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Apple Blossom Cruise

There is no better way to see the Norwegian Fjords than from a ship. Sailing deep into the spectacular fjords is magical and picturesque destinations.
In May I escorted a group on Ocean Countess, sailing from the port of Hull to beautiful Bergen then onto Andalsnes which is the gateway to some magnificent Norwegian scenery, including the Trollstigen Road.
Our next port of call was Flam where we took a ride on the famous and scenic Flamsbana Mountain Railway. Then onto  Eidfjord home to one of Norway's famous waterfall's Voringsfossen and our final day was spent at sea where we enjoy our coffee and chocolate get together.

Add to that the fantastic food and staff on Ocean Countess we all had a great time.

Sharron







Borneo & Kuala Lumpur

In November I travelled to Malaysia with Premier Faraway Holidays. The majority of the time based on the mystical Island of Borneo set in the South China Sea. Flying with KL and a short flight onto Sabah and the city of Kota Kinabalu (named after the Mountain which looms over the city). The island of Borneo split between Malaysia and Indonesia and Brunei. Famed home to the wild men of Borneo (orang-utan). the Sandakan Wildlife Adventure took us deep into rainforest arriving by river with an overnight stay and Safari excursions in search of the Proboscis monkey and wildlife. Visiting Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary, then run a successful rehabilitation programme and we were lucky enough to see Orang-utans. But my lasting memory was of Shangri-La Rasa Ria, their Nature Reserve, foster home to baby Orang-utans and the time spent just watching their antics. If you are looking for a mixture of soft adventure, fantastic wild life experiences and some old fashioned luxury, in my opinion you could'nt go far wrong than holiday in Borneo. Coupled with a few days sight seeing and retail therapy in Kuala Lumpur.

Wendy



Maldives
What better way to experience the wonderful islands of the Maldives located in the Indian Ocean.
I was lucky enough to visit 7 of the most varied islands.
After boarding our seaplane we quickly hopped to the breathtaking island of Kanuhara where we indulged in a sunset cruise in search of the dolphins and then enjoyed a private BBQ dinner on the beach. This tranquil island was truly an island of paradise with stunning golden beaches and tropical setting. Our whistlestop tour then  headed to the very different island of Baros which has a very intimate feel with the stunning lighthouse restaurant where dining is al fresco with the sounds of the gentle waves lapping against the decking. The next day our boat took us over to Huvafenushi resort where we viewed the world's first underwater spa a totally relaxed area where   you can watch the sealife as it passes by whilst enjoying your spa treatments. After our overnight stay we transferred by luxury catamaran to the One & Only Reethi Rah this all villa property certainly catered for everyone needs. Offering an unrivalled level of style and sophistication combined with the natural beauty Reethi Rah provides much more space and exclusivity. We then moved to the island Constance Halaveli my personal favourite, it felt like time had stopped still and dreams become reality with an overwhelming peacefulness and stunning contemporary accommodation on offer. The next morning we moved to the sister property of Constance Moofushi which is an all inclusive hotel offering excellent value for money, situated in the South Ari Atoll one of the best diving locations in the world.
All in all this amazing trip certainly had an island to suit everyone's needs and truly were paradise islands.
Kelly

















                                                               














Around the world with Regent to New Zealand




Wow! What a tour. We started with a 2 night visit to Hong Kong - With the stunning harbour one of my favourite Asian cities, we did all the main sights, The Peak, Aberdeen the star ferry and all. We then flew to New Zealand, which remains one of my all time favourite destinations, it is simply stunning. The New Zealanders are such great people - so friendly! Our tour was with GRAND PACIFIC and over 19 days we travelled to both North and South Islands - it was a superb tour and there were too many highlights to mention, the New Zealand wine is always one, but for me Doubtful Sound for its beauty and the Maori Hangi feast for the food - were real highlights. On the way back we called into Los Angeles for a 2 night stay, we did a fantastic tour of the city and had lunch in Santa Monica, our hotel was by Disneyland, so said hello to Mickey as well.

David
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An Indian Adventure


September - Arriving into Delhi just at the end of the l
ongest and wettest monsoon season for many years.
Did Delhi look ready to welcome her international visitors? NO!
Sure enough on our return a week later, en-route to Shmila, what a different place it looked, or was that just the sun?
Onto Agra for the Taj. As daybreak arrived it promised to be a beautiful day (the rains had gone for this year).

To get that WOW factor, the Taj Mahal must be visited as the gates open at 6am– before the crowds and just as

the sunrises. The sight that meets your eyes is breathtaking, a memorial structure built to celebrate the undying love

of a Mughal emperor to his third wife.
Jaipur or the ‘Pink City’ never disappoints and surely a highlight for everyone was the elephant ride up to the amazing

Amber Fort, or was the highlight maybe bumping into the Maharaja of Rajasthan in the City Palace?

During our 3 nights stay we visited all the sights, including the City Palace, Jaipur’s iconic façade ‘Hawa Mahal’ or

Palace of the winds and the fascinating astronomical observatory.
Travelling deeper into the countryside of Rajasthan, the lush farmlands are dotted with women workers dressed in the most stunningly bright coloured saris.

The Samode Palace rises imposingly above the picturesque village of Samode. The hotel offered luxurious sanctuary and a slower pace, with a camel cart ride through the biblical streets of Samode to the oasis walled garden of Samode Bagh.
Back in Delhi we board the Shatabdi Express to Kalka, a journey of 4 ½ hours, then on the famous Himalayan Express (more fondly known as the Toy Train) to Shimla a further 5 hours high into the Himalayas.
During the time of the British Raj, Shimla was the seat of Government in the hottest months and has the feel of a mountain holiday resort.

We loved the relaxed suroundings of ’The Mall’ Shimla’s large town square, perched high on the mountain ridge.
Travelling even deeper into the Himalayas, to the alpine meadows of Fagu with it’s 360˚ views of the snow capped higher mountain ranges. From the dry heat of Rajasthan the cool mountain air was delightful and the views spellbinding.
A few intrepid golfers struck out to play 9 holes on the 100 year of Naldehra golf Course. With its breathtaking mountain location and troops of monkey’s wandering the greens, the whole experience was memorable, I understand the 19th hole was the most enjoyable!
What can I say about India - with a population of over 1.17 Billion people, it’s a land of contrasts, of modern and ancient, the very rich and the very poor, astonishing historical buildings and fascinating religious beliefs. A place that stirs your senses.


Wendy

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China Highlights Report

In March I travelled once again to China with our Regent group, a destination close to my heart.

The group and I had an incredible journey around the country.  From Shanghai to Beijing we saw all the must see sites....... The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Yangtze River and Dam plus so much more. I am always amazed at just how friendly and welcoming the Chinese people are and this is always the greatest surprise to my travellers.

Over the years I have witnessed many changes, it is an amazing country and should be on everyone's wish list.


David