New from Jules Verne – Great Journeys of the World

Great Journeys of the World… from the rich heritage and castles of the Emerald Isle to the undiscovered frontiers of Papua New Guinea

Jules Verne’s new luxury collection of Limited Edition tours for 2020/21 combines luxury, service and the spirit of adventure 

30 September 2019

Specialist operator Jules Verne (www.vjv.com) has added 13 luxurious new Limited Edition itineraries to its worldwide programme of escorted tours. Featured in a dedicated Great Journeys of the World brochure (which can be viewed or downloaded here), each of the new tours has been created with the curious, discerning and mature traveller in mind, offering an irresistible combination of luxury, service and adventure in destinations ranging from Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and the Bordeaux wine region of France to the national parks of Madagascar, ancient Japan and ‘The Land that Time Forgot’, Papua New Guinea.

In creating this new collection, Jules Verne has been mindful that the classic definition of ‘luxury travel’ no longer applies; these days it is more about customised arrangements that resonate on a deeper emotional level, allowing travellers to experience cultural immersion, make personal connections and visit destinations that have not been blighted by mass tourism. Jules Verne’s Great Journeys of the World deliver on each of these criteria, offering travellers the perfect combination of luxury and service, enlivened with a spirit of adventure.

Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an extraordinary travel experience, Jules Verne’s Great Journeys of the World promise the adventure of a lifetime, delving deep into each destination and making authentic connections with the people, cultural treasures and natural wonders that await discovery there. Jules Verne has added some lovely extra touches to this collection, enabling its clients to arrive, fly and stay in style:

ARRIVE IN STYLE: Who wants to start the holiday of a lifetime worrying about train times, taxis turning up or having to drag heavy suitcases from pillar to post? On all its Great Journeys of the World, Jules Verne will provide a VIP Chauffeur-Driven Transfer for passengers who live within a 70-mile radius of the point of departure. For those passengers who live outside the 70-mile radius, Jules Verne will provide the most competitive quote for the additional mileage.

FLY IN STYLE: Jules Verne offers the option to upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class at the best possible prices on its flights, offering added comforts such as extra leg room, gourmet meals, flat-bed seats and lounge access to ensure the best and most refreshing start (and/or end) to your holiday.

STAY IN STYLE: For its Great Journeys of the World itineraries, Jules Verne has carefully selected accommodation that reflects the flavour and ambience of each destination, providing the best possible levels of comfort, style and service. Whether it is the finest lodge in Ruaha (offering just eight suites, each with a private outdoor lounge overlooking the Mwagusi River), a deluxe paddle steamer – privately chartered to cruise the Nile – combined with what is hailed as ‘the most luxurious train in the world’, a 15th century castle (associated with the founding fathers of Ireland’s Donegal) or remote lodges and  Robinson Crusoe-style accommodation in Papua New Guinea, Jules Verne’s Limited Edition tours guarantee a memorable stay.

Jules Verne’s new Great Journeys of the World collection, encompassing departures until November 2021, features:

Majestic Castles of the Emerald Isle:

Nowhere is Ireland’s history more eloquently expressed than in its castles. This 11-day itinerary takes a step back in time to experience the country’s rich heritage and explore the fairy-tale wonders of the Emerald Isle, set against a backdrop of irrepressible Irish hospitality. As well as visiting impressive historic buildings, the Jules Verne group will stay in them, too, including the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel overlooking Dublin Bay, Lough Eske Castle in Donegal and at Belfast’s magnificent Culloden Estate. Departing 9 October 2020 & 14 May 2021, the price is from £4,595 pp*, including flights in Club Europe, ten nights’ luxury hotel accommodation (three nights in Dublin, two nights each in Belfast, Galway and Kerry, and one night in Donegal).  More details here.

Wine and Vine:

When it comes to wine-producing credentials, Bordeaux needs no introduction, making this exceptional seven-day itinerary around the famous French region a must for aficionados and enthusiasts alike. Choose from two departures, the first (in June) timed to coincide with the world-famous Bordeaux Wine Festival. The second (in September) takes place during the wine harvest – it includes a gourmet Harvest Lunch at Château Phelan Sagur. Dinner at Gordon Ramsay’s Le Bordeaux bistro restaurant and at Le Quatrième Mur (set amid the splendour of the 18th century Bordeaux Opera House) are among the many gastronomic highlights of this tour, as are tastings of local oysters, cheeses, charcuterie, patisserie and, of course, wine. Departing 16 June & 22 September 2020, the price is from £4,995 pp*, including six nights’ luxury hotel accommodation in Bordeaux with the option to extend for a delightful Château stay. More details here.

Croatia Uncovered:

Savour the best of the southern Dalmatian islands in style on this eight-day private Jules Verne sailing aboard the deluxe MV Aurelia, one of the finest new vessels in Croatian waters which launches in Spring 2020. Boasting just 19 cabins, nine of which have private balconies, this is the perfect setting from which to watch Croatia’s sublime sunsets, glass in hand, after a day of fascinating sightseeing. Tick off historic towns that were once centres of the Greco-Roman, Byzantine and Renaissance worlds, soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the coastal cities of Dubrovnik and Split, and discover the idyllic beauty of the islands of Slano, Mljet, Korčula, Vis, Biševo and Hvar. Departing 26 September 2020, the price is from £2,895 pp*, including seven nights’ accommodation on the deluxe MV Aurelia. More details here.

From Cairo to the Cape:

Explore Africa with elegance on an epic 34-day journey that travels the length of the Nile (from Cairo to Aswan) on board a privately chartered deluxe paddle steamer, the SS Misr (once owned by King Farouk) before continuing on to the coastal town of Dar es Salaam to join ‘the most luxurious train in the world’ (Rovos Rail – The Pride of Africa) on its journey to Cape Town. Enjoy lectures given by an Egyptologist on the cruise and by an Historian on the train, and soak up experiences that include entrance to the new Grand Museum in Cairo as well as visits to lesser-known ancient Egyptian sites, a day trip to Zanzibar, a bush walk and visit to Chisimba Falls, game drives in Madikwe Game Reserve, a stay at the majestic Victoria Falls Hotel, close to the magnificent waterfall, and two nights at the resplendent Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town. Departing 13 September 2020, the price is from £17,495 pp*, including 31 nights’ accommodation (13 nights on the SS Misr, 11 nights on Rovos Rail – three each in Tanzania, Zambia and South Africa, plus one each in Zimbabwe and Botswana – and seven nights’ luxury hotel accommodation – two each in Dar es Salaam, Madikwe and Cape Town, plus one night at Victoria Falls. Two overnight flights. More details here.

Tanzania’s True Wilderness:

A safari in Tanzania is the stuff of dreams; the quintessential Africa experience, whether in search of dramatic landscapes or world-class wildlife encounters. This outstanding 12-day journey of discovery will appeal to the true safari buff, exploring hidden gems – national parks such as Ruaha in the south west, Katavi in the far west and Mahale, sprawling on the banks of shimmering Lake Tanganyika – that are visited by only a handful of intrepid travellers each year and which offer some of the very best wildlife viewing opportunities. This package also includes annual Gold Membership of the Jane Goodall Institute and chimpanzee guardianship (supporting primate care at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre). Departing 12 June, 4 September & 30 October 2020, and 11 June & 17 September 2021, the price is from £10,995 pp*, including nine nights’ accommodation (three nights each in Katavi and Mahale, two nights in Ruaha and one night in Dar es Salaam. Two overnight flights. No Single Supplement on 12 June & 30 October 2020, and 11 June 2012 departures). More details here.

Madagascar: The Lost World:

Discover a unique land filled with curiosities on this 16-day adventure to Madagascar, a wild world of epic landscapes and fascinating endemic species. Credited by Conservation International as one of only 17 ‘Megadiverse’ countries, Madagascar’s many natural world wonders include the distinctive baobab tress, the endangered Indri (one of the largest living lemurs, its distinctive call resonating throughout the forests), colourful chameleons and an array of eye-catching birdlife. Departing 14 November 2020 & 22 May 2021, the price is from £5,995 pp*, including 13 nights’ hotel accommodation (three nights each in Antananarivo, Andasibe, Ranomafana and Ifotaka, and one night in Antsirabe). Two overnight flights.  More details here.

China on Track:

An enthralling 18-day journey through ancient and modern China, using first-class, high-speed trains to travel in comfort through infinite landscapes of raw natural beauty, from mist-shrouded mountain ranges to lush green paddy fields. Tick off iconic sightseeing highlights from the Middle Kingdom such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors before the tour culminates in Hong Kong, an international melting pot where Chinese traditions mix with a myriad of cultures. Departing 15 May & 9 October 2020, the price is from £5,995 pp*, including 15 nights’ luxury hotel accommodation (three nights each in Beijing and Shanghai, two nights each in Xian, Luoyang, Qufu and Hong Kong, and one night in Suzhou).  Two overnight flights. More details here.

From the Tail of the Dragon:

A momentous 22-day journey from Asia, across the Pacific, to Europe, travelling on the Original Trans-Siberian Railway. Explore the contradiction that is Japan, gliding effortlessly by bullet train to neon cities where geishas shuffle in tranquil gardens, before crossing to Vladivostok to join the iconic Trans-Siberian and travel Russia’s 9,289 km backbone, stopping in remote towns and lesser-visited cities. Explore Russia’s Buddhist centre in Ulan Ede and Irkutsk (gateway to Lake Baikal), visit the Romanovs’ last shelter in Yekaterinburg and explore rich and ancient Tartar culture in Kazan, finishing in the mighty metropolis of Moscow. Departing 7 May 2020, the price is from £10,595 pp*, including 12 nights’ luxury hotel accommodation (two nights each in Nagasaki, Kyoto and Tokyo, one night each in Hakone, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk and Moscow) and eight nights on the Original Trans-Siberian Express. One overnight flight. More details here. Alternatively, join the tour in Vladivostok on 14 May to experience the majesty of the ‘Original Trans-Siberian Express’ only.

Ancient Japan: Land of the Samurai: 

Join Jules Verne for an extraordinary 18 days exploring Japan, venturing deep into the heart of a land of legends where age-old traditions exist side-by-side with modern life. Discover the World Heritage treasures of Kyoto and the old temples and shrines of Nara, traverse the country’s world-famous railway network with exhilarating bullet train rides and relax in a Japanese onsen (hot spring). Experience an authentic Sumo wrestling show, a traditional tea ceremony and a Maiko dinner, and gain an unsurpassed insight into the ancient world of the Samurai. Departing 6 May & 9 September 2020, and 5 May & 8 September 2021, the price is from £7,495 pp*, including 16 nights’ hotel accommodation (four nights in Tokyo, three nights in Kyoto, two nights each in Takayama and Kanazawa, and one night each in Nara, Toba, Nagoya, Nikko and Aizu). One overnight flight. More details here.

A Million Journeys:

An incredible 18-day expedition to wild, raw and captivating Papua New Guinea: the world’s second largest island, its third largest rainforest and an overall assault on the senses. This is a land lost in time, one of the last frontiers, providing an unparalleled array of natural beauty, exotic wildlife (including no less than 38 species of birds of paradise) and cultural tradition. Here, intrepid travellers can immerse themselves in a collection of geological contrasts: mountain ranges, expansive rainforest, vast river delta systems and pristine coral atolls, a diversity that is only rivalled by the people themselves, whose welcome is proffered with genuine openness and hospitality. Departing 26 May & 22 September 2020, and 19 September 2021, the price is from £9,895 pp*, including 12 nights’ accommodation (four nights each in East New Britain and Mount Hagen, three nights in Lake Murray, two nights in Karawari and one night in Singapore). Three overnight flights. More details here. Jules Verne also offers a 15-night Special Departure (7 August 2020) that takes in the Mount Hagen Cultural Show, one of Papua New Guinea’s most important tribal events, from £8,995 pp*. More details here.

Expedition Antarctica:

An unforgettable 15-day journey of epic proportions, nine nights of which are spent aboard the small but luxurious MS Ocean Victory on an expedition cruise to Antarctica. Enjoy Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts, pass through the breath-taking Gerlache Strait (where 3,000 ft. ice cliffs rise from still waters) and experience nature at close hand, enriched by the insight of the expedition crew, which comprises expert geologists, scientists, naturalists, climatologists, marine biologists and a photographer. Departing 19 December 2020 & 6 January 2021, the price is from £12,795 pp*, including 12 nights’ accommodation (nine nights in a State cabin with balcony cruising Drake Passage, the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Passage, two nights in Buenos Aires and one night in Ushuaia). Two overnight flights. More details here. Jules Verne also offers a 19-night Special Departure (23 November 2021), timed to coincide with the Total Solar Eclipse that will present over the South Atlantic towards Antarctica on 4 December 2021, and includes the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, from £16,995 pp*. More details here.

From Patagonia: Earth’s Secret Paradise: 

This luxurious 20-day expedition explores the extremes of South America from the comfort of luxury accommodation. Journey through the incomparable landscapes and captivating cultures of Chile, Argentina and Brazil, marvelling at the towering granite peaks and turquoise lagoons of Patagonia, crossing the ice-capped Andes to El Calafate, visiting the towering ice walls of the Perito Moreno glacier, exploring the fascinating heritage of Buenos Aires and cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro, watching tango in San Telmo, taking in the unforgettable cascades of Iguazú Falls and so much more. Departing 7 November 2020 & 20 February & 6 November 2021, the price is from £10,995 pp*, including 17 nights’ accommodation (four nights in Torres Del Paine, three nights in Rio de Janeiro, and two nights each in Santiago de Chile, El Calafate, Bariloche, Buenos Aires and Iguazú Falls). Two overnight flights. More details here.

Deep South and Southern Belles:

Step back in time to America’s Deep South on this 15-day journey that blends old with new, travelling from the leafy streets of Charleston and Savannah to the musical hot-spots of New Orleans, Nashville and Memphis, including an unforgettable visit to Elvis’ iconic former home, Graceland. Follow the American road to freedom from the battlefields of the American Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement and drop in on some of the region’s spectacular plantation houses: standing grand amid beautiful surroundings, they are rich in history from the time when cotton was king. The itinerary also features a Grand Ole Opry (American country music) show, a jazz performance and a dinner cruise. Departing 5 October 2020 & 31 May 2021, the price is from £6,195 pp*, including 13 nights’ hotel accommodation (two nights each in Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, Savannah and Charleston, and one night each in Natchez, Montgomery and Atlanta). One overnight flight. More details here.

*Prices are based on two people sharing (unless otherwise specified) and include: flights (Standard Premier Eurostar and first-class TGV on Wine & Vine); VIP transfers (see ‘Arrive in Style’ note at the beginning of this release); accommodation; breakfast daily; other meals, excursions and experiences as per the itinerary; and the services of expert local driver/guides and representatives.

Booking with the Best:

Jules Verne has over 40 years’ experience of creating extraordinary adventures, pioneering voyages and inspirational journeys worldwide. Fully ABTA and ATOL bonded, and winner of many travel awards, Jules Verne’s experienced team of Personal Travel Experts have genuine first-hand knowledge of the company’s tours and destinations and are on hand throughout to organise every detail of each holiday, ensuring that clients can book in complete confidence. This commitment is further reinforced by Jules Verne’s 100% Price Guarantee; the holiday price is fixed when clients book and will remain so, even if Jules Verne’s costs increase subsequently.

Responsible Travel:

Jules Verne believes that its impact on the destinations it travels to should be positive and should contribute to the protection of natural beauty, culture and wildlife for future generations of visitors and residents alike. In most cases, Jules Verne works with expert local guides (not only because they are the best informed, but to ensure that local communities derive maximum benefit from the tour) and, where feasible, uses eco-friendly accommodation. Jules Verne has joined forces with Climate Care to enable its clients to offset their CO2 by funding projects around the world (more here).

Jules Verne’s new Great Journeys of the World brochure can be viewed, downloaded or ordered in print here.

For more information or to book with Jules Verne, call 020 3553 3722 or visit www.vjv.com.                                                                                        

Press: For more information on Jules Verne, including hi-res images, please contact Karen Carpenter or Lizzie Cooper at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email k.carpenter@travelpr.co.uk or l.cooper@travelpr.co.uk. At Jules Verne, please contact Prini Holmes-Reilly on 020 7633 6783 or email prini.holmes-reilly@vjv.co.uk.