The Treasures of Myanmar (Burma)
temples, pagodas & timeless ways
with Aye Aye Hnynn & Tom Muir Wilson
21 DAYS JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 10, 2008
Join Tom on his 15th journey to Myanmar (Burma), a fascinating land stopped in time… a land of spontaneous smiles and giggles, of temples and pagodas… of incense and temple bells, of monks in burgundy-colored robes… of haunting images of temples dotting the Pagan plain overlooking the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River… of simple, village handcraft workshops. Beginning in Yangon (Rangoon) we visit the Shwedagon Pagoda with its gold-plated stupa. Flying to Heho in the hilly north we explore Inle Lake located in the Shan states, known for its unique leg-rowers and lakeshore villages built on stilts. Continue to Mandalay, an important center for traditional crafts… visit a puppet factory, tapestry “kalaga” workshop, a handwoven silk workshop, a papier mache village, woodcarving & stone carving, a bronze foundry, bamboo & rice straw papermakers, an artist who does reverse painting on glass… and see the making of gold leaf. Board the Pandaw 1947 Riverboat for a magnificent journey on the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to Bagan (Pagan), stopping to visit villages along our route. Explore the important temples of the vast archaeological site of Bagan, one of the most remarkable sites in Asia. You will find a refreshing charm and local warmth to this unique country! Outstanding photographic opportunities!
Day 1 Mon, Jan 21: Late night departure from Los Angeles for our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok.
Day 2 Tue, Jan 22: Crossing the International Date Line, we lose a day.
Day 3 Wed, Jan 23: Early morning arrival in Bangkok, connecting onwards for our Thai Airways flight to Yangon (Rangoon), former capital of Myanmar (Burma). Some time to rest after our long flight. Late afternoon visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda with its gold-plated stupa and magical atmosphere. Welcoming dinner this evening. YANGON-GRAND PLAZA PARKROYAL HOTEL (D)
Day 4 Thu, Jan 24: 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 Fri, Jan 25: 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 Sat, Jan 26: 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)
Days 7,8 Sun,Mon Jan 27,28: Explore the everyday life of the lake people, including a visit to a village of the Padaung “Long Neck” people. Visit a village of the Intha people, known for their unique method of rowing. INLE LAKE-HU PIN HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Day 9 Tue, Jan 29: 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. Visit a papermaking & umbrella workshop. KALAW-KALAW HOTEL (B,L,D)
Days 10,11,12,13 Wed, Thu, Fri,Sat Jan 30,31 Feb 1,2: Wednesday we fly to Mandalay, an important center of traditional crafts. Over the next three days we’ll visit a puppet factory, a tapestry “kalaga” workshop, a handwoven silk workshop, a papier mache village, woodcarving & stone carving, a bronze foundry, a pottery village, sequin-makers, bamboo & rice straw papermakers, an artist who does reverse painting on glass… and see the making of gold-leaf. Explore Zegyo Market, as well as important pagodas and monasteries, Kyauktawgyi Temple and Mandalay Palace. One evening a puppet show in Mandalay. MANDALAY-EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Days 14,15 Sun,Mon Feb 3,4: 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 beautiful scenery. Along our way we’ll stop to visit a pottery village. Overnights on the riverboat in private air conditioned cabins with private shower. Due to limited number of cabins, single accommodation on the riverboat may not be available. PANDAW 1947 RIVERBOAT (B,L,D daily)
Day 16 Tue, Feb 5: 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. Lunch on your own. This afternoon we begin our sightseeing of the important temples. BAGAN-BAGAN HOTEL (B,D)
Days 17,18 Wed, Thu Feb 6,7: We spend our next days touring the ruins of this vast archaeological site, considered one of the most remarkable in Asia. Visit Ananda Temple and Shwe Zigon Stupa. Explore small villages producing oxcarts, lacquerware and “cheroots”. Late afternoon horsedrawn cart ride to view the sunset from one of the temples… unforgettable views of endless temples and shrines dotting the landscape of the Pagan plain. Puppet show one evening. BAGAN-BAGAN HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Day 19 Fri, Feb 8: Morning visit to the nearby archaeological museum. Late afternoon return flight to Yangon. Dinner on your own. YANGON-PARKROYAL HOTEL
Day 20 Sat, Feb 9: Transfer to the airport for return flight. (B)
Day 21 Sun, Feb 10: Early morning arrival in Los Angeles.
Village India: Gujarat & Rajasthan
rural traditions of Village India
travel with LESLEY ROBIN
19 DAYS JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 13, 2008
Join Lesley Robin in exploring the rural life and traditions of Gujarat & Rajasthan with diverse and exciting textile visits, meeting with Master Craftsmen -tie-dyers, blockprinters, leatherworkers, double ikat weavers – and village people in their homes and workshops. Travel through a landscape of legendary forts, palaces and lively bazaars… an endless pageant of people and color! From Mumbai (Bombay) fly to Bhuj in Kutch (Gujarat) where we base ourselves for several nights and travel off the beaten track with Judy Frater, our personal guide throughout our time in Kutch… visiting desert communities that still maintain their strong traditions and culture where embroidery is a celebration of their everyday lives. Train journey to Ahmedabad to visit the Calico Museum of Textiles, and meet the Salvi family in Patan renowned for their famous “patola” (intricate double ikat). Continue overland into Rajasthan visiting tribal villages where women adorn themselves in traditional clothing & exotic silver jewelry. Stay in an old palace, and at the home of a local noble family… visit a myriad of wonderful sights, including remote Jaisalmer, described as the most perfect jewel shimmering above the hard sand like a fairytale mirage… and Jodhpur on the edge of the Thar Desert. A very personal journey through the richness of craft with wonderful photographic opportunities!
Day 1 Sat, Jan 26: Arrival in Mumbai (Bombay) by your own independent air arrangements. Our hotel is available for check-in from 12noon today. Land arrangements begin with a transfer from the airport to Hotel Taj Lands End, a luxury hotel situated close to the airport with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Meals on your own. MUMBAI (BOMBAY) – HOTEL TAJ LANDS END
Day 2 Sun, Jan 27: A day to relax and acclimatise after your long flight. You are at leisure to enjoy the hotel, or join a tour with Lesley to the center of Mumbai, with lunch at the famous Taj Mahal Hotel overlooking the Arabian Sea. MUMBAI (BOMBAY) – HOTEL TAJ LANDS END (B)
Day 3 Mon, Jan 28: Transfer to the airport for our flight to Bhuj, capital of the Kutch district of Gujarat. Upon arrival we are met by Judy Frater, author and Trustee of the Kala Raksha Trust. Judy will be our personal guide throughout our visit in Kutch. Drive to Garha Safari Lodge, situated in the countryside, our base for the next four nights… delightful traditional village hut accommodation with all modern amenities. BHUJ – GARHA SAFARI LODGE (B,L,D)
Days 4,5,6 Tue, Wed, Thu Jan 29,30,31: Over the next few days explore the area and meet with Masters of their crafts. Visit Ali Mohammed Isha at his home & workshop to see “bandhani” tie-dye. Explore the old walled city of Bhuj, a town in the making after the earthquake of January 2001, its delightful bazaar crowded with bicycles, cows and bullock carts, where small shops line the narrow winding streets with colorful clothing and embroidered textiles from outlying villages. Visit Ajrakhpur, a model of self-help among the Khatri community who are traditional block printers and dyers. Ismail Khatri, recipient of national awards for craftsmanship, will demonstrate the complex crafts of double printed “ajrakh” hand blocked cloth and traditional natural dyeing. A day in the Northern Region… visit the Kala Raksha Trust in Sumrasar village where we’ll see their collection of textiles and meet with some of the village embroiderers. Travel further north to visit various pastoral communities including the semi-nomadic Rabaris who are camel and sheep herders. Visit a village of leatherworkers. BHUJ-GARHA SAFARI LODGE (B,L,D daily)
Day 7 Fri, Feb 1: This morning we visit the Shrujan textile collection before our drive south to Mandvi, a former seaport where wooden dhows are still being constructed. Stay at the beach in luxury tents. MANDVI-MANDVI BEACH RESORT (B,L,D)
Day 8 Sat, Feb 2: Morning sightseeing of Mandvi. After lunch, transfer to the railway station for our 4:00pm train journey to Ahmedabad. Arrival at 11:30pm and transfer to our hotel. AHMEDABAD-LE MERIDIEN (B,L,D)
Days 9,10 Sun,Mon Feb 3,4: Start the day with a walk through Old Ahmedabad, meandering through the old streets and lanes with carved wooden historical buildings and local people beginning their day’s activities. Afternoon drive north to Zainabad situated on the edge of the Rann of Kutch. Overnight in simple, charming small thatched stone cottages (all with attached hot & cold showers). Late afternoon jeep safari to see the wildlife & birds of the area.. or relax in this peaceful oasis. Monday we travel by jeep to visit the encampments of the nomadic tribes, and visit a nearby village to see traditional pottery and Rabari tribal textiles. ZAINABAD- DESERT COURSERS SAFARI LODGE (B.L,D daily)
Day 11 Tue, Feb 5: Depart for the 11th century Sun Temple of Modhera and on to Patan where we visit the Salvi family, traditional weavers of “patola”, the most famous of double ikat. Continue north into the Aravalli Hills for our overnight at the Balaram Palace. PALANPUR- BALARAM PALACE RESORT (B,L,D)
Day 12 Wed, Feb 6: Morning drive into RAJASTHAN, stopping to visit tribal villages en route to Syana. We are guests of a local noble family in their home. Late afternoon stroll through the village. SYANA-SYANA GARDEN (B,L,D)
Day 13 Thu, Feb 7: Continue through the desert to the remote medieval walled city of Jaisalmer, which rises from the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. JAISALMER-HOTEL FORT RAJWADA (B,L,D)
Day 14 Fri, Feb 8: Explore Jaisalmer’s fort and its narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved yellow sandstone houses (havelis). Visit the Jain temples. Sunset visit to the cenotaphs. JAISALMER-HOTEL FORT RAJWADA (B,L,D)
Day 15 Sat, Feb 9: Drive across the desert to Jodhpur, the “Blue City”. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort. JODHPUR-HOTEL RAJPUTANA PALACE (B,L,D)
Day 16 Sun, Feb 10: Visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace and the local bazaar. JODHPUR-HOTEL RAJPUTANA PALACE (B,L,D)
Day 17 Mon, Feb 11: Transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi. Welcoming dinner this evening. DELHI-HOTEL THE CLARIDGES (B,D)
Day 18 Tue, Feb 12: Sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. Farewell dinner this evening. DELHI-HOTEL THE CLARIDGES (B,L,D)
Day 19 Wed, Feb 13: Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
Mexico: Oaxaca & Chiapas
Folk Art & Markets
with Florencio Moreno & Tom Muir Wilson
14 DAYS FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 11, 2008
Join Tom & Florencio for our journey into the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico’s southernmost state. Explore the beautiful colonial city of San Cristóbal de Las Casas and surrounding traditional villages populated by Tzotzil and Tetzal Indians, descendants of the Maya. San Cristóbal de Las Casas is located at about 7400 feet, offering a moderate climate year round with daytime temperatures in the 60s-70s and nighttime temperatures in the 50s. In addition to exploring San Cristobal’s historic colonial center and museums, our days will be filled with excursions into the countryside to visit weekly markets, traditional villages, and to meet local weavers and potters. Continue into the jungle lowlands to visit the ancient Mayan archaeological sites of Tonina and Palenque, with an excursion to Bonampak ruins to see the best-preserved Mayan murals in Mexico. Our journey ends in Villahermosa with a visit to the Olmec archaeological park La Venta.
Day 1 Wed, Feb 27: Arrival in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas by your own independent air arrangements. Land arrangements begin with a transfer from the airport to our hotel. Welcoming dinner this evening. SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LAS CASAS-HOTEL CASA MEXICANA (D)
Days 2,3,4 Thu,Fri,Sat Feb 28,29 Mar 1: Three days to explore the colonial center of San Cristóbal, including its daily market and the textile museum of the Maya World (Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya). Excursions to the nearby Tzotzil villages of Chamula and Zinacantan to see traditional life and weaving. SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LAS CASAS-HOTEL CASA MEXICANA (B,L,D daily)
Day 5 Sun, Mar 2: Morning visit to the weekly market in a nearby village. Afternoon at leisure for personal exploring. SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LAS CASAS-HOTEL CASA MEXICANA (B,L)
Day 6 Mon, Mar 3: Morning departure for our drive towards the jungle lowlands. Visit the archaeological site of Tonina, known for its massive pyramid. Continue to Palenque. PALENQUE-HOTEL CHAN-KAH RESORT VILLAGE (B,L,D)
Day 7 Tue, Mar 4: Explore the magnificent Mayan ruins of Palenque, set against the backdrop of the emerald green jungle. Visit the site museum. PALENQUE-HOTEL CHAN-KAH RESORT VILLAGE (B,L,D)
Day 8 Wed, Mar 5: Early morning excursion to the remote ruins of Bonampak to see the famous Mayan murals. Visit a nearby Lacandon village to meet the local people and see their seed beadwork. PALENQUE-HOTEL CHAN-KAH RESORT VILLAGE (B,L,D)
Day 9 Thu, Mar 6: Morning drive to Villahermosa. Visit the La Venta Park-Museum to see the colossal Olmec heads. Farewell dinner this evening. VILLAHERMOSA-HOTEL QUINTA REAL (B,L,D)
Day 10 Fri, Mar 7: Transfer to the airport for our flight to Oaxaca. Welcoming dinner. OAXACA-HOTEL VICTORIA (B,D)
Days 11,12,13 Sat,Sun,Mon Mar 8,9,10: Explore the city of Oaxaca, its colonial churches, museums, and daily markets. Excursions to craft villages such as Teotitlán del Valle (weaving) and San Bartolo Coyotepec (black pottery). Visit the ruins of Monte Albán. OAXACA-HOTEL VICTORIA (B,L,D daily)
Day 14 Tue, Mar 11: Transfer to the airport for return flight. (B)
Bazaars of Central Asia
Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan
with Raisa Gareeva & Tom Muir Wilson
22 DAYS MARCH 31 – APRIL 21, 2008
Travel in Central Asia is a bittersweet mix of old and new, with pockets of “gems” scattered throughout this region located between the Caspian Sea and Western China. Ashkhabad in Turkmenistan and Tashkent in Uzbekistan have been destroyed by earthquakes in the 20th century, so these cities are modern. Uzbekistan is by far the most diverse and exciting country… in Samarkand and Bukhara the old cities are magnificent with fabulous architecture! Textiles are plentiful… carpets, suzani embroideries, traditional dress, silk ikat, hats, felt rugs, as well as jewelry, ceramics, wood and metal. In Ferghana Valley, the small Uzbek villages of Margilan and Rishtan are home to potters, a jeweler, silk ikat weavers and a master blockprinter. Words cannot express the beauty of the historic old walled village of Khiva. Join Tom & Raisa on our 7th journey into Central Asia… come with a spirit of adventure!
Day 1 Mon, March 31: Evening departure from JFK New York for our Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, Turkey. In-flight meals.
Day 2 Tue, April 1: Morning arrival in Istanbul, and transfer to our hotel superbly located in Old Istanbul. Lunch on your own. Late afternoon walking orientation of Old Istanbul to include the Grand Bazaar. ISTANBUL-ARCADIA HOTEL (D)
Day 3 Wed, April 2: Morning Bosphorus cruise with the remainder of the day at leisure, lunch & dinner on your own. Late afternoon we return to the airport for our Turkish Airlines flight to Ashkhabad, TURKMENISTAN. ASHKHABAD-HOTEL NISSA (B)
Day 4 Thu, April 3: Very early morning arrival in Ashkhabad where we will be met by our special tour escort and friend Raisa Gareeva who will accompany us throughout our time in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The morning to rest after our overnight flight. After lunch we visit the National Museum with its collection of costumes and jewelry. Special welcoming dinner this evening. ASHKHABAD- HOTEL NISSA (B,L,D)
Day 5 Fri, April 4: Morning visit to the Carpet Museum and the local market. Our rooms are double-booked tonight to enable us to leave our main luggage behind in Ashkhabad while we take a late afternoon flight to Mary. MARY- YRSGAL HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 6 Sat, April 5: Today we explore the ruins of Merv, one of the most important cities of Islam from the 8th until the 13th century. The site consists of a series of adjacent walled towns… now disintegrating mudbrick with occasional standing structures. Visit the Mary Regional Museum located in a former merchant’s house. This afternoon Elias, our Turkmen guide, has made special arrangements for us to visit his village and to meet a family of feltmakers. Evening return flight to Ashkhabad. Dinner on your own. ASHKHABAD- HOTEL NISSA (B,L)
Day 7 Sun, April 6: This morning we visit the Tolkuchka Sunday Bazaar located on the outskirts of Ashkhabad, with the central core of the market filled with carpets and jewelry. After lunch we meet a special couple, a jewelry artisan and his wife, and their son who continues the family trade. ASHKHABAD- HOTEL NISSA (B,L,D)
Days 8,9 Mon, Tue April 7,8: Monday morning flight to Tashauz and continue by road, crossing the border to Khiva in UZBEKISTAN. Tuesday we explore the Old Town of Khiva with its narrow streets and ancient architecture with wonderful old turquoise tiles. Visit a family of woodcarvers, and a carpetweaving cooperative. Our hotel is an old medressa with a superb location within the walls of historic Khiva… basic and simple accommodation with private bath. KHIVA- MEDRESSA HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Day 10 Wed, April 9: A full day’s drive across the Kyzyl Kum Desert to Bukhara with box lunch en route. Due to limited number of rooms, single accommodation may not be available. BUKHARA-SALOM INN or ATLAS HOTEL (B,L,D)
Days 11,12 Thu, Fri April 10,11: For the next two days we explore the wonderful architecture & sights of Bukhara… the 10th century mausoleum of the Samanids, the Ark Fortress, Kalyan Minaret and Mosque, as well as the old medessas. Visit the Summer Palace with its collection of Bukharan textiles. Some time for exploring & photographing, and for shopping the old trading domes which are now daily bazaars. Textiles are plentiful… carpets, suzani embroideries, traditional dress, silk ikat, hats… as well as jewelry, ceramics wood and metal. Due to limited number of rooms, single accommodation may not be available. BUKHARA- SALOM INN or ATLAS HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Day 13 Sat, April 12: Today we continue overland to Samarkand, stopping to visit a family of potters along our way. SAMARKAND-AFROSIAB HOTEL (B,L,D)
Days 14,15,16 Sun,Mon,Tue Apr 13,14,15: Three days to explore the magnificent architecture of Samarkand… the Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, Gur-Emir Mausoleum, and Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Visit the daily market located next to the mosque. Excursion into the countryside to meet a family of paper makers. SAMARKAND-AFROSIAB HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Day 17 Wed, April 16: Morning departure for our drive to Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan. Afternoon sightseeing of the Old Town and the Khast Imom complex. TASHKENT-HOTEL TASHKENT (B,L,D)
Day 18 Thu, April 17: Fly to the Ferghana Valley. Visit the town of Rishtan, famous for its traditional blue-and-green ceramics. Meet with a master potter. FERGHANA-HOTEL ASIA (B,L,D)
Day 19 Fri, April 18: Explore the town of Margilan, an important center for silk production. Visit a silk ikat weaving factory and meet with master weavers and a blockprinter. FERGHANA-HOTEL ASIA (B,L,D)
Day 20 Sat, April 19: Morning visit to the local market before our flight back to Tashkent. Farewell dinner this evening. TASHKENT-HOTEL TASHKENT (B,L,D)
Day 21 Sun, April 20: Transfer to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul. ISTANBUL-ARCADIA HOTEL (B,D)
Day 22 Mon, April 21: Transfer to the airport for return flight to NYC. (B)
Bulgaria
folk traditions & monasteries
with Joseph Benatov & Tom Muir Wilson
16 DAYS MAY 17 – JUNE 1, 2008
Join Joseph & Tom for our journey into the heart of Bulgaria. This program focuses on the folk traditions, crafts, and medieval monasteries that define the cultural identity of the country. We explore the capital city of Sofia before heading into the Rhodope Mountains to visit traditional villages and meet local craftspeople. Our route takes us to the historic town of Plovdiv and the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highlight of the trip is our stay in the living museum town of Koprivshtitsa, known for its well-preserved National Revival architecture.
Day 1 Sat, May 17: Arrival in Sofia, Bulgaria. Transfer to our hotel. Welcoming dinner. SOFIA-RADISSON HOTEL (D)
Day 2 Sun, May 18: Morning sightseeing of Sofia, including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the National Archaeological Museum. SOFIA-RADISSON HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 3 Mon, May 19: Morning departure for the Rila Monastery, the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Explore the complex and its museum. Continue to Bansko. BANSKO-HOTEL PIRIN (B,L,D)
Day 4 Tue, May 20: Explore the old town of Bansko and visit local woodcarvers. BANSKO-HOTEL PIRIN (B,L,D)
Days 5,6 Wed,Thu May 21,22: Drive into the Rhodope Mountains. Visit the village of Shiroka Laka, known for its traditional architecture and folklore music school. Meet with local weavers and musicians. SHIROKA LAKA-HOTEL SHIROKA LAKA (B,L,D daily)
Day 7 Fri, May 23: Drive to Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Explore the Old Town with its colorful 19th-century houses and Roman amphitheater. PLOVDIV-HOTEL TRIMONTIUM (B,L,D)
Day 8 Sat, May 24: Visit the Bachkovo Monastery and the nearby ethnographic village of Etar, an open-air museum of traditional Bulgarian crafts. PLOVDIV-HOTEL TRIMONTIUM (B,L,D)
Days 9,10,11,12 Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed May 25,26,27,28: Detailed exploration of the central mountain region, visiting local potters and textile artists. (Full details in PDF internal pages).
Day 13 Thu, May 29: This morning we depart for Koprivshtitsa, along our way stopping to visit the Museum of Bulgarian Folk Crafts in Troyan, and the Oreshaka craft collection. We overnight in two small B&Bs located in the picturesque old town of Koprivshtitsa. Due to the limited number of rooms at Dahlia & Kalina, depending upon our group size single rooms may not be available for our 1 night in Koprivshtitsa. KOPRIVSHTITSA-HOTEL DAHLIA and HOTEL KALINA (B,L,D)
Day 14 Fri, May 30: Morning walking orientation of the beautiful living museum town of Koprivshtitsa with its old National Revival houses, stone walls, courtyards, narrow cobbled streets and arched stone bridges. After lunch we drive to Sofia. Dinner on your own. SOFIA-RADISSON HOTEL (B,L)
Day 15 Sat, May 31: The day is yours at leisure for independent exploring, shopping & photographing in Sofia. Lunch on your own. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner. SOFIA-RADISSON HOTEL (B,D)
Day 16 Sun, June 1: Breakfast at the hotel only during normal breakfast hours. Transfer to the airport is provided for your independent flight home. Rooms are reserved until 12noon today. (B)
South Africa & Swaziland
Journey into Rural South Africa
travel with LESLEY ROBIN
17 DAYS SEPTEMBER 2008 (Ending Sept 24)
Join Lesley on an exploration of the rich rural traditions and crafts of South Africa and Swaziland. We begin in Johannesburg before traveling to Swaziland, known for its vibrant craft markets and recycled glass workshops. Journey into Zululand to visit Ilala Weavers and experience traditional Zulu culture. Continue to the scenic coastline of the Western Cape, ending in Cape Town. Meet with local artisans—beadworkers, basket weavers, and textile artists—and visit community-based craft projects. Highlights include the Hluhluwe Wildlife Reserve and the Gold of Africa Museum. Outstanding photographic opportunities!
Day 1 Mon, Sept 8: Arrival in Johannesburg by your own independent air arrangements. Transfer to our hotel. Welcoming dinner. JOHANNESBURG-HOTEL INDABA (D)
Day 2 Tue, Sept 9: Morning visit to the Apartheid Museum and Soweto. Afternoon visit to a local craft cooperative. JOHANNESBURG-HOTEL INDABA (B,L,D)
Day 3 Wed, Sept 10: Drive into the Kingdom of SWAZILAND… visit the Ngwenya recycled glass factory and roadside grass weaving markets. MBABANE-LUGOGO SUN (B,L,D)
Day 4 Thu, Sept 11: Explore the local markets in Mbabane and visit a traditional Swazi candle workshop. MBABANE-LUGOGO SUN (B,L,D)
Day 5 Fri, Sept 12: Drive into Zululand… visit the Ilala Weavers for traditional basketry and beadwork. HLULHUWE-HLULHUWE RIVER LODGE (B,L,D)
Day 6 Sat, Sept 13: Early morning game drive in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. Afternoon at leisure. HLULHUWE-HLULHUWE RIVER LODGE (B,L,D)
Day 7 Sun, Sept 14: Drive to Durban. Visit the Phansi Museum of traditional Zulu crafts. DURBAN-ROYAL HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 8 Mon, Sept 15: Morning flight to George. Continue by road to Knysna. KNYSNA-HOTEL KNYSNA QUAYS (B,L,D)
Day 9 Tue, Sept 16: Explore the Knysna area, including the waterfront and local woodcarving shops. KNYSNA-HOTEL KNYSNA QUAYS (B,L,D)
Day 10 Wed, Sept 17: Drive along the Garden Route towards Cape Town. Overnight in Hermanus. HERMANUS-THE MARINE HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 11 Thu, Sept 18: Arrival in Cape Town. Visit the Gold of Africa Museum. CAPE TOWN-VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL (B,L,D)
Days 12,13,14,15 Fri,Sat,Sun,Mon Sept 19,20,21,22: Explore Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula. Visit community craft projects Iziko Lobomi and Kunye. Excursion to the Cape of Good Hope. CAPE TOWN-VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Day 16 Tue, Sept 23: Farewell dinner in Cape Town. CAPE TOWN-VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL (B,D)
Day 17 Wed, Sept 24: Transfer to the airport for return flight. (B)
Southwest Balkans: Lands of the Former Yugoslavia
with Sasha Vranic & Tom Muir Wilson
19 DAYS SEPTEMBER 11 – 29, 2008
The Balkans… a land of rich folk traditions and ancient cities. Join Tom & Sasha as we come “full circle”, returning for our 16th trip to the lands of the former Yugoslavia. While Yugoslavia has now broken up into many countries, we return to explore portions of Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia. We begin in Novi Sad, Serbia with its Austro-Hungarian architecture. Morning cruise on the Danube River from Novi Sad to Belgrade. Visit the homes & studios of naive (primitive) painters in outlying villages. Journey into the mountainous regions of Serbia to visit a cooperative of handknitters. Explore Sarajevo’s oriental bazaar and visit Mostar with its famous stone bridge. Continue to the lovely walled town of Kotor in Montenegro before ending our journey in beautiful Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Day 1 Thu, Sept 11: Early evening departure from JFK New York for our flight to Belgrade, Serbia.
Day 2 Fri, Sept 12: Afternoon arrival in Belgrade and drive directly to Novi Sad. NOVI SAD-HOTEL ZENIT (D)
Day 3 Sat, Sept 13: Morning walking sightseeing of Novi Sad. Visit the Ethnographic collection of the Vojvodina Museum. Welcoming dinner this evening. NOVI SAD-HOTEL ZENIT (B,D)
Day 4 Sun, Sept 14: Visit the Petrovaradin Fortress before we drive into the countryside to meet local artisans. NOVI SAD-HOTEL ZENIT (B,L)
Day 5 Mon, Sept 15: Board our chartered boat for a cruise on the Danube River from Novi Sad to Belgrade. Dinner in the bohemian quarter Skadarlija. BELGRADE-HOTEL MAJESTIC (B,L,D)
Day 6 Tue, Sept 16: Morning visit to the Ethnographic Museum. Excursion to the villages of Kovacica and Uzdin to meet naive painters. BELGRADE-HOTEL MAJESTIC (B,L)
Day 7 Wed, Sept 17: Sightseeing of Belgrade before our departure for the Zlatibor Mountain region. ZLATIBOR-HOTEL MONA (B,L,D)
Day 8 Thu, Sept 18: Visit Sirogojno to meet women handknitters and see the open-air ethnographic museum. ZLATIBOR-HOTEL MONA (B,L,D)
Day 9 Fri, Sept 19: Departure for Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Take the Sargan Eight Mountain Railway train ride. SARAJEVO-HOTEL SARAJ (B,L,D)
Day 10 Sat, Sept 20: Morning sightseeing of Sarajevo. Afternoon at leisure to explore the oriental bazaar Bascarsija. SARAJEVO-HOTEL SARAJ (B,L,D)
Day 11 Sun, Sept 21: Countryside excursion to visit a traditional mountain village. SARAJEVO-HOTEL SARAJ (B,L)
Day 12 Mon, Sept 22: Drive to Kotor. Stop to visit the spired mosques and restored bridge in Mostar. Continue through the mountains to Kotor. near KOTOR-HOTEL SPLENDIDO (B,L,D)
Day 13 Tue, Sept 23: Walking tour of the medieval walled town of Kotor. Afternoon drive to Budva for dinner. near KOTOR-HOTEL SPLENDIDO (B,L,D)
Day 14 Wed, Sept 24: Excursion to Cetinje to visit the Ethnographic Museum. Return to Kotor via the serpentine highway. near KOTOR-HOTEL SPLENDIDO (B,L)
Days 15,16 Thu, Fri Sept 25,26: Drive north to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Walking orientation of the old walled town. Friday excursion by chartered boat with a fish lunch. DUBROVNIK-HOTEL PETKA (B,L,D daily)
Day 17 Sat, Sept 27: Day at leisure for exploring the museums and shops of Dubrovnik. Farewell dinner. DUBROVNIK-HOTEL PETKA (B,D)
Day 18 Sun, Sept 28: Transfer to the airport for flight to Vienna. Overnight at the airport hotel. VIENNA-NH AIRPORT HOTEL (B)
Day 19 Mon, Sept 29: Return flight to NYC. (B)
Morocco: Medinas, Souks & Markets
with Prof. Tom Muir Wilson
19 DAYS OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 13, 2008
Join Tom as he returns for our 19th journey exploring Morocco’s exotic treasures. Focusing on Morocco’s folklife and her people, we wander the medinas of ancient Fes, Marrakech and Taroudant visiting shops and workshops of carpetweavers, wool dyers, and woodworkers. See Berber people and traditional weekly markets. Journey from Rabat to Chechaouen, Fes and Marrakech, through the High Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate and Taroudant before continuing to the coastal town of Essaouira. Outstanding photographic opportunities!
Day 1 Sun, Oct 26: Evening departure from JFK New York for Casablanca, Morocco.
Day 2 Mon, Oct 27: Morning arrival in Casablanca. Drive to Rabat. Welcoming dinner. RABAT-VILLA MANDARINE (L,D)
Day 3 Tue, Oct 28: Morning visit the tomb of Mohammed V and ruins of Chellah. Visit potteries near Sale. RABAT-VILLA MANDARINE (B,L)
Days 4,5 Wed, Thu Oct 29,30: Drive to the blue-washed town of Chechaouen in the Rif Mountains. Explore the medina. CHECHAOUEN-HOTEL PARADOR (B,L,D daily)
Day 6 Fri, Oct 31: Drive to Fes. Stop to visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss. FES-HOTEL PALAIS JAMAI (B,L,D)
Days 7,8 Sat, Sun Nov 1,2: Two days to explore the labyrinthine medina of Fes. Visit the dyers’ quarter, carpet weavers, and tanneries. FES-HOTEL PALAIS JAMAI (B,L,D daily)
Day 9 Mon, Nov 3: Drive across the Middle Atlas Mountains to Erfoud on the edge of the Sahara. ERFOUD-HOTEL KASBAH CHERGUI (B,L,D)
Day 10 Tue, Nov 4: Morning visit to the Rissani market. Afternoon 4×4 excursion to the Merzouga dunes. ERFOUD-HOTEL KASBAH CHERGUI (B,L,D)
Day 11 Wed, Nov 5: Drive through the Todra Gorge to Ouarzazate. OUARZAZATE-HOTEL BERBERE PALACE (B,L,D)
Day 12 Thu, Nov 6: Visit the Ait Benhaddou kasbah before continuing to Zagora in the Draa Valley. ZAGORA-HOTEL REDA (B,L,D)
Day 13 Fri, Nov 7: Morning excursion to the sand dunes of Tinfou and the pottery cooperative at Tamegroute. ZAGORA-HOTEL REDA (B,L)
Day 14 Sat, Nov 8: Drive to Taroudant. Stop to visit a village carpetweaving cooperative. TAROUDANT-HOTEL PALAIS SALAM (B,L,D)
Day 15 Sun, Nov 9: Explore the souks of Taroudant known for silver jewelry and leather goods. TAROUDANT-HOTEL PALAIS SALAM (B,L,D)
Day 16 Mon, Nov 10: Continue to the seaport town of Essaouira. Waterfront lunch. ESSAOUIRA-HOTEL DES ILES (B,L,D)
Day 17 Tue, Nov 11: Morning visit to a woodworking workshop. Farewell dinner this evening. ESSAOUIRA-HOTEL DES ILES (B,D)
Day 18 Wed, Nov 12: Drive to Casablanca. Stop at Safi to see the potteries. CASABLANCA-HOTEL VAL D’ANFA (B,L)
Day 19 Thu, Nov 13: Transfer to the airport for return flight. (B)
Winter Traditions of Romania
and the Maramures Winter Festival
with Tom & Sherry Wilson
17 DAYS DECEMBER 17, 2008 – JANUARY 2, 2009
Celebrate the holiday season in the living museums of Romania! This program focuses on the unique winter folklife and traditions of Bucovina, Transylvania, and Maramures. Witness the dances with masks, remnants of pagan processions, and experience the warmth of Romanian hospitality in village homes. A highlight of the trip is the Maramures Winter Festival in Sighetu Marmatiei, where villages are represented by men, women, and children in traditional dress.
Day 1 Wed, Dec 17: Arrival in Bucharest, capital city of Romania. Transfer to our hotel. Welcoming dinner. BUCHAREST-LIDO HOTEL (D)
Day 2 Thu, Dec 18: Morning sightseeing of Bucharest, including the Peasant Museum and the old town center. BUCHAREST-LIDO HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 3 Fri, Dec 19: Drive to the Carpathian Mountains. Visit Bran Castle and continue to Brasov. BRASOV-ARO PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 4 Sat, Dec 20: Explore the medieval town of Brasov and visit local woodcarvers. BRASOV-ARO PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 5 Sun, Dec 21: Drive to Bucovina. CAMPULUNG MOLDOVENESC-HOTEL ZIMBRUL (B,L,D)
Days 6,7,8 Mon,Tue,Wed Dec 22,23,24: Visit the painted monasteries of Bucovina. Meet folk artist Nicolae Popa and visit a family of egg painters. Christmas Eve celebration in a village. CAMPULUNG MOLDOVENESC-HOTEL ZIMBRUL (B,L,D daily)
Day 9 Thu, Dec 25: Christmas Day in Maramures. Explore mountain villages known for their wooden gates and churches. SIGHETU MARMATIEI-PERLA SIGHETEANA MOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 10 Fri, Dec 26: Visit local craftspeople in the Iza Valley. SIGHETU MARMATIEI-PERLA SIGHETEANA MOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 11 Sat, Dec 27: Attend the Maramures Winter Festival in Sighetu Marmatiei. SIGHETU MARMATIEI-PERLA SIGHETEANA MOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 12 Sun, Dec 28: Visit the Merry Cemetery before we depart Maramures, driving south towards Cluj. We overnight in a country inn in an ethnic Hungarian village near Cluj. near CLUJ-TAMAS BISTRO INN (B,L,D)
Day 13 Mon, Dec 29: Brief sightseeing of the university town 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 14 Tue, 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 15 Wed, 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. We receive a warm welcome from villagers as we enjoy lunch with our friends. The rest of the afternoon to rest. This evening a New Year’s Eve celebration in Sibiu, one of Romania’s most charming towns… where we will welcome in the year 2009! SIBIU-HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D)
Day 16 Thu, Jan 1: Some time to sleep in before our mid-morning departure for our drive south to Bucharest, dinner on your own. BUCHAREST-AIRPORT HOTEL (B,L)
Day 17 Fri, Jan 2: Transfer to the airport is provided for your independent return flight. Rooms are reserved until 12noon today. (B)