On the Walking in China tour, I had time to really explore, to talk, to stop and engage the locals. At the top of the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the highlight of any walk, as I gazed down on the roaring Yangtze River below, I spied a small shop in the middle of nowhere claiming “best priced drinks here“ - there was not much of an alternative!

At Lake Bashi, we came across a wrinkled old lady sitting cross legged on the ground, stripping corn cobs as she would have done for years, and not a tourist in site! In Lijiang, it was amusing to see all the local men sitting on the side of the road chatting, while the woman-folk worked or danced. I am so glad I got the chance to experience this fascinating culture.

We were in Barkhor Square, outside the Jokhang Temple on a coolish September Sunday afternoon. The square was full of people, families, groups of friends, red-robed monks, some of them talking into their cellphones, as well as streams of pilgrims going to the temple which is regarded by many Tibetans as the most sacred of the many Tibetan temples. Our group stood out like a sore thumb - we were the only white faces that could be seen anywhere in the square.

One of the monks approached a member of my group. They ‘conversed’ with gestures, as neither of them knew the other’s language. After some minutes, the monk glanced furtively around, then put his hand inside his voluminous robe and withdrew a slightly tattered photo. We all recognised the face instantly. It was the Dalai Lama! The monk gave a shy smile and replaced the photo in its hiding place. He nodded and moved on.

A few days later we were on a bus in the Tibetan countryside. We stopped to have a look at a wall of Yak dung drying outside a farmhouse. It will be used as fuel to heat the house in the winter. We admired how the most humble of materials, was stacked with precision and loving care.

The farmer’s wife came out to have a look at the strangers who were eagerly taking photos of what to her was an unremarkable everyday feature. She chatted with our Tibetan guide and after a few minutes he called to us that she had invited us to come and have a look at the interior of the house. We passed through the doorway, adorned with amulets and mantras to ward off evil spirits, ascended a dark stairway and found ourselves in the spacious living-room-cum-kitchen, complete with TV set and DVD player housed in furniture painted with traditional Tibetan motifs.

Of course we were not able to chat with the farmer’s wife or with her numerous family members that arrived to inspect the strange visitors. But we exchanged lots of smiles as well as a few small presents that some of the group had brought along, so that there is at least one farmhouse in rural Tibet where the children wear little silver fern brooches while the adults write with ballpoint pens emblazoned with Kiwi inscriptions.
 

When I needed to get to an appointment in Lima, I hailed such a taxi. It clearly had seen better days; one headlight consisted of a hole with some wires dangling out of it, several rusting dents bore witness to heroic encounters with other objects, and the springs in the back seat had long since given up acting as springs and were lying flat and exhausted under the hard base of the cushion. The driver looked like his vehicle. Dressed in a dirty check shirt and greasy trousers, he had a cigarette hanging from the corner of his mouth and obviously had not shaved for a couple of days.

I was a bit dubious about getting into the vehicle, but he had already jumped out of his seat and opened the door for me to get into the back, so I obediently climbed in and then discovered that I would have a problem getting out again – the door handle was missing. We did our haggling with our two dozen or so words we had in common in English and Spanish, and once we had agreed on the deal, he pulled out into the stream of traffic, without indicating, of course. After all, he needed one hand for his cigarette and the other for driving the car.

The various steps in the tea manufacturing process were explained to us in (unfortunately) broken English by our hostess for the visit (every sentence was punctuated by "sir" or "madam" and some of the finer points were lost on us).

We expected that the visit would end with a sampling of their products, but no - we were dressed in sarongs or saris, given a basket with a head strap and ushered down to some tea plants, where we were encouraged to pick the appropriate leaves and then transfer them overhead and into the basket.

Our strike rate was not good. Jenny took some potentially embarrassing photos of the group's pathetic attempts to carry out a task that the real tea pluckers make look so easy. So we now have a new-found admiration for those little ladies who do this every day for a wage of $5 (US) - though they are given free housing.

A good example of the interplay of history and nature is Predjama castle, a 16th century fortress built partly inside a huge cave in a 123 metre high cliff. Behind and above it are the remains of a 12th century structure, built entirely inside the enormous cave.

Our guide told us that this older castle had been the home of a robber baron who preyed on the traffic in the valley below. His overlord tried to arrest him but the cave-keep proved to be impregnable - or so it seemed. Its weakness was an overhanging long drop loo. One night, when the robber baron used it, his servant, who had been bribed, placed a candle in a window to indicate his master was ensconced on the toilet. The lord’s men aimed a mortar up the toilet shaft and blew the robber off his perch, killing him. Moral: don’t use an overhanging long drop in a castle under siege!

A feature of the Dalmatian coast is the many charming islands, some of them, like Hvar and Corcula with quaint medieval towns . We visited Mljet, the island which, according to some scholars, was the island on which the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked. Paul calls it ‘Melita’ and tradition has it that it was Malta. Both islands have a bay named after the apostle and both lay claim to having been his refuge.

On beautiful Mljet we visited an island within an island. A lake on the island (actually it is an almost landlocked bay), contains a tiny island which is the site of the 12th century monastery of Saint Mary. Again, history enhanced by nature.

We walked around the perimeter of this islet in a bit under half an hour. Half-way around we visited a minuscule funerary chapel used for the burial of the commoners who served the monks. The cemetery associated with the funerary chapel is also tiny. This is not because there were few deaths over the centuries. Unlike the monks, who rest supine in the monastery’s church, the commoners were buried standing up - to save precious space!

Spring time is approaching in Holland and most of the Zuid Holland provinces are a beautiful tapestry of colours. Flying into Holland in daylight around Spring time is an amazing sight and looks like a brightly coloured patchwork quilt made up of flowers. Unfortunately most of the Tulips, Hyacinths and many other flower bulbs are grown commercially and bloom for only a short period, after which they are topped and the bulbs exported to all corners of the world.

Keukenhof is situated close to the village of Lisse and if you miss the commercial fields, is an excellent opportunity to experience this wonderful sight of flowers, trees and special exhibitions. Over seven million bulbs are planted each year with more than 1600 different varieties, and then there are 2500 trees in 87 different varieties. That is one very big garden!

The history of Keukenhof itself is very interesting. Its meaning, translated, is 'kitchen-garden' and was used originally by Jacoba van Beieren as a herb garden. She lived in the Castle of Teylingen which is near Keukenhof. She died there in October 1436. The remains of the Castle are still there and is open for visits from March till November.

There is also a stunning flower parade which weaves its way through the quaint villages in Zuid Holland and travels for over 40km from Noordwijk to Haarlem. You will have missed the parade this year as it was on the 12th of April 2012, but make a note for next year, it will be on the 20th of April 2013.

Be sure to visit the famous flower auction house in Aaslmeer. The biggest flower auction in the world with 125,000 transactions undertaken every day and over 12 billion cut flowers sold there every year. One needs to start early though, it opens to the public between 7 - 11am, weekdays only, and costs around 5 Euros.

This year is a special year. Every 10 years, Holland hosts its Floriade, an international exhibition of flowers and gardening. It began on the 5th of April and finishes on the 7th of October. This is truly the pinnacle of all things floral, not only for any garden or flower enthusiast, but also for any garden novice who appreciates beauty. And remember, if you don’t go this year, you will have to wait another 10 years before it comes around again.

As the sun peaked up over the horizon, a quiet stillness came over us all, and the long line of silent, saffron robed, bare footed monks with their shaved heads and solemn faces began their procession through the streets.

A small handful of rice or a banana was all they got from each of us, but with so many from the town so willing to give, they soon had enough food for another day of praying and learning. So was it worth it? Absolutely.

Thank you Calder & Lawson Tours for enabling me to have this moving experience.

The Tour

Escorted from Nelson, this tour of the South Island of New Zealand is not just full of magnificent, world renowned scenery, but it is also abounding in history and creativity. Local and regional museums are attractive and welcoming; there are many galleries showcasing historical and contemporary New Zealand artists; and mouth watering local cuisine and a growing selection of fine wines tempt. This tour, developed by Bruce Hosking, offers a comprehensive scenic and cultural journey through New Zealand’s “mainland”.

Tour Manager

Peter Oettli, Hamilton - A recently retired Professor at Waikato University, Peter is one of our most experienced international tour group leaders. Peter has travelled extensively throughout New Zealand and is the author of Cultureshock New Zealand, an introduction to our country for visitors and immigrants. Peter's passion for New Zealand and its history will add another dimension to your touring experience.

Pre Tour Material

Newsletters will be sent out, describing in greater detail aspects of the programme, clothing hints, health considerations, hotel information and a short list of recommended pre-tour readings.

Inclusions

• Transportation in air-conditioned coach
• 17 nights’ accommodation in 3-4 star hotels in twin/double rooms
• Full breakfast daily
• 10 dinners, including 5 speciality meals
• 7 lunches
• Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary

Group Size

Minimum 15, maximum 21

Price

Ex Nelson     NZ$6,995 pp twin share

Single supplement      NZ$1,900 pp

Earlybird Discount

Save $200 per person if you book and deposit by 20 March 2012

Itinerary

[[Visit blog to check out this spoiler]]

This itinerary is dated 22.02.12 and is subject to change. Contact Calder & Lawson Tours for updates.

To enquire about this tour and upcoming dates, click here

The Tour

Travel from Gaudi’s inspired Barcelona, along the stunning Costa Brava into medieval France, and return to the land of the Camino before ending this walking adventure through three countries, in Portugal. One of the worlds ‘must do’ walks, the Camino is an experience that for two centuries highlights the rich history of Iberia. Evidence of early Christians, the Crusaders, and the Moors greet you as you explore the wonderful towns and cities.

Sample the cuisine, wine and cultural differences of the various regions as you continually move west towards the city of St James, the grand Santiago de Compostela, from which he is said to have driven the Moors out of Spain. With its warm, golden stone, narrow cobbled streets, friendly smiles, and magnificent cathedral, Santiago will be sure to leave a lasting impression before crossing the border into Portugal.

Your final week of the tour will be spent in Portugal exploring breathtaking Porto and walking along various sections of the stunning Duoro River before returning home to New Zealand. If wine, cuisine, stunning scenery, and one of the world’s most influential histories are of interest, this tour is for you.

The Tour Leader

Gerald Bailey, Hamilton - Gerald, a semi-retired lawyer and a past Chancellor of the University of Waikato, is an experienced traveller and a keen walker. Along with his wife Jenny, their travels include Nepal, South America, and Europe, most notably the St James Pilgrimage route and France where they fell in love with the French countryside, villages and cuisine. Gerald’s genuine empathy with people, travel experiences and love of walking make him an ideal tour leader.

Pre Tour Material

A series of newsletters will be sent out, describing in greater detail aspects of the programme, expected weather conditions, clothing hints, health considerations, flight times, hotel information and a short list of recommended pre-tour readings.

Variations In Travel

You may wish to add pre or post travel arrangements, or perhaps upgrade to business class, or spend some more time in Iberia at the conclusion of the trip.  Please contact your Tour Consultant, Michelle Bisley, email michelleb@hot.co.nz or by our contact details at the bottom of this page.

Inclusions

• Economy class airfares (airline taxes additional)
• 1 night stopover in Singapore including breakfast,  late check out, 
• 21 nights accommodation in Europe twin share
• Breakfast daily, 2 picnic lunches, 13 dinners
• 1 night stopover in Singapore, breakfast  including late check out, 
• Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
• Local English speaking guide
• ALL GRATUITIES FOR National And Local guides

Price

Earlybird Discount

$200 per person expires on 10 February 2012

Group Size

Minimum 2, maximum 25

Itinerary

[[Visit blog to check out this spoiler]]

This itinerary is dated 28.09.2012 and is subject to change.  Please contact Calder & Lawson Tours for updates.

To enquire about this tour and upcoming dates, click here

The Tour

From the hustle and bustle of Cairo, to the peaceful rural backdrop along the River Nile, Egypt is a country of dramatic contrasts. This tour, especially designed for Calder & Lawson Tours is ideal for active people with enquiring minds and will introduce you to the history and culture of this fascinating country. Travel via the Nile Delta to Alexandria, and pay homage to fallen New Zealand soldiers buried in the Allied Cemetery at El Alamein, site of the epic World War II battle.  

Relax on board your Nile Cruise ship stopping to immerse yourself in ancient Egypt and watch life along the Nile pass you by. Travel out into the desert to spend two mystical nights at St Catherine’s Monastery which has been a centre of pilgrimage for centuries.  

This tour provides an opportunity to explore much of the wealth of ancient wonders— from the towering Pyramids of Giza, to the immense temples of Karnak and Abu Simbel. Hear about powerful rulers such as Ramses, Alexander the Great and Cleopatra, who have left an unmistakable and enduring legacy which has attracted travelers to Egypt for centuries.

Tour Leader

Peter Gibbs, Tauranga – Peter has travelled extensively, having owned and operated The Adventure Travel Company in Auckland for many years.  Having led many of our tours including Nepal, Travel and Learn Turkey and Walking in Ireland, Peter is an experienced and popular tour leader.

Pre Tour Material

Three pre-tour newsletters are planned.  These will include practical information about weather, what to pack, money, flights, the hotels and some tips about preparation and health.

Variation In Travel

You may wish add pre or post travel arrangements, or perhaps upgrade to Business Class.  Please contact your tour consultant, Rochelle Dickson, email rochelled@hot.co.nz or by our contact details listed at the bottom of this page.

Inclusions

• Return economy class airfares (airline taxes additional)
• 1 night Singapore with breakfast twin share
• 17 nights accommodation in Egypt twin share
• Meals: Breakfast daily, 14 Lunches, 17 Dinners
• Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary 
• Day room in Singapore on southbound journey
• ALL GRATUITIES for National and local guides 

Price

Earlybird Discount

$200 per person expires on 10 February 2012

Group Size

Minimum: 15, maximum:  25

Itinerary

[[Visit blog to check out this spoiler]]

This itinerary is dated 05.12.2011 and is subject to change. Please contact Calder & Lawson Tours for updates.

To enquire about this tour and upcoming dates, click here