Norway and Northern Lights Cruise for 12 Nights
Norway and Northern Lights Cruise for 12 Nights
Set Sail on an exciting and scenic quest with Oriana and search for the amazing Northern Lights.
Your first call is Andalsnes, where the Romsdal Alps meet Romsdalsfjord. Visit the dramatic Trollveggen (Troll Wall), the highest alpine drop in northern Europe at nearly 1,200 metres.
Then sail north above the Arctic Circle in search of the mystical natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights.
Tromso lies just under 250 miles inside the Arctic Circle. For great views of the city take the cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen, or if your pursuit of the mystical Lights proves taxing, grab a cocktail – Tromso has more bars than anywhere else in Norway!
Alta is next, ‘The Town of the Northern Lights’. It’s home to the world’s first Northern Light observatory, and you’ll get a fantastic insight into this spectacular phenomenon. Don’t miss the Neolithic carvings and paintings at Hjemmeluft.
Your final port is Stavanger, the ‘Cradle of the Vikings’. This historic town boasts a charming old town and the imposing Three Swords monument. And, as the gateway to Norway’s fjordland, this is a fitting place from which to bid farewell to the spectacular fjords, before returning to Southampton.
Oriana is an Adult only mid-sized ship. Oriana elegantly combines classic design features such as teak decks and a tiered stern with delightful Art Deco touches. She exudes refinement and luxury. One of the signature features is the stunning atrium with a Tiffany glass ceiling and her panoramic Crow’s Nest bar.
The broad teak promenade and lido decks are great for sun bathing and watching the world go by. While away the hours in the card room and wood panelled library where you can relax. The bars which include the Lord’s Tavern sports bar and the iconic Anderson’s bar and places where you can go and enjoy a drink or cocktail. Holidays should be relaxing and Oriana is the perfect place to relax with the beautiful Oasis Spa and salon. However, if you prefer to be a little more active whilst on holiday, you’ll find a state of the art gym, sports courts and golf nets.
Evenings could feature dinner in Atul Kochhar’s Sindhu and a dazzling show in the theatre. From the moment you step on board, you’ll know you are on a very special ship and in the best possible company to explore new destinations.
To Book or Enquire Please Call: 0114 3273436 or email Jackief@travel-pa.com
Jewels of Japan 11 Day Tour
Book this tour and upgrade to the world’s best Business Class from only £99pp! One Way. Limited availability. Offer ends 29 Feb 2016
Immerse yourself in the unique and fascinating culture of Japan. Encompassing the essentials with futuristic cities, imperial heritage and magnificent nature, this tour incorporates a number of experiences that give your holiday a truly authentic edge.
Places Visited
UK – Tokyo (3N) – Fuji Five Lakes (2N) – Kyoto (4N) – UK
Tour Highlights
Witness the fusion of modernity and tradition on a Tokyo city tour
Ascend the iconic and inspirational Mount Fuji
Experience the moving and surprisingly forward thinking city of Hiroshima
Watch as water laps over the iconic Itsukushima Shrine
Discover the stunning white facade of the feudal Himeji Castle
Explore the quintessential Japanese town of Kyoto
Days 1-2 Fly to Tokyo
Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3 Discover Tokyo
Today’s city tour starts on the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, the world’s tallest tower, before seeking out the tranquility of the ancient Buddhist Sensoji Temple. Glimpse Tokyo’s historical heritage at the Edo-Tokyo Museum and explore Tokyo’s Imperial Palace. This evening take a relaxed dinner cruise on the Sumida River for some excellent city vistas.
Day 4 Meiji Shrine
The city tour continues with a relaxed morning wandering around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Garden. Explore the huge evergreen forest that encompasses the Shinto Meiji Shrine. The afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish.
Day 5 Fuji Five Lakes
Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mt Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji Five Lakes. The region is spectacular with the calm waters of the five lakes, formed by past eruptions, reflecting Fuji’s picture-perfect cone. Try your hand at making traditional Japanese soba noodles before tucking in to your creations. Continue to Oshino Hakkai, a scenic area of ponds full of crystal clear spring water created by Fuji’s melting snow, where there is also a small museum.
Day 6 Mt Fuji
Ascend Mt Fuji to the 5th Station. Return to the beautiful Five Lakes region and explore Iyashi no Sato. Destroyed by a landslide in 1966, the remaining thatched-roofed houses of this old Japanese village have been transformed into an open-air museum and craft village, exhibiting plenty of local, and traditional handicrafts
Day 7 Bullet train to Kyoto
Transfer to the station at Mishima. Sit back and relax in the cool comfort of a bullet train as you speed across the country to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for a thousand years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Day 8 Explore Kyoto
Spend the day soaking up some of Kyoto’s delightful sights, starting at Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion. Continue to Ryoanji, a Zen temple with an excellent example of a dry landscape garden, and Kiyomizu Temple, a 16th century Buddhist temple. This afternoon visit a restored wooden townhouse to learn the traditional Japanese arts of origami and calligraphy, witness Ikebana and enjoy a tea ceremony.
Day 9 Himeji
Jump on the bullet train again today for a day visit to Himeji. The feudal era fort, one of the most impressive in Japan, towers over the city recognisable as the backdrop to several major films. Return to Kyoto. The geisha is both an intriguing and integral part of Japanese history – enjoy tea with either a maiko (apprentice geisha) or geisha at a typical teahouse.
Day 10 Hiroshima and Miyajima
Take a day trip by bullet train to Hiroshima and Miyajima. Hiroshima needs no introduction. The city today is vibrant and modern with a forward-thinking, sunny outlook. Find a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Hopping on a ferry, make the short trip to the holy island of Miyajima. Visit the Itsukushima Shrine. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most recognisable, it rises majestically out of the waters of the inland sea.
Day 11 Fly Osaka to UK
Transfer to Osaka and fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
To Enquire of Book Call : 0114 3273436 or email Jackief@travel-pa.com
Angkor Wat to Halong Bay Tour
Book this tour and upgrade to the world’s best Business Class from only £99pp!
Limited availability. Offer ends 29 Feb 2016
One of our most popular tours, take a voyage of discovery from the breath-taking majesty of the temples of Angkor, through to the spectacular natural grandeur of Halong Bay, experiencing all manner of delights en route.
Places Visited
UK – Siem Reap (3N) – Phnom Penh (1N) – Saigon (4N) – Hoi An (2N) – Hue (1N) – Hanoi (2N) – Halong Bay (1N) – UK
Tour Highlights
Embrace your inner explorer to discover the incredible temples of Angkor
Balance captivating charm with past horrors in capital city Phnom Penh
Experience Saigon’s edgy and evocative blend of past and present
Enjoy the old world ambiance of delightful Hoi An
Drift on emerald waters amongst the picturesque peaks of Halong Bay
Discover the colonial charm of Hanoi
Days 1-2 Fly to Siem Reap
Fly overnight to Siem Reap. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3 Tonle Sap
Spend the morning experience life on the water in the floating village of Tonle Sape. From here continue to Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple completely overrun by the jungle.
Day 4 Explore Angkor Wat
The seat of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, the Angkor complex includes over 1,000 temples. Begin at Ta Prohm, an atmospheric temple left in the grips of the jungle continuing to the city of Angkor Thom to reach the enigmatic Bayon, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. This afternoon is dedicated to the indescribable Angkor Wat.
Day 5 Discover Phnom Penh
Fly to Phnom Penh, a city of airy boulevards and colonial villas. Visit the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before admiring the artifacts at the lovely National Museum.
Day 6 Fly to Saigon
Visit the harrowing Tuol Sleng Museum before climbing up to the hilltop Wat Phnom. Fly to Saigon.
Day 7 Explore Saigon
The exuberant city of Saigon is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. Visit the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office; the Reunification Palace; and the chilling War Remnants Museum. Finish at the lively Ben Thanh Market.
Day 8 Mekong Delta
Pop down to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the mighty Mekong. This area is known as the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’, the rich and fertile lands producing huge amounts of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruits. Return to Saigon.
Day 9 Cu Chi Tunnels & Tay Ninh
Get to grips with the horrors of guerrilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels before travelling to Tay Ninh to attend the noon service at the Cao Dai Temple. Return to Saigon.
Day 10 Journey to Hoi An
Fly to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO listed Hoi An, with a stop at the Marble Mountains en route. Take a walking tour of this laidback and wilfully traditional town to see the elaborate Japanese Bridge, a local pagoda and the bustling market.
Day 11 Tra Que Village
Drive out into the countryside to the small farming community of Tra Que. Here you can enjoy the lush green countryside and see the farmers at work. This afternoon can be spent on the nearby Cua Dai beach or with a free afternoon back in Hoi An.
Day 12 Imperial Citadel, Hue
Leave Hoi An for Hue, taking the scenic route over the Hai Van Pass. The epitome of Vietnam’s dynastic past, Hue is a dignified and scholarly city. Take a drive up to the imposing Imperial Citadel to explore.
Day 13 Royal Tombs, Fly to Hanoi
Visit the UNESCO Royal Tomb of Minh Mang. Continue to the Thien Mu Pagoda before cruising on the Perfume River. Fly to Hanoi.
Days 14-15 Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Spend two days aboard a traditionally designed junk cruising amongst magnificent karst peaks on the tranquil green waters of Halong Bay. Spend the night on the boat before returning to Hanoi where you will see the famous water puppets sho
Days 16 -17 Fly Hanoi to UK
Explore the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, the Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, and take a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter. Transfer to the airport for an overnight flight home.