Best of Touring 2022 - North West

Best of Touring 2022 - North West

HAND - P I CKED OF F ERS & EXCLUS I VE HOL I DAYS Best of Touring

Unique Experiences

Just waiting for you

to discover them all

Explore so much more on the open road See more of North America page 39

It’s time to get into the festive spirit Festive tours at home and abroad page 49

Take your next holiday off the beaten track A new experience awaits page 63

SPR ING/ SUMMER 2022 EDI T ION

4 New to touring

This latest edition of Best of Touring brings you an array of tours across the globe, with options for all ages, budgets, and fitness levels. Your dream tour is waiting just on the horizon. Whether you are embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to a fresh destination or rediscovering the charm of an old favourite from a new perspective, touring is a great way to experience the very best your destination has to offer. Perhaps you have a hunger to embark on a longer, more complex trip in search of something new and undiscovered. Or maybe your perfect tour lies a little closer to home, immersed in the familiar landscapes of Europe. Whatever it may be, we have a wide selection of tours to inspire you. Whether you plan to travel with friends or family, or solo; tour travel is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to see the world, with the minimum of fuss and with the help of expert guides to make sure that you don’t miss out on any must-see experiences while you travel. Welcome As the world continues to open up and faraway lands ease their restrictions, it is time to rediscover the joy of travelling.

13 Unique experiences

35 Going solo

39 Endless options in North America

The times of daydreaming about travel have passed, it’s time to find your next perfect holiday and experience the true pleasures of touring.

We hope you enjoy this edition and it gives you the inspiration you need.

Advertised offers are based on 2 adults sharing a standard room unless otherwise stated. Single supplements apply. All offers are subject to availability and can change without notice and may go up or down in price. All offers requiring a flight will be inclusive of return flights and overseas transfers from the UK unless otherwise stated and is based on the cheapest UK departure airport and travel date. All information is correct at time of print, Itineraries can be changed and amended without notice and will be confirmed at time of booking. Selected advertised offers are not combinable with any current promotion(s) unless otherwise stated. Any supplier promotion(s) advertised in this mailer are subject to their terms and conditions and may be withdrawn at any time. COVID: Select suppliers will require guests to be fully vaccinated before travel. Proof of vaccination and the dates given may be required at the airport prior to boarding. Failure to provide this evidence may result in denial of boarding at the guest’s own expense, however current government guidelines at the time of booking may change prior to departure resulting in a change to this information. Due to evolving health protocols, some imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect current destination offerings, or the public health standards and government requirements that modify or limit these offerings. Experiences, features, itineraries, and guest conduct rules vary by supplier and destination and are subject to change without notice. Supplier terms and conditions apply please contact your local Hays Travel branch for the most up to date information.

49 Festive tour travel

2

6

GRAND TOURS

14 FOOD & CULTURE

22 FESTIVALS

26 NATURAL WONDERS

34 SOLO TOURS

40 CLOSER TO HOME

46 FESTIVE TOURS

50 BEST SELLERS

63 Off the beaten track

60 HAYS EXCLUSIVES

64 CITY ADVENTURES

NEW TO T 0 U

What do I need to bringwithme? None of our tours require any specialist equipment, and safety equipment will be provided for our more active tours. It’s worth checking your itinerary to see if comfortable footwear, activewear, or anything else is recommended, and researching your destination ahead of time to check for weather conditions or cultural norms around clothing. Other than that, just pack as you would normally, and enjoy a comfortable and safe trip.

Tour travelling is a varied and interesting way to see new places, and ensures that you don’t miss out on any of your chosen destination’s best sights and attractions. Using the knowledge of an experienced local guide, you’ll be able to save yourself hours of research or guesswork and get recommendations that you can trust.

It’s important to remember that tours come in all different shapes and sizes, with different fitness levels, transport and accommodation options. Perhaps the appeal of tour travel for you is a knowledgeable guide explaining the intricacies of famous architecture in a European capital. Perhaps you like to get out into nature and see wildlife on hikes, or perhaps you dream of winding down the window of your car as you cruise down Route 66, stopping off at storied cities in the United States

of America. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a tour to suit you.

Tour travel is simple and enjoyable. No need to worry about booking flights, accommodation or searching for restaurant recommendations, and most of your experiences will be guided by an expert. It’s also an immersive and educational experience, and a great way to get a feeling for a destination. Taking in the sights, sounds, tastes, and culture of somewhere, and creating lasting memories of your trip.

4

R I N G

Tour Travel Mythbusting

M Y T H O N E

M Y T H T W O

You’ll be following a tour guide around all day At Hays Travel we believe the best travel memories are the ones you make yourself. Your experienced, local tour guide will ensure you see the top sights, and give you tips and recommendations to ensure you have a great trip, while giving you enough freedom to relax and enjoy the location in your own way.

Tour travel means sitting in a coach all day

Coach travel can be a great way to see a destination, but it isn’t for everyone. Our tours accommodate all levels of fitness and mobility, and whatever your preference, you’ll find a tour for you. Explore a region by rail, hike a mountain trail in an area of outstanding beauty or rent a car and drive yourself, immersing yourself in the sounds of the local radio, or singing along to your travel playlist.

5

GRAND TOURS

Once-in-a-lifetime experiences unfold one-by-one on our Grand Tours; from seeing the Great Pyramids of Giza and Niagara Falls, to a journey across the entire length of the USA.

Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

6

Mount Rushmore

Skywalk, Grand Canyon

Brooklyn Bridge, New York

24 day tour Trans American Adventure

Day 9: Chicago - Minneapolis First stop today is Madison, then on to Minnesota. Day 10: The Mall Of America Enjoy an orientation tour of downtown Minneapolis before an excursion to the Mall of America. Day 11: Minneapolis - Oacoma Head into the rich farmlands of South Dakota. Stay overnight on the shores of the Missouri River. Day 12: Oacoma - Custer Behold the granite faces of Mount Rushmore. Day 13: Custer - Cody Overnight in Buffalo Bill’s frontier town of Cody. Day 14: Cody - West Yellowstone Travel through Shoshone National Forest to splendid Yellowstone National Park. Day 15: Yellowstone National Park Return to Yellowstone National Park to explore further. Day 16: West Yellowstone - Jackson Travel south into the Wild West town of Jackson. Day 17: Jackson - Salt Lake City Today, drive to Salt Lake City. Enjoy a city tour on arrival. Day 18: Salt Lake City - Cedar City Visit Bryce Canyon National Park, with its breathtaking cliffs, then head west to Cedar City. Day 19: Cedar City - Grand Canyon National Park First stop today is Zion National Park, then continue to Grand Canyon National Park. Day 20: Grand Canyon National Park - Las Vegas Continue to the unique phenomenon of Las Vegas. Day 21: Las Vegas A free day to explore Las Vegas. Day 22: Las Vegas - Los Angeles Head for Los Angeles, America’s second largest city. Day 23: Los Angeles Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Tinseltown.

Physical rating: Max group size:

● ● ● ● ●

From £3,696

With

24 people Return fights from: Selected airports

/person

Fly from UK

Niagarra Falls

Mount Rushmore

Bryce Canyon National Park

Zion National Park

Las Vegas

Fly to UK

Philadelphia

Chicago

Minneapolis

Oacoma

Cody

Jackson

New York City

Washington DC Area

Dearborn

Madison

Mitchell

Badlands National Park

Custer

Yellowstone National Park

Salt Lake City

Cedar City

Grand Canyon National Park

Los Angeles

Day 1: New York City Welcome to the ‘Big Apple’. Explore at leisure. Day 2: New York City Enjoy a tour of the city’s major attractions, including Broadway and the Empire State Building. Day 3: New York City - Washington DC Area Head south to Philadelphia, then Washington DC. Day 4: Washington DC Area The nation’s capital is a sightseeing treasure trove. Day 5: Washington DC - Niagara Falls, Canada Travel through Pennsylvania Dutch Country and cross the Rainbow Bridge to Canada. Day 6: Niagara Falls, Canada - Dearborn Get up-close to the base of the falls on a sightseeing cruise. Then, head to Dearborn, a suburb of Detroit. Day 7: Dearborn - Chicago Visit the Henry Ford Museum. Reach Chicago in the late afternoon and enjoy a city tour. Day 8: Chicago Today is at leisure.

Reasons to love this ♥ Discover New York City’s most famous landmarks ♥ Explore the nation’s capital, Washington, DC ♥ Get up close to the thundering Niagara Falls ♥ See the reliable blow of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser ♥ Gaze in awe at the Grand Canyon ♥ See the footprints of the stars in LA ♥ Marvel at dramatic landscapes in Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks ♥ Visit the country’s largest shopping mall - The Mall of America Your holiday includes ✓ 6 breakfasts ✓ Tour manager, international flights, hotels and overseas transportation

There’s more to love , more included and more to add . Contact us today for details.

Day 24: Los Angeles Depart anytime today.

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£3,921

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£3,696

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£4,099

£4,168

£4,378

£4,168

£4,168

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Visit your Hays Travel branch | Call 0800 215 5938

7

Souk, Cairo

Al Deir - The Monastery, Petra, Jordan

Felucca on the Nile

15 day tour Egypt & Jordan Adventure

Day 7: Luxor Visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile. Day 8: Luxor - Amman Fly to Amman, Jordan via Cairo. You have free time to explore Amman on arrival. Day 9: Jerash & Dead Sea Enjoy a guided visit to the ancient town of Jerash, followed by a visit to the Dead Sea. Return to Amman for the night. Day 10: Amman - Petra Start the day with a guided visit to the intricate Madaba mosaics, enjoying the panoramic views from Mt Nebo and a visit to the crusader castle at Karak. Continue to Wadi Musa, just outside of Petra, for the evening. Day 11: Petra Start early to visit iconic Petra. Enjoy a guided walking tour, then opt to hike up to the top of the treasury or explore on your own. Day 12: Petra - Wadi Rum Opt to visit Little Petra in the morning before continuing to Wadi Rum. Head out on a 4x4 excursion during the day, before a traditional dinner and overnight at a Bedouin desert camp. Day 13: Wadi Rum - Aqaba Journey to the Red Sea, where you can explore or relax on the beach. Optional Aqaba Boat Trip with Snorkelling from £37pp. Day 14: Aqaba - Amman Journey back to Amman. En route, stop at a G Adventures-supported community café for lunch. Day 15: Depart Amman Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Depart at any time.

Physical rating: Max group size:

● ● ● ● ●

With

From £2,369

15 people Return fights from: Selected airports

/person

Fly from UK

Aswan

Luxor

Jerash

Karak

Wadi Rum

Fly to UK

Cairo

Kom Ombo

Amman

Dead Sea

Petra

Aqaba

Day 1: Cairo Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until your evening welcome meeting with your CEO and group. Optional Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour from £43pp. Day 2: Cairo - Aswān Enjoy a visit to the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx before a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. Day 3: Aswān Enjoy free time before visiting a Nubian village for a home-cooked dinner with a local family. Day 4: Aswān Spend the day exploring Aswan at your leisure. Optional Philae Temple Sound and Light Show from £36pp. Day 5: Aswān - Kom Ombo Enjoy a relaxing ride on a felucca (traditional Nile sailboat) and travel down the river, watching the scenery glide by. At night, sleep on the deck under the stars. Day 6: Kom Ombo - Luxor Tour Kom Ombo Temple before driving to Luxor. En route, visit the Temple of Karnak.

Reasons to love this ♥ Expert local leaders showcase the region’s natural wonders and fascinating cultures ♥ Immerse yourself in local communities, enjoying traditional meals ♥ Enjoy a great balance of guided excursions and free time ♥ Sail down the Nile on a traditional felucca ♥ See the Great Pyramids of Giza ♥ Discover the ancient site of Petra ♥ Spend a night under the stars at a Bedouin Camp Your holiday includes ✓ 14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners ✓ Tour manager, international flights, accommodation & overseas transportation

There’s more to love , more included and more to add . Contact us today for details.

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£2,669

£2,369

£2,539

£2,679

£3,079

£2,559

2023

£2,399

£2,439

£2,549

£2,779

£2,779

£2,429

£2,579

£2,729

£2,619

£2,789

£2,819

£2,639

8

Visit your Hays Travel branch | Call 0800 215 5938

Machu Picchu

Rio de Janeiro

Iguazú Falls

18 day tour Grand Tour of South America

the archaeological site of Raqchi and watch the sunset at La Raya. Day 8: Lake Titicaca, Bolivia Wake up to see the sunrise over Lake Titicaca. Travel by road to Huatajata in Bolivia. Visit Copacabana and its shrine en route. See the cultural exhibition at the Andean Roots Eco Village and discover how reed boats are constructed and meet a spiritual Kallawaya healer. Day 9: Uros Iruitos - La Paz Take a hydrofoil cruise to the Uros Iruitos floating reed islands and visit the Quewaya Sustainable Project. Continue overland to bustling La Paz for an afternoon tour. Day 10: Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina Fly to Buenos Aires, a city of grand architecture and European influences. Day 11: Buenos Aires Enjoy a morning city tour including a visit to the cathedral, La Boca district, and the Recoleta cemetery. Day 12: Buenos Aires A day at leisure or take optional excursions. Day 13: Fly to Iguazú/Iguaçu Fly to Iguazú and take a half-day tour of the Brazilian side of the falls for panoramic views. Day 14: Iguazú Time at leisure to enjoy the various nearby walkways on the Argentinian side. Day 15: Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Fly to Rio, set among mountains, tropical forests, and golden beaches Day 16: Rio de Janeiro Enjoy a full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro, including Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Day 17: Fly to London In the evening fly to London with British Airways, arriving the following day. Day 18: Arrive London

Physical rating: Max group size:

● ● ● ● ●

From £3,995

With

18 people Return fights from: Selected airports

/person

Fly from UK

Cuzco

Puno

Uros Iruitos

Buenos Aires

Rio de Janeiro

Lima

Machu Picchu

Lake Titicaca

La Paz

Iguazu Falls

Fly to UK

Day 1: Fly to Lima, Peru Day 2: Lima

Reasons to love this ♥ Immerse yourself in a coast-to-coast, multi-country experience ♥ Enjoy overnight stays at Machu Picchu & inside Iguaçu National Park ♥ Journey across the altiplano in a luxury sleeper train ♥ Visit the floating islands of Lake Titicaca and stay on its shore Your holiday includes ✓ Stay in 5-star accommodation ✓ 16 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners ✓ Tour manager, international flights, hotels and overseas transportation Why not add + A pre-tour expedition cruise to the Galapagos Islands and discover their fascinating wildlife. Ask for details. There’s more to love , more included and more to add . Contact us today for details.

Enjoy a morning tour of Lima, including the colonial centre and a stop at the historic Cordano tavern for a pisco sour. Day 3: Fly to Cuzco - The Sacred Valley Fly to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca empire. Transfer to the Sacred Valley, via the local market in Pisac and Ollantaytambo Inca fortress. Day 4: Machu Picchu Take the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu and explore the spectacular Inca city. Day 5: Cuzco The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, return to

Cuzco by train. Day 6: Cuzco Enjoy a morning tour of Cuzco and San Blas. Day 7: Luxury train to Puno

Take the Belmond Andean Explorer sleeper train across the altiplano to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Enjoy majestic vistas from the stylish lounge car. Stop by

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£4,245

£4,295

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£4,395

£4,295

£4,195

£4,195

£3,995

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Visit your Hays Travel branch | Call 0800 215 5938

9

Turaida Castle

10 day tour Grand Baltic Explorer

viewing platform to see the city from a different angle. The tour ends at the famous Riga Central Market where you’ll stop at a fish bar and enjoy a buffet of local fish

specialities (as well as meat and cheeses). Optional Riga Open-Air Museum from £15pp. Day 6: Rundale Palace - Siauliai - Vilnius

En route to Lithuania’s capital, we’ll call at the pilgrimage site of the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai, as well as Rundale Palace. This evening, enjoy the traditional atmosphere of Senoji Trobele restaurant and be entertained by a folk show performed by local musicians and dancers. Day 7: Vilnius Discover Vilnius with a guided tour of its UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the largest surviving medieval towns in Europe. Optional Trakai Island Castle from £15pp. Day 8: Druskininkai - Grutas Park - Warsaw On the way to Warsaw, stop to explore the spa town of Druskininkaiand. Enjoy a traditional dinner at a restaurant in Warsaw. Day 9: Warsaw Discover the best of Warsaw as your Tour Manager and local guide point out all the highlights on today’s tour. There’s Castle Square, which fronts the Royal Castle, Sigismund’s Column, and St John’s Cathedral. Day 10: Warsaw - UK: You’ll head to the airport today for your flight back to the UK.

Physical rating: Max group size:

● ● ● ● ●

From £2,059

With

35 people Return fights from: Selected airports

/person

Holiday of a lifetime, every time.

Fly from UK

Tallinn

Riga

Vilnius

Warsaw

Helsinki

Sigulda

Siauliai

Druskininkai

Fly to UK

Day 1: UK - Helsinki Upon arrival you’ll have some free time to explore at your leisure and find a spot for dinner to sample the local cuisine. Day 2: Helsinki - Tallinn Join your Tour Manager on a stroll around the city’s historical centre. Notable sights include Senate Square, the Presidential Palace, the Parliament building, and Finlandia Hall. In the afternoon, take the ferry to Tallinn. Day 3: Tallinn Enjoy a walking tour of Tallinn to discover Toompea Castle, Town Hall Square, and the Russian orthodox Alexander Nevskij Cathedral. Optional Kadriorg Palace from £15pp. Day 4: Turaida Castle - Sigulda - Riga The drive to Riga allows the chance to enjoy further sightseeing into Latvia, firstly with a stop at the reconstructed medieval Turaida Castle. Later, visit the pretty town of Sigulda. Day 5: Riga Explore Riga today on a walking tour with a local guide. Sightseeing will include the Dome Cathedral, Riga Castle, and St Peter’s Cathedral. Here, take the lift up to the

Reasons to love this ♥ Explore Turaida Castle and the town of Sigulda ♥ Indulge in fine-dining in one of Riga’s renowned restaurants ♥ Enjoy a lunch experience at Riga Central Market Your holiday includes ✓ Private Chauffeur Service or FREE Airport Parking ✓ 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners and welcome drink ✓ Local Flavour - Lunch experience at Riga central market ✓ Tour manager, international flights, accommodation & overseas transportation

There’s more to love , more included and more to add . Contact us today for details.

Warsaw

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£2,059

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£2,199

£2,249

£2,249

£2,199

£2,199

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Visit your Hays Travel branch | Call 0800 215 5938