Category: Cultural Tours

Best ways to spend a Bali holiday

Exotic Bali consistently receives plaudits as one of the world’s favourite island destinations, and for good reason. The beautiful island lies just south of the equator and is home to majestic mountains, lush rainforest, and amazingly friendly people. The Indonesian island offers cultural attractions and spectacular scenery that cannot be duplicated anywhere on earth. With so much to see and do in Bali, visitors with limited time there must plan their Bali holidays strategically.

Bali: A Cultural Smorgasbord
While the Kuta region of Bali provides some lively tourist action with its assortment of shops and restaurants, Bali’s Ubud region is commonly known as the island’s cultural capital. Ubud located in central Bali is famous for its performing arts. Unique cultural dances of the Balinese are both expressive and beautifully performed. Traditionally, Balinese dancers performed for a variety of occasions to include social events and ceremonies. Today, they adapt their storytelling dances for tourist audiences. To make the most of their Bali holidays, visitors often pair Balinese dance shows with amazing dinners like the tasty culinary fare found at Café Lotus. This restaurant features a wide range of Indonesian and Western-styled entrées likely to please the entire dinner party.

The Traditional Dress of a Balinese Dancer

Bali is known as the “Island of Love,” and its one-of-a-kind scenery makes it an exquisite place for wedding parties. The Tegenungan waterfall is a great place to visit while on a Bali honeymoon. The free flowing waterfall surrounded by lush tropical foliage drops into an aquamarine lagoon making it the perfect photo opportunity for couples on a Bali honeymoon.

Tegenungan

Agriculture is a huge part of the Bali culture, and the way Balinese farmers cultivate their rice fields exhibits this fact. The rice terraces of Jatiwulih in western Bali are a tribute to excellent farming techniques united with a keen sense of environmental stewardship. For instance, local Jatiwulih farmers designed and constructed a communal water system to irrigate the verdant rice fields contoured to prevent soil erosion.

Bali Rice Terraces

Bali Adventure Holiday
One of the best ways to see Bali up close and personal is by bike. Mountain biking tours are available for couples who want to take an authentic journey of the island while on their Bali honeymoon. These adventure tours are not for the faint of heart. However, those up to the physical challenge may see stunning views of the Bali countryside, rice fields, and quaint villages.

No Bali holiday would be complete without a visit to one of its breathtaking beaches, and there are many from which to choose. The island uniquely is home to white, black, and golden sand beaches. The quintessentially tropical, white sand beaches are by far the most popular ones visited by those on their Bali holiday. However, the black sand beaches offer a rare contrast set against the backdrop of a turquoise ocean. Additionally, the Nusa Dua region provides visitors an ideal snorkelling spot. Nusa Dua is also known for its ultra luxury accommodations that have the relaxing amenities required by visitors maximising their time while in Bali.

A Bali Beach

Lorraine Kelly Visits India – Read our exclusive Q&A about her travels

The wonderful Lorraine Kelly recently travelled with Western & Oriental to India, spotting tigers and visiting the unspoilt and majestic Western Ghats. We were able to catch up with Lorraine and ask her about the sorts of holidays that she enjoys. Read our Q&A with Lorraine Kelly below:

 What elements of a holiday score highly with you?

I love a holiday where I feel I really get a sense of the place I am visiting – the culture, food and the people. I love to see all the sights and I always read as much as possible before hand.

Enjoying a refreshment before the game drive

Do you prefer to have a multi-centre holiday combining wildlife/adventures with city and beaches or are you more of a fly and flop traveller?

I am not at all a fly and flop holidaymaker. Although it would be relaxing for a day or two, I would soon get a bit bored just lounging around on the beach or by the pool.

Royal Bengal Tiger

What attracted you to India’s wildlife experiences and did you see the animals you hoped to?

I love combining holidays like wildlife safaris and adventures with a city and beaches.

Searching for the Bengal Tiger

Sunset at the Gateway of India in Mumbai

Any unexpected wildlife sightings?

I love India, my brother has worked in Mumbai and I had such a terrific visit there two years ago. It’s an incredible city.  I really wanted to come back to India to see tigers in the wild. We were lucky enough to see three wild tigers. It was an experience I will never forget, truly incredible.

On the lookout for the tigers

Tea plantations in the Western Ghats

You travelled to the little known Western Ghats, what attracted you to that area and did it match your expectations?

I was intrigued by the Western Ghats because it is a part of the world that is known as the Scotland  of India. I can see what they mean. It’s green, misty and magical. The scenery is glorious and I felt very much at home.

The pool with panoramic views at Vivanta by Taj at Madikeri

You stayed at the new Vivanta by Madikeri at Coorg – did you take advantage of the spa and have any Ayurvedic massages? Or did you enjoy the great views, do any walks or other activities?

The new Vivanta by Taj Madikeri, Coorg is a beautiful retreat. It has been so cleverly designed to blend in with the scenery and it is such a relaxing haven as well as being a place where you are thoroughly spoiled.

The first thing we did was a nature walk after the car journey, which was fascinating and gave a real insight into the area. The views, especially from the infinity pools are stunning and the food, especially local Coorg cuisine was fantastic. I needed those nature walks and swims to work it off.

There’s also a spa where you can can Ayurvedic massages and treatments specially designed just for you.

A room with a view at Vivanta by Taj at Madikeri, Coorg

Where would you like to go next – any dream destinations?

I’d love to go to Antarctica and to Vladivostok and I am hoping to visit New Zealand.

Thank you for your time Lorraine! To read the full article about Lorraine’s search for the Bengal Tiger click here.

Our Hit List of Culture, Food & History Holidays

There are a huge selection of culture, food and history holidays that you can take to destinations all over the world. See this selection of hand-picked sights and attractions to add to your bucket list.

Jordan

On  Jordan holidays, head to the ‘rose red city’ of Petra  to see first hand one of the most famous archaeological sights in the world; discovered just 200 years ago. It is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, where Eastern traditions are blended with Hellenistic architecture.

Petra by night

Cambodia

While on Cambodia holidays,  journey  to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world’s largest religious building, here you can unravel the mysteries of the bas-reliefs that tell of tales from Hindu mythology and of the glories of the Khmer Empire.

Angkor Wat

Vietnam

Vietnam holidays too, have plenty of culture on offer. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay’s myriad mountains seem to rise out of the ocean from nowhere. Another highlight is the “rice basket of Vietnam”, the mighty Mekong Delta is a landscape of floating dwellings and paddy fields criss-crossed with canals. If temples are on your agenda then take a walking tour of Hoi An. In this quaint town you can visit ancient merchants’ houses, a Hokkien temple, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colourful riverside market.

Mekong Delta

India

For Indian culture Rajasthan is a must. Head to Agra to view the majestic Taj Mahal; a sight which must be seen to be believed. Whilst on India holidays, See the Jama Masjid Mosque in Delhi and Jaipur’s Amber Fort. Pause for a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a late 16th century palace in great condition and soak up the views of bustling Jaipur from the Hawa Mahal.

The Taj Mahal

Egypt

On Egypt holidays, head to the vibrant, sprawling city of Cairo where the ancient and modern rub shoulders. Its medieval splendour, graceful minarets and traditional bazaars are incredible. Museums filled where Pharaoh artefacts  transport you back to an ancient time and the magnificent pyramids overlooking the city are a constant reminder of Egypt’s mysterious past. Discover the awe-inspiring landmarks of ancient civilization with a cruise along the Nile as the rich history of Egypt unfolds itself along the banks of the river.  A Nile cruise offers a truly remarkable experience, with breathtaking scenery and once in a lifetime visits to cultural wonders. While Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, hosts the mighty Temples of Karnak and is the gateway to the Valley of the Kings with its elaborate tombs and the Colossi of Memnon.

Cairo

Mexico

Mexico holidays allow you to experience the incredible Chichen Itza,  a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya civilization. The archaeological site is located in the municipality of Tinum, in the Mexican state of Yucatán. The traditional Mayan church can be found in the Cancha Maya, one of the main plazas in Tulum pueblo. Or try Laos, which has its own distinct culture. Discover the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Luang Prabang, Explor the Pak Ou Caves, walk among the archaeological site of the Plain of Jars or watch the magical sunset on the bank of the Mekong River in Vientiane.

Chichen Itza

Thailand & Cambodia

Experience the culture on Thailand holidays through the countires exquisite cuisine. Thailand has an abundance of towns which offer lessons, classes and courses that will enable you to enjoy Thailand’s culinary arts and its culture through hands-on experience in the kitchen as well as opportunities to explore the country. On Cambodia holidays enjoy a cooking class at one of the very best cooking restaurants in the city, Malis. Luu Meng is Cambodia’s most renowned chef and he will guide you through a morning to remember that includes shopping for ingredients at the local market and then preparing and cooking some choice courses which you can then enjoy for lunch. In Siem Reap enjoy a private cooking class at the Sugar Palm restaurant. Home-cooked Cambodian food, including an introduction to prahoc will be on the menu as you work with the head chef to produce dishes that will make your mouth water in anticipation.

Thailand & Cambodia have many Cooking Classes

What else would you add to this list?

A Civil War Journey

With the release of Steven Spielberg’s newest movie Lincoln on Friday 25th January 2013, we’re all excited to watch what this great director has produced this time round. Abraham Lincoln, perhaps one of the most well-recognised President’s was also the first ever President to be successfully assassinated, after just a short 4 years in term.

Read on to see some of the highlights of our newest America fly-drive tour to Civil War land on the East Coast…

WASHINGTON DC

Capitol Building Washington DC

The cosmopolitan capital of America, although considerably smaller at the time, was a base for the military and operations during the Civil War. There was a strong force of Union supporters defending the city from the Confederates and it was here that Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation meaning that all slaves in the Confederate area had to be freed.

Whilst in Washington DC, perhaps visit The White House, US Capitol Building and US Supreme Court. There are also plenty of places here to dine and shop.

MANASSAS

Manassas Battlefield

Situated in Northern Virginia, Manassas was the location for the first main land battle in the Civil War. On July 21 1861, the Union and the Confederate armies met and did so again for a second time here in August 1862. Both battles were in fact Confederate victories in spite of the overall Union victory in the Civil War.

In a short visit to Manassas, be sure to watch the 45 minute film that will really get you to grips with what went on at the battle ground- it runs every hour, on the hour. Wander around the museum to see civil war uniforms, weapons and field equipment from the battles and play with the electronic battle map. Also take a walk on the Henry Hill Loop Trail to get a real feel of Manassas and if you have even more time, there are other trails to be walked.

GETTYSBURG

Gettysburg

The bloodiest of all the battles in the Civil War, The Battle of Gettysburg took place in early July 1863.

Starting at the visitors centre, walk around and learn about Gettysburg in the comprehensive museum and watch the Morgan Freeman film ‘A New Birth of Freedom’.

Take a look at our A Civil War Journey 14 day fly-drive holiday today.

Unique travel experiences with a difference

If you want to spend your precious holiday time on exploring a new culture or activity, we have compiled the perfect collection of holidays for you. We have unique experiences from all over the world, from staying on a houseboat on India’s backwaters, to trekking among gorillas in Rwanda and discovering the real North Korea, not to mention spending New Years in the Viennese Hofburg Palace and becoming a cowboy in Arizona.

Komodo Dragon

Komodo Dragon Tour with Bali & Lombok

For a holiday with a difference, combine immersing yourself in Bali’s culture in the capital of Ubud with visiting the islands of Labuan Bajo, Rinca Island and Kalong Island to spend time with mythical Komodo Dragons as well as Giant Flying Bats. End your stay in Nusa Dua and Lombok, for beach relaxation.

12 DAYS FR £2039 PP* 020 7666 1220

Bust of Lenin, Moldova

Behind the Iron Curtain, Romania & Moldova

Discover the former Soviet strongholds of Romania and Moldova, with the chance to experience dining in a old communist restaurant and to explore collective farming and tractor factories. There is also a visit to The Transdniestr Republic, with 600,000 residents, which still has links to Russia and communists in power.

8 DAY GROUP TOUR FR £1699 PP* 020 7666 1299

Mountain Gorilla in Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

This five-day trip to Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans is all about seeing the endangered Mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Our travel specialists and clients alike say this wildlife experience is beyond compare.

5 DAYS FR £2,495 PP* 020 7666 1261

Statues of Kim il-Sung and Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang

Pioneering North Korea

To gain an insight into the secretive land of North Korea this tour is led by a leading expert on the country, Carl Meadows. The highlights include the Demilitarized Zone at Panmunjom, a trip on the a trip on the Pyongyang Metro and a musical performance by the locals. This trip also involves visiting Mt. Paekdu, Chongjin, Hamhung, Wonsan Mt. Kumgang and Nampo, the untouched pockets of the country.

18 DAY GROUP TOUR FR £2795 PP

Rice barge on Kerala's backwaters

Kerala Backwaters & Beach

Start your trip in Cochin, a true mix of it’s past, with the Portugese Mattancherry Palace, a Jewish synagogue built in 1568 AD and fishing nets influenced by the Chinese. The sprawling tea estates are stunning and the spice plantations are riveting. The pinnacle of the trip is cruising and an overnight on a traditional houseboat on the backwaters.

11 DAYS FR £1745 PP 020 7666 1220

Riding at White Stallion Ranch, Arizona

The True American West… & Las Vegas

Head for glitzy Las Vegas, then in complete contrast enjoy the open spaces and real American west on a ranch stay in Arizona, learning how to ride cowboy-style, visiting rodeos and enjoying a good old hoe down. Yee-har!

10 NIGHTS FR £1,965 PP* 020 7666 1220

Hofburg Imperial Palace, Vienna

Vienna New Year Ball

Vienna’s Imperial Ball takes place in the Viennese Hofburg Palace, former winter residence of the Austrian Emperor. Enjoy a private dancing lesson, guided city tour, romantic carriage ride and a three-course New Year’s Day dinner.

3 NIGHTS FR £2,030 PP* 020 7666 1299

The scene of Chernobyl

Kiev & Chernobyl

Enjoy a fascinating introduction to Kiev before an in-depth tour of Chernobyl, ever synonymous with the 1986 nuclear disaster. Spend two days touring the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Zone, including one night in the town itself.

6 DAY GROUP TOUR FR £995 PP* 020 7666 1299

Tiblisi, Georgia

Cheese & Wine Tour of Georgia

The bouquet of wine, toasts of the Tamada, beautiful folk songs and as they say in Georgia bread, cheese and a kind heart… What else do you need? Take in the main sights and taste delicious food, with plenty of opportunity to sample wines, almost every village produces its own.

9 DAYS FR £2030 PP* 020 7666 1299

What’s Hot this Winter

You want to escape the British weather or try something new this winter but don’t know which destinations have the best experiences and hottest weather to offer? Below is our collection of ideas of where to head to from November to April, from breathtaking safaris in Botswana, festive Christmas markets in Germany and meeting Orang Utans in Borneo to an introduction to the vibrant land of India, we know where to go and when.

November

Oman Desert, Beach & Culture 7 nights from £909 per person inc flights, breakfast and transfers

Immerse yourself in Arabic beauty, tradition and sights. World Heritage sites to explore include the 13th century Bahla Fort and the fascinating protohistoric site of Bat. A must-do activity is spending a couple of nights under the stars after a desert drive along the sand dunes, of course followed by camel riding or falconry! Not to mention the glorious beaches and warm hospitality. 020 7666 1220

The beach at Al Waha, Shangri-La Bar al Jissah Resort, Oman

Or…

Chile North to South 15 days from £3645 per person including flights

Stretching from the red sands of the Atacama Desert in the extreme north, to the glaciers and dramatic granite pillars of the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, this two week private tour takes in Chile’s most impressive highlights. Ideal for November travel, this trip includes a cruise through the Chilean fjords and two days in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aries. 020 7666 1261

December

Christmas Markets of Germany 5 days from £780 per person including flights, transfers and meals as per itinerary

Get into the Christmas spirit with this magical tour, taking in the country’s best traditional Christmas markets including Leipzig, Dresden, Annaberg and Bamberg. Tuck into a delicious Bratwurst and warm your cockles with some spiced Gluehwein as you stroll the stalls of handcrafted Christmas gifts from each region. 020 7666 1299

Beautiful traditional German Christmas Market

Or…

Best of Far East – Hong Kong & Borneo 10 nights from £1895 per person including flights

Spend 7 nights at Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort, set on the edge of the rainforest nature reserve and a beautiful white sandy beach, making it the perfect location for both idyllic relaxation and wildlife exploration. From your own hotel enjoy the Jungle Walk and Orang Utan Canopy Walkway! Then spend 3 nights in the heart of breathtaking Hong Kong. 020 7666 1220

January

Thailand City & Coast 10 nights from £1459 per person including breakfast, flights and transfers

Experience both sides of tantalising Thailand, from Bangkok to Koh Samui. Staying in fabulous Anantara hotels you will be set to explore the contrast of old and new in Bangkok from the modern malls to centuries-old architecture. Then enjoy a week of blissful island life. 020 7666 1220

Traditional long tail boat, Thailand

Or…

Riviera Maya Beach & Culture  9 days from £2200 per person

Spend January in the picture-perfect Riviera Maya. Combine your passions by reclining on the beach and snorkeling in crystal clear waters before exploring the spectacular Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza, the archaeological site of Ek Balam and the charming town of Merida. 020 7666 1261

February

Green Season safari in Botswana 6 nights from £3640 per person including flights, meals, local drinks and transfers

Take advantage of the Green Season and travel to some of Africa’s most iconic wildernesses for less. The bush is at its most verdant, with abundant birdlife and plenty of young animals. This six-night lodge-based private tour visits the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari. 020 7666 1261

The gorgeous view from your camp at Xigera, Botswana

Or…

The Maldives 7 nights from £1435 per person including flights, breakfast and transfers

The feeling of entering an exclusive paradise starts with your seaplane journey. Once you touch down on your Atoll, the glistening clear blue waters, untouched sandy beaches and lush vegetation will be all you can see. With the trend being just one luxury hotel per island, you will have privacy, peace and personalised service to enjoy. 020 7666 1220

Reykjavik City Break 4 nights from £735 per person including flights, breakfast and transfers

Reykjavik offers both a proud heritage with a modern spirit. Here you will find world-class restaurants, art and history museums, as well as stylish bars, all against the snowy mountain backdrop. Combine this with attractions such as Gullfoss Waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot springs and spectacular Northern Lights, as well as time spent in the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, and you have a break you will never forget! 020 7666 1299

March

Heritage Golden Triangle 9 days from £1399 per person including flights, transfers and meals as per itinerary

Get a magical introduction to India on our tour of the Golden Triangle. Take in the vibrant colours and scents of the land, from the bustling markets and rickshaws on the Chandni Chowk, the pink city of Jaipur to the glistening majestic Taj Mahal. Perfect timing for the elephant festival! 020 7666 1220

Sunset at the Taj Mahal from the Yamuna River

Or…

Dubrovnik City Break 3 nights from £340 per person  inc flights, breakfast and transfers

Dubrovnik has a fantastic cultural charm. This medieval city is perched on the Dalmation Coast, encircled by 2 km of walls and turrets. Old Town is the perfect place to amble around whilst admiring the baroque architecture, before visiting the Dominican Monastery; perfect if you are an art-lover. 020 7666 1299

Northern Tanzania Under Canvas 8 days from £2150 per person inc flights, transfers, safari and meals as per itinerary

Get as close as possible to nature by sleeping under domed canvas tents with this small group tour to northern Tanzania. Start with the backdrop of Kilimanjaro at Arusha, from which you will explore the Serengeti plains and Lake Manyara National Park by four-wheel drive. If there are already 4 people in your party, this turns into a private tour! 020 7666 1261

April

Classic Inca Trail 10 days from £999 per person

Spend 10 days exploring the best of Peru. Take the guided trail from Cuzco along the Urubamba River to the archeological site of Llaqtapata and Sayacmarca and the rural town of Huayllabamba. Enjoy the vibrant landscapes along the trail, following the orinigal Inca trail. The pinnacle is reaching the iconic site of Machupicchu. 020 7666 1261

The iconic sight of Machu Picchu

Or…

Bratislava City Break 3 nights from £270 per person including flights, transfers and breakfast

Join Slovakia in celebrating 20 years of independence. Compact and cosmopolitan, Bratislava’s cobbled streets are easy to explore on foot. Admire the superbly restored Old Town and it’s elegant Baroque architecture, take time to peruse the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum, and join the fun at a traditional Slovak beer hall. 020 7666 1299

See the world in under 5 minutes – with 6237 photographs

Fancy speeding around the world in under 5 minutes? Kien Lam, a keen photographer, has made this possible with his stunning time-lapse video taken whilst spending nearly a year adventuring around the world on a journey that took him through 17 different countries over 343 days. Whilst doing so, he took 6,237 photographs which he has pieced together as several beautiful fast-paced montages.

Kien wanted to capture the spirit of his journey and took time-lapse photos at every city that he travelled to. Each two-second scene comprises approximately 40-60 photographs.

The countries showcased within the video and on his 25,000 mile journey include Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Egypt, England, France, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay and the United States. Kien also visited popular landmarks such as Stonehenge, the Louvre, Times Square, Mt. Sinai, Pier 39 and the Alhambra. He rode on 58 buses, 18 boats and 19 airplanes over the course of the entire trip.

Which of these cities will you be putting onto your list of places to visit? Watch the video here:

Elephant Hills in Thailand Announces Birth of Baby Ha Ha

After waiting 22 months for the birth, Elephant Hills is proud to announce the birth of Ha Ha the baby elephant, born to Tor Por late last Sunday night on the 12^th of February 2012. It is Tor Por’s first baby and both mother and baby are doing well in the confines of their herd. The matriarch Khun Di-Be-Le is especially pleased with the new arrival and was a witness to her smooth birth.  She measures in at 90cm high with a healthy weight of approximately 100kgs and will keep Tor Por busy for the next few years.

Asian elephants were classed as endangered in 1986 and according to the WWF, their numbers are still dwindling in Thailand where they are domesticated and in some cases mistreated. This birth is a huge success for Elephant Hills and they are hoping that Ha Ha will have a brother or sister in the next five years.

Elephant Hills is nestled deep in Thailand’s Khao Sok rainforest and gives its visitors a luxury camping experience amongst the wildlife. Visitors can either choose to stay at the luxury floating camp or the tented camp and are treated to campfires and canoe excursions among many other activities. With the addition of Ha Ha, Elephant Hills will further ensure that they create a lifetime of memories for visiting guests, and continue to work with the local community to improve conservation in the area.

We wish the excellent team at Elephant Hills good luck and look forward to hearing how Ha Ha is doing in the future. Watch baby Ha Ha playing and see her photos below.