The Craft World Tours Destinations 2006:Himalayan Heights

Myanmar (Burma): temples, pagodas & timeless ways

with Prof. Tom Muir Wilson and Aye Aye Steinhardt
19 DAYS JANUARY 18 – FEBRUARY 5, 2006

Introduction
Myanmar is a land of spontaneous smiles, gold-plated stupas, and monks in burgundy-colored robes. Our journey visits Inle Lake, known for its unique leg rowers and villages built on stilts. We also explore Mandalay, an important center for traditional crafts, and Bagan, a vast archaeological site. We have carefully chosen private sector colleagues who depend heavily on tourism for their livelihood. Whatever small interaction we can have with the villages and craftspeople is vital for keeping doors open.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Wed, Jan 18: Early afternoon departure from Los Angeles for our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Thu, Jan 19: Crossing the International Date Line, we lose a day. Late night arrival in Bangkok, and overnight at the airport hotel. BANGKOK—AMARI AIRPORT HOTEL
Day 3 Fri, Jan 20: Breakfast on your own. Early morning we return to the airport for our Thai Airways flight to Yangon (Rangoon), capital of Myanmar (Burma). En route to our hotel we’ll stop to see the National Museum. Late afternoon visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda with its gold-plated stupa and magical atmosphere. Welcoming dinner this evening. YANGON—GRAND PLAZA PARKROYAL HOTEL (L,D)
Day 4 Sat, Jan 21: Morning sightseeing of Yangon, including the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha. Afternoon visit to small nearby village handcraft workshops: a mother-of-pearl workshop and a family workshop making paper umbrellas. Sunset boat cruise. YANGON—GRAND PLAZA PARKROYAL HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 5 Sun, Jan 22: Mid-day flight to Heho in the hilly north and drive to Inle Lake located in the Shan states. As we drive through the countryside we’ll stop to see how the houses on stilts are constructed with walls woven of split bamboo strips in patterns of diamonds, twills, zig-zags. INLE LAKE—HU PIN HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 6 Mon, Jan 23: Travel by flat-bottomed boat to explore lakeshore villages built on stilts where cottage industries of weaving and cotton dyeing can still be seen. We’ll see life along the lake with floating gardens and the unique “leg-rowers,” fishermen who utilize their legs for rowing to free their hands for fishing. INLE LAKE—HU PIN HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 7 Tue, Jan 24: Descending through the hilly countryside, we drive to the hillstation of Kalaw, en route visiting Pindaya Caves with thousands of Buddha images stored in limestone caves over the centuries. KALAW—KALAW HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 8 Wed, Jan 25: Wednesday we fly to Mandalay, an important center of traditional crafts. MANDALAY—EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 9 Thu, Jan 26: Visit a puppet factory, a tapestry “kalaga” workshop, and a handwoven silk workshop. MANDALAY—EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 10 Fri, Jan 27: Visit a papier-mâché village, woodcarving & stone carving, a bronze foundry, and a pottery village. MANDALAY—EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 11 Sat, Jan 28: Visit sequin-makers, bamboo & rice straw papermakers… and see the making of gold-leaf. Explore Zegyo Market, as well as important pagodas and monasteries, Kyauktawgyi Temple and Mandalay Hill. Excursion by boat to Mingun to see the unfinished King Bodawpaya Pagoda. One evening a puppet show in Mandalay. MANDALAY—EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 12 Sun, Jan 29: Sunday we board the Pandaw 1947 Riverboat for a magnificent two-night journey on the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to Bagan. Relax and take in the rich and varied river life and magnificent scenery. PANDAW 1947 RIVERBOAT (B,L,D)
Day 13 Mon, Jan 30: Along our way we’ll stop to visit a pottery village. Overnights on the riverboat in private air-conditioned cabins. PANDAW 1947 RIVERBOAT (B,L,D)
Day 14 Tue, Jan 31: Morning arrival in Bagan, former capital of Burma from the 2nd century AD until 1287… an overwhelming complex of ancient temples and shrines, many of which are still in use. Begin exploring the ruins of this vast archaeological site. BAGAN—BAGAN HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 15 Wed, Feb 1: Visit Ananda Temple and Shwe Zigon Stupa, as well as the archaeological museum. BAGAN—BAGAN HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 16 Thu, Feb 2: Explore small villages producing oxcarts, baskets, pottery, lacquerware and “cheroots”. Late afternoon horse-drawn cart ride to view the sunset from one of the temples followed by a puppet show. BAGAN—BAGAN HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 17 Fri, Feb 3: Morning flight to Yangon. Visit Bogyoke Market with time for photographing and shopping. Farewell dinner this evening. YANGON—GRAND PLAZA PARKROYAL HOTEL (B,D)
Day 18 Sat, Feb 4: This morning we return to the airport for our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. BANGKOK—AMARI AIRPORT HOTEL (B)
Day 19 Sun, Feb 5: Early morning Thai Airways flight to Los Angeles. (In-flight meals)

Puebla & Oaxaca: folk art & living traditions

with Prof. Tom Muir Wilson and Florencio Moreno
14 DAYS MARCH 6 – 19, 2006

Introduction
Our journey travels from Mexico City to Puebla and through the Sierra Madre mountains to Oaxaca. This region provides a moderate climate year-round with daytime temperatures in the 70s-80s. In addition to visiting historic colonial districts, our days are filled with excursions to visit weekly markets and meet folk potters, ceramic artists, rug weavers, embroiderers, woodcarvers, and blacksmiths. We also explore important archaeological sites like the Great Pyramid near Cholula, Mitla, and Monte Alban.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Mon, March 6: Arrival in Mexico City by independent air arrangements. Take the convenient walkway to our airport hotel. Dinner on your own. MEXICO CITY—CAMINO REAL AIRPORT HOTEL
Day 2 Tue, March 7: After breakfast we drive southeast to the colonial city of Puebla, located at 7100 feet. Light lunch in our hotel which is located very close to the zócalo (main plaza). Late afternoon walking orientation of the main highlights in the historic district before our welcoming dinner. PUEBLA—HOTEL POSADA SAN PEDRO (B,L,D)
Day 3 Wed, March 8: This morning we visit the colorful market at Cholula, continuing afterwards to the Great Pyramid archaeological site. After lunch we drive through the valley to visit the unique baroque jewels of Santa Maria Tonanzintla and San Francisco Acatepec. Return to Puebla, dinner on your own. PUEBLA—HOTEL POSADA SAN PEDRO (B,L)
Day 4 Thu, March 9: Thursday morning visit to the beautiful Amparo Museum before driving to the village of Izucar de Matamoros to meet the renowned tree-of-life ceramic artist Alfonso Castillo and his family where we will also be hosted for lunch. Dinner on your own. PUEBLA—HOTEL POSADA SAN PEDRO (B,L)
Day 5 Fri, March 10: Friday morning walk to the nearby ex-convent of Santa Rosa to see the wonderful talavera kitchen as well as the State of Puebla’s Folk Art Museum. Continue to the village of San Pablo Del Monte to visit a family workshop producing the Spanish-influenced talavera pottery. After lunch we return to Puebla, with late afternoon walk to El Parian craft market. Dinner on your own. PUEBLA—HOTEL POSADA SAN PEDRO (B,L)
Day 6 Sat, March 11: After breakfast we depart for our drive through the Sierra Madre mountains to Oaxaca. Along our way we stop to visit the Mixtec Indian village of Coixtlahuaca where we will be hosted for a barbeque lunch by a local family. Continue to Oaxaca, located in a valley at about 5000 feet. Early evening we’ll walk to the zócalo for dinner. OAXACA—HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L,D)
Day 7 Sun, March 12: This morning’s excursion takes us through the East Valley to the small Zapotec site of Lambityeco. Visit Tlacolula’s ethnic market where glimpses of traditional dress and headwear of the Zapotec women can be seen. Continue to Teotitlan del Valle, famous for beeswax candles and beautiful handspun, natural-dyed, handwoven rugs. We will be hosted for lunch by a family of weavers and treated to a special ethnic meal. Return to Oaxaca, dinner on your own. OAXACA—HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L)
Day 8 Mon, March 13: Monday morning walking orientation sightseeing of colonial Oaxaca to include the Santo Domingo Church and the State Regional Museum located in the beautifully restored former Dominican monastery. After lunch we’ll walk to one of Oaxaca’s oldest colonial neighborhoods to visit an artisan creating tin ornaments, as well as a small family workshop weaving cotton bedspreads and cotton table linens. Dinner on your own. OAXACA—HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L)
Day 9 Tue, March 14: Tuesday’s excursion takes us to the South Valley, to the village of San Antonio to meet a family making embroidered clothing. Continue to Ocotlan to visit the workshop of the Aguilar brothers, blacksmiths forging knives and other items. We’ll stop to see the studio of the late Rodolfo Morales before our lunch in the convent he restored. After lunch we visit the famed Aguilar sisters who make colorful folk pottery. Lastly we stop at the black pottery village of Coyotepec to see a family workshop. Dinner on your own. OAXACA—HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L)
Day 10 Wed, March 15: Morning excursion to the Etla weekly market, followed by a visit to a handmade paper workshop in the nearby countryside. After lunch, continue to the village of Atzompa to meet with Angelica Vasquez, a ceramic artist who uses natural colors of clay. Return to Oaxaca and attend a folkdance performance this evening. OAXACA—HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L)
Day 11 Thu, March 16: Morning excursion into the South Valley to the Tlapanochestli Cochineal farm. Continue to the village of Santo Tomas Jalieza to meet families weaving with cotton on traditional backstrap looms. From here we travel to San Martin Tilcajete to visit the famed woodcarvers and enjoy lunch hosted by a family of woodcarvers. OAXACA—HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L)
Day 12 Fri, March 17: This morning we travel further into the East Valley to visit the archaeological site of Mitla. Stop at a small family workshop to see the old method of making mezcal with a donkey-driven wheel. Evening excursion to Oaxaca’s Observatory for a talk on Astroarchaeology followed by a traditional taco dinner. OAXACA—HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,D)
Day 13 Sat, March 18: Morning excursion to the mountaintop archaeological site of Monte Alban which flourished for more than 1200 years. The afternoon is yours for independent exploring, relaxing or shopping. This evening brings us together for our special farewell dinner. OAXACA—HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,D)
Day 14 Sun, March 19: Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport is provided for your independent return flight home. (B)

MICHOACÁN: handwork of Michoacán’s highlands

with Prof. Tom Muir Wilson and Miguel Angel Nunez
12 DAYS MARCH 22 – APRIL 2, 2006

Introduction
Our journey explores the diversity of handcrafts and folk arts in the pine-forested mountains of Michoacán. The indigenous crafts were recognized and preserved by Bishop Don Vasco de Quiroga in the 1530s. We visit woodworkers, ceramic artists, backstrap weavers, basket makers, and copper workers who still preserve much of their pre-Hispanic roots. Our guide Miguel, an anthropologist, enhances our program with his knowledge of traditional and contemporary handcrafts.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Wed, March 22: Arrival in Mexico City by independent air arrangements. MEXICO CITY—CAMINO REAL AIRPORT HOTEL
Day 2 Thu, March 23: Depart by private bus for Zinapecuaro to visit unique pottery workshops. Continue to Morelia, a UNESCO Cultural Patrimony site. MORELIA—HOTEL DE LA SOLEDAD (B,L,D)
Day 3-7 Fri-Tue, March 24-28: (Specific daily details not fully listed.)
Day 8 Wed, March 29: Wednesday morning excursion around the shores of Lake Patzcuaro to Tzintzuntzan, former capital of the Purepecha nation. Visit the archaeological zone, St. Francis Monastery, a family ceramic workshop, and a unique embroidery cooperative. PATZCUARO—POSADA LA BASILICA (B,L)
Day 9 Thu, March 30: Thursday morning excursion to Santa Clara del Cobre to visit the Copper Museum and local copper workshops. The copperwork produced here is unique as it is made from chunks of recycled copper. Lunch overlooking Lake Zirahuen. PATZCUARO—POSADA LA BASILICA (B,L)
Day 10 Fri, March 31: Friday is market day in Pátzcuaro… this morning we walk to the ceramics market. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner, with a performance of the “Dance of the Old Men”. PATZCUARO—POSADA LA BASILICA (B,D)
Day 11 Sat, April 1: Morning departure for our return drive to Mexico City, with lunch along the way. MEXICO CITY—CAMINO REAL AIRPORT HOTEL (B,L)
Day 12 Sun, April 2: Breakfast at the hotel. Take the convenient walkway back to the airport for check-in for your independent return flight home. (B)

TURKEY: Anatolian Culture & Folkways

with Prof. Tom Muir Wilson and Resat Suthan
24 DAYS APRIL 27 – MAY 21, 2006

Introduction
Our overland journey through Turkey explores the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and traditional villages that have not changed for centuries. We meet with craftspeople in their workshops to see how they work and live. Our national guide, Resat Suthan, provides outstanding knowledge from his 18 years of experience guiding special travel programs.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Fri, April 28: Evening departure from JFK New York for our Austrian Airlines flight to Istanbul.. connection in Vienna, Meal served on the transatlantic flight.
Day 2 Sat, April 29: Late afternoon arrival in Istanbul, and transfer to our hotel located in Old Istanbul within walking distance of Aya Sofya. Welcoming dinner this evening. ISTANBUL—ARCADIA HOTEL (old city) (D)
Day 3 Sun, April 30: Morning walking sightseeing of Old Istanbul… Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque, the Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts. After lunch, visit Topkapi Palace. Dinner on your own. ISTANBUL—ARCADIA HOTEL (old city) (B,L)
Day 4 Mon, May 1: Monday morning flight to Van in eastern Turkey, with an afternoon walking tour of Van. VAN—HOTEL BUYUK (B,L,D)
Day 5 Tue, May 2: Tuesday a full day’s trip into the countryside to Dogubeyazit to visit the 18th century palace of Isak Pasa. If the day is clear you will be able to see magnificent Mt. Ararat. VAN—HOTEL BUYUK (B,L,D)
Day 6 Wed, May 3: Wednesday morning excursion by small boat to visit Akdamar Island to see the 10th century Armenian church with its ornate carvings. Drive into the countryside to visit a traditional village. Visit Van’s small ethnographic museum, with time this afternoon to explore the local market for kilims and carpets. VAN—HOTEL BUYUK (B,L,D)
Day 7 Thu, May 4: On Thursday a full day overland journey to Sanliurta (Urfa), situated in the ancient land of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers. We’ll make spontaneous stops for photographing the vast and beautiful countryside. URFA—HOTEL HARRAN (B,L,D)
Day 8 Fri, May 5: Friday we visit the labyrinth of Urfa’s bazaar where traditional craftsmen ply their trades as their fathers before them, a glimpse of traditional Turkish life. Afternoon excursion to the Harran plain to see the bee-hive shaped dwellings. URFA—HOTEL HARRAN (B,L,D)
Day 9 Sat, May 6: Departure for Nemrut Dagi, impressive mountaintop sanctuary of King Antiochus I, reminder of the small kingdom of Commagene of the Upper Euphrates 2000 years ago. ADIYAMAN—HOTEL ZEUS (B,L,D)
Day 10 Sun, May 7: Sunday a full day’s drive to Cappadocia. URGUP—hotel to be advised (B,L,D)
Day 11 Mon, May 8: Exploring Cappadocia, region of fantastic cone-shaped formations where early Christians dug homes into the volcanic tuff. Visit Goreme Valley with homes and Byzantine churches hollowed out of the volcanic cones. URGUP—hotel to be advised (B,L,D)
Day 12 Tue, May 9: Visit the underground city of Ozkonak.. all protected as an open-air museum. Visit the home of a carpetweaver… and a pottery workshop. URGUP—hotel to be advised (B,L,D)
Day 13 Wed, May 10: Wednesday departure for Konya, one of Turkey’s oldest continuously inhabited sites and former capital of the Seljuk Turkish Empire. KONYA—SELCUK HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 14 Thu, May 11: Thursday sightseeing of Konya’s historic center. the Buyuk Karatay Medresse with its impressive collection of ceramics and Turkish tiles… the Ethnography Museum, the Ince Minare Museum with its elaborate portal door… and the Melana Museum, former dervish monastery. Visit traditional workshops in the old bazaar, with time to explore the bazaar & carpet shops. KONYA—SELCUK HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 15 Fri, May 12: Departure for Pamukkale, mineral springs around which the ancient Roman spa of Hieropolis was built. PAMUKKALE—RICHMOND HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 16 Sat, May 13: Saturday an early departure for Kusadasi on the Aegean coast. On our way we’ll stop to see the archaeological ruins of Aphrodisias. KUSADASI—HOTEL DERECI (B,L,D)
Day 17 Sun, May 14: Sunday morning excursion to the marble ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved, most famous cities of antiquity. And visit the traditional old village of Sirince. KUSADASI—HOTEL DERECI (B,L,D)
Day 18 Mon, May 15: Our overland journey continues to Ayvalik, stopping to visit Bergama’s Monday market and the site of Pergamum. AYVALIK—HALIC PARK HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 19 Tue, May 16: Tuesday we continue to Bursa, along our way visiting a traditional village to see old Turkish architecture. BURSA—KENT HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 20 Wed, May 17: Wednesday sightseeing of Bursa including the Green Mosque, Green Tomb, Great Mosque, and Ethnographic Museum. Time to explore the Covered Bazaar. BURSA—KENT HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 21 Thu, May 18: We take the ferryboat across the Sea of Marmara, continuing by bus to Istanbul. ISTANBUL—ARCADIA HOTEL (B,L)
Day 22 Fri, May 19: This morning we explore the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner. ISTANBUL—ARCADIA HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 23 Sat, May 20: After breakfast transfer to the airport for our Austrian Airlines flight to Vienna. VIENNA—NH AIRPORT HOTEL (B)
Day 24 Sun, May 21: This morning we return to the airport for our Austrian Airlines return flight to JFK New York. (In-flight meal)

CAUCASUS: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

with Raisa Gareeva & Tom Muir Wilson
18 DAYS MAY 21 – JUNE 7, 2006

Introduction
We explore the rich ethnic diversity and geographic beauty of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. Our journey travels from Baku on the Caspian Sea, overland to a restored caravanserai in Sheki, and through the ancient Caucasus Mountains. Throughout the trip, we meet with contemporary craftsmen and women in their studios—including rug weavers, metalsmiths, dollmakers, and silk factory workers—many of whom have applied traditional heritage to contemporary work.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Sun, May 21: Evening departure from JFK New York for Baku via Austrian Airlines.
Day 2 Mon, May 22: Morning arrival in Vienna with rooms at the airport hotel before our late-night flight to Baku.
Day 3 Tue, May 23: Early Tuesday morning arrival in Baku, capital city of AZERBAIJAN. Transfer to our hotel for immediate check-in and rest. After lunch, sightseeing of Baku. BAKU—ABSHERON HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 4 Wed, May 24: Wednesday morning visit to see the Carpet Museum’s outstanding collection. Meet a dollmaker and visit the small workshop of a traditional musical instrument maker. Visit a carpet factory that utilizes natural dyes. BAKU—ABSHERON HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 5 Thu, May 25: Thursday morning we drive into the countryside to a traditional village on the Absheron peninsula. After lunch, return to Baku for free time to explore the medieval maze of narrow streets & shops of the Old City. BAKU—ABSHERON HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 6 Fri, May 26: Friday excursion to the Petroglyphs. Evening dinner with folklore performance in a caravanserai. BAKU—ABSHERON HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 7 Sat, May 27: Saturday morning departure for our drive to Sheki, through the low, rolling Caucasus mountains. Stop to visit the Grand Mosque in Shamakha. SHEKI—CARAVANSARAY HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 8 Sun, May 28: Sunday morning visit to Sheki’s Market before we visit the beautifully restored Palace Museum and the stained glass workshop. Afternoon visits with a needle-punch embroiderer, a woodworker and a blockprinter. SHEKI—CARAVANSARAY HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 9 Mon, May 29: Monday morning visit to Sheki’s silk factory before departure for Tbilisi, capital city of GEORGIA. TBILISI—VARAZI HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 10 Tue, May 30: Tuesday sightseeing of Tbilisi on the banks of the Mtkvari River. Visit the National Museum with its collection of gold, as well as the Old Town. Evening meeting with contemporary quiltmakers and a textile group. TBILISI—VARAZI HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 11 Wed, May 31: A full day excursion into the countryside to meet a basketmaker, with demonstration and lunch with her family. Afternoon meeting with a potter (jar-maker) who makes ceramic jars for wine storage. Dinner on your own. TBILISI—VARAZI HOTEL (B,L)
Day 12-13 Thu-Fri, June 1-2: (Continuing travel toward Armenia.)
Day 14 Sat, June 3: Departure for Yerevan, along our way visiting the 1st century AD pagan temple of Garni, and Geghard monastery carved from rock. Yerevan is the capital city of Armenia located in the Ararat Valley. YEREVAN—MARRIOTT ARMENIA HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 15 Sun, June 4: Meet contemporary craftsmen & women. Visit a rugweaver and painter, and fine metalsmiths. Time at the Vernisage open-air Handcraft Market. Sightseeing of Yerevan to include the Folk Art Museum and the Wood Carving Museum. Dinner on your own. YEREVAN—MARRIOTT ARMENIA HOTEL (B,L)
Day 16 Mon, June 5: Meet two woodworkers before an afternoon excursion to visit the 13th century Saghmosavank church, and for lunch with a ceramic artist. Farewell dinner this evening. YEREVAN—MARRIOTT ARMENIA HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 17 Tue, June 6: Morning visit with a dollmaker and to see the Children’s Art Museum. Afternoon & evening is yours for rest. Dinner on your own. YEREVAN—MARRIOTT ARMENIA HOTEL (B,L)
Day 18 Wed, June 7: Very early morning transfer to the airport for our AUSTRIAN Airlines return flight to JFK New York. Connection in Vienna. (B)

BULGARIA: folk traditions & monasteries

with Prof. Tom Muir Wilson
18 DAYS JULY 29 – AUGUST 15, 2006

Introduction
Our journey explores the living museum towns and traditional villages of Bulgaria. We visit “Pomak” Muslim villages where traditional lifeways are still strong and meet with weavers and knitters. Highlights include the St. Mary’s Day folk festival in Koprivshtitsa, featuring local groups in colorful traditional dress.

ITINERARY

Day 1-5 Sat-Wed, July 29-Aug 2: (Initial travel and arrival in Sofia.)
Day 6 Thu, Aug 3: Thursday we depart for the southwestern Rhodope Mountains and “Pomak” Muslim Bulgarian villages. Visit with weavers in their village to see traditional life. GOTSE DELCHEV—MALAMOVA KASHTA HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 7 Fri, Aug 4: Observe the stringing of tobacco leaves and visit the Ethnographic Museum’s collection of costumes and textiles. GOTSE DELCHEV—MALAMOVA KASHTA HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 8 Sat, Aug 5: Morning visit to meet knitters before driving through mountainous countryside to Devin. DEVIN—HOTEL DEVIN (B,L,D)
Day 9 Sun, Aug 6: Continue to Plovdiv, visiting the 11th-century Bachkovo Monastery en route. PLOVDIV—HOTEL TRIMONTIUM (B,L,D)
Day 10 Mon, Aug 7: Wander Plovdiv’s old quarter with its ancient churches and National Revival architecture. Visit a local potter, Roman ruins, and the Ethnographic Museum. PLOVDIV—HOTEL TRIMONTIUM (B,L)
Day 11 Tue, Aug 8: Drive via Shipka Pass to Veliko Turnovo. Visit a bobbin-lace maker and a watermill museum. VELIKO TURNOVO—HOTEL GURKO (B,L,D)
Day 12 Wed, Aug 9: Walking sightseeing of Veliko Turnovo and visit the craftsmen of Samovodska street. Visit Arbanassi museum houses. VELIKO TURNOVO—HOTEL GURKO (B,L)
Day 13 Thu, Aug 10: Excursion to the woodcarving center of Tryavna to visit the icon museum and stone-roofed church. VELIKO TURNOVO—HOTEL GURKO (B,L,D)
Day 14 Fri, Aug 11: Depart for Koprivshtitsa, visiting the Museum of Bulgarian Folk Crafts in Troyan en route. KOPRIVSHTITSA—HOTEL DAHLIA/KALINA (B,L,D)
Day 15 Sat, Aug 12: Orientation of Koprivshtitsa and enjoy the St. Mary’s Day folk festival with music and folk dancing. KOPRIVSHTITSA—HOTEL DAHLIA/KALINA (B,D)
Day 16 Sun, Aug 13: Morning festival activities followed by return drive to Sofia. SOFIA—RADISSON HOTEL (B,L)
Day 17 Mon, Aug 14: Leisure day in Sofia for independent exploring and farewell dinner this evening. SOFIA—RADISSON HOTEL (B,D)
Day 18 Tue, Aug 15: Early morning transfer to the airport for Austrian Airlines flight to JFK New York. (In-flight meal)

MOROCCO: medinas, souks & markets

with Prof. Tom Muir Wilson
18 DAYS OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 9, 2006

Introduction
Our journey explores the colorful medinas, bustling souks, and vibrant markets of Morocco. We focus on meeting local artisans in their workshops, including weavers, feltmakers, and coppersmiths. Highlights include the central square of Djemma El Fna where storytellers and acrobats perform for spectators.

ITINERARY

Day 1-12 Mon-Fri, Oct 23-Nov 3: (Initial journey through the High Atlas and desert regions.)
Day 13 Sat, Nov 4: Explore the medina and handcraft workshops of Essaouira, famous for its woodworkers, and visit the bustling waterfront to see the fort and the fishing boats. Dinner on your own. ESSAOUIRA—HOTEL DES ILES (B,L)
Day 14 Sun, Nov 5: Today we drive to the Imperial City of Marrakech. MARRAKECH—HOTEL ES SAADI (B,L,D)
Day 15 Mon, Nov 6: This morning we explore colorful back alleyways of the bustling medina with its multitude of fascinating souks… weavers, feltmakers, coppersmiths and blacksmiths. Visit the central square of Djemma El Fna, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Gardens, and the Museum of Moroccan Art. Dinner on your own. MARRAKECH—HOTEL ES SAADI (B,L)
Day 16 Tue, Nov 7: Morning visit to the Craft School. Lunch on your own, with the afternoon yours for independent exploring. Farewell dinner this evening. MARRAKECH—HOTEL ES SAADI (B,D)
Day 17 Wed, Nov 8: Drive to Casablanca… on arrival we’ll stop to see the new mosque before lunch at a fish restaurant on the harbor. Dinner on your own. CASABLANCA—HOTEL FARAH (B,L)
Day 18 Thu, Nov 9: Morning transfer to the airport for our Royal Air Maroc flight to JFK New York. (In-flight meal)

Winter Traditions of Romania and the Maramures Winter Festival

with Tom & Sherry Wilson
18 DAYS DECEMBER 16, 2006 – JANUARY 2, 2007

Introduction
The remote mountainous regions of Bucovina and Maramures are truly living ethnographic museums. Between Christmas and the New Year, days are filled with activities intended as a good omen, including dances with masks that are remnants of pagan processions. One of the organized festivities is the Maramures Winter Festival where villages are represented by men, women & children in traditional dress singing and dancing.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Sat, Dec 16: Early evening departure from JFK New York for our AUSTRIAN Airlines flight to Bucharest, Romania… connection in Vienna. Meal served on the transatlantic flight.
Day 2 Sun, Dec 17: Late afternoon arrival in Bucharest, capital city of Romania. Welcoming dinner this evening. BUCHAREST—LIDO HOTEL (D)
Day 3 Mon, Dec 18: A full day of sightseeing Bucharest’s historical buildings and churches, and exploring the backstreets of the old town center. Dinner on your own. BUCHAREST—LIDO HOTEL (B,L)
Day 4 Tue, Dec 19: Morning visit to the Peasant Museum, a wonderful collection of traditional handcrafts, ceramics, textiles and folk arts. Mid-day departure for our drive through the Carpathian Mountains into southern Transylvania, visiting Bran Castle before continuing to Brasov. BRASOV—ARO PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 5 Wed, Dec 20: Morning walking tour of Old Brasov, an ancient Transylvanian city which has retained its medieval quality. Lunch in a mountain restaurant before our late afternoon visit with a master woodcarver. Dinner on your own. BRASOV—ARO PALACE HOTEL (B,L)
Day 6 Thu, Dec 21: Continue northeast through the Carpathians to Piatra Neamt, stopping to photograph the villages & countryside along our way. PIATRA NEAMT—HOTEL CEAHLAUL (B,L,D)
Day 7 Fri, Dec 22: Friday we continue across the mountains to Romania’s northeastern province of Moldavia, also called Bucovina, region of painted monasteries. Along our way we’ll stop to visit mask-maker and folk artist Nicolae Popa. CAMPULUNG MOLDOVENSC—HOTEL ZIMBRUL (B,L,D)
Day 8 Sat, Dec 23: Saturday we’ll explore the countryside & villages and visit the painted monasteries of Bucovina, unique as the churches are painted inside & out with marvelous frescoes. CAMPULUNG MOLDOVENSC—HOTEL ZIMBRUL (B,L,D)
Day 9 Sun, Dec 24: Visit a family of eggpainters, as well as ethnographic collections. Sunday evening we enjoy Christmas Eve celebrations, caroling children & dinner in a nearby village. CAMPULUNG MOLDOVENSC—HOTEL ZIMBRUL (B,L,D)
Day 10 Mon, Dec 25: Continue our journey west through beautiful mountainous countryside into Transylvania’s traditional region of Maramures. Arrive for Christmas Day lunch in Botiza village. SIGHETU MARMATIEI—PERLA SIGHETEANA MOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 11 Tue, Dec 26: For our days in Maramures, we’ll explore the countryside and villages, making spontaneous stops for visiting friends, photographing, and to take in village festivities. Throughout Maramures we’ll see old log homes still in use, ornately carved wooden gates, and wooden churches. SIGHETU MARMATIEI—PERLA SIGHETEANA MOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 12 Wed, Dec 27: Today is the Maramures Winter Festival held annually in Sighetu Marmatiei. The day is yours for wandering, exploring & photographing the festivities. By late morning there is a loosely organized parade with many villages represented by men, women & children in traditional dress singing and dancing. In the late afternoon a folk performance. SIGHETU MARMATIEI—PERLA SIGHETEANA MOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 13 Thu, Dec 28: Visit the Merry Cemetery before we depart Maramures, driving south to the university town of Cluj. Dinner in a folk restaurant. CLUJ—VICTORIA HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 14 Fri, Dec 29: Brief sightseeing of Cluj before we continue our drive to Sibiu in southern Transylvania. Along our way we’ll stop at Saliste village to visit a felt hat workshop and an old water-powered gristmill before lunch with our hatmaker friend and his family. SIBIU—HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D)
Day 15 Sat, Dec 30: Brief visit to the daily market in the lower town before our drive into the countryside to meet with one of our weaver friends in Avrig village. Lunch in a mountain restaurant. SIBIU—HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D)
Day 16 Sun, Dec 31: Morning walking sightseeing of the Old Town of Sibiu… the old city walls, the 15th & 16th century town squares, the medieval staircase leading to the lower town. We continue to picturesque Sibiel village to see a treasured collection of old icons painted on glass. The rest of the afternoon to rest. This evening a New Year’s Eve celebration in Sibiu, where we will welcome in the year 2007! SIBIU—HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D)
Day 17 Mon, Jan 1: Some time to sleep in before our mid-morning departure for our drive south to Bucharest, dinner on your own. BUCHAREST—CONFORT INN AIRPORT HOTEL (B,L)
Day 18 Tue, Jan 2: Transfer to the airport for our AUSTRIAN Airlines return flight to JFK New York… connection in Vienna. Meal served on the transatlantic flight. (B)

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