Tips

Terracotta Warriors excursion

03 September 2010

Cox & Kings (020 7873 5000; www.coxandkings.co.uk) Escorted tour and tailor-made specialist. A day visit to Xian's Terracotta Warriors includes the opportunity to see the warriors from a close-up platform in Pit 1, and access to the archaeology area accompanied by a historian. The company's 13-day "China in Style Private Journey" costs from £5,195, including flights, private transfers, excursions, most meals and this special visit.

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Pompei

02 September 2010

Andante Travels (01722 713800; www.andantetravels.co.uk) Archaeological specialist to Europe and beyond, offering special access to off-limits excavations, sites and museum areas arranged through local academic guides and lecturers. A typical example is a behind-the-scenes visit to the conservation galleries at Pompeii and houses normally closed to the public. From £1,495 a week, including flights, meals and site entry.

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Queen Nefertari's Tomb

01 September 2010

How specialist tour operators can help you avoid the crowds at some of the world's most popular attractions.
Abercrombie & Kent (0845 618 2212; www.abercrombiekent.co.uk) Worldwide operator, particularly strong in South America and Egypt. Private visits possible to Queen Nefertari's vividly painted tomb in Luxor, currently closed to the public. The nine-day "Classic Egypt" tour costs from £2,780, including flights, accommodation, most meals and Nile cruise. Tomb access subject to availability; from £2,500 per person (book at least four weeks in advance).

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The Côte d'Azur

01 September 2010

No other coast boasts such a firmament of fine food and fabulous hotels as the Côte d'Azur.
Looking east from Nice past rocky St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to Cap d'Ail and the piers of Monaco beyond, the Riviera is bristling with red flags – not in reality, but on the map I am scrutinising at Travel.viamichelin.com, the website launched this year by the publishers of the Michelin "bible for gourmets".

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