HPB Exclusive Tours

 

 

NILE TREASURES IN STYLE

 

         This tour is run exclusively for HPB by Quest Travel.

 

CAIRO · ABU SIMBEL · KASR IBRIM · TEMPLE OF AMADA · PHILAE AND EDFU TEMPLES · ASWAN · KOM OMBO · EDFU · LUXOR AND KARNAK

Our tour of Egypt and its treasures has been one of the most popular tours since we first introduced it over 13 years ago, and judging from the comments we’ve received, many have said this is the best tour they’ve ever had. The main reason for this is the number of private tours we arrange (where you are the only visitors on the site), that most meals and excursions are already included in the price, and that overall, the organisation, service and attention you receive from our representatives is second to none.

But of course it’s what you visit that really makes this tour so special. Every day you will see ancient sites and amazing monuments, from magnificent Sakkara and the temples at Karnak to stunning Abu Simbel, and from the treasures of Tutankhamun at the Egyptian Museum to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Sphinx and Pyramids at Giza.
Abu Simbel, Kasr Ibrim, Philae and Edfu temples, the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Menmon – you will see them all during your Nile and Nubian cruises, and more. You board your Dahabia for a leisurely sail along this lifeblood river of Egypt, seeing an abundance of monuments and many of the most famous and well known temples along its shoreline. At Thebes, after visiting the Colossi, you have a full day discovering the wonderful temple complex at Karnak, surely one of the highlights of the trip.  You will start your Nubian cruise and marvel at how these temples were saved from the depths of Lake Nasser, before sailing through Lake Nasser visiting several temples along the way.

At this point you will think it could not get any better – but of course it does. Flying back to Cairo, we visit the Rafaiai Mosque and the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, followed by the magnificent Cairo museum.  As many Bondholders have said before, this really could be the most memorable holiday you will ever have.

DEPARTURE DATE

COST

3 September 2010 - 13 nights

ITINERARY 2

 

8 October 2010 -

ITINERARY 1

Single room supplement: £925

 

Minimum passengers on tour: 12

£2,975 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, domestic flights as detailed in itinerary, airport taxes and fuel surcharges, 2 nights Le Meridian Pyramids hotel, 4 nights on the MS Eugenie, 6 nights Nile cruise Dahabia Afandina and 1 nights at the Intercontinental in Cairo, daily buffet breakfast at hotels, full board during the Nubian and Nile cruises, full programme of shore excursions during cruise, English speaking private Quest Travel tour escort and Egyptologist guide, all transfers between airports/hotels and cruise boats in air-conditioned coach, excursions in Cairo as detailed in the itinerary, private visits to Philae Temple, Edfu Temple and Egyptian Museum, local tolls and taxes, tipping - this is customary in Egypt and can be a matter of confusion and embarrassment, we have therefore included this on your behalf as part of the holiday cost.

NOT INCLUDED

Travel and health insurance, personal items such as laundry, telephone calls. Drinks throughout, Entry Visa.

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 1

 

Day 1

Depart Heathrow airport to Cairo.  Upon arrival Quest Travel representative and tour manager will meet and assist you through immigration and customs, then escort you to the Le Meridian Pyramids  Hotel for your two night stay.

Le Meridian Pyramids Hotel

The stunning Le Méridien Pyramids resort, nestled between the city and the wilderness, boasts unparalleled views of the majestic, ancient splendour of the Giza Pyramids. A mere glance out your window reveals the secrets of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Le Méridien Pyramids is surrounded by luxuriantly landscaped gardens, providing a respite of greenery amidst golden sands. 

With a peerless choice of restaurants and cuisines, a Royal Club floor, wireless connectivity and magnificent swimming pool and spa amenities, Le Méridien Pyramids is conveniently located only twenty minutes from Cairo’s city centre and the ideal place to explore the ancient mysteries of Egypt.

Day 2

Today we visit the Giza Plateau to discover some of the most awesome Wonders of the World - the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of the Giza Plateau. We study them and pay particular attention to the Sphinx. Our guide, who is an encyclopedia of Egyptology, will give us detailed explainations of various controversial Theories surrounding these amazing structures.  (B, L)

Day 3

Early departure to Cairo airport for your short flight to Aswan and then drive to Abu Simbel for lunch. Board the MS Eugenie for the start of your four night cruise.  Next you will visit the Abu Simbel temples, symbol of the international campaign for the salvage of the Nubian monuments, the Ramses II and his beloved wife Nefertari.  In the evening dinner on board the Eugenie. (B, L, D)

 

Day 4

For those who wish to watch the spectacular sunrise at Abu Simbel, we can arrange an early morning visit to the temples.  Morning will be at leisure with lunch served while sailing to Kasr Ibrim, an original location of the distant past of Nubia.
During the Pharaonic period, a citadel dominated this hill and throughout the medieval era, a cathedral of where we can still admire some Roman arches dominating the summit of the hill.
Later we sail to Amada, cocktails will be served on the top deck overlooking the lit temples of Amada. Overnight on board.   (B, L, D)

 

Day 5

Visit the temple of Amada of the XVIIIth dynasty,built during the reign of Thotmosis III , Amenophenis III and Thotmosis IV, The hemi - speos of Derr dedicated by Ramses II to the rising sun and the tomb of Penout, viceroy of Nubia. A relaxing afternoon sail to Wadi El Seboua.  Cocktails on board and overnight at Wadi El Seboua .  (B, L, D)

 

Day 6

Morning visit to Wadi El Seboua . The temple of Wadi El Seboua is dedicated by Ramses II, to the two Gods Amon Ra and Ra Harmakis, also the temple of Dakka, dedicated to the God Thot of Divine wisdom, lord of time and science and master of literature . Visit the Greco-roman temple of Meharakka . Sail to Aswan, crossing the Tropic of Cancer. Visit the Kalabsha temple with its Pharaonic aspect, remodeled into the Greco- Roman style and dedicated to the God Mandoulis. Also visiting the hemi- speos of Beit El Wali, erected by Ramses II in the beginning of his reign and the Kiosk of Kertassi, erected to honor the Goddess Isis. Overnight at Aswan. (B, L, D)

Day 7

Following breakfast, we take an early morning boat ride to enjoy a private and exclusive visit to the relocated Temple of Philae, the delicate, elegant, quintessential feminine temple of Isis. Our Egyptian host will share with you this graceful antiquity that was meticulously moved stone by stone from its ancient site (now submerged) to its new higher island home in the middle of the lake.

We check into our private deluxe Dahabia Afandina.   Free morning to explore more of Aswan city and enjoy its warm weather.  Afternoon sail to an island Kom Ombo for overnight stay.  (B, L, D)

Dahabia, Afandina

A luxurious sailing yacht is your home for the next 6 nights.  Sailing on a 'Dahabia' is like travelling in your own private palace.  The boat carries only 16 passengers, it has 2 sundecks, an air-conditioned dining room and library.  All cabins are air-conditioned having a private bathroom with a shower.  The food prepared daily by the wonderful crew rivals any gourmet restaurant.  This is a very special opportunity to appreciate Egypt in a unique and personal way. (We should point out that the Dahabia does not carry alcohol on board).

Day 8

At Kom Ombo we visit a famous healing temple in ancient days and now a gloriously picturesque edifice and energy-filled ruin overlooking a bend in the Nile. We continue sailing through the countryside of Egypt to Edfu. In the evening, we are invited to the Captain’s welcome cocktail party followed by dinner. Open evening to relax in the lounge or enjoy the solitude of cruising from the ship’s upper deck.  (B, L, D)                       

Day 9

Following breakfast, we take a carriage ride to the best-preserved temple in Egypt, the fabulous Temple of Horus – the falcon god. Consecrated to Horus, it is the embodiment of the principle of Resurrection.   We spend the rest of the day sailing on the Nile, passing local villagers, farmers and fishermen as we slowly glide through the peaceful waters passing through the first Esna Lock. Overnight at Esna.   (B, L, D) 

 

Day 10

Full day sailing on the Nile, time to relax and take in the splendours of this ancient country.(B, L, D)

 

Day 11

In the morning we visit the great Karnak temple at sunrise experiencing the energies of the vast overwhelming Temple of Karnak. Once connected to Luxor Temple, two miles away, by a long avenue of Sphinxes (still partially intact), Karnak is dedicated to the Powers of Creation. Karnak is the theatre in which humanity (Luxor) plays out its destiny. It is an incredible collage of Kings and Queens and Princes, Priests, and their collective symbolism.   In the evening we arrange a very special visit to view this magnificent structure under the stars.   It is here that R.A. Schwaller de Lubicz developed his revolutionary Symbolist Interpretation.    (B, D)

Day 12

A full day is devoted to Thebes as we drive across the Nile to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, where the great and mysterious funerary texts (“The Books of the Dead”) are exquisitely painted or carved into walls. We continue our visits to Madinet Habu as known by the Egyptians themselves, “The most splendid of all”, and the immense Colossi of Memnon. Lunch is taken at Africa restaurant followed by a free afternoon with time to relax. (B, L, D)

Day 13

This morning we take an early flight to Cairo to then check in at the Intercontinental Hotel.

Intercontinental Hotel

Standing on the site of the historic Semiramis Hotel, Semiramis InterContinental Cairo is a symbol of modern style. Located in the heart of the city centre, facing the River Nile, the hotel is close to the Egyptian Museum, the Cairo Opera House and the Cairo Tower. The Citadel, Old Cairo, downtown shops and commercial centre are nearby. The Giza Pyramids and Cairo International Airport are just 25 km (16 miles) away.  

The hotel is well equipped for hosting business and social gatherings and can accommodate from 10 to 2000 guests. Hotel facilities further include six restaurants, a gymnasium, sauna, laundry, currency exchange, casino and baby sitting amongst others.

 

Today we visit Rafaai mosque, where Shah of Iran is buried along with the Royal family of King Farouk. Then visit the church of San Sergio where the Holy family were hidden, for three months, when they visited Egypt.   Lunch at Khan El Khalili Bazaar

In the afternoon we visit the famous Egyptian Museum, with a collection of relics dating back to 4,000 BC. There we will experience first hand the different periods of ancient Egypt and the individual artistic and architectural styles of each period. The highlight of this museum is the visit to the priceless treasures of Tut-Ankh-Amon. You will hear the incredible story of this   child-king from the first curator of this magnificent collection. You will see first hand the intricate workmanship and the tiniest details of the contents of the luggage packed for this King to accompany him to the next world. In the evening we will all enjoy our farewell dinner (B, L)

Day 14

Breakfast, followed by transfer to Cairo International airport for final departure (B)

 

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

ITINERARY 2

 

Day 1

Depart Heathrow airport to Cairo.  Upon arrival Quest Travel representative and tour manager will meet and assist you through immigration and customs, then escort you to the Le Meridian Pyramids  Hotel for your two night stay.

Le Meridian Pyramids Hotel - The stunning Le Méridien Pyramids resort, nestled between the city and the wilderness, boasts unparalleled views of the majestic, ancient splendour of the Giza Pyramids. A mere glance out your window reveals the secrets of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Le Méridien Pyramids is surrounded by luxuriantly landscaped gardens, providing a respite of greenery amidst golden sands. 

With a peerless choice of restaurants and cuisines, a Royal Club floor, wireless connectivity and magnificent swimming pool and spa amenities, Le Méridien Pyramids is conveniently located only twenty minutes from Cairo’s city centre and the ideal place to explore the ancient mysteries of Egypt.

Day 2

Today we visit the Giza Plateau to discover some of the most awesome Wonders of the World - the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of the Giza Plateau. We study them and pay particular attention to the Sphinx. Our guide, who is an encyclopedia of Egyptology, will give us detailed explainations of various controversial Theories surrounding these amazing structures. 

In the afternoon we visit the famous Egyptian Museum, with a collection of relics dating back to 4,000 BC. There we will experience first hand the different periods of ancient Egypt and the individual artistic and architectural styles of each period. The highlight of this museum is the visit to the priceless treasures of Tut-Ankh-Amon. You will hear the incredible story of this   child-king from the first curator of this magnificent collection. You will see first hand the intricate workmanship and the tiniest details of the contents of the luggage packed for this King to accompany him to the next world. (B, L)

Day 3

Transfer to Cairo airport for a morning flight to Luxor and check in to our private deluxe Dahabia Afandina.

Dahabia, Afandina

A luxurious sailing yacht is your home for the next 6 nights.  Sailing on a 'Dahabia' is like travelling in your own private palace.  The boat carries only 16 passengers, it has 2 sundecks, an air-conditioned dining room and library.  All cabins are air-conditioned having a private bathroom with a shower.  The food prepared daily by the wonderful crew rivals any gourmet restaurant.  This is a very special opportunity to appreciate Egypt in a unique and personal way. (We should point out that the Dahabia does not carry alcohol on board).

In the afternoon we visit the great Karnak temple experiencing the energies of the vast overwhelming Temple of Karnak. Once connected to Luxor Temple, two miles away, by a long avenue of Sphinxes (still partially intact), Karnak is dedicated to the Powers of Creation. Karnak is the theatre in which humanity (Luxor) plays out its destiny. It is an incredible collage of Kings and Queens and Princes, Priests, and their collective symbolism.   In the evening we arrange a very special visit to view this magnificent structure under the stars.   It is here that R.A. Schwaller de Lubicz developed his revolutionary Symbolist Interpretation. (B, D)

 

Day 4

A full day is devoted to Thebes as we drive across the Nile to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, where the great and mysterious funerary texts (“The Books of the Dead”) are exquisitely painted or carved into walls. We continue our visits to Madinet Habu as known by the Egyptians themselves, “The most splendid of all”, and the immense Colossi of Memnon. We spend the rest of the day sailing on the Nile, waiving at the villagers, farmers and fishermen as we slowly pass through the peaceful water to Esna lock. (B, L, D)

 

Day 5

Early morning sail through the countryside of Egypt to Edfu, and in the afternoon we take a carriage ride to the best preserved temple in Egypt, the Edfu Temple, the fabulous Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. (B, L, D)

 

Day 6

A day of sailing to Kom Ombo, the famous healing temple of ancient days and now a glorious picturesque edifice and energy filled ruin overlooking a bend in the Nile. (B, L, D)

Day 7

Full day sailing on the Nile, time to relax and take in the splendours of this ancient country.(B, L, D)

Day 8

Following breakfast, we take an early morning boat ride to enjoy a private and exclusive visit to the relocated Temple of Philae, the delicate, elegant, quintessential feminine temple of Isis. Our Egyptian host will share with you this graceful antiquity that was meticulously moved stone by stone from its ancient site (now submerged) to its new higher island home in the middle of the lake. (B, L, D)              

Day 9

After breakfast we check into Kasr Irbrim cruise, and after lunch we visit Kalabsha Temple with its Pharaonic aspect, remodelled into the Greco Roman style and dedicated to the God Mandoulis. We also visit the Hemi-speosof Beit El Wali, erected by Rameses II at the beginning of his reign and the Kiosk of Kertassi, erected to honour the Goddess Isis. (B, L, D)

 

Day 10

Sailing to Wadi El Seboua and enjoy a cocktail when passing the Tropic of Cancer. (B, L, D)

 

Day 11

Morning visit to Wadi El Seboua. The temple of Wadi El Seboua is dedicated by Ramses II, to the two Gods Amon Ra and Ra Harmakis, also the temple of Dakka, dedicated to the God Thot of Divine wisdom, lord of time and science and master of literature. Visit the Greco-roman temple of Meharakka.

Sailing Amada to visit the temple of Amada of the XVIIIth dynasty,built during the reign of Thotmosis III , Amenophenis III and Thotmosis IV, The hemi - speos of Derr dedicated by Ramses II to the rising sun and the tomb of Penout, viceroy of Nubia.   (B, L, D)

Day 12

During the Pharaonic period, a citadel dominated this hill and throughout the medieval era, a cathedral of where we can still admire some Roman arches dominating the summit of the hill.

Sailing to Abu Simbel, afterlunch we will visit the Abu Simbel temples, symbol of the international campaign for the salvage of the Nubian monuments, of Rameses II and his beloved wife Nefertari. (B, L, D)

Day 13

This morning we take a flight to Cairo via Aswan and check in at the Intercontinental Hotel.

Intercontinental Hotel - Standing on the site of the historic Semiramis Hotel, Semiramis InterContinental Cairo is a symbol of modern style. Located in the heart of the city centre, facing the River Nile, the hotel is close to the Egyptian Museum, the Cairo Opera House and the Cairo Tower. The Citadel, Old Cairo, downtown shops and commercial centre are nearby. The Giza Pyramids and Cairo International Airport are just 25 km (16 miles) away.  

The hotel is well equipped for hosting business and social gatherings and can accommodate from 10 to 2000 guests. Hotel facilities further include six restaurants, a gymnasium, sauna, laundry, currency exchange, casino and baby sitting amongst others.

Today we visit Rafaai mosque, where Shah of Iran is buried along with the Royal family of King Farouk. Then visit the church of San Sergio where the Holy family were hidden, for three months, when they visited Egypt.   Then a tour of the Khan El Khalili Bazaar

In the evening we will all enjoy our farewell dinner (B, L, D)

Day 14

Breakfast, followed by transfer to Cairo International airport for final departure (B)

 

(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:

ITINERARY 1

 

Flight No.

Depart

Arrive

Heathrow

Cairo

Luxor

Cairo

Cairo

Aswan

Cairo

Heathrow

MS778

MS381

MS364

MS777

1400

0730

0905

0940

2045

0900

1015

1300

ITINERARY 2

 

Flight No.

Depart

Arrive

Heathrow

Cairo

Abu Simbel

Aswan

Cairo

Cairo

Luxor

Aswan

Cairo

Heathrow

MS778

MS351

MS131

MS382

MS777

1400

0845

0915

1035

0940

2045

0955

1000

1200

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.

Hotel and Cruise Information

2 nights at Le Meridian Pyramids Hotel
Tel: 00 202 377 3388

4 nights on the M/S Eugenie

Tel:  00 200 101 156 372

6 nights on the Dahabia Afandina

Tel:  00 201 016 00300

1 nights at the Intercontinental Hotel

Tel:  00 202 377 3388

 

Though few countries enjoy as much cultural wealth, Egypt is not a rich country by western economic standards. Additionally things may not always operate as quickly or smoothly as you might like. Any inconvenience you may experience will be more than compensated for by the magnificent remnants of the ancient civilization. The sights and sounds of Egypt are unique.

 

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 carry Egyptian Pounds. 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. The Dahabia Afandina is a "dry" boat however you may purchase your own alcohol to take on board and the crew will serve it for you during meals. Soft drinks are to be paid for in Egyptian Pounds at the end of the cruise.

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 can be obtained on arrival for a fee, to be advised in due course.

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.