungary by visiting LakeBalaton and its famous wine region?

Take the Danube hydrofoil to Bratislava and enjoy the wonderful sceneryof forests and small towns en route. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of Bratislava– Slovakia’s lively capital. Bratislava is rediscovering its cosmopolitan past - anew energy infuses tree-lined streets and pleasant squares. The Old Town hasmaintained its fairytale appearance, but don’t forget to visit the castle for abeautiful view of three countries at once – Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. Anunforgettable treat would be an evening at the Slovak National Theatre whereopera performances, as good as any in Europe, frequently take place.

Day 1 Arrive BudapestDay 2-3 BudapestDay 4 Budapest to BratislavaDay 5-6 BratislavaDay 7 Depart Bratislava


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with SkyEurope direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• Hydrofoil tickets Budapest-Bratislava


FROM KRAKOW TO BUDAPESTWhy not extend your itinerary to include cultural Krakow and the ever popular Prague?

Day 1 Arrive KrakowDay 2-3 KrakowDay 4 Krakow to PragueDay 5 PragueDay 6 Prague to BratislavaDay 7 BratislavaDay 8 Bratislava to BudapestDay 9 BudapestDay 10 Depart Budapest

Price per person twin-share three-star £650Single supplement £198Price per person twin-share five-star £999Single supplement £525

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with SkyEurope direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/five-star hotels with breakfast• First class train tickets, Prague to Bratislava and Bratislava to Budapest• Second class train tickets, Krakow to Prague

NEW

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO TO BELARUS SINCE 1999 17

BELARUSSUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

HIGHLIGHTS OF BELARUSAny visit to Belarus must include more than just the Soviet capital Minsk, if onlyas a reminder that Belarussian history dates back further than 1950. You willtravel north of Minsk to the birthplace of the Belarus nation, Polatsk. Thissleeply riverfront town can easily be explored on foot and a visit should includeSt Efrasinnia Monastery. Here, the Holy Saviour Church is one of the finestexamples of early 12th-century religious architecture. There is also anopportunity to visit the Berezinsky Nature Reserve, before continuing on to thehistoric town of Vitebsk. Despite sovietisation, an air of elegance lingers in partsof the old town. The city is also the site of the Slavic Bazaar, a massive song andculture festival held annually in the summer. You can visit the small museumdedicated to the surrealist artist Marc Chagall, who was born here in 1887. Thetour ends back in Minsk, where Lenin still stands proudly in the main square,but if the Soviet style becomes too much you can immerse yourself in moreclassical attractions. Try the Cathedral of the Holy Ghost, the MarinskyCathedral, or take a train and visit 16th-century Mir Castle.

Day 1 Arrive MinskDay 2 MinskDay 3 PolotskDay 4-5 VitebskDay 6 Excursion to Mir CastleDay 7 Depart Minsk


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights with LOT Polish Airlines via Warsaw • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• Transfers and transportation throughout• Sightseeing with English Speaking guides• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• Belarussian visa


MINSK TO MOSCOWThis new itinerary adds a twist to the Highlights of Belarus by continuing on toRussia and including a stay at the Berezinsky Nature Reserve located in thenorth of the country. This spectacular, picturesque place covers 82,000 hectareswith its endless forests, swamps, deep rivers and lakes. Berezina is part of aformer waterway from the Scandinavian countries to old Greece and it is hereyou will have an opportunity to visit the Museum of Nature, walk along aspecially developed ecological pathway and enjoy a barbeque lunch in Nivki.

Continuing by train to Smolensk, which was first mentioned in 863 ascapital of Slavic Krivichi tribes - it was a major trade centre on the upper DneprRiver. Sights include the old fortress walls, 12th-century churches of Peter andPaul and Archangel Mikhail as well as the impressive Assumption church –arguably one of the most beautiful churches in Russia.

Day 1 Arrive MinskDay 2 MinskDay 3 Minsk and Berezinsky ReserveDay 4 Berezinsky ReserveDay 5 Polotsk and VitebskDay 6 Vitebsk to SmolenskDay 7 Smolensk to MoscowDay 8 Arrive MoscowDay 9 MoscowDay 10 MoscowDay 11 Depart Moscow


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Austrian Airlines • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• Arrival transfers in Minsk and Moscow• Transportation throughout• Train tickets in 2nd class 4-berth compartments, Vitebsk to Smolensk and

Smolensk to Moscow • Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• Belarussian and Russian visa

Flight departures are from London Heathrow with LotPolish Airlines. Regional departures are also possiblefrom Manchester

Austrian Airlines also fly from London Heathrow viaVienna. Regional departures are possible fromBirmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh

A 3 night city break in Minsk costs from £395 per persontwin-share including return flights and air taxes, stayingat the three-star Hotel Yubileiny.

FACT BOX

Take a tour to Dudutki village and experience Belarussian

rural life including samogon tasting, a visit to a cheese dairy,

windmill, blacksmiths and a potter.

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

18 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO KALININGRAD SINCE 1989

KALININGRADSUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

FOLLOWING EAST PRUSSIANSOver the passage of time, the memory of the once proud and bold PrussianEmpire has faded, but it formerly consisted of a vast territory of mixednations. The map of Prussia has changed during its turbulent history anddeep political struggles allowed surrounding countries to usurp their share ofthe land, until the Prussian Empire no longer existed. This tour will mainlyconcentrate around East Prussia’s historic centre, Köningsberg or Kaliningrad- now a place without identity. You will visit also Klaipeda (Memel), animportant Prussian port and Sovietsk, where the Peace Treaty of Tilsit markedthe end of the Napoleonic war.

Flight departures are from London Heathrow withLufthansa. Regional departures are also possible fromBirmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh via Frankfurtor Munich

A 3 night city break in Kaliningrad costs from £395 perperson twin-share including return flights and air taxes,staying at the three-star Hotel Moskva.

Also consider a stay in the Baltic resort of Svetlogorsk,with its vibrant café and nightlife it’s a great place towatch the Russians relax on holiday. The Staryi Doktoris a wonderful old hotel built in 1890 and renovated in1999. The hotel has 23 cosy rooms which are basic butcharming and the location is central.

Walks on the beach, especially after a storm could be

lucrative as pieces of ‘Baltic Gold’ amber are often washed

up on the shoreline. Alternatively you can visit the world’s

largest amber mine, situated in the village of Yantarny, not

far from Kaliningrad

FACT BOX

Day 1 Arrive GdanskDay 2 Gdansk to KaliningradDay 3-5 KaliningradDay 6 Sovietsk Day 7 Sovietsk to KlaipedaDay 8 KlaipedaDay 9 Klaipeda to VilniusDay 10 VilniusDay 11 Depart Vilnius


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Lufthansa via Frankfurt • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• Arrival transfers in Gdansk and Kaliningrad• Bus tickets, Gdansk to Kaliningrad, Kaliningrad to Sovietsk, Sovietsk to

Klaipeda and Klaipeda to Vilnius

PRICES EXCLUDE• Russian visa

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO POLAND SINCE 1980 19

POLANDSUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

WARSAW-KRAKOWThe itinerary begins in Warsaw, a cosmopolitan and dynamic city, offering ablend of both old and new. The Old town has been completely restored andrevived, in-keeping with its pre-war style and appearance. Visit the Royal Castleincluding the kings’ apartments on the upper level, which highlight the castle’ssplendour. Or, take a trip to the Historical Museum of Warsaw, which illustratesthe city’s long history from its birth to the present day. For music lovers, don’tforget to take in an evening of opera at the Grand Theatre!

Moving on to Krakow, you will find a city, which, unlike Warsaw, survivedthe Second World War relatively unscathed. Therefore, it is possible to observemuch of its preserved history, art and tradition. Stroll around the magnificentmain market square, where plenty of arts and crafts are to be found, or stop offat one of the many art galleries. Explore Wawel Castle and Cathedral,considered one of the most important historical sites in Poland.

Flight departures are from London Heathrow with LotPolish Airlines. Regional departures are also possiblefrom Manchester for an extra £59 per person

A 3 night city break in Warsaw costs from £350 perperson twin-share including return flights and air taxes,staying at the Hotel Regina

This is a superb five-star hotel located in an historicbuilding in the Old Town. Centred around a tranquilcourtyard garden this hotel has 61 air-conditioned, welldesigned rooms. The hotel also has a swimming pooland sauna.

For a taste of Poland, head to Folk Gospoda Inn, which

serves authentic rural dishes. Try the delicious Oscypek in

highlanders’ style, which is smoked sheep’s cheese served

with cranberries and horseradish sauce.

FACT BOX

Day 1 Arrive WarsawDay 2-3 WarsawDay 4 Warsaw to Krakow Day 5-6 KrakowDay 7 Depart Krakow



PRICES INCLUDES• Return flights in economy class with LOT Polish Airlines via Warsaw• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• All arrival transfers• First class train tickets, Warsaw to Krakow

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40


POLAND

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights with LOT Polish Airlines via Warsaw• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• First class train tickets, Gdansk to Torun, Torun to Warsaw,

Warsaw to Krakow• Coach tickets, Krakow to Zakopane return


CLASSIC POLANDAs well as offering Poland’s three main cities this itinerary stops off in Torun onthe banks of the Vistula River and stays in Poland’s winter capital Zakopane.

The origins of Torun begin with the Teutonic Order, who built a castlein the mid-13th century to use as a base to conquer Prussia. As birthplace ofNicolaus Copernicus in 1473 and a wealthy member of the Hanseatic League,Torun has much to offer its visitors in terms of history, architectureand entertainment. The town has a wealth of magnificent Gothic buildingsand impressive medieval streets. Don’t leave Torun without tasting its deliciousgingerbread. The town is renowned for this sweet snack and the best place tobuy it is in Zeglarska Street market.

A pleasant diversion from the cities is a stay in the rural setting ofZakopane, which is located two hours south from Krakow. Set at the foot ofthe Tatra Mountains, the entrance to the Tatra National Park is only a fifteenminute walk from the centre where there is a good selection of walking routesto suit most fitness levels. Relax tired muscles at night in one of the manytrendy cafés and bars.

Day 1 Arrive GdanskDay 2 GdanskDay 3 Gdansk to TorunDay 4 Torun to WarsawDay 5 WarsawDay 6 Warsaw to KrakowDay 7 KrakowDay 8 Krakow to ZakopaneDay 9 ZakopaneDay 10 Depart Krakow

Flights are also possible with SkyEurope from Stanstedand British Airways from London Heathrow and Gatwick

A 3 night city break in Krakow costs from £260 perperson twin-share including return flights and air taxes,staying at the three-star Hotel Logos

Consider staying longer in Zakopane at the superb four-star Hotel Litwor (pictures left). This recently built hotelretains a rustic Polish charm and is located in the towncentre. There are 58 modern rooms. Facilities includean indoor pool and a wonderful Polish restaurant.

Move over Russia - some consider Poland to the

real home of vodka! With many different varieties

made from rye bread or potatoes, Wyborowa is

considered to be one of the best vodkas. A popular

choice to buy for gifts back home is Zubrowka.

This unique vodka is flavoured with blades of

bison grass within each bottle

FACT BOX



NEW

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS SPECIALISTS FOR BALTICS AND UKRAINE SINCE 1980 21

BALTICS AND UKRAINESUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

FROM THE BALTIC TO THE BLACK SEA This new adventurous itinerary takes you from the chilly Baltic Sea in the norththrough former borderlands of the ex-Soviet Union to warm Mediterraneanbreezes on the Black Sea.

This itinerary is just an example of the cities and towns you can include onsuch a trip. We include a stay in Jurmala, Latvia’s Riviera, where faded elegantwooden villas edge tree-lined streets guiding you to the wide, sandy beaches.From Riga, which is only a 40 minute train ride from Jurmala, you will journeyto Vilnius for a few nights before taking the bus to Minsk. In Belarus we haveincluded a stop in Brest, a border town famous for the Treaty of Brest-Litovskwhich was signed in March 1918 and effectively ended Russia’s involvement inWorld War 1. From Brest, you take a slow train to the City of Lions – Lviv.Venture into the Carpathian Mountains, the land time forgot, where in ancientvillages, farmers still plough with horses. Your final days are spent exploring theleafy avenues of Odessa and glittering orthodox churches of Kyiv.

Day 1 Arrive Riga, transfer to JurmalaDay 2 JurmalaDay 3 Riga to VilniusDay 4 VilniusDay 5 Vilnius to MinskDay 6 MinskDay 7 Minsk to BrestDay 8 Brest to LvivDay 9 LvivDay 10 Lviv to OdessaDay 11 OdessaDay 12 Odessa to KyivDay 13 Kyiv Day 14 Depart Kyiv

Price per person in twin share £750Single room supplement £265

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast • All arrival transfers• Bus tickets, Riga to Vilnius and Vilnius to Minsk• Train tickets in 2nd class 4-berth compartments, Minsk to Brest, Brest to

Lviv, Lviv to Odessa and Odessa to Kyiv

PRICES EXCLUDE• Belarussian visa


KRAKOW-LVIV-KYIVThe vast Market Square is the perfect starting point from which to exploreKrakow’s Old Town. Shop for quirky souvenirs in the Cloth Hall whilstadmiring friezes of grotesque masks above the stalls, or soak up the atmospherein one of many pavement cafés. To the south of the square, the Vistula Riversweeps away from the magnificent Wawel Castle.

Departing from Krakow by day train through the Polish countryside, youwill reach the Habsburg town of Lviv. Here you can explore a maze of oldcobbled alleys leading away from the faded charm of the main square. Lviv’sblend of Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture offers a thousandpicture-postcard views. Finally, take the overnight train to Kyiv, ancient capitalof Kievskaya-Rus, where the glittering domes of St Sofia Cathedral andMykhaylivsky Church dominate a wide skyline above the mighty Dniepr River.Spend an evening at the Shevchenko Opera and Ballet Theatre sippingCrimean champagne.

Day 1 Arrive KrakowDay 2-3 KrakowDay 4 Krakow to LvivDay 5-6 LvivDay 7 Lviv to KyivDay 8 Arrive KyivDay 9 KyivDay 10 Depart Kyiv



PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• All arrival transfers• Train tickets in 2nd class 4-berth compartments, Krakow to Lviv and

Lviv to Kyiv

NEW

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

22 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO UKRAINE SINCE 1980

UKRAINE AND MOLDOVASUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

CHISINAU-ODESSA-YALTABegin your trip in the tiny former Soviet Republic of Moldova, the lastforgotten corner of Europe. One of the highlights of any trip to its capitalChisinau is an afternoon spent wine tasting in the underground wine town ofCricova. Here, huge cavernous roads named after grape varieties, stretch formore than 60 kilometres under the limestone hills. Before continuing by car toOdessa, experience the old Soviet Union with a stop in the self-proclaimedindependent Trans-Dniester Republic. Here, Lenin still stands proudly outsideofficial buildings in its capital, Tiraspol.

In Odessa, wandering along the cobbled streets of the old town one canfeel the Turkish and Balkan influences of past centuries. Stroll around theshady Garechka Park, which doubles as a well-stocked arts market. You arriveby overnight train in Simferopol on the Crimean Peninsula. Visitors can takethe world’s longest trolley bus ride to Yalta on a picturesque mountain roadwinding past sloping vineyards. The diversity of Crimea’s attractions awaitsexploration - from Romanov palaces to past Soviet leaders’ dachas, and fromancient ruins to mountain-top fortresses.

Flight departures are from London Heathrow on TurkishAirlines. Regional departures are also possible fromManchester but an overnight stop is needed in Istanbul

Ukraine International fly direct from London Gatwickto Kyiv

A 3 night city break in Kyiv costs from £350 per persontwin-share including return flights and air taxes, stayingat the Hotel Rus

Hotel Rus is a centrally located high rise three-star hotelwith 407 comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, satelliteTV and mini-bar. Facilities include several bars andrestaurants.

FACT BOX

Whilst in Ukraine if you are giving flowers as a gift, always

present an odd number of flowers. An even number is considered

bad luck and never put an empty bottle back on the table!

Ivano-Frankivsk

Odessa

Donetsk

Chisinau

Dnipropetrovsk

Kyiv

Lviv

Simferopol

Yalta

Crimea

Chernivtsi

Sevastopol

Kharkiv

Dnipro

B L A C K S E A

T U R K E Y

R U S S I A

RO

MA

NI A

B U L G A R I A

B E L A R U S

U K R A I N E

MO

LD

OV

A

PO

LA

ND

Day 1 Arrive Chisinau Day 2-3 ChisinauDay 4 Chisinau to Odessa via Tiraspol Day 5 Odessa to SimferopolDay 6 Simferopol to YaltaDay 7-8 YaltaDay 9 Depart Simferopol

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• All arrival transfers• Train tickets in 1st class 2-berth compartments, Odessa to Simferopol• Transfer to Odessa by private car including guided tour of Tiraspol

PRICES EXCLUDE• Moldovan visa

Price per person twin-share three-star £725Single supplement three-star £275

Price per person twin-share four-star £1050Single supplement four-star £365

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO UKRAINE SINCE 1980 23

UKRAINESUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

KYIV-LVIV-ODESSAStarting in Kyiv, spend a few days exploring orthodox churches and monasteriesbefore travelling by overnight train to the Habsburg town of Lviv. Lviv’s eclecticmixture of architectural styles amazes most visitors; Gothic, Italian Renaissance,Byzantine, German Baroque, Rococo and Classical to name but a few! Leisurelyafternoons can be spent at one of the many Viennese-style coffee houses. Adiverse range of museums cater to every artistic taste, from Ukrainian landscapeartist Ivan Trush to the world-renowned opera singer Solomia Krushelnytska.Finally, take an overnight train to the Black Sea port of Odessa to explore theregion’s maritime history and laze on one of its many beaches.

Day 1 Arrive KyivDay 2 KyivDay 3 Kyiv to LvivDay 4-5 LvivDay 6 Lviv to OdessaDay 7-8 OdessaDay 9 Odessa to KyivDay 10 KyivDay 11 Depart Kyiv



PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Ukraine International Airlines direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• All arrival transfers• Train tickets in 1st class 2-berth compartments, Kyiv to Lviv, Lviv to Odessa

and Odessa to Kyiv SUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

KYIV AND CRIMEAThe Crimean Peninsula looks nothing like the rest of Ukraine with forestedstony mountains, deep canyons and verdant greenery. Here warm breezes feelunmistakably Mediterranean and small stony bays shine a turquoise colour thatcould almost be tropical. The legacies of fallen empires that once laid claim tothis area await exploration; Byzantine cave cities, Genoese fortresses, Sovietbattleships, Russian and Tartar Palaces. Arriving in Simferopol, capital of theAutonomous Republic of Crimea, you will be transferred by car to Yalta - acharming port town, nestled between the gently curving shore of Yalta Bay andthe towering Crimean Mountains. Yalta is the best place to base your stay inCrimea, as from here you can take a series of day trips to most of the area’s sitesand treasures. This tour ends in dynamic Kyiv where the azure blue of StMykhaylivsky Church complements its shimmering gold cupolas.

Day 1 Arrive Simferopol Day 2-5 YaltaDay 6 Simferopol to KyivDay 7 KyivDay 8 Depart Kyiv



PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Ukraine International Airlines via Kyiv • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• All arrival transfers

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

24 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO THE BALTIC STATES SINCE 1980

THE BALTIC STATES

Minsk

Kaliningrad

Riga

Tallinn

Helsinki St Petersburg

Narva

Haapsalu

Parnu

Hiiumaa

Saaremaa

Cesis

Sigulda

Rezekne

Daugavpils

Jurmala

Ventspils

Liepaja

Nida

Gdansk

Palanga

KlaipedaSiauliai

KaunasTrakai

Vilnius

Tartu

Juodkrante

BA

LT

IC

SE

A

R U S S I A

B E L A R U S

P O L A N D

L I T H U A N I A

L A T V I A

E S T O N I A

RU

SS

IA

F I N L A N D

SW

ED

E

N

GROUP TOUR

THE HANSEATIC BALTIC TOURBetween the 13th and 16th centuries Lübeck, Gdansk, Königsberg, Riga andTallinn were members of the most powerful trading association in Europe. TheHanseatic League ensured the prosperity of the Baltic Sea and to some extent theNorth Sea as well. Four hundred years after it dissolved, its architectural legacyremains for contemporary visitors to enjoy. Each of these towns is dominated byat least one cathedral that dates from these times.

In the late 19th century, they experienced a second era of great expansionas the railways and larger ships turned them all into worldwide trading ports,rather than merely European ones. The exuberant Jugendstil buildings andthe neatly laid-out parks show the blending of public and private affluence atthat time.

The tour starts in Lubeck and finishes appropriately in Tallinn, as severalfamous medieval artists worked in both cities. Our second port of call is Gdansk,which returned to fame in 2005 when the 25th anniversary of the founding ofSolidarity was celebrated there. In the same year Königsberg, now Kaliningrad,celebrated the 750th anniversary of its foundation. The restoration of the pre-War cathedral was completed and not to be outdone, the new Russian authoritiesbuilt an orthodox church. Stock up here with amber, as it is washed up from thesea. No new building is underway on the Curonian Spit, to ensure that the sand-dunes and Witches Hill (a series of out-door life-size wooden statues) are notharmed. Thomas Mann and Jean-Paul Sartre are amongst the many writers whofell for this area and who would instantly recognise it today, so carefully has itbeen preserved.

The drive from Klaipeda to Riga will provide the most varied sectionof the tour as it includes the amber museum at Palanga, the remains of theCzarist defence forces at Liepaja and the waterfall at Kuldiga. Most touristgroups race from Riga to Tallinn but we take the journey leisurely, to join Cesisin its 800th anniversary celebrations and then to relax in Tartu, Estonia’s secondcity for the past 400 years and the location of its major university.

NEW

Day 1 Arrive LübeckDay 2 LübeckDay 3 Fly to GdanskDay 4 GdanskDay 5-6 KaliningradDay 7 Curonian Spit and KlaipedaDay 8 Riga via Leipaja, Kuldiga and KungadaleDay 9 RigaDay 10 Cesis, Valga and TartuDay 11 TallinnDay 12 Lahemaa National ParkDay 13 Depart Tallinn

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways and Estonian Air • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• Lunch on day 6, 7, and 10 and dinner on day 5• All transfers and transportation• One-way flight with LOT Polish Airlines, Hamburg to Gdansk• Sightseeing with English speaking guides• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours• Services of Regent Holidays Tour Leader


TOUR DEPARTURE DATES PRICE PER PERSON (TWIN-SHARE)

HBT1 1 Jun – 13 Jun £1554HBT2 6 Sep – 18 Sep £1554Single supplement £295

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:40

THE BALTIC STATESGROUP TOUR

CLASSICAL BALTICS This is a relaxed and luxurious introduction to the three Baltic capitals andsome of the more popular highlights en route.

The tour begins with three nights in Vilnius, to allow plenty of time for sightseeing and visiting the eclectic mix of museums. With the largest OldTown in Europe, Vilnius is a city explorer’s paradise of pristine cobbled streetsand colourful buildings. Baroque enthusiasts will never have enough time tosee everything but the most impressive sights are included on the city tour. Amorning is spent exploring the former capital Trakai. The 14th-centuryreconstructed castle is located on a peninsula of the tranquil Lake Galve.

En route to Riga, the tour stops at the stately Rundale Palace designed by Rastrelli, the architect also responsible for the Hermitage in St Petersburg.The ornate rooms host a large art collection and beautiful period furniture.The cosmopolitan capital of Riga is packed with architectural styles and one of the highlights is a visit to the Art Nouveau district. Free time is given forexploration and we recommend visiting the world-class Occupation Museum,where poignant images and personal effects allow us a glimpse into their tragic past.

After a visit to Sigulda on the edge of the Gauja National Park (often dubbed Latvia’s Little Switzerland), the tour continues to the prettyseaside town of Parnu. The final stop on this tour is in medieval Tallinn,where a guided tour will walk you through maze of cobbled streets of the busy Old Town. Day 1 Arrive Vilnius

Day 2 VilniusDay 3 TrakaiDay 4 Vilnius to Riga via Rundale PalaceDay 5 Riga Day 6 Sigulda and Gauja National ParkDay 7 Riga to Tallinn via Riga’s Ethnographical Museum and ParnuDay 8 TallinnDay 9 Depart Tallinn

CBT1 26 May - 3 Jun £795CBT2 9 Jun - 17 Jun £795CBT3 16 Jun - 24 Jun £795CBT4 30 Jun - 8 Jul £795CBT5 7 Jul - 15 Jul £855CBT6 14 Jul - 22 Jul £855CBT7 21 Jul - 29 Jul £855CBT8 28 Jul - 5 Aug £855CBT9 4 Aug - 12 Aug £855CBT10 11 Aug - 19 Aug £795CBT11 18 Aug - 26 Aug £795CBT12 25 Aug - 2 Sep £795CBT13 8 Sep - 16 Sep £795CBT14 15 Sep - 23 Sep £785CBT15 29 Sep - 7 Oct £785Single supplement £295

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO THE BALTIC STATES SINCE 1980 25

RADISSON SAS ASTORIJAThe Radisson SAS Astorija Hotel is superblylocated in the heart of the Old Town. The hotelhas 120 well-equipped guest rooms in classicaldécor. All rooms are air conditioned and havetelephones, cable TV, computer-modem sockets,safe, hairdryer, mini-bar and 24hour roomservice. The hotel has an extensive health clubwith an indoor pool, fitness centre, sauna andjacuzzi. The Brasserie Astorija is a popularchoice serving modern international cuisine andthe friendly atmosphere of the “Astorija Bar”makes it a perfect choice for an aperitif or latenight drink.

HOTEL DE ROMEThe five-star Hotel De Rome is located in theheart of the city, overlooking the FreedomMonument and the Latvian Opera. There are88 comfortable and well-equipped guest roomsfeaturing direct dial-phones, cable and satelliteTV, Internet access, safe and a mini-bar. Otherservices include use of sauna, medical andbeauty centre. There is an elegant restaurantOtto Schwarz on the top floor, which offers afull range of international cuisine and awonderful selection of wines. The hotel barRomas Operas Galerija has live musicalevenings featuring popular opera.

HOTEL RADISSON SAS TALLINNThis modern high rise four-star hotel is locatedwithin 500 metres from the port and Old Town.The hotel has 280 well-appointed rooms andguests may choose from Scandinavian, Oriental,Italian or Maritime room styles, all of which areequipped with air-conditioning, pay-TV, direct-dial telephone, internet access, safe, mini-barand coffee/tea making facilities. The hotel hasits own health club, which includes a sauna.Other facilities include the Seasons Restauranton the first floor, which offers a world-classdining experience with a menu that featureslocal and international specialties.

HOTELS ON THIS TOUR

NEW

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Lithuanian Airlines and

Estonian Air direct• All airport taxes and security charges • Accommodation in four/five-star hotels with breakfast• All transportation throughout by coach• Sightseeing with English speaking guides• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours • Individual information package (city guides, maps, restaurant

suggestions in each city)

PRICES EXCLUDE• Arrival transfer in Vilnius and departure transfer in Tallinn

(£30 per private car)

This is a guaranteed departure group tour operated in conjunction with ourBaltic partners and therefore is not exclusive to Regent Holidays’ clients.

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:41


THE BALTIC STATESADD-ON HELSINKISUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

CAPITAL CITIES TOURVisiting their capitals makes the perfect introduction to each Baltic country. Allthree cities are very different although located only six hours from one another.Sampling the different atmospheres, cuisine and cultures will give you aninvaluable insight into this vibrant region. Our tour offers three different hotelcategories to suit every budget and it is also possible to vary the types of hotelson your trip. Travel between each city is on local coaches. Longer stays can bearranged and it is possible to add on three extra nights in Helsinki, St Petersburgand Moscow.

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Lithuanian Airlines and

Estonian Air direct • All airport taxes and security charges • Hotel accommodation with breakfast• All arrival transfers• Coach tickets, Vilnius to Riga and Riga to Tallinn

Day 1 Arrive VilniusDay 2-3 VilniusDay 4 Vilnius to RigaDay 5-6 RigaDay 7 Riga to TallinnDay 8-9 TallinnDay 10 Depart Tallinn

HOTEL OPTIONS PRICE PER PERSON TWIN-SHARE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Five-star hotels £855 £405Four-star hotels £715 £374Three-star hotels £615 £277

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct • All airport taxes and security charges • Hotel accommodation with breakfast• Ferry/hydrofoil tickets, Tallinn to Helsinki

Day 10 Take ferry/hydrofoil to HelsinkiDay 11-12 HelsinkiDay 13 Depart Helsinki



ADD-ON ST PETERSBURG

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct • All airport taxes and security charges • Hotel accommodation with breakfast• Arrival and departure transfer in St Petersburg• Bus tickets, Tallinn to St Petersburg


Day 10 Take bus to St PetersburgDay 11-12 St PetersburgDay 13 Depart St Petersburg


Five-star hotels £575 £395 Four-star hotels £475 £250Three-star hotels £375 £170

ADD-ON ST PETERSBURG AND MOSCOW

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct • All airport taxes and security charges • Hotel accommodation with breakfast• Arrival and departure transfers in St Petersburg and Moscow • Bus tickets, Tallinn to St Petersburg• Train tickets in 2nd class 4-berth compartments, St Petersburg to Moscow


Day 10 Take bus to St PetersburgDay 11-12 St PetersburgDay 13 St Petersburg to Moscow Day 14 Arrive MoscowDay 15-16 MoscowDay 17 Depart Moscow



Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:41


THE BALTIC STATES


TALLINN AND ST PETERSBURGThe medieval capital of Tallinn sits proudly on the Baltic coast 30 miles fromHelsinki. It is the most visited and most modern of the Baltic capitals, awash withchic cafés and gourmet restaurants, but still maintaining its historical Estoniancharacter. St Petersburg, Russia’s neighbouring second city, is just six hours awayby road (overnight train or ferry option may be available - please check with theoffice). This fantastic former capital was designed by Peter the Great as an exercisein urban beauty and is rightly proud of its heritage. Architectural boasts include astunning range of attractions from ornate palaces to world-famous galleries.

Day 1 Arrive TallinnDay 2 TallinnDay 3 TallinnDay 4 Tallinn to St PetersburgDay 5 St PetersburgDay 6 St PetersburgDay 7 St PetersburgDay 8 Depart St Petersburg


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Scandinavian Airlines via Copenhagen• All airport taxes and security charges • Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• All arrival transfers• Coach ticket, Tallinn to St Petersburg



CYCLING IN SAAREMAAThis itinerary begins with several days in Tallinn, the bustling Estoniancapital, before continuing southwest to the beautiful island of Saaremaa.The largest island in Estonia is only a short ferry ride from the mainland.Saaremaa has preserved all that is best about old Estonia. With little trafficand flat, well-maintained roads, it is the perfect rural setting for cycling.Each night is spent in one of many homely farmhouses, often equipped with saunas to ease your tired muscles.

Day 1 Arrive TallinnDay 2 TallinnDay 3 Tallinn to KuressaareDay 4 Cycle north-west to Karujärve (40km)Day 5 Continue north to Panga (35 km)Day 6 Continue along the north coast (37 km)Day 7 Return to Kuressaare via Kaali Lake and Angla Windmills (40km)Day 8 Kuressaare to TallinnDay 9 Depart Tallinn


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Estonian Air direct • All airport taxes and security charges • Accommodation in three-star hotels in Tallinn and Kuressaare with breakfast• Accommodation in farmhouses on full board basis in Saaremaa• All arrival transfers• Return coach tickets, Tallinn to Kuressaare• Cycle hire with cycle bag

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:41


THE BALTIC STATESSUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

BALTIC FLY-DRIVETravelling by car can enhance a visit through the Baltic States, allowing you notonly to see the essential capital cities but also the surrounding countryside dottedwith medieval castles and manor houses. Pass through laid-back provincial townscontaining the region’s unique wooden architecture, or stop at protected nationalparks where you can observe rare birds, wild animals and unusual plant species.Stay a night in the university town of Tartu in Estonia – the oldest university inthe Baltic States, established during in 17th-century Swedish Empire. Your routewinds through historically significant monuments such as Cesis, one of Latvia'smost historic towns. It was here in 1205 that Livonian Order chose to build theircastle and the Ninth Fort near Kaunas, a sobering memorial to the Holocaust.

Day 1 Arrive Tallinn, pick up car at airportDay 2 TallinnDay 3 Tallinn to TartuDay 4 Tartu to Riga Day 5 RigaDay 6 Riga to Bauska Day 7 Bauska via Rundale Palace to KaunasDay 8 Kaunas to Vilnius Day 9 VilniusDay 10 Drop-off car at the airport, depart Vilnius


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Estonian Air and Lithuanian Airlines• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• Car Hire Group A including CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage,

all taxes and additional driver cover


BALTIC COASTAL FLY-DRIVE This itinerary is available from beginning of May to the end of Septembersubject to the timetable of the Ventspils-Montu ferry.

After a day to explore Vilnius, you drive to the port town of Klaipeda (onceknown as the Prussian port of Memel) and spend a day here visiting the prettyfishing village of Nida and windswept sand dunes of the Neringa Spit. Followingthe coastal road to Latvia you arrive at Liepaja, a strategic military port of firstthe Swedish and then the Russian Empires, before continuing on to Ventspils forthe ferry service to Montu. Take time out beside silent windmills and lonelylighthouses of Saaremaa Island, before visiting the abandoned Soviet missile baseand its empty rocket silos on Muhu en route to mainland Estonia. One of thehighlights of a visit to Haapsalu is a stop at the Railway Museum located in theEmperor’s Pavillion of the historic Haapsalu railway station. The exhibition givesthe visitors an insight into the birth and development of railway in Estonia, theliving conditions of railway workers, their uniforms, documents and equipmentused in the job, rolling stock and station buildings. This tour finishes in the livelycapital Tallinn, where designer shopping malls and medieval restaurantscomplement your stay.

Day 1 Arrive Vilnius and pick up car at airportDay 2 VilniusDay 3 Vilnius to Klaipeda via Hill of CrossesDay 4 Curonian Spit and Nida Day 5 Klaipeda to Liepaja via PalangaDay 6 Ferry Ventspils to Saaremaa IslandDay 7 Saaremaa IslandDay 8 Haapsalu via Muhu IslandDay 9 Haapsalu to Tallinn Day 10 TallinnDay 11 Drop car off at airport, depart Tallinn


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights with Lithuanian Airlines/Estonian Air direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• Car Hire Group A including CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage

and all taxes• Ferry tickets, Ventspils to Montu

NEW

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:41


THE BALTIC STATES


HELSINKI-THE BALTICS-WARSAW-BERLINIn times past, this would have been an ’imperial tour’ moving from the Russian tothe German Empires. Now it is an introduction to six countries and to sixdifferent cultures, the only bond being the fluent English spoken by all youngpeople. After visiting Helsinki Cathedral and Empire-style Senate Square, catch aferry to the pleasant and very Finnish Suomenlinna archipelago. Then take acatamaran to Tallinn and enjoy the three diverse Baltic capitals. From Vilniustake a train to Warsaw, another city of the ancient Lithuanian-Polish Kingdom.Follow the royal route from the Royal Castle to the Lazienki Palace. Don’t missthe splendid Wilanow Palace, the summer residence of King Jan III Sobieski.Four hours’ train ride will bring you to Berlin. It is fascinating to observe how thisonce divided city is unifying itself once again. The Dome of the Reichstag,designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster, should be on every visitor’s list ofmust-see sights, along with the ultra modern Potsdamer Platz with its eveningilluminations. Berlin has returned to being a true capital.

Day 1 Arrive HelsinkiDay 2 HelsinkiDay 3 Helsinki to TallinnDay 4 TallinnDay 5 Tallinn to RigaDay 6 RigaDay 7 Riga to VilniusDay 8 VilniusDay 9 Vilnius to Warsaw (this overnight train operates on odd days only)Day 10 Arrive WarsawDay 11 Warsaw to BerlinDay 12 Berlin Day 13 Depart Berlin


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• Ferry/hydrofoil, Helsinki to Tallinn• Coach tickets, Tallinn to Riga, Riga to Vilnius• Train tickets in 1st class 2-berth compartments, Vilnius to Warsaw• First class train tickets, Warsaw to Berlin

A 3 night city break in Tallinn costs from£299 per person twin-share includingreturn flights and air taxes, staying at theHotel Meriton Old Town. A new three-starhotel situated at the edge of the Old Town.The hotel is located in an historic buildingwhich has 41 cosy rooms over four floorsand an attic. There is also a good caféand lobby bar.

A 3 night city break in Riga costs from£295 per person twin-share includingreturn flights and air taxes, staying atthe Konventa Seta. A unique three-starhotel comprising of 9 medieval buildingslocated in Riga’s Old Town. A firmfavourite with Regent clients – thehotel has 141 simply decorated rooms,a restaurant and bar.

A 3 night city break in Vilnius costs from£299 per person twin-share includingreturn flights and air taxes, staying atthe City Gate Hotel. Our most popularthree-star hotel – the City Gate has 23rooms with air-conditioning and is locatednear the Gates of Dawn. Facilities includea restaurant.

FACT BOX

Estonian Airlines fly direct to Tallinn from London Gatwick and Manchester

British Airways fly direct to Riga and Vilnius from London Heathrow. Regionalconnections are possible from £75 return per person

Lithuanian Airlines fly direct to Vilnius from London Gatwick

We can offer competitive fares to the Baltic States on a wide choice of carriers oftendeparting from your local airport via their European hub. Airlines include AustrianAirlines, Czech Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines and Scandinavian Airlines

Regent World 2006.qxd 13/10/05 17:58

30 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO RUSSIA SINCE 1980

RUSSIASUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

MOSCOW AND ST PETERSBURGThere is no doubt that St Petersburg is one of the most beautiful and captivatingcities in the world, even more so considering its near destruction during theSecond World War. If you are looking for opulent palaces oozing golddecoration, pretty churches, Venetian-like bridges and canals and soothing pastelshades, then St Petersburg has all this and more.

Like St Petersburg, Moscow has undergone a major transformation over thelast decade. Cathedrals, monuments, statues and new buildings have sprung up inan incredibly short time span. Older buildings have not been neglected either.Many have now been restored to their original grandeur and the sunlight onfreshly painted cupolas makes for quite a dazzling show of light. Any season isright to visit these two gems. Winter sunshine on newly fallen snow is so magical;the freshness of spring makes these cities come to life after the dark winter days.In summer nobody wants to sleep with the long, warm nights and autumncolours complement golden domes.


A 3 night city break in Moscow costs from £495 perperson twin-share including return flights and air taxes,staying at the Hotel Sretenskaya

A smart four-star hotel located near SukharevskayaMetro Station. This hotel has 38 modern rooms andfacilities include a small health club, sauna and café-bar.(pictures left)

Follow in Tchaikovsky’s footsteps with a trip to the town

of Klin 90 km North West of Moscow. For eight years

Tchaikovsky resided in Klin, the inspiration for some of

his most famous works, La Pathetique symphony and the

Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty ballets. His last residence

is now a museum, full of his personal effects and, if you

are very lucky, you might hear a top pianist play on

Tchaikovsky’s own Becker grand.

FACT BOX

Day 1 Arrive MoscowDay 2-3 MoscowDay 4 Moscow to St PetersburgDay 5 Arrive St Petersburg Day 6-7 St PetersburgDay 8 Depart St Petersburg

VologdaNovgorod

NizhnyNovgorod

Moscow

Tobolsk

OmskNovosibirsk

Irkutsk

SeverobaikalskBratsk

Abakan

Murmansk

Petrozavodsk

St PetersburgPskov

Yaroslavl

Kazan

Ekaterinburg

Perm

Krasnuyarsk

Volga

CA

SP

IA

N

B A R E N T SS E A

A R C T I CO C E A N

Lake Baikal

SE

A C H I N A

R U S S I A

M O N G O L I A

K A Z A K S T A N

HOTEL OPTIONS PRICE PER SINGLEPERSON TWIN-SHARE SUPPLEMENT


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in hotels with breakfast• All transfers• Train tickets in 2nd class 4-berth compartments• Half-day city tour in each city by private car with English speaking guide

PRICES EXCLUDE• Russian visa• 1st class 2-berth train supplement £60 per person

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:41

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO RUSSIA SINCE 1980 31

RUSSIAGROUP TOUR

HIGHLIGHTS OF RUSSIA Thanks to all the publicity for the tri-centenary celebrations everybody isfamiliar with the splendours of St Petersburg. Its palaces, churches, canals,museums and cultural life are famous. There is no doubt that St Petersburg is adelight to visit at any time of year whether you prefer the almost total day-lightof the ‘White Nights’ in the summer or the magical glint of sun on snow inmid-winter. It would be a pity, however, to neglect Russia’s most important city– Moscow. Time after time, Moscow has re-invented itself and today themysterious, almost chilling atmosphere of the Cold War has given way to abuzz and excitement to equal New York. If you want culture, history, art,sightseeing, restaurants and shops - Moscow has it all! Our Highlights of Russiatour will give you the opportunity to sample the best of both cities and willsurely whet your appetite to see more of this vast, intriguing country.

Day 1 Arrive Moscow Day 2 City tour and visit to Moscow CircusDay 3 Tour of Kremlin Day 4 Tour of Arbat and Metro before overnight train from Moscow

to St Petersburg Day 5 Arrive St Petersburg, city tour of St PetersburgDay 6 Tour of Hermitage and Peter and Paul Fortress Day 7 Excursion to Pushkin and Pavlovsk Day 8 Depart St Petersburg

Price per person twin-share £1090Single room supplement £230

FACT BOX

This is a guaranteed departure tour operated in conjunction with ourRussian partners and is not exclusive to Regent Holidays.

This tour departs Moscow every Saturday from 1st January 2006 onwards

We can offer competitive fares to Russia on a wide choiceof carriers often departing from your local airport viatheir European hub. Airlines include Aeroflot, AustrianAirlines, Czech Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, MalevHungarian Airlines, Lot Polish Airlines, SN Brusselsand SAS

A 3 night city break in St Petersburg costs from £495 perperson twin-share including return flights and air taxes,staying at the Hotel Dostoevsky

This is a good standard three-star hotel located onthe top three floors of the Vladimirsky Passazh shoppingcentre. The nearest metro station is the DostoevskayaStation. There are 160 simply furnished rooms andfacilities include a restaurant, bar andbasic fitness room.

A fabulous way to spend a day in St Petersburg is to visit the Hermitage, followed by a late

lunch at the Hotel Astoria’s Davidov restaurant and their weekend “Russian Table”! A buffet

of traditional Russian zakuski accompanied by a shot of vodka! Za zdorov’e!

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels • Half board• All transfers and transportation throughout• Train tickets in 2nd class 4-berth compartments• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours, except on Moscow metro


Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:41


RUSSIA

GROUP TOUR

RUSSIA’S GOLDEN RINGThe best and finest exhibits of Russian art and architecture date from medievaltimes. Each city on the Golden Ring harbours a wealth of icons, ancientcathedrals, monasteries and kremlins all reflecting their former importance inshaping Russian history. From Sergiev Posad, seat of the Russian OrthodoxChurch, to the beautiful 12th-century city of Kostroma, all give an impressivepicture of Russia’s ‘Golden’ Age.

Day 1 Arrive Moscow Day 2 MoscowDay 3 Set sail for St PetersburgDay 4 UglichDay 5 KostromaDay 6 YaroslavlDay 7 Goritsi Day 8 Kizhi Island, Lake OnegaDay 9 Svir River and Mandrogi IslandDay 10 Arrive St Petersburg Day 11 St PetersburgDay 12 Depart St Petersburg

This cruise also operates in reverse. Please contact the officeor check our website for dates of departure


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Twin air-conditioned cabins on main deck with private facilities• Full board • Transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days• Entertainment and activities on board• Services of Cruise Director and English speaking guide• Shore excursions in every port of call


Day 1 Arrive MoscowDay 2 Moscow Day 3 Moscow to Vladimir and Suzdal Day 4 Suzdal to Yaroslavl.Day 5 YaroslavlDay 6 Sergiev Posad to Moscow and onto St Petersburg Day 7 Arrive St PetersburgDay 8 St Petersburg Day 9 Depart St Petersburg

This is a guaranteed departure tour operated in conjunctionwith our Russian partners and is not exclusive to Regent Holidays.This tour departs Moscow every other Saturday from7th January 2006 onwards

Price per person in twin-share £1260Single supplement £275

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in four-star hotels • Half board• All transfers• Train tickets in 2nd class 4-berth compartments• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours


GROUP TOUR

THE TWO CAPITALS RIVER CRUISEFrom bustling Moscow, cruise the Volga River through legendary waterways to Western-influenced St. Petersburg, on the Gulf of Finland. See forestedislands amid blue lakes, while sailing aboard the comfortable MS Bauman.Visit medieval Uglich, and the towns of Yaroslavl and Kostroma, and the remote Kizhi Island, far from the noise of the cities.

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:41


RUSSIAGROUP TOUR

LAKE BAIKAL CRUISE The cruise ship "Nikolay Eroschenko" was renovated in 2003 and is nowconsidered to be the best cruise ship on Lake Baikal. It is equipped withadvanced navigation systems and satellite links. There are comfortable cabinswith private facilities, furnished with telephone, TV and air-conditioning. Onboard there is a restaurant, bar and open-air café on the main deck, sauna,video and book library.

During the cruise you will visit some of the main highlights of LakeBaikal including Olkhon Island, St Nose Peninsula, Kadilny Cape, Peschanaya,Zmeinaya and Sennaya Bays. Olkhon Island is one of the most beautiful placeson the Lake. Olkhon means ‘windy sunny’ in the Buryat language as the windsdrive away the heavy clouds past Olkhom and there are more sunny days herethan on the Black Sea coast.

You will experience traditional Siberian hospitality and hear aboutancient Shaman legends. The cruise programme is complimented with 2overnights in Irkutsk, city tour, visits to Baikal Ecology Museum in Listvyankaand to Open-Air Museum of Wooden Architecture and Ethnography in Taltsy.

Day 1 Arrive IrkutskDay 2 Set sail for Kadilny Cape.Day 3 Khuzir village on Olkhon IslandDay 4 Zmeinaya Bay Day 5 Sennaya Bay Day 6 Listvyanka village to Irkutsk Day 7 Depart Irkutsk

Dates of Tour per person (twin-share)

19 Jun – 25 Jun £149028 Aug – 3 Sep £1490Special offer - an extra bed in the cabin £145

PRICES INCLUDE• Accommodation in three-star hotel with breakfast in Irkutsk • Second-class twin/double cabins on first deck with private facilities• Full board whilst on ship• Entertainment and activities on board• Services of Cruise Director and English speaking guide• Shore excursions in every port of call

PRICES EXCLUDE• International flights – please see Fact Box• Russian visa

Please note that this cruise is operated in conjunction with ourRussian partners and may be cancelled if the number of passengersis less than 20

Flight departures are from London Heathrow with Aeroflotvia Moscow to Irkutsk and are based on lowest availablepublished fares. These tickets must be purchased within24 hours of booking

It is also possible to take the train from Moscow to Irkutsk.Train 9/10 ‘Baikal’ train is a fast train which takes fournights to reach Irkutsk

A trip to the Russian baths (banya) can be a memorable

experience of your Russian adventure, especially in the

middle of the Siberian countryside. Firstly, you warm up in

a Finnish-style dry sauna. Take a small break to cool down

and then you enter the steam room (parilka). Once you

become accustomed to the searing damp heat, you will be

beaten about the body with dried branches (vennik), usually

birch, oak or juniper! After a few sessions you finish with a

plunge into ice-cold water – exhilarating!

FACT BOX

NEW

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:41


RUSSIASUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

RUSSIAN LAPLAND (November to March)This trip can be taken as a side trip from Moscow or St Petersburg and is anexcellent opportunity to see imposing polar culture and delve deep into thedistinctive indigenous people of the Kola Peninsula.

Lapland is a vast area in Northern Europe beyond the Arctic Circle whichcovers the most northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and the KolaPeninsula in Russia. Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream the climate is less harsh thanyou would imagine. Winter lasts five months from November to March in the KolaPeninsula but the average temperature in January does not fall below -14ºC.Therefore you have a chance to look at winter tundra and taiga and to experiencethe darkness of Polar nights lit up by the majestic Northern Lights without the articconditions that accompany the Northern Lights in other Polar areas.

The Saami’s (the Lapps) are indigenous people of Lapland and KolaPeninsula is populated with the Eastern branch of the Saami’s. Their traditionaloccupations are fishing and reindeer breeding. There are only about 2,000Saami’s in Russian Lapland but they preserve their language and folklore. On thisitinerary you will visit their holy sites, see traditional dwellings, ride reindeersledges, taste national cuisine and listen to ancient legends

PRICES INCLUDE• Accommodation in two-star hotel • Full board on Day 2 and 3, dinner on Day 1• All transfers and transportation• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tour

PRICES EXCLUDE• International and internal flights – please contact us for details • Russian visa• Lapp folklore show £75 per group payment locally• Shaman show £50 per group payment locally• Ice-fishing (license and tackle) £12 per person

FACT BOX

Day 1 Moscow to Murmansk, transfer to Lovozero settlementDay 2 Lovozero SettlementDay 3 Seidozero Lake and Lovosersky TundraDay 4 Revda town, transfer to airport, depart Murmansk


NEW

Essential reading on this tour should be Roger Took’s

Running with Reindeer: Encounters in Russian Lapland.

This itinerary is an excellent add-on to a citybreak to Moscow or St Petersburg. Internalflights are from Moscow or St Petersburgand prices start from £250 return includingall air taxes

If you wish on day 2 you can stay in a tentcalled chum (choom). This is traditionalconical tent, which is surprisingly warm.Sleeping bags and reindeer fur blanketsare provided.

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:41


RUSSIAGROUP TOUR

THE GREAT SAYAN RING TOURFor most people Siberia remains a mysterious and inaccessible place.Travelling on the Great Sayan Ring tour will reveal a land steeped incultural traditions from Shamanism to throat singing.

The tour begins with a night in Krasnoyarsk, where there will be a briefcity tour, including the excellent Regional Museum. The next day you will crossover the River Yenisey and see one of the world’s biggest dams – theKrasnoyarsk Hydro Power Station. The tour stops in Shushenskoe, atraditional wooden village where Lenin was exiled from 1887 to 1900. Hereyou will sample true Siberian hospitality with offerings of bread and salt, anddelicious bird cherry pie. The tour then continues through the spectacularSayan Mountain range to Tuva. The landscape changes from craggy forestedmountains with fast flowing rivers to wide-open steppe, stretching forhundreds of kilometres. In Tuva, you will hear the haunting melodies oftraditional throat singing, where masters are able to emit simultaneously twoor three different tones. This is a truly awe-inspiring and magical sound. Inits capital, Kyzyl, you will see the geographic centre of Asia as well as visitinga Shaman clinic. There will also be an opportunity to witness a Shamanpurification ceremony around the campfire at dusk.

The tour passes through the Sayan Pass at a height of 2206 metres andcontinues on to the Khakassia region. The mountains here are surroundedwith fabulous pine taiga and guides will tell you about medicinal herbs andplants that are still used by locals. At the comfortable Snow Leopard campyou will also have the opportunity to enjoy a real Siberian banya. After thefirst visit to the banya you lay down on the soft forest moss, following thesecond visit, you plunge into the adjacent ice-cold stream. You’ll need tobe brave but the feeling of well-being is worth it!

En route to Abakan, capital of Khakassia, a visit is made to the StateMuseum reserve of Khakassia, where you can see archaeologists make copies ofthe petroglyphs, which are found all over the region. There is also an excursionto the ancient shaman’s obelisk “Akhtas”, which possesses a strong healingenergy field. The tour finishes back in Krasnoyarsk and your Sayan Ringadventure is complete.

Day 1 Arrive MoscowDay 2 Moscow to KrasnoyarskDay 3 Arrive KrasnoyarskDay 4 Shushenskoye via Krasnoyarsk Hyrdo Power StationDay 5-6 Kyzyl Day 7-8 Snow Leopard CampDay 9-10 Abakan Day 11 Abakan to Krasnoyarsk Day 12 KrasnoyarskDay 13 Depart Krasnoyarsk

TOUR DEPARTURE DATES PRICE PER PERSON (TWIN-SHARE)SRT1 24 May – 5 Jun £1890SRT2 5 Jul – 17 Jul £1890SRT3 23 Aug – 4 Sep £1890SRT4 2 Sep – 14 Sep £1890Single supplement £375

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges • Accommodation in three-star hotel in Moscow and Krasnoyarsk

with breakfast • Arrival and departure transfer in Moscow• Internal return flights with KrasAir including all air taxes, Moscow

to Krasnoyarsk • Accommodation in traditional Khakassian and Tuvan yurts,

wooden cabins elsewhere• Full board including all mineral water• All sightseeing and transportation• Services of local English speaking tour leader


These are small group tours operated in conjunction with our Siberianpartners and are not exclusive to Regent Holidays’ clients. Other datesavailable on request. Please contact the office or check our website.

To complete your Siberian adventure, why not stay for afew days on a farm. This small farm, founded in 1990, issituated in the Yemelyanovsky Region, not far fromKrasnoyarsk. It covers over 150 hectares and has a smallherd of cows and sheep.

Here you can stay in genuine village houses andexperience farm work first hand. You can also sample realhome-grown Siberian food, learn how to milk a cow. Youcan also try all kinds of medovukha in the apiary (July andAugust is the best season). You can see the village methodof preparing samogon (home-distilled vodka) as well astaste it! You can also participate in the village eveningmeetings over tea from the samovar and home-made jam.

A three-night stay on the farm on full board basis costsfrom £35 per person per night

DOWN AT THE FARM ADD-ON

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:41

36 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS FOR THE TRANSIBERIAN SINCE 1990

THE TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY

Hong Kong

BA

RE

NT

S

S EA

Tynda

Severobaikalsk

Yakutsk

Magadan

SakhalinIsland

Khabarovsk

VladivostokHarbin

Beijing

Irkutsk

Ulaanbaatar

Krasnoyarsk

NovosibirskOmskEkaterinburg

PermMoscow

Helsinki

St Petersburg

Warsaw

Tashkent

BratskTayshet

Terelj

Blagoveshchensk

KamchatkaPeninsula

SovietskayaGavan

Niigata

LakeBaikal

Volga

A R C T I C O C E A N

S E A O F O K H O T S K

BE

R

IN

GS

EA

Ur

al

Mo

un

ta

in

s

Ob

Yenisei

Lena

CA

SP

IA

N

SE

A

S E A

O F

J A P A N

N O R T HK O R E A

S O U T HK O R E A

J A P A NM O N G O LI A

K A Z A K S T A N

R U S S I A

C H I N A

S I B E R I A

Whether you have decided to take a journey on the world’s longest rail route aspart of a round-the-world itinerary, as a more leisurely way to travel to Asia orsimply for the sheer experience of travelling through ever-changing time zones,cultures and landscapes, you will not be disappointed.

For more than a century, the Trans-Siberian trains have chugged across theworld’s largest country and past the world’s largest lake regardless of weather,revolution or political upheaval, providing an essential link for families andtraders alike. Transporting refugees, convicts, exotic and mundane goods andthose seeking a new life, these are working trains not designed for luxury. Asfellow travellers, you will share your days with many varied nationalities and yourmost vivid memories will be from these chance meetings as much as from thescenery and sparse facilities.

WHAT IS THE TRANS-SIBERIAN?• The Trans-Siberian proper from Moscow to Vladivostok.

• The Trans-Mongolian line from Moscow, across Siberia, through Mongolia to Beijing.

• The Trans-Manchurian route from Moscow to Beijing, circumnavigating Mongolia via Manchuria in China.

• The BAM or Baikal-Amur Mainline from Taishet on the main Trans-Siberian line, through north Baikal to Port Vanino on the Pacific Ocean.

Which trains to take?There are different types of trains in Russia and these can be confusing butfor the Trans-Siberian trains the main types are:

Firm Trains (firmenny) are the most comfortable and often faster trains e.g. These trains are more comfortable as the carriages are often newer and have some sort of air conditioning. They also make less stops en route and therefore, tend to be more expensive.

International Trains are more popular and conditions are less comfortable than the firm trains eg the 3/4 (Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia) 5/6 (Moscow to UlaanBaatar) and 19/20 (Moscow to Beijing via Manchuria)

Most travellers prefer to break their journey and, as you will see from oursuggested itineraries, we can be fully flexible whether you wish to travel from west to east or east to west. Perhaps you want to extend your stay in Russia orChina at the beginning or end of your journey? Almost any combination ispossible. Start your trip in the Baltics, Poland or Ukraine and then travel on toVietnam, Hong Kong or Central Asia. We have included the most popular stopsto give the greatest variety of cultures but others might include Kazan, theformer capital of the mighty Tartar Empire, the infamous Ekaterinburg,remembered as the place of assassination of Tsar Nicholas II and his family orNovosibirsk, gateway to Siberia.

As train tickets are collected from your hotels en route, it is not possible to travel on an open-dated ticket.

What class of travel to take?There are three types of carriages, please note that we can only book second and first class.

Cupe is referred to as second class and abbreviated “K” on the ticket. There are 8 compartments in each carriage. In each compartment there are 4 sleepingplaces and space for your luggage.

The most expensive option is the sleeping wagon (spalny vagon or lux) which we call first class. Like the second class there are 8 compartments in each carriage but each compartment has only 2 sleeping places therefore more spacious.

Toilets and showers – there are 2 toilets at the end of each carriage with a WCand sink. In the better trains the toilets are quite clean but this can vary. There are no showers on the trains, except in first class on train 3/4 but more and moretrains have shower facilities in special wagons. You will need to pay extra on thetrain to use them.

Please note that there is limited availability of first-classaccommodation and in high season it can be difficult to buy thesetickets. We can buy all four tickets for second class compartments forsole use but this option is usually more expensive.

All railway tickets go on sale 45 days prior to departure.

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:41

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS FOR THE TRANSIBERIAN SINCE 1990 37


PRICES INCLUDE• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• Accommodation in private ger in Terelj on full board• Arrival and departure transfers in Russia and Mongolia• Train tickets in 2nd class 4-berth compartments• Sightseeing as specified with English speaking guides

PRICES EXCLUDE• International flights - please contact us for the best available prices• Russian, Mongolian and Chinese visas• Meals on the trains


MOSCOW-IRKUTSK-ULAANBAATAR-BEIJINGTaking in the very best of the Trans-Mongolian this is our most popularitinerary. Begin your journey with blini and vodka outside Moscow’s Kremlin,ramble along the shores of Lake Baikal, sleep in a comfortable, traditional geron the Mongolian steppes and finish with kite flying in communist Beijing!

VISASPlease bear in mind processing visas takes time, which is why we insiston a minimum of six week’s notice. Regent Holidays will not beresponsible for cancellation charges if you fail to obtain visas.

Sun Arrive MoscowMon-Thu On train (this train operates on uneven dates only)Fri Arrive Irkutsk and transfer to Lake BaikalSat Lake BaikalSun Train from Irkutsk to UlaanbaatarMon Arrive Ulaanbaatar. 2 nights in ger in Terelj National ParkTue Ger campWed Ulaanbaatar, half day city tourThu Train from Ulaanbaatar to BeijingFri Arrive Beijing

Per person £11001st class 2-berth compartment supplement £330Supplement for single room at hotels en route £360

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:46

38 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS FOR THE TRANSIBERIAN SINCE 1990


Per person £5201st class 2-berth compartment supplement £160Supplement for single room at hotel £50

PRICES INCLUDE• Accommodation in three-star hotel in Moscow on full board basis• Half-day city tour with English speaking guides• Arrival and departure transfers in Moscow• Train tickets in 2nd class 4-berth compartment• Meals on train from Moscow to Russian/Mongolian border

PRICES EXCLUDE• International flights - please contact us for best available prices• Russian, Mongolian and Chinese visas• Meals on train from Mongolian border to Beijing


MOSCOW- BEIJING(NON STOP THROUGH MONGOLIA)The ultimate in armchair travel! Watch the world go by from the comfort of yourcompartment. The ideal way to link continents as part of an epic overland journey

Per person £9351st class 2-berth compartment supplement £425Supplement for single room at hotels £330

PRICES INCLUDE• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• All transfers by private car• Train tickets in 2nd class 4-berth compartments• Sightseeing as specified with English speaking guides

PRICES EXCLUDE• International and domestic flights - please contact us for best available prices• Ferry to Japan• Russian visa• Meals on the trains


MOSCOW-IRKUTSK-VLADIVOSTOKThe true Trans-Siberian traversing the world’s largest country, crossing anincredible eight times zones and linking diverse tribes and cultures from the very Westernised city of Moscow to the remote settlements of the East.Vladivostok, so long a naval outpost forbidden to foreigners, is now well and truly open for business.

Mon Arrive MoscowTue Moscow city tour. Train 4 to BeijingWed-Sun On trainMon Arrive Beijing

Day 1 Arrive MoscowDay 2 Half day city tour. Evening train to IrkutskDay 3-5 On trainDay 6 Arrive Irkutsk and transfer to Lake BaikalDay 7 Lake BaikalDay 8 Train from Irkutsk to VladivostokDay 9-10 On trainDay 11 Arrive VladivostokDay 12 Depart Vladivostok

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:46

ST PETERSBURG ADD-ON (2 NIGHTS)

PRICES INCLUDE• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• All arrival transfers• Trains tickets in 2nd-class four-berth compartments where mentioned• Excursions as specified

Day 1 Arrive St PetersburgDay 2 Half-day city tourDay 3 Overnight train to Moscow

Peter the Great’s vision in water and stone is truly a city not to miss.Abundance of palaces, churches, canals all make St Petersburg anarchitectural gem painstakingly restored.


BEIJING ADD-ON (3 NIGHTS)

Day 1 Arrive BeijingDay 2 Full day city tourDay 3 Excursion to Great Wall and Ming TombsDay 4 Depart Beijing

From crowded back streets to the wide-open spaces of Tiananmen Square.Beijing teems with busy Chinese creating an economic revolution. Everythingtakes place on a grand scale; huge palaces, temples and squares.


BEIJING AND HONG KONG ADD-ON (3 NIGHTS)

Day 1 Arrive BeijingDay 2 Overnight train to Hong KongDay 3 Arrive Hong KongDay 4 Depart Hong Kong

Why not continue on to Hong Kong where the pace of life is fast andexhilarating. By night, the harbour waters come alive with the reflection of athousand neon lights. By day, skyscrapers stand like totems against thebackdrop of jungle covered mountains.


REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS FOR THE TRANSIBERIAN SINCE 1990 39



BAM RAILWAY Planned in the heyday of the Soviet Union to open up a direct line throughthe mountains to the north east linking, formerly remote cities and providingaccess to Siberia’s wealth of gold, diamonds, coal and timber the BAM orBaikal-Amur Mainline was an ambitious project to say the least. Stretchingfor 3,400 km through canyon, forest and wilderness it is truly an amazingpiece of engineering. Until the 90’s, these lands were closed to foreigners,hiding gulags, military installations and defence industries. In many ways thelands still hold their secrets hidden behind mountain peaks and thick forest.Three of Russia’s greatest rivers traverse this remote corner - the Yenisei, theLena and the Amur make natural routes for trappers, merchants and exiles.Now we can offer you the opportunity to be a pioneer and experience foryourself the vastness of this awesome landscape encompassing the world’sdeepest lake, Baikal.

NEW

Day 1 Arrive KhabarovskDay 2 Train to Komsomolsk-on-AmurDay 3 Arrive Komsomolsk-on-AmurDay 4 Train to TyndaDay 5 On trainDay 6 Arrive Tynda, take train to SeverobaikalskDay 7 On train through Severo Muysky TunnelDay 8 Train to BratskDay 9 Arrive BratskDay 10 Train to IrkutskDay 11 Arrive IrkutskDay 12 IrkutskDay 13 Transfer to airport or train station, depart Irkutsk


PRICES INCLUDE• Accommodation in two/three-star hotels with breakfast, 2 lunches

and dinners• All transfers• Train tickets in 2nd class 4-berth compartments• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• International flights - please contact us for the best available prices• Russian visa• Meals on the trains

YOUR IDEAL ARRANGEMENTSWe have selected the most popular itineraries for the brochure. However,because we use only schedule train services these can be flexible. Perhaps youwould like to break your journey in other cities en route, or spend more timein Russia or China at the beginning or end of your trip. Just let us know yourrequirements and we would be happy to quote.

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:46

40 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO THE CAUCASUS SINCE 1987

THE CAUCASUS


YEREVAN – TBILISI – BAKUVisiting the capitals of the Caucasus Republics makes the perfect introductionto this rich and diverse region. By basing yourself in the capitals where hotelaccommodation is of a higher standard, a series of day trips can then be takento gain a wider insight into these regions. Our tour offers three different hotelcategories to suit every budget. Transport between the cities is on local bus andovernight train.

Yerevan, nestled in the Ararat Valley, is one of the oldest cities in theworld but unfortunately there is little remaining of this era, relics, however canbe found at Erebuni Fortress Museum. Built in 872BC and set on hillsoverlooking the city, it offers the best views of Mount Ararat, rising out ofclouds to the west. Yerevan boasts a growing array of lively cafés that serveglutinous black coffee and play lilting Armenian music late into the night.Traditional restaurants offer a quieter alternative of leisurely six-course mealsand an excellent opportunity for people watching. Thanks to Georgia’s pre-Soviet religious tolerance, Tbilisi’s Old Town is an eclectic mix of Orthodoxchurches, mosques and synagogues. Along the gorge of the Mtkvari River,red-roofed buildings cling precariously to the high cliffs and King VakhtangGorgasali’s statute gazes majestically over his capital.

Take the plush overnight Silk Route train to Baku, where carpet shopsand colourful markets await exploration. Shaded restaurants, cafes andsun-baked streets are more reminiscent of Central Asia than the Caucasus.To complete your tour you may book a full day sightseeing of Gobustan’s mudgeysers, petroglyphs and the Absheron Peninsula.

HOTEL OPTIONS PRICE PER SINGLEPERSON TWIN-SHARE SUPPLEMENT

Five-star £1790 £750Four-star £1490 £390Three-star £1290 £290

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive YerevanDay 3-5 YerevanDay 6 Yerevan to TbilisiDay 7-9 TbilisiDay 10 Tbilisi to BakuDay 11 Arrive BakuDay 11-13 BakuDay 14 Depart Baku

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges • Hotel accommodation with breakfast• All transfers• Bus tickets, Yerevan to Tbilisi• Economy tickets in 2-berth compartments, Tbilisi to Baku

PRICES EXCLUDE• Armenian and Azeri visas

Tbilisi

Yerevan

David Garedzha

TelaviGudauriKazbegi

Vardzia

MtskhetaKutaisi

Batumi

Mestia

Ushguli

EchmiadzinGarni

Gerghard

Haghardzin

Hagphat

Jermuk

Sissian

Tatev

Baku

Kirovabad

Lake Sevan

BL

AC

KS

EA

CA

SP

IA

N

S E A

TU

RK E Y

G E O R GI A

A R M E N I A

A Z E R B A I J AN

R U S S I A

I RA

N

AZ E R .

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO THE CAUCASUS SINCE 1987 41

THE CAUCASUS

NEW


A 3 night city break in Tbilisi costs from £525 per persontwin-share including return flights and air taxes, stayingat our home-stay

Zisana’s home is a large centrally located apartment. Youhave your own room but share the lounge and bathroomwith Zisana’s family of 3 (her mother and son) SomeEnglish is spoken.

Georgia’s food is unbelievably tasty and plentiful! Almost at

every opportunity you can stop for some succulent chunks of

barbequed lamb – the ubiquitous shashlik washed down

with home-made Georgian wine!

FACT BOX


CLASSIC GEORGIA With its legendary hospitality, delicious food and abundance of local wines,Georgia is one of the most welcoming countries you will ever visit. Though asmall county, Georgia is so diverse that in just a few days you will see a greatvariety of landscapes; the majestic mountain scenery of the Caucasus, the lushgreen forests around Kutaisi, the golden vineyards of Kakheti province and thewild savannah plains to the south-east.

Begin your tour in Tbilisi, a relaxed capital of elegant wooden balconies andwinding cobbled streets. From here, continue up the Georgian Military Highwayto Kazbegi, a perpetually snow-covered giant of a mountain named afterGeorgia’s beloved poet. In Gori, visit a startlingly flattering museum devoted tothe town’s most famous son – Iosif Jugashvili (Stalin). You will also stop off in thespa town of Borjomi, still keeping most of the ex-Soviet Union in sparklingmineral water, before heading south to Vardzia, a vast 12th-century cave city closeto the Turkish border. An overnight is included in Georgia’s leafy second city,Kutaisi. The tour ends with an excursion to David Gareja Monastery, the fadedmurals of Udabno and a day exploring Kakheti province, a wine region in eastern Georgia.

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive TbilisiDay 3 Mtskheta and Gudauri Day 4 Gori, Borjomi and Bakuriani Day 5 Vardzia and KutaisiDay 6 Kutaisi and TbilisiDay 7 David Gareja and KakhetiDay 8 Kakheti region to TbilisiDay 9 Depart Tbilisi

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels and guesthouses with breakfast• Half board on Days 6 and 8• Full board on Days 3,4,5 and 7• All transfers and transportation throughout• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

Low season High season1 Jan - 16 Jun 17 Jun - 31 Aug1 Sep - 15 Dec 16 Dec - 31 Dec

Price per person twin-share £1190 £1250This itinerary operates with a minimum of 2 persons

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

42 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO THE CAUCASUS SINCE 1987

THE CAUCASUS


CLASSIC ARMENIAThe historical land of Armenia, on the crossroads of Europe and Asia, nowencircled under current international borders by Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkey andGeorgia, was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a statereligion - a fact reflected in its wealth of ancient churches and monasteries.This itinerary, therefore, focuses, on some of the highlights of Armenia’s greatreligious and rich historical heritage, taking in sites such as the UNESCO WorldHeritage site of Hagphat and Etchmiadsin, (seat of the Catholicos - head of theArmenian Orthodox Church). Immersing oneself into the natural beauty of theregion is also an important component of this tour, and time spent passingthrough beautiful mountainous regions such as in Vayots Dzor and relaxing atbeauty spots such as at Lake Sevan give a leisurely pace to this new itinerary, acontrast to the increasingly cosmopolitan city of Yerevan.

NEW

Day 1 Arrive YerevanDay 2 YerevanDay 3 Astarak via Amberd FortressDay 4 Lori province and DzoragetDay 5 DilijanDay 6 Noraduz to Sissian via Selim CaravanseraiDay 7 Tatev MonasteryDay 8 Noravank and Khor Virab Monastery to YerevanDay 9 Echmiadzin and St HripsimeDay 10 Garni and GeghardDay 11 Depart Yerevan

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels and guesthouses with breakfast • All transfers and transportation throughout• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• Armenia visa


CLASSIC AZERBAIJANThough the largest and most populous of the South Caucasus’ Republics,Azerbaijan remains the least explored by tourists. This itinerary begins in thecapital Baku, where carpet shops and colourful markets await exploration.Shaded restaurants, cafés and sun-baked streets are more reminiscent of CentralAsia than the Caucasus. Beyond Baku, you will visit the Abershon Peninsula anddiscover cold, bubbling mud volcanoes and giant spontaneous fires that burn foryears through rain and snow from the oil-rich soil. The same naturalphenomenon said to have sparked Zoroastrianism thousands of years ago. Wealso include a trip to Guba, with its hundreds of apple orchards and uniqueethnic group called Tat.

A highlight of any trip to Azerbaijan is Sheki, an ancient trading town withwide, leafy streets and medieval houses. A must-see here is the Khan’s Palace,with its intricate frescoes and exquisite stained glass work. The Turkish poetNazim Hikmet wrote: "If there will be no other building in Azerbaijan it will beenough to show Khan Palace to the world". We also include a visit to the villageof Kish, nestled in the foothills of the Caucasus, a veritable Garden of Eden withits harvest of cherries, currants, plums and pomegranates.

NEW


A 3 night city break in Yerevan costs from £525 per persontwin-share including return flights and air taxes, stayingat our home-stay

Combine a stay in Yerevan with several nights at the

spectacular Avan Marak Tsaptagh Hotel (pictures left)

located on the shore of Lake Sevan. The hotel has 34 elegant

rooms with wonderfully designed bathrooms (showers only)

and an outdoor pool (open May to October), health spa and

national restaurant. Activities include walking, horse-riding

and visits to the local village of Tsaptagh.

FACT BOX


Price per person twin-share £1460 £1520Single supplement £135 £135

Day 1 Arrive BakuDay 2 Baku Day 3 GubaDay 4 Baku to Shamenkha and Sheki Day 5 Sheki, Kish to Baku Day 6 Baku Day 7 Depart Baku

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels and guesthouses • Full board• All transfers and transportation throughout• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours



Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47


THE CAUCASUS


IRAN AND AZERBAIJANAny mention of the mere word “Iran” conjures up diverse images, thoughtsand alas often misconceptions amongst those who have not been fortunate tovisit this fascinating country. For those who do make the journey they willdiscover a beautiful nation, with diverse landscapes, a rich history andspectacularly warm and hospitable people.

Azerbaijan veiled to the world as a Soviet backwater until the early1990’s, is a country which, whilst drawing a blank in the mindset amongst allbut the keenest of world travellers, has a history and culture with muchstronger links to Iran than Russia, and could arguably be described asculturally being a ‘Post-Soviet’ Iran. Therefore, this - our new itinerary for2006, takes in these two contrasting nations, which paradoxically have greatsimilarities and massive differences. From Tehran to Baku via Shiraz, Isfahan,Tabria and Astara, this tour is a fascinating journey to two remarkable lands.

NEW

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive TehranDay 3 Fly to ShirazDay 4 Fly to IsfahanDay 5 IsfahanDay 6 Istahan to Tehran via KashanDay 7 Fly to TabrizDay 8 Tabriz to AstaraDay 9 Astara to Baku via QobustanDay 10 BakuDay 11 Baku and Absheron Peninsula Day 12 Depart Baku

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels and guesthouses with breakfast • All transfers and transportation throughout• Internal flights, Tehran to Shiraz, Shiraz to Isfahan and Tehran to Tabriz• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours


Upgrade to Club World on British Airways from £1150 per person

A 3 night city break in Baku costs from £595 per persontwin-share including return flights and air taxes, stayingat the Hotel Absheron

In Sheki we use the hotel Caravanserai - a converted old

caravanserai (pictures left), where traders of the Silk Road

once stayed. There are only 40 rooms which are decorated

with oriental carpets to imitate the interiors of an old

Caravanserai. The hotel has an inner courtyard with

fountain, restaurant with national cuisine, two bars, tea

room and gift shop. Sheki is an excellent place overnight on

the way to or from Georgia.

FACT BOX

Low season High season1 Jan - 15 Mar 16 Mar - 5 Apr6 Apr – 16 Jun 17 Jun - 31 Aug1 Sep – 15 Dec 16 Dec - 31 Dec

Price per person twin-share £1780 £1865This itinerary operates with minimum 2 persons

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47


TURKEYSUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

AEGEAN HERITAGEThe tour takes you through ancient and modern history and explores thenatural beauty of the Aegean region.

The first day you will drive down the Thracian Peninsula through fields,rolling hills and forests with views of an unspoilt coastline. Visit Gallipolibattlefields, the Kabatepe Musuem and the infamous Anzac Cove. The wholeday is dedicated to exploring the Gallipoli National Historic Park. After anovernight in Canakkale, with its beautiful waterfront, drive southwards to Troy,the legendary setting of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey and Pergamum with itsAcropolis. Enjoy a full day in Kusadasi and continue to Pamukkale, whichmeans ‘Cotton Castle’. The name is due to the amazing natural white travertinepools, now part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Ephesus is the nextenchanting site where you will get a feel for what life was like in Roman timeswhile walking through the spectacular ruins.

NEW

Day 1 Istanbul-CanakkaleDay 2 KusadasiDay 3 KusadasiDay 4 PamukkaleDay 5 EphesusDay 6 Fly to IstanbulDay 7 Depart Istanbul

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in four-star hotels• Full board except Day 7 (breakfast only)• Transportation by private car on Day 1-3• Coach tours on Day 4 and 5 (pick up/drop off at your hotel)• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours• Departure transfer on Day 6 to Izmir Airport• Internal one-way flight, Izmir to Istanbul (Day 6)


This evergreen Greek island is the ideal location for a relaxing break after acultural and historical tour in the Aegean region. Enjoy the white sandy beachesand the crystal clear waters, stroll around the fishing villages and don’t forget totry the unique local wine.

SAMOS ISLAND ADD-ON

Day 6 Morning ferry to SamosDay 7 SamosDay 8 SamosDay 9 Samos-Kusadasi Day 10 Fly to IstanbulDay 11 IstanbulDay 12 Depart Istanbul

PRICES INCLUDE• Accommodation in three-star hotel on a half board on Samos Island• Bed and breakfast on Day 9-12• Return ferry tickets, Kusadasi-Samos• Arrival transfer in Samos• Departure transfer on Day 10 to Izmir airport• Internal one-way flight, Izmir to Istanbul (Day 10)


Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47


TURKEYSUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

GRAND EASTERN ANATOLIAN FLY-DRIVEFirst days are spent exploring Ankara and the natural wonders of Cappadociabefore journeying to Sanliurfa, where en route you will visit Mount Nemrut,topped by the unopened 1st-century mausoleum of King Antiochus ofCommagene and the famed city of Mesopotamia – Harran. This mysticaland ancient village of beehive homes built of mud bricks is mentioned inGenesis as being the birthplace of Abraham. After an overnight in Urfa youhead for Mardin, which is spectacular viewed from the south, with its tieredlayers of houses, mansions, mosques and churches, rising out of the endlessplain and clinging to a huge citadel-topped rock. On arrival at Diyarbakir, avisit is made to the massive encircling basalt city walls, which they say can beviewed from the moon. The ancient city houses caravanserai, bazaars andSyraic churches in its labyrinthine streets.

You take the ferry to Akdamar Island where you can visit an exquisiteexample of an Armenian church before continuing to Van. Here you see fineexample of Urartian castles. The drive to Dogubayazit is outstanding in an areaof already exceptional scenery, where Mount Ararat commands the plains below.Just outside Kars are the remains of Ani, the 10th-century capital of Armenia.Heading towards the Black Sea through forests and villages untouched bytourism, you arrive at busy Trabzon. A busy town port with excellent seafoodrestaurants and markets selling glossy fruit and hazelnuts, the regional speciality.

NEW

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in four-star hotels on half board • Car Hire Group C including CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage

and all taxes

PRICES EXCLUDE• Turkish visa (£10 paid on arrival)


Day 1 Arrive AnkaraDay 2 AnkaraDay 3-4 CappadociaDay 5 Adiyaman to KahtaDay 6 Mount Nemrut via Harran to SanliurfaDay 7 Mardin to DiyarbakirDay 8-9 VanDay 10 DogubayazitDay 11 KarsDay 12 Kars to TrabzonDay 13 TrabzonDay 14 Depart Trabzon

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

46 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO CENTRAL ASIA SINCE 1983

CENTRAL ASIASUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

CLASSIC TURKMENISTANPossibly the most reclusive of the Central Asian States, Turkmenistan is a largedesert nation whose future is tied with the vast oil and gas reserves it holds. In theyears since independence, tourism has been largely overlooked and it remains themost bureaucratic of the Central Asian states. For those who make the journey,they will be afforded a glimpse at fascinating country which receives very fewvisitors. The old and new sights of Ashgabat such as the Nissa Fortress and thegolden statue of Turkmenistan’s president, Niyazov (aka Turkmenbashi, Father ofthe Turkmen People) are a fascinating start to a trip which will introduce thebeautiful landscapes, villages and people of this little known nation.

NEW

Day 1 Arrive AshgabatDay 2 AshgabatDay 3 Geok Depe FarmDay 4 Kara Kum desertDay 5 Ashgabat via ErbentDay 6 Mary and MervDay 7 KoytendagDay 8 Kugitang Mountains and the ‘Dinosaur Plateaux’Day 9 Daray Dere CanyonDay 10 Turkmenabat, fly to AshgabatDay 11 Depart Ashgabat


Turkish Airlines fly from London Heathrow andManchester into Ashgabat via Istanbul from £750 returnper person including all airport taxes. Lufthansa also flyto Ashgabat via Frankfurt

A better option is to combine Turkmenistan withAzerbaijan, Uzbekistan or even Iran

In Ashgabat we use the Hotel Nissa which is a goodthree-star hotel, although it has a local four-star rating.It was built in 1998 and is in the city centre close tothe Carpet Museum. It has 138 comfortable rooms andfacilities include a swimming pool, sauna and restaurant.

No visit to Turkmenistan is complete without a visit to

Tolkuchka Bazaar, where practically the entire country

comes together to trade on Thursdays, Saturdays and

Sundays. Basically anything and everything is traded from

camels and sheep to amulets, antiques, carpets and jewellery.

In its authenticity this buzzing Cental Asian market easily

rivals the famed Kashgar Bazaar.

FACT BOX

PRICES INCLUDE• Accommodation in three-star hotels, guesthouses and tents with breakfast• Half board on Day 4, lunch on Day 5, Dinner on Day 7 • Full board on Days 7 - 10• All transfers and transportation• Internal flight, Turkmenabat to Ashgabat• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• International flights – please contact us for best available prices• Turkmen visa

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO CENTRAL ASIA SINCE 1983 47


CLASSIC UZBEKISTAN The ‘must-sees’ – Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand – have been included, but this touris not just about introducing Uzbekistan’s sparkling wealth of Islamic Architecturalheritage. It offers a broad range of experiences and lesser-visited sights, includinga visit to Moynaq, formerly one of the Aral Sea’s two major fishing ports whichnow lies over 100km from the sea – testament to the Soviet irrigation schemewhich has left this corner of the county bone dry. The tour will also give extendedtime in the oft overlooked capital, Tashkent, a city which seems a world away fromthe Silk Road cites for which Uzbekistan is most famous for, - and whilst thesecities afford the visitor a glimpse at what can be perceived as ‘ClassicUzkbekistan,’ Nukus, the capital of the Karakalpakstan Republic is a Soviet-builtcity that provides a very alternative impression of this fascinating nation.



Upgrade to Club World on British Airways from £1020per person return

It is also possible to book this tour on half or full boardbasis - please add £75 per person half board and £150per person full board

In Bukhara we book the Lyabi House Hotel, a charmingfamily run property centrally located in the Old Town.Rooms are simple and elegantly decorated with antiquecarpets. All rooms have air-conditioning, fridge and TVand facilities include a very good national restaurant.

It is impossible to leave Uzbekistan without sampling its

ubiquitous ‘Plov’ or ‘Pilaf ’. This hearty dish made from

mutton, rice, carrots, onions and spice and is served with

salad or flat bread.

FACT BOX

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive TashkentDay 3 Tashkent to SamarkandDay 4 SamarkandDay 5 Samarkand to BukharaDay 6 - 7 BukharaDay 8 Bukhara to KhivaDay 9 KhivaDay 10 Khiva to NukusDay 11 MoynaqDay 12 Nukus to TashkentDay 13 TashkentDay 14 Depart Tashkent

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels and guesthouses with breakfast• Lunch on Day 11• All transfers and transportation• Internal flight one-way from Nukus to Tashkent • Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• Uzbek visa

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

48 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO CENTRAL ASIA SINCE 1983

CENTRAL ASIA


CLASSIC KRYGYZSTAN Arguably the most beautiful of the Central Asian Nations, this tour introduces a friendly, largely undiscovered land of semi-nomads and views of the awesomeTian Shan and Pamirs Mountains.

From the pleasant leafy capital of Bishkek this tour visits lonely BuranaTower, all that remains of the thriving Sogdian city of Balasaghun beforeascending to the Issyk Kul Basin. Here, the second largest alpine lake sparkles inits own weather system, surrounded and protected by a high circular crown ofmountains. You will reach the quiet town of Karakol. Here a traditional yurtcamp will be your base for leisurely outings to the stunning valleys and gorges ofthe region, allowing you to familiarise yourself with the sights of this ‘outpost’town. Moving on, visit Tamga and the sleepy village of Bokonbaevo on thesouthern shore of the lake before returning to the capital.

Low season High season1 Jan – 16 Jun 17 Jun-21 Aug22 Aug – 15 Dec 16 -31 Dec


Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive BiskekDay 3 Bishkek to Cholpon AtaDay 4 KarakolDay 5 Day trip to Djety-Oguz valleyDay 6 Day trip to Kasha-Suu gorgeDay 7 TamgaDay 8 BishkekDay 9 Depart Bishkek

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels and yurts • Full board basis except Day 1 and 9 (breakfast only) • All transfers and transportation• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• Kyrgyz visa


CLASSIC KAZAKSTANThe Republic of Kazakhstan is the economic powerhouse of Central Asia,steaming ahead after the difficult transition years following the break up of theSoviet Union. With most tourists to the region focusing on Uzbekistan andKyrgyzstan however, the country is sadly often overlooked by visitors. Those whovisit however will find it a fascinating nation, which due to its strong ties and historywith Russia, and a considerable Russian population, has a far more Europeanculture than its Southern neighbours. Starting in Almaty, the cosmopolitan andattractive former capital, visit the Zailiysky Mountains before beginning a six dayjourney to Astana, via Shymkent, Turkestan, the Aksu-Dzhabagly National Parkand Taraz. Astana, the new capital of Kazakhstan marks the end of the journey,and from here you return to Almaty by the express overnight train. On returningenjoy one further excursion to Issyk Lake nestled in the Alatau Mountains, beforespending the last day free in Almaty, the ‘City of Apples.’

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive AlmatyDay 3 Almaty to ShymkentDay 4 ShymkentDay 5 Turkestan to Aksu Dzhabagly National ParkDay 6 Aksu CanyonDay 7 TarazDay 8 AstanaDay 9-10 AlmatyDay 11 Depart Almaty

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Air Astana direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels and guesthouses with breakfast• Lunch on Day 3 and full board on Day 6 • All transfers • Internal one-way flight, Taraz to Astana• Train tickets in 1st class 2-berth compartment, Almaty to Shymkent

and Astana to Almaty• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• Kazak visa

Price per person twin-share £1250Single supplement £ 350

Regent World 2006.qxd 13/10/05 18:39

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO CENTRAL ASIA SINCE 1983 49


TAJIKISTAN WITH UZBEKISTANThe mysterious and mountainous Republic of Tajikistan, a forgotten pocket offormer Soviet Central Asia sandwiched between China, Afghanistan, Uzbekistanand Kyrgyzstan, is the focus of this new itinerary. The smallest of the CentralAsian states boats, with over 90% of the country being mountainous, some ofCentral Asia’s highest peaks, including Peak Lenina and Peak Communisma.Spending seven nights in Tajikistan, this tour gives an introductory view of thisglorious country, the oft forgotten Republic.

Starting in Tashkent spend a night in the bustling Uzbek capital before drivingeast to Kyrgyzstan and the town of Osh. This is a mere transit point however, asfrom here you will journey along the Pamir Highway, entering Tajikistan via the4282 metre Kyzyl-Art Pass. The next few days will be spent travelling toDushanbe, via the main settlements of the autonomous Gorno- Badakhshanregion. From Dushanbe return to Tashkent via the city of Samarkand, completinga loop through three countries and the highlands of Central Asia

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive TashkentDay 3 Taskent to OshDay 4 Osh to Karakaul LakeDay 5 On Pamiri Highway to MurgabDay 6 KhorogDay 7 Garm Chashma Hot SpringsDay 8 Blue LakeDay 9 DushanbeDay 10 DushanbeDay 11 Dushanbe to Samarkand via PenjikentDay 12 Samarkand to TashkentDay 13 Depart Tashkent

Price per person twin-share £3240This tour operates with a minimum of 2 persons

Flight departures are from London Heathrow withBritish Airways direct to Tashkent. They also fly toBishkek and Almaty. Regional connections are possiblefrom £75 return per person

Upgrade to Club World on British Airways from £1020per person return

Air Astana fly direct to Almaty from London Heathrow

Tajikistan is a developing country so as with many of ourcountries the infrastructure, facilities and level ofaccommodation are no where near ‘normal’ Westernstandards. Outside the cities we use local guesthouses(pictures left) and in the countryside we camp for oneor two nights.

FACT BOX

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels, guesthouses and tents with breakfast• Full board in Tajikistan• All transfers and transportation• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

PRICES INCLUDE• Uzbek and Tajik visas

One of Tajikistan’s ancient traditions is the game of Buzkashi, a kind of primal polo

played with the carcass of a goat. Buzkashi remains one of the most popular sports in

Tajikistan today. The biggest staging of the game is at the Navruz festival which is

held in March.

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

50 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO MONGOLIA SINCE 1990

MONGOLIAGROUP TOUR

ASRALT KHAIRKHAN UUL EXPLORERMongolia, the land of blue sky, is an almost endless playground of desert sands,grassland steppe, rolling taiga and stunning mountains. Those who made it toMongolia in the past had to cross the vast Siberian plains or sprawling Gobidesert to enter its territory, a feat so hard in itself that visitors who completedthe journey were received with the warmest hospitality. Although internationaltrain and air links now supply Mongolia, the tradition of warmth and hospitalityprevails towards visitors who make the journey to this beautiful nation.

This group tour leads you by jeep, horseback and foot, from the moderncapital of Ulaanbaatar to the 2,800 metre summit of Asralt Khiarkhan Uul, thehighest peak in Central Mongolia’s Khaan Khentii Nuruu mountain range,sacred to Mongolian Buddhists. The journey takes you through stunning alpinescenery as you head up into the beautiful green hills of this largely uninhabitedregion, now protected as part of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. As you headdeeper into the national park the road ends, and it is here that you will take upyour journey on horseback, moving further up the valley until you part with yourhorses and reach the summit on foot. From here you will return to Ulaanbaatarbefore your last excursion – a days trek to the summit of Bogd Khaan Uul, themost magnificent of the “Four Holy Peaks” which circle the capital.

This itinerary includes seven nights camping in rather isolated regions, andsome horse riding and trekking. Whilst no previous horse riding/trekkingexperience is necessary we do require that all members of the group have agood level of basic fitness and a sense of adventure.

9 Jun Depart UK10 Jun Arrive Ulaanbaatar11 Jun Nalaikh and Terelj National Park12-13 Jun Horse trek to Asralt Khairkha Uul14 Jun Trek to Mountain summit15 Jun Descend from summit 16-17 Jun Horse trek in national park18 Jun Ulaanbaatar19 Jun Bogd Khaan Mountain 20 Jun Ulaanbaatar21 Jun Depart Ulaanbaatar

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Aeroflot via Moscow• All airport taxes and security charges• 3 nights accommodation in three-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar with breakfast• 7 nights camping in tents on full board basis (sleeping bags not provided)• 1 night accommodation in Khan Bog tourist resort with dinner• All transfers and transportation• Trekking and horse guides with English speaking guides throughout• Horse rental, Mongolian army saddles and riding hats

PRICES EXCLUDE• Mongolian visa

NEW


AKM1 9 Jun – 21 Jun £1430Single supplement (including tent) £130

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO MONGOLIA SINCE 1990 51

MONGOLIA


THE GOBI AND KARAKORUMFrom the capital Ulaanbaatar you head south through the Gobi provinces,watching the green hills and steppe transform gradually to scorched rock andsand as you push deeper into the heart of the desert. After exploring thisstunning region you continue north-west to Karakorum, the ancient capital ofMongolia, where Marco Polo once resided. From here you head east, returning tothe capital to end your brief excursion to this beautiful land.

NEW

Day 1 Arrive UlaanbaatarDay 2 Middle GobiDay 3-4 South GobiDay 5 OvooDay 6 KarakorumDay 7 UlaanbaatarDay 8 Depart Ulaanbaatar

PRICES INCLUDE• Accommodation in three-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar and in ger camps

elsewhere• Full board basis• All transfers by private car or jeep• Sightseeing with entrance fees and English speaking guide

PRICES EXCLUDE• International flights – please contact the office for best available prices• Mongolian visa


Flight departures are from London Heathrow withAeroflot via Moscow to Barnaul and return fromUlaanbaatar. These tickets are based on lowest availablepublished fares which start from £485 per person. Thesetickets must be purchased within 24 hours of booking

It is also possible to take the train from Moscow toBarnaul. Train 35/36 takes just over two full days toreach Barnaul.

In the Khalka Mongolian language "ger" simply meanshome. The Russian equivalent is yurta, and the Englishderivative yurt. The ger is not only the traditionaldwelling of the Mongols, but of many nomadic peoplessuch as the Kazakhs, Krygyz, Tuvans and Buryats. These tent-like dwellings have wooden frames, covered by canvas and felt, which are warm in winter yet cool in summer.

FACT BOX

GROUP TOUR

BARNAUL TO ULAANBAATAR OVERLANDWhilst we continue to focus on our well-known destinations, we arealways researching exciting new areas and itineraries. At Regent werespect and value our customer’s advice and input. Taking this intoconsideration, we are offering a reconnaissance trip to the Altai regionin Russia and overland into Mongolia. This group will run on minimum5 persons plus the services of a Tours Manager from the office. As thisis a new tour we are offering a unique opportunity at this specialintroductory price.

This 17 day overland tour leads from Barnaul in the Russian Altai, acrossthe Mongolian frontier near Tsaganuur and the Mongol steppe to the capitalof Ulaanbaatar. Along basic tracks and roads this fascinating journey willgive unforgettable memories of the stunning natural beauty of the region and the peoples who call it home. Travelling east of Barnaul you will slowlyleave the Russian influences behind as you pass through the Altai and along the Chuysky Tract, the 510km pre World War Two road that terminates atthe Mongolian frontier.

From here you will make the long journey to Ulaanbaatar through afantastic wilderness. En route you will be afforded the spectacular scenery ofthe mountain, desert, steppe and sub-arctic landscapes of Mongolia, andimmerse yourself into the natural beauty of this stunning and isolated regionbefore reaching Ulaanbaatar – the first ‘city’ you will have come across sincedeparting Barnaul.

With add on arrangements it is possible to begin this journey in Moscow,and finish in Beijing – making this a very unique variant on the well-troddenMoscow – Beijing Trans-Siberian route. This itinerary includes eight nights in ger camps, 2 nights camping in tents and travel in isolated regions. We do,therefore, require that all members of the group have a good level of basicfitness and a sense of adventure.

Ger etiquette to remember when entering a ger always step over the threshold, tripping over

the threshold on entry is considered very bad luck for the family. Tripping over the threshold

on the way out however, is very good luck for the family and may be appreciated! Also men

(and normally female guests) should always enter a ger and sit on the left, the most senior

of the group sitting nearer to the back of the Ger, the least important closer to the door.

23 May Arrive Barnaul24 May Teletskoe Lake25 May River Katun26 May Raft from Berel to Ust Sema27 May Ilgumen28 May Russia-Mongolia border to Tashanta29 May Khovd30 May Hyargas Lake31 May Telmen Lake1 Jun Khanghai Mountain Range2 Jun Rest day with options to horse-riding, swimming and fishing3 Jun Arkhangai region to Tsenheriin Jiguur4 Jun Orkhon Waterfall5 Jun Karakorum6 Jun Bayangovi 7 Jun Ulaanbaatar8 Jun Depart Ulaanbaatar


BUO1 23 May – 8 Jun £1770Single supplement £360

PRICES INCLUDE• 5 nights accommodation in basic tourist complexes in Russia • 8 nights accommodation in ger camps in Mongolia• 2 nights camping in tents in Mongolia• Full board basis except in Barnaul and Ulaanbaatar• All transfers and transportation in 4W transport vehicles• Sightseeing with English speaking guides throughout• Services of a Regent Holidays tour leader

PRICES EXCLUDE• International flights – please contact the office for best available prices• Russian and Mongolian visas

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

52 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO CHINA SINCE 1976

CHINASUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

CLASSIC CHINAOur classic China tour will give you a taste of ancient and modern China, oftenside by side. Promenade along Shanghai’s elegant Bund with its classicalbuildings and up-market stores. This is an excellent view-point to gaze across theHuangpu River, teaming with traditional junks and new container ships, to theeconomic miracle of Pudong District all glass, steel and neon lights. Crowded itmay be but you can’t visit the world’s most populated country without seeing thesights of Beijing. Amongst all the skyscrapers it is still possible to find streetmarkets and traditional dwellings, (Hutongs). It is difficult not to talk insuperlatives when describing the mighty Yangtze and during your 3 night cruiseyou will see the highlights of this amazing waterway. Of course no visit to Chinawould be complete without a visit to the Terracotta Army but you will discoverthere is so much more to see in and around Xian.

NEW

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive BeijingDay 3 ChengdeDay 4 Beijing to XianDay 6 Arrive XianDay 7 XianDay 8 Xian to ChongqingDay 9 Arrive Chongqing and Yangtze River CruiseDay 10 Yangtze River CruiseDay 11 Yangtze River Cruise Day 12 Arrive Yichang, depart for ShanghaiDay 13 Arrive ShanghaiDay 14 ShanghaiDay 15 Depart Shanghai

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• All transfers• Train tickets in soft class 4-berth compartments, Beijing to Xian, Xian to

Chongqing, Yichang to Shanghai• Sightseeing with English speaking guides • Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• Chinese visa


Hong Kong

Guangzhou

Taipei

Shanghai

Wuhan

Nanjing

Beijing

XianLanzhou

Chengdu

Kunming

Hanoi

Urumqi

Xining

Turfan

Dunhuang

GolmudLuoyang

Zhengzhou

Putuoshan

Fuzhou

Xiamen

Changsha

Guiyang

Nanning

Guilin

Macau

Nanchang

Chongqing

Wanxian

Kaohsiung

Shenyang

Dandong

WeiheiTaiyuan

Datong

Y E LL

OW

CH

IN

AE

AS

T

S O U T H C H I N A

S E A

SE

A

S E A

S O U T HK O R E A

N O R T HK O R E A

T A I W A N

C H I N A

M O N G O L I A

I ND

I A

MY

AN

MA

R

BH U TA N

VIETNAM

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO CHINA SINCE 1976 53

CHINA

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive BeijingDay 3 BeijingDay 4 Beijing to XianDay 5 Arrive XianDay 6 XianDay 7 Xian to LanzhouDay 8 Arrive LanzhouDay 9 Lanzhou to JiayuguanDay 10 Arrive JiayuguanDay 11 Jiayuguan to DunhuangDay 12 DunhuangDay 13 Luiyuan to TurfanDay 14 Arrive TurfanDay 15 TurfanDay 16 KurlaDay 17 Kuche and AksuDay 18 KashgarDay 19 KashgarDay 20 Fly to UrumqiDay 21 Fly to BeijingDay 22 Depart Beijing

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast,

lunch on full day excursions• All transfers• Internal one-way flights, Kashgar to Urumqi and Urumqi to Beijing• Trains tickets in soft class 4-berth compartments, Beijing to Xian, Xian

to Lanzhou and Lanzhou to Jiayuguan• Sightseeing with English speaking guides • Entrance fees on sightseeing tours




THE ANCIENT SILK ROUTEFor centuries traders have trodden this exotic way selling their wares, exportingtheir culture and importing new ideas and products. Cities and towns have grownalong the route to offer rest and shelter to weary travellers. In turn these oaseshave become treasure houses of history affording today’s traveller a uniqueinsight into past civilizations. Thanks to modern transport, our suggesteditinerary includes all the main sights of the Chinese part of the Silk Road inthree weeks and in comfort rather than months on the back of a swaying camel!From the hustle and bustle that is modern Beijing to remote desert cities, relivethe spirit of adventure as you cross this vast and fascinating land. Try your handat haggling in the world’s largest market in Kashgar or feast on sun-dried sultanasand raisins in Grape Valley. The Flaming Mountain at sunset or the eerie soundof the Singing Sands will remain a lasting memory.

NEW

Flight departures are from London Heathrow withBritish Airways direct to Beijing and Shanghai. Regionalconnections are possible from £75 return per person

We can also offer competitive prices for flights intoBeijing with many different carriers; Air China, AustrianAirlines via Vienna and Aeroflot via Moscow.

Usually lunches are included on all of our full day

sightseeing trips. Lunches consist of many different dishes

and are generally served earlier than usual lunch time.

Here are a few dining guidelines… traditional meals are

served family style on public plates for all parties to share.

Do not rest your chopstick on any public plate, for it is

considered bad manners. Rest chopsticks on top of your

own bowl or plate and never stick them inserted into your

rice bowl! When the meal is completed, place your

chopsticks on top of your bowl or plate towards the right

side, parallel to the table.

FACT BOX

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

54 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO CHINA SINCE 1976

CHINASUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

EXOTIC CHINAIf your image of China is drab suits and cloth caps think again. The southernprovince of Yunnan is home to a multitude of minority peoples all with theirdistinctive, colourful dress and customs. Bordering Vietnam and Myanmarthere are signs everywhere of the influence of its neighbours in the temples,cuisine and clothes. Every type of scenery from mountain peaks to tropicaljungle can be found in this unexplored corner of China.

Steep yourself in the beauty of the original Shangri-La Valley;pick up some exotic fruits in the local markets; try the traditional sticky ricedishes or treat yourself to flowers from the many stalls on every street cornerof Kunming. Get lost in the mysterious Stone Forest surrounded by the soundof excited giggling and camera shutters from Chinese tourists from the coldernorthern climes.

NEW

Day 1 Arrive KunmingDay 2 Fly to DaliDay 3 DaliDay 4 LijiangDay 5 LijiangDay 6 ZhongdianDay 7 Shudu Lake and Songshanlin LamaseryDay 8 Shangri-La ValleyDay 9 Fly to KunmingDay 10 Stone ForestDay 11 Depart Kunming

PRICES INCLUDE• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast,

lunch on full day excursions• All transfers and transportation throughout• Internal one-way flights, Kunming to Dali, Zhongdian to Kunming• Sightseeing with English speaking guides • Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• International flights – please contact us for the best available prices• Chinese visa


Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO CHINA SINCE 1976 55

CHINA


PEAKS AND PANDASThanks to the dedication and research of the Wolong Panda Research Centre inSichuan Province, the once threatened giant panda has been removed from theendangered species list. You can see and even touch this most unique of creatures– a truly unforgettable experience. This is only one of the highlights of ourpopular Peaks and Pandas tour. Experience the mystical heights of the remoteland of Tibet with its century old monasteries and ancient customs. Out of thisharsh, awe-inspiring landscape Tibetan people have scraped a living endowingthem with a great resilience and pride. The yak with its shaggy coat and strongphysique is ideally suited to the Tibetan terrain and you cannot leave withouttrying the traditional yak butter tea, yak cheese or a yak burger! You are sure toleave feeling humbled and inspired, that is if you can bear to tear yourself awayfrom this land of temples and mountains.

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive BeijingDay 3 Fly to ChengduDay 4 Wolong Panda Research CentreDay 5 Fly to LhasaDay 6 LhasaDay 7 Lhasa to GyantzeDay 8 Gyantze to ShigatzeDay 9 Lhasa Day 10 Fly to ChengduDay 11 Fly to BeijingDay 12 Depart Beijing


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways direct• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• Half board in Tibet• All transfers and transportation throughout• Internal return flights, Beijing to Chengdu, Chengdu to Lhasa • Sightseeing with English speaking guides • Entrance fees on sightseeing tours


Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47


TAIWAN


TAIPEI AND HONG KONGThis new itinerary features the two most cosmopolitan cities of Hong Kong andTaipei, the two alternative faces of China. Spend the first four days in bustlingHong Kong, a city with a heady mix of traditional and modern, where 5000years of Chinese culture blends with 150 years of colonial influences. Haggle forbargains at one of its famous street markets or spend some serious money in itsdesigner-filled malls. You can escape the city by taking a boat ride to one ofHong Kong’s outlying islands and enjoy delicious Cantonese cuisine fresh fromthe sea at a waterfront restaurant.

You will then fly to Taipei, Taiwan’s sprawling chaotic capital for a fivenight stay. Here you can explore its giant shopping malls and skyscraperbuildings including Taipei Financial Centre and Taipei 101 Towers, one of theworld’s tallest buildings. Amidst the congested streets and frenetic pace of lifeyou can discover Taiwan’s spiritual side and learn about the traditionalceremony of taking tea, or the ritual of ancient martial arts meditation. Thanksto Taiwan’s efficient transport network, additional peace and discoveries arenever far away and on the outskirts of the city there are Chinese gardens, folkvillages, hot springs, gentle seaside towns and national parks.

NEW

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive Hong KongDay 3 Hong KongDay 4 Hong KongDay 5 Hong KongDay 6 Fly to TaipeiDay 7 TaipeiDay 8 TaipeiDay 9 TaipeiDay 10 TaipeiDay 11 Depart Taipei

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with British Airways and China Airlines

via Hong Kong • All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in four-star hotel on room only basis in Hong Kong• Accommodation in five-star hotel with breakfast in Taipei

Flight departures are from London Heathrow withBritish Airways direct. Regional connections arepossible from £75 return per person

Upgrade to British Airway’s Club World from £2195 perperson return

For a more unusual tour of Taiwan – visit Taiwan’s off-

shore islands, where you can wander through remote and

picturesque fishing villages and experience the simple life of

island inhabitants. There are so many islands to choose

from; Little Liouciou, Turtle Island, Matzu, Orchid,

Green, Penghu and Kinmen.

Kinmen, a group of subtropical islands closest to China’s

mainland, offers the added thrill of their cold-war past.

The islands can justly be termed ‘battleground islands’

with its underground tunnels and other defence structures.

FACT BOX

Low season Mid season High season1 Jan - 31 Mar 1 Jun - 11 Jun 1 Apr - 11 Apr12 Jun - 17 Jun 1 Oct - 10 Nov 18 Jun - 31 Aug 1 Sep - 30 Sep 8 Dec - 23 Dec11 Nov - 7 Dec

Price per person £1735 £1890 £1935Single supplement £405 £405 £405

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO NORTH KOREA SINCE 1985 57

NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA


NKT1 10 Feb -18 Feb £1245NKT2 10 Apr - 18 Apr £1295NKT3 9 Jun - 17 Jun £1295NKT4 6 Oct – 14 Oct £1295Single supplement £250

INDIVIDUAL DEPARTURES (ANY TIME OF YEAR)

Price per person twin-share £1440Price per person travelling alone £1860Single room supplement £250

GROUP TOUR AND SUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

NORTH KOREAThere is no other country in the world like North Korea. Think Stalinist Russiaor China during the Cultural Revolution and this will give you an idea of thekind of environment to expect. North Korea remains in a world of its own – nomobile phones, no global news and no internet cafés. The North Koreans requirea special permit to visit and leave Pyongyang and consider it an honour to sweeppaths around the Grand Monument of Great Leader Kim Il Sung. The capital ispeppered with huge socialist monuments and dissected by wide, clean andstrangely empty streets.

The city of Kaesong in the south offers a more traditional way of life, butperhaps North Korea's most poignant historical site is the border at Panmunjom.Here is where one country was split into two over 50 years ago. Visitors see thedividing line marked across a table guarded by North and South Korean soldiers.Less tense is the Wonson and Sijung area, where you will visit a co-operative farmand visit the Kumgang (Diamond Mountains) area, considered sacred to theKorean people.

Day 1 Arrive BeijingDay 2-3 PyongyangDay 4 KaesongDay 5 PanmunjonDay 6 Wonson City and Sijung LagoonDay 7 Mount KumgangDay 8 PyongyangDay 9 Depart Pyongyang, fly or take overnight train to BeijingDay 10 Arrive Beijing (if taking the train option)

PRICES INCLUDE• A one-way flight in economy class with Air Koryo, Beijing to Pyongyang

and a 2nd class train ticket or return economy class Air Koryo flight Pyongyang to Beijing

• One night in Beijing in four-star hotel with breakfast• Arrival and departure transfer in Beijing• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels in DPRK • Full board in DPRK • Transfers and transportation throughout • Sightseeing with English speaking guide• North Korean visa

PRICES EXCLUDE• International flights – please contact us for the best available prices• Double-entry Chinese visa

Regent World 2006.qxd 13/10/05 18:40

58 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO NORTH KOREA SINCE 1985

NORTH AND SOUTH KOREAGROUP TOUR

NORTH KOREA AND MOUNT PAEKDUThis year is our 21st year of arranging tours to North Korea and to celebrate we are offering an additional exclusive tour, which includes the Mount Paekduregion. This region, of great importance to the Korean people, can only beaccessed by air, in this case by a privately chartered aircraft.

This unique tour to North Korea is an extended version of our standardtried and tested tour; it will not only afford you a deeper look at Pyongyang andthe southern regions by taking you to some of the more unusual sites, such asthe Kumsusan Memorial Palace (mausoleum of Kim Il Sung) and the KoryoMedical Centre Hospital, but will also take you, via a chartered Antonov 24aircraft, to Samjiyon to visit the Mount Paekdu region. This secluded corner ofthe country was headquarters of the Korean People's Army during the late1930's and early 1940's and birthplace of Kim Jong Il. Here, besides visitingsites associated with the modern history of the region you will visit MountPaekdu itself and the world’s highest mountain lake which it holds, Lake Chon.This special tour will also coincide with Republic Foundation Day, where specialcelebrations are scheduled in Pyongyang.

TOUR DEPARTURE DATES PRICES PER PERSON (TWIN-SHARE)

MPT1 4 – 15 September £1545Single supplement £320

4 Sep Arrive Beijing5 Sep Pyongyang6 Sep Pyongyang to Kaesong7 Sep Panmunjon to Pyongyang8 Sep Fly Samjiyon, visit Paekdu Secret Camp9 Sep Paekdugwan Museum and Rimyongsu Falls, fly Pyongyang10 Sep Wonson City 11 Sep Wonson to Pyongyang 12 Sep Pyongyang to Nampo13 Sep Nampo to Pyongyang14 Sep Depart Pyongyang, take overnight train to Beijing15 Sep Arrive Beijing


A LONG WEEKEND IN PYONGYANGThis shortened itinerary is ideal for an add-on to your holiday in China oreven on your Trans-Siberian train adventure. You will see the main sightsof Pyongyang as well as a visit to Panmunjom, a highlight of any visit toNorth Korea.

Day 1 Arrive BeijingDay 2 Fly PyongyangDay 3 Visit KaesongDay 4 PyongyangDay 5 Depart Pyongyang

Price per person twin-share £830Price per person travelling alone £995Single supplement £110

We can offer competitive prices for flights into Beijing with many different carriers;British Airways, Air China, Austrian Airlines via Vienna and Aeroflot via Moscow.Please contact us for the best available prices.

For the more adventurous you can travel by train from Pyongyang to Moscow,departing Saturdays 10:10 arriving the following Friday at Yarslavksi Railway Stationat 17:59. The additional supplement for this train is £310 per person and is availableon our group tours NKT1, NKT3 and NKT5. Individual travellers are advised tocontact the office.

In Kaesong we use the Folk Hotel, which consists ofmany traditional style buildings built around a streamand attractive stone courtyards. Each building has 2 or3 rooms, which includes a sitting room. You sleepKorean-style on thick mats on the floor. The hotelserves the famous Pansanggi of Kaesong, an oddnumbered set of different dishes ranging from 5-11.

Souvenirs from North Korea are reasonably priced and make for fantastically unusual

gifts - from the 30+ volumes of the Works Of Kim Il Sung to CD’s of North Korean

Pop Music there should be something of interest for everyone!

FACT BOX

PRICES INCLUDE• One-way flight in economy class with Air Koryo, Beijing to Pyongyang • Return flights in chartered plane Pyongyang to Samjiyon• One night in Beijing in four-star hotel with breakfast• Arrival and departure transfer in Beijing• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels in DPRK • Full board in DPRK • Train tickets in 2nd class 4-berth compartments, Pyongyang to Beijing• Transfers and transportation throughout • Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Services of a Regent Holidays’ tour leader • North Korean visa

PRICES EXCLUDE• International flights – please contact us for the best available prices• Double-entry Chinese visa

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flight in economy class with Air Koryo direct• One night in Beijing in four-star hotel with breakfast• Accommodation in four-star hotels in DPRK • Full board in DPRK • Transfers and transportation throughout • Sightseeing with English speaking guide• North Korean visa

PRICES EXCLUDE• Double-entry Chinese visa

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO SOUTH KOREA SINCE 2000 59

NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA


SHORT SOUTH KOREA ADD-ONThis shorter tour is ideal for those have limited time but want to complete theirexperience of visiting the Korean peninsulavisiting the Korean peninsula. In thisshorter version you can enjoy a stay in one of the world’s largest cities – Seouland visit the DMZ from the other side.

Day 9 Train to DandongDay 10 Depart Dandong, ferry to South KoreaDay 11 Arrive Incheon, transfer to SeoulDay 12 SeoulDay 13 Visit DMZ or PanmunjomDay 13 Depart Seoul

PRICES INCLUDE• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• All arrival transfers• Ferry from Dandong• Train tickets, Pyongyang to Dandong • Day tour to the DMZ

PRICES EXCLUDE• International flights – please contact us for the best available prices


We can offer flights into Beijing and out of Seoul withcarriers such as Aeroflot via Moscow, KLM viaAmsterdam and China Eastern via Shanghai.

The best way to enjoy local culture at affordable rates isthrough the minbak (homestay) programme, where1000s of Koreans share their homes and lifestyles withvisitors. There are home-stays throughout the countryand rates vary from £30 - £50 per person per night.

FACT BOX


SOUTH KOREA ADD-ONSince the Korean War over 50 years ago, the 38th parallel has divided these two countries. Both Koreas still share the same culture, traditions and language but their politics, leadership and lifestyle could not be more different.

It is possible to combine the two countries in one trip and see theDemilitarised Zone, the last frontier of the Cold War from both sides of theborder. You depart from Pyongyang on the day train to Dandong, China.The contrast between the neon buzz of the Chinese border town of Dandongand the dark streets you have left behind in Pyongyang is unbelievable. Youwill then take the overnight ferry from Dandong to Incheon, beforetransferring to South Korea's thriving capital, Seoul, for more culture shock.Travel to rural Gyeongju, before enjoying the last few nights relaxing on Jeju,a holiday island.

A visit to South Korea is not complete without a trip to the Kimchi Museum. This unique

museum displays historic cooking utensils, a variety of Kimchi and explains the culture if

preparing Kimchi. There is also a tasting room and shop, but if you are still hungry then

head to Nolboo Myunga restaurant for some more traditional Korean food like kalbigui

(roasted ribs), ganjanggejang (carp in soy sauce) and yeonassam (salmon wrapped in lettuce).

Day 9 Train to DandongDay 10 Depart Dandong, ferry to South KoreaDay 11 Arrive Incheon, transfer to SeoulDay 12 SeoulDay 13 Visit DMZ or PanmunjomDay 14 Train to GyeongjuDay 15 GyeongjuDay 16 Fly to JejuDay 17 JejuDay 18 Fly to Seoul, depart Seoul

PRICES INCLUDE• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• All arrival transfers• Ferry from Dandong• Train tickets, Pyongyang to Dandong and Seoul to Gyeongju• Internal flights from Gyeongju to Jeju• Day tour in Gyeongju and to DMZ

PRICES EXCLUDE• International flights – please contact us for the best available prices


Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

60 REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO INDO-CHINA SINCE 1987

INDO-CHINA


GRAND INDO-CHINAThe countries comprising Indo-China are a tranquil, safe haven of ancientcivilisations, vibrant cities and spectacular natural beauty. If you can’t decidebetween these amazing countries, follow this itinerary that includes thehighlights of all three.

Begin your journey in Luang Prabang, Laos where you’ll be captivated bythe slow-paced, traditional lifestyle and well-preserved architecture. Spend a daystrolling along the tree lined boulevards of Vientiane, capital of Laos.

Move into Central Vietnam where you’ll spend time discovering theancient pagodas of Hue, and cruising along the Perfume River. The tour makesits way south along the breath taking mountain passes and sea coast to thequaint riverside town of Hoi An, before arriving at the lively Ho Chi Minh City.Explore its famous streets and landmarks, take a scenic drive though the ricefields and enjoy a cruise on the Mekong River.

Finally, cross the border to Cambodia to explore the capital, Phnom Penh,before arriving at the phenomenal temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, trulythe highlight of the tour.

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive Luang PrabangDay 3 Mekong River Cruise to Pak Ou CavesDay 4 Fly to VientianeDay 5 Hue via Savannakhet and Lao BaoDay 6 Cruise on the Perfume River Day 7 Fly to Danang and Hoi An Day 8 Hoi An Day 9 Fly to Ho Chi Minh City Day 10 Mekong DeltaDay 11 Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom PenhDay 12 Phnom Penh to Siem ReapDay 13 Siem Reap Day 14 Siem Reap Day 15 Depart Siem Reap


PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Air France via Paris• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• All transfers and transportation• Internal one-way flight, Luang Prabang to Vientiane and from

Danang to Ho Chi Ming City• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees and boat trips on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• Cambodian, Lao and Vietnamese visas

LA

OS

MandalayBagan

BagoYangon

Myeik

MythoHo Chi MinhCity (Saigon)

PhanThiet

DalatNha Trang

DanangHué

Hoi An

Sapa

HanoiHaiphong

Cat Ba Island

LuangPrabang

Pakbeng Phonsavan

Vientiane

Plain of Jars

Savannakhet

Pakse

Champasak

Lao Bao

Moc BaiPhnom Penh

KampotSihanoukville

Battambang

Angkor Temples

Siem Reap

Inle Lake

Mekong

Tonlé Sap

Mekong

GU

LF

OF

T HA I L A N D

SO

UT

HC

HI

NA

GU

LF

OF

BA

YO

FB

EN

GA

L

TO

MK

I N

SO

UT

HC

HI

NA

SE

A

I N DI A C

HI N A

M Y A N M AR

T H A I L A N D

V I E T N A M

C A M B O D I A

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47

REGENT HOLIDAYS – TAILOR-MADE SPECIALISTS TO INDO-CHINA SINCE 1987 61

INDO-CHINASUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

VIETNAM AND CAMBODIACombining Vietnam and Cambodia has become a popular holiday choiceof travellers to Indo-China, where the contrasts between these two countriescan be especially noted amongst the cities of Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh Cityand Hanoi.

Begin your journey in Siem Reap, where you will spend your dayswandering amongst the jungle, discovering for yourself the wonder of the ancienttemples. Visit the famous sites of the capital Phnom Penh and travel from hereby boat into Vietnam, observing daily life along on the Mekong River.

Hit the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City, before heading to Central Vietnamto visit the charming town of Hoi An, where shopping opportunities and seasidecafes abound, to tempt both your pocketbook and taste buds. Be sure to have yourcameras ready for the stunning views on your drive from Hoi An to Hue, alongthe spectacular Hai Van Mountain Pass. Exploring the capital of Hanoi and anafternoon cruising on the beautiful Halong Bay will be the perfect end to yourIndo-China adventure.

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive Siem Reap Day 3-5 Siem Reap Day 6 Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Day 7 Phnom Penh Day 8 Boat to Chau Doc, Vietnam Day 9 Chau Doc to Ho Chi Minh City Day 10 Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh CityDay 11 Fly to Danang and Hoi AnDay 12 Hoi AnDay 13 Hoi An to HueDay 14 Cruise on the Perfume RiverDay 15 Fly to Hanoi Day 16 Hanoi to Hai PhongDay 17 Halong Bay Cruise Day 18 Depart Hanoi

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Air France via Paris• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• All transfers and transportation• Internal one-way flight, Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Ming City

to Danang and Hue to Hanoi• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees and boat trips on sightseeing tours

PRICES INCLUDE• Cambodian and Vietnamese visas


Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:47


INDO-CHINA

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Air France via Paris• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• All transfers and transportation• Internal one-way flight, Danang to Hanoi• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees and boat trips on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• Vietnamese visa


Air France fly from London Heathrow via Paris, but departures are also possiblefrom Aberdeen, Birmingham, Edinburgh, London City, Manchester, Newcastleand Southampton.

FACT BOXSUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

CLASSIC VIETNAM Vietnam, with its rich history, ancient traditions, delicious cuisine and stunningnatural beauty, will definitely meet and probably surpass all your expectations ofa South East Asian holiday.

Start your journey in the sophisticated capital of Hanoi, and spend anafternoon wandering through the Old Quarter where entire streets are dedicatedto selling identical products and anything from funeral boxes to silk pyjamas canbe bought! Travel north by the comfortable Victoria Express to the lush, greenterraced hillsides of Sapa and the spectacular views of Fansipan, Vietnam’shighest peak.

Spend a few days in Hoi An, where you can shop to your heart’s contentor simply relax by the pool or on the beach. Head south to bustling Ho ChiMinh City, where the hum of hundreds of motorcycles, the delicious scents ofstreet cooking and the colourful silk creations are a feast for the senses! Vietnamwill definitely give you a taste of some of the best that Indo-China has to offer.

NEW

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive Hanoi Day 3 Hanoi to Lao Cai Day 4 Arrive Lao Cai, transfer to Sapa Day 5 Sapa to Hanoi Day 6 Arrive Hanoi Day 7 Day at leisure until overnight train to Danang.Day 8 Arrive Danang and transfer to Hoi An.Day 9 Hoi AnDay 10 Fly to Ho Chi Minh CityDay 11 Cui Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta and Can ThoDay 13 Mekong Delta cruise Day 14 Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City Day 15 Depart Ho Chi Minh City

From Hanoi to Lai Cai, the station closest to Sapawe include the Victoria Express Train. This luxuryovernight train departs on Mondays, Wednesdays,Fridays and Saturdays. There are deluxe 2 berthand superior 4 berth sleepers. The elegantcompartments are all wood panelled and featureair conditioning andoversized windows. Theservice is excellent andyou will be able tosample food and wine inthe train's restaurantcar ‘Le Tonkin’.

A wonderful colonial style hotel, set in magnificentgardens on the banks of the Hau River, one of thenine estuaries of the mighty Mekong. All rooms arewell-appointed andmany have river views.This is an ideal place toexplore the colourfulfloating markets andrural river life.

Built as a traditional mountain chalet with anaccented wooden decor and a welcoming stonehearth fireplace, Victoria Sapa hotel overhangsthe village, blending perfectly with the naturalsurroundings. Thescenery is a spectacularcombination of junglewith rural terraces andrich areas where localsharvest their crops.

Victoria Express Train and Hotels

Referring to Hoi An’s history and mix of cultures,Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort is built like a smallfisherman's village, with narrow streets and waterponds, small houses with clay-tiled roofs andround Chinese clothlanterns. The old townis three miles away, buta complimentary busservice links the hotelwith the centre.

Victoria Hotels used on this itinerary include their Sapa Hotel,Hoi An Beach Resort and Can Tho Hotel

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:48


INDO-CHINA

NEW

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive Siem Reap Day 3-4 Siem Reap Day 5 Siem Reap to Koh Ker via Beng Mealea. Overnight in safari tents Day 6 Koh Ker to Preah Vihear. Overnight in safari tentsDay 7 Preah Vihear to Siem Reap via Anlong.Day 8 Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by speedboat. Transfer to Kampot.Day 9 KampotDay 10 Kampot to SihanoukvilleDay 11 Day trip to Island of Koh Rong Day 12 At leisure in SihanoukvilleDay 13 Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh Day 14 Phnom PenhDay 15 Depart Phnom Penh

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Air France via Paris• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels/safari tents with breakfast• All transfers and transportation• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees and boat trips on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• Cambodian visa

Price per person twin-share £1865This itinerary operates with a minimum of two persons

Air France fly from London Heathrow via Paris, but departures are also possiblefrom Aberdeen, Birmingham, Edinburgh, London City, Manchester, Newcastleand Southampton.

FACT BOX

Tent Safari in Cambodia

Based on the traditional African Safari concept – thisnew twist added to our Cambodian itineraries takes youto the most atmospheric temple ruins on earth, forgottenin the forests for thousands of years. From Siem Reapyou travel north by 4WD to Preah Vihear, Koh Ker andPreah Khan.

The tents are fully water-proofed, have two layerscomplete with mosquito and insect protection. The tentsare large enough for 2 custom-designed camp beds.There are small square tables inside for suitcases orrucksacks and two chairs and a table under the verandaawning for morning tea and coffee and meals. There is adedicated team to set up camp, which also comesequipped with additional toilet and shower tents toensure maximum privacy in the middle of nowhere.

All meals are included and our partners source as manyof the basic foodstuffs as possible, such as rice andvegetables, from local people in remote villages, toensure they have a stake in tourism development in their community. However our partners supply their own meat and treats to assure hygiene and comfortevery step of the way, including a major water supply,both for drinking and bathing.


CAMBODIA SAFARICambodia is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in Indo-China.The quality and range of superior accommodation available in Phnom Penh andSiem Reap, rival that found anywhere in the world. This modernity contrastedwith the ancient ruins of the mighty Khmer Empire, make Cambodia a trulyunique travel experience. Much has been written about the temples of AngkorWat, Ta Phrom and the Bayon, but nothing can match the breath-takingexperience of actually seeing these feats of architecture for yourself.

This fantastic itinerary offers a chance to experience the temples in a trulyunique way - by spending two nights camping in style, at the more remote templesites! The safari tents are based on the African model and are very comfortable,with shower and bathroom facilities. Spend your last days in Cambodia exploringthe jungle vistas of the south and relaxing on the unspoilt beaches ofSihanoukville, where you can choose to have a private tropical island experiencewith accommodation in the safari tents.

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:48


INDO-CHINA

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive Bangkok Day 3 Flight to Chiang Rai. Transfer to Chiang Saen Day 4 Depart to Houei Xay, Laos, continue to Muang SingDay 5 Full day trekking to Akha Day 6 Full day trekking to Ban Phou YaeDay 7 Depart for Muang Sing via Ban Nam Hou on footDay 8 Full day visit to villages around Luang Namtha by river boatDay 9 Drive to Pak Beng for the local boat trip to the Kamu LodgeDay 10 Kamu Lodge Day 11 Depart for Luang Prabang by boat Pak Ou Caves.Day 12 Luang PrabangDay 13 Depart Luang Prabang

PRICES INCLUDE• International flights with Air France in economy class via Paris• All airport taxes and security charges • Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• All transfers and transportation throughout• Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees and boat trips on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• Lao visa


Air France fly from London Heathrow via Paris,but departures are also possible from Aberdeen,Birmingham, Edinburgh, London City, Manchester,Newcastle and Southampton.

Accommodation is at the Kamu Eco Lodge, a twoand a half hour boat journey upriver from LuangPrabang, the Kamu Lodge offers an eco-friendlyexperience on the banks of the Mekong.Accommodation is in 20 luxurious safari tents.Thatched shelters cover the tents blending with thehouses of the neighbouring village while theattached stone-built private bathrooms have themodern convenience of a solar-powered hot shower.

Optional activities on offer at Kamu Lodge include

rice planting, gold panning and fishing in the

Mekong, treks through the forest to learn more

about its medicinal plants, encounters with members

of neighbourhood villages and swimming at a

nearby waterfall.

FACT BOX


UNDISCOVERED LAOS (APRIL-OCTOBER)

Laos, one of the lesser known countries of South East Asia, is the perfect place forthose with a sense of adventure. Ancient architecture, beautiful, unspoilt sceneryand genuine, friendly people make Laos the perfect place for a relaxed, uniqueholiday. Experience is not necessary for this light trekking holiday. Anyone who isin good health and fit enough to enjoy a week-end hill walk can manage these easygrades, as the treks are short in duration and done at lower altitudes. The treks areconcentrated in the mountainous province of Luang Namtha and Luang Prabang.Hike through the lush tropical forest to remote ethnic minority villages, stayingovernight in eco-lodges or in friendly village homestays. Visit Akha Village, wheresome villagers still carry on the tradition of a 10 day week. Spend two nights atthe Kamu Eco-Lodge, staying in very comfortable safari tents, fully furnished andequipped with hot water supplied by a solar panel. Enjoy activities such as walksthrough the local country side learning about medicinal plants, fishing andpanning for gold in the Mekong, and even try your hand at rice planting!

End the tour in the charming town of Luang Prabang, where you will feel asif time has stood still in this ‘Land of a Million Elephants’.

NEW

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:48


INDO-CHINASUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

LAOS AND MYANMARDiscover two of the most enigmatic and unspoilt countries in Indo-China with this unique itinerary that combines the best of both. Arrive in ‘The City of theMoon’, Vientiane, and explore its famous landmarks. Travel north to LuangPrabang, where you will be captivated by the slow paced lifestyle and wellpreserved, ancient wats.

The tour continues to the mysterious Myanmar. Long cut off from the influencesof the outside world, Myanmar, has much to offer its visitors: the warm, genuinesmiles of its people, the countless ancient stupas and temples scattered acrosspristine landscapes and the fascinating nat (spirit) worship, which influences allaspects of people’s lives. Yangon, with its faded colonial charm and awe inspiringShwedagon Pagoda, remains one of the most authentic capitals of South EastAsia. Take a horse-drawn trishaw though one of the most remarkablearchaeological sites in South East Asia, Bagan, where thousands of 11th centurytemples and stupas stretch across the plains, making you feel as if you haveentered an enchanted fairyland. End the tour with a visit to the floating villagesand gardens along Inle Lake, where you will see the amazing leg-rowing fishermenpropelling their flat-bottomed boats, dressed in their colourful longyis (sarongs).

NEW

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive VientianeDay 3 Vientiane to Luang PrabangDay 4 Luang Prabang and the Pak Ou CavesDay 5 Fly to Yangon via BangkokDay 6 Yangon to MandalayDay 7 MandalayDay 8 Mandalay to BaganDay 9 BaganDay 10 Bagan, Heho to Inle LakeDay 11 Inle Lake to IndienDay 12 Inle Lake, depart Yangon

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Austrian Airlines via Vienna• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast• All transfers and transportation• One-way flight, Bangkok to Vientiane • Sightseeing with English speaking guide• Entrance fees and boat trips on sightseeing tours

PRICES EXCLUDE• Myanmar and Laos visas


Austrian Airlines fly from London Heathrowvia Vienna into Bangkok, and return from Yangonvia Vienna.

On Inle Lake we offer stays in the Shwe InnThar – a superb hotel offers 37 charming roomsin thatched roofed cottages on stilts locatedright on Inle Lake. Evening meals can be takenoutside whilst gazing on the serene andspectacular scenery.

Myanmar is a country with many festivals but the

merriest one is the Water Festival (or Thingyan),

which is around mid-April and celebrated for three

days to usher in the Myanmar New Year. In the cities

and towns, makeshift pavilions with stages for singing

and dancing are erected. Young people dance and sing

on the stages and throw water on all and sundry. It is

believed that being drenched with Thingyan water

washes away one’s sin and bad luck.

FACT BOX

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:48


JAPANSUGGESTED INDIVIDUAL ITINERARY

CLASSIC JAPANJapan offers a truly remarkable travel experience with its ancient mountain-toptemples; striking shrines and gardens; national parks of exceptional naturalbeauty; dramatic volcanic landscapes immense neon-lit cities buzzing withenergy; bubbling hot spring baths; towering mountain peaks and fascinatingcultural traditions.

On this introductory tour, you begin with a few days in Tokyo to soak upthe excitement of this non-stop city or to take time out in Shinjuku Gyoen - abeautifully cultivated Zen garden with tranquil lakes and a traditional templestructure. You travel from Tokyo to Hakone and gaze on the impressive views ofMount Fuji before taking the bullet train (Shinkansen in Japanese) to Kyoto.Kyoto, as the capital of Japan for over a thousand years, was the centre for art,culture and religion, so time is given here for you to explore the many temples,shrines and gardens. It is also possible to visit Hiroshima on a day trip.

One of your final stops is at the monastic complex of Mt. Koya, home to the largest concentration of Buddhists, that follow Shoga (or esoteric)Buddhism. Here you will stay in a traditional Japanese-style inn, witness how the monks live, sample a traditional vegetarian meal and join them in earlymorning prayers.

NEW

Day 1 Depart UKDay 2 Arrive TokyoDay 3-4 TokyoDay 5 Tokyo to Hakone and KyotoDay 6-7 Kyoto Day 8 Kyoto to Mt. KoyaDay 9 Mt. Koya to OsakaDay 10 Depart Osaka


Flight departures are from London Heathrow withAustrian Airlines via Vienna

British Airways fly direct from London Heathrow toTokyo Narita

Every visitor to Japan must experience a stay in aRyokan, a traditional Japanese inn. The interiors arenearly always of wood and the rooms feature slidingscreens and are floored with tatami mats of wovenreeds. These act as great insulators in the winter whilstkeeping rooms cool in summer. Guests sleep on futonmattresses laid out on the floor.

In Japanese culture, sushi is considered to be an art form

because its appearance is just as important as how it tastes.

Chefs from different regions of Japan roll it and arrange it

on the plate according to their own styles, and they spend

years learning the craft of sushi-making. So spare a few

hours for sampling this delicious art!

FACT BOX

PRICES INCLUDE• Return flights in economy class with Austrian Airlines via Vienna• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast• 1 night in Mt. Koya (Japanese-style room)• Arrival transfer in Tokyo by airport limousine bus• Train tickets in ordinary class, Toyko to Hakone Yumoto, Odawara to Kyoto,

Kyoto to Mt. Koya, Mt. Koya to Osaka and Osaka to airport• Sightseeing with English speaking guides• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

Why not consider a unique start to your trans-Siberian adventure by beginningin Japan. From Tokyo you travel via Kyoto, Hiroshima, Takayama, Kanazawa,Takaoka and the port of Fushiki where you can take the ferry to Vladivostok.Please contact us for details

ADD-ON FOR TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:48

67

RECOMMENDED READING

AlbaniaAlbania & Kosovo Blue Guide, 2001Albania Bradt, 2003The Accursed Mountains: Journeys in Albania Robert CarverHigh Albania Mary Edith DurhamSlow Winter Alex Hickman

BalkansBosnia Herzegovina Bradt 2004Croatia Bradt, 2005Macedonia Bradt, 2004Montenegro Bradt, 2005Slovenia Bradt 2005

Baltic StatesEstonia Bradt, 2004Latvia Bradt, 2005Lithuania Bradt, 2005Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania Lonely Planet, 2003Baltic Capitals Bradt, 2003The Baltic Revolution:Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the path to Independence Anatol Lieven

Caucasus & IranGeorgia with Armenia Bradt, 2002Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan Lonely Planet, 2004Armenia Bradt, 2003Azerbaijan with Georgia Trailblazers PublicationsBread and Ashes:A Journey Through the Mountains of Georgia Tony AndersonCaucasus: Mountain Men and Holy Wars Nicholas GriffinThe Crossing Place: Journey Among the Armenians Philip Marsden-SmedleyIran Bradt, 2005

Central AsiaKyrgyzstan Odyssey, 2004Central Asia Lonely Planet, 2004The Silk Roads: A Route and Planning Guide 2003 Trailblazer PublicationsBeyond the Oxus: The Central Asians Monica WhitlockThe Great Game: On Secret Service in High Asia Peter HopkirkThe Silk Road:Two Thousand Years in the Heart of Asia Frances WoodFollow Marco Polo Across 5,000 Miles Alexandra TolstoyThe Lost Heart Of Asia Colin ThubronA Ride to Khiva Frederick Burnaby

ChinaChina Blue Guide, 2001China Lonely Planet, 2005Hong Kong & Macau Lonely Planet, 2004Tibet Bradt, 2003Red Dust Ma JianFrontiers of Heaven:Journey Beyond the Great Wall Stanley StewartRiding the Iron Rooster Paul Theroux

Eastern EuropeEastern Europe Lonely Planet, 2005Czech and Slovak Republics Lonely Planet, 2004Poland Lonely Planet, 2005Poland Blue Guide 2000Clear Waters Rising Nicholas Crane

Indo-ChinaLaos Handbook Footprints, 2002Vietnam Handbook Footprints, 2004Cambodia Lonely Planet, 2005Vietnam Lonely Planet, 2005Laos Lonely Planet, 2005Three Moons in Vietnam Maria Coffey

MoldovaRomania & Moldova Lonely Planet, 2004Playing the Moldovans at Tennis Tony Hawks

MongoliaMongolia Odyssey, 2002Mongolia Bradt, 2004Mongolia Lonely Planet 2005Hearing Birds Fly: A Year in a Mongolian Village Louisa WaughIn the Empire of Genghis Khan:A journey Among Nomads Stanley Stewart

North & South KoreaNorth Korea Bradt 2003Korea Lonely Planet, 2004North Korea: Another Country Bruce CummingsInside the Hermit Kingdom Yi Sun-Kyung

Russia, Ukraine, BelarusRussia & Belarus Lonely Planet, 2003Moscow & St Petersburg Odyssey, 2003St Petersburg Cadogan, 2000Ukraine Bradt, 2003Ukraine Lonely Planet 2005In Siberia Colin ThubronAmong the Russians Colin ThubronThe Spirit-Wrestlers Philip Marsden-SmedleyBeyond Siberia Christina Dodwell

TurkeyTurkey Blue Guide 2001Turkey Lonely Planet 2005A Fez of the Heart TravelsThrough Turkey in Search of a Hat Jeremy SealThe Towers of Trebizond Rose Macaulay

Trans-SiberianTrans-Siberian Handbook Trailblazer Publications 2004Trans-Siberian BAM guide Trailblazer Publications 2002Trans-Siberian Railway Lonely Planet 2002

These are some of the guide and general travel books we have enjoyed reading.

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:48

68

CLIMATE AND VISA INFORMATION

NOTES ON PASSPORT AND VISASBritish citizens require a full 10 year passport for travel to all countries featured in our brochure. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date thatyou return to the UK. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of all visas necessary to enter or transit the countries included in your trip.

We have appointed Zierer Visa Service to obtain visas for Regent clients. All the necessary application forms, visa support documents and detailed instructions forcompletion will be sent to you in order to apply direct to Zierer. The time required to obtain visas is based on information supplied by Zierer. They usually requirepassport(s) and completed application forms at least 3 weeks prior to your departure date.

TRAVEL INSURANCEGo online to our website www.regent-holidays.co.uk and click on travel insurance to download rates and an application form from Global Travel Insurance

Simply fill out the form and send direct to Global Travel Insurance with a cheque or credit card details. Insurance is not effective until a policy has been issued andplease allow at least 5 days before you need to travel.

HEALTH It is your responsibility to check all relevant recommendations and also to get the most up-to-date health information for the destinations you are visiting. You cancontact your GP or any of the following organisations:

The Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad (MASTA):MASTA Travellers Health Line gives a Health Brief specifically tailored to your holiday on 0906 822 4100 (calls cost 60p/minute). www.masta.org

Nomad Travel StoreTRAVEL HEALTH LINE: 0906 8633414 (calls cost 60p/min/office hours only)

Country City Temperature Average High/Low˚C Time Currency Visa Prices and Information *January April July October GMT (For UK passport holders)**

Albania Tirana 11/02 18/07 31/18 22/10 +1 Lek €10 paid on arrivalArmenia Yerevan 01/-8 18/07 32/19 19/07 +4 Dram $30 paid on arrivalAzerbaijan Baku 03/0 17/10 31/25 20/11 +4 Manat £56.80 through Zierer Visa ServiceBelarus Minsk -3/-7 10/01 21/12 08/03 +3 Belarussian Rouble £48.80 through Zierer Visa ServiceBosnia Sarajevo 2/-5 14/03 25/13 16/05 +1 Dinar N/ABulgaria Sofia 02/-3 18/05 28/17 19/09 +2 Lev N/ACambodia Phnom Penh 31/21 35/24 32/25 30/24 +7 Riel $20 paid on arrivalChina Beijing 01/-10 21/07 31/21 20/07 +8 Yuan £58.80 through Zierer Visa ServiceCroatia Zagreb 02/-3 18/07 28/16 13/07 +1 Kuna N/ACzech Republic Prague 1/-5 12/02 23/13 12/03 +1 Koruna N/AEstonia Tallinn -2/-8 06/0 22/14 08/03 +2 Kroon N/AFinland Helsinki -4/-9 06/-1 21/11 08/01 +2 Euro N/AGeorgia Tbilisi 05/-2 19/06 30/19 18/09 +4 Lari N/AHong Kong Hong Kong 19/14 25/20 31/27 28/23 +8 Hong Kong Dollar N/AIran Tehran 03/07 18/09 37/22 20/15 +4 Iranian rial £137.80 through Zierer Visa ServiceJapan Tokyo 08/01 17/10 28/22 20/14 +9 Japanese Yen N/AKaliningrad Kaliningrad -4/-10 10/02 22/11 12/05 +2 Russian Rouble £75 through Zierer Visa ServiceKazakstan Astana -8/-14 15/06 24/15 07/-3 +5/6 Tenge £52.80 through Zierer Visa ServiceKyrgyzstan Bishkek -6/-4 14/04 27/15 11/01 +5 Som £54.80 through Zierer Visa ServiceLaos Vientiane 22/15 28/24 27/23 26/21 +7 Kip $30 paid on arrivalLatvia Riga -4/-8 09/0 22/11 13/05 +2 Lat N/ALithuania Vilnius -1/-6 13/03 23/11 10/03 +2 Litas N/AMacedonia Skopje 05/02 20/04 32/14 19/05 +1 Denar N/AMoldova Chisinau -1/-08 18/07 28/16 17/08 +2 Leu $60 issued at Chisinau airportMongolia Ulaanbaatar -19/-32 07/-12 22/10 06/-8 +8 Tugrik £69.80 through Zierer Visa ServiceMyanmar Yangon 32/19 36/25 29/24 31/24 +6:30 Kyat £43.80 through Zierer Visa ServiceNorth Korea Pyongyang -3/-13 15/02 25/18 16/05 +9 Won / Euros £50 through Regent Poland Warsaw 0/-6 12/03 24/14 12/04 +1 Zloty N/ARomania Bucharest 02/-7 16/05 27/15 17/06 +2 Leu N/ARussia Moscow -9/-16 10/01 23/13 09/03 +2/+12 Russian Rouble £75 through Zierer Visa ServiceSerbia Belgrade 03/-4 16/04 28/13 17/08 +1New Yugoslav Dinar N/ASlovakia Bratislava 0/-5 15/07 26/17 15/05 +1 Koruna N/ASlovenia Ljubljana 02/-5 15/02 25/12 14/05 +1 Tolar N/ASouth Korea Seoul 06/-2 16/10 28/23 21/13 +9 Won N/ATajikistan Dushanbe 07/-2 21/09 35/18 23/07 +8 Tajik Rouble €35 for seven days; €45 for 15 days paid on arrivalTaiwan Taipei 15/19 20/25 28/33 23/28 +8 New Taiwan Dollar N/ATurkey Ankara 11/-10 17/08 29/18 21/17 +2 Turkish Lira £10 paid on arrivalTurkmenistan Ashghabat 02/-5 20/08 36/20 20/06 +5 Manat £30-£70 direct from embassyUkraine Kyiv -2/-9 12/02 25/14 11/02 +2 Hryvnya N/AUzbekistan Tashkent 03/-6 18/08 33/18 18/05 +5 Sum £87.80 through Zierer Visa ServiceVietnam Hanoi 31/13 35/18 31/23 31/22 +7 Dong £69.80 through Zierer Visa Service

* All prices include Zierer visa fee and are correct at time of print (October 2005)** For all other nationalities, please contact Zierer by email [email protected] or visit their website www.visaservice.co.uk.Their phone number is 0870 8 900 185

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:48

We sell discounted fares on the following airlines and departures are often possible from your local airport. Please call the office to discuss your best options.

69

AIRLINE INFORMATION

Data Protection Statement Please be assured that we have measures in place to protect the personal booking information held by us. This information will be passed on to the principal and to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements. The information mayalso be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking companies.If you travel outside the European Economic Area, controls on data protection may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. We will only pass your information on to persons responsible for your travel arrangements.This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, or dietary/religious requirements. (If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers, whether in the EEA or not, we will be unable toprovide your booking. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons.) Full details of our data protection policy are available upon request.

departs from Heathrow direct to Beijing

departs from Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh,Glasgow, Bristol, Southampton and Newcastle via Paris CDG

departs from Heathrow direct to Bucharest

departs from Heathrow and Manchester via Vienna

departs from Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester andEdinburgh via Prague

part of the Maersk Air group operates a fleet of state of the art737-500 aircraft and offers the only non-stop flights Gatwick to Tallinn

departs from Heathrow and Manchester via Helsinki

departs from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh,Leeds Bradford, London City, Heathrow, Humberside, Manchester,Newcastle and East Midlands via Amsterdam

departs from Gatwick direct to Vilnius

departs from Heathrow direct to Moscow and St Petersburg

departs from Heathrow

departs from Heathrow and Manchester via Warsaw

departs from Heathrow via Budapest

departs from Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham via Copenhagen or Stockholm

departs from Heathrow direct to Bangkok

departs from Heathrow and Manchester via Istanbul

departs from Gatwick direct to Kyiv

departs from various regional airports on Air France and connect in Paris CDG to Hanoi and Saigon

FIRST - British Airways’ highest standards, on the ground and in the air. • Personal “demi cabin” space creates an exclusive, private environment • Enhanced seat converts to a 6’6” fully flat bed at the touch of a button • Fold-down companion seat, so you can dine or chat with a fellow FIRST passenger • A la Carte dining with menus created by internationally acclaimed chefs • Complimentary bar service featuring the finest wines and champagnes • Personal video player with a choice of 25 movies from the onboard library,

plus 18 channels of TV, music and entertainment • Access to departures* and arrivals* lounges, including the Molton Brown

Travel Spa at London Heathrow • Dedicated FIRST check-in desks and a choice of check-in options *Dedicated FIRST departure lounges available at selected airports. Arrivals lounges available at London Heathrow,London Gatwick and Johannesburg airports.

Club World - Make the most of your time. • Armchair style seat and footstool convert into a 6ft fully flat bed at the

touch of a button* • Four course meal with menus created by renowned international chefs • Complimentary bar service featuring the finest wines and champagnes • Hand baggage allowance of 18kg (up to two pieces of 9kg) • Access to departure and arrivals** lounges with complimentary refreshments *Available on most routes. Please check at time of booking. **Arrivals lounges available at London Heathrow,London Gatwick and Johannesburg airports.

World Traveller Plus - A new world of space between economy and business. • A quiet cabin “away from the crowd” with a maximum of five rows of seats • Larger seats with 7” more legroom than World Traveller • Adjustable headrest, legrest, footrest and lumbar support • Personal video screen with up to 18 video and 12 audio channels • A choice of hot food options • Complimentary bar service throughout the flight • Twice the World Traveller hand baggage allowance of two pieces,

up to a total of 12kg (maximum weight of one piece nine kg) • Pre-allocated seats, subject to availability World Traveller Plus is now available on most routes.

World Traveller - You’re in good hands. • The seat features lumbar support, footrest, adjustable headrest and recline • Blankets, cushions, eyeshades, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste are also provided

for your added comfort • Sit back and enjoy up to 18* channels of continuous film and TV entertainment

on your personal seat back video screen • Enjoy tasty meals designed by leading chefs, as well as complimentary bar service,

available throughout your flight • A range of services designed especially for young families, such as the 'Feed Kids

First' policy and dedicated kids TV channels from Disney and Cartoon Network *A drop down screen with only one channel available on 767 aircraft. Please check at time of booking.

Club Europe - Makes for an altogether smooth experience.• Check-in at a dedicated desk or use a Self-Service kiosk with Fast Bag Drop facilities* • Relax and enjoy a drink in the Terraces Lounges** before your flight • A separate cabin at the front of the aircraft with comfortable leather seats to

relax and unwind • Enjoy a light heathly meal and drinks from the bar. Champagne available upon request • 18kg hand baggage allowance (two pieces of 9kg maximum) so there’s no waiting

for luggage once you’ve arrived *At selected airports.**Lounges available at most European airports. Facilities may vary.

Euro Traveller • Check-in at a desk or use a Self-Service kiosk with Fast Bag Drop facilities* to help

speed your journey through the airport • Once on board, sit back and relax whilst you enjoy our complimentary “All Day Deli”

menu, varied to suit the time of day • There’s also a selection of hot and cold drinks to match your mood • Enjoy the convenience of flying to centrally located airports • 9kg hand baggage allowance (one piece a maximum of 9kg) so there’s no waiting

for luggage once you’ve arrived *At selected airports.

British Airways’ extensive flightnetwork means you can connect tohundreds of worldwide destinations. All you have to choose is whichcabin to fly in.

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:48

70

BOOKING FORM

Please complete the booking form and return it to us, together with a deposit of £100 per person. On receipt of your completed booking

form and deposit(s) we will proceed with your reservation.

The balance is due at least 56 days before departure. Bookings madeless than 56 days before departure must be accompanied by a deposit

of approximately 25% of the holiday cost and the balance is dueimmediately on receipt of our confirmation invoice.

For booking and information please call

Regent Holidays (UK) Ltd,15 John Street, Bristol, BS1 2HR.

Tel: (0117) 921 1711Fax: (0117) 925 4866Email: [email protected]


Details of persons travelling (as shown on passport) Visa application details (as shown on passport)Title Forenames Surname Passport No. Nationality DOB Place of Birth Occupation

1

2

3

4

Full Name:

Address:

Post Code

Daytime Tel:

Evening Tel:

Email:

Name, relationship and telephone number of next of kin (not travelling)

Travel agents stamp and ABTA number

Deposit

On behalf of the aforementioned I enclose an amount of £

Holiday Details

Please book person(s):

Destination:

Your Regent Consultant:

Travel dates: Departure Return

Type/No. Rooms required: Twin Double Singles Triples

Hotel/Tour details:

Car Type

Departure airport:

Special diets/requests:

Hotel and Car Parking at UK Airport Yes ❏ No ❏

Pay by debit/Credit Card

Your contact details will only be used for marketing purposes within the Western & Oriental Group and will not be passed to third parties and are protected under the Data Protection Act 1998.To keep us informed of your choices, please tick appropriate box.❏ I do wish to receive further product information from Regent Holidays and the Western & Oriental Group❏ I do not wish to receive further product information from Regent Holidays and the Western & Oriental Group

Signature

Name

Address

Where did you hear about Regent Holidays?

What newspapers/magazines do you read regularly?

Start Date

Please charge to my Debit/Credit Card Account

Details of person signing the booking form to whom all documents will be sent

Issue no. (Maestro/security code)

Holiday Insurance

We strongly recommend that all clients booking with us have taken out valid travelinsurance. It is your responsibility to ensure that your insurance company providessufficient cover for your needs.

Please specify the name of your insurance company:

and policy number:

The booking conditions and information regarding holiday prices and exchangerates have been read by me on behalf of all persons on this booking form, by whomI am duly authorised to make this agreement.I am 18 years of age or over.

Signed: Date:

SignatureExpiry Date Security Code

NB Regent Holidays charge a handling fee of 2% on payment made by Credit Cards (this is not applicable for debit or Maestro cards)

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:48

71

Please read carefully:

Regent Holidays (UK) Ltd. accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

Introduction:Regent Holidays (UK) Ltd. specialise in holidays to ‘unusual destinations’, many of which still remain relativelyunderdeveloped and without the facilities and service levels found in West European countries. We do our best toprovide exactly what our customers order. We must point out that this type of holiday necessarily carries a risk thataccommodation, transportation schedules and other parts of the holiday will be subject to alterations beyond ourcontrol and occurring at short notice. We regard this as a necessary feature of such holidays, but we recognise thatsome travellers would prefer a more ‘conventional’ package holiday. If you book with Regent Holidays (UK) Ltd.we will do our best to provide you with the holiday you booked, in every detail but you must accept that changesmay occur and local difficulties outside our control may arise.

Your Holiday Contract:When you make a booking you guarantee that you are over 18 years and have the authority to accept and doaccept on behalf of your party the terms of these booking conditions. A contract will exist as soon as deposit hasbeen accepted and a confirmation invoice has been issued. It is your responsibility to check this carefully to confirmit matches what has been booked. This contract is made on the terms of these booking conditions, which aregoverned by English Law, and the jurisdiction of the English Courts. You may, however, choose the law andjurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you wish.

To secure your booking:We require a completed booking form with the necessary deposit before we can proceed. A deposit of GBP100 perperson is required in most cases. However, in cases where airline policy dictates that tickets have to be issued within72 hours of reservations being made, we reserve the right to request an increase in the amount of deposit payable.Tickets, once issued are non-refundable and any additional deposit paid by you is subject to the same cancellationconditions as the standard deposit amount. Clients booking by telephone, email or facsimile will be deemed to haveread the booking conditions and to have signed the declaration on the booking form. Regent Holidays (UK) Ltd.reserves the right to decline any booking at their discretion.

Payment for your holiday:We hold your deposit towards the full cost of the holiday. The full cost must be received by us not less than 56 daysbefore departure date. In the case of holidays booked less than 56 days before departure the full cost must bereceived by us within 7 days of our sending written confirmation invoice, or such shorter time as we may specify.In the case of non-payment of balance by the due date we reserve the right to cancel your booking and retain your deposit.

Surcharges:The price of your holiday is subject to surcharges on the following items: governmental action, currency, aircraftfuel, overflying charges, airport charges and increases in scheduled airfares. Even in this case, we will absorb anamount equivalent to 2% of the holiday price, visa charges and amendment fees. Only amounts in excess of this2% will be surcharged. If this means paying more than 10% on the holiday price, you will be entitled to a fullrefund of all money paid except visa costs and amendment fees. Should you decide to cancel because of this wemust receive written confirmation within 14 days from the issue date printed on your invoice. Prices in thisbrochure were calculated based on the following rates of exchange; USD1.68 and EUR1.45.

If you change your booking:Should you decide to change your booking after the deposit has been paid and our written confirmation issued, wewill do our best to accommodate you. There will be an administration fee of GBP30 per booking for any changesmade plus any extra costs incurred in making these changes. If changes are required then we must receive writtennotification from you. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date thatchanges are made.

If we change your holiday:Regent Holidays (UK) Ltd. reserves the right at any time to make changes to your holiday arrangements includingflights, accommodation, transport or services). Such changes are often minor (e.g. a flight time change of less than12 hours, change of accommodation of a comparable standard etc), but if not, we will advise you or your travelagent as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before your departure. If we make a major change before yourdeparture date or the start date of services provided by us [a major change involves a change of destination, achange of flight time of more than 12 hours, or a change of airport which is inconvenient for you except Londonairports] you may cancel your booking and obtain a full refund of all monies paid by you to Regent Holidays (UK)Ltd. Visa costs cannot be refunded. If we make a major change 56 to 14 days before departure we will pay asliquidated damages GBP35 per person but shall be under no other liability. For major alterations made less than 14days before departure we will pay GBP55 per person. No compensation is payable when such alterations arise dueto ‘force majeure’.

If you cancel your holiday:If you cancel after we send you a written confirmation invoice or if you fail to pay the full cost of the holidaywithin the specified time you will be liable to pay cancellation charges. These are calculated according to the datewhen we receive written notification of cancellation or the date upon which your cancellation is treated asoccurring because of non-payment. The charges are based upon a proportion of the total cost of the holiday, as onour invoice excluding air taxes and visas, as follows:

It is strongly recommended that full insurance be taken out, which includes cover, under certain circumstances,against loss of deposit or cancellation charges.

If we cancel your holiday:When we send written confirmation and invoice we shall endeavour to provide you with the holiday booked.Occasionally we do have to cancel bookings - the main reason being lack of numbers - we reserve the right todo so 56 days before departure, except for reasons of force majeure or failure by you to pay the final balance.If we cancel in such circumstances we will offer an alternative holiday, if available (we will refund any pricedifference if the alternative is of a lower value) or refund all monies paid by you. If is necessary to cancel yourtravel arrangements, we will pay to you compensation as set out below.

No. of days before departure when we receiveyour cancellation

Charge as percentage of your total holidayprice excluding insurance and visas

More than 56 days before departure Deposit paid

Between 56 and 42 days before departure 30%



Less than 14 days 100%

The compensation that we offer does not exclude you from claiming more if you are entitled to do so.

Force Majuere:We regret we cannot accept any liability or pay any compensation where the performance or promptperformance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by ‘force majeure’. In these bookingconditions ‘force majuere’ means any event which we or our agents overseas could not, even with all due care,foresee or avoid. Such circumstances may include war, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural ornuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions and unavoidable technical problems with transport.

Passports and Visas:It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of a passport valid forall countries visited and that, where applicable, all inoculations have been carried out and health certificates areavailable as recommended by a health professional. All passports should be valid for at least six months after thedate of your return. We will offer assistance and advice in obtaining visas and permission to enter countries as wecan but we cannot in any circumstances be responsible if you or members of your party are not granted a visa orare refused entry into any country. We will not accept any responsibility or refund any money in cases where youare unable to travel because of an invalid or mislaid visa or passport.

Tailor-made holidays: Please note that all arrangements booked and confirmed by the company which are made independently of thosedetailed in the brochure/website also require a completed, signed booking form and shall be governed by thesebooking conditions.

If you have a complaint:If you have any complaint about our part of your holiday arrangements you must report it to our localrepresentative at the soonest practical opportunity, and subsequently in writing within 28 days of your return. Ifyou do not give such notice of complaint then this may affect our investigation into and the outcome of yourcomplaint. Disputes arising out of, or in connection with this contract, which cannot be settled amicably, may bereferred to arbitration under a special scheme which though devised by arrangements with the Association ofBritish Travel Agents, is administered independently by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. The scheme(details of which will be supplied on request or obtained from the ABTA website www.abta.com) provides asimple and inexpensive method of Arbitration on documents alone, with restricted liability on the client inrespect of costs. The scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5,000 per person or £25,000per booking form. Claims can include an element of injury and illness up to a limit of £1,000 on the amountthat can be awarded in respect of that element. However it does not cover claims which are solely or mainly inrespect of physical injury or illness or the consequence of such injury or illness. Application for Arbitration mustbe made with 9 months of return from holiday.

Insurance:We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance before your trip. Please see page 68 for full details.

Our liability to you:If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed by us or our suppliers we will payyou appropriate compensation if this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements. However we willnot be liable where any failure in the performance of the contract is due to: you; or a third party unconnectedwith the provision of the travel arrangements and where the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unusualand unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoidedeven if all due care had been exercised; or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could notforesee or forestall.

Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of twice thecost of your travel arrangements. Our liability will also be limited in accordance with and/or in anidentical manner to(a) The contractual terms of the companies that provides the transportation for your travel arrangements.These terms are incorporated into this contract; and (b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air,the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and theParis Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of compensationthat you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are tobe regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of compensation contained in these or any conventions.

You can ask for copies of the transport companies' contractual terms, or the international conventions, from ouroffice: Regent Holidays, 15 John St, Bristol, BS1 2HR tel: 0117 921 1711

Under EU law you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in casesof denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airportsand will also be available from airlines. However reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airlineand will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right to a refund and/orcompensation from us is set within these booking conditions. If any payments to you are due from us, anypayment made to you by the airline will be deducted from this amount. If your airline does not comply with theserules you should complain to the Air Transport Users' Council on 020 7240 6061 www.auc.org.uk

Personal injury unconnected with your booked travel arrangements:Should the circumstances arise where the customer, or any member of the party suffers personal injury, illness ordeath whilst on holiday which may have arisen from a situation unconnected with the arrangements made by thecompany, the company will, at their reasonable discretion, offer advice and initial financial assistance whereappropriate up to a maximum of £5,000 per party. All requests for assistance should be made within 90 daysfrom the end of the misadventure. In the event of a claim under this paragraph against the company by thecustomer, the company reserves the right to claim in the place of the customer against the person or corporationresponsible for the act, default or omission giving rise to the claim and the customer hereby agrees to assist thecompany fully in the event to enforce the rights which have been assigned to us, or to which we are subjugated.

This brochure is our responsibility, as your tour operator. It is not issued on behalf of, and does not commit theairlines mentioned herein or any airline whose services are used in the course of your travel arrangements. Pleasenote that in accordance with Air Navigation Orders in order to qualify for infant status, a child must be under 2years of age on the date of its return flight.

No. of days notification before departure Compensation per paying passenger

More than 56 days before departure Nil

Between 56 and 42 days before departure £10



Less than 14 days £50

REGENT HOLIDAYS’ BOOKING CONDITIONS

Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:48

Regent Holidays15 John Street, Bristol BS1 2HR

Tel: 0117 921 1711 Fax: 0117 925 4866 Email: [email protected]


Regent World 2006.qxd 12/10/05 15:48

regent 2005 small · regent holidays has continually developed its programmes, knowledge and...

Documents