Cultural
“It is good that the journey is slow and awkward; you lose, you have to, all sense of time and urgency, all calculation, all sense of past and future.”– Andrew Harvey, A Journey in Ladakh
Cultural journeys allow us to visit a country’s places of worship, museums which house artifacts from ancient times and simply be in those towns or villages which indigenous people exist. These explorations show us how others begin and end their day and how families perform daily tasks. A cultural adventure allows us to participate with the locals and better understand other people.
Magical and mystical is the elusive Snow Leopard which is predominately found in Asia. It is rated high on the endangered species list with 500 said to remain in Nepal. On this adventurous trek, you walk in the steps of Peter Matthiessen, author of The Snow Leopard, along the Bheri River, on to Ring-mo, and [...]
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(Held annually January) Popularly known as the Land of Festivals because of the countless festivals that take place year round, Myanmar is still a country for discovering remote tribes. Festivals are closely intertwined with Buddhism centering around a spiritual focus of gratefulness and prayer for good over evil. Each January the Naga ethnic tribe’s New [...]
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New Dates To Be Announced Celebrate India with Beatle’s friend & photographer, Paul Saltzman! No one describes this cultural tour of India better than Paul: “Long ago, I realized that if I could only visit one country during the rest of my life it would be—India. It is many, many cultures—an amazing fusion of modern [...]
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In 2002 the Haa Valley, also known as the “Hidden-Land Rice Valley”, was opened to foreign tourism, although its tourist resources remain largely undeveloped compared with Paro, Thimphu, and Bumthang districts. On this tour you explore this steep north-south valley with a narrow floor where contrary to its name only some rice is grown the [...]
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(Departure Fridays – June to October) Have your own “Out of Africa” adventure beginning in Nairobi with a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum. Take a guided tour of her house, which features rooms designed in both the original decor and with props from the 1985 film. Combine culture and conservation with a visit to [...]
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This is a small group tour escorted by Teri, herself, who has been a Tibetan Buddhist practitioner and student of comparative religion for the past 30 years. (Departure June & July) Pilgrimage is a journey to an inspirational location and can be a metaphorical journey in to someone’s own beliefs. Any place can become a [...]
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Experience one of the world’s most exciting celebrations in the world, Venice Carnival. This annual Italian festival ends with Lent, forty days before Easter on Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday (Martedi Grasso), the day before Ash Wednesday. Masks have always been a key feature of this festival. Traditionally they were made in leather, porcelain or [...]
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This is a small group tour escorted by Teri, herself, who has been a Tibetan Buddhist practitioner and student of comparative religion for the past 30 years. Dates: September 11 – September 19, 2013 Space is limited This pilgrimage is meant for those persons who seek inner solace through Buddhist values and philosophy. You will [...]
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Picture Myanmar gives you a chance to take photos of sunrises over pagodas, colonial architecture and street markets. Visit mountains and learn to use natural lighting to shoot outdoor landscapes. Photograph cottage industries and local artisans. Begin in Yangon ad continue onward tosee the unique Golden Rock Take pictures from a hot air balloon over Bagan [...]
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Mongolia is home to numerous ethnic groups including the Tsaatans or the Reindeer People. Now there are only 400 Tsaatan people in Mongolia and they inhabit the remotest but amazing beautiful mountain taigas. The Tsaatan love their nomadic lifestyle of “breeding reindeer and sleeping in huts”. This tour offers an outstanding introduction to this diverse, [...]
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In the movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, seven English seniors experience changes in their lives which result in their coincidental departure to be the first guests at the wonderful new Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a hotel “for the elderly and beautiful” located in Jaipur. On this tour you visit the cities and buildings used [...]
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Myanmar translates as union of many people with 135 nations living together in an area twice as large as any European country, yet leaving plenty of remote land to explore. Bordering on five countries -Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand – Myanmar takes its influences from all. Land of Temples, Land of Festivals and Land [...]
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A cultural tour of China, Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan The Silk Road was probably the most important development in human history, which brought close trading and subsequently cultural contacts between the east and the west. Silk Road to Bukhara traces the Silk Road from the place where it started in Xian and the follows its caravan [...]
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This tour is ideal for those wishing to discover the traditional Siamese architecture, atmospheric waterways and unspoiled natural scenery of Thailand. Step back in time as you embark on this journey that takes you out of bustling Bangkok into the rustic central Thai provinces. Begin your journey into old Siam with a short train ride [...]
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(Annually August – September ) Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, has royal white sand beaches offering a variety of activities fit for a king. Kite boarding, martial arts, trekking, diving, golf and winetasting are just a few suggestions of what you can do. Now you can also be a part of one of Thailand’s most [...]
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Fabulous short-term and long-term rentals of furnished apartments in select Paris neighbourhoods. From modern pied a terres with designer furnishings to grand historical buildings with Louis XIV tapestries – our goal is to ensure that you find accommodations that perfectly suit your vision of the luxury experience. Luxury apartments at affordable prices! All properties are [...]
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Departure June 15 – June 26, 2014 This tour, led by the distinguished Dr. Barry Levine, is a rare chance to get to know Rwanda and Masai Mara. Mountain gorillas and stunning volcanic scenes are the attractions that make Rwanda a prime destination to visit for you seasoned travelers wanting a once in a lifetime [...]
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Bhutan’s weaving of beautiful textiles is one its most important forms of art both traditionally and spiritually. Knowledge and skills have been passed down generations to generations. The weaving tools used are still handmade and the raw materials natural. On this journey, you have the rare opportunity to compare different aspects of Bhutanese textiles including [...]
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Photography is about choosing and capturing moments to remember and share in a creative way. Every moment in this itinerary has been precisely crafted through the personal experience of a Bhutanese photographer to create a unique experience in Bhutan for fellow photographers visiting this remote and magical land. Places you visit on this tour have [...]
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Ethiopia, a landlocked country located in the Horn of Africa, has a history dating back to prehistoric times and it is this country’s ancient history which makes Ethiopia one of the most fascinating travel destinations today. See “Lucy”, the 3.5 million year old hominid that has ever been found. Visit the church which is said [...]
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(Departure September, October – annually) The Only Jazz Extravaganza in the Himalayas! Music and art allows us to learn about other cultures through its people’s observations, beliefs and self- expression. By exploring the world of music and art you also discover mankind’s fascination with portraying life through various medias as diverse as life’s experience itself. [...]
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We Do More Than Asia (Departure September – May) ***This is a small group tour*** Amalfi & Rome is a unique chance to explore 2 regions of Italy in a small group tour. From the spectacular Amalfi coastline to ancient Rome, you enjoy vistas from high cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian, visit the ascetic town of [...]
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A cultural tour of Colombia (Departure every Tuesday) Colombia has come alive again and invites you to visit. This journey not only covers the most important historical sites but the scenic sites of this fascinating South American country as well. A rich insight into the cultures and panoramas of Colombia are the main focus of [...]
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India is the birth place of four of the world’s major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Throughout its history, religion has been an important part of the India’s culture. Religious diversity and religious tolerance are both established in the country by law and custom. This tour embraces the path of Buddha and other religious [...]
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(Departure September) Strung along the foot of the Alps, for millennia the lakes have been a gateway to the color and life of the Mediterranean world for the pilgrims, traders and armies who marched across the Alps on foot. The walks on the tour follow these same routes, ancient stone paths that wind above the [...]
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Phi Ta Khon, also known as the Ghost Festival, is held in Dan Sai, a north central region of Thailand bordering on Laos. The events take place over three days and the actual date is chosen by the town’s mystics according to the lunar calendar. A spiritual Buddhist festival, Phi Ta Khon is taken from [...]
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(Departures Spring & Fall) Note: Partial proceeds aid Himalayan Healers Organization Journey to the mystical country of Nepal and embark on a sojourn of this enchanted country. After exploring Kathmandu Valley, fly to Lukla to begin your spa trekking trip. Spend the mornings trekking with an experienced team of local guides and Sherpas, and stay [...]
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Departures through December 20, 2013 Lying between Java and Lombok is one of Indonesia’s most beautiful islands, Bali. Boasting pristine beaches with panoramic views and stunning mountain areas with lush green tiered rice fields, Bali has culture as well as its natural assets. Mostly Hindu, religion is closely interwoven with its art and ritual. With [...]
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This tour is a cultural mix of volcanic beauty, ancient Mayan ruins, sparkling Caribbean beaches and colorful colonial towns. Traveling from Mexico’s famous beachside city, Cancun, to the idyllic shores of Playa del Carmen, this trip combines anitquity with adventure. Experience an official new Wonder of the World, Chichen Itza, in Mexico and learn Mayan [...]
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(Departures: June – October) One of the world’s great trade routes, the exotic Silk Road has captured the imagination of many, stirring visions of a wondrous and far-off land. Bring the adventure to life on this incredible journey. Experience the rich convergence of cultures and religions as you travel from Xian to Kashgar, passing countless [...]
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(Departures September & October) Italy is eternal. Rome, the capital of Italy, has for centuries been a political and religious center of Western civilization as the capital of the Roman Empire and site of the Holy See but Italy’s history dates back much farther than that. Etruscan culture developed in Italy around 800 BC and [...]
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Departures: 20 March 2013 / 01 May 2013 / 26 June 2013 / 25 September 2013 Moroccan cuisine is extremely refined, due to Morocco’s exchanges with other cultures over the centuries and includes Berber, Moorish, and Arab influences. Morocco produces a large range of Mediterranean fruits and vegetables and flavorings include lemon pickle, cold-pressed, unrefined [...]
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Departures May, June, and September of each year. Walking the Camino or the Way of St. James has existed for over a thousand years. This trip was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during medieval times, together with Rome and Jerusalem, and a pilgrimage route on which absolution for sins was earned. Legend says [...]
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A cultural tour of Bolivia (Departure daily) High up in the Andes is landlocked Bolivia, the Tibet of the Americas. Explore the cultural wealth of the country, as it has the highest concentration of indigenous people, who to this day maintain their traditional ways and beliefs. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the [...]
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(Departure November) Since 1960, this Elephant Festival or Surin Elephant Round-up takes place on the third weekend of November in Thailand’s Surin province, Isan. Traditionally the people of Surin were excellent at capturing elephants then training them as working animals. The event consists of a series of shows displaying the strength and skill of the [...]
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We Do More Than Asia (Departure daily) Persia, or Iran, is home to one of the richest artistic traditions in world history and has many disciplines, including architecture, painting, weaving, pottery, calligraphy, metalworking and stonemasonry. Carpet-weaving is one of the most well known and distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art, and dates back to [...]
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(Departure April – December) No trip can be more exciting than one which includes history, culture, adventure and transport by rail and by cruise. This concise tour to Peru is for the adventurous at heart who wishes to still travel at a comfort level. Explore the colonial heritage of Peru’s capital, Lima, before embarking on [...]
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Explore the lushness of Ecuador on foot, by bus, boat, canoe, zipline, raft and yacht in this active adventure tour. With more than 1600 species of birds, plus 38 more in the Galapagos, 106 endemic reptiles, 138 endemic amphibians, and 6,000 species of butterfly, it is paradise for nature lovers. Explore colonial Quito and shop [...]
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We Do More Than Asia (Departure September – May) ***This is a small group tour*** Step back in time to the Middle Ages and Renaissance period and explore the culture, history, art and architecture of 3 main cities in Italy. Rome’s antiquity can be seen in its Coliseum and Roman Forum. Vatican City tells about [...]
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A cultural tour of Ecuador (Departures Sep, Oct & Nov) Geographically Ecuador is a small country yet uniquely endowed with a dramatic topography and a variety of climatic zones, vegetation, birds and wildlife. Without ever leaving the country, the traveller can move in a matter of hours from jungle-rainforest to the high slopes of the [...]
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(Departures May 1 – September 30) The Arabian Sea and the Malabar Coast of India have conjured up magical tales since early days of civilization. So you can see why a journey to Kerala, the state in which this area lies, is on many traveler’s “not to be missed” list. Discover Cochin’s diverse culture of [...]
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(Departures September – March) The Indonesian archipelago has been an important trade region since at least the 7th century, when world travelers brought culture, art, religious beliefs and cuisine to the islands. Today, you too, can experience days gone by on this tour. Explore Buddhist monasteries with their many bas relief panels along with Hindu [...]
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We do more Than Asia Departures March – November Sip Argentina’s trademark wine on a vineyard tour near Mendoza, Admire the dramatic scenery of Chile’s Lakes District, Sample tasty local delicacies in Bariloche, Discover the elegance and charm of Buenos Aires. Best of Chile & Argentina is a concise tour of great food, salsa dancing, [...]
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Departure August 23 to September 7, 2013 On this amazing tour of China we visit the magnificent Longmen Caves. Leaders of the Northern Wei dynasty (420-589 AD) moved their capital to Luoyang in 493, and began carving out the Longmen Caves in the hills along both sides of the Yi River. The caves and niches [...]
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Django Reinhardt was a pioneering jazz guitarist and composer who invented an entirely new style of jazz guitar technique called ‘hot’ jazz guitar that has since become traditional music within the Belgian gypsy culture. He co-founded the Quintette du Hot Club de France with violinist Stéphane Grappelli, described by critic Thom Jurek as “one of [...]
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This is a small group tour Discover the diverse wonders of Indochina. On this journey explore three unique countries, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, each more magical than the last. Traverse this emerging region for an authentic Asian experience. You’ll welcome the comfort and convenience of flights between major cities, allowing you extra time to delve [...]
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Peru borders Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast and Chile to the south. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west. The Andes Mountains run parallel to the Pacific Ocean and define the three regions traditionally used to describe the country geographically. The costa (coast), to the west, [...]
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(Departures January – November) This small group tour reveals the treasures of Laos through its history, scenery and gracious people. Spend the night in a remote eco lodge as you cruise slowly down the Mekong, stopping at a sacred cave and hilltribe village. Explore the temples of fabled Luang Prabang and join the locals in [...]
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(Departures January – November) Little-visited Southern Laos is a hidden treasure, which reveals temples and mountains, the endangered Irrawaddy River Dolphin, as well as the idyllic 4,000 Islands, a great contrast with touring in Luang Prabang and the north. Visit the Bolaven Plateau at an elevation of 4400 feet. The plateau is crossed by several [...]
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We Do more Than Asia (Departures February – November) This is an Intrepid journey, Discovery Style Be charmed by the romantic aura of Venice city , Ride a cable car to a hilltop basilica in Gubbio, Experience Umbria’s religious heart on a visit to Assisi, Hike Mt Vesuvius, Take in sun and sea on the [...]
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(Departure Tuesday mornings, April – October Delightful Tuscany is a private journey through Tuscany that takes you to small, easily missed villages in the Chianti and Tuscan countryside. You home base at a quaint bed & breakfast near Panzano and are driven on day trips learning about the area’s history, discovering colorful markets, eat the [...]
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Journey to India’s Eastern Himalayan foothills and explore where some of the world’s finest tea is grown. In Darjeeling see tea plantations rolling down Himalayan foothills and visit a tea factory to learn how the tea leaves are processed. Visit Chakpori and learn about Tibetan medicine. Explore the surrounding area on the Toy Train. Journey [...]
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If it is the thrill of adventure you are wanting, Thailand is your destination. In the city of Bangkok, you can easily take a boat, a cycle or a tuk tuk (motor rickshaw) if you wish to bypass the traditional modes of transit such as a car, bus or taxi. Outside of Bangkok especially in [...]
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The Newars, the indigenous inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley, are best known for their fine craftsmanship of metalworking and sculpturing. They are also known for their architecture which you see visiting Patan, the largest Newar town in the Valley. The Newars religion is both Buddhist and Hindu and is reflected in their temples such as [...]
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The Bhutias are the landowners and the aristicrats of Sikkim. Their ancestors migrated from Bhutan through Tibet. Their culture is very much like Tibetan in that they practice Tibetan Buddhism, momos and noodles are a large part of their daily diet and the women wear the long dress called Bhaku similar to the Tibetan chuba. Men [...]
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Visiting Tibet is like entering another world. Tucked away in the Himalaya on the world’s highest plateau, it is a country that has held much mystic for years. In fact, some areas in the Northwestern region are so remote that they still remain uninhabited today. For travelers, Tibet is one of the most fascinating destinations [...]
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(Departure November) Colorful festivals are very much part of life in Bhutan and the festivities held to celebrate the annual return of the black-necked cranes to the Phobjikha Valley from their summer breeding grounds high on the Tibetan plateau are ones not to be missed. Held annually on November 12, this “welcome” festival for the [...]
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Vibrant and rich, the culture of Thailand is unlike no other. It’s not surprising since Thailand is the only country in its proximity which has never been colonized. The Thai people are devout Buddhists and there are reminders at every turn in the city of Bangkok adorned with its many golden temples or “wats”. City [...]
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Asian elephants and their mahouts are a distinct feature of Thailand’s amazing culture as is its wats (temples), longtail boats, klongs (canals), northern hill tribes and white sand islands. Embark upon your adventure with a brief stay in Bangkok before heading north to ancient Ayutthaya viewing ruins and elephant riding. Explore Chiang Rai’s unusual temples [...]
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Discover the mysterious countries which make up Indochina. Fertile river plains and paddy fields, interesting temples Hmong villages along with a visit to the Plain of Jars, a megalithic archaeological landscape, give you an insight into Laos. Cyclo through Hanoi’s old quarter, embark on a Halong Bay cruise, visit the Forbidden City, Hue, relax on [...]
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France had its bohemians who spent their time living avante garde and America had its Beats. The original Beat Generation, or Beat writers, were a core group of close friends who met in a neighborhood near Columbia University in the mid 1940’s. A San Francisco migration extended their group consciousness. In 1962 Allen Ginsberg and [...]
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(Departure June – September) Note: Departure with Naadam is in June/July Mongolia is a wild and rugged land with sweeping grassy plains and alpine mountains. Few tourists get the opportunity to travel to Mongolia, and even fewer can boast spending Naadam festival away from the Ulaan Baatar crowds. Start your adventure in Beijing to see [...]
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Nestled in India’s northeast corner in the foothills of the great Himalayas bordering Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan are the small jewels of Darjeeling and Sikkim. Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, some of the world’s finest tea and the origin of many legends and religious beliefs make this part of the region mystical and magical and not [...]
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Colombia has changed and now is the time to discover this best kept secret South America. Discover Colombia takes you on an adventure to Bogota, Zipaquira, Villa de Leyva, Medellin and Cartagena. Explore the bustling capital city of Bogota from its spectacular views of the Andean mountains to its myriad of interesting streets in La [...]
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Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar is known throughout the world as the Golden Land because of its many golden temples which adorn its countryside. Golden Myanmar takes you on an unforgettable journey through this mysterious land rich with culture which lives in its many songs and folktales. It is said that the map of the [...]
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Explore North Ireland’s treasures on this chauffeur driven tour. See burial grounds older than the pyramids and County Down, home of St. Patrick. Visit Newcastle, nestled under the Mourne mountains. Embark on an Antrim Coast adventure, walking a rope bridge to see the stunning coastline. Visit Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, the world’s oldest distillery. Tour the [...]
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(Departures April & May) The mystical Himalayas have seduced travelers for many years. Free your spirit of adventure and explore this unique region. Explore Delhi and its spectacular sites and head to the cooler climes of the mountains and Shimla, enjoying a heritage walk. Visit Manali, with its forests, streams and colorful markets. Experience charming [...]
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Ask about Cinque Terre, Venice, Verona, Puglia, Tuscany, Sicily and Provence Walking Tours The Amalfi Coast is only an hour’s drive south of Naples but is one of the most spectacular parts of the Mediterranean, with mountains rising dramatically to almost 1500 metres above the prisitne sea. The whitewashed houses of the villages are strung [...]
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(Departures July & August) This cultural tour of India starts in Delhi and Amritsar, before trekking to one of the most beautiful valleys of the mighty Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers, which is one of India’s geographical regions where diverse civilizations and cultures flourish. The Valley of Flowers is a high-altitude Himalayan valley that has [...]
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Egyptian culture was among the earliest civilizations. Egypt’s capital city, Cairo, is Africa’s largest city and has been known for centuries as a center of learning, culture and commerce. The Greek historian Herodotus wrote “Egypt was the gift of the Nile”. On this privately guided tour you will explore Egypt’s marvels and bear witness to [...]
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(Departures from April – December) On this discovery tour of Cuba you will have people-to-people activities and cultural exchanges, including discussions with locals, visits with artists, musical performances, and more. You will explore Trinidad, one of the best preserved cities in the Caribbean, with a local historian. Hear traditional Cuban music at the Museo de [...]
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Not all of our tours are listed. Call us to discuss your travel plans 415-331-3791 We’re like you — curious when we hear about a culture or a place and crave to see it for ourselves. That’s what we do. We satisfy your curiosity through genuine cultural and environmental interactions. We arrange private and small [...]
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Tour Guides, San Francisco, CA