The Tour

Travel from Gaudi’s inspired Barcelona, along the stunning Costa Brava into medieval France, and return to the land of the Camino before ending this walking adventure through three countries, in Portugal. One of the worlds ‘must do’ walks, the Camino is an experience that for two centuries highlights the rich history of Iberia. Evidence of early Christians, the Crusaders, and the Moors greet you as you explore the wonderful towns and cities.

Sample the cuisine, wine and cultural differences of the various regions as you continually move west towards the city of St James, the grand Santiago de Compostela, from which he is said to have driven the Moors out of Spain. With its warm, golden stone, narrow cobbled streets, friendly smiles, and magnificent cathedral, Santiago will be sure to leave a lasting impression before crossing the border into Portugal.

Your final week of the tour will be spent in Portugal exploring breathtaking Porto and walking along various sections of the stunning Duoro River before returning home to New Zealand. If wine, cuisine, stunning scenery, and one of the world’s most influential histories are of interest, this tour is for you.

The Tour Leader

Gerald Bailey, Hamilton - Gerald, a semi-retired lawyer and a past Chancellor of the University of Waikato, is an experienced traveller and a keen walker. Along with his wife Jenny, their travels include Nepal, South America, and Europe, most notably the St James Pilgrimage route and France where they fell in love with the French countryside, villages and cuisine. Gerald’s genuine empathy with people, travel experiences and love of walking make him an ideal tour leader.

Pre Tour Material

A series of newsletters will be sent out, describing in greater detail aspects of the programme, expected weather conditions, clothing hints, health considerations, flight times, hotel information and a short list of recommended pre-tour readings.

Variations In Travel

You may wish to add pre or post travel arrangements, or perhaps upgrade to business class, or spend some more time in Iberia at the conclusion of the trip.  Please contact your Tour Consultant, Michelle Bisley, email michelleb@hot.co.nz or by our contact details at the bottom of this page.

Inclusions

• Economy class airfares (airline taxes additional)
• 1 night stopover in Singapore including breakfast,  late check out, 
• 21 nights accommodation in Europe twin share
• Breakfast daily, 2 picnic lunches, 13 dinners
• 1 night stopover in Singapore, breakfast  including late check out, 
• Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
• Local English speaking guide
• ALL GRATUITIES FOR National And Local guides

Price

Earlybird Discount

$200 per person expires on 10 February 2012

Group Size

Minimum 2, maximum 25

Itinerary

[[Visit blog to check out this spoiler]]

This itinerary is dated 28.09.2012 and is subject to change.  Please contact Calder & Lawson Tours for updates.

To enquire about this tour and upcoming dates, click here

The Tour

From the hustle and bustle of Cairo, to the peaceful rural backdrop along the River Nile, Egypt is a country of dramatic contrasts. This tour, especially designed for Calder & Lawson Tours is ideal for active people with enquiring minds and will introduce you to the history and culture of this fascinating country. Travel via the Nile Delta to Alexandria, and pay homage to fallen New Zealand soldiers buried in the Allied Cemetery at El Alamein, site of the epic World War II battle.  

Relax on board your Nile Cruise ship stopping to immerse yourself in ancient Egypt and watch life along the Nile pass you by. Travel out into the desert to spend two mystical nights at St Catherine’s Monastery which has been a centre of pilgrimage for centuries.  

This tour provides an opportunity to explore much of the wealth of ancient wonders— from the towering Pyramids of Giza, to the immense temples of Karnak and Abu Simbel. Hear about powerful rulers such as Ramses, Alexander the Great and Cleopatra, who have left an unmistakable and enduring legacy which has attracted travelers to Egypt for centuries.

Tour Leader

Peter Gibbs, Tauranga – Peter has travelled extensively, having owned and operated The Adventure Travel Company in Auckland for many years.  Having led many of our tours including Nepal, Travel and Learn Turkey and Walking in Ireland, Peter is an experienced and popular tour leader.

Pre Tour Material

Three pre-tour newsletters are planned.  These will include practical information about weather, what to pack, money, flights, the hotels and some tips about preparation and health.

Variation In Travel

You may wish add pre or post travel arrangements, or perhaps upgrade to Business Class.  Please contact your tour consultant, Rochelle Dickson, email rochelled@hot.co.nz or by our contact details listed at the bottom of this page.

Inclusions

• Return economy class airfares (airline taxes additional)
• 1 night Singapore with breakfast twin share
• 17 nights accommodation in Egypt twin share
• Meals: Breakfast daily, 14 Lunches, 17 Dinners
• Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary 
• Day room in Singapore on southbound journey
• ALL GRATUITIES for National and local guides 

Price

Earlybird Discount

$200 per person expires on 10 February 2012

Group Size

Minimum: 15, maximum:  25

Itinerary

[[Visit blog to check out this spoiler]]

This itinerary is dated 05.12.2011 and is subject to change. Please contact Calder & Lawson Tours for updates.

To enquire about this tour and upcoming dates, click here

The Tour

From mystical Machu Picchu to the thunderous Iguazu Falls, from the carnival city of Rio to the elegant and sophisticated Buenos Aires, this tour includes the major highlights of South America and will provide a wonderful insight into the history and culture of this timeless continent. Begin in Santiago, Chile, a fascinating city perched dramatically between the Pacific Ocean and the mighty Andes, and offering some stunning Spanish architecture. In Argentina, Buenos Aires, often called the ‘Paris of the South’ offers a wonderful mix of music, street theatre, Tango and shopping.

Experience the might of amazing Iguazu Falls, forming a natural border between Argentina and Brazil and recognised as one the natural wonders of the world. Rio de Janeiro is nothing but exhilarating and flanked by mountains, white sand beaches and verdant rainforests fronting deep blue sea, provides one of the most spectacular settings of any metropolis in the world.  Not to be overshadowed by all this grandeur, are Cusco, Lake Titicaca and the Capital of Bolivia, La Paz. La Paz is perched in a canyon high on the Altaplano, surrounded by huge snowy peaks and where, at its markets, you can buy anything from Bowler Hats to Llamas!

Of course no visit to South America is complete without visiting what many consider the highlight of all of South America if not the world, Machu Picchu in Peru, home of the Incas in the Urubamba Valley. Should you wish to extend your South American adventure, an add-on option will be offered to travel to Ecuador and cruise through the unique Galapagos Islands.

Tour Leader

Warwick Silvester, Hamilton – A Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Waikato for the past 28 years, and now working part time, Warwick has led many student and adult trips throughout New Zealand. He has travelled extensively overseas, and been tour leader for several of our Travel & Learn and Journeys Tours.

Pre Tour Material

A series of Newsletters will be sent out, describing in greater detail aspects of the programme, expected weather conditions, clothing hints, health considerations, flight times, hotel information and a short list of recommended pre-tour readings.

Variation In Travel

You may wish to add pre or post travel arrangements, or perhaps upgrade to business class.  Please contact your Tour Consultant, Rochelle Dickson, email rochelled@hot.co.nz or by our contact details listed at the bottom of this page.

Inclusions

• Economy class airfares (airline taxes are additional and will be advised at final payment)
• 19 nights accommodation, twin share basis
• Meals: Breakfast daily, 9 Lunches, 8 Dinners
• Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
• All GRATUITIES for National and local guides

Price

Earlybird Discount

$200 per person expires on 10 February 2012

Group Size

Minimum: 15, maximum: 25

Itinerary

[[Visit blog to check out this spoiler]]

This itinerary is dated 27.09.2011and is subject to change. Please contact Calder & Lawson Tours for updates.

To enquire about this tour and upcoming dates, click here

The Tour

Travel from the untouched alpine lakes and forests of Slovenia to the clear blue waters of the Dalmatian Coast and gain knowledge of the rich history of these two contrasting countries on the way.  Begin in Slovenia with a visit to beautiful Bled, an unexpected delight with its natural beauty. Ride the cable car up Mt Vogel to the breathtaking panorama stretching out over lake Bohinj and its valley;  Wander across the many bridges and the narrow streets of the Old Town in Ljublijana. Marvel at Postojna Cave, one of the worlds’ most impressive underground cave systems and Predjama Castle which prompts the question “how the heck did that get there?” Continue on to Croatia, on every traveller’s wish list. Leisurely explore the Istra Peninsular, once the playground of Europe’s wealthy nobility, with its quaint fishing villages and scenic towns with roman ruins.

Drink in the pristine beauty of the Dalmatian Coast with visits to the islands of Hvar and Miljet, and a two night stay on Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo.  Stays in Dubrovnik and Split will delight, and an overnight stay in Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will be a highlight before ending your Tour in Zagreb. You will be walking through the narrow cobblestone streets of century’s old fortified towns, often on uneven ground, and National Parks with their pathways and tracks.  This Tour is ideal for those wanting to experience more than the usual tourist stops.

Tour Leader

Lex Grocott, Hamilton – A recently retired, third generation Optometrist, Lex has travelled extensively and led several Calder & Lawson tours. His passion for travel and discovering different cultures, as well as the enjoyment he gains from the interaction with his fellow travellers, makes Lex a popular Travel & Learn tour leader.

Pre Tour Material

A series of newsletters will be sent out, describing in greater detail aspects of the programme, expected weather conditions, clothing hints, health considerations, flight times, hotel information and a short list of recommended pre-tour readings.

Variations In Travel

You may wish to add pre or post travel arrangements, or perhaps upgrade to Business Class.  Please contact your consultant Michelle Bisley michelleb@hot.co.nz or by our contact details listed at the bottom of this page.

Inclusions

• Economy Class airfares (airline taxes are additional)
• 2 nights’ accommodation in Singapore on a twin share basis
• 19 nights’ accommodation in Slovenia and Croatia on a twin share basis
• Meals: Breakfast daily, 10 Lunches, 17 Dinners  
• Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
• ALL Gratuities for national and local guides

Price

Earlybird Discount

$200 per person expires on 01 March 2012

Group Size

Minimum: 15, maximum:  25

[[Visit blog to check out this spoiler]]

This itinerary is dated 28.09.11 and is subject to change. Contact Calder & Lawson tours for updates.

To enquire about this tour and upcoming dates, click here

The Tour

Marco Polo considered Sri Lanka “the finest island of its size in the entire world”. This splendid itinerary combines culture, relaxation and wildlife by including Sri Lanka's finest historical, archaeological and natural treasures, whilst not forgetting the unspoilt seaside resorts it is becoming known for. Visit the moving Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage where baby elephants are bottle fed.

Spend four nights in Habarana with its UNESCO World Heritage sites of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and the inspiring rock fortress of Sigiriya.  Discover Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings and another UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel by train through scenic hill country to the heart of Sri Lankan Tea Country and where you will learn the art of tea and it’s colonial past at Nuwara Eliya.  

Look out for elephants, wild boar and leopards during a wildlife safari at spectacular Yala National Park, where they are focussed on leopard research, conservation and identification. Discover Sri Lanka’s Portuguese and Dutch past in the architecture in Galle where you may also witness the traditional and unique style of stilt fishing. Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery where they release baby turtles to the sea almost every evening and enjoy the beauty of Bentota Beach. This tour is ideal for those wanting a diverse and varied holiday experience.

Tour Leader

Gerald Bailey, Hamilton - Gerald, a semi-retired lawyer and a past Chancellor of the University of Waikato, is an experienced traveller and led our 2011 Walking France Tour. Along with his wife Jenny, their travels include Nepal, South America, Europe and have both recently spent time in Sri Lanka. 

Pre Tour Material

A series of newsletters will be sent out, describing in greater detail aspects of the programme, expected weather conditions, clothing hints, health considerations, flight times, hotel information and a short list of recommended pre-tour readings.

Variations In Travel

You may wish to add pre or post travel arrangements, or perhaps upgrade to Business Class.  Please contact your consultant Michelle Bisley, email michelleb@hot.co.nz or by our contact details listed at the bottom of this page.

Inclusions

• Economy Class airfares (airline taxes are additional)   
• 14 nights accommodation in Sri Lanka, twin share
• Day room in Singapore
• Meals: Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch, 14 Dinners  
• Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
• ALL Gratuities for  national and local guides

Price

Earlybird Discount

$200 per person expires on 30 November 2011

Group Size

Minimum: 15, maximum:  25

[[Visit blog to check out this spoiler]]

This itinerary is dated 26.09.11 and is subject to change. Contact Calder & Lawson tours for updates.

To enquire about this tour and upcoming dates, click here

The Tour

The third largest island in the world, Borneo comprises the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, the sultanate of Brunei Darussalam and the Indonesian province of Kalimantan. A true biodiversity hotspot (much of it under threat), with high degrees of endemism, plants and animals which define “exotic”, and enormous ecosystem variation from subalpine to tropical coral reefs, this tour will appeal in particular to those with interests in the natural world. But Borneo also has abundant scenic beauty, a rich, varied and occasionally brutal human history, a vibrant modern mix of Malay, Chinese and indigenous cultures, excellent infrastructure and great food. Stay in a Longhouse resort on Batang Ai Lake and visit small fishing villages, watching as fishermen mend their nets and villages go about their daily life.

Explore the caves in Mulu National park, home to Deer Cave, the largest natural rock chamber in the world, and watch the sky turn black as millions of bats ascend for their night time feeding. Get a bird’s eye view walking the Canopy Walkway in Mt Kinabalu National Park, navigate rivers by long boat and learn about the amazing Turtle breeding programme on Seligan Island. And of course no visit to Borneo would be complete without a visit to the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre. This tour will require getting into and out of boats and walking on uneven tracks, so a good level of fitness and mobility is essential.

Tour Leader

Richard Graney, Hamilton - Richard is a retired pharmacist, an enthusiastic traveller, and his friendly nature and organisational skills make him a popular tour leader. He has a passion for exotic destinations and has led many of our previous Travel and Learn and Journeys tours.

Pre Tour Material

A series of Newsletters will be sent out describing in greater detail the programme, expected weather conditions, clothing hints, health considerations, flight times, hotels information and a short list of recommended pre-tour readings.

Variations In Travel

You may wish to add pre or post travel arrangements, or perhaps upgrade to business class.  Please contact your Tour Consultant, Rochelle Dickson by email rochelled@hot.co.nz or by our contact details listed at the bottom of this page.

Inclusions

• Return economy class airfares (airlines taxes are additional)
• 1 night Singapore  twin share 
• 16 nights accommodation in Malaysia
• 1 night Singapore twin share including late checkout
• All internal Asia airfares and transportation
• Breakfast daily,  13 Lunches, 15 Dinners
• Sightseeing as indicated in itinerary
• ALL GRATUITIES for national and local guides

Price

Earlybird Discount

$200 per person expires on 16 February 2012

Group Size

Minimum 15, maximum 30 

Itinerary

[[Visit blog to check out this spoiler]]

This itinerary is dated 28. 09.11 and is subject to change. Please contact Calder & Lawson Tours for updates.

To enquire about this tour and upcoming dates, click here

The Tour

France is one of our most popular walking experiences and this year we have adapted the itinerary to include the Lot Valley and the colourful Luberon region of Provence. Explore four of France’s most attractive and contrasting regions: marvel at the stunning chateaux and medieval towns in the Loire Valley; explore the wonderfully varied landscape and medieval history of the Dordogne; enjoy the picturesque scenery and hilltop towns of the Lot; walk through the rich vineyards of Provence, with their amazing backdrop of picturesque hilltop towns.

Packing and unpacking is kept to a minimum, staying at well appointed and comfortable country hotels. Chosen as appropriate bases for walking holidays, the hotels are close to the centre of towns, enabling you to experience the renowned French village atmosphere. Visits to fascinating towns, historic buildings and ancient sites will  compliment the enchanting countryside walks. How better to arrive at a grand French chateau than on foot along a shady riverside path.

Enjoy easier or harder walks each day in the company of local, experienced, English speaking guides, or perhaps not walk at all – your choice. From feedback recieved from past passengers, this year we have included all transportation at the start or end of your walks, and most of your sightseeing, providing a more inclusive holiday experience, and leaving you with just your lunch, any additional sightseeing, and items of a personal nature to budget for. This tour is ideal wanting a ‘local’ French experience.

The Tour Leader

John Matheson, Hamilton - John has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years, the majority of this as a director of Calder and Lawson. He has led many overseas tours and has travelled extensively in Europe. A keen walker, John really enjoys the trails and villages in rural Europe, and has been a popular leader for many of our previous Walking Tours, including those to France.

Pre Tour Material

Two pre-tour newsletters are planned. These will include practical information about weather, what to pack, money, flights to and from France, the hotels and a description of the range of walks on offer.

Variations In Travel

These need to be arranged with Rochelle Dickson, Calder & Lawson Tours, P.O. Box 4219, Hamilton 3247; Phone: (07) 857-0367 or toll free 0800-853-276; Fax: (07) 856-2333; or email rochelled@hot.co.nz. You may stay on in Europe or Singapore at the end of the tour. You may also upgrade to Business Class. 

Inclusions

• Return economy class airfares (airline taxes additional)
• 1 night accommodation in Singapore with breakfast
• 4 nts Azay le Rideau, Loire Valley, breakfast and dinner
• 6 nts Sarlat, Dordogne, breakfast and dinner
• 3 nts Rocamadour, Lot Valley, breakfast and dinner
• 7 nts Vaison La Romaine, Luberon, Provence, breakfast and dinner
• 2 nts Paris, breakfast, 1 x farewell dinner
• TGV train 2nd Class, Provence to Paris
• Day rooms in Singapore on the return journey
• Return airport transfers in Singapore for both stays
• All sightseeing and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
• English speaking guides throughout
• ALL GRATUITIES for National and Local Guides

Price

Earlybird Discount

$200 per person expires 19 November 2011  

Group Size

Minimum 15, maximum 30

Itinerary

[[Visit blog to check out this spoiler]]

Please note that itinerary and details of walks are subject to change at any time, and you should check with Calder & Lawson Tours for updated information.

To enquire about this tour and upcoming dates, click here

The Tour

Superb wildlife, stunning landscapes, amazing waterfalls, and one of the best cities in the world, this tour is full of vibrant contrasts.  

Begin in Johannesburg with time to catch your breath before heading to vibrant Cape Town, recognized as one of the great cities of the world, where you will stay for three nights followed by two nights in the stunning Winelands region of South Africa.  Then on to Victoria Falls, forming the division between Zimbabwe and Zambia. To sit on the edge of the rift, listening to the thundering water and watching rainbows form from the spray is one of life’s ‘pinch me to make sure it’s real’ moments.

Travel  to Chobe National Park for three nights, where not only will you be able to view game such as Elephants and Hippo’s, but you will also have the opportunity to visit an elders home for a glimpse into the tribal life of Botswana.  A light aircraft ride and you will touch down in the Okavango Delta, one of the best places in the world to see wildlife up close and in its natural environment.  During your four night stay you will track herds by open land rover, power boat, or serene dugout canoe in the company of professional licensed rangers.  For those who wish to extend their visit to this great continent, why not consider adding a visit to Namibia (should interest in this add on be sufficient, we will investigate the possibility of including a tour leader).

Tour Leader

Richard Graney, Hamilton - Richard is a retired pharmacist, an enthusiastic traveller, and his friendly nature and organisational skills make him a popular tour leader. He has a passion for exotic destinations and has led many of our previous Travel and Learn and Journeys tours.

Pre Tour Material

A series of newsletters will be sent out, describing in greater detail aspects of the programme, expected weather conditions, clothing hints, health considerations, flight times, hotel information and a short list of recommended pre-tour readings.

Variations In Travel

You may wish to add pre or post travel arrangements, or perhaps upgrade to business class.  Please contact your Tour Consultant, Michelle Bisley, email michelleb@hot.co.nz or by our contact details listed at the bottom of the next page.

Inclusions

Economy class airfares (airline taxes are additional)

• 2 nights Johannesburg
• 2 nights Capetown
• 2 nights Winelands Area
• 2 nights Victoria Falls
• 3 nights Chobe National Park 
• 4 nights Okavango Delta 
• Breakfast daily, 5 Dinners
• All meals and Safari activities at Muchenje Lodge* and Xakanaxa Camp* 
• Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
• All GRATUITIES for National and local guides

The Journey

Begin with two nights in Paris to explore this magnificent ‘city of light’ and catch your breath after long international flights, before boarding your river cruise ship and spend a leisurely week travelling along the Seine River. Walk on the beaches of Normandy where the Allied Forces landed during the D-Day Invasion, and visit the charming towns and villages that were inspirational to the impressionist artists, including a visit to Giverny, the beloved village and gardens of Monet.

Spend a day in Paris before travelling by coach to Chalon via the quaint and beautiful Burgandy town of Beaune where you will have time to visit the magnificent Hotel-Dieu before embarking on your next cruise.  Sailing south along the Saône and Rhône rivers towards the Mediterranean you will pass quaint hilltop cities and lively towns, lush vineyards and fields of flowers. Visit the World Heritage site of Arles in Provence; Lyon, the centre of Gallo-Roman history; and the well preserved medieval city of Avignon.

You will disembark in Arles, travelling through the chic Cote d’Azur by coach for an overnight stay before returning to Paris for your final night in this breathtaking country.  From here you may wish to consider extending your holiday in Europe to include northern Italy or to include visits to family or friends. This tour will appeal to those wanting a leisurely style holiday, where you can choose to do as much or as little as you would like, while enjoying the cuisine, wine and culture of France.

The Vessels

MS Creativity – carrying maximum of 140 passengers.  MS Scenery – carrying a maximum of 138 passengers.  Staterooms are equally spacious and well appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks.  In addition, there is an elevator, and the fun pool on the Sky Deck allows for a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing. The rear lounge is perfect for small groups.

Tour Leader

Sam Edwards, Hamilton - A retired lecturer in Film Studies at The University of Waikato, Sam is widely travelled, well organised, and a very gracious and friendly travelling companion.  Sam and his wife Fran led our previous French River Cruising Tour in 2009.

Pre Tour Material

A series of Newsletters will be sent out, describing in greater detail aspects of the programme, expected weather conditions, clothing hints, health considerations, flight times, hotel information and a short list of recommended pre-tour readings.

Variations In Travel

You may wish to add pre or post travel arrangements, or perhaps upgrade to business class.  Please contact your Tour Consultant, Rochelle Dickson, rochelled@hot.co.nz or by our contact details listed at the bottom of this page.

Inclusions

Economy class airfares inclusive of taxes and fuel surcharges 

• 1 nights accommodation in Singapore on twin share basis with breakfast
• 2 nights accommodation in Paris pre cruise  on twin share basis with breakfast
• 15 days cruising in Category B cabins on twin share basis,
• 1 nights accommodation in Paris on twin share post cruise
• Breakfast daily,  12 Lunches, 14 Dinners
• Transfers and transportation for the Group
• Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
• Day room use in Singapore on return journey
• ALL GRATUITIES for crew and tour guides onboard

Please Note full payment of this tour is required by 01 March 2012

Price 

Based on cabin category B – Sapphire Deck

Earlybird Discount

$ 200 per person expires on Friday 02 December 2011

Group Size

Minimum 15, maximum 25  

Itinerary

[[Visit blog to check out this spoiler]]

This Itinerary is subject to change and is dated 29.07.11.  Please check with Calder & Lawson Tours for updates.