HPB Exclusive Tours

 

  

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT

 

         This tour is run exclusively for HPB

 

THE PYRAMIDS - MARSA MATROUH - SIWA - ALEXANDRIA - NILE CRUISE

After a successful, Mummies to Montgomery WWII tour in February 2010, Lisa, from the HPB tenancy in Hania, Crete has researched and organized a thrilling adventure theme week exploring the magic of Egypt.

This bespoke theme week for HPB encapsulates a time line of discovery ranging through millennia. From the pharaonic dynasties, the footsteps of the ancient Greek warrior king Alexander the Great, the aesthetics of the Greco-Roman empire, exciting discoveries of buried treasures and explorers in the 19th & 20th C to the grandeur of the Nile River, Egypt’s silent lifeline. The arduous fierce fighting desert campaigns of WWII to the more modern day accomplishments as the Republic of Egypt, brings us up to date in this intrepid traveller tour. We shall encompass fascinating history and archaeology, a tour of the senses of this amazing giant of a country in the Middle East.

As with all of Lisa’s theme weeks the itinerary is a travel through time, the story of a nation, its population and those who coveted and passed through up to present day.

We look forward to accompanying you to Explore Egypt.

DEPARTURE DATE

COST

14 Feb 2011 - 14 nights

Single room supplement: £775

Minimum passengers on tour:8

Maximum passengers on tour:  12

£3,389 pp

BOOKINGS AND RESERVATIONS

TRAVEL

Flights from London Heathrow to Cairo are included.  Regional flights from other UK airports can be arranged at an additional cost through the HPB Travel Club. Your tour will be confirmed when minimum passengers numbers are achieved.

PRICE INCLUDES

Egyptair flights, airport taxes and fuel surcharges, 3 nights 5 star hotel in Cairo, 1 night 5 star hotel in Marsa Matrouh, 2 nights Adrere Amellal Ecolodge in Siwa, 1 night in a 5 star hotel in Alexandria Montazah in Alexandria, 6 nights aboard a Dahabia. Daily breakfast and lunch, 11 dinners. Tea, coffee, bottled water and soft drinks while on board the Dahabia. Transfers and travel in private air conditioned vehicle, English speaking private tour escort and Egyptologist, Entry fees to sites, Gratuities. Illustrated guide book per room.

NOT INCLUDED

Travel and health insurance, personal items such as laundry, telephone calls. Drinks throughout, Entry Visa (£15 upon arrival at Cairo Airport. Optional excursions.

Travel Club
For bookings & reservations call 01638 674744 or click here
ABTA    ATOLHPB Travel Club Ltd, HPB House, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8EH
Telephone: +44(0)1638 674744 | Email: tours@hpb.co.uk

ITINERARY

  

Day 1

Arrive Cairo- transfer to hotel.

Day 2

Cairo-Giza Pyramids- Sphynx – Museum - Khan el Khalil.

After breakfast first stop today the Great pyramids at Giza, the only remaining of the seven wonders of the ancient world and a chance to visit the solar boat used to carry the mummified bodies and all the worldly belongings into the afterlife. Back into the centre to visit the amazing archaeological museum and the famous burial mask of King Tutankhamen the boy pharaoh. Lunch will be in the Mahfouz Oberoi in the streets of the medieval Khan El Khalil bazaar and time for souvenir shopping or simply take a mint tea and shisha pipe in the oldest café in Cairo and the market will come to you.
Dinner is on a 5* luxury Nile river restaurant boat with folklore show. (B, L, D)

Day 3

Marsa Matrouh (6hours) - Overnight in a hotel on the coast in Marsa Matrouh.

Breakfast and our adventure begins early by taking us away from Cairo along the desert road to Marsa Mahtrouh. Matrouh lies 290 km. west of Alexandria and 222 km. from Sallum. The distance from Cairo to Matrouh is 524 km. It lies on a bay on the Mediterranean and is distinguished by its seven km. long beach, which, is renowned as one of the most beautiful in Egypt. The beach is famous for its white soft sands and calm transparent waters, for the bay is protected from the high seas by a series of rocks forming a natural wave-breaker, with a small opening to allow light vessels in. This beach dates back to the days of Alexander, the Macedonian, when it was known as "Paraetonium" and also as "Amunia". It said that Alexander the Great stopped there during his historical expedition to pay tribute and make sacrifice. There are ruins of a temple from the time of Rameses II (1200 B.C.) in Matrouh. The road to Matrouh is mostly lined with beach resorts where Egyptians flea from the searing summer heat of the cities and tourists spend summer vacations. However along the route lies the inhabitants of an undeveloped city, El Alamein, whose residents feel neither summer heat nor winter rains. The site of one of the most decisive battles fought during World War II, the desert campaigns. The physical scars of war have given way to elegant memorials that honour without prejudice the soldiers, airmen and sailors who lost their lives, amongst them, British allied forces, Greeks, Italians and Germans alike. Lunch and the possibility to visit the hideout of Rommel from WWII, hewn into the rock and now a museum. Dinner and free evening.(B, L, D)

 

Day 4

Marsah Matrouh – Siwa (4-5 hours) – only 80klms east of Libyan border.

The Adrere Amellal Ecolodge

The Adrere Amellal lodge (40 rooms and suites) this is a boutique oasis of simplistic luxury in the Egyptian desert that was built with Siwan labour and care so that it would fit entirely into the architectural styles of the oasis. Siwa and the Adrere border the largest ocean of sand in the world. Built out of indigenous materials using traditional Siwan building techniques and styles so as to have a minimal impact on the land, the Adrere Amellal Ecolodge sets an example for being an environmentally friendly hospitality establishment. Situated at the base of a majestic White mountain and overlooking palm groves and Siwa lake. Adrere Amellal eco lodge consists of a series of traditional Siwan houses that have been restored and re-designed into guest suites and rooms, all of which offer genuine desert-style comfort. Furnishing is simple, but of the highest quality, drawing exclusively on local material and design to reflect Siwa's rugged spirit. The Siwan homes are built using a mixture of sun dried salt rock mixed with straw for wall building. Furniture and fixtures are made of palm trunks and ceilings are beamed with palm logs, the carpentry and accessories display the rich and colorful variety of Siwa's indigenous handicraft. Oil lamps and candles are used for lighting. On colder winter nights, coal-filled braziers are used for heating.

Travel back to ancient days as we follow the pilgrimage route of Alexander the Great to the Oracle of Amon. He marched westward along the Mediterranean coast, then inland (south) to the great oasis of Siwa. We travel in an a/c coach! His aim was to visit the great temple of Amun which, tradition says, his legendary "ancestors" Hercules and Perseus had visited. He entered the temple and was hailed by the priests as Pharaoh, the son of Amun. He then had a private audience with the High Priestess of the oracle, who proclaimed him to be a God, the Son of Zeus. She predicted that he would conquer vast territories. He did. Leaving Egypt, he marched into Persia conquering all who came before him, all the way to what is now Lahore in Pakistan. On his return trip, however, he fell ill and died at the young age of 32 in then Babylon. According to ancient inscriptions, Alexander's body was returned to Egypt and buried, but where? Both Siwa and Alexandria are possibilities. His tomb has still not yet been identified. Arrive at the eco lodge for lunch and relax in the afternoon by the emerald green natural spring pool or explore the facility and Siwa village centre famous for its embroidery and silver jewellery. Dinner at the lodge. (B, L, D)

 

Day 5

Siwa

Today's tour includes: Gebel Mawta, we'll see tombs of the Greco-Roman era, including one that's reputed to be Alexander's own tomb. Dominating the atmosphere of the town of Siwa are the magnificent jagged ruins of Shali Fortress. Built in the 13th century from a mixture of mud, sand and sun-dried salt, harvested from Siwa’s salt lakes, and palm trunk ceilings and much destroyed in heavy rainfall in 1926. The Temple of Amon, badly treated by time, is in a bad condition. Just a piece of a wall still stands, held up by crude modern bricks. Fortunately some fine wall-paintings on the western side of the wall have survived.
It is believed to have been built by the command of King Nectanebo 2 in the 4th century BCE. It would have been standing if it hadn't been for an Ottoman general who blew it up in 1896 for building material. Alexander’s Oracle, the impact of this site in ancient times appears slightly strange and fascinating at the same time to modern visitors. The actual temple is so small, but the entire setting is like something out of a fantasy novel. The temple complex, complete with a well (quite well-preserved) takes all of a little mountain rising up from the oasis. Seen from a distance, the site is like a white island floating on green palms. Upon entering, a wall rises above you, and when standing next to the temple you will have fabulous views. Unfortunately, there is little to fascinate a visitor with the temple structure itself, no wall-paintings and no fine details have survived. It is best when seen from a distance. . However, the information from the guide gives way to the imagination and fantasy. Within a short distance, we'll traverse centuries as we visit Cleopatra's Pool, one of many, a Roman outpost, and a Ptolemaic temple. Siwan craftsmanship is celebrated for its exquisitely embroidered garments and stunning silver jewelry. Visit the city center, stroll through the marketplace and spend time absorbing the local scene. Overnight at the eco lodge. (B, L, D)

 

Day 6

Siwa, Alexandria

Today is a very full and long day as we head back north, we break for lunch at Marsa Matrouh and onward to Alexandria for an overnight in a 5* deluxe hotel 4 Seasons or similar. Conquerors, emperors, ancient travelers and traders have all coveted Alexandria, the city known by pharaohs, queens, and invaders from Marc Antony to Napoleon. Time to read, discuss and to digest the history and facts of the previous couple of days en route with the expert guide. Here we shall enjoy dinner by the sea and free evening to explore or relax.(B, L, D)

Day 7

Alexandria, Cairo

Morning city tour in Alex to the Summer Palace and gardens of exiled King Farouk, along the Corniche passing the New library of Alexandria, mosques and minarets and to the other end of the corniche to visit the fortress erected on the foundations of the original Alexandria lighthouse. A visit to one of the fascinating museums and the catacombs of ancient Greek burial chambers. Time allowing a quick visit to the bay at Abou Qir. Lunch and depart back to Cairo to overnight in a hotel. Free evening. (B, L)

Day 8

Cairo - Fly to Luxor and Embarkation

After breakfast we depart for the airport and our domestic flight 60 minutes to Luxor. Upon arrival time to visit the archaeological museum and light lunch. Transfer after lunch to the dahabia and embarkation. Dinner and overnight on board.(B, L, D)

A dahabia is a luxurious sailing yacht which is like sailing on your own private palace. There is no bar on board therefore water, soft drinks, wine and beer are included with all meals, however you are welcome to take your own alcohol on board if you wish.

Day 9

Luxor East Bank

Optional excursion - Take this unique opportunity for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the world’s largest open air museum. Breakfast, souvenir certificate and a 100% Egyptian cotton T-shirt is included. Return to the boat for sailing. - Cost: £90 per person

Today we explore the temples of Thebes, the ancient capital of Upper Egypt, now known as Luxor. Luxor has often been described as the world’s largest open air museum. Our visit will include the Temple of Amon at Karnak, the largest religious complex in the world, and the impressive colonnades of the Temple of Luxor. Afternoon free to relax or visit the archaeological museum in Luxor or explore Luxor town. Dinner on board. (B, L, AT, D)

Day 10

West Bank - Esna

After breakfast we shall visit the Valley of the Kings on the west bank, there are over 60 tombs and the first king to be buried was Tutmosis I. The most famous tomb discovered by Howard Carter in 1922 was that of the boy king Tutankhamen, inside remains the sarcophagus and coffin with painted walls, scenes of Tut in the afterlife. Equally impressive is our visit to the temple of Queen Hatshepsut dedicated to the God Amun and parts to the Goddess Hathor and God Anubis. Colossi of Memnon on route back to the boat. After lunch enjoy the experience of sailing down the Nile aboard the luxury dahabia through the lock at Esna. (B, L, AT, D)

Day 11

El Kab - Edfu - Fouza Island

On our dahabiya, we’ll call at ports where larger cruise vessels rarely appear and have the luxury of docking along the bank side or off an islet in the middle of the Nile river. In the morning, we’ll visit El Kaab, built within a mud-brick enclosure. Founded in the Neolithic era, it embodies timelessness in its homes, its everyday crafts, and the rhythms of daily life. Our visit will include tombs hewn into the sheer rock at Ahmes and Paheri. Back aboard, we’ll resume our cruise past feluccas, fishing vessels, and cargo boats laden with freshly cut sugar cane. We glide past timeless villages and fields of grain, nourished by the waters of the great river. We’ll stop at Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus, one of the largest and best-preserved in all of Egypt. By nightfall, we will have reached the island of El Fouza, where we will tie up for the night and enjoy a candlelit dinner. (B, L, AT, D)

Day 12

Gebel El Silsila - Kom Ombo

In the morning we continue our cruise deeper into Upper Egypt. We’ll reach Gebel Silsileh, where the Nile squeezes between steep cliffs. On the western shore, we’ll pass a sanctuary dug into the rock, dedicated long ago to the seven divinities of the south by Pharaoh Horemheb. We’ll explore an ancient quarry where sandstone was cut for temples, the great stelle of Akenhaten came from here and a reputed 3,000 labourers quarried stone that built the Ramesseum. Sail on to visit the temple dedicated to the Gods Haroeris and Sobek, the crocodile god. Sail on overnight to Aswan. Dinner prepared by the crew served under the stars. (B, L, AT, D)

Day 13

Aswan

Nubia in Upper Egypt lies over the Tropic of Cancer and is home to Aswan. Your adventure is not yet over! We’ll visit the High Dam and then the beautifully situated temple on Philae Island by motor boat, dedicated to the goddess Isis, mother and wife of Osiris, and embodiment of fertility and motherhood. Its reliefs and frescoes make it one of the most attractive temples in Egypt Dinner on board on the Nubian shores and a chance to see the lifestyle and African atmosphere. (B, L, AT, D)

Day 14

Aswan - Cairo

Optional excursion - Take a coach ride to Abu Simbel to visit the Temple of Rameses II, one of the most famous monuments in the world. Cost: £75 per person.

Free time to enjoy a felluca ride to the Botanical Gardens on historical Lord Kitcheners Island or visit the souk for some souvenir and local shopping. Herbs and spices and essential oil, jewellery and baskets and alabaster in abundance – heaven!! In the afternoon transfer to Aswan airport for your flight back to Cairo. Free evening in Cairo in a hotel. (B, L)

Day 15

Cairo

Transfer from hotel to airport for onward international flight.

(Itinerary is subject to change due to reasons beyond our control)

GENERAL INFORMATION

  

Flights & Timings

The economy class flight will be with Egyptair, at the time of printing this itinerary, the flight details are:

 

 

Flight No.

Depart

Arrive

Heathrow

Cairo

Aswan

Cairo

Cairo

Luxor

Cairo

Heathrow

MS778

MS361

MS402

MS777

1515

1015

1415

0940

2200

1125

1540

1300

All times are local.

The baggage allowance is 44lbs (20kgs) per person.

Please note that all flight times are subject to change, and journey times can vary depending upon local conditions.

Clothing

Egypt's climate is dry all year round, so you won't need rainwear. In winter you will need light woollen clothes with sweaters. Comfortable walking shoes and sandals are essential, as well as dark glasses, sunblock and a sun hat. Men are seldom required to wear a jacket and tie even in major hotels, and the average tourist of today is setting a more informal style.

As Egypt is a Moslem country, it is important that, as guests of the country, visitors should respect the local customs. Women should not wear strappy dresses, miniskirts, shorts or low necked dresses in public places (i.e. offices, markets and shopping areas). Modest dress is particularly important when visiting mosques, synagogues and churches. Men should wear short or long sleeved shirts and long trousers.

Credit Cards

All major hotels accept credit cards, as do some restaurants and shops. The most commonly accepted cards are American Express, Diners Club, Visa and Mastercard (Access).

Currency

We suggest that you use only Traveller's cheques and change small amounts of money as you avoid having large amounts of Egyptian currency left over at the end of your holiday.  Currency may be exchanged through banks or authorised dealers including hotels, at which a receipt will be issued. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travellers cheques which may be brought into the country.

Crime

Petty theft and pickpocketing is rare but can occur and it is prudent at all times to ensure that your wallet or bag is well protected, particularly in crowded streets and bazaars. Do not leave valuable items on display in your hotel bedroom or cabin and make use of the hotel and cruise boat safes for special items. If you have been robbed, notify the local police immediately, as well as our representative. On your return your insurance claim form normally needs to show to whom the theft was reported, so a record must be kept. A copy of the report that the local police make on the theft is generally essential for an insurance claim.

Drinks

Generally speaking, alcohol is prohibited under the Islamic law. However hotels, restaurants, bars and night clubs do sell alcoholic beverages to tourists, although these can be restricted during Ramadan or other religious festivals. No tap water should ever be drunk in Egypt. We recommend that you purchase bottled water, ensuring that the seal has not been broken on the bottle. Use it for cleaning teeth and remember not to have ice in your drinks.

Food

Fruits, vegetables and sea food are all excellent although care must be taken when eating salads. Egyptians have a sweet tooth, sherbets and desserts are popular. Be sure, though, when ordering coffee that you stipulate how sweet you want it.

Health and Vaccinations

Clients should familiarise themselves before departure with what precautions are recommended, as final responsibility for complying with health regulations rests with the traveller. Vaccination requirements can be obtained through your local doctor or health centre. Malaria is a risk, especially in rural areas of the Nile Delta and the El Faypum area. It is absolutely imperative that you obtain advice on    anti-malaria treatment from your doctor or recognised medical authority prior to departure. If you develop flu symptoms on your return from Egypt you should contact your doctor immediately.

Passports and Visas

A full ten year British passport, which is valid for at least six months after your stay, is required for entry into Egypt.  Visas will be provided on arrival.

Photography

We recommend that you bring all your own equipment and plenty of film. We do not recommend that you have your film processed locally in Egypt. You are strongly advised not to photograph airports, military installations, strategic sites, docks, police or soldiers. If you wish to take a photograph of the local people, always ask the subject's permission first and never photograph a women without the expressed approval of the husband, father, brother etc.

Shopping

Egypt is a shopper's paradise, offering hand-blown glassware, inlaid boxes, silver, gold, jewellery, brass, copper, carpets, leatherware, spices, perfumes, alabaster, wall hangings and furniture. Bargaining is expected, about one third of the original price is the usual settlement. Be wary of shipping goods home as parcels can take a long time to reach their destination and sometimes never do.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Your contract is with HPB Travel Club Limited,
a member of ABTA.

 

These booking conditions apply where your contract is with HPB Travel Club Limited. For some of the tours that we offer in our brochure, we act as agent for other ATOL holders and your contract will be with the other tour operator. The relevant booking conditions of your tour operator will apply to you and shall be made available to you at the time of booking.

1.  yOUR HOLIDAY CONTRACT

When you make your booking we would ask you to complete a booking form. In signing the booking form, you warrant that you have the authority to accept and are accepting on behalf of all your party the terms of these booking conditions. A contract will exist as soon as we issue our confirmation invoice. This contract is made on the terms of these booking conditions which are governed by English Law and both parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the English Courts at all times.

2. YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION

The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 require us to provide security for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked from this brochure and for your repatriation in the event of our insolvency. We provide this security with the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL number 4628 and a bond held by ABTA.

3. ABTA

We are a member of ABTA, membership number 72282/W0868. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of, or in connection with this contract. Further information on the Code and arbitration can be found at www.abta.com or from ABTA The Travel Association at 30 Park Street, London, SE1 9EQ.


The arbitration scheme is arranged by ABTA and administered independently by IDRS, part of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. It provides for a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on you in respect of costs. Full details will be provided on request or can be obtained from the ABTA website.


The Scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5,000 per person. There is also a limit of £25,000 per booking form. Neither does it apply to claims which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. The Scheme can however deal with compensation claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of £1,000 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element.


The application for arbitration and Statement of Claim must be received by IDRS within nine months of the date of return from the holiday. Outside this time limit arbitration under the Scheme may still be available if the company agrees, but the ABTA Code does not require such agreement.


For injury and illness claims, you may like to use the ABTA/ Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Mediation Procedure. This is a voluntary scheme and requires us to agree for mediation to go ahead. The aim is to help you resolve your dispute in a quick and cost effective way. Details on request or from www.abta.com.

4. YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE

We reserve the right to alter the prices of any of the holidays shown in our brochure. You will be advised of the current price of the holiday that you wish to book before your contract is confirmed.


When you make your booking, a deposit of £100 per person for HPB Themes and £150 for HPB Tours is required together with the appropriate insurance premium when applicable. The balance of the price of your travel arrangements must be paid at least 10 weeks before your departure date, and travel documents will not be released until the full balance is received. If the deposit and/or balance is not paid in time we have the right to cancel your travel arrangements. If the balance is not paid in time we shall retain your deposit. Changes in (transportation costs, including the cost of fuel), dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports and changes in exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked. However there will be no change within 30 days of your departure.


The price of your travel arrangements was calculated using exchange rates quoted in the “Financial Times Guide to World Currencies” on 21 January 2009 in relation to the following currencies: Euro 1.0759; Turkish New Lira 2.3127.


We will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges. You will be charged for the amount over and above that, plus an administration charge of £1.00 per person together with an amount to cover agents’ commission. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your travel arrangements, you will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (if this is of equivalent or higher quality you will not have to pay more but if it is of lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid, except for any amendment charges.


We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on your final invoice.


Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place.

5. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING

If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the person who made the booking or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of £25, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible.

Note: Certain travel arrangements (e.g. restricted economy tickets, flights with low cost airlines) may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

 

6. IF YOU CANCEL YOUR HOLIDAY

You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the person who signed the booking form on your behalf must be received at our offices. Since we incur administrative costs in cancelling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below:

Period before departure within which written cancellation is received

Cancellation Fee
(percentage of total holiday price excluding Insurance premium.)

More than 70 days

Loss of deposit

70 to 42 days

30%

41 to 29 days

50%

28 to 15 days

70%

14 to departure day

100%

NOTE: If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy you may be able to reclaim these charges.

NOTE:  It is not possible to make refunds for any services booked but not used.

7. IF WE CHANGE OR CANCEL YOUR HOLIDAY

It is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your travel arrangements but arrangements have to be planned well in advance, occasional changes may be made and we reserve the right to do so. Most of these changes will be minor and we will advise you of them at the earliest possible date. We also reserve the right in any circumstances to cancel your travel arrangements. For example, if the minimum number of clients required for a particular travel arrangement is not reached, we may have to cancel it. However we will not cancel your travel arrangements less than 10 weeks before your departure date, except for reasons of force majeure or failure by you to pay the final balance. Flight details on your confirmation are subject to change due to airline procedures. These details are given for guidance only and final details will be shown on your tickets. If a major change becomes necessary we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible. Changes to aircraft type or airline are deemed to be minor changes. Other examples of minor changes include alteration of your outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, change of accommodation to another of the same standard. When a major change occurs we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible, if there is time before your departure. You will have the choice of either accepting the change of arrangements, accepting an offer of alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us, if available, or cancelling your travel arrangements and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. In all cases except where the major changes arise due to reasons of force majeure, we will pay compensation as set out in this clause.


In accordance with EU regulation 2111/2005 we are required to advise you of the actual carrier operating your flight/connecting flight/transfer. We do this by listing carriers to be used or likely to be used on your confirmation invoice. Any changes to the actual airline after you have received your tickets will be notified to you as soon as possible and in all cases at check-in or at the boarding gate.

Period before departure within which a major change is notified to you

Compensation per person

More than 70 days

Nil

70 to 56 days

£10

55 to 43 days

£15

42 to 29 days

£20

28 to 15 days

£25

14 to departure day

£30

Force Majeure: This means that we will not pay you compensation if we have to cancel or change your travel arrangements in any way because of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control. These can include, for example, war, riot, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions

8. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT

If you have a problem during your holiday, please inform the relevant supplier and our resort representative/site manager immediately who will endeavour to put things right. If your complaint is not resolved locally, please follow this up within 28 days of your return home by writing to the Themes & Tours Department at HPB House, Newmarket, CB8 8EH giving your booking reference and all other relevant information. Please keep your letter concise and to the point as it will assist us to quickly identify your concerns and speed up our response to you. It is strongly recommended that you communicate any complaint to the supplier of the services in question as well as to our representative/site manager locally without delay. If you fail to follow this simple procedure we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst you were in the resort and this may affect your rights under this contract.

9. WHAT HAPPENS TO COMPLAINTS

It is unlikely that you will have a complaint that cannot be settled amicably between us. However, disputes arising out of, or in connection with, this contract which cannot be amicably settled may be referred to arbitration. For further details please refer to Clause 3.

10. TRAVEL DELAY

Should your chosen holiday include a flight and in the event of any possible delay, we will abide by the decision of the particular operating airline with whom you are booked as to assistance. Each independent supplier provides services in accordance with their own terms and conditions and we cannot accept any liability for any expenses incurred by yourselves in the event of a delay. If you are travelling within the EU, guidelines are in place issued by the European Commission and further information can be obtained by contacting the Europe Direct Freephone on 00 800 6789 1011 or from their web site at http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/rights/index_en.htm

11. OUR LIABILITY TO YOU

If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed by us or our suppliers we will pay you appropriate compensation if this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements. However we will not be liable where any failure in the performance of the contract is due to: you; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel arrangements and where the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall.


Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of two times the cost of your travel arrangements. Our liability will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to:


(a) The contractual terms of the companies that provide the transportation for your travel arrangements. These terms are incorporated into this contract; and


(b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of compensation contained in these or any conventions.


You can ask for copies of the transport companies’ contractual terms, or the international conventions, from our offices HPB Travel Club Limited, HPB House, Newmarket, CB8 8EH.


Under EU law (Regulation 261/2004) you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. However reimbursement in such cases will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in clause 7. If any payments to you are due from us, any payment made to you by the airline will be deducted from this amount. If your airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the Air Transport Users’ Council on 020 7240 6061 www.auc.org.uk

12. PROMPT ASSISTANCE IN RESORT

If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed as a result of failures attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the services, or as a result of failures due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall, and you suffer an injury or other material loss, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is reasonable in the circumstances.

13. PASSPORTS, VISAS & IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS

Your specific passport and visa requirements, and other immigration requirements are your responsibility and you should confirm these with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates. We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements.

14. FOREIGN OFFICE TRAVEL ADVICE

If the Foreign Office advises that you should not travel to a particular country, we will advise you accordingly. We recommend that you check the FCO’s website www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo or use the ABTA information line Tel: 0901 201 5050 (calls charged at 50p per minute) for further details.

15. DATA PROTECTION STATEMENT

Please be assured that we have measures in place to protect the personal booking information held by us. This information will be passed on to the principal and to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking companies. If you travel outside the European Economic Area, controls on data protection may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. We will only pass your information on to persons responsible for your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, or dietary/religious requirements. (If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers, whether in the EEA or not, we will be unable to provide your booking. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons.)

BOOKING PROCEDURE

Bookings can only be accepted by post on receipt of a signed booking form. However, should you wish to make any general enquiries regarding availability or require further information please telephone our direct number: 01638 674744. The holidays are available to Bondholders, their friends and relatives. With your holiday confirmation you will receive details regarding airport car parking, hotels and lounges. With your tickets, which will arrive approximately two weeks prior to departure, you will receive a detailed itinerary, a synopsis of your insurance policy, if applicable, general information including advice on the most suitable clothing to take with you and a location and facts guide.

SPECIAL REQUESTS

Please enter details on the booking form but please note that these cannot be guaranteed.
e.g. Type of bed, twin or double. Ground floor accommodation. Special dietary requests (vegetarian). Please also advise us of any health problems or walking difficulties. If assistance is needed in boarding the aircraft or if vegetarian meals are required on the flight please advise us. If any member of your party is travelling on a non-British passport, please check whether visas are required.

Theme Week COSTS AND ADDITIONAL WEEKS

The cost of each holiday is shown on the individual brochure page and on the detailed itinerary as a per person price, and is inclusive of the User Charge. Please note that Points will not be deducted from your account in respect of the Theme Week holiday. The quoted per person price is based on two people sharing an apartment. However we do receive a number of enquiries from people wishing to travel alone and we are pleased to continue offering all Themes with no single room supplement (except where non HPB property is booked as part of the Theme Week, i.e. overnight stays in hotels when the hotel itself may pass on a single room supplement). Bondholders who wish to book an additional week’s holiday prior to or following the Theme Week may do so subject to availability; this must be requested on your Theme Week booking form. Points will be deducted in the normal way and the normal User Charge will be applicable.

HPB TOURS

Price: The cost of each tour is shown on relevant brochure page and within each detailed itinerary as a per person price, based on two people sharing a twin room or equivalent. For people wishing to travel on their own, a single room supplement will be applied where relevant. Details of single supplement payments required on specific tours are shown on the relevant brochure page and detailed itinerary.

TOUR and Theme Week CAPACITies

The group size on either a Theme Week or Tour holiday is indicated for each holiday in the detailed itinerary. Groups are limited to ensure it is the ideal size for visits and other activities. On most Theme holidays, a minimum of usually 20 people is required before we are able to confirm that the holiday will proceed. If the Theme holiday you have booked cannot proceed due to lack of numbers, we will let you know as early as possible. Alternative holidays will be offered in such circumstances. Minimum numbers on Tour holidays must be reached for this tour to be confirmed. If tours do not reach this level, we will try and offer clients an alternative tour date in which we would act as an agent on behalf of a tour operator. The itinerary would be the same or similar but this would not be a tour exclusively for HPB Bondholders and the booking conditions of the relevant tour operator would apply. All itineraries and flight times are subject to change and without notice.

Brochure Photography

Any likeness or image of you secured or taken on any of our holidays may be used by the company without charge in all media (whether existing or in the future) for bona fide promotional or marketing purposes, including without limitation promotional material of any kind such as brochures, magazines and the internet.

Brochure Accuracy

All information published in this brochure, on our website or which is otherwise produced or published by us is based on information available at the time of publication. We do try to ensure all information contained in the brochure is accurate. However, circumstances may change after publication. We reserve the right to change any website or other information before your booking is confirmed and the amended information will then form part of your contract with us. We reserve the right to correct errors prior to confirming your booking.

Alterations to Booking Conditions

No employee or agent of HPB Travel Club Limited may vary these conditions or offer any refund or discount on the published price without the written consent of a director of the HPB Travel Club.

INSURANCE DETAILS

Under EEC Regulations and with our obligations under the Package Travel regulations we must ensure that you are aware of the existence of travel insurance when travelling out of the UK.


It is a condition of our contract that you have adequate travel insurance while on any of our Theme Weeks or HPB arranged tours. If you choose not to take the insurance from Holiday Extras, you are responsible for ensuring that you are in a possession of travel insurance for the duration of your holiday in respect of at least medical expenses, personal accident or injury, baggage and personal effects, personal money, personal liability, travel delay (not applicable in the UK), cancellation and curtailment, missed departure and legal expenses, with cover/benefits equal to/greater than the insurance we offer. If you make your own insurance arrangements you must ensure that there are no exclusion clauses which limit cover for the type of activities included in Theme Week or Tour holiday. Travel documents will not be issued unless you provide evidence of the existence of your policy.


Further details of cover and limits are available from Holiday Extras Tel: 0871 360 2663.