The Big Altai. 7-day sightseeing tour

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We will make an exciting journey through the territory of the Altai Republic, reach the border with Mongolia along the Chui highway (included in the "Top 10 most beautiful roads in the world").

In 7 days you will not only enjoy the rich and diverse nature, but also get acquainted with the national culture, hear folk legends, taste local dishes, attend a concert of traditional throat singing in a real Altai village and even see ancient rock paintings.

Location

Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Gorno-Altaysk

Sightseeing tours

from

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

Gastronomic interest

Let's try the dishes of the national Altai cuisine

A surge of emotions

Let's cheer up on rafting or motor rafting on the Katun River

Cosmic landscapes

Let's go to Altai Mars and take fantastic photos for memory

Itinerary

Day 1 - Getting to know Altai. Tasting of national food. The valley of the Katun River. Throat singing concert by the campfire
08:00-09:10 Meeting in the parking lot in front of the airport of Gorno-Altaisk. A guide with a sign "Going to the mountains" will be waiting for you.
There are also possible options:
05:00: Meeting in Novosibirsk in the parking lot of the shopping center "Orange" at the address: Lenin Street, 84, near the Marins Park hotel.
08:30 Meeting at Barnaul in the parking lot of the Sea Buckthorn Group at the address: Novoaltaysk, Dorozhnaya str., 13 (meeting at the Barnaul airport is impossible due to the complex logistics of the route).
Transfer to the campsite (1.5–2 hours from Gorno-Altaisk airport, 5 hours from Barnaul, 9 hours from Novosibirsk), lunch (extra charge).
Check-in and rest after the flight.
Next, we will go on an excursion to the island of Patmos and the Chemalskaya HPP.
This route, of course, can be called one of the most popular — "must see" in Altai.
You will walk over a suspension bridge to the chapel on the island right in the middle of a mountain river, walk along a picturesque eco-trail, from where you will admire the confluence of two rivers — Chemala and Katuni.
A festive dinner in the national style (vegetarian type of food is possible).
Throat singing by the campfire in the Altai village.
Meals included: gala dinner.
Accommodation: campsite No. 1.
Excursions and activities: Katun River Valley, Patmos Island and the eco-trail over Katun, tasting of national cuisine, throat singing concert.
Car: 95 km from Gorno-Altaysk / 340 km from Barnaul / 540 km from Novosibirsk. Walking distance: 3 km.

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Day 2 - Sights of the Chui tract
Breakfast.
There is a long, but incredibly interesting and eventful journey ahead along one of the most beautiful roads in the world — the Chui tract.
We will overcome two passes: admire the cedar forest on the Seminsky pass (1717 m) and explore the ancient caravan trails on the picturesque Chike Taman pass.
We will meditate in the place of power, where the silvery Chuya River flows into the mighty Katun, visit the ancient sanctuary, one of the largest petroglyphic complexes of Altai — Kalbak-Tash, where for thousands of years ancient artists created samples of rock art (more than 3,000 drawings have been preserved).
We will see many changing landscapes, peacefully grazing herds, ancient archaeological sites, as well as the 12-meter-high Shirlak waterfall.
Check-in at the base.
Supper.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner.
Accommodation: campsite No. 2.
Excursions and activities: sights of the Chui tract.
By car: 290 km, on foot: 6 km

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Day 3 - The land of a thousand lakes. The valley of the Chulyshman River. Katu-Yaryk Pass
After breakfast, we will go on a trip to the Ulagan district, which is called the land of a thousand lakes.
We will visit the most picturesque of them, crystal clear, in which the peaks of the mountains are reflected as if in mirrors.
We will climb the highest paved pass of the Altai Republic — Ulagan (2080 m), which is also a powerful revered place of power.
After lunch, we will visit an equally mysterious and mystical object — the legendary Pazyryk mounds, which have preserved to this day the most valuable archaeological finds, the age of which exceeds 2000 years.
The culmination of the day will be a grandiose miracle of the Altai land — the sacred Chulyshman valley, striking the imagination with its scale, flowing streams of waterfalls, expressive bends of the royal Chulyshman River.
And, of course, the one-of—a-kind Katu-Yaryk pass is colossal - a zigzag of nine loops cutting through the slope of the gorge.
We return to the base, have dinner.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner.
Accommodation: campsite No. 2.
Excursions and activities: Krasnye Vorota, Cheybek-Kel (Dead Lake), Kidel Lake, Ulagan Pass, Pazyryk mounds, Katu-Yaryk Pass and Chulyshman River Valley.
By car: 200 km, on foot: 4 km

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Day 4 - Panorama of the North Chui ridge. Altai Mars. Geyser Lake
Breakfast.
Today you will see a wide variety of landscapes: from the mysterious turquoise geyser lake, at the bottom of which patterns are literally changing before your eyes, to the vast expanses of the Kurai steppe, surrounded by a bowl of snowy peaks of the North Chui range (the highest point is Mount Maashey-Bash 4177 m.).
Next, we will visit the village of Kosh-Agach, located in the Primongolian Chui steppe, where peoples once roamed, strings of caravans plied.
You will see how different the natural and climatic features, flora and fauna in the south of Altai are.
On the way, we will collect healing water from the sacred spring of Arzhan-Suu.
Finally, we will take colorful photos in one of the most fantastic places in the Republic — Altai Mars.
You will see amazing colorful landscapes that will make you feel like a guest of the red planet.
Return trip.
Supper.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner.
Accommodation: campsite No. 2.
Excursions and activities: Geyser Lake, panorama of the North Chui ridge, mineral spring, Mars, Kosh-Agach.
By car: 120 km, on foot: 6 km

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Day 5 - Ilgumen. Place of Power — Uch-Enmek Nature Park
After breakfast, we leave the rooms and head in the opposite direction.
We will visit the ancient section of the Chui tract, which offers a magical view of the valley of the Chuya River and get acquainted with the monument to the drivers of the Chui tract.
Next, we will take panoramic pictures with a view of the Katun terraces and find out how this kind of relief was formed.
Then we will walk to the mouth of the Bolshoy Ilgumen River, where the 300-meter Ilgumen threshold is formed, as if hypnotizing with its power and beauty.
After lunch, we will have a tour of the Karakol Valley and the Uch-Enmek Nature Park.
For centuries, the locals believed in the power of their land, conducted shamanic rituals here, and built ancient sanctuaries.
The valley is rich in archaeological artifacts, many of which still remain mysteries.
The Valley is crowned by the sacred and revered mountain Uch-Enmek.
The tour will help you immerse yourself in the culture, way of life and customs of the Altai people, and be filled with the healing energy of Altai.
Check-in at the campsite, dinner.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner.
Accommodation: campsite No. 1.
Excursions and events: monument to the drivers of the Chui tract, Katun terraces, Ilgumen threshold, Uch-Enmek.
By car: 300 km, on foot: 4 km.

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Day 6 - Rafting or motor rafting on the Katun River. Askat Village of Masters
Breakfast.
Today, the main river of Altai - Katun — will truly open for us: We will make rafting on its mighty waves under the guidance of an experienced certified instructor.
A rather extreme option is possible — rafting with the passage of thresholds, an abundance of splashes, adrenaline, emotions.
Rafting can be organized approximately after May 20, according to weather conditions, motor rafting is organized on spring dates.
Everyone will feel like a part of the team, and an unforgettable adventure will be recorded both on the go-about the instructor, and especially bright moments from the shore.
An alternative option, motor rafting, is a fun and absolutely safe ride on the waves on a boat with a motor, that is, you will not need oars, and your clothes will remain dry.
After lunch, we will admire the Katun River from the suspension bridge, as well as the picturesque rocks protruding from the water, which are called "Dragon's Teeth".
Then we will go to the village of Askat masters, which is not for nothing called an "art village" or even a "bohemian farm", because talented and unusual people flock here in order to create, inspired by the surrounding nature and special energy.
As part of the tour, you will get acquainted with the creativity of local residents, a walk along a charming mountain trail.
In the evening — dinner, farewell bonfire, exchange of impressions.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner.
Accommodation: campsite No. 1.
Excursions and activities: rafting along the Katun River (in April and until mid—May, motor rafting is offered according to weather conditions, after mid-May, an alternative is available - rafting), the rock object "Dragon's Teeth", Askat village.
By car: 60 km, on foot: 6 km, by water: 8 km.

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Day 7 - Departure
Today you have 2 program options depending on the conditions of the return departure/departure.
For those who decided to take morning flights from Gorno-Altaysk from S7 at 09:15 and 10:30.
05:45–06:10: Breakfast (lunch boxes).
06:10–06:15: Boarding the bus.
06:15-08:15: Transfer to Gorno-Altaisk airport.
Farewell to the participants departing from Gorno-Altaisk.
For those who decided to fly on daytime or evening flights from Gorno-Altaisk. For those who travel to Barnaul and Novosibirsk and plan to stay overnight in them, or leave / fly on late flights.
08:00–09:30: Breakfast.
09:30-10:00: Free time. You can take a walk along the riverbank, or relax on the territory of the base.
09:30-11:30: Transfer to Gorno-Altaisk airport.
Farewell to the participants departing on daytime flights from the airport of Gorno-Altaisk.
11:30-12:00: Transfer to Gorno-Altaisk bus station and Igman Hotel.
Farewell to the participants who stay overnight in Gorno-Altaysk, or wait for evening departures.
If you have free time before the evening departure, we recommend that you put your things in the luggage room at the bus station and go to the museum. Anokhina (within walking distance from the bus station), where the mummy of the Altai Princess and other interesting relics of Altai are kept, admission is 250-300 rubles per person.
After the museum, we recommend you to visit the best restaurant in the city – "Tipografiya" or the bar "El Grand".
You can easily get to the airport of Gorno-Altaysk by taxi (Yandex works. Taxi), the journey will take about 20-30 minutes, the cost is 250-550 rubles.
12:00-16:00: Transfer to Barnaul (Sea Buckthorn Group, Novoaltaysk, Dorozhnaya street-13).
To the airport of Barnaul named after You can get to Titov by taxi, the cost is about 800 rubles, 1 hour on the way.
16:00-21:00: Transfer to Novosibirsk.
The tour ends at the railway station of Novosibirsk (Novosibirsk-Main station) at 21:00, Vokzalnaya Magistral-1 Street, if you leave by train, then you will only have a 3-minute walk to the station building.
You can get to Novosibirsk airport by taxi (from 1.0 to 1.5 hours drive), the cost is about 600 rubles.
Alternatively, we recommend that you stay overnight at the Marins Park Hotel or the Park Inn Radisson Novosibirsk, which are located near the end of the tour.
By car: 95 km to Gorno-Altaysk / 340 km to Barnaul / 540 km to Novosibirsk.

Difficulty

Low physical intensity for amateurs and non-experienced travelers

Tour organizer's comments

The length of the route: 1160-2024 km (depending on the city of the start of the tour).

Accommodation

Camp Site

6 nights

Comfort

Basic+

The tour provides accommodation at camp sites along the way (double accommodation with amenities).

The surcharge for single occupancy is 19,500 rubles.

Please specify details about possible accommodation options for a specific arrival date when booking.

You will be stationed at two different bases in different regions of Altai. Possible options:

Base No. 1: "Territory of happiness"/"Chegysh"/"Cedar"/"Fortune".

Base No. 2: "Nomad"/"Rasul"/"River lands"

A cozy campsite near a small mountain river, far from populated areas, many guests include it in the most vivid impressions of the tour. Great dishes made from local products, the opportunity to sit around the campfire, spend time in a noisy company and be alone.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 18 tourists

Minimum age

5 years old

Duration

7 days 6 nights

Group meets at

Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Gorno-Altaysk

Included in price

transfer and the entire itinerary of the program;
meals: 6 breakfasts, 6 dinners, including a festive dinner in the national style;
accommodation at camp sites according to the program:
- campsite No. 1: 1-2 days (1 night);
- campsite No. 2: 2-5 days (3 nights);
- campsite No. 1: 5-7 days (2 nights) ;
20 excursions and activities according to the tour program + all entrance tickets;
the work of a guide-guide is 1-2 people.;
throat singing concert;
motor rafting or rafting on the Katun river + equipment rental.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Novosibirsk / Barnaul / Gorno-Altaisk and back;
meals (lunches) in the cafe — from 600-800 rubles. (average check for the complex);
the surcharge for single room accommodation is 16,500 rubles.;
all additional services not included in the tour program.

It's important to know

The list of things for sightseeing tours for spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October):

Shoes: sneakers with thick soles;

Replacement shoes:

Track.shoes (preferably a fixed ankle), comfortable, already worn, so as not to rub. If there is no such shoe option, you can replace it with non-slippery, comfortable sneakers (not mesh!). You can use rubber boots or comfortable warm boots;

For traveling along the route: any comfortable pants / jeans, a comfortable turtleneck or fleece jacket, T-shirt, jacket (ski or light jacket with sintepon is well suited), gloves (cotton, fleece);

Hat;

For bad weather: hat, gloves, fleece, windproof jacket or vest+ windbreaker, warm socks;

Raincoat;

Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, washcloth;

Bath accessories (if you want to order it separately): flip-flops, swimsuit, towel (not large towels are available at all bases, except in remote areas. Check with the guide or the route manager);

If you can't do without a hair dryer, we recommend that you bring your own;

A personal first aid kit with the medicines you need. There are pharmacies along the route, but not everywhere and the choice of medicines is very limited;

Basic things can be carried in a suitcase. Items can be transported in any bags and suitcases. Do not take extra things with you. Altai hotels do not have a service for delivering things to the room, 90% of hotels are not equipped with elevators, you will carry things from the car to the room yourself;

A small backpack for radial walks. Where will you need for the day (raincoat, jacket, water, camera, etc.);

Sunscreens and glasses. Altai has a very active sun, even in cool weather. Therefore, we recommend taking sunscreen -50;

Of the useful, but not obligatory things: An individual small thermos, a Hob or a tourist seat. Shoe dryer. This is optional, but it will be more comfortable to travel with them;

Cash. Cards are not accepted at souvenir markets, and there may not be a connection for transfer;

important! in Altai, the tick season (April-June): repellent (it will be possible to buy it in Altai), LONG socks! We will tuck our pants into socks in places where there are ticks. There are practically no mosquitoes and midges in Altai.

The list of things for sightseeing tours for June-August:

Shoes: sneakers with thick soles, comfortable sandals or moccasins for a hot summer day;

Replacement shoes:

Track.shoes (preferably a fixed ankle), comfortable, already worn, so as not to rub. If there is no such shoe option, you can replace it with non-slippery, comfortable sneakers (not mesh);

For traveling along the route: any comfortable pants/jeans – 2 pairs, a long sleeve T-shirt (to protect against burns), shorts, a light T-shirt, a swimsuit, a headdress (from the sun);

For bad weather: Hat, fleece, windproof jacket or vest+ windbreaker, warm socks;

Raincoat;

Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, washcloth;

Bath accessories (for programs where there is a sauna included. Or you will want to order it separately): flip-flops, swimsuit, towel (not large towels are available at all bases, except in remote areas. Check with the guide or the route manager).

Who can not do without a hair dryer, we recommend you to bring your own, because there are not everywhere in the Altai bases;

A personal first aid kit with the medicines you need. There are pharmacies along the route, but not everywhere and the choice of medicines is very limited;

Basic things can be carried in a suitcase;

Items can be transported in any bags and suitcases. Do not take extra things with you. Altai hotels do not have a service for delivering things to the room, 90% of hotels are not equipped with elevators, you will carry things from the car to the room yourself.

A small backpack for radial walks. Where will you need for the day (raincoat, jacket, water, camera, etc.);

Sunscreens and glasses. The Altai has a very active sun, even in bad weather. Therefore, we recommend taking sunscreen -50;

Of the useful, but not mandatory things: An individual small thermos, a hob or a tourist seat. Shoe dryer. This is optional, but it will be more comfortable to travel with them;

Cash. Cards are not accepted at souvenir markets, and there may not be a connection for transfer.

important! in Altai, the tick season (April-June): repellent (it will be available in Altai), LONG socks!!! We will tuck our pants into socks in places where there are ticks. There are practically no mosquitoes and midges in Altai.

We recommend watching the arrival in Gorno-Altaysk.

We will meet you at the airport (on the day of arrival, according to the time specified in the program) and take you to the base (approximately 1.5-2 hours transfer). As a rule, the main flights arrive in the morning.

It is best to take a flight with arrival from 09:00 in the morning to 10:30. The transfer will be a group, the participants will be distributed by minivans or buses, the coordinator will inform you in advance of the make of the car and the time at which you will be picked up from the airport.

For example, if several people arrived at 08:20 and 2 people at 09:10, then the bus will depart after the participants who arrived at 09:10 receive their luggage, i.e. at 09:30 in the morning. For an additional fee – 4000 rubles. (for the car) we can arrange for you an individual transfer to the base at any time convenient for you. If you want to leave in the morning on the final day of the tour, we will take you to the airport by 08.00 in the morning.

It is also possible to meet by agreement at the specified collection points:

In Barnaul – in the parking lot of the Sea Buckthorn Group at the address: Novoaltaysk, Dorozhnaya str., 13 at 8:30 a.m. (+4 a.m. Moscow time). (the cost of a taxi from Barnaul is about 500-1000 rubles.) From Barnaul to Gorno-Altaisk is about 4-4.5 hours drive (272 km) and plus 1.5-2 hours transfer to the base.

From Barnaul to Gorno-Altaisk is about 4 hours drive (272 km), and 1.5-2 hours drive to the base. The road will pass through a flat area (there are no mountain beauties outside the window). If you have decided to fly to Barnaul, then we will meet you in the parking lot of the hotel complex "Oblepikha" (Novoaltaysk), from the airport to the meeting place with the group about 40-60 minutes. by taxi, the cost is about 700 rubles. You will be met by a driver, the guide will join you directly in the Altai Republic. The transfer is a group and will take place together with other participants of the trip. For an additional fee – 10000 rubles. we can arrange for you an individual transfer from Barnaul airport directly to the base at any convenient time.

In Novosibirsk (Lenin Street, 84 parking lot "Shopping center Orange") – start at 5.00 am (+4 hours Moscow time), the road takes about 7.5 hours to Gorno-Altaysk. + transfer to the base (1.5-2 hours).

The road from Novosibirsk to Gorno-Altaisk takes about 7-7.5 hours + transfer to the campsite (1.5-2 hours). But Novosibirsk is a big transport hub and many of our guests arrive/arrive in this city. If you arrive /arrive in Novosibirsk, we recommend that you arrive in advance, the day before, in order to have time to relax before traveling. We will meet you at the addressNovosibirsk, Lenin St., 84, opposite the railway station. Check-out time is at 05.00 am. There are many hotels and hostels within walking distance where you can relax before moving.

The road from Novosibirsk and Barnaul will pass through a flat area (there are no mountain beauties outside the window). It is necessary to inform the coordinator of the group in advance, at least a week before the start, about the selected starting city and arrival time.

It is very important to tell about the ticks that scare tourists.

The peak, when there are a lot of ticks, is May and until mid–June. Not every tick is encephalitic. That is, many of them are completely harmless. But it is possible to distinguish a vector from a regular one only in the laboratory.

How to minimize the risk of tick-borne encephalitis?

A few points:

Don't let the ticks bite you. Look around when hiking in the forest, take off your clothes on time. It is not difficult to notice a tick on the body. If you hit a bush, you looked at your feet, if there is a tick, just throw it off. In practice, this is a very, very effective way (and I am writing about what I have tested, the advice is extremely practical). Additionally, it is advisable to treat clothes with a repellent.
Vaccination. It is done in a polyclinic. If you do a full course of three vaccinations, then immunity can last up to 3 years. I will not dissuade from vaccinations, but in practice, vaccination does not always work. A lot of people, hoping for a vaccination, get sick. Maybe that's why neither I nor my friends make them. This is a big topic for discussion, many people believe that there is a lot of harm from these vaccinations, etc. Everyone makes their own choice.
After a tick bite, carry out emergency prevention. Within 72 hours, you need to get an injection of immunoglobulin and take iodantipyrine. This is not a vaccination, but a fight against an infection that has already been received. Such an injection is quite expensive (about 1000 rubles per 10 kilograms of body weight).

But there is a method of protection that is used for the unvaccinated, and which allows you not to force your immune system unnecessarily. It consists of three stages:

we insure ourselves in case of a tick bite in an insurance company, which allows us to compensate for the cost of an immunoglobulin injection. You need to send us an application for tick bite insurance now if you have purchased a ticket for April-May;
in case of a tick bite, we pull it out and take it to the laboratory for analysis for the presence of infections (Gorno-Altaysk, 17 Kommunistichesky Ave.). It is better to take it right away, since there are only 72 hours for everything about everything;
if the tick is "clean", then we sleep peacefully. If the tick-borne encephalitis virus is found, then we proceed to emergency prevention, then we reimburse the costs for insurance.

This method minimizes unnecessary medical interventions. I repeat, everyone is responsible for their own health, someone can just rely on "maybe", pull out the tick and move on.

The most convenient flight to Gorno-Altaisk. We will meet you at the airport (on the day of arrival, according to the time specified in the program) and take you to the base (approximately 1.5–2 hours transfer). As a rule, the main flights arrive in the morning. It is best to take a flight with arrival from 09:00 to 10:30. The transfer will be a group, the participants will be distributed by minivans or buses, the coordinator will inform you in advance of the make of the car and the time at which you will be picked up from the airport. For example, if several people arrived at 08:20 and 2 people at 09:10, then the bus will depart after the participants who arrived at 09:10 receive their luggage, i.e. at 09:30 in the morning. For an additional fee – 4,000 rubles. (for the car) we can arrange for you an individual transfer to the base at any time convenient for you. If you want to leave in the morning on the final day of the tour, we will take you to the airport by 8 a.m.

It is slightly less convenient to arrive/arrive in Barnaul. From Barnaul to Gorno-Altaisk is about 4 hours drive (272 km), and 1.5–2 hours drive to the base. The road will pass through a flat area (there are no mountain beauties outside the window). If you have decided to fly to Barnaul, then we will meet you in the parking lot of the hotel complex "Oblepikha" (Novoaltaysk), from the airport to the meeting place with the group about 40-60 minutes. by taxi, the cost is about 700 rubles. You will be met by a driver, the guide will join you directly in the Altai Republic. The transfer is a group and will take place together with other participants of the trip. For an additional fee – 10,000 rubles. we can arrange for you an individual transfer from Barnaul airport directly to the base at any convenient time.

It is the least convenient, due to the duration of the transfer, to fly to Novosibirsk. The road from Novosibirsk to Gorno-Altaisk takes about 7-7.5 hours + transfer to the campsite (1.5–2 hours). But Novosibirsk is a big transport hub and many of our guests arrive/arrive in this city. If you arrive /arrive in Novosibirsk, we recommend that you arrive in advance, the day before, in order to have time to relax before traveling. We will meet you at Novosibirsk, Lenin str., 84, opposite the railway station. Check-out time is at 05:00. There are many hotels and hostels within walking distance where you can relax before moving.

Dates and Prices

$848

27 Jul – 2 Aug 7 days 6 nights
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3 – 9 Aug 7 days 6 nights
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10 – 16 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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17 – 23 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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24 – 30 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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31 Aug – 6 Sep 7 days 6 nights

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7 – 13 Sep 7 days 6 nights

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14 – 20 Sep 7 days 6 nights

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21 – 27 Sep 7 days 6 nights

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28 Sep – 4 Oct 7 days 6 nights

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5 – 11 Oct 7 days 6 nights

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12 – 18 Oct 7 days 6 nights

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19 – 25 Oct 7 days 6 nights

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