Leading guided holiday company, Trafalgar (www.trafalgar.com), has introduced Asia into its portfolio, giving Australians the opportunity to explore China, Japan and Vietnam with the iconic brand.. Commencing from April 2013 and featuring eight expertly-planned itineraries, ranging from nine to 18 days in length, plus five extension options, Trafalgar’s 2013 Asia program presents a unique way to explore these incredible destinations through its wide range of authentic and traditional experiences.
Integral to the programme are Trafalgar’s renowned Local Specialties and Unique Insights, providing travellers with the chance to actively participate in regional activities such as a sushi making class or sake sampling in Japan, practicing the art of Tai Chi on a traditional junk boat in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay or learning how to make authentic Chinese dumplings in Xi’an. The groundbreaking At Leisure concept is also showcased in Asia, giving the unique Trafalgar touch to China and Vietnam.
Commenting on the introduction of Asia, Trafalgar Managing Director Matthew Cameron-Smith said: “We know that Asia is perennially popular with Australian travellers. At Trafalgar, we firmly believe in putting the customer at the heart of everything we do, hence we have responded to consumer demand by introducing the inimitable Trafalgar difference to the region.
”We feel that Asia as a destination truly lends itself to our style of guided holidays. In addition to experiencing all the must-see sights, Trafalgar guests have the benefit of travelling with local experts, meaning they are privy to a range of exclusive opportunities such as dining with locals with our unique Be My Guest experiences, uncovering the unexpected with Hidden Treasures and getting beneath the surface of each destination with Local Specialties.”
Traversing imperial cities, country landscapes, traditional villages and modern metropolises, Trafalgar guests will be joined by charming Local Guides, who will open the doors to their hometowns by sharing their personal stories and Local Experts, who will provide in-depth insights into a range of options from gourmet cooking to understanding the traditional Japanese way of life.
Being part of a guided holiday with Trafalgar also gives guests access to a number of exclusive offerings such as Be My Guest dining experiences, which allow travellers to dine like a local, with a local. On the 9-day Classic China (priced from $2075 per person, twin share, land only) you’ll travel by rickshaw to a family Hutong home in Beijing where your hosts will treat you to a delicious launch prepared in your honour while on the 10-day Highlights of Vietnam (priced from $2750 per person, twin share, land only) clients will have the opportunity to visit a local herb farm to meet the farmers, enjoy an aromatic foot spa and then sit down for a meal at the farmhouse..
Additionally, guests have the opportunity to enhance their guided holiday even further with a variety of optional excursions, specially handpicked to demonstrate the differences of each destination. These range from a cruise along the Minjiag River in China to uncover the Giant Buddha of Leshan or escaping to the tranquil Yuyuan Garden in bustling Shanghai.
For travellers wishing to extend their Asian guided holiday, Trafalgar’s 2013 Asia programme includes a choice of five great options. These range from the land-based 4-day Tibet Extension (priced from $925 per person, twin share, land only) to the luxurious 11-day Cambodia Cruise Extension (priced from $3099 per person, twin share, land only) with options also available for Hong Kong and Bangkok.
Earlybird air deals are also available with Singapore Airlines, with flights from only $1335 ex Melbourne (surcharges apply for Adelaide, Brisibane, Sydney, Perth and Darwin) when booking any Trafalgar guided holiday. By booking this deal, travellers will also receive a $200 credit toward their guided holiday from Trafalgar. To take advantage of this offer, booking must be made by 30 September, 2012.
For further information on Trafalgar’s inaugural 2013 Asia programme, please visit www.trafalgar.com, follow us on Twitter @TrafalgarTalk and Facebook/TrafalgarTravel