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An Insider’s View of the World Your guide to guided holidays. A W A R D W I N N I N G H O L I D A Y S

Guide to Guided 2013 (Aus)

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When you travel with Trafalgar, we make sure you feel like a traveller not a tourist. Our guided holidays take you deep inside stunning worldwide destinations for an exclusive perspective that you won’t encounter any other way.

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An Insider’s View of the WorldYour guide to guided holidays.

AWARD WINNING

HO L I D AY S

2

ContentsSee the world with an insider........................ 3

Top reasons to go guided ........................ 4 – 5

The choice is yours .................................. 6 – 7

Insider Experiences ................................. 8 – 9 - Exclusive Be My Guest

More exclusive Insider Experiences ....10 – 11

Inside a trip with Trafalgar ..................12 – 13

There’s a Trafalgar holiday ..................14 – 15 perfect for you

See the world with an insider!When you travel with Trafalgar, we

make sure you feel like a traveller not

a tourist. Our guided holidays take

you deep inside stunning worldwide

destinations for an exclusive perspective

that you won’t encounter any other way.

We share the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have discovered by yourself.

It’s the ‘insider view’ from a friend. And it guarantees you an authentic and enhanced travel experience unlike anything you could have on your own or with any other company.

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Enjoy meeting colourful local characters

AUTH

ENTIC LOCAL EXPERIENCES •

Hassle free ExperienceDon’t wait in line at major sights, worry about reservations, luggage handling, driving or parking - it’s all taken care of for you.

All-inclusive ValueHotels, sightseeing, luxury coach transportation, daily breakfasts and select meals, plus complimentary airport transfers, audio headsets, keepsake photos and more are all included in the price.

So Much ChoiceChoose from hundreds of worldwide itineraries across several travel styles to select the places, pace and price that’s right for you.

Expertly-planned ItinerariesEnjoy a careful balance of included sightseeing, optional excursions and free time to explore.

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Top reasons to take a guided holiday

No matter what kind of travelling you’ve done in the past, whether you’re a couple, family, group or single traveller, whether young or young at heart, you’ll discover that a guided holiday offers a perfectly-planned experience with distinct advantages over travelling any other way.

Here are some of the best reasons to go guided!

EXCL

USIVE

HIDDEN

TREASURES

WOR

LDWIDE DESTINATIONS •

“Everyone should be treated like VIPs, just like we were. Our Travel Director was very attentive and

knowledgeable and our Driver was top-notch. Every location was above

and beyond my expectations, making our holiday a memory

that will last forever!”

Maria M. – Grand European

Professional Travel DirectorAn experienced Travel Director accompanies you to act as your personal concierge, and along with Local Guides, share local knowledge and insider tips.

In-depth ExperienceTravel into the heart of a destination with the chance to experience both the day and nightlife of a place that quick shore excursions don’t allow.

Travel CompanionsCreate life-long friendships and memories with your group of around 40 travel companions from around the world.

Great SavingsBenefit from the Company’s global buying power, offering significant savings versus making arrangements independently, plus a range of other year-round discounts and special offers.

5Jasper, Canada

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The choice is yours!

Guided holidays come in all shapes

and sizes, so there’s something for

every traveller. And with hundreds of

itineraries in Europe, North and South

America & Asia across thousands of

available departure dates, Trafalgar

offers you more selection than any

other guided holiday company,

hands down.

First Class EuropeWith 104 itineraries across several holiday styles like At Leisure, Family Experiences, in-depth Regionals or multi-country European Discoveries, Trafalgar offers the ultimate selection to Europe.

Autumn, Winter & SpringEnjoy Europe’s must-see sights with fewer crowds, seasonal festivities and special holiday itineraries, plus savings of up to 36% off summer travel and lower airfares.

America & CanadaChoose from more than 50 itineraries across the America, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama, including At Leisure, Family Experiences and new Taste of North America holidays.

South America The 13 guided holidays in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and South America include At Leisure and Family Experiences itineraries, plus eight pre- and post-trip extension options.

AsiaTrafalgar makes the exotic easy with eight guided holidays to China, Vietnam and Japan, plus combined land/river cruising in China, an 11-day Cambodia cruise and other exciting land extensions.

Tuscany, Italy

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First Class EuropeWith 104 itineraries across several holiday styles like At Leisure, Family Experiences, in-depth Regionals or multi-country European Discoveries, Trafalgar offers the ultimate selection to Europe.

Autumn, Winter & SpringEnjoy Europe’s must-see sights with fewer crowds, seasonal festivities and special holiday itineraries, plus savings of up to 36% off summer travel and lower airfares.

America & CanadaChoose from more than 50 itineraries across the America, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama, including At Leisure, Family Experiences and new Taste of North America holidays.

South America The 13 guided holidays in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and South America include At Leisure and Family Experiences itineraries, plus eight pre- and post-trip extension options.

AsiaTrafalgar makes the exotic easy with eight guided holidays to China, Vietnam and Japan, plus combined land/river cruising in China, an 11-day Cambodia cruise and other exciting land extensions.

Offered worldwide, this relaxed-paced travel style offers two- to three-night stays in each destination, starts no earlier than 9am on most travel days and more free time to explore.

These popular, hassle-free family adventures, available in several worldwide destinations, are full of activities for all ages like chocolate making, gelato tasting, cowboy rope-tricks and even gladiator sword fighting!

Great for budget-conscious travellers, these European holidays feature the best value-for-money hotels, more free time and quality inclusions like a Trafalgar Travel Director and luxury coach travel, and still offer savings of up to 30% off the cost of independent travel.

“Trafalgar exceeded our expectations.Everything was taken care of and went flawlessly. Our charismatic Travel Director and outstanding driver made our trip go from good to great!”

Neil A. – European Traveller

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Be My Guest BYour exclusive invitation to dine with the locals

Insider Experiences - only with Trafalgar!

Exclusive to Trafalgar, Be My Guest dining experiences connect you with the true essence of a destination as only an insider can. You’ll be invited into private estates, working farms, wineries and family-run establishments to savour amazing regional food and wine, and mingle with locals to experience their culture from a unique insider’s view.

These exclusive experiences are included on First Class itineraries in Europe, North and South America and Asia.

Take a look at some of the experiences you could enjoy on the next page!

Count Francesco and guests at Fattoria di Maiano

What really sets Trafalgar apart are the unique Insider Experiences featured on every First Class itinerary. While other companies may scratch the surface when it comes to experiences like these, no other company offers the breadth and depth of authentic, local highlights like Trafalgar. Together our Insider Experiences make for a holiday unlike anything you could have on your own.

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Fattoria di Maiano, Italy

In the beautiful Tuscan countryside you’ll be the invited guest of Count Francesco Miari Fulcis at his family’s working olive grove estate. Enjoy an aperitif as you listen to the fascinating history of the Fattoria and the olive oil-making process before dining on an authentic Italian dinner accompanied by local Chianti wine.

Domaine Faverot, France

In the foothills of the Luberon Mountains, you will be welcomed to Domaine Faverot, a family-run winery dating back to the time of Napoleon. Learn about its history with a tour of the winery and enjoy sampling wines, then feast on a scrumptious buffet lunch of Provençal dishes.

Nicholson Ranch Winery, California

Nestled in the foothills of the prized grape-growing region of the Sonoma Valley, here, you’ll enjoy a personal tour of the family-run winery with one of the winemakers. Sample estate-produced wines, and then indulge in a gourmet lunch, with breathtaking views over the valley.

Pappy’s Cowboy Cookout, Montana

Join Happy Pappy at his ranch for an evening of Old West hospitality in the beautiful Montana countryside. Listen to stories of the frontier while your barbecue dinner is cooked in true cowboy style, then afterwards gather round the campfire for harmonica lessons.

Ledard Farm, Scotland

Greeted by the sounds of traditional Scottish bagpipes, the Wood family invites you to their historical working farm. After a guided walk, enjoy a hearty lunch in the restored 17th-century barn adorned with weapons and clan banners of the era, followed by traditional musical entertainment.

Beijing, China

Travel by rickshaw in Beijing to a traditional Hutong home, where a local family will welcome you for an authentic home-made lunch featuring local cuisine.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

In Buenos Aires, be welcomed by a local family, as they share their family recipes in their kitchen, tasting the fresh produce used to prepare the evening meal. You’ll discover the secrets of kneading country bread before savouring the completed meal together.

More exclusive Insider Experiences...

Travel Directors It’s the stories behind each destination that allow you to truly get a feel for the places you visit, and no one tells them better than our Travel Directors. Wherever you may be, they bring each destination to life, giving you a real insider’s perspective that you simply couldn’t experience if travelling on your own. These world-class professionals speak the language, offer local tips and are the friend you’d wish to have in every destination.

Local Experts On select itineraries, enjoy the company of skilled Local Experts such as interpretive guides, indigenous storytellers, naturalists, geologists and historians. They’ll enrich your travel experience by sharing fascinating insights based on their specialized knowledge in the area you’re visiting.

Explore the landmarks of the English city Liverpool connected with legendary band The Beatles with ‘Fab Four’ expert, Philip Coppell. And in Buenos Aires, cultural expert Diego will enlighten you on Argentina’s traditions and passions including the tango, Malbec wines, soccer and polo.

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Eiffel Tower, Paris

MEE

T

THE

LOCAL

PEOPLE•

“Our Travel Director Roberto helped us experience the culture of a variety of regions. The Hidden Treasures and especially Be My Guest brought to life an understanding of local customs. It was an invitation to think through the minds of the people we visited.”

Catherine C. – Simply Italy

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More exclusive Insider Experiences...

Local Guides 5Delve deeper into the heart of a city with entertaining Local Guides who’ll join you at various destinations during your holiday. As locals to the area, they’ll share their passion for the city they grew up in and take your sightseeing experience to a whole new level.

Get the insider’s view on the historical landmarks of Washington D.C. Hear fun facts and anecdotes as you explore the city of Edinburgh. And in Vienna, your Local Guide will give a superb historical account of the Hapsburg dynasty as you stroll the Imperial Boulevards.

Unique Insights Our Unique Insights, featured on select itineraries, will give you a real sense of culture, with visits to places which are distinctive to the area you’re visiting. For example in Rome, follow in the footsteps of Michelangelo and da Vinci when visiting the Vatican Museums. Ascend the step-less spiral staircase designed by famous architect Donato Bramante, in a part of the Vatican not open to the public.

Hidden Treasures GSometimes the most amazing sights are just around the corner, but how would you know where to look or that they were even there? With their intimate knowledge of each destination, our Travel Directors delight in revealing these exclusive Hidden Treasures to you on every itinerary, uncovering a unique sightseeing surprise you’d never experience travelling on your own.

Local Specialities IOur Local Specialities allow you to experience local crafts and customs first hand, so you can truly appreciate the culture of the destinations you visit. Watch skilled artisans at work, learn about the history of the craft and often sample the fruits of their labours. In California’s famous wine country, learn the art of blending wine at a private Sonoma Valley winery. Or in Venice, witness traditional gondola building and learn the strict codes of the craft or have your family paint Venetian Carnival masks.

Find these Insider Experiences on each itinerary page in the brochures.

Take part in a hands-on cooking class at the famous Ramekins Culinary School, Sonoma Valley, CA

Learn first-hand about Sorrento’s famous Local Speciality of inlaid woodworking. Spend the afternoon on an included cruise to the lovely resort island of Capri. This evening, your hotel dinner includes local wine—as do all your included dinners on this trip!

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Discover the Trafalgar difference by following how First Class inclusions and unique Insider Experiences unfold on one of our most popular guided holidays, Best of Italy. Here are just some of the incredible inclusions:

Enjoy your first taste of Italy when your Travel Director hosts a Welcome Reception with drinks and a light meal of local flavours. Get to know the others in your English-speaking travel group, typically about 40 people ages 35–65.

Day 1: Rome E

Day 4: Sorrento – Isle of Capri Cruise I

Best of Italy, 13 days from $3,099*

After a hot buffet breakfast, make your way onto the coach for your sightseeing tour of all the incredible ancient sites of Rome.

Day 2: Rome

Bypass the lines with included VIP entry to the Vatican and the Colosseum. With state-of-the-art audio headsets, hear your Local Guide’s commentary while wandering at your own pace as you visit the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and more.

Our Unique Insight is privileged access to Bramante’s step-less spiral staircase in an area of the Vatican Museum not open to the public.

Rome Sightseeing

Inside a trip with Trafalgar!

Relax in the reclining seats of your luxury coach and take in the scenery through the panoramic windows on the drive back to Rome. Trafalgar carefully plans every itinerary so the longest drive is no more than 2 hours before taking a break.

Back in Rome, bid a fond farewell to your newfound friends and celebrate your Italian adventure at a memorable Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Rome Farewell Dinner FDay 12: Florence to Rome

Glassblowing

Day 7: Venice – Island of Burano

Learn about this Local Speciality as a skilled artisan transforms molten glass into a delicate piece of glassware right before your eyes.

Your afternoon could include a delicious seafood lunch on Venice’s charming island of Burano, one of the Optional Excursions available for purchase from your Travel Director once your trip commences.

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Day 9: La Piratera – Lake Maggiore B

Best of Italy, 13 days from $3,099*

Day 11: Florence – Local Guide

“We saw so much of Italy in a short time. It was beautiful! We hit all the major sights and made a lot of new friends from around the world. This was our first guided holiday and all in all, it was a trip of a lifetime!”

Charie S. – Best of Italy

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Florence’s rich Renaissance history is brought to life as you walk the cobbled streets with your Local Guide. Later, spend free time exploring or shop for quality leather and gold.

On an island in stunning Lake Maggiore, the Telli family invites you to an exclusive Be My Guest lunch of local Italian delicacies at their restaurant. Enjoy an aperitif as Signore Telli relates the island’s aristocratic history.

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San Francisco & Wine Country Delights8 Days from $2,350*Discover the iconic sights of San Francisco and explore the lush vineyards of Napa Valley where you’ll sample fine wines and even blend your own bottle of wine to take home as a memento.

Classic China9 Days from $2,075*Take a rickshaw ride to have lunch as guests of a local family at their home in Beijing, visit the Forbidden City with its imperial gardens and sacred structures, and stand in awe of the famous Great Wall.

Prague, Vienna & Budapest 10 Days from $1,999*Explore the ancient Castle and charming Old Town in Prague, soak up the atmosphere of Vienna, and discover Budapest’s Bohemian wonders, enjoying a delicious dinner of authentic cuisine as guests of a local family at their restaurant.

There’s a Trafalgar holidayperfect for you!There are hundreds of Trafalgar guided holidays to amazing destinations around the world. Here’s just a small selection across the variety of holiday styles we offer to help you find the perfect insider’s journey for you!

Stonehenge, England

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Best of Britain11 Days from $2,299*Experience the very best of Britain including royal castles, medieval towns, mystical Stonehenge, and the charming Cornish peninsula, where you’re invited to lunch at a working dairy farm, not to mention the glorious Lake District and the rugged beauty of Scotland.

Flavours of Italy 10 Days from $2,550*Savour the sights and culinary delights of Rome, Florence and Venice. Sample the real Tuscan lifestyle, shopping for fresh produce and cooking with an expert chef. Taste the local delicacies that have made the Parma region famous. And enjoy an insider’s view of timeless Venetian crafts.

First Class Regional Holidays

European Traveller8 Days from $1,750*See all the sights from London to Rome! Cross northern France, enjoy the glamour of Paris, visit beautiful Lucerne in Switzerland, admire the Italian Lakes, explore Venice and Florence and finish in the eternal city of Rome!

South America Revealed16 Days from $5,950*Immerse yourself in the music, cuisine and culture of South America while exploring the celebrated cities of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Lima, as well as mystical archaeological sites at Machu Picchu and Cusco. Be awed by South America’s famed natural beauty at Iguassu Falls and Sacred Valley.

Scenic Parks Explorer 14 Days from $3,425*Discover the amazing landscapes of Zion, Bryce, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Arches, Mesa Verde and Grand Canyon National Parks, marvelling at your Local Experts’ insights into how the geological forces and diverse wildlife formed these truly spectacular natural wonders.

First Class Discovery Holidays

Gladiators, Gondolas & Gold10 Days from $2,450*With so much to experience in Italy you may never want to leave! Float along Venice’s canals with a delicious ice cream, make and eat Italian pizza, learn about life in ancient Rome at Gladiator School, admire the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and much more!

Wild West Cowboys & Buffalos 8 Days from $1,950*Explore the amazing natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park with a Local Expert, learn about the Wild West and experience a real working dude ranch with fun activities like horseback riding and campfire s’mores. Witness the spectacle of Mount Rushmore and get up close to the cubs at Bear Country USA.

AWARD WINNING

H

O L I D AY S

*Prices are per person, land-only and based on Twin share.

Trafalgar is the trusted leader in guided holidays98% guest satisfaction rate • Winner Best Tour Operator - International. National Tourism Industry

Awards 2012 • Over 65 years of experience • More choice than any of our closest competitors

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Pisa, Italy