If you’re planning a visit to Colombia anytime soon, the San Agustin Archaeological Park in the Huila department is now open again to visitors following security improvements.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the park lies on the outskirts of San Agustin, a small town of 18,000 people with breath-taking scenery and good music.

The pre-Incan civilization that lived here is shrouded in mystery, their actual name still unknown. Archaeologists have uncovered only ten percent of the statues and ruins, and it is theorised that huge mayan-like pyramids and other structures remain buried throughout the area. Other than the amazing statues, there are burial chambers and ritual edifices and huge petroglyphs spread throughout the valley. Most of the statues are thought to be related to funerary rites and the supernatural world.

To find out more about Colombia and the San Agustin Archaeological Park visit our website or call our Colombia specialists on 01993 838 683.

M/S Mayfair navigating the Nile

Take a classic cruise aboard one of the river’s most stylish ships

There is a new ship navigating the Nile this year. The M/S Mayfair is one of the latest cruise ships to take to Egypt’s iconic river. Built in 2012, the Mayfair offers chic accommodation with a boutique feel, plus great service and food.

You can take a three, four or seven night cruise, sailing between Luxor and Aswan. These trips include visits to many of the Nile’s most famous sights such as the Valley of the Kings (where Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun), as well as Aswan, Kom Ombo and Edfu.

Cabins are comfortable and modern, while the boat also offers opportunities to relax between excursions, boasting a spa, steam room and sauna. In addition, the sun deck has a pool and two Jacuzzis.

The ship’s restaurant, Nile Avenue, features a modern fusion of both contemporary and traditional cuisine. The lounge bar is the perfect venue for a sundowner cocktail following a busy day’s sightseeing.

To find out about a tailor-made trip to Egypt with Audley, call one of our specialists on 01993 838 410 or contact us online.

View a selection of images of the M/S Mayfair - click on the images in the photo gallery to make them larger: 

Fusion Maia has been recognised as the “Best Luxury Boutique Spa” in Asia

Last year I travelled to Vietnam on an Audley trip and stayed at the deluxe Fusion Maia resort. My two nights spent there were unforgettable for several reasons: the location on My Khe Beach, the modern and spacious Pool Villa I had to myself, delicious Vietnamese food, charming staff and perhaps most memorably, my first ever spa treatment.

Fusion Lounge in Hoi An

I’ve just seen that the Fusion has taken the top honours in the “Best Luxury Boutique Spa” continent category at this year’s World Luxury Spa Awards. Now, I’m no expert in spa treatments (the Fusion still being my one and only experience of them), but I will admit to their very soothing qualities. In fact if you stay there relaxation is pretty much guaranteed as you will receive two free treatments each day for the duration of your stay thanks to a team of 60 trained masseurs.

Finally, if lounging around the Fusion all day being pampered gets too much for you then jump on the hotel’s free shuttle bus for the 20 minute trip to the ancient town of Hoi An. As well as strolling around this UNESCO heritage site you can also take advantage of the Fusion Lounge, the sister proper to the Fusion Maia, where in a delightful setting in the middle of town you can enjoy its restaurant and a bar, hire a bicycle, you can even enjoy more award-winning spa treatments!

Our Vietnam specialists can create a tailor-made trip for you to Vietnam, staying at the Fusion Maia and visiting places like Hoi An. Call them now on 01993 838 140 or contact us online. Alternatively, browse our Vietnam itinerary ideas, which also include prices.

Charlie helping out with the cooking

Charlie Read, Audley’s Southeast Asia Regional Sales Manager, has just returned from his ninth visit to Vietnam (we do say our specialists speak from experience!). Here, he recounts his highlights including some of the more unusual activities he got up to, some of which we are now offering to clients who wish to visit this delightful country.

It was with great anticipation at the prospect of new experiences that I travelled to Heathrow to board a flight to Vietnam in March. It was to be my ninth time back to Vietnam but this time, my mandate was to enquire about, unearth, experience and enthuse on all that is new and innovative in the country.

Vietnamese girl

Vietnam has been a wonderful destination to us at Audley Travel, being the primary destination that our Founder Craig Burkinshaw chose to lead tours to in 1996. Some 17 years later it is contrived to say much has changed, given the scale of growth and economic prosperity enjoyed throughout the region in that time. However, Vietnam has benefited tangibly and more so than some of her neighbours, thanks to relaxed international trading regulations. Nothing could physically represent this better than the enormous new bridge and highway sponsored by the Japanese, that will (in 2014) create a fast-track road link between Hanoi airport and the city itself. In fact Hanoi airport is due to undergo a major face-lift in coming years too. As one leaves the airport and speeds towards the capital, the vistas are littered with shiny new buildings, bridges, airports, highways and perhaps most tellingly, cars. A country synonymous with bicycles and mopeds is developing a rabid hunger for the 4-wheeled, brash cousin to the bicycle/moped and the more Vietnamese I spoke to, the more apparent it became that the national aspirations were fixed on ‘buying a car’.

Whilst I appreciate that all of the above may be cause for groans and angst from the traveller seeking ‘paradise lost’, dusty tracks and homestay living, it is in this context that Vietnam’s travelling experiences have broadened considerably also. More money, relaxed Government stances on foreign investment and a genuine desire to spread the wealth via sustainable, community-based tourism underpinned much of what I was about to indulge in.

The Hoi An Chic hotel

Hoi An, considered the ‘jewel’ in Vietnam’s tourism crown, was to play host to two such new experiences. Whilst Hoi An remains charming and beautiful in a ‘quaint Cotswold village’ kind of a way – the pretty fishing village is UNESCO protected – it is very popular and popularity brings its own problems. However, I discovered a wonderful new hotel named Hoi An Chic – discreetly hidden in a field of rice, off the main road and equidistant from Hoi An’s old quarter and the beach. This bijou (17 rooms) boutique property is expertly run, wonderfully comfortable, has a roof top infinity pool and an enviable location. I would steer clear of the ground floor rooms as privacy would be a problem but our preferred rooms – Grand Chic and the Chic family room are all located on the first floor affording the privacy and enchanting views one would hope for from an Audley recommended property. We are hugely excited about this new hotel and are very confident that it will serve our clients well as they seek  more authentic hotel choices away from the madding crowd.

The following day I was to experience a day’s farming, as part of a new agri-tourism project based in the countryside that skirts Hoi An. I was more than happy to get stuck in – on the promise of rice pancakes and a gentle bike ride, we set off into the countryside in search of our small farming community.

One local funeral, two bamboo bridges and a war story later, we turned right down a track and ahead of us were two smiling, toothy farmers, a buffalo and ten acres of paddy fields. Half an acre of which was flooded and devoid of rice.

We were ushered into the farmers kitchen for a cup of tea and a brief face-pulling session with the small army of children that the farmer’s wife cares for, whilst the other villagers are at work. My guide outlined the mornings activities and no sooner than my cup of tea was finished, I was swiftly adorned with ubiquitous conical hat, farming smock and waders. I was soon to become closely acquainted with that half acre of mud!

Charlie on a buffalo

The next three hours were a blur of laughter, buffalo ploughing, buffalo riding, laughter again, planting and harvesting rice, grain sifting, more laughter, fish trapping (the biggest chuckle coming from the farmers as I kept dropping the slippery little critters – catch and release, no fish were harmed in the making of this activity) rice grinding to produce rice milk and then finally – cooking and eating rice pancakes. I learnt about one of the longest standing farming techniques in the world, gained an understanding of the pitiful wages generated and controlled by the Government for rice farmers (roughly $300/annum), laughed hard and made friends with two strangers and ate the most delicious, well-earned Vietnamese feast. I will certainly never look at a grain of rice in the same way again. One of the most inclusive and enjoyable experiences this traveller has enjoyed anywhere in the world.

(Find out more about the Audley’s “hands-on rice growing” excursion)

Next I travelled to the new city of Saigon. ‘New’ in that much of Saigon city has been rebuilt since the war and more city expansion plans are afoot on the eastern banks of the Mekong, that runs through the heart of the city. Its fair to say that the ‘secret alleys’ trip that I did in Saigon was a more sombre experience than the rice growing day in Hoi An, but no less interesting for it. The day started early (for me, standard for Vietnamese) at 6 am where I was met by my ever-cheery guide. After 15 minutes of traffic weaving and narrowing streets we stopped, got out and looked at… nothing. That’s because I had been taken to a very local, very hidden, fresh, daily market down a number of alleyways and tight lanes. From the main road and it was almost impossible to notice anything discernibly resembling a market. I have visited a myriad of markets travelling and they can slightly start to lose my interest, but this one was different because I was the only western,  fair skinned, blue-eyed, camera-wielding traveller on the plot.

I had in fact become their attraction!

A thousand eyes, hundreds of smiles and the odd hand absorbed my presence and I loved it. Fish being gutted, veg being washed, commuters picking up breakfast, housewives engaged in their daily barter, all great scenes in abundance as we muddled our way along the tight alleys.

Having satisfied the shutterbug, and tired of the pinching of my arms, my guide beat a retreat down a high-sided, darkened alley or two until we found a local café. Sat on small plastic stools, marvelling at the locals drinking beer (at 9 am!) we sipped on strong, sweet and gluey Vietnamese coffee and plotted the second stage of the this morning tour. We were to visit a secret ammunition house that had been covertly used by the Viet Cong during the American war. The house is not open to the public on a permanent basis, so a call to the curator was made and a time was agreed where he would come and open the house up for us.

We had an hour to kill – more gluey coffee and my fortune told by a friend of the café owner. All manner of exciting adventures were plotted for my future life, including the promise of a beautiful wife with blond hair. I didn’t have the heart to tell them (or my wife) that I was already married to a beautiful woman – brunette no less.

Charlie inspects the weapons house

We wondered back through the alleys, at quite a pace after the coffee, back to where we started. I looked a little puzzled at my guide and asked him where the ammunition house was. He told me we were looking at it, but in the melee of the market and stall everywhere, I couldn’t see it. Until my guide pointed a grill security screen behind a fruit stall. The grill was riddled with holes, of the type created from machine gun fire. We had found it. Or rather my guide had found it, I was still mumbling to myself about how inconspicuous it was, serving very evidently as an excellent ‘secret’ ammunition house. The curator; a former officer serving with the commandos who occupied it, let us into (on the surface of things) what looked like any other Vietnamese home. Skinny, tall and rather bland at first glance. However, as the curator started talking, with my guide translating, the ground floor started to come to life in my mind with images of spies pretending to be a family of tailors. Busying about their business. The house was full of James Bond style gadgets (albeit slightly antiquated now) and tricks of the eye. The red and white tiled floor hid a trap door, to a bunker full of weapons. The weapons are still present, as are the escape tunnels at either end of the bunker, though they have been bricked up. In the roof there is another secret exit through the roof and on to next doors property, just in case a rooftop, midnight escape was ever called for. Bed bases that had been cut in half and casts dug out to house more weapons, photos of weapons being transported in daylight, disguised in weavers mats and hidden in piles of hay. There are military uniforms, medals, more weapons and stories told of the heroics of this crack commando unit that attacked the Reunification Palace as part of the Tet offensive in 1968. The market and secret weapons house was fascinating, moving, mysterious and hugely enjoyable – a great way to start a day’s excursions in Saigon. Mind how you go with the coffee and fortune-tellers though!

(Find out more about Audley’s “Saigon’s secret alleys”" excursion)

There are a number of similar new opportunities in Vietnam that we will be launching in the coming weeks and months, but if this has whetted your appetite please don’t hesitate to contact us and we can chat them through with you. You won’t regret it, Vietnam continues to deliver evocative, hugely enjoyable, educational, great value travel experiences 17 years on. But don’t just take my word for it, go and see for yourself!

Charlie Read
Audley Southeast Asia Regional Sales Manager

If you’d like more information about an Audley tailor-made trip to Vietnam, call our specialists on 01993 838 140 or contact us online. Alternatively, browse our Vietnam itinerary suggestions.

(click images to enlarge)

May’s Pinterest competition

We really enjoyed running our first ever Pinterest competition last month and are pleased to announce the winner of the April Insight Guide is,Di Coke, who correctly identified our specialist was in Burma! It really is very easy to take part in our ’Where in the World’ competition, so why not head over to our Pinterest page for your chance to win one of these fab travel guides?

 Below are all the terms and conditions you will need to take part:

1. This prize draw is open to UK residents aged 18 years or over, with the exception of employees of the Promoter.
2. The prize is for one Insight Guide to the destination represented in this month’s photo to which the image is pinned.
3. The prize has no cash value.
4. Entries to the competition must be received by midnight, 31st May 2013. All correct entries will be entered into a prize draw and the winner will be chosen at random on 1st June 2013.
5. Only one entry per person is permitted.
6. The Judges’ decision is final.
7. The winner will be notified by email by the 10th June 2013.
8. To enter simply re-pin the photo of this month’s specialist using the hash tag #audleyspecialist. Comment on the original image with your guess as to what country our specialist is in and a link to your board.
9. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive clues as to our specialist’s whereabouts.
10. No purchase necessary to enter the prize draw.
11. By entering the prize draw each entrant agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions.

Happy pinning!

Jon’s cycle ride for Alalay has come to an abrupt halt

During March I blogged about our Latin America Regional Manager Jon, who was going to be embarking on a rather long cycle ride this week to raise money for a foundation that helps street kids in Bolivia.

• Read the March blog here

The cycle ride was from Land’s End to John O’Groats, and would take six days, covering 158.3 miles. Unfortunately Jon had to give up his cycle ride yesterday when he injured his knee to avoid a car. He’s now unfortunately on crutches but plans to complete the last three days later in the year, from Alderley Edge to John O Groats.

If you would like to sponsor him in the meantime you can visit Jon’s Just Giving fundraising page.

Friends of Alalay, Bolivia

The Alalay centre near Santa Cruz, Bolivia supports 130 children. All the children come from broken homes, many of them were at one time sleeping rough in the streets. The centre was set up by the Alalay Foundation run by Claudia Gonzales to support projects for the homeless in La Paz and in Santa Cruz. Friends of Alalay (Santa Cruz) was set up by Annie Syrett when she was still a student at Sheffield University. All funds raised by Friends of Alalay go towards projects at the centre near Santa Cruz.

Hanoi photographed by Sir John Ramsden in the 1980s

The photographer behind ”Hanoi – Spirit of a Place” is Sir John Ramsden, and this exhibition is a tribute to the resilience and adaptability of the Vietnamese people and the enduring attraction of the Vietnamese way of life.

In the early 1980s, Vietnam was at the beginning of a difficult period following the war end. Sir John, arriving in Hanoi as part of the British Diplomatic Service’s mission, found himself in the middle of the poverty-stricken and chaotic society. Amidst the post-war living environment, however, one could feel a sense of hope and a relentless fighting spirit of the Vietnamese people.

“It was a very difficult time, so I rather admire people,” he said. “Despite all the difficulties, people had great dignity and courage and managed to still uphold traditional values in a remarkable way.”

Sir John went for long walks around the city of Hanoi, bicycled out to the surrounding villages and made trips during the weekends, always bringing along his camera. More than 1,800 photographs of Hanoi had been taken as a result between 1980 and 1983.

Not until 2013 would these photographs be presented for the first time to the public. “Hanoi: Spirit of Place 2013 exhibition” coincides with the 40th year of Vietnam and UK diplomatic relation. The exhibition tour started at Vietnam Cultural day in Copenhagen and will conclude in Hanoi later this year.

There will be plenty of wine and food as well as music to start the long weekend. Please feel free to bring a colleague or partner to this event.

Exhibition details

Private showing:
6 pm Friday 3rd May, 2013
Hoxton Arches
Arch 402 Cremer Street (nearest tube stations: Hoxton Overground and Old Street)
London
E2 8HD

Open to the general public:
10 am – 6 pm, Thursday 2nd May, 2013
10 am – 9 pm, Sunday 4th May, 2013

Entry is free.

Conor in Antarctica

Polar specialist Conor has recently returned from a trip to Antarctica where he was lucky enough to see humpback whales and gentoo penguins. Read all about his incredible experience below…

When I was first told that I had the chance to visit Antarctica with Audley, I really couldn’t believe my luck. I never dreamed that I would have the opportunity to travel to the world’s most isolated continent, and I jumped at the chance. After a few weeks of unbearable anticipation, I jumped on a plane to Argentina, got on board my expedition vessel and headed to the Antarctic peninsula.

The days that followed were simply unforgettable. We’ve all seen photographs of Antarctica, of the glaciers and the penguins and seals, but being there is overwhelming. The place really defies description (possibly rending this article pointless!), but everything was so much bigger and more impressive than I had ever imagined. I’d spent most of the trip feeling like a kid on Christmas Day.

Possibly the best moment of my voyage was on our last day of excursions. We had spent the morning of that day on the beautiful Cuverville Island, trekking through the snow alongside a large gentoo penguin rookery. After lunch we were told that we would be spending the afternoon in our Zodiac boats looking for whales.

Being late March, it was the perfect time for spotting whales, as they begin their long migration north from areas as far afield as the coast of Brazil. We had already seen dozens of whales on the trip so far and I had been amazed at how close they were willing to get to our Zodiacs. This afternoon was no exception, and everyone watched dumbfounded as a 36 ton humpback whale and its calf approached our boat and poked their heads out of the water for a closer look. I just about had the presence of mind to snap some shots on my point and shoot camera, whilst a fellow traveller shot some incredible video footage. The whole thing lasted no more than a few seconds but it was easily my most incredible whale encounter of the trip, and it will always stick in my memory!

To top the day off, once the whales had departed, our guide whisked our boat round a series of icebergs to join all the other Zodiacs. Before we knew what was happening the craft had been lashed together and we had all been handed a warm and very welcome Baileys and coffee. Some of the more musically talented staff (some in penguin costumes) struck up on the guitars as we watched the sun start to dip behind a snowy mountain. It was a slightly surreal end to another amazing day in Antarctica.

Click on the thumbnails below in the photo gallery to make them larger.

To plan a trip to Antarctica or the Arctic call our specialists on 01993 838 651 or contact us online.

Grizzly bear with cubs

Being shown tonight and tomorrow night at 9pm on BBC1 and BBC One HD is a new two-part documentary entitled ‘Great Bear Stakeout‘.

Over the next two nights it will follow the lives of grizzly bears in the Alaskan wilderness as they come out of hibernation and are thrown together in a frenzy of feeding, fighting and mating. It will also focus on a first-time mother and her cub as they fight to survive in this harsh environment.

The second instalment will be shown tomorrow night and will feature the infamous salmon run where the bears must consume as many of the fish as possible in order to survive the hard winter months ahead.

Fiona, one of our Alaska specialists offers some of her top tips below on when and where to go to spot bears in Alaska, and where to stay.

Grizzly bear fishing for salmon, Brooks Falls

“If you are looking to capture the iconic photograph of bears catching salmon leaping up waterfalls, then you need to head to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. However, during the peak salmon-run season it gets exceptionally busy with visitors. To avoid this, travel either side of the peak season, so head there in late June or early August.
 
However, Alaska is home to many, many populations of grizzlies. One of the best places to see them is Admiralty Island, accessed by seaplane from Juneau. Visitor numbers are limited by the small size of the aircraft so group sizes are also invariably small. A walking tour with a naturalist guide on arrival makes for a great start to your stay. Similarly, Hallo Bay off the coast of Katmai National Park is accessed by a light aircraft flight from Homer. With no roads within 300 miles, this is true Alaskan wilderness and some great bear viewing!

Redoubt Bay Lodge

It is also possible to combine bear watching with some really great accommodation – Winterlake Lodge, Tutka Bay and Redoubt Bay Lodge  are amongst the best. Bear watching in Redoubt Bay happens in small boats and is good throughout the summer, as the bears catch salmon in the shallow river waters.

Some of the largest, most impressive grizzlies I have ever seen were in Redoubt Bay – fat from gorging themselves on salmon for much of the summer, which means they grow much larger than the inland grizzlies where the diet includes roots, berries and grasses.

If bears are your thing, the largely untouched wilderness of Alaska is the place to head to.”

To find out about a tailor-made trip to Alaska with Audley, call one of our specialists on 01993 838 705 or contact us online.

The Monastery, Petra

Nadia and Clair, two of our most knowledgeable and enthusiastic Jordan specialists recently visited Jordan with Audley to rediscover its classic sights. Read about some of their favourite places, which they feel shouldn’t be missed!

Petra
When one thinks of Jordan, often the first image to spring to mind is one from the spectacular Nabataean city of Petra: the impressive façade of the Treasury as you are welcomed into the site, the hypnotising array of colours that are whipped through the sandstone, or the breath-taking views over the surrounding area, which are rewarded to those brave enough to climb to one of the more remote sites!

Jerash
Located approximately one hour North of Amman, Jerash is arguably the most impressive of the six former Decapolis cities to be found in Jordan. An informative tour of the ancient city led us through Hadrian’s Arch at the entrance of the site, the temples of Artemis and Zeus, the unusual Oval Plaza and the well preserved Cardo, where the cobbles still show the indentations made by the chariots of days gone by.
 
Crusader Castles
Whether you choose to visit Ajloun, Shawbak or Kerak, an itinerary to uncover Jordan’s history would not be complete without a trip to one of the remarkable crusader castles. Scattered throughout the country, each castle was of great strategic importance not only during the crusader period, but also for the Mamluke and Ottoman empires thereafter. Although the castles today are in various states of ruin, they offer not only an interesting insight into this aspect of the country’s history, but also spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Dana Nature Reserve
Many people don’t realize that there is a variety of wildlife and nature to be seen in Jordan. Our walk from the quaint town of Dana with its stunning views overlooking the valley, led us through a variety of terrains. Making our way down the barren rocky tops of Dana and through the valley to Feynan we were met by a diverse landscape, from olive trees to lush palms and plants. Dana Nature Reserve is great for birdwatchers, with 180 species of birds as well as wildlife such as Ibex and lizards.
 
Wadi Rum
The Wadi Rum desert is notoriously famous for Lawrence of Arabia, however its history stretches back much further than that, dating back to prehistoric times. This is apparent from the fascinating inscriptions depicting humans and animals that decorate the walls of the cliffs. One of the highlights of our trip was spending the night at the Milky Way Camp, being mesmerized by the rich golden colours as the sun set upon the fascinating landscape of mountains, which have been sculptured and crafted by the elements over thousands of year. City lights are replaced by the twinkle of countless stars and a glowing camp fire whilst feasting on traditional Bedouin delicacies.

We still have places available on our group tour to Jordon and Jerusalem this year in October. This covers many of the highlights mentioned above and a trip to Jerusalem at the end compliments the tour nicely.

To find out about a tailor-made trip to Jordan with Audley, call one of our specialists on 01993 838 415 or contact us online.

Take a look at some images of Jordan’s classic sights - click on the images in the photo gallery to make them larger: 

Lucy with her fellow travellers

 Lucy from Audley shares her experiences of her recent trip to Japan.

 ”When I was offered the opportunity to visit Tokyo and Kyoto on a FAM trip (the chance given to all Audley staff to travel to a country and uncover new areas, hotels and excursions as well as make sure that existing ones are up to scratch), I was a little unsure. In all honesty, Japan was not at the top of my travel wish list, however the more I looked into it, the more excited I became with the idea of experiencing a culture so different from my own.

The Japanese pride themselves on good manners and etiquette, so to make sure I didn’t make any cultural faux pas I thought it would be a good idea to get some advice from Vicky (Audley North Asia & Arabia Programme Manager) and Marc (Audley North Asia & Arabia Regional Manager) in our North Asia and Arabia team before I left; they were both a fountain of knowledge on all things Japan.

The Golden Pavillion, Kyoto

Despite the huge cultural differences I was about to experience the most nerve-racking part of the trip was arriving at the airport to meet the group I would be travelling with. We had a 12-hour flight ahead of us, followed by five days together. My worries were short lived, the whole group was pretty easy going, and with us all working in the travel industry we had lots to talk about.

We landed in Tokyo and took the bullet train straight to Kyoto, where we spent four busy days. Even in the short time we spent there I fell completely in love with the place. While the photographs I had seen before travelling were stunning, I don’t think you can really appreciate the beautiful temples, gardens and scenery until you have seen them in person.

Lucy meeting a trainee Geisha

I could write an essay on what an amazing time I had on my trip, but for me the highlight was meeting a Maiko (a trainee Geisha). It was a once in a lifetime experience and we were privileged to spend a couple of hours with her. We took part in an authentic tea ceremony and even played a traditional drinking game, which fortunately stopped after a couple of rounds – we were useless!

I also really enjoyed visiting the Imperial Palace. The sun was shining and it was the perfect way to spend a couple of hours, taking in the stunning architecture and relaxing in traditional Japanese gardens.

I can honestly say there was not a single part of the trip that I did not enjoy and now I have a taste for Japan I would love to go back.”

To find out about a tailor-made trip to Japan with Audley, call one of our specialists on 01993 838 210 or contact us online.

Ancient stupas, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s north and east is opening up – so be among the first to visit…

Since the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009, the east and north of the country have slowly been opening to visitors. Although facilities are still basic, the northern city of Jaffna is now easily accessible, with frequent flights to Colombo and ever improving road connections to other parts of the island.

In October we explored the area and found a very different side of Sri Lanka. Jaffna has many Portuguese and Dutch relics and, as the population is mainly Tamil, there is a strong Indian connection and fine Hindu architecture. Soon this will be an established tourist destination, so visit soon to avoid the crowds and see it before it changes.

For more information contact our Sri Lanka specialists on 01993 838 335 or visit the Sri Lanka section on our website.

Local musician, Morocco

Katie, one of our Product Executives highlights a couple of music festivals to watch out for when planning a trip to Morocco.

“June 20th sees the start of the 15th Gnaoua International Music Festival, held in various locations around the bohemian port-town of Essaouira in Morocco. Featuring artists from all over Morocco and other African countries, and as far away as Cuba and Pakistan. The music is lively and varied and brings a new energy to this World Heritage town. 

The main part of the festival is free to the public and is hosted on outdoor stages across the town, from the main medina to the beach itself. Other venues, such as a 19th century tower terrace in the town ramparts and stages within traditional riads, charge entrance fees but are more intimate concerts.

A very different kind of Moroccan festival is traditionally held over one weekend during the first couple of weeks in May, in the Valley of Roses in the Ouarzazate area. This is an annual rose festival, during which time the roses grown in the area are culled for perfume making. Local Berber tribes from the area come to the town to sell their crafts as well as to meet and celebrate with various traditional dances, swordplay, indigenous music and snake-charming.”

• Rose Festival at Kelaa M’Gouna: 3rd – 5th May 2013
• Gnaoua International Music Festival: 20th – 23rd June 2013

To find out about a tailor-made trip to Morocco with Audley, call one of our specialists on 01993 838 420 or contact us online.

Victoria Wood

Comedian Victoria Wood travels the globe to explore Britain’s love affair with tea in this two-part series starting tomorrow on BBC1 at 9pm. In the first episode Victoria visits the back streets of Kolkata (Calcutta) in India and the city of Shanghai in China.

She discovers how tea united the east with the west, how it triggered wars and helped us win them. Along the way she meets chai wallahs, opium smokers, Assam tea pickers and ultimately asks the question, how did this exotic leaf become such an important part of British life?

To find out more visit the BBC website or to discuss your travel plans with our specialists call 01993 838 000 or send us an enquiry online.

Australian Rules Football at the MCG stadium, Melbourne

Australians aren’t just passionate about sport, they’re completely obsessed with it. And 2013 is a good time to witness this, as Australia hosts a wealth of sporting events to get the pulse racing.

The eagerly anticipated British and Irish Lions rugby tour to Australia in June and July sees fixtures in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Then the Aussie Rules final series kicks off in September, with thousands of fans packing into the MCG stadium in Melbourne. The entire city takes on a lively atmosphere as excited fans cheer their teams to victory. It is a truly unique Australian experience.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is one of the most vibrant horse-racing events in the world. This festival of horse racing and fashion culminates in November with the Melbourne Cup race itself. Most of Australia stops to watch or listen to the race, but there’s nothing like being there among the 100,000-plus crowd.

Then there is the Ashes, in November, with test matches in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

To speak to one of our Audley specialists about incorporating a sporting event into a tailor-made trip to Australia, please call 01993 838 810, or contact us online.

An Audley self-drive trip is one of the most popular ways to see Australia

Let’s face it driving abroad can be a scary experience for those who’ve never done it but the rewards of flexibility and freedom the open road offers soon outweigh this initial reaction. However if you’ve not swatted-up on the local traffic laws there’s always the potential for your journey to become both costly and dangerous. In fact a recent survey by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) found that 40% of Briton’s driving abroad are not aware of even the most basic regulations in other countries, such as speed and drink drive limits.

To help alleviate the problem the FCO has just launched a new driving app, presumably aimed at this 40%. I’ve had a look at it (link below) and while it does give some useful information don’t expect a comprehensive Highway Code for each country, it’s more of a portable aide-mémoire.

Don’t forget! Our specialists will be happy to advise you on the best destinations for an Audley self-drive holiday as they have not only visited these countries in person, in many cases they will have driven the routes as well.

http://www.fcowidget.com/

Win an Insight Guide in our Pinterest Competition

Pinterest has taken the internet world by storm recently, so we thought it was about time we found out what all the fuss is about.

So what better way to start our Pinterest journey than with a competition?! Each month we will be giving away one Insight Guide to one lucky winner who can correctly identify the country our specialist is in. Here’s a little hint, the country will always be one that we cover!

If you would like to get involved, head over to our Pinterest page now for more information. Below are all the terms and conditions you will need to take part:

1. This prize draw is open to UK residents aged 18 years or over, with the exception of employees of the Promoter.
2. The prize is for one Insight Guide to the destination represented in this month’s photo to which the image is pinned.
3. The prize has no cash value.
4. Entries to the competition must be received by midnight, 30th April 2013. All correct entries will be entered into a prize draw and the winner will be chosen at random on 1st May 2013.
5. Only one entry per person is permitted.
6. The Judges’ decision is final.
7. The winner will be notified by email by the 10th May 2013.
8. To enter simply re-pin the photo of this month’s specialist using the hash tag #audleyspecialist. Comment on the original image with your guess as to what country our specialist is in and a link to your board.
9. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive clues as to our specialist’s whereabouts.
10. No purchase necessary to enter the prize draw.
11. By entering the prize draw each entrant agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions.

Happy pinning!

The Guggenheim museum, New York

If you’re heading to New York in the next month or so and would like to combine the culture of the USA with Southern Asia, then you might be interested in an exhibition that’s currently showing at the Guggenheim museum, entitled ‘No Country: Contemporary Art for South and Southeast Asia’.

Running until 22nd May 2013, this exhibition offers a glimpse into the wide variety of contemporary art being produced across South Asia. Pieces on show include painting, sculpture, video, film, work on paper, and installations by 22 well-known artists and collectives, from across three geographical regions in South and Southeast Asia.

If you would like to find out more about this exhibition, visit the Guggenheim museum website.

To find out about a tailor-made trip to the USA or Southeast Asia with Audley, contact us online, or call one of our specialists on:

• USA:  01993 838 755
• Southeast Asia: 01993 838 100

Children of Bolivia

At the end of April our Latin America Regional Manager, Jon, will be cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats in six days – that’s an average of 158.3 miles a day. He will be alone and unsupported, raising money for a foundation that looks after street kids in Bolivia.

Friends of Alalay, Bolivia

The Alalay centre near Santa Cruz, Bolivia supports 130 children. All the children come from broken homes, many of them were at one time sleeping rough in the streets. The centre was set up by the Alalay Foundation run by Claudia Gonzales to support projects for the homeless in La Paz and in Santa Cruz. Friends of Alalay (Santa Cruz) was set up by Annie Syrett when she was still a student at Sheffield University. All funds raised by Friends of Alalay go towards projects at the centre near Santa Cruz.

Every penny counts, so if you would like to support his cause please visit Jon’s Just Giving fundraising page.

Well done Jon and good luck! Hopefully in May we will hear how he got on, so watch this space!

Medical clinic, Bolivia

The first of Iberia’s new Airbus A330s has made its transatlantic flight to Boston. The Airbus A330s bring a new and much more efficient operating model to Iberia’s long-haul routes. Miami, New York and Chicago will be the other US destinations served with the new Airbus A330.

Business Plus passengers can enjoy new, larger seats that unfold into flat beds and give more comfort and privacy. New individual à la carte entertainment options are also now standard for economy class passengers.

The video above shows the new cabins, flat beds and in seat entertainment in economy. Iberia also plan to add Wi-Fi and GSM texting capability (SMS and data) for all passengers on their long-haul flights.

Many of our South American destinations are served by Iberia Airlines, to find out more visit our website.

Madinat Habu on the West Bank of Luxor, Upper Egypt

If you’re planning a trip to Egypt and want to find out about its ancient history, or have already visited this incredible country, and have become fascinated by its past as a result, then you might want to tune in this evening to the new BBC2 series, ‘Ancient Egypt – Life and Death in the Valley of the Kings’.

This new two-part series follows Egyptologist, Dr Joann Fletcher as she delves into what life was like for ordinary citizens living 3,500 years ago in the Valley of the Kings.

In the first episode, ‘Life’, she looks at what it was like to work in the Valley of the Kings, and how the vibrant colours that adorned the temples and tombs were created. She also examines how these tightly packed communities lived, what they ate, how they dressed, as well as their love of poetry and their enthusiasm for interior design.

The second episode, ‘Death’, follows Dr Fletcher as she explores rarely visited tombs, and examines long-buried objects and mummies to discover more about the Ancient Egyptians preparations for the afterlife and what they hoped to find when they got there.

• Episode one (Friday 22nd March): Life
• Episode Two (Friday 29th March): Death

If you would like to find out more about this new BBC series, visit: Ancient Egypt – Life and Death in the Valley of the Kings

To find out about a tailor-made trip to Egypt with Audley, call one of our specialists on 01993 838 410 or contact us online.

Views from Mount Kinabalu

We often get emails from those who wish to put their trip into words such was the impression it left upon them. Here is just one such case in which Grace Hui describes an event she participated in while on a recent Audley trip to Malaysian Borneo.

She’d already visited the Sepilok Nature Reserve, a haven for the endangered orang-utan, and travelled down the Kinabatangan River to spend two nights at the Abai Jungle Resort. Here she was surrounded by exotic wildlife as well as the more mundane, such as the wild bearded pig locally known as “Junior” who would appear like clockwork every dinner time.

Perhaps her most vivid memory however came near the end of her trip when she took part in a two-day climb to the top of Malaysian Borneo’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu. It’s this event which she recounts here.

Leaving the preserved colonial times behind, we headed inland towards the famed Kota Kinabalu National Park to conquer the roof of Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu. Standing at the impressive height of 4,092 metres, summiting its granite peaks would prove to be no mean feat.

We spent the night before the climb at the Liwagu Suites. Sitting 1,500 metres above sea level, this accommodation provided welcomed respite from the otherwise unrelenting heat and humidity of Sabah. A timely escape from the persistent mozzies and the endless smell of deet! The café served up a delightful feast of steamboat, which to the uninitiated resembles Fondue! A spread of beef, chicken, pork, squid, prawns and fresh vegetables was cooked in a hot broth and consumed with a myriad of condiments, which made for a very satisfying last meal before the gruelling ascent.

Thankfully, our guide was kind and we set off at a decent time of 9 a.m. Although there are numerous rest stops along the way, this climb is by no means a walk in the park. You would need to train properly for it! My husband and I were unfortunately of the lazy variety and were not as well trained, as we ought to have been. Although we kept up (barely) we were needlessly tired and as a result cranky. My insistence on lugging my (definitely not light weight) digital SLR to capture the sights definitely did not help in easing the tension. The fact that I was too exhausted to even lift my arms to shoot only served to bring out further grumps! However, the timely appearance of some very amenable and adorable squirrels erased all our misgivings. We progressed up the mountain and were able to observe the changing vegetation and air quality. It became cooler and the air became fresher. Our moods improved and all ended well.

We arrived at base camp, Laban Rata at the decent time of 1 p.m. Although it was by then patently clear that we would never make mountaineering champions, we were consoled that our 4-hour voyage was considered “fairly average”. We would rest there till 2 a.m. the following day before setting off to summit for sunrise.

Accommodation at Laban Rata is nothing to write home about. Visitors are housed in dormitories with 8-12 bunk beds each. There are no en suite bathrooms and the only restaurant serves up a buffet dinner and breakfast with no menu choices. Although there are two en suite rooms, they are next to impossible to book. We were however (pulling the honey moon card) lucky and got one of the en suite rooms. Be warned that despite being private and en suite, these rooms are still pretty basic. You can only shower at preset times and the heating has a life of its own.

While a far cry from luxury, its spectacular views makes up for its shortcomings on the comfort front. With panoramic views of the mountain and the cobalt blue sky, I almost felt as if I could reach God – it was incredible and I felt utterly humbled by the grandeur of nature. At 3,200 metres, we were treated to a brilliant sunset, which flooded the sky with a crimson orange glow. While I had virtually no documentary evidence of my climb up thus far, I certainly had loads to prove that I was at Laban Rata!

2 a.m. crept up steadily. Needless to say, we had not slept. Adrenaline and excitement kept us going. With our ski clothes and head torches, we felt equipped to take on the elusive peak. What immediately struck me was the blast of icy wind that came at me. Logically, this should not have surprised me given the altitude and that it was the dead of night. But I was still caught off guard. With visibility almost down to zero and the eerie glow of our head torches, there was a sense of anticipation mixed with more than a little bit of fear.

Progress was slow and it was definitely harder going than the climb of the previous day. But as the sun rose, we were greeted with the fantastic window of heaven. The jagged rocks, clear blue sky, pointed peaks, fluffy clouds and lightening horizon was ample reward for aching bones and joints. We had paid with our blood (I cut my thumb), sweat and tears for this stunning vision and it was worth it. I was filled with a heady mix of exhaustion, exhilaration and an awesome sense of achievement when I finally arrived at the peak.

Everyone talks about the ascent but no one mentions the descent! I will not lie! It was PAINFUL! We had focused all of our energies into reaching the top and by the time it was time to head down, lethargy had set in. Every step jolted my knees as I hobbled down the slope. To compound our misery, it began to rain! Not even the adorable grey squirrels could brighten my day! My only consolation was that with each step I took, I was a step closer to the end.

I look back on that experience with fondness and mirth. I would not trade the sights I saw and the feelings of triumph for anything in the world. But I would never be so foolhardy as to think I could take on a mountain without proper training again!

Our last stop was the decadent Rasa Ria Shangri La. After our journey through the dense jungles of Borneo and our arduous trek up the top of the world, we truly felt as if we had arrived in paradise and earned our stay! We spent the next two days living it up – Dining, drinking, lazing by the beach and getting massages at the spa! A restful end to a very enriching trip

Grace Hui

Photos taken by Grace Hui

(Click on an image to see it full size)

Climbing Mount Kinabalu

Audley can arrange for you to climb Mount Kinabalu, accompanied by a local guide, as part of your tailor-made trip to Malaysian Borneo. While the climb is not technically difficult it is advisable to have a reasonable level of fitness and to come well prepared in terms of clothing and equipment. Our Borneo specialists will be happy to advise you more at the time of your booking.

Note, travel to certain areas of Sabah is currently not recommended by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. These include Sandakan, the Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley. Please speak to one of our Borneo specialists who will be happy to advise you on the current situation and any other questions you may have.

Send us your travel tales

If you write an article that is published in our Travellers’ Tales section of our Audley magazine, you’ll be eligible to win a £50 Bobbooks photobook voucher. Do get in touch at www.audley.co.uk/share.

Delicious Indian breakfast

Last Friday the kitchens here at Audley were buzzing. The smell of eggs, bacon, sausages and pancakes and many other breakfast combinations filled the air, all in aid of Comic Relief.

A staggering £1146 was raised, with staff opting to make a donation to dress casually and / or contribute to their team breakfast. Full English breakfast wraps, Bloody Marys, and authentic Indian and South American breakfasts were on the menu, as well as pancakes and many other delicious offerings.

Click on the images below to make the photos larger. To find out more about our fundraising and life at Audley read our blog or visit the careers website.

David Livingstone was the first European to set eyes on Victoria Falls

I descended the narrow steps below St Monica’s Guesthouse and found myself in a small underground vault hewn out of the rock with hefty wooden beams covering it. In the semi-darkness just ahead was a large waist high stone platform, bolted to which were lengths of rusting iron chain. It was these that held in place its human cargo. I was in Stone Town, on the island of Zanzibar, following some of the physical remnants of the slave trade.

The cross in Christ Church Cathedral, Stone Town, Zanzibar

A two minute walk from here I found myself staring at an incongruous sight: an English-style Anglican cathedral called “Christ Church”. It was built over the island’s largest slave market, the alter apparently positioned over the exact spot where the whipping-post stood. I went in and on the left-hand side against the fourth pillar was a large wooden cross with a simple inscription. It read: “This crucifix is made from the wood of the tree under which Dr Livingstone died at Chitambo village, Hala, Zambia 1873, and under which his heart buried [sic].”

I’d been travelling in Africa for six months, first down the continent’s French-speaking western side, through places like Mauritania, Benin, Ghana and Nigeria. Now I was journeying down its eastern flank, passing through Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia and into the game-rich parts so beloved by the wildlife documentary makers, places like Kenya and Tanzania.

Seeing this cross and reading its message was my first tangible connection to the great Victorian explorer, missionary and slave trade abolitionist, David Livingstone. A few weeks later our paths would cross again, quite literally, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Kalahari Desert, which Livingstone crossed in 1849

David Livingstone is now best remembered for the famous greeting of Henry Stanley, “Dr Livingstone I presume?” But being famed for what is essentially a modern day sound bite (if it was actually true?) doesn’t do justice to what the man achieved in life, and more fittingly, after his death in 1874 near Lake Bangweulu, in present-day Zambia.

His list of achievements have kept historians and autobiography writers busy ever since. He was the first European to traverse the African continent across its width, crossing the Kalahari in Botswana, reaching Lake Ngami, itself not far from the most popular safari destination in the country, the Okavango Delta. His quest eventually took him to all four corners of the continent: Luanda on the west coast, in what is now Angola, to the opposite side of the continent and Quelimane, in present-day Mozambique. Then there was his fruitless search for the source of the Nile. Even today modern technology still hasn’t answered the question definitively, although most experts accept that feeder rivers in both Rwanda and Burundi are the likely main sources, not Lake Victoria, which was thought most likely at the time.

Livingstone statue, Victoria Falls

When I reached Victoria Falls, I rounded the bend in the path from the Zimbabwe side and saw the larger-than-life statue of Livingstone. He was the first European to set eyes upon them and following in the tradition of all great British explorers up to this point, named them in honour of someone suitably important. He chose the then queen. The date was November 17th, 1855. Apparently the spectacle so moved him that it prompted another memorable quote, in which he said: “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” It has lost none of its appeal and even today rightly attracts, if you’ll forgive the pun, a never-ending stream of tourists.

Christ Church Cathedral, Stone Town

Some argue, with some justification, that his exploration of the continent was more failure than success. But it was after his death that his real achievements and his enduring legacy were finally cemented: the establishment of Christianity, trading links, and of course the eventual eradication of slavery in large parts of sub-Saharan Africa to name just a few. Not a bad record for one man.

Today, his memory lives on with churches, sports clubs, charitable institutions, and even whole towns named after him; Livingstone, in Zambia, perhaps being the most famous example. During my travels I even met a guide called “Livingstone”, of which I’m sure he was just one of thousands in Africa bearing that famous name. Notwithstanding his aforementioned achievements I’m sure this last epitaph alone would have made the great man very proud indeed.

David Livingstone (19 March 1813 – 1 May 1873)

(Click on image to enlarge)

If you’d like more information about an Audley tailor-made trip which includes seeing Victoria falls, or Zanzibar, call our Africa specialists on 01993 838 500 or contact us online.  Alternatively, browse our Africa Safari section.

Tony and Jenny Duval have recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica. They stayed at El Remanso Lodge and caught footage of this female Puma on camera.  She’s a regular visitor and has been seen several times in the last couple of months.

Hidden in the rainforest above a secluded and wild beach, El Remanso Lodge is located on the Osa Peninsula and offers some fantastic wildlife excursions, from early morning bird watching to late night tours of the forest.  Set in its own 150 acre reserve,  there is a restaurant with stunning views and a small swimming pool.

There are plenty of activities on offer, including waterfall rapelling for the more adventurous, canopy tree platform tours,  hiking in Corcovado National Park and horseback rides through the rainforest and beaches.

To discuss a trip to Costa Rica or a stay at El Remanso call our specialists on 01993 838 665. Alternatively find out more on our website or make an enquiry online.