Jay Tours & Travels

AUSTRALIA

Australia is a land of dazzling contrasts – the glistening, modern skyline of Sydney stands out against the timeless mystique of Uluru. The pristine corals of the Great Barrier Reef sharply differ from the arid expanse of the Outback.

For an adventure extraordinaire, one of the best ways to discover Australia is by self-driven car or 4WD especially along the Outback.

Sydney, the sun-kissed harbour city, offers a wealth of cultural attractions – glamorous beaches, boutiques and bars; must-experience places being, Sydney Opera House and Bondi beach. Melbourne is all culture, art and artefact, with alleyways and Australian Rules football that rules. Brisbane is a subtropical town on the way up; Adelaide has festive grace and night-life poise. Perth is a boomtown that breathes west-coast optimism; Canberra is the nation’s capital that offers a charm of its own.

The Great Barrier Reef offers some of the world’s finest snorkelling and diving. Go looking for whales or sharks on Ningaloo Reef; or touchdown on the isle of Tasmanian for some great hiking, boating and off-road riding.

Australia serves up a multicultural fusion of European techniques, laced with Pac-rim fresh ingredients. Here seafood plays a stellar role, from succulent Moreton Bay Bugs to delicate King George Whiting – the ocean’s bounty serves up its own variety.

Australia is a land where you’ll experience you’ll return from with no worries, mate.

BRAZIL

As the popular saying goes, Brazil is a land which, “was blessed by God and is naturally beautiful”. Brazil as a nation is unusually blessed. It has the longest beaches, the largest river, the biggest forest and the best soil.

A trip to Brazil means, discovering a place of warm tropical sun and 5000 miles of white-sand beaches, impressive cities of 21st century opulence and sophistication, baroque colonial towns and villages, plus music and dance.

Brazil offers the best in accommodation, facilities, equipment, creativity and quality of service.

Now, pamper yourself in the best luxury hotel, in Latin America’s most exciting city – Rio de Janeiro. Discover your own beach-side villa within the compound of a luxury hotel in Trancoso, Brazil’s trendiest beach village. Experience a private riverboat with captain, crew, chef and guide – the best way to discover the Amazon. Enjoy a luxury hotel located in the best part of Salvador.

Restaurants match the snobbiest standards, with regional cuisines that have yet to be discovered in culinary capitals like New York or L.A. Music lovers could make Brazil a lifetime study and let’s not forget the famous Carnival of Brazil.

Of late, Brazil has devoted time and resources to improving its tourism infrastructure, reflected in the new airports, hotels, and inns that have sprung up around the country.

CHINA

Ancient, but up-to-the-minute; familiar but unrecognisable; outwardly urban but essentially rural; conservative but path-breaking; space-age but old-fashioned. China is a land of fascination and eye-opening contradictions.

China is vast, massive and on a scale beyond words. Island-hop around Hong Kong or gaze out over the epic grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Glimpse at awe inspiring Himalayan peaks or trek around Tiger Leaping Gorge.

The Forbidden City in Beijing contains almost 9000 prayer halls, living quarters and rooms just north of Tiananmen Square. The Temple of Heaven grounds are a spectacle every morning filled with people practicing their morning exercises.

China’s amazing natural splendour is best experienced off the beaten track on an adventure holiday; trekking mountains, traversing deserts, plodding through grasslands and rainforests, enjoying trekking, horse riding, cycling or rafting, bird watching and nature tours.

Shanghai is a multi-cultural city of the future; amazing architecture and colonial history nestles with space-age buildings and infrastructure. There are museums, gardens, a variety of designer brand shops and nightlife.

China’s never-ending culinary adventure would probably be the most exciting aspect of your sojourn to this country. Adding much-cherished gastronomic memories to a truly memorable experience.

CROATIA

Croatia offers a rare blend of glamour and old-fashioned authenticity, where beaches and sunshine vie for attention with cultural treasures, ancient architecture and time-tested folk traditions.

Croatia is as diverse as its landscapes. Some of its more popular Adriatic locales are a traveller’s heaven, especially during the summer months. These chic and trendy outposts make you forget that a brutal civil war raged through Croatia in the 1990s.

Croatia’s coast has a buzz and undeniable star appeal, with plenty of glitz and glamour in Dubrovnik and Hvar, with fancy yachts docking in droves. As the night action heats up, celebrity-spotting, with a designer cocktail in hand, is de rigueur.

While visiting the nearly 2000km-long coastline, with over 1000 islands is a must, inland Croatia offers vistas of unsung beauty. Enjoy slices of pristine farmland; roam rugged wilderness or get active – hike, bike, abseil, paraglide, raft and canoe.

Slowly inching to the top of Europe’s culinary rungs, Croatia’s celeb chefs find inspiration in a bevy of locally sourced, prime-quality ingredients from the land and sea; turning out home-style gastronomic delights in family-run taverns or Michelin star gourmet restaurants.

For an experience of Europe of unsullied delight, Croatia is the place to be.

Croatia’s pocket-sized capital Zagreb has a vibrant cafe life, in addition to a brand-new contemporary art museum, ancient attractions and ajam-packed roster of festivals and events.

The country’s wine regions are vibrant as the country itself; while its olive oils, particularly those of Istria, are netting top awards internationally. Slowly inching to the top of Europe’s culinary rungs, Croatia’s celeb chefs find inspiration in a bevy of locally sourced, prime-quality ingredients from the land and sea; turning out home-style gastronomic delights in family-run taverns or Michelin star gourmet restaurants.

For an experience of Europe of unsullied delight, Croatia is the place to be.

FRANCE

France offers a fabulous historic heritage and probably the most diversified natural environment of any country in Europe. They include fine vestiges of all European civilizations, the Roman remains of Provence, mediaeval castles and cathedrals, to the splendors of Versailles, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower etc. Visitors are attracted by historic cities, a beautiful countryside, the castles of the Loire Valley, and Brittany and Normandy. In addition, France offers an agreeable climate, some excellent beaches on the French Riviera, the Atlantic coast and the island of Corsica, winter in the Alps and the Pyrenees, and a rich culture with food and wines that are among the most celebrated in the world.

France has everything, from sandy beaches, to snow covered mountains and vast expanses of countryside with different regions with completely different appearances. There’s the rolling countryside, great cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Loire Valley, Provence and many more! The country offcourse is inseparable from its famed gastronomical traditions and gives the best opportunity to dine on French specialties. No proper French meal is complete without a few glasses of wine especially from Bordeaux, Burgundy and France’s other wine regions. High Fashion is an acclaimed and luxurious French tradition whose fame has survived the ages and which has never lost its splendor. Since the end of the 19th century, the country’s most prestigious designers have been in the vanguard, creating the most exclusive ranges of clothing and defining future fashions.

Paris With its hundreds of museums and monuments is the grand City of Light! Captivating, classy, and always romantic, it sums up all that France can offer.

Our carefully designed and crafted ‘experiences’ introduces you to its emblematic luxury industries – haute couture, art and antiques, gastronomy and fine wines, along with its legendary restaurants and cultural treasures for a memorable – and even life-transforming experience.

A perfect destination for high culture aficionados, honeymooners and for important milestone celebrations!

GREECE

Greece is the lands of many myths, of gods and giants, ancient ruins and varied landscape, wide open skies and a sea speckled with islands. Relish the white-sand and palm-fringed beaches, strong feta and stronger ouzo. Discover thought-provoking modern art and a vivacious contemporary music scene, stumble across galleries, live music and impressively modern museums in the most unexpected places. Let Greece fill your senses.

Greece with all its islands has the 12th longest coastline in the world. There are a staggering number of 1400 islands, only 227 are inhabited, so there’s a never ending list of places to explore.

Wherever you go there are ruins and monuments to be explored, the best-known being the Parthenon, Acropolis, Mount Olympia, Gates of Hades and one of Greece’s most sacred places – Delphi.

Athens, with all the bustle of a modern city, offers wonderful tavernas and bars, ancient monuments, historic sites and theatre. Not far away on the mainland, is Peloponnese with its sleepy fishing villages and empty beaches. Or Parga and other small towns set into the back drop of verdant hills. All around the Peloponnese are spectacular mythical and historic sites left by the great ancient Greek civilisation.

Well known Ionian island destinations including Corfu and Meganissi, Kefalonia or Lefkas, Paxos,Samos, Patmos, Ikaria and Lemnos are simply stunning. An island option is doing the Sporades. Fly to Skiathos, then boat to the quieterSkopelos or touch little Alonissos. On any Greek island you can book a self-catering cottage or town house and unwind walking the narrow goat tracks that criss-cross the land.

The Cyclades, with white washed hillside villages, clear blue water makes for your idyllic Greek island postcard! Paros and Naxos have great beaches and beautiful scenery with bright fishing boats, donkeys wandering the streets and windmills in the background. Santorini offer luxury hotels and spas, unique blue domed buildings and dramatic cliffs. Crete is one of the biggest and hottest islands, has nightlife, mountains, beaches and wildlife. Rhodes is another large island with a fascinating history, and fabulous sunsets.Some of Hollywood’s most famous films – Mama Mia,Captain Corellis Mandolin, The Big Blue, Shirley Valentie, Bourne Identityand For Your Eyes Only – have Greek locales as backdrops.

The Greek menu is ?lled with scrumptious cuisine that o?ers an adventure at every mealtime. The tang of home-made tzatziki and the aroma of grilled souvlaki are just the beginning. Turkish and Italian legacies are woven throughout many dishes and you’ll discover islands or towns known for distinct ingredients. Cheeses, herbs and mountain greens you might never have heard of compliment local seafood, meat and veggie dishes. Through a contemporary renaissance in traditional cooking, chefs are increasingly taking time-honoured recipes to new gourmet heights.

Be brave! Be passionate! Be Greek!

ICELAND

Iceland is an island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, north west of the British Isles on the edge of the Arctic. Geologically active volcanoes, hot springs and pools; mountains, glaciers and geysers, make Iceland a fabulous adventure holiday destination.

Natural eruptions of lava, gushing geysers, hot springs, searing fissures and slow, grinding glaciers are so dramatic, that at times they seem ethereal.

Contrary to its name, Iceland has a fairly mild climate thanks to the Gulf Stream. Between June and July, there is almost 24 hours daylight. Northern Lights sightings are best viewed between November to February. Bird watching is best done between May and June; while botany visits are best scheduled from June to August.

Reykjavik the country’s capital, makes a vibrant and charming city break. This green destination must contain the world’s highest concentration of dreamers, authors, poets and musicians; whom you’ll meet on the high-spirited runtur, or weekend pub crawl.

Northern Lights and Whale Watching are experiences that enthral the imagination. The lights can easily be seen on dark Arctic winter nights and astronomers help you examine the night skies in greater detail.

Marine and animal enthusiasts can encounter the Arctic Fox, mink, mice, rabbits and reindeer. Polar bears can be commonly seen, travelling through mainly on icebergs to Greenland.

Iceland is a experience destination of refreshing surprises, that’s truly worth your while.

ITALY

If there’s one European destination where art and life mingle so effortlessly, its Italy. Dante, Michelangelo, da Vinci and Botticelli, aesthetically co-exist with Salvatore Ferragamo, Giorgio Armani and Gualtiero Marchesi.

Great food, fashion, art and architecture are life passions for the Italians. Many Italians care deeply about the floral aftertastes of sheep cheese, the correct marble is cut and the finer nuances of a Vivaldi concerto.

Lake Garda is the largest, covering three different regions. Lake Como home to many writers and artists, is surrounded by magnificent mansions and beautiful gardens. Lake Maggiore borders Switzerland, from where Zermatt, the Matterhorn and Lake Lugano are just across the border.

Venice with its world of water, the surrounding Riviera and gondolas is a fascinating place to experience! Rome, Florence, Pisa and Sorrento are home to some of the world’s great architectural monuments, art, culture and entertainment.

Sicily with Mount Etna and many historic sites is a great summer destination.

Tuscany makes for a great self-drive through, with its Chianti wines, truffles, beans and cheeses. At Umbria, the green heart of Italy, you can visit galleries and frescos, explore medieval towns and villages and enjoy lots of rural hospitality.

If its romance, culture, great food and scenery you’re seeking, Italy is an answer to your prayer.

KENYA

Located near the equator, Kenya is a country best-known for distinctive safari experiences and savannahs teeming with game; cultures as old as time, forests, snow-capped peaks, deserts, beaches and coral reefs.

The Masai Mara, Kenya’s indigenous people, offer fascinating glimpses into the country’s rich traditions, celebrations and culture. Many are highly trained safari guides, offering a wealth knowledge of ancient myths and wildlife.

Amboseli, the land of the giants and vast stretches of savannah plains with Kilimanjaro looming in the background; the Great Rift Valley, beautiful Mt. Kenya with its national park; the Rift Valley, and Hell’s Gate National Park, are just a few of the stunning natural landscapes and locales to experience.

Many ex cattle ranches and farms have joined forces to provide protection for wildlife, and have developed some gorgeous country retreats and lodges, all offering a range of activities.

Mombasa is home to some very exclusive beach hotels. However heading out of town to Mombasa’s south lie some of the country’s secret hideaways in the Diani area, where some of the nicest beaches and fascinating boutique hotels or eco-lodges provide for a relaxing post-safari experience.

To get a sense of the heart of Africa, touchdown in Kenya; when you want to get back it totally up to you.

NEW ZEALAND

With a population of just over four million, New Zealand is one of the world’s least crowded countries to explore. If you seek peace, luxury, and tranquillity, immerse yourself in the untouched natural beauty, tranquil lakes, wild rivers, and lush forests of the North and South islands.

New Zeland’s rich Maori culture, passion for rugby, sheep (which outnumber people), exquisite sauvignon blanc, the flightless kiwi bird and cricket, create a country that defies imagination.

Apart from the New Zealand invention bungee jumping, black-water rafting and zorbing can be experienced in a variety of exotic locales.

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city is located between two harbours and is nicknamed ‘city of sails’. The beaches around Takapuna, the Auckland Harbour waterfront, the panoramic trip along Tamaki Drive, walking trails through the Waitakere Ranges, or a visit to some of the regions 80 wineries are exciting ways to explore this city.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand set between rolling hills and a gorgeous harbour has a vibrant nightlife, great shopping, restaurants, arts and culture.

Over 600 wineries located country-wide from North to South, Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and Wairanrapa, produce some fabulous draws of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir.

The land of picture-postcard shutterbug opportunities makes for an out-of-this-world travel experience.

PORTUGAL

Portugal is the Iberian Peninsula’s best-kept secret. Traditional villages, historic sites and natural wonders, jostle with Bohemian cafes, great nightlife and vibrant cities with broad plazas, trams rattling through the streets, medieval quarters and fabulous food.

Lisbon and Porto’slooming cathedrals,hidden churches, peaceful taverns, maze of alleyways and stairs enables you wander around for days! The Peneda-Geres national park o has old stone villages and 170,000 acres of dramatic mountain scenery for outdoor enthusiasts.

Madeira, also known as the ‘Garden Island’, is a perfect year round holiday destination; with mild winters and plenty of sunshine, thick forests, waterfalls, horse riding, walking and natural history tours. Its capital Funchal, has colourful daily fruit and fish markets and attractive architecture surrounds the narrow, cobbled old town. Explore ancient vineyards, sample the produce and enjoy the picturesque mountain villages.

The Azores collection of islands is a fabulous destination for whale watching and diving. In fact there are nine major and eight smaller islands of volcanic origin lying just 1500km from Lisbon.

The country offers exclusive opportunities to stay in the colourful Pousadas, converted farmhouses, castles and monasteries in beautiful parts of Portugal.

If you’re looking at discovering a Europe’s few know about, Portugal is the place to experience.

POLYNESIA – TAHITI

The history and mythology of French Polynesia, better known by its main island Tahiti, dates back 100s of years. Lush with vegetation and terrain, from mountains to coral, French Polynesia makes for an exotic experience destination, with year-round tropical climate, incredible scenery and even more incredible adventure.

Mesmerising reef-fringed islands lie tucked away amidst and translucent aqua lagoons. The culture rich in heritage exotically blends the ancient with more modern Chinese and European influences.

Diving enthusiasts will discover spectacular coral in Tuamotu and Society Islands. Sailing aficionados can cruise in warm breezes and turquoise waters.

Tahiti the country’s capital is the gateway to the region. Two volcanic mountain ranges make up the island’s landscape, with the majority of the area covered in lush rainforests and rimmed by luxurious sands and coral reefs in the blue beyond.

More outdoor action and culture is located outside the city. Ancient archaeological sites, never-ending river valleys and coastlines dotted with wild passion fruit. The spectacular percussion and dance-heavy Heiva festival during July and whale-watching thereafter, on to October.

Seekers of a picture-postcard perfect tropical experience will find their nirvana right here in French Polynesia and Tahiti.

PERU

Peru is a unique destination. It is legendary among world travelers looking for exciting new experiences. Peru is rich in cultural and traditional customs, artistic performances and the best cuisine in the region.

Its living culture, impressive history and diversity of natural resources make a visit there a truly unforgettable experience. Discover a new adventure in each of its attractions to experience a really different vacation – from Cuzco to Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu of the Incas and the jungle or over the Nazca Lines,

Stunningly endowed in both natural and man-made attractions, the country offers much more than most trips can even hope to take.

Peru is a place of brilliant hand-woven textiles and exuberant celebrations, exotic animals, and fascinating peoples. It is a country bursting with opportunities for memorable travel experiences and outdoor adventure. But the fun of traveling to a fascinatingly diverse country such as Peru is compiling your own unforgettable list.

Discover a country with a thousand attractions and experience a vacation that will be forever etched in your memory.

SPAIN

Once the land of the Iberians and Celts, the experience narrative of Spain can creatively be told through its arts and architecture. With lively festivals, intriguing architecture, fascinating history and beautiful landscapes, there’s much more to Spain than sun, sea and paella!

Spain has more heritage sites than any other country, with six cities being UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Contemporary Spanish icons include creative spirits like Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Antoni Gaudí.

The beauty of the Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa, vie for attention with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada, rising poignantly from the sun-baked plains of Andalucía. Wildly beautiful cliffs hedging Spain’s Atlantic northwest are the scene for some of Europe’s most spectacular drives.

Spain’s centrally-located capital Madrid,has plenty of museums, art galleries and fabulous cafe culture to experience. Andalucia is particularly interesting with its ancient customs and culture and fabulous food heritage. Head for Seville, to the Feria de Abril, a two week post-Easter party, with plenty of Flamenco. Visit Valencia on the last Wednesday of August for the famous Tomato Festival where 240,000 lbs of tomatoes are thrown around.

Stay in one of Spain’s famed ‘Paradors’, a beautiful collection of properties ranging from medieval castles, monasteries and landmark buildings.

Either way you’ll return humming viva la Spania.

SOUTH AFRICA

Every country in the world exudes a touch of diversity, but South Africa is the epitome of them all. Located at the southern end of the world’s most epic continent, South Africa has more types of terrain and diversity than photographers have lenses, lighting or angles for.

From the hippos in the Limpopo River to penguins waddling on the Cape; from the edge of Kalahari, or Namakwa’s springtime symphony of wildflowers; from the iconic Table Mountain and Cape Point to Kruger National Park, South Africa is the quintessential African experience.

Big Five game can be experienced from the luxurious confines of an incredible safari lodge, or a portable 5* tent near Kruger National Park or the Great Karoo.South Africa’s wine lands are the oldest outside Europe, where a dazzling array of wineries can be toured and their produce, including the famed pinotage can be tasted.

Activity-hungry travellers will delight in golf, mountain trekking, diving, and walking safaris. For quiet respite seekers, an award winning choice spas beckon.For wildlife of another kind, the nightclubs on Cape Town’s jumping Long St. are a reveler’s delight. So is seafood on the Garden Route, curry in Durban’s Indian Area, a sizzling Cape Malay dish, or a luxurious midnight braai (barbecue) in the wilderness of the African bush.

If ever there was Paradise of diversity, South Africa is the gold standard.

SERBIA

Begin your travels through Serbia in Belgrade, the capital city, at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. With its vast mountains and plateaus, it is a scenic land of great grandeur with rivers flowing north into the Danube. Nature has been generous to Serbia, there are many reserves, natural monuments and protected plant and animal habitats.

Belgrade offers many great places to visit, with Ada Ciganlija – or the Belgrade Sea as it is known to the locals – Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park coming highly recommended. After an action-packed day, next is a lively night out on the town, something for which Belgrade is well known. Combine culture with adventure by using the many marked cycling paths to explore the banks of the Danube. As you sail along the Danube in Serbia, you will discover on its banks traces of prehistoric civilisations,. And in the south there is Niš, the birthplace of Constantine the Great. Fruška Gora mountain, known as Serbia’s Mount Athos, which has 17 monasteries dating from the 15th to 18th centuries nestling on its slopes.

Western Serbia offers an entirely different landscape and experience. Western Serbia, with its numerous mountains, rivers and lakes, is the perfect place for sports in the great outdoors.

Don’t miss out on taking a train ride on the 1925 ŠarganEight (ŠarganskaOsmica) railway, whose tracks cut through the mountain landscape of Mokra Gora in the shape of a figure of eight. Not far from here is the Sirogojno ethnic village. There are also opportunities for village tourism in hospitable Serbian households, with healthy, traditional food and, of course, local rakija (Serbian brandy), as well as traditional trades and handicrafts.

The multitude of spas, which were once frequented by Roman emperors and now frequented by business people and top sportsmen and women, are ideal places for rest and relaxation. And winter sports lovers will enjoy the range of facilities on Kopaonikmountain, where the skiing season starts at the beginning of December and ends as late as April. During rest of the year you can partake in mountain walking, flying, orienteering or bird watching.

Regardless of where in Serbia you begin your journey, you will feel the tradition and spirit of the people through its wide range of events – The Dragacevo Brass Bands Festival in Guca, the Homolj Motifs in Kucevo, the Rajac Mow, the Shepherd Days of Kosjeric, Vrnjci Carnival and the Days of Grape Picking in Vršac are just a few of them.

TURKEY

Turkey has been a favourite holiday destination for decades, with wonderful coastlines, clear seas, amazing scenery and a land steeped in history.

The first church built by man is in Antioch (Antakya) and the oldest known human settlement is said to be in Catalhoyuk, dating back to the 8th Millennium BC.

Istanbul the only city in the world built on two continents and was named by the EU as the European Capital of Culture in 2010. Once home to the Emperor Constantine and Ottoman sultans, Istanbul has a huge array of important buildings and modern galleries and museums.

Ephesus offers some of the best preserved sites in the world. Cappadocia is a great area for history and adventure in a lunar landscape; experience this incredible region in a hot air balloon. Turkey is a great place for a natural history with around 9000 species of flowers, 3000 are found nowhere else.

Dip into all manners of Turkish hamams around the country, the best being the therapeutic waters of Pamukkale and the mud baths and sulphur pools of Dalyan.

Turkey is a foodie’s paradise, with loads of mezes, salads and kebabs, vegetarian food and beans, filo pastry and cheeses and the favourite tandoor lamb. Don’t miss out on the famous cherries, coffee and other Turkish delights.

It’s hardly surprising Turkey has attracted so many world famous people over the centuries. Come and discover Turkey’s legacy for yourself.

VIETNAM

Vietnam has established its reputation as a unique and genuine Southeast Asian experience. And now, there is ample opportunity to explore it in style and luxury. Vietnam is fast emerging as Southeast Asia’s number one luxury and corporate travel destination, with superb properties and resorts featuring first-class conference and spa facilities. Take time to explore the destination at an easy pace, explore the capital city – Ho Chi Minh, enjoy finest cuisine at award winning The Hanoi Press Club, dine at the Wild Rice and the elegant Mandarin Restaurant in the Westlake. Watch the breathtakingly sensuous and serene scenery of Halong Bay.

Explore the majesty of Hue, the former imperial capital and a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site and riverfront port town crammed with historic homes, tiny museums, stylish cafes, and bustling silk and fish markets. Visit the resort town of Nha Trang and stay in secluded private villa overlooking beautiful Ninh Van Bay. Snorkel or dive among the coral reefs in crystal blue waters, hike nature trails or just relax on the white sand beach and admire the unspoiled mountain and sea views.

Throughout Vietnam you will savour fresh and exotic cuisine, experience the warmth and openness of the Vietnamese people and enjoy abundant shopping.