marco polo club invitational programs luxury travel

7/27/2019 Marco Polo Club Invitational Programs Luxury Travel

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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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5/44 3

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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10/44

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.


11/44

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.


13/44

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.


14/442 A K M A R C O P O L O . C O M 8 6 6 2 5 2 3 8 3 6

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

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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

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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.

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January 21 February 3, 2011 | 14 Days | Tour Director Vikram Singh

Temples, Palaces &the Spectacle of Indias Orissa


15/44

JAN 24: Kolkata/Bhubaneswar r&BSMZ

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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

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temples that exempliy the richness o

its architecture rom the third century

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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

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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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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

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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.

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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.

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shops selling Hyderabadi embedded

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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

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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


17/44 15

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


18/446 A K M A R C O P O L O . C O M 8 6 6 2 5 2 3 8 3 6

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

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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

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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

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February 10 23, 2011 | 14 days | Tour Director Bill Hurst

Laos & Myanmar Rediscovered


19/44 17

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

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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

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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

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stupa (shrine). Te original pagoda was

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hit rom an Allied bomb. During thecleanup, a golden casket containing a

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to the Sule Pagoda and the bustling

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at the Kalaywa Monastery and glimpse

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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


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

UIDFOUVSZCVTJOFTTNFOTQSJWBUFDMVC

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


21/44 19

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,

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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


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


23/44 21

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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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


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

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25/44

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


26/44

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


27/44 25

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.


28/446 A K M A R C O P O L O . C O M 8 6 6 2 5 2 3 8 3 6

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


29/44 27

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


30/448 A K M A R C O P O L O . C O M 8 6 6 2 5 2 3 8 3 6

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\èXeXiZ_X\fcf^`ZXc [`^è9\`k>lmièEXk`feXcGXibJg\XbkfX?fcfZXljkjlim`mfiXkPX[MXj_\dM`j`kXnè\dXb\i]fiXkfliXe[cleZ_fm\icffbè^k_\MXcc\pf]


31/44 29

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.


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.


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


32/440 A K M A R C O P O L O . C O M 8 6 6 2 5 2 3 8 3 6

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


33/44

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


34/44A K M A R C O P O L O . C O M 8 6 6 2 5 2 3 8 3 6

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


35/44 33

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


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

PGBEJTUJOHVJTIFEGBNJMZ"FSXBSE

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

#PBSEBJHIUUP"SFRVJQBXIFSFZPV

are met and driven along a scenic route

to the Colca Valley, the worlds deepest

DBOZPO8IJMFZPVBSFIFSFFOHBHFJO

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


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

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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


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

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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


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

marco polo club invitational programs luxury travel

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