Bales expands Orient programme

Bales Worldwide is launching its largest ‘Orient’ programme yet for 2008/9 with an increased emphasis on tailor made travel choices. New options include getting up close and personal with pandas at Wolong, incredible ice art experiences at the Harbin Ice Festival, and stays in traditional Japanese Ryokens.

Bales was one of the first operators to take tourists to China in 1965. Prices start from £1495 per person for the eleven day Best of China holiday, taking in Beijing, the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors, Guilin and finishing in Shanghai.

A wide range of countries, cities and experiences are offered over this vast area, from the Great Wall to the mighty Mekong, the Himalayas to Hanoi, and Thailand to the Tokyo skyline. There are a total of 16 escorted journeys and frequent departures along with many independent travel itinerary suggestions within the new programme. The full programme is available as a printed brochure, as well as to read online via Balesworldwide.com.

‘DISCOVER MORE’ OF CHINA
With the Olympics taking place in Beijing next summer all eyes are well and truly fixed on China. Bales’ Discover More options allow visitors to get off the beaten track and really under the skin of this unique land. The Journey through Yunnan takes 13 days (£2125 per person) and focuses on the country’s South West provinces, from snow capped mountains to river canyons, limestone forests to tropical plains.

The 16 day Sichuan, Land of the Pandas trip, (£2285 per person), takes you on a journey through the Eastern provinces, including a visit to the world famous Giant Panda Research and Conservation Centre and a cruise on the Yangtze River - with the Three Gorges Dam set for completion in 2009 there has never been a better time to experience this extraordinary setting before the landscapes change forever.

MEET THE PANDAS AT WOLONG
The Giant Panda Breeding Research Centre at Wolong boasts the highest cub survival rate in the world. A new option for 2008 is the unique opportunity for visitors to assist with tasks over a day such as feeding the pandas - an unforgettable experience. A visit to Wolong is included in the Sichuan, Land of the Pandas tour or can be booked as a 2 day pre-tour extension (£525) on the 18 day Yangtze Splendour trip, priced at £2725 per person.

There is an additional charge of £35 per person to spend a fascinating day volunteering at the centre. Highlights of the Yangtze Splendour trip include a visit to the Forbidden City, the chance to walk the Great Wall at Mu Tian Yu and three days cruising along the Yangtze River, amid the tranquil beauty of the Three Gorges.

HARBIN ICE FESTIVAL
For 2008/09 Bales is increasing its tailor made options throughout Asia. New experiences in China include the opportunity to visit the Harbin Ice Festival - the annual celebration of ice art. This unique festival, showcasing exquisite ice sculptures, takes place from January-February each year and attracts visitors from across the world. Prices for an eight day trip starts from £1465 per person which includes a four night stay in Beijing and a three night stay in Harbin.

CHINA IN STYLE
This year sees the introduction of the China in Style programme, with luxury accommodation courtesy of Shangri-La Hotels and Viking Century Cruises. The 15 day journey (£2340 per person) retraces the steps of the Emperors, taking in the rich majesty of this fascinating culture and the breathtaking landscapes of the Yangtze River– all in the luxury of 5 star elegance. The exceptional hotels and cruise ship offer legendary service, superb attention to detail and award winning style.

TURNING JAPANESE
For 2008/09, Bales is introducing a second escorted journey and expanding its tailor made choice in the country. The 15 day Japan Panorama holiday (£2995 per person) takes the visitor through the wonders of this land, from vibrant Tokyo to the magnificent Mount Fuji, and the Buddhist temples of Kyoto to the Shinto shrines of Miyamjima Island. Other highlights include the Miyagawa market, the beautiful Kenrokuen Gardens and the poignant Peace Park in Hiroshima.

Tailor made options in Japan include the opportunity to stay in the delightful Iwaso Ryoken on Miyajima Island. Ryokens are traditional hotels that embody the very essence of Japanese living and culture. Iwaso is set in the picturesque Momijidani Park and the oldest room dates back some 80 years. The relaxing hot springs, a 12-course dinner and beautiful cherry blossom filled gardens (in spring) make this a stay to remember.

MEKONG CRUISE EXPANSION
The popularity of Indochina continues to grow and this year Bales has increased its tailor made portfolio in the region. New for 2008/09 are the Toum Teav cruises along the mighty Mekong River in Cambodia. The traditionally built wooden boat takes in the mythical waterways between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap – a timeless journey through the very heart of South East Asia.

As well as China, Japan, Thailand and Cambodia, Bales also offers tailor made travel and escorted holidays to Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia and Borneo.

For a copy of the new brochure or for reservations look online at Balesworldwide.com.