Historical

Angkor Watt

“If we are always arriving and departing, it is also true that we are eternally anchored. One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.”– Henry Miller


The history of a country can be seen through its landscapes and architecture and is the driving force of making the country what it is today. By visiting forts, monuments and temple ruins you can see the fortresses which a region used to protect itself with and learn about its heroes to who the people pay homage. Histororical tours tell the story of the land and of its people.

Sample Itineraries:

Sacred Bhutan–Thimphu Tsechu Festival (9 days)

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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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Silk Route to Bukhara (25 days)

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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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Rwanda Gorilla Tracking & Safari

Gorilla Trek

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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Discover Ethiopia

Lily & kids, Ethiopia

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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World Heritage Colombia (15 days)

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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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Discover the Mayans (18 days)

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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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China’s Great Silk Road (13 days)

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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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Eternal Italy (14 days)

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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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World Heritage Bolivia (14 days)

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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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Thai Elephant Festival (6 Days)

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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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The Art of Persia (17 days)

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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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Discover Peru with Amazon Cruise (16 Days)

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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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World Heritage Ecuador ( 10 days)

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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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Majestic Kerala (8 days)

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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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Indonesia Art & Culture (16 days)

Borobudur Temple, Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia.

(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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China Tour with Bill Altaffer

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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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Delightful Tuscany

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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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Ghandi’s India (22 days)

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Revered in India as the “Father of the Nation,” Mohandas K. Gandhi is a worldwide icon of non-violent political resistance. Gandhi was born in India, studied law in England, and then spent 20 years defending the rights of immigrants in South Africa. He returned to India in 1914,  becoming the leader of the Indian National [...]

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Historical Cambodia

Cambodia, Angkor Wat, Main Templev

The Khmer Empire, now known as Cambodia, was one of the most powerful empires in Southeast Asia. On this tour you visit Khmer temples, architecture and historical monuments. Along with colonial architecture you explore Angkor Wat which is the best preserved example of Khmer architecture. Hundreds of other temples have been discovered in and around [...]

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Rockin’ & Rollin’ England

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Music is universal and creates its own history. Rockin’ & Rollin’ England is an odyssey back to the 60’s. Medieval attractions are intertwined with your music adventure beginning in London with the Beatles and exploring area influences on those iconic bands to follow considered as the “British Beat”. Admire Royal Albert Hall before embarking travelling [...]

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Discover Italy

Lemons chilis Amalfi, Italy

The name “Italy” conjures up images of ancient ruins , Ben Hur, Mount Vesuvius and the buried city of Pompeii. It is a country with diverse landscape and perseverance. Walk narrow paths overlooking seaside cliffs, taste the fruits of the land and learn Italian cooking firsthand from Mamma Agata. Explore the Blue Grotto in Capri [...]

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Voyages to Antiquity: The Minoan Civilization (15 days)

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The Minoan Civilization cruise to Greece (Athens, Crete) Malta and Sicily offers you the opportunity to visit some of the greatest sites of antiquity and enjoy some much needed sunshine after the long winter. Climate played a large part in the development of the great classical civilizations: the short, mild winters and long, warm summers [...]

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Pilgrimage to Sikkim

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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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Discover Colombia

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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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Discover Egypt (11 days)

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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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Discover Cuba

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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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Didn’t find what you’re looking for?

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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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