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INVITATIONAL
PROGRAMS
january - july
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Dear Marco Polo Club member,
We invite you to join us for another season of travel to inspiring destinations
around the globe, experiencing them as only Marco Polo Club members can.
Browse through the fascinating journeys that are exclusively available to
you and begin planning your next exotic adventure. Your Marco Polo Club
experts have prepared a wide range of tantalizing choices, from a train trip on
Rovos Rail through Namibia to a cruise on the Amazon River in Peru. Each
journey features a renowned Tour Director who infuses your exclusive travel
experience with valuable insight into your destination.
Spend time with Aini and Shui Dail hilltribe villages in China that are rarely
visited by outsiders. Explore Old Delhi with a BBC correspondent and
author. Participate in an archaeological dig in the ancient tunnels near Israels
Beit Guvrin National Park. Special insider access moments like these are just
a few of the incredible opportunities available to you as a member of our eliteMarco Polo Club.
As always, I wish you rewarding journeys and memories to last a lifetime.
Geoffrey Kent
Founder, Chairman & CEO
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OVERVIEW
Te Spirit o Marco Polo 4
Marco Polo Club Destinations 6
Your Marco Polo Club our Directors 8
INDIA & THE ORIENT
emples, Palaces & the Spectacle o Indias Orissa 1 2
Laos & Myanmar Rediscovered 1 6
Yunnan in the Spring Mountains, Meadows & Hill ribes 1 8
Indias Himalayan Kingdom o Ladakh 20
EUROPE
Iberias Galicia & the Costa Verde 2 2
From the Adriatic to the Alps 26
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
From the Holy Land to the Hashemite Kingdom 28
Diamonds & Desert Dunes 3 0
SOUTH AMERICA
Condors, Canyons & the Amazon 3 4
Land o the Incas & Colonials 3 6
GENERAL INFORMATION
Marco Polo Club Online 3 8
Marco Polo Club Photo Contest 3 9
erms & Conditions 4 0
Index o Dates, Destinations & Pricing 4 1
FRONT COVER
Sporting Yunnans traditional Sani dress
TABLE OF CONTEN TS
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E X P L O R I N G T H E W O R L D F R O M T H E
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THE SPIRI T OF MARCO POLO CLUB
There is no better way to immerse yourself in the culture of a region and come to
know its people than by attending a festival. You learn the customs; witness a display
of traditional costumes, music and dance; and sample delicacies that are often
brought out only in times of celebration.
Marco Polo Club takes you to festivals that celebrate the lives and livelihood of
fascinating indigenous peoples. This year, witness Republic Day celebrations in
Bhubaneswar, India, on Temples, Palaces & the Spectacle of Indias Orissa,
when tribal dancers from remote villages participate in animated folk performances
and locals display their handicrafts. Join the people of Ladakh, India, on IndiasHimalayan Kingdom of Ladakh when they gather at the gompa (monastery) to
commemorate the birth of Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.
Lamas and monks, dressed in colorful masks and costumes, gather to perform
the sacred mask dance that is an enactment of the victory of good over evil. On
Land of the Incas & Colonials, interact with the Ecuadorians who enthusiastically
celebrate the Festival of San Juan (St. John the Baptist) with songs, dances and
vibrant costumes.
Access to events like these is one of the many benefits that Abercrombie & Kents
Marco Polo Club has offered its members for more than 25 years.
Marco Polo Club is your opportunity to see the worlds greatest places with the
greatest community of like-minded travellers.
For more information, contact your travel professional, call Marco Polo Club at
866 252 3836 or visit akmarcopolo.com.
N S I D E O U T .
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MARCO POLO CLUB DESTI NATIONS
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SIMON BUTLER-MADDENIBERIAS GALICIA &
THE COSTA VERDE
A diplomat specializing in East-West
relations before joining Abercrombie
& Kent in 1989, Simon Butler-Madden
has accompanied groups throughout
Europe and Russia. His involvement
in the arts, politics and culture of
Europe gives him a unique insight that
he shares with his travellers. He is a
connoisseur of European wines andcuisine, even producing his own olive
oil on a small farm in Spain. When not
escorting A&K guests, Simon works as
a consultant in Madrid.
YOUR MARCO POLO CLUB TOU R DI RE CTORS
Abercrombie & Kent Tour Directors come f rom all
walks of life. They are academics, authors, naturalists,
diplomats, historians, anthropologists and engineers.
Each one has unique experience, but together they
share a common thread: they all are passionate about
their favorite destinations and offering the benefits of
their inside knowledge to privileged travellers.
These men and women accompanying your journeys
are among the f inest Tour Directors in the world:
knowledgeable in local culture and ecology and
equally adept at detailed planning and spur-of-the-
moment improvisation. With your Tour Director s help,
every Marco Polo Club journey becomes a voyage ofindividual discovery and one-of-a-kind inspiration.
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TONY STAADECKERDIAMONDS &
DESERT DUNES
Being an ardent traveller and
nature lover with a curious sense of
adventure led Tony Staadecker to
change career direction. Armed with
tourism certification, Tony sold his
photographic and video business in
1997 and became a tour director. For
11 years he has shared his experience
and interest in photography, birding,animals andfynbos with A&K travellers
and VIP clients, including a president,
politicians and corporate CEOs.
LADISLAS CIECHANOWSKIFROM THE ADRIATIC
TO THE ALPS
Born to Franco-Polish parents in
London, Ladislas began his working
life as an agriculturalist and estate
manager in France and England; he
still manages the family farm on a
part-time basis. Now a popular A&K
Tour Director, Ladislas linguistic gifts
(he has English, Polish, Italian, French
and German to his credit) and hisinformed pan-European outlook make
him an ideal travelling companion on
the European continent.
VISHAL GHAIINDIAS HIMALAYAN KINGDOM
OF LADAKH
Vishal has travelled the length and
breadth of the Indian subcontinent
and Nepal over the past 13 years. A
specialist in Indian culture, history,
religion and traditions, he enriches
his guests experience with his
knowledge and affable demeanor.
Some of his renowned guests have
included captains of industry andvarious dignitaries. When not travelling,
Vishal works closely with the Children
of Tomorrow Foundation, a Dutch
organization that provides vocational
training to the underprivileged.
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YO U R M A R C O P O LO C L U B TO U R D I R E C TO R S
BILL HURSTLAOS & MYANMAR
REDISCOVERED
Much has been written of Bill Hurst,
A&Ks most senior Asia tour specialist.
Born in Kenya and a noted safari guide
before coming to Asia, he has led
tours into China and Southeast Asia
since the late 1970s. His accumulated
wealth of knowledge and experience
makes him one of the most respected
tour leaders of his generation with afollowing of travellers that straddles
the globe.
DIANA HIDALGOCONDORS, CANYONS &
THE AMAZON
Born and raised in Lima, Diana has
travelled throughout South America
with her family since she was a baby.
Those early adventures determined
her true calling. She studied history
and became a professional tour guide.
Twenty-seven years later, Diana still
enjoys sharing her knowledge with
lucky travellers all over South America,but principally in her home-country
of Peru.
DEVIN GWIEYUNNAN IN THE SPRING MOUNTAINS,
MEADOWS & HILL TRIBES
Born in Indonesia, Devin was raised
and educated in Hong Kong. After
many years working in the travel
industry, Devin joined A&K in 1994,
where his attention to detail, fluency in
seven Asian languages and concern for
his guests earned him a reputation for
excellence. His extensive knowledge of
China and his close ties to local peopleguarantee access to experiences that
illuminate cultural traditions and
transform his guests understanding.
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MARIANA SUREZLAND OF THE INCAS
& COLONIALS
Born in Quito, A&K Tour Director
Mariana Surez was raised in different
cities all over Ecuador. After learning
English in the U.S. She earned a degree
in tourism business administration
and has been a tour guide for the last
15 years. When not leading travellers
through her home country, she indulges
her passion for outdoor adventure,climbing mountains in Ecuador and
diving in Honduras.
ROSS VOSSFROM THE HOLY LAND TO
THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM
Before Ross Voss acquired an interest
in archaeology, he was fascinated with
paleontology. The numerous quarries
near his home provided excellent
searching grounds for fossils. Eventually
he preferred studying human history,
and that led to his undergraduate
degree in anthropology. Ross studied
Native American heritage and then,after a trip to Israel, became fascinated
with the cultures of Canaan, Israel and
Philistia. For 35 years Ross has made his
career in Syro-Palestinian archaeology.
VIKRAM SINGHTEMPLES, PALACES & THE SPECTACLE
OF INDIAS ORISSA
A tour director and naturalist, Vikram
has led many exciting A&K journeys
on the Indian subcontinent and
throughout the Himalayan countries.
His passion for and knowledge of local
art, culture and wildlife are contagious.
Vikram describes Marco Polo Club
members as among his favorite
travellers to guide: They always askinteresting questions, so its a fun
challenge for me to lead them.
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Shale relief in the Sun Temple in Konarak
JAN 21 22: USA or Canada/
Kolkata, Indiar#PBSEBOPWFSOJHIU
fight to Kolkata. Te Oberoi Grand,
Kolkata
JAN 23: Kolkatar,PMLBUBJTB
DIBSNJOHNJYPGDSVNCMJOH#SJUJTI
Raj-era architectural gems, sprawling
gardens and historical colleges. Explore
this ascinating city with a stop at
Kumarthuli, where potters make lie-
sized idols o various deities. Stroll
along College Street and admire the
OF#SJUJTI*OEJBOBSDIJUFDUVSFPGUIF
##%#BHIBSFBJTBFSOPPOWJTJUUIF
amous Kali emple, dedicated to the
patron goddess o Kolkata. Despite her
earsome appearance, she is considered to
deliver bliss to worshippers. Continue to
the Victoria Memorial, a blend o Islamic
and Italian renaissance architecture that
pays tribute to Queen Victoria, who also
held the title o Empress o India. Tis
evening, attend a estive welcome dinner.
Te Oberoi Grand, Kolkata B L D
Known for its wealth of templearchitecture and stunning
scenery, Indias Orissa stateis home to many tribal people
whose cultures are rooted inits remote, thickly forested hills.
Learn about the famous hand-loomed textiles produced
in Orissas villages anddiscover the cultural wealth as
showcased in traditional dance,
music and art.
M`j`kXn\Xm\ijm`ccX^\Xe[\eafpk\Xn`k_fe\f]k_\]Xd`c`\j:\c\YiXk\I\glYc`Z;Xp`e9_lYXe\jnXi n`k_Xg\i]fidXeZ\Ypki`YXc[XeZ\ij8kk\e[Xe\oZclj`m\fg\e$X`ig\i]fidXeZ\f]k_\i\efne\[Fi`jjX;XeZ\8ZX[\dpXkk_\BfeXiXbK\dgc\GXik`Z`gXk\`eXpooja (prayer) ceremony
January 21 February 3, 2011 | 14 Days | Tour Director Vikram Singh
Temples, Palaces &the Spectacle of Indias Orissa
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JAN 24: Kolkata/Bhubaneswar r&BSMZ
UIJTNPSOJOHZUP#IVCBOFTXBSJO
UIFFBTUFSOTUBUFPG0SJTTB#FDBVTFPG
Orissas remote location, its residents
have been able to preserve their tribal
culture, social patterns and religious
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era Udayagiri and Kahndagiri Caves,some o the oldest in India; they were
excavated a century beore the birth
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spartan lie o the monks, the caves
were built exclusively to provide shelter
and contain no concessions to comort.
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caves, which were monasteries with
beautiul carvings o religious and royal
scenes. Continue to Dhauli, where
Indian emperor Ashoka the Great
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teachings. rident, Bhubaneswar B
JAN 25: BhubaneswarrFIBOE
loomed products o Orissa are vibrantly
colored and have bold, unusual patterns
and unique tie-dyed eects. See
examples o these extraordinary works
when you privately visit a weavers
village in Nuapatna. Learn traditional
weaving techniques while you enjoy tea
with the amily o one o the weavers.
rident, Bhubaneswar B L
JAN 26: BhubaneswarrFGBTDJOBUJOH
Yogini emple, dating back to the
early ninth century, opens to the sky.
Observe the temples circular wall with
its various images o a Yogini goddess,
some beautiul and bejeweled and othersgrotesque. Continue to the plains o
Dhauli, battleelds o the third-century
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in the way people lived and believed
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Republic Day celebrations, when tribal
dancers rom remote places come to
showcase their culture in invigorating
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and textiles. rident, Bhubaneswar B L
JAN 27: Bhubaneswar/Puri r&YQMPSF
#IVCBOFTXBSUPEBZTUPQQJOHBU
temples that exempliy the richness o
its architecture rom the third century
#$UPUIFUIDFOUVSZ"%7JTJU
the incredible Lingaraj emple that
dominates the landscape. Dedicated
to Lord Shiva, it has been describedas the truest usion o dream and
reality. See the many wall carvings o
Mukteswar and Rajarani and admire
the latticed windows that have made
Parasurameswar amous. Ten stop in
Pipli to watch artisans create appliqus,
an ancient orm o temple art. Some o
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temples, umbrellas, wall hangings and
bags. Arrive in Puri, one o the our
dhams (sacred places) o the Hindus and
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Continue to Rajhurajpu, where you
observe artists painting traditional
pattachitra works, talapattachitra (palm
lea) engravings, andpapier machtoys
and masks. Later, watch a Gotipua olk
dance perormance by the renowned
Rajhurajpur dance team.
Mayair Puri B L
JAN 28:Purir7JTJUUIFUIDFOUVSZ
+BHBOOBUI5FNQMFUIFIPMJFTUQMBDFJO
Orissa. It is one o the largest pilgrimage
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Lord o the Universe and incarnation
o Vishnu, is worshipped. From here,
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lunch, explore Konarak, home o the
magnicent black-granite Sun emple.
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6/&4$08PSME)FSJUBHF4JUFTIBQFE
like the chariot o Surya (Arka), the sungod, and adorned with exquisite stone
carvings. Ten attend an exclusive open-
air perormance o the renowned Orissa
Dance Academy with the Konarak
emple as the backdrop.
Mayair Puri B L
JAN 29: Puri/Bhubaneswar/
)ZEFSBCBEr Fly to Hyderabad and
settle in to your hotel, imagining the
imperial liestyle o the dynasty that
once lived here. Ten explore the city,
rich with medieval, Mughal, colonial
and Indo-Saracenic buildings that
rub shoulders with the large glass and
chrome temples o today. Visit the
4BMBS+VOH.VTFVNIPVTJOHPOFPGUIF
worlds largest private collections o art.
aj Falaknuma Palace B
JAN 30:Hyderabadr&OUFSUIF
massive Golconda Fort, located on a
granite hill 400 eet above the plain,
through the huge teak Fateh Darwaza
(Victory Gate). Te ort dates to the
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Limber boys performing a Gotipua folk dance
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Rock panel carving in Mamallapuram
by the Hindu Kakatiya Dynasty. aken
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centuries later and reinorced with
masonry, its grounds contain royal
palaces, the harem, halls or both
public and private audiences, royal
baths and a temple. Its huge vaults
once held the amous Kohinoor and)PQFEJBNPOET#ZUIFUIDFOUVSZ
the ort was mostly abandoned except
or the dungeons, which were used by
the Nizam o Hyderabad as a prison
or his worst enemies including
several o his sons and two o his wives.
"FSXBSEWJTJUUIF2VUC4IBIJUPNCT
Notice that each is built o either black
granite or greenstone and has its own
base with a large onion dome and
arches decorated with ne sculptures.
Some o the larger tombs even have
their own attached mosques. Spend
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through the Charminar, known as the
Oriental Arc de riomphe. Explore the
Mecca Masjid, the Grand Mosque that
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Its enormous black granite slabs were
quarried locally, and it is thought that
the red bricks on its entrance arches
were made o clay carried rom Mecca.
FOXBOEFSUIF-BE#B[BBSXJUI
shops selling Hyderabadi embedded
HMBTTCBOHMFTQFBSMTBOEDMPUI8BUDIBT
silver merchants make the thin silver
lea by pounding sheets o metal
to produce Hyderabads amous bidri
decorations. aj Falaknuma Palace B L
JAN 31: Hyderabad/Chennai/Covelong
Fly to Chennai, ormerly known as
Madras. Visit Fort St. George and St.
Marys Church that rests within its
walls. It was the rst English church in
*OEJBBOEUIFPMEFTU#SJUJTICVJMEJOH
to survive. Continue to the Mylapore
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Kapleeswarar emple. Ten wander
through the ruit and fower market,
taking in the pleasing aromas. Drive to
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Dutch ort. Fishermans Cove B L
FEB 1: Covelongr&YQMPSFUIFDPBTUBM
town o Mamallapuram, amous or
its stunning collection o rock temples
and carvings. In the seventh century,
the Pallava rulers who developed the
port town o Mamallapuram were also
responsible or encouraging artists o
the area. Tis resulted in an outstanding
collection o cave and stone temples,
rathas (monolithic rock-carved shrines)
and relie-sculptured rock panels. Tis
evening, gather or a arewell dinner at
the hotel. Fishermans Cove B D
FEB 2: Covelongr,BODIFFQVSBNJT
one o the seven sacred cities or Hindus
in India. Visit this ormer capital o
the Pallava Dynasty, amous or its
temples and exquisitely handwovensilksaris and abrics. ake part in a
pooja (prayer) ceremony perormed by
priests at Ekambareswara emple. Later,
visit a silk weaving center to observe
artisans practicing the traditional hand
weaving methods they have employed
or centuries. Ten watch a sari tying
demonstration to discover the many
ways these beautiul garments can be
worn. Later, drive back to Covelong
and spend the remainder o the day at
leisure. Fishermans Cove B L
FEB 3: Covelong/Chennai/USA or
Canadar%SJWFUP$IFOOBJGPSZPVS
international departure fight. B
Kolkata
PuriBhubaneswar
Hyderabad
Chennai
Covelong
INDIA
LEGENDAIR ROAD
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Visitors to Orissa cannot help but notice the vibrant ethnic
crafts produced by its talented artisans. With carefulobservation, admirers can see that Orissas fine appliqu
work, silver filigree, stone and wood carvings, pattac hitras
(folk paintings) andchitra pothi (palm leaf manuscripts) often
pay homage to Hindu gods.
Traditional pattac hitra work, part of Orissas heritage for
centuries, employs creative motifs and designs with rich
colors to depict Lord Jagannath, the main manifestation of
Vishnu in the Hindu religion. These outlined pictures are
methodically created on cloth treated to give it a leather-like appearance. Once a ritual, the art ofpat tachitra has now
developed into a bona fide school of painting practiced by
chitrakars (painters) whose legacy is handed down through
the generations.
The craft ofchitra pothi manuscripts is an indigenous tradition
that dates back to the medieval period. Similar topattachitra,
a text or design is placed onto the palm leaves and then
treated with a paste of tamarind seed, oil and charcoal to
enhance the design. Quite often the legends of gods andgoddesses are portrayed in these unique paintings that have
been made into bookmarks and greeting cards.
Like pattachitra and chitra pothi , Orissas silver filigreed
works often depict religious scenes and characters. With
this ancient art, delicate silver wires some as fine as spider
webs are shaped into intricate designs to create jewelry,
especially brooches and earrings.
From the indigenous sixth-century cave murals of Khandagiriand Udayagiri to the colorful wall hangings of today, the arts
and handicrafts of Orissa have earned accolades from art
scholars and admirers around the world.
HANDICRAFTS OF ORI SSA
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Road to Mandalay as seen from the stunning Shwe Kyet Yet
Experience the untamednatural beauty in the
landscapes and the manmadebeauty of Buddhist shrines in
Laos and Myanmar. Marvel atmagnificent temples, masterful
expressions of craftsmanshipand devotion. Glimpse
life along the Mekong andAyeyarwady Rivers and Inle
Lake, witnessing ancient
traditions as you go.
FEB 10 11: USA or Canada/
Bangkok, Tailand r#PBSEBO
PWFSOJHIUJHIUUP#BOHLPLXIFSF
you are met and taken to your hotel.
Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
FEB 12: Bangkok/Luang Prabang, Laos
As you fy to Luang Prabang, watch the
dense, lush rainorest below suddenly
open into a cluster o colorul, gently
sloping temple roos that provides a
rst peek at one o Indochinas most
CFBVUJGVMDJUJFT"FSMVODIFYQMPSFUIJT
6/&4$08PSME)FSJUBHF4JUFXJUIB
visit to the magnicent Phoussy emple.Climb the steps to Phoussy Hill or a
panoramic view o the city below. Tis
evening, participate in a traditional baci
(welcome ceremony), meant to bestow
the protective powers o the spirits on
visitors. Te baci is accompanied by
music and dance both integral parts
o the ritual. Later, gather or a welcome
dinner at your hotel.
La Rsidence Phou Vao B L D
J\im\cleZ_kfk_\efm`Z\dfebjXkk_\BXcXpnXDfeXjk\ip`ePXe^feGXikXb\`eXkiX[`k`feXcbacin\cZfd\Z\i\dfepM`j`kk_\dXib\kfe@ec\CXb\n_\i\g\fgc\f]mXi`flj_`ccki`Y\jYlpXe[j\cc^ff[j:il`j\k_\8p\pXinX[pI`m\iXYfXi[k_\Y\Xlk`]lccpi\]liY`j_\[IfX[kfDXe[XcXpi`m\i Zil`j\i
February 10 23, 2011 | 14 days | Tour Director Bill Hurst
Laos & Myanmar Rediscovered
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A local woman giving alms to Luang Prabang monks
FEB 13: Luang Prabangr&NCBSLPO
a boat trip up the Mekong River to
the caves at Pak Ou, known or their
-BPUJBOTUZMFTDVMQUVSFTPG#VEEIB
As you pass by riverside villages, you
may see women panning or gold and
children playing on the banks. On the
return journey, make a short stop ina village that is amous or brewing
lao-lao, a strong whisky made rom
ermented rice.
La Rsidence Phou Vao B L D
FEB 14: Luang Prabangr.BLJOHBO
alms oering is a deeply spiritual part o
everyday lie to the people o Laos. Pre-
dawn, join them to make ood oerings
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some o the bustling city markets beore
heading to the magnicent Kuang Si
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PG#BOBQBFOFGPSBHMJNQTFPGMPDBM
MJGF8BOEFSUISPVHI8BU9JFOHPOH
Luang Prabangs most magnicent
temple. At the National Museum, peruse
a collection o artiacts rom the ormer
royals. La Rsidence Phou Vao B L
FEB 15: Luang Prabang/Bangkok,
Tailand/Yangon, Myanmarr5SBWFM
to Yangon, a city o wide, tree-linedboulevards and ne stone buildings.
Te Governors Residence B L
FEB 16:Yangon/Heho Inle Lake
Start your day with a visit to Yangons
architectural masterpiece, the
Shwedagon Pagoda. It is gilded with
eight tons o gold and believed by
#VEEIJTUTUPCFNPSFUIBOZFBST
PME/FYUWJTJUUIFMPWFMZ#PUBUBVOH
1BHPEBBOVOVTVBMGPPUIPMMPX
stupa (shrine). Te original pagoda was
EFTUSPZFEJOXIFOJUUPPLBEJSFDU
hit rom an Allied bomb. During thecleanup, a golden casket containing a
IBJSPG#VEEIBXBTGPVOE$POUJOVF
to the Sule Pagoda and the bustling
#PHZPLF"VOH4BO4DPUU.BSLFUXJUI
NPSFUIBOTIPQT)FMQTFSWFUIF
OPPOEBZNFBMUPOPWJDFNPOLT
at the Kalaywa Monastery and glimpse
UIFJSEBJMZSPVUJOF"OBFSOPPOJHIU
takes you to Heho. Drive to Nyaung
Shwe, where you board a private boat to
your hotel. Inle Princess Resort B L
FEB 17: Inle LakerJTNPSOJOH
travel to the market where traditionally
dressed people o the Pa-O, Palaung and
other Shan tribes come to buy and sell
local products. Te market place is alive
with the colorul traditional costumes o
the hill tribe people. Visit a silk weaving
workshop and Nampan village to
XJUOFTTUSBEJUJPOBMMJGFPOUIFMBLF"FS
lunch, explore the charming village oIn Dein. Inle Princess Resort B L
FEB 18: Inle Lake/Heho/Bagan
Visit the Phaung Daw U Pagoda,
XIJDIFOTISJOFTWFHPMEFO#VEEIB
images. Continue to the wooden Nga
1IF,ZBVOH+VNQJOH$BU.POBTUFSZ
built on stilts over the lake. Observe the
foating gardens o the local armers,
created rom ertile plant beds that
appear to foat on the surace o Inle
-BLF"MBUFBFSOPPOJHIUUBLFTZPV
UP#BHBO
Tiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort B LFEB 19: Bagan/Mingun r:PVIBWFUIF
PQQPSUVOJUZUPFOKPZTVOSJTFPWFS#BHBO
BMPJOBIPUBJSCBMMPPOUIFCFTUXBZ
to ully appreciate the scale and historic
importance o this magical place.
"FSCSFBLGBTUCPBSEUIFCFBVUJGVMMZ
reurbished river cruiser Road to
Mandalay to journey along the mighty
Ayeyarwady River. Stop to visit Sagaing,
UIFMJWJOHDFOUFSPGUIF#VEEIJTUGBJUI
and then cruise to Mingun or a guided
tour o Mandalay. Road to Mandalay
B L D
FEB 20 22: Ayeyarwady River
Leisurely cruise aboard the elegant
Road to Mandalay. Sample the favors
o dierent international cuisines on
board. In the evening, retire to the
DPNGPSUBCMF1JBOP#BSGPSBOJHIUDBQ
Road to Mandalay B L D
FEB 23: Mandalay/Yangon/Bangkok, Tailand/USA or Canada
Disembark in Mandalay and fy via
:BOHPOUP#BOHLPLXIFSFZPVDPOOFDU
with your international departure fight.
B
THAILAND
MYANMAR
LAOS
Bangkok
Yangon
Mandalay
Bagan
Heho
Inle Lake
Luang Prabang
LEGENDAIR ROAD
CRUISE
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20/448 A K M A R C O P O L O . C O M 8 6 6 2 5 2 3 8 3 6
Yunnan is like a picturepostcard sprung to life.
Observe terraced rice fields,savor the scents of fresh
meadow flowers and gazeat limestone peaks formed
in whimsical designs. Enjoya jungle canopy walk in the
rainforest and admire rollinghills home to fascinating
hill tribes and a variety of
endemic wildlife.
APR 16 17: USA or Canada/
Hong Kong, China#PBSEBOPWFSOJHIU
fight to Hong Kong, where you are met
and transerred to your hotel.
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
APR 18:Hong Kong/Kunmingr'MZUP
Kunming, a city o breathtaking natural
CFBVUZ*UJTPFODBMMFEiUIFDJUZPG
eternal spring due to its year-round
QMFBTBOUDMJNBUF-BUFUIJTBFSOPPO
WJTJUUIFGBNPVT#VEEIJTU2JPOH[IV
#BNCPP5FNQMF(BUIFSXJUIGFMMPX
travellers this evening or a welcome
dinner at Shiping Hui Guan, ormerly a
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Te Green Lake Hotel B D
APR 19:Kunmingr4FUPVUGPSBO
excursion to the Stone Forest, where
hundreds o naturally eroded karsts
(limestone peaks) orm shapes inspiring
whimsical names such as Camel Riding
an Elephant. Listen as the local Sani
people share their legends and stories.
Return to Kunming and wander through
the wholesale resh fower market and
Old own. Green Lake Hotel B L
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The colorful faades in Lijiangs Old Town
APR 20:Kunming/Jinghongr'MZUP
+JOHIPOH"OFYQFSUGSPNUIF8JME
Elephant Valley joins you or lunch
and discusses elephant in the region.
"FSXBSEWJTJUUIF9JTIVBOHCBOOB8JME
Elephant and Nature Reserve. Its open
landscape with rolling hills covered by
tropical rainorests, rivers and streams is
ull o endangered species such as Asianwild elephant, wild oxen, green peacock
and monkey. ake a cable car to the top o
the rainorest and enjoy a jungle canopy
walk. Ten watch the orphaned elephant
TIPX3FUVSOUP+JOHIPOHGPSEJOOFSXJUI
a music and dance perormance.
ai Garden Hotel B L D
APR 21:Jinghongr4QFOEUIFNPSOJOH
visiting a village o the Aini people,
renowned or their river valley rice
UFSSBDFT"FSMVODIWJTJUUIF5SPQJDBMPlant Research Institute, home to more
than a thousand types o tropical fowers
and cash crops. Stroll through its gardens
to learn about the plants that make up
Yunnans tropical orests. Later, wander
the central market area. onights dinner
is accompanied by a traditional dance
perormance. ai Garden Hotel B L D
APR 22:Jinghong/Lijiangr&NCBSL
on a Mekong River cruise to the
Ganlanba (Olive) Plain, home to the
%BJQFPQMF8IFOZPVWJTJUUIF4IVJ
Dai village, witness a reenactment o a
water splashing estival. Fly to Lijiang,
SFQVUFEUPIBWFCFFO+BNFT)JMUPOT
inspiration or Lost Horizon. Lijiang
is blessed with resh air, clear streams,
breathtaking snowcapped mountains and
an undisturbed landscape inhabited by
riendly people. Its remote location has
played a vital role in the preservation o
traditional Naxi culture and art.
Banyan ree Lijiang B L
APR 23:Lijiangr(PCZCJDZDMFPS
WFIJDMFUPWJTJUB#BJTIBWJMMBHFIPNFUP
the venerable physician and activist Dr.Ho, a legend throughout China or his
work in traditional holistic healing. Pause
or a cup o herbal tea and a diagnostic
session in Dr. Hos clinic. Ten explore
QJDUVSFTRVF-POHRVBOXJUIJUTZFBS
PMECSJEHFBOEUFNQMF"FSMVODIWJTJU
UIF8BOH(V-PV1BHPEBUIBUTUBOETBT
a beacon o protection and good ortune
BCPWFUIFDJUZ8BMLUISPVHI-JKJBOHT0ME
5PXOB6/&4$08PSME)FSJUBHF4JUF
Continue to the Nature Conservancy tolearn about their environmental projects.
Banyan ree Lijiang B L
APR 24:Lijiang/Dali/Xizhour5SBWFM
UP9J[IPVBDIBSNJOHUPXOXIPTF
SFTJEFOUTBSFUIF#BJQFPQMF%BMJT
MBSHFTUNJOPSJUZDVMUVSFJTBFSOPPO
arrive at the Linden Centre, a luxurious
courtyard home located in the oothills
PGUIF)JNBMBZB+PJO#SJBO-JOEFOUIF
centers owner, or a guided walk through
VOTQPJMFE9J[IPVBOEBHMJNQTFPG#BJ
culture. Tis evening, attend a dinner
and talk on the Dali region at the Linden
Centre. Linden Centre B L D
APR 25:Xizhour5SBWFMCZIPSTFDBSUUP
&S)BJ-BLFUPWJFXUIF#B.V4J&JHIU
Mothers) emple, combining aoist,
#VEEIJTUBOEMPDBM#FO;IVUSBEJUJPOT
Continue to the colorul Shaping Monday
market and the Shaping emple. Next,
visit the old Yale campus on the grounds
o the emple o Great Mercy. You may
climb into the attics o some o the local
buildings to search or antiques. Ten
MFBSOIPXUPNBLF9J[IPVQJ[[BUIFMPDBM
specialty, beore meeting the village elderBOEIJTXJGF;IPVDIFOHGBNPVTGPSJUT
indigo tie-dyeing, has many winding
alleys where textile and basket weavers
are hard at work. Tey show you how to
make your own tie-dyed batik"FSXBSE
NFFUTPNFPGUIF#BJDIJMESFOJOUIFMPDBM
kindergarten. Linden Centre B L
APR 26:Xizhou r8JUOFTTUIFIJTUPSJD
QSFTFSWBUJPOFPSUTUIF8FJTIBOSFHJPO
is undertaking. Once an important
trading center on the southern Silk Road,it is a living museum o architectural
and cultural wonders. View buildings
saved and preserved through the Open
Lands Project work and meet with
SFQSFTFOUBUJWFTPG)BO:JBOE#BJ
cultural groups. Sit down to a lunch o
traditional local cuisine.
Linden Centre B L
APR 27:Dali/Kunming/Shanghai
Fly back to Kunming and connect
to Shanghai, one o Chinas most
cosmopolitan and innovative cities. Te
balance o your day is at leisure until your
arewell dinner this evening.
Te Peninsula Shanghai B D
APR 28:Shanghai/USA or Canada
#PBSEZPVSEFQBSUVSFJHIUB
Shang
Hong Kong
LijiangXizhou
Jinghong
Kunming
CHINA
LEGENDAIR ROAD
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22/4420 A K M A R C O P O L O . C O M 8 6 6 2 5 2 3 8 3 6
Sandwiched between thetowering peaks of the
western Himalaya andthe vast Tibetan plateau,
Ladakh is the highest,least populated and most
inaccessible region in India.Explore this fascinating
area, a center of Buddhismand encased by cultural
riches.
JUL 5 7: USA or Canada/
Delhi, India r#PBSEBJHIUUP%FMIJ
connecting overnight in Europe. Arrive
at your hotel very early in the morning
PG+VMZBSPPNJTCFJOHIFMEGPSZPVS
immediate occupancy. You have time to
SFMBYBOETFUUMFJOCFGPSFKPJOJOHB##$
DPSSFTQPOEFOUGPSBOBFSOPPOXBMLJOH
tour o the spice markets o Old Delhi.
8BOEFSUISPVHIUIFCVTZ,IBSJ#BPMJ
market, Asias largest wholesale spice
market. Tis evening, gather or a
estive welcome dinner.
Te Imperial Jul 7: B D
JUL 8: Delhi/Leh r'MZUP-FIUIF
capital o the Himalayan kingdom o
-BEBLIBUBOFMFWBUJPOPGGFFU
Te remainder o the day is at leisure to
acclimatize to the altitude. I you preer,
you can visit the colorul Leh market late
JOUIFBFSOPPO
Te Grand Dragon Ladakh B L D
JUL 9:Lehr&YQMPSFTPNFPG-BEBLIT
historicgompas (monasteries), housing
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Magnificent Thiksey Gompa overlooking the Indus Valley
SJDIDPMMFDUJPOTPG#VEEIJTUthangka
(scroll) paintings, art and artiacts. Te
TUPSZJLTFZ.POBTUFSZIPNFUP
many Gelukpa monks, is located on
top o a hill with panoramic views o
the Indus Valley. Inside, view a pillar
JOTDSJCFEXJUI#VEEIJTUUFBDIJOHTB
GPPUTFBUFE.BJUSFZB#VEEIBBOEB
WBTUDPMMFDUJPOPG#VEEIJTUBSU/FYU
visit Shey Monastery, once the residence
o the royal amily and the seat o pre-
5JCFUBOLJOHT*UIPVTFTBUIDFOUVSZ
copper statue o a large Shakyamuni
#VEEIBBTXFMMBTBUISFFTUPSZIJHI
#VEEIB$POUJOVFUPUIF4UPL1BMBDF
one o its wings is a small museum with
a collection o antique ritual objects
BOESBSFUIDFOUVSZthangkas. An
accomplished Ladakhi scholar joins youor dinner this evening to talk about
#VEEIJTNJUTNJHSBUJPOJOUP5JCFU
and Ladakh and the signicance o the
Hemis Festival.
Te Grand Dragon Ladakh B L D
JUL 10:Leh Hemis Festival rF
Hemis Gompa is the largest in Ladakh
and houses a 40-oot-long thangka that
is richly embroidered with pearls and
semi-precious stones. Te monastery is
amous or its annual two-day se Chu
'FTUJWBMPFODBMMFEUIF)FNJT'FTUJWBM
Attend the estivities that commemorate
the anniversary o Padmasambhava, the
GPVOEFSPG5JCFUBO#VEEIJTN8BUDI
people wearing brightly colored masks
perorm dances that enact age-old tales
o the victory o good over evil. Listen
to the sounds o brass trumpets in
accompaniment. Spend time walking
through the vibrant bazaar, where rural
villagers in traditional dress come to
CBSHBJOXJUIBSUJTBOTTFMMJOHIBOEDSBFE
items. You have the rare opportunity,
as an outsider, to interact with the local
people during this estive time.
Te Grand Dragon Ladakh B L D
JUL 11: Leh Hemis Festivalr3FUVSO
to the Hemis Festival this morning
or a nal opportunity to join in the
GFTUJWJUJFT"FSMVODIZPVNBZDIPPTF
to visit the Oracle o Sabu, a well-known
GBJUIIFBMFSPSHPSJWFSSBJOHEPXOthe Indus River as it gently meanders
through small villages and barley elds.
Te Grand Dragon Ladakh B L D
JUL 12:Leh/Lamayuru/Uletokpo
ravel to the holy site o Lamayuru,
the site o a ruined monastery and
major landmark on the old Silk Road.
Continue to Uletokpo and your tented
camp, located near the Indus River and
surrounded by an apricot orchard. Enjoy
the resh air, smell o fowers and views
o the beautiul snow-capped Himalaya
Mountains.
Uletokpo Camp B L D
JUL 13:Uletokpo/Alchi/Likir/Leh
Explore Alchi and its monastery with
wall paintings that are some o the oldest
surviving paintings in Ladakh. Tey
refect artistic and spiritual details o
CPUI#VEEIJTNBOEUIF)JOEVLJOHT
o Kashmir. On the way back to Leh,
TUPQUPWJTJUUIFUIDFOUVSZ-JLJS
Monastery, known locally as the house
o the water spirits.
Te Grand Dragon Ladakh B L D
JUL 14:Lehr$IPPTFGSPNBSBJOH
trip on the Indus River through a
breathtaking gorge a mountain biking
UPVSUISPVHITNBMM#VEEIJTUWJMMBHFT
or a trek though the villages along the
Indus River. You may also choose to visit
SECMOL, the Students Educational
and Cultural Movement o Ladakh, anorganization that plans youth activities
and operates a campus or students
going to school in Leh.
Te Grand Dragon Ladakh B L D
JUL 15: Leh/Delhi r'MZCBDLUP%FMIJ
UPEBZ"FSBOBFSOPPOBUMFJTVSF
meet tonight at your hotel or a arewell
dinner. Te Imperial B D
JUL 16: Delhir7JTJUUIF4XBNJOBSBZBO
Akshardham emple today. Late this
evening, transer to the airport.
Te Imperial B
JULY 17 Delhi/USA or Canada
#PBSEZPVSIPNFCPVOEJHIU
LEGENDAIR ROAD
LehUletokpo
Delhi
INDIA
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24/4422 A K M A R C O P O L O . C O M 8 6 6 2 5 2 3 8 3 6
High mountains, greenmeadows, stony cliffs and
sand beaches this pastoralcorner of Portugal and
northwest Spain abounds withhistory, charm and energy.
See hamlets and quaintcoastal vil lages set against
a backdrop of unrivaledraw beauty and explore
architectural marvels that are
works of art in themselves.
Santiago de Compostelas imposing cathedral, an important Christian shrine
D\\kk_\fne\if]X[`jk`e^l`j_\[n`e\cf[^\`eGfikf]fiXe\oZclj`m\m`j`kNXcbXjki\kZ_f]
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at the riverside town o uy. As the road
continues toward the sea, you see the
3BT#BJYBTBTFSJFTPGford-like estuaries
that penetrates the coastline o Galicia.
Stop in the picturesque vineyard-fanked
shing village o Cambados, where you
are lunch guests o the owners o the
CFBVUJGVM1B[PEF'FJBOFT"FSXBSE
visit their bodega, where some o thenest white Albarios are produced.
Ten take to the water in a private shing
boat with the owner, who shows you
the countless oyster beds and mussel
SBTUIBUBSFUIFTPVSDFPGUIFSFHJPOT
wealth. I the weather permits, sail toward
the sea to view the shellsh sands and
natural reserves. Continue to Santiago
de Compostela, a pilgrimage site or
almost a thousand years and ormerly
Christendoms third most importantQMBDFPGQJMHSJNBHFBFS+FSVTBMFNBOE
Rome). Its arcaded streets and paved
plazas are a delight to explore. Check
in to your hotel, a magnicentparador
CVJMUCZ2VFFO*TBCFMMBJOUIFFBSMZUI
century as a hospital to care or pilgrims.
Parador Hostal dos Reis Catlicos B L
MAY 20:Santiago de Compostela
Explore the architectural wonders
along the narrow streets o Santiago
de Compostela, starting with the
cathedral; its Prtico de la Gloria is the
most perectly preserved example o
Romanesque sculpture in Spain. Admire
UIFCFKFXFMFETISJOFPG4U+BNFTB
pilgrimage site. You may place your hand
POUIFTIPVMEFSPGUIFTUBUVFPG4U+BNFT
BTBMMUIFQJMHSJNTEP8BOEFSUISPVHI
the Cathedral Museum, with its distinctly
decorated doorways and aades. Visit
the market where villagers still sell
their delectable conical cheese. Your
BFSOPPOJTBUMFJTVSFPSZPVNBZXJTI
to join Simon on a visit to a beautiul
country house renowned or its gardens.
Alternatively, you may walk a scenic
stretch o El Camino de Santiagos pilgrim
road, which reaches into the Pyrenees.
Parador Hostal dos Reis Catlicos B
MAY 21:Santiago de Compostela
Drive along the dramatic coastline known
as the Costa da Morte, sadly named
because o the deaths o countless seamen
who drowned in shipwrecks on its jagged
rocks. Follow the coast along the top o
Europes highest clis, while ar below
percebes (goose barnacles) are harvested
rom the rocks by intrepidpercebeiros. In
UIJTSFHJPOBODJFOUUSBEJUJPOTBOEDSBT
have survived. Lacemaking in Camarias,
fax spinning in Vimianzo, pottery in
#VPBOEBODJFOUXBUFSNJMMTBMMBEEUP
the ascination o this unique corner othe country.
Parador Hostal dos Reis Catlicos B L
MAY 22:Santiago de Compostela/
A Corua/Betanzos/El Ferrol/Vilalba
Visit A Corua, the City o Glass. It
is amous or the magnicent row o
UIDFOUVSZIPVTFTGBDJOHUIFQPSU
their aades are completely covered
with glazed balconies that have earned
the city its moniker. Look high above
the sea to the ower o Hercules, aremarkable Roman-built lighthouse
dating rom the second century. It is the
only Roman lighthouse in the world that
still operates. ake a stroll and then head
UP#FUBO[PTXJUIJUTOBSSPXTUSFFUTBOE
ne churches, one o which dates back to
UIFUIDFOUVSZ"FSMVODITUPQJO&M
Ferrol, a major Spanish naval base since
UIFUIDFOUVSZBOEUIFCJSUIQMBDFPG
General Francisco Franco. Continue to
UIF#JPTQIFSF3FTFSWFPGUIF5FSSBTEP
Mio. End your day in Vilalba and check
JOUPZPVSIPUFMMPDBUFEJOBUIDFOUVSZ
castle. Parador de Vilalba B D
MAY 23:Vilalba/Mondoedo/
aramundi r.POEPFEPXBTPODFUIF
capital o one o the seven kingdoms o
(BMJDJB7JTJUJUTJNQSFTTJWFUIDFOUVSZ
cathedral. Stop in the ancient town o
Lugo, the heart o which is still encircled
by walls built by the Roman legions.
Here you have time to explore on your
own and perhaps enjoy lunch at one othe restaurants near the magnicent
cathedral. Continue along the Ra Eo,
which separates Galicia rom Asturias.
Once you cross the river you come to
Los Oscos; here rural lie, traditions and
superb landscapes mix to make this a
RVBJOUBMNPTUNBHJDBMSFHJPO"FSZPV
check into your hotel, stroll the little
streets o aramundi and peruse the
traditional shops that take you back to
another era. Hotel La Rectoral BMAY 24:Los Oscosr4QFOEZPVS
morning exploring the traditional villages
o Los Oscos. Visit Esquios, where
blacksmiths orge the amous aramundi
knives by hand, and Os eixois, home to
an ethnographic museum that showcases
the lives o traditional ironworkers.
Hotel La Rectoral BL
MAY 25:aramundi/Castropol/
Cudillero/Oviedor'PMMPXUIFDPBTU
occasionally glimpsing stretches o the
northern pilgrimage road to Santiago
EF$PNQPTUFMB8IFOZPVDPNFUP
Cudillero, one o the most attractive
The forests and mountains of Galicia as seen from Picos de Europa, Spain
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shing villages on Spains northern coast,
see houses that climb to the clis and
UIFRVBJOUTIJOHIBSCPSCFMPX8BOEFS
the streets by the dock, a perect spot to
sample the catch o the day in one o the
TFBTJEFSFTUBVSBOUT"FSMVODIDPOUJOVF
to Oviedo, said to have been ounded by
two monks back in the eighth century,
and check into your elegant hotel thatwas once a monastery and is today an
JNQPSUBOUMBOENBSL+PJOZPVSGFMMPX
travellers this evening at a local restaurant
to sample some Asturian specialities.
Hotel de la Reconquista B L D
MAY 26:Oviedor4USPMMUIFMJWFMZ
streets and admire the architecture o old
Oviedo. Visit the cathedral with its superb
UIDFOUVSZretablo (altarpiece) and
amazing treasury. Filled with exquisite
pieces o medieval gold and silver work,its collection includes the Cross o the
"OHFMTEPOBUFEJOCZ,JOH"MGPOTP
II. Explore the Museum o Fine Arts
remarkable collections, ranging rom
UIDFOUVSZretablos to paintings by
some o Spains most amous artists,
JODMVEJOH&M(SFDP;VSCBSO(PZB
Sorolla and Picasso. You may continue
exploring the city on your own or join
your our Director Simon or a visit
to three churches in Oviedo that are
perect examples o pre-Romanesque
architecture. Stop at the tiny church o San
.JHVFMEF-JMMPUIFDIVSDIPG4BO+VMJO
de los Prados, lled with extraordinary
rescoes; and the beautiul Santa Maria
EFM/BSBODPBMMUISFFXFSFOBNFE8PSME
Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Hotel de la Reconquista B
MAY 27:Oviedo/Picos de Europa/
Santillana del Marr%SJWFBNJETUVOOJOH
mountain landscapes to Picos de Europa,
passing through Cangas de Ons, with its
TVQFSCUIDFOUVSZCSJEHF"FSWJTJUJOH
the shrine o Our Lady o Covadonga,one o the most venerated in Spain, ollow
the road up the mountain to the Lakes
o Covadonga or superb views o the
surrounding mountains. Te route down
takes you through valleys to the village o
Sirviella, where you stop or a private visit
to a mountain arm. Observe traditional
lie here, including cheese making, cider
making and sheep rearing. Ten join
the arms owners or a country lunch o
local cheeses, sausages and omelettes.Alternatively, i the weather is inclement,
head to Cantabria, boasting the richest
variety o caves in Europe. ake a mining
train through the caves to see a dazzling
display o stalactites, stalagmites and rock
ormations dating rom the Cretacean
Era. Later, drive to the delightul village
o Santillana del Mar, where your hotel
was once the home o the Marqueses de
Santillana; part o the hotel dates back to
UIFUIDFOUVSZ
Hotel Casa del Marqus B L
MAY 28:Santillana del Mar/Altamira/
Santillana del Mar r&YQMPSF4BOUJMMBOB
whose streets are lined with the residences
o aristocratic amilies. Visit the Colegiata
Church, a marvelous example o high
Romanesque architecture and sculpture.
Ten return to Palaeolithic times
when you travel to Altamirea to view
reproductions o some o the worlds most
amous cave paintings, comparable only
to those o Lascaux in France. Nearby,
at Puente Viesgo, enter the cave o El
Castillo to see paintings created 40,000years ago. Te sight o artwork made so
many millennia ago is an unorgettable
FYQFSJFODF$POUJOVFUPUIF$BSCSDFOP
Natural Park, which oers many programs
ranging rom wildlie education or
children to important projects to save and
reintroduce into the wild, endangered
indigenous species such as the brown
Pyrenean bear, the Iberian lynx and rare
birds o prey. Meet the parks director, who
joins you to discuss the challenges o localconservation. Ten return to Santillana to
prepare or tonights arewell dinner.
Hotel Casa del Marqus B L D
MAY 29:Santander/USA or Canada
ranser to Santanders airport to board
your international departure fight. B
ravelling Bell Boy service is included
throughout your journey.
The quaint fishing village of Cudillero, Spain
LEGEND ROAD
Santander
Santiago deCompostela
Porto
Vilalba
TaramundiOviedo
Santillanadel Mar
SPAIN
PORTUGAL
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EL CAMINO D E SANTIAGO
According to legend, the remains of Jesus apostle St. James
the Elder lie in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela innorthwestern Spain. El Camino de Santiago (The Way of St.
James) has been the route to the cathedral that Christian
pilgrims have followed for more than 1,000 years.
It is believed that the apostles divided the known world into
missionary zones, and St. James had the Iberian Peninsula.
When he returned to Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago, he
was beheaded by Herod Agrippa I. St. James was martyred,
and legend says his body was carried in a boat guided by
angels to northern Spain.
When the boat was found, his body and those of two of his
disciples were placed in a marble tomb, forgotten until the
ninth century. Pelagius, a hermit living in the region at that
time, had a vision of a star or field of stars leading him to an
ancient tomb. He reported the vision to the local bishop, who
determined that t he remains were Santiagos (St. James) .
Pilgrimage along El Camino de Santiago to Santiago de
Compostela reached its zenith in the Middle Ages. Bridgeswere built across rivers to main cities along the route, which
prospered. Pilgrim hospices were built by religious orders
and royalty who sought a way to gain favor in heaven.
The phenomenon tapered off but never entirely went
away. In 1779 when Congress ordered John Adams to go
to Paris to obtain funds for American independence, his
ship disembarked in Finisterre. He was unable to travel
to Santiago and said in his autobiography, I have always
regretted that We could not find time to make a Pilgrimageto Sant Iago de Compostella.
Today, tens of thousands still make their way along the
pilgrimage route.
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Dawn at Assumption of Marys Pilgrimage Church on Lake Bled, nestled amid the Julian Alps
Even if you think you know itwell, Europe can still surpriseyou. Travel along the Adriatic
from Italy through Croatia andSlovenia to the Julian Alps in
Austria and Germany. Visit thelavish seaport of Trieste andthe stunning kocjan Caves,
as well as some dazzling cities,sampling vintage wines and
local beers, rustic restaurants
and country inns.
JUN 1 2: USA or Canada/
Venice, Italyr'MZPWFSOJHIUUP7FOJDFwhere you are met and taken by private
launch to your palace hotel. Later, meet
or welcome drinks and a gondola ride.
Il Palazzo D
JUN 3: Venice/riester4FF4U.BSLT
Square, the worlds most beautiul
drawing room, on a walking tour that
BMTPUBLFTZPVUP4U.BSLT#BTJMJDBBOE
UIF%PHFT1BMBDF"FSMVODIFOKPZ
a private wine tasting at a local estate.
Grand Hotel Duchi DAosta B L
JUN 4: 5SJFTUFrFor hundreds o years,
rieste lay under Austrian rule, andVOUJMJUXBTUIFHSFBUTFBQPSUPGUIF
Hapsburg Empire. Meander along the
winding streets o the Old City and up
Capitoline Hill or antastic views. See
UIFUIDFOUVSZ4BO(JVTUP$BUIFESBM
and explore the Museo Revoltella that
contains one o the most important
DPMMFDUJPOTPGUIBOEUIDFOUVSZBSU
JO*UBMZ:PVSBFSOPPOJTBUMFJTVSFPS
you may wish to join a privately guided
tour o the kocjan Caves, a UNESCO
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8PSME)FSJUBHF4JUF
Grand Hotel Duchi DAosta B
JUN 5: rieste/Istrian Peninsula/
Rovinj, Croatiar5SBWFMUISPVHIUIF
Istrian hinterland to Groznjan, an
artists community, and view the Chapel
o Saint Cosmas and Damian. Later, you
may stroll through the narrow cobbled
streets and peruse some o the artHBMMFSJFT"FSXBSEIFBEUP.PUPWVO
a beautiul medieval town boasting
Venetian colonial architecture. Pause
or a lunch that eatures Istrias amous
trues. Later, visit Pore, an ancient
town amous or its sacred buildings
dating rom the Roman and early
$ISJTUJBOFSB8BMLUISPVHI&VQISBTJVT
#BTJMJDBPOFPGUIFOFTUPGUIFFBSMZ
#Z[BOUJOFDIVSDIFTBOEB6/&4$0
8PSME)FSJUBHF4JUFUPTFFNPTBJDTalabaster, marble, mother-o-pearl
and stucco. Admire the ruins o the
Roman temples o Mars and Neptune in
Maraor, the oldest part o the town.
Hotel Monte Mulini B L
JUN 6:Rovinj/Pula/Rovinj r+PJOB
walking tour o Rovinj, home to the
#BUBOB)PVTF&DP.VTFVN%JTDPWFS
the importance o the batana, the
traditional shing vessel o Rovinj, to
the towns everyday lie. Ten visit St.
Euphemia Cathedral. Later, drive to
Pula, with its imposing amphitheater
UIBUDPVMEBDDPNNPEBUF
spectators during the gladiatorial
ghts. Continue to the Arch o Sergius,
lavishly ornamented with columns and
riezes. Hotel Monte Mulini B L
JUN 7:Rovinj/Ljubljana, Slovenia/
Lake Bledr5SBWFMUP-KVCMKBOB
4MPWFOJBTDBQJUBM"FSMVODIFNCBSL
on a walking tour through the old part
PGUIFDJUZTUPQQJOHBUUIFUIDFOUVSZ
DBUIFESBMB#BSPRVFQBMBDFPGQJOL
marble, white stucco and colorul
rescoes. See the Magistrat town hallwith its arcaded Gothic inner courtyard,
UIF4IPFNBLFST#SJEHFBOEUIF+FXJTI
quarter. Later, a guest speaker joins you
or a discussion o Slovenias ascension
to the European Union. Vila Bled B L
JUN 8:Lake Bledr#PBSEBIBOE
propelled gondola known as apletna
BOEDSPTTCSFBUIUBLJOH-BLF#MFEUP
the small island in the center and walk
through the castle that clings to a rocky
DMJ:PVSBFSOPPOJTBUMFJTVSF:PVmay preer to join Ladislas or a walk
through Vintgar Gorge, where the
Radovna River thrashes loudly against
its rocky connes. Dine on regional
specialties this evening in the medieval
village o Radovljica. Vila Bled B D
JUN 9:Lake Bled/Salzburg, Austria
*OUIF+VMJBO"MQTXIJUFMJNFTUPOFQFBLT
TPBSUPBIFJHIUPGGFFUXJUIEFFQ
valleys, rivers o crystal-clear water,
blankets o thick orest and meadows
lled with wild fowers. Enjoy the
wonderul scenery as you descend into
the Soca Valley to Kobarid. Known as
$BQPSFUUPEVSJOH8PSME8BS*UIFUPXO
was at the center o the amous Isonzo
ront as recorded by Hemingway inA
Farewell to Arms. At its small museum,
relive the tragic and brutal battle
between the Austrian and Italian armies.
Hotel Goldener Hirsch B L
JUN 10: Salzburgr4USPMMUISPVHI
charming Salzburg to see its elegant
#BSPRVFIPVTFTBOEQBMBDFTJODMVEJOH
UIFUIDFOUVSZ4BM[CVSH$BUIFESBM
ake the oldest unicular in AustriaVQUPUIFJNQPTJOHUIDFOUVSZ
Hohensalzburg Fortress. From there you
are rewarded with panoramic views over
the city and surrounding countryside.
JTBFSOPPOESJWFUP0CFSTBM[CVSH
site o Hitlers luxurious mountain
retreat Adlerhorst (Eagles Nest).
Hotel Goldener Hirsch B L
JUN 11:Salzburg/Munich, Germany
ravel to Chiemsee, the largest o
UIF#BWBSJBOMBLFT5BLFBCPBUUPBOisland in the lake on which Mad King
Ludwig II built his opulent Schloss
Herrenchiemsee. A private horse-
drawn carriage takes you to the schloss
DBTUMFGPSBHVJEFEWJTJU"FSTUPQQJOH
GPSMVODIJO1SJFOWJTJU8JFTLJSDIFB
EFMJHIUGVM#BWBSJBO3PDPDPDIVSDIBOE
B6/&4$08PSME)FSJUBHF4JUF-BUFS
gather or a arewell dinner.
Mandarin Oriental, Munich B L D
JUN 12: Munich/USA or Canada
ranser to the airport or your
homebound fight. B
ravelling Bell Boy service is included
throughout your journey.
Lush Vintgar Gorge
LEGEND ROAD
Salzburg
Lake Bled
Trieste
Rovinj
Munich
Venice
ITALY
SLOVENIA
CROATIA
AUSTRIA
GERMANY
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The landscapes of Israeland Jordan have millennia ofstories to tell: of palaces andvaults built for ancient kings,
temples and mosaics honoringsaints, grooves left by Roman
chariot wheels and ancientcities carved into rock. See thesites of miracles and tragediesand meet people who give youinsight into countries that have
strongly impacted the world.
APR 1 2: USA or Canada/
el Aviv, Israelr#PBSEBOPWFSOJHIUfight to el Aviv, where you receive
VIP assistance.
InterContinental David el Aviv
APR 3: el Aviv/Caesarea/Acre/Haifa/
Jezreel/iberiasr%FQBSU5FM"WJWUIJT
morning and head to Caesarea to see
the Roman and Crusader ruins and the
harbor rom which St. Paul was taken
as prisoner to Rome. Continue to the
QPSUUPXOPG"DSFB6/&4$08PSME
Heritage Site, and walk under the vast
archways o the Crusader Knights Hall.
4UPQJO)BJGBUPWJFXUIF#BIBJ5FNQMF/FYUWJTJUUIF+F[SFFM7BMMFZXIFSF
several Old estament battles were
ought. It is also said to be where the
nal battle between good and evil, also
known as Armageddon, will be ought.
Arrive in iberias and gather or a
welcome dinner. Te Scots Hotel B L D
APR 4: iberiasr7JTJUUIF)VMB
Nature Reserve, home to crane, black
and common stork, pelican, pygmy
cormorant and several types o heron.
GXik`Z`gXk\`eXeXiZ_X\fcf^`ZXc [`^`e9\`k>lmi`eEXk`feXcGXibJg\XbkfX?fcfZXljkjlim`mfiXkPX[MXj_\dM`j`kXn`e\dXb\i]fiXkfliXe[cleZ_fm\icffb`e^k_\MXcc\pf]
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The red rocks of Wadi Rum
$POUJOVFUP#BOJBTUPWJFXTPNFPGUIF
IJTUPSJDQBHBO+FXJTIBOE$ISJTUJBO
remains and to Katzrin. In Capernaum,
WJTJUUIFBODJFOUTZOBHPHVFXIFSF+FTVT
UBVHIU'SPNUIF.PVOUPG#FBUJUVEFT
look down over the Sea o Galilee. At
sunset, board a private boat or a cruise
on the Sea o Galilee. Te Scots Hotel B L
APR 5: iberias/Nazareth/Beit Alpha/Jerusalem r*O/B[BSFUIHBJOJOTJHIU
JOUPEBJMZMJGFZFBSTBHPXIFOZPV
explore the Church o the Annunciation
and the old synagogue. Ten view the
BODJFOUTZOBHPHVFJO#FJU"MQIBXJUIJUT
NPTBJDPPS5SBWFMUP+FSVTBMFNBOEUIF
CJCMJDBMTJUFPG+FSJDIP .
King David Jerusalem Hotel B L
APR 6: Jerusalemr&YQMPSFUIF*TSBFM
Museum, housing extensive biblical and
Holy Land collections, including theDead Sea Scrolls. Visit Yad Vashem, the
+FXJTIQFPQMFTMJWJOHNFNPSJBMUPUIF
Holocaust, and speak with a Holocaust
TVSWJWPS"FSMVODIXBMLUISPVHIUIF
underground tunnel adjacent to the
IJTUPSJD8FTUFSO8BMM$POUJOVFUPUIF
Last Supper Room, commemorating
UIFSPPNJOXIJDI+FTVTTIBSFEIJTOBM
meal with his disciples. Ten view the
tomb o David.
King David Jerusalem Hotel B L
APR 7: Jerusalemr1BSUJDJQBUFJOBO
archaeological dig in ancient tunnels
near the ancestral home o King Herod
JO#FJU(VWSJO/BUJPOBM1BSL"FSXBSE
join a local winemaker or lunch on
his terrace overlooking the Valley o
Ella, the location o the amous battle
between David and Goliath.
King David Jerusalem Hotel B L
APR 8:Jerusalemr'SPNUIF.PVOU
o Olives you have a wonderul view o
+FSVTBMFN"UUIFGPPUPGUIFIJMMHB[F
at the Garden o Gethsemane with its
ancient olive trees. Continue to thetemple area and the Dome o the Rock;
then ollow the Via Dolorosa, said to
CFUIFSPBE+FTVTXBMLFEFOSPVUFUPIJT
crucixion. Pass by the Stations o the
Cross on the way to the Church o the
Holy Sepulchre. Te remainder o the
day is at leisure.
King David Jerusalem Hotel B
APR 9:Jerusalemr5BLFBDBCMFDBS
up to Masada to explore the location
o King Herods palaces and baths."FSXBSEZPVNBZPBUJOUIFCVPZBOU
waters o the Dead Sea. Ten head to
Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls
were discovered. onight, have dinner in
the historic American Colony Hotel.
King David Jerusalem Hotel B L D
APR 10:Jerusalem/Amman, Jordan
Explore Herodiums ascinating ortress
BOE)FSPET5PNC*O#FUIMFIFNWJTJU
the Church o the Nativity, resting over
UIFDBWFXIFSFJUJTUIPVHIU+FTVTXBT
CPSO"FSMVODIESJWFWJBUIF"MMFOCZ
#SJEHFUP"NNBO+PSEBO
Four Seasons Hotel Amman B L D
APR 11:Ammanr&YQMPSF+FSBTI
known as the Pompeii o the Middle
East or its well-preserved Roman
ruins; the grooves o chariot wheels are
still visible in the cobbled streets. At the
Roman Army and Chariot Experience,
watch a demonstration o Roman army
XBSGBSFUFDIOJRVFTJTBFSOPPO
USBWFMUPUIFUIDFOUVSZ"MKPVO$BTUMF
GPSBTQMFOEJEWJFXPGUIF+PSEBO7BMMFZ
Four Seasons Hotel Amman B LAPR 12:Amman/Madaba/
Wadi Rum/Petra r"ENJSFUIFWJFXT
rom Mount Nebo, a place o pilgrimage,
and then head to Madaba, known or
JUTTQFDUBDVMBS#Z[BOUJOFBOE6NBZZBE
mosaics, including the amous sixth-
DFOUVSZNPTBJDNBQPG+FSVTBMFNBOE
UIF)PMZ-BOE$POUJOVFUP8BEJ3VN
where . E. Lawrence (o Arabia) lived
XJUI#FEPVJOBMMJFTEVSJOH8PSME8BS*
Mvenpick Resort Petra B LAPR 13: Petrar4QFOEUIFEBZ
exploring the rose-red city o Petra,
sculpted rom a mountain range by the
/BCBUBFBOTJOUIFUIJSEDFOUVSZ#$
Visit the reasury, the emple o the
8JOHFE-JPOTBOEPUIFSSVJOTJT
evening, savor an unorgettable private
candlelit dinner in the mountain-carved
DJUZPG"M#FJEIBi-JUUMF1FUSBuBT
musicians play classical Arabic music.
Mvenpick Resort Petra B L D
APR 14: Petra/Amman r3FUVSOUP
"NNBOGPSBOBFSOPPOBUMFJTVSF
Four Seasons Hotel Amman B
APR 15: Amman/ USA or Canada
#PBSEZPVSJHIUB
Tel Aviv
Tiberias
Jerusalem
Dead Sea
Sea of Galilee
Amman
Petra
ISRAEL
AFI;8E
LEGEND ROAD
Allenby Bridge
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Travel aboard luxurious RovosRail, beginning in Pretoria,
the administrative capitalof South Africa. Journey
through diamond country, pastbougainvillea-lined streets
to Namibias sky-high desertdunes. Visit national parks
teeming with game, and endyour journey on the mysteriousSkeleton Coast off the Atlantic
Ocean in Swakopmund.
MAY 1 2: USA or Canada/
Johannesburg, South Africar%FQBSU
POBOPWFSOJHIUJHIUUP+PIBOOFTCVSH
6OUJMHPMEXBTEJTDPWFSFEJO
+PIBOOFTCVSHXBTBOVOUPVDIFE
savannah. oday it is the economic
and industrial center o South Arica.
Troughout your journey, your our
Director ony, who is also a proessional
photographer, oers tips or capturing
your memories in photographs.
Te Westcli
MAY 3:Johannesburgr%JTDPWFSUIF
origins o man when you visit the CradlePG)VNBOLJOEB6/&4$08PSME
Heritage Site nestled in the peaceul
Sterkontein rural valley. It is the worlds
richest hominid site, dating rom the
early Stone Age. Have lunch here and
SFUVSOUPZPVSIPUFMMBUFUIJTBFSOPPO
Tis evening, gather or a welcome
dinner o a usion o exotic favors in a
chic, modern Arican setting.
Te Westcli B L D
Jg\e[j\m\ee`^_kj`e
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MAY 4:Johannesburg/Rovos Rail
Spend the morning exploring
+PIBOOFTCVSH%SJWFUISPVHI4PXFUPB
town amous in the era o apartheid.
Te township was established as a
result o the segregation practices and
laws that designated where Arican,
black and Indian people could andcould not live. Continue to the
Apartheid Museum, which takes a
moving look at the historical journey
PGUIF4PVUI"GSJDBOQFPQMF"FS
lunch in Pretoria, step aboard Rovos
Rails luxury train, the Pride o Arica,
en route to Kimberley. Established
JO3PWPT3BJMIBTFBSOFEBO
international reputation or its world-
class travel experiences. Rohan Vos, a
successul auto parts business owner,
was always obsessed with mechanical
things. Tanks to a Magaliesberg train
trip or business suppliers, his riends
passion or trains and the work done
by the Railway Preservation Society in
8JUCBOL7PTBUUFOEFEBOBVDUJPOUP
buy a coach or two, restore them and
hitch them to a South Arican Railways
train as a amily caravan. He bought
several coaches, had them rebuilt andeventually decided to run a vintage
train as a business venture. Vos let his
imagination go, and the result was an
elegantly restored locomotive and seven
carriages that set o or a rst voyage
to the Eastern ransvaal. wo decades
later, Rovos Rail continues to preserve
railway history and oers a ascinating
journey. Settle on board and see how
the classic, wood-paneled coaches with
their traditional urnishings and elegant
period dcor impart the ambience o a
bygone era. As you travel, you may wish
to go to the observation cars and watch
the stunning scenery rom the enlarged
windows and open-air balconies. Later,
reshen up in your suite beore having
dinner in the pillared Victorian dining
car. Rovos Rail B L D
MAY 5:Kimberleyr8IFOHPMEXBT
EJTDPWFSFEPOUIF8JUXBUFSTSBOE
JOBOE3IPEFTBOE%F#FFST
consolidated the diamond industry two
years later, Kimberleys wealth ebbed
away and never returned. Explore the
charming town that remains relatively
untouched, mainly due to the continued
QSFTFODFPG%F#FFSTUIFXPSMETMBSHFTU
specialist diamond distributor. Visit theDiamond Museum and the display o
historical memorabilia housed next to
UIFi#JH)PMFuUIFMBSHFTUNBONBEF
excavation in the world. Tis site was
originally a small hill, but once the
prospectors began their urious digging
or gold and diamonds, it became a
GPPUEFFQIPMFXJUIBQFSJNFUFSPG
one mile. Rovos Rail B L D
MAY 6: Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Cross the border into Namibia, a
country about hal the size o Alaska and
renowned or the haunting beauty o its
stark, diverse landscapes. Tis is a land
PGNBOZGBDFTJODMVEJOHTIJJOHEVOFT
the fat plains and sandy riverbeds o the
desert region; the high central plateau;
as well as the shallow Etosha pan, which
is one o the worlds most splendid game
parks. Although Namibia is the most
sparsely populated country in the world,JUCPBTUTBSJDICMFOEPGEJFSFOU
ethnic groups. Arrive in Holoog and
disembark or an excursion in the
Fish River Canyon, second only to the
Grand Canyon in geological importance
because o its size and diversity o
wildlie. Te river fows intermittently,
but there is always water in some o the
pools, as long as there is no extremedrought in the region. Large-mouth
yellowsh, sharp-tooth catsh and the
water monitor lizard can be ound here.
You may spot baboon, rock dassie,
ground squirrel or klipspringer in the
canyon, as well as leopard and mountain
zebra. Rovos Rail B L D
MAY 7: Windhoek/Otjiwarongo
"SSJWFJO8JOEIPFLBCFBVUJGVMBSFB
lled with high, rocky hills covered
with acacia trees. Stop to visit the
ransNamib Museum, a national railway
and transport museum located in the
colonial main train station building in
the heart o the city. Learn about the
history o the railway system in German
southwest Arica and in Namibia when
you peruse artiacts rom train stations
throughout Namibia. Embark on a
city tour and then pause or lunch at
the Okapuka Game Lodge. Go on anBFSOPPOHBNFESJWFJOUIJTMPWFMZBSFB
Elephant in Namibias Etosha National Park
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Hot-air balloon over the Namib Desert
o gently rolling plains and bushland
savannah. It is home to a large variety o
birds and mammals, including antelope,
zebra, girae, rhino and crocodile. Later,
reboard Rovos Rail. Rovos Rail B L D
MAY 8:Etosha National Park
Disembark and head to your ve-star
chalet-styled lodge, located in unspoiledOBUVSBMCVTIMBOEJTBFSOPPOTFBSDI
or game on a drive in Etosha National
Park. Te area consists o saline desert,
savannah and woodlands and is one
PG"GSJDBTMBSHFTUQBSLT#FGPSFEJOOFS
there is time to take a dip in the pool,
have a drink in the lounge or visit the
lodges new spa and gym.
Kempinski Mokuti Lodge B L D
MAY 9: Etosha National Parkr"O
early-morning game drive ocuses on the
Etosha Pan, a vast, shallow depression
PGBQQSPYJNBUFMZTRVBSFNJMFT
For most o the year, its dry, fat, salt-
encrusted surace shimmers in the heat,
creating a mirage o the parks wild
animals that appear to foat in dream-
like pools. Search or some o the parks
resident mammal and bird species,
including the rare and endangered black
rhino, black-aced impala, Europeanbee eater, the migratory lappet-aced
and white-backed vulture, pearl-spotted
and white-aced owl, and nightjar. Later,
rejoin the train in sumeb or lunch and
BSFMBYJOHBFSOPPO"TUIFUSBJOMFBWFT
sumeb, admire the colorul jacarandas
and bougainvillea that line the streets.
Rovos Rail B L D
MAY 10:Swakopmundr"SSJWFJO
Swakopmund, the capital o Namibia,and transer to your hotel, built in and
around the impeccably restored old
station building and within walking
distance o the town center just
two blocks rom the beach. You are
welcomed with a champagne toast
on the beach and lunch at the hotel.
"FSXBSEUIFSFJTUJNFUPSFMBYBENJSF
the beautiul setting and reshen up
beore setting out to visit the local
township. Swakopmund Hotel and
Entertainment Center B L
MAY 11: Swakopmundr#PBSEQSJWBUF
DIBSUFSCPBUTBU8BMWJT#BZ:BDIU$MVC
or a scenic trip through the harbor
BOEBDSPTTUP1FMJDBO1PJOU8BUDIBT
schools o dolphin escort you and play
BMPOHTJEFUIFCPBUT8JUOFTTUIFMBSHF
seal colony o Pelican Point, and be
on the lookout or some large Cape
ur seal that may attempt to join youon your boat. Te coastline is home
UPTPNF$BQFGVSTFBMXJUI
SFTJEJOHPO1FMJDBO1PJOU*GZPV
are lucky, you may see an occasional
whale, as well as pelican, famingo
and cormorant. Disembark near the
lighthouse and head to an old shipwreck
or a beach barbecue o resh and grilled
oysters, mussels and traditional meats.
Te oysters are cultured locally andhave been rated as some o the best
JOUIFXPSME"FSMVODISFUVSOUP
ZPVSIPUFMGPSBOBFSOPPOBUMFJTVSF
onight, gather or a gala arewell
dinner in the desert. As you arrive, you
are welcomed by the sounds o Arican
drums echoing through the canyon.
orch fames rise in brilliant spirals
against the black sky, and the light
bounces o the desert sands. ables
draped in linen are lit by a myriad o
candles that refect the canyon walls.
As you dine on a delicious dinner,
settle back and enjoy the rhythmic
background music provided by a
marimba band. Swakopmund Hotel and
Entertainment Center B L D
MAY 12: Swakopmund/
Johannesburg, South Africa/USA or
Canada r'MZUP+PIBOOFTCVSHXIFSF
you connect with your internationaldeparture fight. B
Pretoria
Kimberley
Holoog
Windhoek
Swakopmund
Otjiwarongo
Tsumeb
Johannesbu
E8D@9@8
SOUTHAFRICALEGENDAIR ROAD
TRAIN
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Believing gold in South Africa would appear as obviously as
it had in California and Australia, the first prospectors didnot understand the geology of the region and so made slow
progress. The gold-bearing reefs, with fine flecks of gold
rather than large nuggets, outcropped slightly on the surface
and then plunged below the earth at an angle, sloping inward
toward the center. The prospectors didnt realize they were
hovering above the richest gold the world has ever known:
the Witwatersrand Basin.
Almost a year later, in 1886, it was a man named George
Harrison who found the reef outcropping on a farm wh en hewas digging stone to help a widow build her house. Harr ison,
who had searched for gold in Australia, recognized the whit e
pebbles sandwiched together as a gold-bearing formation
known as banket and thought, if crushed, it might yield an
ounce or two of gold from every ton of ore.
Harrison never became rich from his discovery, even though
it yielded the worlds largest gold deposits. In fact, within a
short time he gave up his discoverers rights for a mere 10
pounds. This was because the reefs, varying in thicknessfrom a tenth of an inch to 100 feet, were in most cases
covered by thousands of feet of hard rock. Mining required
a great deal of money, along with strong engineering skills.
Although Harrisons find brought swarms of prospectors, it
was only those with capital who could afford to dig, leaving
the diamond men of Kimberley in control ... and wealthy.
In contrast to the U.S., South Africas gold rush never really
ended. Today, the country is still one of the worlds leading
gold producers, and the Witwatersrand Basin, the heartof South Africas gold mining operations for more than
100 years, remains the worlds largest untapped source
of gold. It has already yielded more than 41,000 tons of
the precious metal over a third of all the gold produced
throughout history.
SOUTH AFRICASGOLD RUSH
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36/444 A K M A R C O P O L O . C O M 8 6 6 2 5 2 3 8 3 6
Discover Perus rich history incolonial Lima and ride horses,
go fishing and master thenative cuisine of the Colca
Canyon. Then cruise themighty Amazon River and its
tributaries on a journey fewhave experienced, observing
the tropical flora and faunaand abundant assortment of
vibrantly colored birds and
native wildlife that call it home.
MAR 10: USA or Canada/Lima, Peru
Arrive this evening in Lima, the Cityo Kings, where you are transerred to
your hotel. Miraores Park Hotel
MAR 11:Limar"FSBNPSOJOHBU
leisure, have a welcome lunch at the
Hacienda Santa Rosa, the private home
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watch their Peruvian Paso horses
demonstrate their high-stepping and
comortable gait. Ten embark on a
city tour that begins at Plaza Mayor, the
original site on which Lima was ounded.
Continue to the historic Cathedral, see
the soldiers guarding the PresidentialPalace and walk to the church o San
Francisco. Miraores Park Hotel B L D
MAR 12 13:Lima/Arequipa/Colca
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are met and driven along a scenic route
to the Colca Valley, the worlds deepest
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the activity o your choice, including
sport shing, bird watching, bicycling,
painting, cooking and horseback riding.
Las Casitas del Colca B L D
Watch an exclusive demonstration of Peruvian Paso horses at a private hacienda=`j_#ZpZc\fii`[\_fij\YXZbk_ifl^_k_\jklee`e :fcZX:XepfeJ\XiZ_]figXiifk#jcfk_Xe[dfeb\pXjpflZil`j\Xcfe^k_\8dXqfeI`m\iD\\kn`k_Y`fcf^`jkj]ifdk_\DXeXk\\I\jZl\:\ek\i`e@hl`kfj
March 10 - 19, 2011 | 10 days | Tour Director Diana Hidalgo
Condors, Canyons & the AmazonWITH OPTIONAL MACHU PICCHU EXTENSION
A graceful condor flying over Colca Valley
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37/44 35
MV Aqua leisurely cruising the Amazon River
MAR 14:$PMDB"SFRVJQB-JNBrTe
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you fy rom Arequipa to Lima.
Miraores Park Hotel B
MAR 15: Lima/Iquitos/Amazon River
Visit the Larco Herrera Museum,
containing the largest private collectiono pre-Columbian art in the world.
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Nautas main whar to board your luxury
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Peruvian dinner, you may wish to enjoy
a nightcap on the Upper Deck. Immerse
yoursel in Perus history, culture and
wildlie during the next our days as you
cruise along the mighty Amazon in an
adventure that ew have experienced.
MV Aqua B L DMAR 16:Amazon River/Yanallpa River
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water stream, part o the vast Amazon
fooded orest. Your guides teach you
about the rainorest and its dynamic
lie as you explore what scientists call a
gallery orest that creates a tunnel o
leaves because o its narrow vegetation.
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fuy monk saki monkey that ollow
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embark on a journey through the
Mirrored Forest, where towering
trees are refected in the black-water
river. Spot parrot, blue-yellow macaw,
a variety o primates and sloth enjoying
nature, unaected by human presence.
En route to Aqua, look or caiman, rog
and shing bat. MV Aqua B L D
MAR 17:Amazon River/Hatum Posa
Laker$SVJTFUIFTIPSFTPG)BUVN
Posa, a beautiul and intricate ox-bow
lake. As you ollow its shores, watch
or monkeys and birds, including tern,
neo-tropic cormorant, egret, heron,
hawk and horned screamer. Ten takethe ski into other black-water lakes
in the fooded orest that are linked to
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and visit native subsistence armers
who show you how they cultivate wild
plants and trees to earn arm income.
Deep in the primary orest, your guides
point out the wealth o ruit trees and
medicinal plants hidden in the jungle.
Ten board the skis or a trip along
the Pacaya River to observe the activityo the rainorest animals. Listen or
the warning signals made by howler
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night alls, use special fashlights to
locate nocturnal creatures sending their
shrill calls across the tree tops.
MV Aqua B L D
MAR 18:"NB[PO3JWFSr#BDLPOUIF
river as the sun rises, you see a treasure
trove o wildlie, including parrot,
macaw, toucan and many kinds o
monkey. Ten visit a popular dolphin
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hand at shing in Carocurahuayte Lake,
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tropical sh as well as the carnivorous
piranha. Continue to Iquitos or your
arewell dinner. MV Aqua B L D
MAR 19:Amazon/Iquitos/Lima/
USA or CanadarFFYDVSTJPOTUIJT
morning depend on the water level o
the river. You may have the chance to
visit the lively riverside community
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actually foat on the river during certainmonths. Stroll through the bustling
ood market that serves the entire
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Iquitos, accessible only by river or air.
Tis vivacious town, complete with a
house built by Gustave Eiel, was once
a rich center o the rubber industry. En
route, visit the Manatee Rescue Center
and learn how the manatee are cared
or in preparation or their return to
UIFXJME+PJOCJPMPHJTUTXIPEJTDVTTthe project and its eorts to aid these
helpless mammals. Finally, stop at the
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Later, fy to Lima to connect with
your international departure fight or
continue to Cusco. B L
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO
MACHU PICCHU
MAR 19 23, 2011 r'MZUP$VTDPthe ormer ancient capital o the Inca
Empire. Explore the city, the ruins o
Sacsayhuaman and the Incan shrine
o Qenqo. ravel by Vistadome train
to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu
IquitosAmazon
Rive
Nauta
Lima
Colca Canyon
Arequipa
PERU
LEGENDAIR ROAD
CRUISE
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38/446 A K M A R C O P O L O . C O M 8 6 6 2 5 2 3 8 3 6
Within Ecuadors borders,discover a wealth of vibrant
indigenous cultures, colonialarchitecture, otherworldly
volcanic landscapes anddense rainforest. Visit
charming villages that bask inthe shadows of mountainous
peaks and meet the localpeople, who welcome you
with their proud spirit.
JUN 16: USA or Canada/
Quito, Ecuador r"SSJWFJO2VJUPB
6/&4$08PSME)FSJUBHF4JUFXJUIHSBOE
colonial houses, a labyrinth o narrow
streets and ornate churches with altars
adorned in gold lea. Hotel Plaza Grande
JUN 17:Quitor+PJOBDPMPOJBMBSUTBOE
history specialist or a morning tour o
Quito, stopping in the Old own. At La
Merced Church, view a collection o
oil paintings by artist Victor Mideros
and see its convent, amous or the
seven bells adorning its central tower.
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proessor, and visit her gallery where themost important artists in the country
exhibit their work. Tis evening, attend
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Nacional eatro Sucre building.
Hotel Plaza Grande B L D
JUN 18:Quito/Cotopaxi/Quito
Follow the Avenue o the Volcanoes
to Cotopaxi, one o the tallest active
volcanoes in the world. Continue to
igua, an artists colony known or
colorul paintings that depict rural
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39/44 3
Shopping for hammocks at the Otavalo market
village lie. Observe amilies living
a traditional lie, herding sheep and
llama and cultivating a variety o
potatoes and grains. Pause or lunch at
a local hacienda built on original Incan
grounds. Hotel Plaza Grande B L
JUN 19:Quito/Cuencar'MZUP
Cuenca; its rich colonial architecture
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Site status. Visit the blue-domed
cathedral, a neo-Gothic structure that
dominates the skyline. Explore the
Caari ruins at Pumapungo; then head
to the ethnographic museum and the
Conceptas Museum, which houses a
ne collection o religious art. Stop at
the renowned Panama Hat Factory, a
amily business that has produced the
worlds nest toquilla straw hats or ve
generations. Mansin Alczar B LJUN 20: Cuenca/Gualaceo/Cuenca
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villages around Cuenca, including the
ceramic workshop o Eduardo Vega.
As you leave the villages, enter a world
o tranquility, with green rolling hills
sparsely accented with armhouses and
cows. Have lunch at a local hacienda;
then return to Cuenca or time at leisure.
Mansin Alczar B L
JUN 21:Cuenca/Quito/Zuletar3FUVSOto Quito by air; then drive through
dramatic mountain landscapes dotted
with tiny villages to Cochasqui, a
ceremonial site at the oot o Mojanda
Mountain. See the burial pyramid
and mounds made ocangahua (local
volcanic material) that belonged to
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Hacienda La Compaia or lunch and
a tour o the chapel, gardens and rose
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hacienda hotel i