Jetsettersblog

Silk Road Treasure Tours, specialists in Central Asia, is offering the 18-day “In The Footsteps of Marco Polo” itinerary, uncovering the cultural treasures of Central Asia. This small group Silk Road tour visiting Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan calls on Central Asia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, oriental bazaars, and takes in the mountains, deserts and lakes along the Silk Road. The tour has nine departure dates from May 9 to Sept. 12 and starts at $5,999 per person.

The trip begins in Uzbekistan. Guests will arrive in Tashkent, the capital, to explore ancient mausoleums, mosques and the Chor-Su Bazaar. While in Uzbekistan, guests visit the best-preserved cities of the Silk Road including Khujand, located not far from the border of Uzbekistan, for a day trip to one of the most ancient cities of Tajikistan; Samarkand, a city more than 2,750 years old to visit several sites including the Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is now the main location for Uzbek’s international music festivals; and Bukhara, another World Heritage Site, to experience local hospitality with an Uzbek family and a folk-show in Medreseh Nodir Divan Begi.

From Bukhara, guests will drive to Turkmenistan and through the Kara Kum desert from Mary to Merv. Once belonging to the Achaemenian Empire in the 6th century BC until the invasion by Alexander the Great, Merv is the oldest well-preserved heritage city of the Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests will then head to the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, a haven of museums and bazaars. Here guests will discover the ruins of the ancient Parthian state capital currently being restored by UNESCO, along with fortresses, the National Museum of History and Ethnography and the Carpet Museum. Guests will take a sightseeing drive to Khiva, one of the three historical cities on the ancient trade route, to explore Uzbekistan’s open-air museum of unparalleled examples of architecture.

Continuing onto Kazakhstan, guests will arrive in Almaty, the former capital which is situated at the foot of the Zaili Alatau Mountain Range. Guests will visit the gardens, parks and promenades at Alatau Park and see the Chimbulak mountainous area. Across the Kazakh Steppe, guests will drive to one of the greenest cities in Central Asia, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. Originally a caravan rest stop from China to Europe, Bishkek now features bazaars offering foods, clothes, woodcarvings, and more. The last full days will be spent on the beaches of Issyk Kul (Warm Lake), one of the largest and deepest alpine lakes in the world which, although surrounded by the snowy Ala-Tau mountains, never freezes.

Price includes all costs aside from consular fees at the Embassies, gratuity for the guides and international airline flights; visa support; domestic airline flights; ground transportation; English-speaking guides/escort; accommodations in three- and four-star hotels; meals including breakfast and dinner; entrance fees to museums, monuments and parks; folklore show in Bukhara; pre-departure travel package; and Silk Road gifts. For more information, call 888-745-7670 or email info@silkroadtreasuretours.com

Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to Almaty & Astana (2nd ed)

Written by Isabelle Kallo & Elisabeth Lester

Book: 1st December 2011
iPhone & iPad: mid-February 2012
Nokia: Christmas 2011
Android & Windows Mobile: April 2012
PDFs from Hg2.com: available now

Probably one of the most misunderstood countries, Kazakhstan has more to offer than mankinis and toothless crones. Unfortunately, Borat did nothing for Central Asia’s cool credentials. But with two of its largest cities, Almaty & Astana seeing an influx of hip hotels, trendy bars and cool clubs, it seems Kazakhstan is on the up.

Sitting at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, coupled with its strong historical ties to Russia and a landmass bigger than that of Western Europe, Kazakhstan has plenty to offer even the most seasoned nomad.

Seasoned residents and journalists Isabelle Kallo and Elisabeth Lester scoured through Kazakhstan’s old and new capitals to find the very best of what’s on offer. Almaty, the most populous and popular city is a laid-back town, offering instant access to the mountains, and a walkable, leafy central area brimming with history. Since becoming Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana has embraced its new responsibility with ambitious plans to develop both itself and the country.

Encased in Hg2′s sexy, sleek and discreet book, the Almaty & Astana guide is split into clear chapters allowing the reader to explore where to SLEEP, EAT, DRINK, SNACK, PARTY, and how to take in the CULTURE, SHOP or PLAY, whether it’s just for a few hours or several weeks.

Hg2 Almaty & Astana is available in guidebook form from December, on Nokia’s Symbian/Meego platforms as an app as of Christmas and is downloadable as a PDF from the website now.

For more information and images please contact Marilyn MacDonald
Email: marilyn@hg2.com Tel: +44 (0)20 7221 9668/ +44 (0)77 8859 5108

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About Hg2:
Hg2 was born from frustration, after its founder, Tremayne Carew Pole, lost a weekend in Budapest trying to find a genuinely good bar. Recognising that many people experience the same disappointment, he decided to create a new type of city guide – combining engaging destinations and stylish design with unsurpassed local knowledge, to offer the ultimate handbook to a city break.

Bound is stylishly discrete snakeskin-like flexi-bound covers the guides all follow the same format, covering the best places to Sleep, Eat, Drink, Snack, Party, Shop, Play and take in Culture in each city. Considered reviews, ratings and photography throughout ensure the reader knows exactly what to expect before they go ensuring no disappointments.

The guides are published in print, online (www.Hg2.com) and as downloadable as PDFs, where continual updates from our local reviewers ensure that they never go out of date.

This April, Hg2 launched iPhone apps for all our guides. Building on the content of the guides, the applications also include augmented reality, GPS-enabled maps, user feedback, music playlists, Twitter integration and an itinerary planner. The mobile roll out continued with HP Tablet (WebOS) in October, and Symbian/Meego apps for Nokia in December 2011. 2012 sees a totally new iPhone and iPad app arriving in February and Android and Windows Mobile apps in Q2.

The new 2012/13 Mountain Kingdoms brochure is out now – call 01453 844400 for a copy or email info@mountainkingdoms.com

Packed with 120 exciting holidays, there are 23 fabulous new treks and tours in addition to lots of old favourites.

Highlights include four new trips to the must see destination of 2012, Burma, some wild and remote treks in Nepal, and the southernmost trek in the world in Tierra del Fuego.

Once again the Mountain Kingdoms Early Bird booking incentive will reward those keen to book, and this year applies to all 2012 flight inclusive holidays featured in the new brochure.
Clients booking before the 30th November 2011 will receive a £50 discount – visit www.mountainkingdoms.com  for details and conditions.

NEW TREKS & TOURS

Bhutan

Birding in Bhutan – an exceptional specialist tour created for true birding enthusiasts in a paradise of rare and endemic birds.

Dragon Kingdoms of Burma & Bhutan – an easy walking and sightseeing holiday to two of the world’s most remarkable Buddhist kingdoms.
Mount Chomolhari & the Bonte La – magnificent high mountain trekking beneath snowy peaks, through remote valleys and across high passes.

Nepal

Village Trails of Nepal – the perfect gentle walking holiday combining relaxed day walks, comfortable hotels and the spectacular Himalaya.

Annapurna & Everest Panorama Trek – two short tea house treks amidst the breathtaking scenery of Nepal’s two most famous mountain ranges.

Everest Base Camp in Style – exhilarating strenuous trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar, staying in the Khumbu’s best lodges.

Rolwaling & Bigu Gompa – a glorious trek to one of Nepal’s best ‘off the beaten track’ mountain valleys, next to the Tibetan border.

Api Base Camp with Tashi Tenzing – a reconnaissance trek led by Tenzing Norgay’s grandson, in a remote, little visited, corner of Nepal.

The Kagmara La Pass to Dolpo – a thrilling trek in ‘Wild Nepal’, from the calm waters of Rara Lake, over the Kagmara La to isolated Upper Dolpo.

India & Sri Lanka

Incredible India & Brahmaputra River Cruise – an enthralling tour encompassing both the frenetic energy and serene beauty of India.
Leh & Indus Valley Trails – a delightful short summer walking holiday to the mountains and monasteries of ‘Little Tibet’.
Trails of Buddha’s Island, Sri Lanka – a gentle walking holiday visiting the island’s main historical, cultural, wildlife and scenic highlights.

Mongolia & Central Asia

Genghis Khan Trails & Naadam Festival – take the Trans-Mongolian train from Beijing to experience ancient cities, desert travels, mountain walks and traditional festivities.

Nomads & Ibex Trek – a two week magical, mountain adventure in the remote northwest corner of Mongolia.
K2 & Gasherbrum Base Camps – a sensational trek through wild, dramatic and unspoiled scenery into the heart of the Karakoram mountains.

Burma

First Class Tour of Burma – a relaxed exploration of the cultural and scenic highlights of the Golden Land, staying in quality hotels throughout.

Dragon Kingdoms of Burma & Bhutan – an easy walking and sightseeing holiday to two of the world’s most remarkable Buddhist kingdoms.

Golden Trails of Burma – gentle walks, cultural highlights and comfortable accommodation – the best way to explore this remarkable country.
Mount Phongun & the Burmese Himalaya – trekking in the remote highlands of northern Burma, with an ascent of Phongun Razi (3,635m/11,920ft).

Other destinations

Northern Lights & Husky Sledding, Norway – an action-packed winter adventure in Norway’s icy north, aiming to see the dazzling Northern Lights and taking in a thrilling sledding experience.

Tierra del Fuego – the Ultimate Adventure – from the southernmost trek in the world to Patagonia, via a voyage through the Beagle Channel.

Bedouin Trails of Jordan – easy walking and sightseeing in Jordan, from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea.

Serengeti Walking Safari – unspoiled landscapes, impressive wildlife and luxury camping – the best way to experience wild Africa.

Ngorongoro Highlands & Serengeti Wilderness – a fabulous walking safari in style in two of Africa’s most pristine wildlife areas.

A ski resort is being constructed in Akmola Province in Kazakhstan. Within five to 10 years, Kazakhstan is planning to create resorts Kenderli in Mangistau Province and Burabai in Akmoli Province. Several other facilities are under the construction at the moment, including a recreation center in Sharjum in Akkola, tourist fitness complex Katon-Karagai in the Eastern Kazakh Province, and ethnographic complexes Sheberler auly and Talhyz in Almaty Province. One of the biggest projects aimed at tourism development is the construction of ski resort in Akmola Province three miles from the town of Shutinsk. It will feature three alpine skiing tracks, two four- and five-star hotels, a restaurant, cableway, sport club and a bar. For more information, visit www.kazakhstan.orexca.com

In Kazakhstan a number of five-star hotels are to be built in Shymkent and Turkestan. These projects are to be carried out by Uzman Yatirim Holding from Turkey in cooperation with international investment company Parigi Group. The estimated cost of the project to be realized in Shymkent is about $100 million whereas the cost of construction works in Turkestan can amount to about $80 million. Uzman Yatirim Holding investment company was set up in 1963 and deals with construction of hotels and resort complexes in Antalia, Istanbul, as well as in Kyrgyzstan. Parigi Group is a European private company formed by investment banks. It specializes in small and medium-size businesses. For more information, visit www.kazakhstan.orexca.com

Audley has launched a new China, Russia & Central Asia brochure with many new itineraries in each destination as well as suggestions for ‘Great Journeys’ – trips that take in more of the contrasting landscapes and cultures available in this region.

Highlights include:

Family China – a new family itinerary which takes in Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin and Longji as well as two nights in Hong Kong. Activities include the Sony ExploraScience centre in Beijing, a Kung Fu lesson, a cycle ride around Xian’s city walls, the aquarium in Shanghai, a cruise up the Li river, the rice terraces around Longji and perhaps a visit to Disneyland in Hong Kong!

This 16 day itinerary costs from £2,950 per adult and £2,300 for children under 12, based on a family of four travelling together.

Avoid the Crowds in China – Audley focus on getting clients away from the crowds as much as possible. Even on a Classic China itinerary they will try to steer clients towards areas that are slightly off the beaten track.

So instead of going to see the Great Wall in Beijing they will take clients out to Jinshanling, a bit further away but much quieter and more dramatic.

As well as the Terracota Warriors they will recommend clients go to the Hanyanling Tombs and on the Li River they will encourage clients to take a private boat trip instead of one of the larger shared boat options.

The brochure also focuses strongly on Yunnan Province where it is still possible to see the rural and unspoilt China and where there are many different tribes and minorities.

For example Audley recommend the village of Shaxi with its wonderful weekly market and Lake Lugu where you can go walking, take boat trips in a traditional dugout canoe or simply relax and take in the beautiful views.

There are several suggested Yunnan itineraries in the brochure including the 14 day Yunnan Discovered which takes in Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shaxi, and the Tibetan town of Zhongdian. This itinerary costs from £2,000 per person.

21st Century China – the new brochure also includes a spread on modern China and its cutting edge art, architecture, design and engineering. For example a trip on the Maglev train in Shanghai, the 798 Art Zone and Olympic Park in Beijing and stylish modern hotels such as The Opposite House in Beijing and 88 Xintiandi in Shanghai.

Iran – following the controversial 2009 elections, visitors were put off going to Iran. However the political situation there has stablised through 2010 and things are likely to remain calm until new elections due in 2013.

This means that now is a good time to go and Audley suggest an eight day Iran Uncovered itinerary taking in Tehran, Yazd and Esfahan.

The Ukraine – often overlooked as a destination, the Ukraine has a wonderfully rich history as well as beautiful countryside and coastline. Audley suggest a one week itinerary that combines Kiev and Lviv and costs from £1,200 per person.

Russian River Cruises – a great way to see Moscow and St Petersburg as well as the beautiful countryside between and the Golden Ring towns including Uglich, Goritsy and Kizhi. Audley have started offering a new boat that is a higher standard than previously available with an eight day itinerary costing from £1,700 per person.

The Three Capitals – a 10 day trip to the three major cities of Kiev, Moscow and St Petersburg, providing a wonderful introduction to the culture and history of the Ukraine and Russia. This itinerary costs from £2,200 per person.

Great Journeys – Audley offer several different journeys through the region. These include the Silk Route, the Trans-Siberian railway, an overland trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu, the railway from Beijing to Lhasa and a trip following in the footsteps of the ancient tea traders in Yunnan.

On the Silk Route Audley have itineraries ranging from an 11 day Uzbekistan Discovered trip that takes in the legendary cities of Samarakand, Bukhara and Tashkent to a 21 day Classic Silk Route journey for those with more time, going through Western China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

Audley also offer options for the Trans-Siberian Railway including both public trains and private trains.

The private Tsar’s Gold train is new to the brochure and although less authentic it offers a more comfortable way of doing the Trans-Siberian with a number of set itineraries from Moscow to Beijing, or vice versa, via Mongolia.

One of Audley’s favourite journeys is the overland route from Lhasa to Kathmandu as it is rich in culture and scenery. They suggest a 15 day trip that costs from £3,700 per person and takes in all of the highlights including Everest Base Camp.

Further details from Audley on 01993 838 200 www.audleytravel.com/nca

Follow Audley on Twitter www.twitter.com/audleytravel
Subscribe to Audley’s RSS feed of travel articles www.audleytravel.com/magazine

Emerging Asian hotel investment company Red Planet Hotels continues to chronicle an array of achievements as it forges ahead in its mission to place multiple limited service hotels in key Asian cities.

In recent significant developments for the company, the number of rooms it has under construction surged past 1,000 last week, fuelled by the injection of fresh investment capital.

Red Planet Hotels Chief Executive Officer Tim Hansing said the company is developing a portfolio of Tune hotels in China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Bangladesh.

It currently has 1,023 hotel rooms through six hotels in Jakarta, Bangkok, Pattaya, Angeles City and two in Manila, with more announcements expected soon.

All Red Planet-owned hotels operate under a franchise agreement with Tune Hotels. Tune Hotels is part of the Tune Group, the private investment group of Tony Fernandes, founder and group CEO of low-cost airline AirAsia and Team Principal of the Lotus F1 Racing team.

“Tune Hotels’ business model is solid and complements our investment methodology,” Hansing said at the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific in Hong Kong.

“Even though many investment companies have been looking to contain expenses and put expansion on the back burner, we were able to go out at the end of the global financial crisis in 2009 and raise significant capital.

To be able to raise funds and then to quickly secure sites and contracts to have over 1,000 keys under construction is a tremendous achievement and testament to the strength of our experienced management team and the Tune Hotels business model. We are looking for more opportunities to expand in Asia’s emerging markets with multiple sites in key cities, particularly those that Tune Hotels have interest in.”

Hansing said the limited-service hotel synergy presented Red Planet Hotels with some fantastic opportunities for expansion across the region and sites are continually being scoped and investigated. Tune Hotels is a rapidly growing chain of hotels that have embraced the limited-service model used by low-cost airlines and employs a self-service online booking system, encouraging guests to book early to enjoy low prices.

Using the demand-based pricing booking system, guests can book rooms at prices starting from $3 (or even lower during promotion periods) through the web at www.tunehotels.com.

It currently operates 10 hotels — seven in Malaysia, two in Indonesia and one in England, and has entered into strategic partnerships to open 20 hotels in India and a further 14 hotels in the United Kingdom.

For more information, call 011 66 (0) 2 207 2951, email tim@redplanethotels.com  or visit www.redplanethotels.com  or www.tunehotels.com

ZUJI gives travellers in Asia Pacific online access to real-time travel bookings for thousands of hotels and hundreds of airlines, as well as bringing cruises, car hire, attraction bookings, package tours and other inspirational travel offers, products and tools online.

ZUJI operates travel websites in: Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Korea (‘Nextour’), New Zealand (‘Travelocity’), and India (‘Travelocity India’ and ‘Travelguru’), as well as many ‘Travel Partner Network’ sites throughout Asia Pacific.

ZUJI’s ‘Travel Partner Network’ division allows third-party travel suppliers, agents and web sites to harness the travel booking functionality of ZUJI for flight, hotel, packages, activities and other travel content and products. ZUJI’s B2B partners include:

Virgin Blue (Blue Holidays: Australia & New Zealand).

ZUJI is owned by Travelocity®, an international leader in online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation, a world leader in travel commerce.

ZUJI has an online member base exceeding 1 million travellers. ZUJI’s Chief Executive Officer is Mr Roshan Mendis.

If the latest wave of Beatlemania has got you harking after the days of your misspent youth, or perhaps rueing the lack of them, then the time has arrived to hang up your suit and jump on board the Hippie Trail bus – the latest epic travel adventure from the beautiful people at Oz-Bus.

Ready for a Ticket to Ride? If the latest wave of Beatlemania has got you harking after the days of your misspent youth, or perhaps rueing the lack of them, then the time has arrived to hang up your suit and jump on board the Hippie Trail bus – the latest epic travel adventure from the beautiful people at Oz-Bus.

Half a century on since the formation of the Beatles and the birth of the hippie subculture, the 21st Century Hippie Trail will depart Istanbul and follow in the footsteps of the free-spirited westerners who set off in search of spiritual enlightenment and a better world.

The first Hippie Trail of 2010 gets underway on 8th March with up to 15 re-born hippies boarding a bus to head east over 7 weeks. Together, staying in simple, authentic accommodation and enjoying adventures along the way, the intrepid travellers will relive the legendary overland journey through the cradle of civilisation, crossing Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India and Nepal, finally arriving in Kathmandu.

A quick glance at the 46 day itinerary evokes hazy memories of clapped out VWs, magical faraway kingdoms and the heady days when travellers still had the feeling of being true pioneers and explorers.

Departing Istanbul, the bus heads to Ankara and onto the spectacular terrain of Cappadocia, where possible tours include the underground cities, or a hot air balloon flight, followed by a sun-downer in the cave bars in Goreme; The next stop is Mt Nemrut, famed for its giant statues built before Christ, and well worth the hike to the summit to greet the sunrise;

The bus crosses the border into Iran to Tabriz, where people still inhabit 3000 year old caves, followed by Tehran, Qom and Esfahan, once the capital of Persia, before arriving in Shiraz, the city of poets, wine and flowers.

The Hippie Trail heads north to Lahore, ‘heart of Pakistan’, and onto the hustle, bustle and culture shock of Delhi, sharply contrasted by the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur, the wondrous Taj Mahal, and the Ganges. Nepal is the hotly anticipated highlight on this Hippie Trail, and especially a visit to Dharamsala, the abandoned colonial hill station in the foot of the Himalayas, and the nearby village of McLeod Ganj, the Tibetan leader’s exile home.

This is without doubt the greatest opportunity to experience Tibetan culture firsthand in all its vibrancy. The Royal Chitwan National Park will blow the minds of even the most world-weary hippie.

This World Heritage listed site is testimony to successful nature conservation in South Asia, with 43 species of mammals to be found in the park including the endangered one horn rhino, tiger and crocodile, and over 450 species of bird.

Kathmandu is the final and much vaunted resting place for the Hippie Trail bus.

In a nod to 21st century ideals, Oz-Bus implements its strong belief in a responsible and sustainable travel ethos to ensure that local services, guides and meals are provided. Hippie Trailers stay in authentic roofed accommodation with breakfast provided each morning, and some evening meals.

Local guides, drivers and adventurers work hand in glove with the tour leader to give Hippie Trailers the best experience possible. Thanks to their local knowledge, the Hippie Trail can visit the lesser known gems and interact more with the local communities. The cost of the 46 day Hippie Trail is £2750 per person, exclusive of international flights.

For further information visit www.hippie-trail.com  or call the beautiful people at Oz-Bus on 0800 7319427 or for calls from outside the UK: +44 1480 810080 or visit www.oz-bus.com

Quick facts about Oz-Bus

The 92 day London to Sydney journey costs £4399 per person.

From February 2010 it will be a regular ‘hop on hop off’ service running eight times per annum.

The New Year’s Eve Special takes one week longer, and arrives on Sydney on 31 December, costing £4799.

The first ever Sydney to London departure will run in 2010 with two departures planned in April and May.

The first ever London to New York bus departs London in March 2010, early booking price from £5999.

The Oz-Bus price is inclusive of all travel, accommodation, breakfast, some meals, tour leader, local guides and national park entry fees.

Any addition flights taken by Oz-Bus due to unforeseen circumstances will not be charged for.

Cox & Kings launches expanded programme in the Middle East for 2010, including Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates.

The world’s longest established travel company, Cox & Kings, has launched its new Middle East brochure for 2010, featuring a comprehensive programme of escorted group tours and private tailor-made travel to the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and the Gulf. New for 2010 are a group tour to Lebanon, travel in the United Arab Emirates, and tailor-made travel ideas for Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Central Asia, Oman, Morocco and the UAE.

Cox & Kings has announced record figures to the Middle East for the second year running, with a 35% increase in passengers to the region in the last twelve months; last year’s figure was already up 38% on the previous year. Most noticeably, tailor-made travel to the Middle East is becoming increasingly popular, and the new brochure has significantly increased its coverage of the flexibility provided by tailor-made travel. “Cox & Kings offers one of the most comprehensive programmes in the Middle East” explains Mark Stacey, Cox & Kings’ Middle East Product Manager. “We have the experience and the expertise to offer complete flexibility in the region and there’s actually very little we can’t arrange”.

Bookings to Syria in the last twelve months were up 53% on the previous year, with nearly a quarter of all passengers travelling on tailor-made tours. A new Tailor-Made Syria section (page 53) outlines the possibilities of tailor-made travel to the country.

The suggested nine-night Euphrates & The Desert itinerary begins in Aleppo with visits to nearby St Simeons and Serjilla, before travelling east towards the Euphrates to Deir ez-Zour and on to Palmyra before ending in Damascus. From £3,695 per person including flights, accommodation, and all transfers and excursions on a private basis.

Lebanon has re-entered the brochure for 2010 after being designated ‘off limits’ by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for almost three years. Lebanon: Land of the Phoenicians (page 54) is a new six-night group tour that takes in the country’s highlights, visiting the Phoenician ports of Byblos and Sidon, the bustling cosmopolitan capital of Beirut and the spectacular Roman remains of Baalbek. From £1,045 per person including flights with bmi, accommodation with breakfast and one additional meal, transfers and all excursions. The tour can also be taken on a private basis from £1,495 per person.

“We are very excited to be offering travel to the United Arab Emirates for 2010, for the first time” says Stacey. “There is so much to see beyond the glitzy hotels and casinos of Dubai, and our new private journey, Emirates Explorer, and tailor-made travel suggestions focus on the history and culture of the country. Visitors benefit from first-class hotels and facilities while also seeing some magnificent cultural sites.”

NEW: Emirates Explorer (Page 78): This eight-night private journey explores the historic and cultural sites of the United Arab Emirates that exist beyond the luxurious hotels and malls.

Starting in Abu Dhabi, the capital, with a visit to the Grand Mosque, the second largest mosque in the Middle East, the itinerary continues to the other Emirates by private chauffeur-driven car. Highlights include the Hafeet and Hajar mountains and the oasis of Al Ain. From £1,595 per person including flights with British Airways, accommodation with breakfast, transfers and all excursions.

NEW: Tailor-Made Central Asia (Page 76): Following increased passenger numbers throughout Central Asia in the last 12 months, Cox & Kings has introduced a selection of travel ideas for visitors to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Turkistan. Kazakhstan Explorer is a suggested six-night itinerary that begins in Almaty, with day trips to Big Almaty Lake and Charyn Canyon. The trip continues to Shymkent and visits Turkistan before returning to Almaty. From £1,725 per person including flights, accommodation and all transfers and excursions on a private basis.

NEW: Tailor-Made Oman (Pages 70-71): Amongst the new tailor-made content in the brochure is a double page spread on Oman, a country that lends itself well to independent exploration. A suggested itinerary, Muscat, Salalah and Musandam, travels from the mosques and souqs of the capital city to the isolated Musandam Peninsula, separated from the rest of the country by the UAE, and Salalah in the southern Dhofar province, where desert gives way to lush green landscapes and cooler temperatures. An eight-night tailor-made trip costs from £1,595 per person including flights, accommodation and all transfers and excursions on a private basis.

NEW: Dahabeyas on the Nile (Pages 22-23): Cox & Kings’ extensive travel programme in Egypt has been further expanded for 2010 to include Nile cruises aboard a traditional Dahabeya. With just six air-conditioned cabins and two suites, the Sonesta dahabeya offers an intimate cruise experience. Combine four nights in Cairo with a seven-night cruise that includes visits to the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, the Temples at Kom Ombo and Edfu, the Aswan High Dam and the Temple of Philae. From £2,295 per person including flights with BA / Egypt Air, seven nights’ all inclusive on the cruise and four nights’ luxury accommodation in Cairo, with all excursions.

Tailor-Made Egypt (Pages 30-33) now has four pages in the brochure, including long weekends in Cairo and traditional Nile and Lake Nasser itineraries as well as Alexandria and El Alamein, Sinai and the Red Sea, and the Western Desert. The suggested 10 night Western Desert itinerary travels into the desert from Luxor, spending a night at each of the oasis towns of El Kharga, Dakhla, Farafra and Bahariya. After three nights in Siwa, it follows the coastal road back up to Cairo. From £1,895 per person.

Please see www.coxandkings.co.uk  for the full Middle East programme.