COX & KINGS SUGGESTS WHERE MIGHT BE 'IN' NEXT YEAR

Established in 1758, Cox & Kings has been making predictions about travel longer than most. With the end of the year in sight, this is the time for planning travels for the coming year. Looking at political changes in the world and major events and anniversaries, Cox & Kings picks where and what will be on trend for 2017.

RUSSIA

2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution. As part of Cox & Kings' collection of tours with the Royal Academy, a new art-focussed tour is being introduced. It includes in-depth visits to Moscow's best art museums, accompanied throughout by an expert art lecturer, and complements the spring RA exhibition Revolution: Russian Art. The 4-night tour is priced from £1,345 per person and has three departures in 2017. For the third year running, Classic Russia is Cox & Kings' bestselling tour. The 7-night escorted tour is priced from £1,155 per person.

CHILE

British Airways introduced direct flights from London to Peru and Costa Rica earlier this year and Chile is set to follow in January. A flying time of 14 hours 40 minutes will make it the airline's longest direct flight. With interest in solo travellers' group tours rising, Cox & Kings has introduced Wonders of Chile & Argentina, a new tour for 2017 that combines the highlights of both countries. Using the direct flights to Santiago, travellers will enjoy a welcome dinner and activities in the capital before exploring spectacular Torres del Paine, the Lake District and Buenos Aires. The 12-night tour is priced from £4,295 per person and includes single occupancy in twin or double rooms, welcome and farewell dinners and group activities.

INDIA

It is the 70th anniversary of India's independence in 2017 so Cox & Kings is predicting an increase in demand for travel to India. Bookings are already showing this; with two India group tours currently in the top ten for Cox & Kings overall. Classic Rajasthan is a 13-night escorted tour priced from £1,575 per person. The second series of the BBC's Real Exotic Marigold Hotel is set to air in the New Year. The first series led to more interest in longer stays in traditional havelis (former merchant houses) and Cox & Kings predicts a similar impact for the second time round.

IRAN

Cox & Kings reintroduced Iran to its Middle East collection in October 2015 for the first time since 2011. The demand from clients to travel back to Iran has been remarkable but not surprising; it used to be one of the most popular tours offered by Cox & Kings. Travellers are rewarded with a mix of striking cities, archaeological treasures and spectacular landscapes. The Iranian people are incredibly hospitable and while Iran remains an off-the-beaten track destination, many of its sights can be explored in relative peace. British Airways relaunched their direct flights in September so the country is even more accessible. Treasures of Persia is a 10-night small group tour priced from £2,495 per person and flies direct from London Heathrow to Tehran with British Airways.

JORDAN

With new bookings up significantly last month, there are signs that confidence is growing in travel to Jordan. It was one of Cox & Kings' most popular destinations in September. It's possible to drive the length of the country in less than 5 hours, making it easily accessible and travellers can cover all the main sites of interest in a short amount of time. Splendours of Jordan is a 7-night tour priced from £1,245 per person.

All quoted prices include international flights from London, transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily unless otherwise specified.

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PRESS INFORMATION: Katie Cosstick

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NOTE TO EDITORS

Cox & Kings is the world's longest established travel company. Its history stretches back more than 250 years to 1758 when Richard Cox was appointed regimental agent to the Footguards (later the Grenadier Guards). The company's fortunes grew hand in hand with the British empire and by the early 20th century the company was acting as agent and banker throughout the armed forces and as a shipping agent. In 1922 Cox & Co merged with the Henry S King bank, which had strong connections with India. The bank became part of Lloyds and the shipping agency grew separately, evolving into the modern travel company.

Today, built on the high quality service and attention to detail established by Richard Cox in the 18th century, the company continues to flourish as an independent tour operator, with operations in London, the US, Japan, Australia and throughout India. Cox & Kings organises escorted small-group tours and private tailor-made travel in the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America, the Middle East, the Far East, Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, and the Caribbean.