New Limited Edition tours for 2019 from Jules Verne

From the Highlands of Scotland to the Canyonlands of the USA

Specialist operator Jules Verne (www.vjv.com) has launched a collection of Limited Edition tours, featuring fascinating destinations across the UK & Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australasia. Carefully crafted to match its customers’ interests and tastes, each of Jules Verne’s 21 new itineraries combines unique travel arrangements with cultural sightseeing, relaxing excursions, comfortable accommodation and – in the case of several tours – awe-inspiring wildlife encounters.

Travelling in small groups of like-minded companions (maximum group size is 30, often less), these Limited Edition tours create an intimate and sociable atmosphere in which to experience your chosen destination, guaranteeing more personal attention from the accompanying guides and a closer insight into local life. Several of the Limited Edition tours have a single departure date in 2019, making early booking advisable, whilst one – Namibia By Private Train – is available to book for either May 2019 or 2020.

Jules Verne’s tempting collection of Limited Edition tours comprises:

In the UK & EUROPE…

Celtic Seaways: From isolated islands and mystical lochs to towering mountains and dramatic castle ruins, this expedition cruise on board the MV Ocean Atlantic includes excursions by Zodiac boat, giving unrivalled access to abundant bird and wildlife. Sailing from Dublin to the beautiful Scottish coast, visit the picturesque Isles of Islay, Mull, Skye, Orkney and the Shetlands, explore the charming and classic port towns of Campbeltown, Port Ellen, Oban, Portree, Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy a taste of Scotland during three whisky distillery visits. Departing 21 May 2019, eight nights cost from £2,295 pp*.

Caledonia Calling: Boasting some of the world’s most spectacular and beautiful settings, Scotland’s Highlands and Islands are the setting for this escorted tour. Starting in the dazzling UNESCO-listed capital, Edinburgh, the group journeys through the sublime scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, crosses the haunting landscape of Glen Coe to Fort William and hops aboard the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig, before visiting the Hebridean islands of Skye, Harris and Lewis, and then travelling onwards to Inverness. Departing 19 May & 8 September 2019, seven nights cost from £1,895 pp*.

In the Footsteps of Giants: This Irish odyssey kicks off with a city tour of Belfast and visit to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway before heading south to Sligo to explore the scenery that so inspired W.B. Yeats. Enjoy a drive through the vast Connemara peninsula and travel through the Burren National Park: much visited by J.R.R Tolkein, the cave at Pol na Gollum is thought to be an inspiration for Lord of the Rings. The Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Blarney Castle (home of the Blarney Stone), historic Dublin and the Ring of Kerry (Ireland’s most famous and panoramic route) are also among this itinerary’s myriad delights. Departing 18 May 2019, ten nights cost from £1,995 pp*.

A Commemorative Journey: Timed to mark the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II, this tour encompasses the most significant locales from the period, travelling for much of it in the group’s own private sleeping and restaurant-car train. Visit the site of the 1940 evacuation by the ‘little ships’ in Dunkirk, the 4Armistice Clearing in the Compiègne Forest, the former Nazi concentration camps at Dachau, Theresienstadt and Auschwitz-Birkenau, Landsberg Prison (where Hitler wrote ‘Mein Kampf’) and his Eastern Front HQ in Ketrzyn, and explore the cities of Paris, Cologne, Munich, Berlin, Krakow, Warsaw, Moscow, Minsk and St. Petersburg. Departing 26 April 2019, 22 nights cost from £7,995 pp*.

Kaleidoscope on Kamchatka: A wilderness area of extraordinary primal beauty, sub-Arctic Kamchatka is Russia’s ‘Garden of Eden’, a place where volcanoes erupt (there are over 300), brown bears roam the forests… and President Putin goes fishing. Enjoy excursions to Starichkov Island (home to 44 nesting colonies of ten marine colony bird species), visit the black sand beaches of Khalatyrskiy, swim in thermal waters at the Verkhne-Parantunskie hot springs, ascend volcano craters on foot and take a relaxing rafting journey down the Bystraya River. Departing 10 August 2019, ten nights cost from £2,995 pp*.

Arctic Adventures: This remarkable journey to the Arctic Circle combines Iceland’s geysirs and Greenland’s glacial landscapes. After a short stay in Reykjavik that includes a full-day Golden Circle tour, an evening flight to Kangerlussuaq whisks the group to the embarkation point for a five-night expedition cruise during which whale and wildlife-watching opportunities abound. Visit the tiny settlement of Itilleq (one of Greenland’s most picturesque villages), ‘God’s Inkpot’ (Godhavn’s distinctive octagonal church) and the famous calving glacier, Eqip Sermia. Departing 17 & 22 August, seven nights cost from £2,995 pp*.

Land of the Polar Bears: Enjoy the immense beauty of Svalbard on this high Arctic adventure in high summer: an expedition cruise among whales, walruses, polar bears and a million sea birds. Voyage into an ocean at the end of the world, travelling through the western and northern regions of this vast glaciated archipelago, a land of snow-covered mountains, stark tundra, sea stacks and ice cliffs. Departing 8 & 15 June 2019, nine nights cost from £2,895 pp*.

Land of the Midnight Sun: Travelling during the celestial White Nights season, cross from Imperial Russia deep into the Arctic Circle by private train on the Kirov (Murman) Railroad, a dreamlike journey of more than 900 miles from St. Petersburg to Murmansk. After exploring the Arctic’s largest city – including a visit to the unique K-21 Soviet submarine museum – embark on an overnight Hurtigruten cruise to the North Cape, where yet more unforgettable sights await. Departing 31 May 2019, 14 nights cost from £5,995 pp*.

In AFRICA…

Namibia by Private Train: To truly experience the natural beauty of Namibia, it is necessary to cover great distances (the word ‘namib’ translates as ‘vast place’) and how better to do so than by train? Rovos Rail’s Shongololo Express travels slowly (normally at speeds of just 40 mph), enabling passengers to soak up the spectacular scenery from their carriage or the open observation car. As well as nine nights in comfortable on-board accommodation, spend one night each in Swakopmund, Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei. Departing 28 May 2019 & 26 May 2020, 14 nights cost from £4,895 pp*.

Gentle Giants: Described by Winston Churchill as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is where the jungles of West Africa meet the savannahs of East Africa, creating an incredible diversity of landscape and wildlife.  Experience gorilla trekking in the UNESCO-protected Bwindi Inpenetrable Forest and chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, take game drives in search of lions, leopard, hyena, buffalo and elephant, enjoy an afternoon boat ride on Kazinga Channel and much more. Departing 9 March & 21 September 2019, 11 nights cost from £4,195 pp*.

In ASIA…

Gansu – The Hexi Corridor:  Formerly the artery of the ancient Silk Road, the 1200 km Hexi corridor (Gansu) once connected the trade and cultural exchange of Asia, Africa and Europe. This once-in-a-lifetime journey explores historical towns and the lesser-explored desert regions of China, including the Mogao Grottoes (with their fabulous frescoes and statues), Jiayuguan Pass (the most magnificent of all 1000 passes along the Great Wall), Mingsha’s Crescent Lake and ‘singing sands’, the majestic geology of Binggou, and Gaochang (the ruins of a former ancient Silk Road trading post). Departing 28 March & 5 September 2019, 15 nights cost from £3,395 pp*.

Land of Emperors & Moghuls: Travel across ‘The Roof of the World’, from The Great Wall of China to the soaring heights of the Tibetan Plateau on this escorted tour encompassing both the ancient treasures and modern wonders of China. Amongst its many highlights are visits to the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City in Beijing, the winter and summer residences of the Dalai Lama (Potala Palace and Norbulingka) in Lhasa, the holy Yamdrok Lake, Tashilunpo Monastery and the Panda Breeding & Research Centre in Chengdu. Departing 12 May & 6 October 2019, 15 nights cost from £3,395 pp*.

The Lands of Genghis Khan: Sandwiched between the superpowers of China and Russia, the independent state of Mongolia is slowly opening up to the outside world. Be among the first to explore its fascinating features on an escorted tour that takes in the Gobi Desert, including a visit to the Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs: an area where hundreds of dinosaur skeletons and eggs have been found since the early 20th century (and can be seen in the museum), the unique Khongor Sand Dunes (stretching over 180 km), Gun-Galat Nature Reserve, Terelj National Park and the ancient capital, Karakorum. Departing 1 July & 9 August 2019, 11 nights cost from £3,395 pp*. 1 July departure (from £3,995 pp*) includes a stay in Ulan Bator during the Naadam Festival.

The Majesty of the Maharajahs:  Experience Indian Royal culture from the inside, staying in some of the country’s most iconic hotels and palaces (all five-star), including the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur and Delhi’s world-renowned The Oberoi. As well as sumptuous accommodation, enjoy escorted city tours, unforgettable sightseeing, and a cookery demonstration followed by dinner with a local family in Jaipur. Departing 10 February, 14 April, 15 September & 3 November 2019, ten nights cost from £4,995 pp*.

Waterways of Indochina: Travel by land, sea and air from the Temples of Angkor to Hanoi and Saigon, blending bustling city visits with relaxing full-board cruises on the mighty Mekong River and Ha Long Bay, sailing on the RV Tonle Pandaw and MS Paradise Luxury respectively. Back on land, enjoy French colonial and five-star hotel accommodation during stays in Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh, Hue, Hoi An and Hanoi. Departing 23 January 2019, 22 nights cost from £5,995 pp*.

Fiery Volcanoes & Dragons: The world’s largest archipelago, with thousands of tropical islands straddling the Equator, Indonesia is a land of dramatic landscapes – from cloud-swept mountains swathed in green rainforest to startlingly blue seas, large wilderness areas and wildlife sanctuaries. Visit the 8th-century Borobudur temple complex (featuring the largest and most complete collection of Buddhist relief sculptures) and The Kraton (one of the finest examples of Javanese palace architecture), explore Komodo island (home of the Komodo dragon) and witness a spectacular sun rise (weather permitting) in Penanjakan, one of the most incredible landscapes on earth. Departing 12 May & 22 September 2019, 12 nights cost from £2,895 pp*.

Japan’s Earthly Treasures: Journey across The Land of the Rising Sun, uncovering Japan’s finest gardens and cultural gems. Explore vibrant Tokyo, travel by bullet train to Hakone and Mt. Fuji, and by express train to Kyoto, and tick off temple visits that include the opulently decorated Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji temple (famous for its stone garden), Saihoji temple (famous for its moss garden), Uji Byodoin temple and garden (the best-surviving example of a Pure Land Garden) and Kasuga Grand Shrine, one of the best-known Shinto shrines. Departing 1 April & 11 November 2019, 12 nights cost from £4,295 pp*.

In AUSTRALASIA…

A Tale of Two Countries: Why travel to the other side of the world to see the sights of one wonderful destination when you can experience the delights of two? This antipodean adventure kicks off in Australia, staying in Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney (with excursions to Cook’s Cottage, Philip Island, the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney Opera House) before heading onwards to New Zealand, where the delights of Queenstown, Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland await. Departing 6 March & 25 September 2019, 21 nights cost from £5,695 pp*.

In THE AMERICAS…

Autumn Leaves are Falling: Beginning in Boston – home to some of America’s best-preserved historic buildings and neighbourhoods – this delightful journey across New England also takes in charming coastal towns and superb scenery in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the Green Mountains of Vermont. And what a time of year to visit, as the region’s maple, cedar and aspen trees embrace autumn, their leaves turning entire hillsides into a blaze of scarlet, gold and vermillion. Departing 21 September & 5 October 2019, 11 nights cost from £2,795 pp*.

Journey to Canyon Country: For spectacular natural vistas straight from a movie screen, there can be few spots more striking than Canyonlands National Park in south-eastern Utah, USA. Be prepared for jaw-dropping scenery and photo opportunities aplenty during this tour, which begins in spectacular Scottsdale before exploring the Bryce area and the National Parks of Zion, The Grand Canyon, Canyonlands and Arches, as well as Monument Valley, Sonaran Desert and Antelope Canyon. Departing 7 October & 4 November 2019, 11 nights cost from £2,995 pp*.

Western Wonders of Canada: A land of soaring mountain peaks, national parks and forests, Western Canada is a dream for lovers of the great outdoors. Visit the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, home to the extraordinary Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Follow the Icefield Parkway (lined with spectacular lakes, glaciers and waterfalls), where grizzly bear and black bear sightings are possible, explore the alpine resort of Whistler and embrace laid-back city life in Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria. Departing 17 May & 27 September 2019, 13 nights cost from £3,895 pp*.

*Prices are based on two sharing and include return flights, accommodation, meals and excursions as per the itinerary, and the services of a Tour Manager, guides and local representatives. Independent arrival prices (client arranges their own flights) are also available – see individual itineraries for details.

Fully ABTA and ATOL bonded, and winner of many travel awards, including Which? ‘Recommended Provider Status 2017’, Jules Verne’s team of travel experts organises every detail, 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.

A copy of Jules Verne’s Limited Edition brochure can be viewed or downloaded here. For details of its escorted tours and cruises worldwide, for the remainder of 2018 and beyond, call 020 3553 3722 or visit the Jules Verne website at www.vjv.com.

Press: For more information on Jules Verne please contact Karen Carpenter at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email k.carpenter@travelpr.co.uk.