Sublime long-haul sunshine escapes
Renowned for its exquisite short breaks to some of Europe’s top city, coast and countryside destinations, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Kirker Holidays also tailor makes superb long-haul itineraries. These holidays, to an array of warm weather destinations from Oman and India to the Maldives and Mauritius, are never more welcome than in winter, when even the hardiest Brits can find themselves longing to lounge in the sun.
With average daytime temperatures ranging from the low 20°s to the low 30°s at this time of year, depending on the region visited, India’s an enticing alternative to the bracing winds of Blighty. Whether travellers are visiting for the first time or returning to the country to venture further afield, Kirker’s expert team can create a holiday that ticks all the boxes, selecting accommodation to suit personal tastes and budgets – from characterful houseboats on the Keralan backwaters of Southern India to family-run jungle camps in Kanha National Park, and from comfortable three and four-star hotels in city, coastal and countryside locations to an array of deluxe five-star properties that includes former Maharajas’ palaces.
New to Kirker’s 2014 brochure - out now - is a selection of suggested itineraries that can be added to a classic Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra & Jaipur) journey to create an even more memorable holiday, including:
Shimla – The Himalayan Foothills
Experience India as it was in the days of the Raj with a three-night visit to Shimla that includes a ride on the toy train that once transported government officials to the cooler climes of the Himalayan Foothills for a few months each summer. Enjoy woodland walks, fascinating temple visits and breathtaking views during a stay in this quintessential British hill station.
Extension price is from £410 pp including return executive class rail tickets from Delhi-Chandigarh, private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver for all transfers, expert private guides, entrance fees for all museums and monuments, narrow-gauge railway excursion and accommodation in four-star hotels with breakfast (three nights Shimla, one night Delhi)
Indian Temples & the Ganges
Of particular appeal to anyone with an interest in the cultural and religious history of Northern India, this six-night extension takes discerning travellers to Gwalior (dominated by its 15th century church with magnificent tiled façade), Khajuraho (famed for its collection of erotically-decorated temples) and Varanasi, arguably the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage destination.
Extension price is from £782 pp including private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver from Delhi to Gwalior, economy air travel (Khajuraho to Varanasi/Varansi to Delhi), expert private guides, entrance fees for all temples, museums and monuments in each city, a boat ride on the Ganges, evening aarti ceremony in Varanasi, sound & light show at Gwalior Fort and accommodation in four-star hotels with breakfast.
In Search of the Tiger: Bandhavgarh and Kanha
The National Parks of Bandhavgarh and Kanha in Madhya Pradesh offer some of the best opportunities to spot the endangered Royal Bengal tiger, as well as a myriad other indigenous animals and birdlife. Enjoy visits to both on a six-night extension that also includes a night in Mumbai.
Extension price is from £1,190 pp including economy air travel (Delhi to Jabalpur/Nagpur to Mumbai), private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver for all transfers, accommodation with full-board arrangements for game lodges, and with breakfast in Mumbai. Five private game drives in Bandhavgarh and three in Kanha are included.
A classic Golden Triangle journey with Kirker Holidays costs from £1,575 pp (two sharing) including flights (Heathrow), private transfers, sightseeing, rail travel from Delhi to Agra and six nights’ accommodation with breakfast – three in Delhi, one in Agra and two in Jaipur.
Kirker’s India brochure also includes luxury rail travel experiences on the Maharajas’ Express and Palace on Wheels trains, as well as a range of hotels and suggested itineraries in Nepal, Sri Lanka and The Maldives.
If winter sun’s on the agenda but India doesn’t appeal on this occasion, there is plenty more warm weather inspiration available from Kirker Holidays. Choose from a tempting selection of single and multi-centre holidays in Botswana, Namibia and Zambia – all of which feature in Kirker’s dedicated Southern Africa brochure alongside South Africa highlights such as Cape Town, the Winelands, The Garden Route and Kruger National Park.
Several Southern Africa itineraries feature in Kirker’s new Long-Haul Winter Sunshine newsletter, including:
Cape Town: Stay four nights for the price of three at the five-star superior Cape Grace Hotel, set on its own private quay in the heart of the city’s popular Victoria & Albert Waterfront development.
Price is from £1,799 pp (two sharing) - saving £180 pp - including flights (London), private transfers and accommodation with breakfast. Valid on stays from 4-31 January and from 1-31 March.
African Odyssey: Encompassing Southern Africa’s most fascinating highlights, this nine-night holiday takes travellers from cosmopolitan Cape Town to the ultimate safari experience - in search of the Big Five in Sabi Sands – before boarding the historic Blue Train through charming colonial settlements and ending at the spectacular Victoria Falls.
Price is from £4,929 pp (two sharing) including flights (London), one night in a private cabin on the Blue Train and accommodation with breakfast in Pretoria (one night), Cape Town (two nights), Sabi Sands (three nights) and Victoria Falls (two nights).
The newsletter also includes winter sun special offers in:
Oman: Stay five nights for the price of four at the stylish five-star deluxe The Chedi from £1,747 pp – saving £234 pp. Price is based on two sharing and includes flights (London), private transfers, accommodation with breakfast, tourist visa and Kirker guide notes. Valid on stays from 1-31 January. Five nights in February and March are from £1,981 pp.
Maldives: Stay seven nights for the price of six at the four-star deluxe Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef, on the small island of Hembadhu, from £2,749 pp – saving £635 pp. Price is based on two sharing and includes flights (London), transfers and accommodation with breakfast. Valid on stays until 31 March.
Mauritius: Stay seven nights for the price of five at the five-star deluxe Oberoi from £3,175 pp – saving £729 pp. Price is based on two sharing and includes flights, transfers and accommodation with breakfast. Valid on stays until 31 March.
For further information, including the latest winter sun special offers, visit kirkerholidays.com.