The Craft World Tours Destinations 2002: Ancient Inland Kingdoms

Myanmar (Burma): temples, pagodas & timeless ways

with Tom Muir Wilson

19 DAYS JANUARY 27 – FEBRUARY 14, 2002

$4097 plus airport taxes, from LOS ANGELES

air & land, per person, double occupancy

Join Tom on his 9th journey to Myanmar (Burma), a fascinating land stopped in time… a land of spontaneous smiles and giggles, of temples and pagodas… of incense and tinkling bells, of monks in saffron-colored robes… of haunting images of temples dotting the Pagan plain overlooking the Ayeyarwady (Irrawady) River… of simple, village handcraft workshops.

Day 1 Sun, Jan 27: Early afternoon departure from Los Angeles for our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Mon, Jan 28: 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 Tue, Jan 29: After an early breakfast we return to the airport for our Thai Airways flight to Yangon (Rangoon), capital of Myanmar (Burma). Afternoon visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda with its gold-plated stupa and magical atmosphere. Welcoming dinner this evening. YANGON- EQUATORIAL HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 4 Wed, Jan 30: Morning sightseeing of Yangon, including the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha and the National Museum. Afternoon visit to small nearby handcraft workshops… a rattan workshop and an umbrella-making village. YANGON- EQUATORIAL HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 5 Thu, Jan 31: Mid-day flight to Heho in the hilly north and drive to Inle Lake located in the Shan states. In the countryside you will see houses on stilts. INLE LAKE- HU PIN HOTEL (B,L,D)
Days 6,7 Fri, Sat Feb 1,2: Two days exploring Inle Lake by boat to see the unique leg-rowers. Visit lakeshore villages to see handwoven silk & cotton textiles, silver workshops and floating gardens. Along our way we’ll stop to see split bamboo houses being made. KALAW- KALAW HOTEL (B,L,D)
Days 8, 9, 10, 11 Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed Feb 3, 4, 5, 6: On Sunday we continue our overland journey to Mandalay, stopping to visit villages and a pottery workshop along our way. Mandalay is 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 simple rugmaking workshop, and see the making of gold-leaf. Explore the Zegya Market, as well as important pagodas and monasteries, as well as Kyauktawgyi Temple and Mandalay Hill. Excursion to Mingun to see the unfinished King Bodawpaya Pagoda and the Sotawya Pagoda. One evening we’ll have a puppet show in Mandalay. MANDALAY- EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Days 12, 13 Thu, Fri Feb 7, 8: Thursday we board the RV Pandaw riverboat for a magnificent two night journey on the Irrawady River from Mandalay to Bagan… relax and take in the rich and varied river life and magnificent scenery. Along our way we’ll stop to visit a pottery village, as well as the market and weaving workshops in the town of Pakokku. Overnights on the riverboat.
Days 14, 15, 16 Sat, Sun, Mon Feb 9, 10, 11: Morning arrival in Bagan (Pagan) 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. 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, as well as the archaeological museum. Explore small villages producing oxcarts, baskets, pottery, lacquerware and “cheroots”. Late afternoon rickshaw ride to view the sunset from one of the temples… unforgettable views of endless temples and shrines dotting the landscape of the Pagan plain along the Irrawady River. Puppet show one evening. BAGAN- BAGAN HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Day 17 Tue, Feb 12: Morning flight to Yangon. Lunch on your own. Afternoon visit to Bogyoke Market with time for photographing and shopping. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner. YANGON- EQUATORIAL HOTEL (B,D)
Day 18 Wed, Feb 13: This morning we return to the airport for our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. Lunch on the plane, dinner on your own. BANGKOK- AMARI AIRPORT HOTEL (B)
Day 19 Thu, Feb 14: Early morning departure for our Thai Airways flight to Los Angeles. After assisting you with check-in, your CWT Tour Director will depart the group in Bangkok. In-flight meals. (B)

Rajasthan: rural traditions, villages & folkcrafts

with Lesley Robin

19 DAYS FEBRUARY 10-28, 2002

$4865 plus airport taxes, from LOS ANGELES

air & land, per person, double occupancy

Join Lesley in exploring rural traditions and folk crafts in the villages of Rajasthan. Beginning in Delhi we visit the Surajkund Mela, an annual fair that brings together craftspeople from every corner of India to demonstrate and sell their handmade textiles, arts and crafts in an arena of music and dance. Visit a myriad of wonderful sights… Agra and the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan’s capital city Jaipur and the romantic lake city of Udaipur. Palaces and forts, bazaars and villages. Meet blockprinters and weavers, see embroidery, papermaking and pottery. Stay in a village for an insight into the way of life of a desert community.

Day 1 Sun, Feb 10: Early afternoon departure from Los Angeles for our Thai Airways nonstop flight to Bangkok. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Mon, Feb 11: Late night arrival in Bangkok, and overnight at an airport hotel. BANGKOK- AMARI AIRPORT HOTEL
Day 3 Tue, Feb 12: Return to the airport for our Thai Airways flight to Delhi, India. Welcoming dinner this evening. DELHI- HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL (B,L,D)
Day 4 Wed, Feb 13: Full day excursion to the Surajkund Mela fair to meet with craftspeople from throughout India. DELHI- HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL (B,L,D)
Day 5 Thu, Feb 14: Drive to Agra to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. AGRA- HOTEL TRIDENT (B,L,D)
Day 6 Fri, Feb 15: Drive to Jaipur, the “Pink City” and capital of Rajasthan. Along our way we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the 16th century capital of the Moghul Empire. JAIPUR- RAJPUTANA PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D)
Days 7, 8 Sat, Sun Feb 16, 17: Two days to explore Jaipur… visit the Amber Fort, the City Palace and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Excursion to Sanganer and Bagru villages to visit traditional blockprinters and hand-papermakers. Time to explore the bazaars for textiles and jewelry. JAIPUR- RAJPUTANA PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Day 9 Mon, Feb 18: Drive to Kuchaman and its impressive fort situated on a high rock. KUCHAMAN- KUCHAMAN FORT (B,L,D)
Day 10 Tue, Feb 19: Journey to a village in the Thar Desert for a two-night stay and an insight into village life and crafts. KHEJARLA- KHEJARLA FORT (B,L,D)
Day 11 Wed, Feb 20: Day to explore the village and meet with local families and craftspeople. KHEJARLA- KHEJARLA FORT (B,L,D)
Day 12 Thu, Feb 21: Drive to Jodhpur, “the Blue City,” dominated by the Mehrangarh Fort. Visit the fort and explore the old city bazaar. JODHPUR- UMAID BHAWAN PALACE (B,L,D)
Day 13 Fri, Feb 22: Excursion to visit Bishnoi villages known for their environmental conservation and traditional crafts. JODHPUR- UMAID BHAWAN PALACE (B,L,D)
Day 14 Sat, Feb 23: Morning drive to Ranakpur, one of the liveliest of Jain temples situated in the secluded Aravalli hills. Continue through farmlands and wooded hills to Kumbalgarh where we visit the remote hill-top fort overlooking an expansive landscape. KUMBALGARH- AODHI HERITAGE HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 15 Sun, Feb 24: Drive to Molela, a village of potters who make votive pottery, offering to the gods. Continue to the romantic lake city of Udaipur. UDAIPUR- LAXMI VILAS PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 16 Mon, Feb 25: Our sightseeing of Udaipur includes the City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola and Sahelion ki Bari, a beautiful garden. Visit the Lok Kala Mandel Museum for Rajasthan folk arts and crafts, their workshop for handmade puppets and see a puppet show. Afternoon boat ride to the picturesque Jagmandir Island. In the early evening we board The Royal Orient narrow gauge train. OVERNIGHT ON TRAIN (B,L,D)
Day 17 Tue, Feb 26: On board The Royal Orient as we travel across the plains of Gujarat. Afternoon visit to the Modhera Sun Temple and the step-well at Patan. OVERNIGHT ON TRAIN (B,L,D)
Day 18 Wed, Feb 27: Morning arrival in Delhi. Afternoon free for independent exploring or last minute shopping. Farewell dinner this evening. DELHI- HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL (B,D)
Day 19 Thu, Feb 28: Transfer to the airport for our Thai Airways flight to Los Angeles via Bangkok. In-flight meals. (B)

Central Asia: bazaars of Central Asia

with Tom Muir Wilson

23 DAYS APRIL 18 – MAY 10, 2002

$5397 plus airport taxes, from NYC

air & land, per person, double occupancy

Our 6th journey to Central Asia takes us to the legendary Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. In this ancient crossroads of cultures, we visit magnificent architecture, explore vibrant bazaars and visit traditional craft workshops.

Day 1 Thu, Apr 18: Mid-day departure from JFK New York for our Turkish Airlines nonstop flight to Istanbul. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Fri, Apr 19: Early morning arrival in Istanbul. After breakfast and some rest, walking orientation of Old Istanbul. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (B,L)
Day 3 Sat, Apr 20: Late afternoon flight to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. ASHGABAT- HOTEL AK ALTYN (B,L,D)
Day 4 Sun, Apr 21: Morning visit to the Sunday Tolkuchka Bazaar, one of the most colorful in Central Asia. Afternoon sightseeing of Ashgabat. ASHGABAT- HOTEL AK ALTYN (B,L,D)
Day 5 Mon, Apr 22: Morning flight to Mary and drive to ancient Merv. Visit the ruins and the local history museum. MARY- HOTEL MARGUISH (B,L,D)
Day 6 Tue, Apr 23: Drive across the Karakum Desert to the Uzbekistan border and continue to Bukhara. BUKHARA- HOTEL BUKHARA (B,L,D)
Days 7, 8, 9 Wed, Thu, Fri Apr 24, 25, 26: Three days exploring the “noble city” of Bukhara… visit the Poi-Kalyan complex, the Ark Fortress and the Samanid Mausoleum. Explore the domed bazaars where craftsmen still work… visit workshops for gold embroidery, silk weaving and copper embossing. Excursion into the countryside to visit a family of traditional ceramicists. BUKHARA- HOTEL BUKHARA (B,L,D daily)
Day 10 Sat, Apr 27: Drive to Khiva, an ancient walled city in the Khorezm oasis. KHIVA- HOTEL KHOREZM (B,L,D)
Day 11 Sun, Apr 28: Full day exploring the Ichan-Kala, the inner walled city of Khiva… visit the Tash-Hauli Palace and the Friday Mosque. KHIVA- HOTEL KHOREZM (B,L,D)
Day 12 Mon, Apr 29: Drive to Nukus to visit the Savitsky Art Museum, known for its unique collection of Russian avant-garde art and Karakalpak folk art. Evening flight to Tashkent. TASHKENT- HOTEL UZBEKISTAN (B,L,D)
Day 13 Tue, Apr 30: Full day drive over the Kamchik Pass to the Ferghana Valley. FERGHANA- HOTEL FERGHANA (B,L,D)
Days 14, 15 Wed, Thu May 1, 2: Two days exploring the Ferghana Valley… visit the silk factory in Margilan and traditional potters in Rishtan. Explore local markets for handwoven “atlas” silk. FERGHANA- HOTEL FERGHANA (B,L,D daily)
Day 16 Fri, May 3: Drive to Kokand to visit the Palace of Khudayar Khan. Continue to Tashkent. TASHKENT- HOTEL UZBEKISTAN (B,L,D)
Days 17, 18, 19 Sat, Sun, Mon May 4, 5, 6: Saturday we continue overland to Samarkand, stopping to visit a suzani artist and a family of potters along our way. Excursion to the local Sunday bazaar in Urgut. Returning to Samarkand, after lunch we explore Registan Square and the medressas, as well as the outstanding exhibition of folk arts at the State Museum. Monday sightseeing of Samarkand to include Tamerlane’s mausoleum of Gur Emir, the complex of Shah-i-Zinda with its impressive tilework, Bibi Khanym Mosque and nearby Siab market. SAMARKAND- HOTEL AFRASIAB (B,L,D daily)
Day 20 Tue, May 7: Today we drive to Tashkent, with the afternoon at leisure to rest before our overnight flight. This evening brings us together for our special farewell dinner in Central Asia. TASHKENT- HOTEL UZBEKISTAN (B,L,D)
Day 21 Wed, May 8: Very early morning transfer to the airport for our Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, TURKEY. On arrival in Istanbul we transfer to our hotel for breakfast and some rest before lunch and our afternoon walking orientation of Old Istanbul to include the Grand Bazaar. Dinner on your own. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (B,L)
Day 22 Thu, May 9: The day is yours for independent exploring with lunch on your own. Late afternoon Bosphorus cruise before our farewell dinner in Turkey. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (B,D)
Day 23 Fri, May 10: This morning we return to the airport for our Turkish Airlines flight to JFK New York. In-flight meal. (B)

Anatolian Culture & Folkways

with Tom Muir Wilson

22 DAYS MAY 10-31, 2002

$4096 plus airport taxes, from NYC

air & land, per person, double occupancy

Come join us on our 9th journey through eastern & western Turkey exploring traditional old Anatolian towns, and visiting bazaars, handcraft workshops, ethnographic collections, archaeological sites and Turkey’s finest architecture in mosques and palaces.

Day 1 Fri, May 10: Mid-day departure from JFK New York for our Turkish Airlines nonstop flight to Istanbul. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Sat, May 11: Late morning arrival in Istanbul. After lunch, walking tour of Old Istanbul… visit Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque. Welcoming dinner this evening. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (L,D)
Day 3 Sun, May 12: Visit the Topkapi Palace, the Harem and the Archaeological Museum. Afternoon to wander through the Grand Bazaar. Dinner on your own. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (B,L)
Day 4 Mon, May 13: Morning flight to Van in eastern Turkey, with an afternoon walking tour of Van. VAN- HOTEL BUYUK (B,L,D)
Day 5 Tue, May 14: Excursion by 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. Time this afternoon to explore Van’s local market for kilims and carpets. VAN- HOTEL BUYUK (B,L,D)
Day 6 Wed, May 15: Visit Van’s city castle before we begin our overland journey to Sanliurfa (Urfa), stopping for overnight in Diyarbakir. DIYARBAKIR- DEMIR HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 7 Thu, May 16: Today we explore the labyrinth of Urfa’s bazaar where traditional craftsmen ply their trades as their fathers before them… copper artisans, woodworkers, feltmakers, saddlemakers . a wonderful opportunity to explore and photograph traditional Turkish life. URFA- HOTEL HARRAN (B,L,D)
Day 8 Fri, May 17: Morning excursion to the Harran plain to see the bee-hive shaped dwellings. Return to Urfa to visit the medieval fortress. URFA- HOTEL HARRAN (B,L,D)
Day 9 Sat, May 18: 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 BOZDOGAN (B,L,D)
Day 10 Sun, May 19: Full day drive to the Cappadocia region, a magical landscape of volcanic cone formations and rock-cut churches. CAPPADOCIA- PERI TOWER HOTEL (B,L,D)
Days 11, 12 Mon, Tue May 20, 21: Two days exploring the volcanic cone formations of the Goreme Valley, the underground city of Ozkonak and rock-cut churches. Visit with a family of potters and home carpet-weaving. CAPPADOCIA- PERI TOWER HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Days 13, 14 Wed, Thu May 22, 23: Wednesday departure for Konya, one of Turkey’s oldest continuously inhabited sites and former capital of the Seljuk Turkish Empire. 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 Mevlana Museum, former dervish monastery. We’ll visit traditional workshops in the old bazaar including a kecici (feltmaker’s) workshop. Time to explore the bazaar and carpet shops. KONYA- SELCUK HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Day 15 Fri, May 24: Departure for Pamukkale, mineral springs around which the ancient Roman spa of Hieropolis was built. Late afternoon walk through the ruins. PAMUKKALE- HOTEL COLOSSAE (B,L,D)
Day 16 Sat, May 25: Stop at Aphrodisias ruins. Continue to Kusadasi on the Aegean coast. KUSADASI- HOTEL DERECI (B,L,D)
Day 17 Sun, May 26: 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 27: Travel north to Canakkale. Visit the ruins of Troy. CANAKKALE- HOTEL AKOL (B,L,D)
Day 19 Tue, May 28: Cross the Sea of Marmara by ferry and drive back to Istanbul. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (B,L)
Day 20 Wed, May 29: Visit the Spice Bazaar and take a Bosphorus cruise. Dinner on your own. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (B,L)
Day 21 Thu, May 30: Free day for independent exploring. Special farewell dinner this evening. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (B,D)
Day 22 Fri, May 31: Transfer to the airport for our Turkish Airlines flight to New York. (B)

Romania: Painted Monasteries & Folklife

with Tom Muir Wilson

19 DAYS SEPTEMBER 4-22, 2002

$3796 plus airport taxes, from NYC

air & land, per person, double occupancy

Join us as we explore the traditional regions of northern & central Romania… Bucovina, known for its unique 15th & 16th century painted monasteries and Maramures, where village life and handcrafts remain unchanged.

Day 1 Wed, Sept 4: Late afternoon departure from JFK New York for our Tarom Romanian Airlines flight to Bucharest. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Thu, Sept 5: Morning arrival in Bucharest. After lunch, visit the Village Museum and the Museum of the Romanian Peasant. Welcoming dinner this evening. BUCHAREST- HOTEL (L,D)
Day 3 Fri, Sept 6: Drive through the Carpathian Mountains to Curtea de Arges and continue to Sibiu. SIBIU- HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D)
Day 4 Sat, Sept 7: Morning walking sightseeing of Old Sibiu. Afternoon visit to the Outdoor Folk Museum. SIBIU- HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D)
Day 5 Sun, Sept 8: Drive to Cluj, capital of Transylvania. CLUJ- HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 6 Mon, Sept 9: Drive north to the Maramures region. BAIA MARE- HOTEL (B,L,D)
Days 7, 8, 9 Tue, Wed, Thu Sept 10, 11, 12: Three days exploring the villages of Maramures… visit woodcarvers, see the wooden churches and explore local markets. SIGHETU MARMATIEI- HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Day 10 Fri, Sept 13: Drive across the mountains to the Bucovina region. GURA HUMORULUI- HOTEL (B,L,D)
Days 11, 12, 13 Sat, Sun, Mon Sept 14, 15, 16: Three days to explore the painted monasteries of Bucovina… visit Voronet, Moldovita and Sucevita. Visit with village artisans and see traditional egg painting. GURA HUMORULUI- HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Day 14 Tue, Sept 17: Drive to Piatra Neamt. PIATRA NEAMT- HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 15 Wed, Sept 18: This morning we continue our journey through the Carpathians to Sibiu in southern Transylvania. Along our way we stop in Sibiel to see a unique collection of icons painted on glass and to explore this picturesque village. We receive a warm welcome from villagers as we enjoy lunch with local families. SIBIU- HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D)
Day 16 Thu, Sept 19: 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. Afternoon visit to the Outdoor Folk Museum. Late afternoon drive into the countryside to visit the workshop of our felt hatmaker friend and for dinner with his family in Saliste village. SIBIU- HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D)
Day 17 Fri, Sept 20: The day is yours for independent exploring in the Old Town. Lunch on your own. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner. SIBIU- HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,D)
Day 18 Sat, Sept 21: Return to Bucharest, stopping to visit a pottery workshop and Horezu Monastery along our way. Early dinner at our hotel. BUCHAREST- HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 19 Sun, Sept 22: Early morning transfer to the airport for our Tarom Romanian Airlines return flight to JFK New York. After assisting with check-in, Tom will say goodbye to you at the airport in Bucharest. In-flight meals. (B)

Bhutan: Festivals & Traditional Life

with Tom Muir Wilson

23 DAYS OCTOBER 7-29, 2002

$6675 plus airport taxes, from NYC

air & land, per person, double occupancy

Our 6th program into this remote land takes us into the valleys of western & central Bhutan to meet village people and craftspeople and to see their traditional ways of life. We time our visit to be in the valleys of Bumthang for two local festivals, the Prakar and the Jambay Lhakhang “tsechu”.

Day 1 Mon, Oct 7: Departure from JFK New York for our flight to Delhi via London. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Tue, Oct 8: Arrival in Delhi. Transfer to our hotel. DELHI- HOTEL IMPERIAL (B)
Day 3 Wed, Oct 9: Late morning flight to Paro, Bhutan. Upon arrival we’ll be met by our Bhutanese hosts. Drive through the winding river valleys to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. Welcoming dinner this evening. THIMPHU- HOTEL DRUK (B,L,D)
Days 4, 5 Thu, Fri Oct 10, 11: Explore Thimphu… visit the National Library, the School of Arts and Crafts, the Traditional Medicine Hospital and the Textile Museum. Explore the local market for handwoven textiles and handcrafted items. THIMPHU- HOTEL DRUK (B,L,D daily)
Day 6 Sat, Oct 12: Drive over the Dochula Pass (10,500 ft) with spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks. Descend into the Punakha Valley. Visit Punakha Dzong, situated at the junction of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers. PUNAKHA- ZANGTO PELRI HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 7 Sun, Oct 13: Drive to Trongsa via the Pelela Pass (11,000 ft). Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan. TRONGSA- YANGKHIL RESORT (B,L,D)
Day 8 Mon, Oct 14: Continue to Bumthang. BUMTHANG- BUMTHANG LODGE (B,L,D)
Days 9, 10, 11, 12 Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri Oct 15, 16, 17, 18: Over the next four days we visit the valleys of Bumthang and join the local people for their annual festivals… the Prakar “tsechu” and the Jambay Lhakhang “tsechu”. See the sacred masked dances and the colorful processions. Visit the workshop of a traditional paper maker and explore the local villages. BUMTHANG- BUMTHANG LODGE (B,L,D daily)
Days 13, 14 Sat, Sun Oct 19, 20: Over the next two days we explore the Ura and Tang Valleys. Visit the Burning Lake and explore the remote villages. BUMTHANG- BUMTHANG LODGE (B,L,D daily)
Day 15 Mon, Oct 21: Drive back to Trongsa. TRONGSA- YANGKHIL RESORT (B,L,D)
Day 16 Tue, Oct 22: Return to Wangdue Phodrang. WANGDUE- DRAGON NEST HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 17 Wed, Oct 23: Wednesday we drive to Zugney where woolen “yatra” cloth is produced using vegetable dyes… continue to the beautiful valleys of Bumthang in Central Bhutan. Wednesday afternoon we join the local village people of the Bumthang valleys at their annual Prakar “tsechu”. A “tsechu” (festival) is a very special yearly occasion that celebrates their traditional myths and legends, where swirling masked dancers in colorful costumes perform sacred ritual dance, giving auspicious blessings and protection from evil spirits. BUMTHANG- BUMTHANG LODGE (B,L,D daily)
Day 18 Thu, Oct 24: On Thursday we attend the Jambay Lhakhang “tsechu” situated in an 8th century temple. A visual overload with everyone wearing their best traditional clothing and jewelry! BUMTHANG- BUMTHANG LODGE (B,L,D)
Day 19 Fri, Oct 25: Explore the fertile Choekhor Valley situated at 8,400 ft. Visit Jakar Dzong, “Castle of the White Bird,” Buddhist monasteries and villages, glimpse rural life unchanged for centuries. BUMTHANG- BUMTHANG LODGE (B,L,D)
Day 20 Sat, Oct 26: Return to Western Bhutan where we break our journey with an overnight at Punakha. PUNAKHA- ZANGDO PELRI LODGE (B,L,D)
Day 21 Sun, Oct 27: Early morning drive to Thimphu and visit the weekly Thimphu market. Afternoon visit the golden-spired Memorial Chorten and the National Library. THIMPHU- HOTEL DRUK (B,L,D)
Day 22 Mon, Oct 28: Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, the Handicraft Center with its workshops and handmade paper factory. Late afternoon return to Paro. PARO- HOTEL DRUK (B,L,D)
Day 23 Tue, Oct 29: Morning Druk Air flight to Bangkok. After helping with check-in, Lesley will say good-bye in Paro. (B)

Romania: Winter Traditions

with Tom & Sherry Wilson

20 DAYS DECEMBER 16, 2002 – JANUARY 4, 2003

$3895 plus airport taxes, from NYC

air & land, per person, double occupancy

Experience the magic of a Romanian winter! Our journey takes us to the Maramures region of northern Romania to attend the Winter Festival held annually in Sighetu Marmatiei.

Day 1 Mon, Dec 16: Early evening departure from JFK New York for our SWISS Airlines flight to Bucharest, Romania… connection in Zurich. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Tue, Dec 17: Late afternoon arrival in Bucharest, capital city of Romania. Visit the Peasant Museum, a wonderful collection of traditional handcrafts, ceramics, textiles and folk arts. Welcoming dinner this evening. BUCHAREST- BUCURESTI HOTEL (D)
Day 3 Wed, Dec 18: Departure for our drive through the Carpathian Mountains to Brasov, with lunch en route. Afternoon visit to Prejmer Fortress. BRASOV- ARO PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 4 Thu, Dec 19: This morning we’ll have a walking tour of Old Brasov, an ancient Transylvanian city with a medieval quality . visit the small Ethnographic Museum. Late morning excursion to Bran Castle before lunch in a mountain restaurant. BRASOV- ARO PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 5 Fri, Dec 20: Continue through the Carpathians to Piatra Neamt, stopping to photograph the villages & countryside along our way. PIATRA NEAMT- HOTEL CEAHLAUL (B,L,D)
Days 6, 7, 8 Sat, Sun, Mon Dec 21, 22, 23: Saturday we continue across the mountains to Romania’s northeastern region called Moldavia, also called Bucovina, stopping along our way to visit Agapia Monastery and mask-maker Popa Nicolae. Sunday & Monday we’ll explore the beautiful countryside & villages and visit the painted monasteries of Bucovina. Special visit with a traditional eggpainter, as well as ethnographic collections. CAMPULUNG MOLDOVENESC- HOTEL EDEN (B,L,D daily)
Day 9 Tue, Dec 24: Continue our journey west through mountainous countryside into Transylvania’s traditional region of Maramures. Early evening we drive to Botiza village to enjoy their Christmas Eve celebrations. SIGHETU MARMATIEI- PERLA SIGHETEANA MOTEL (B,L,D)
Days 10, 11 Wed, Thu Dec 25, 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. We will see costumed young men in animal masks and other representative figures, some laden with heavy bells dancing through village streets. Throughout Maramures we’ll see old log homes still in use, ornately carved wooden gates, wooden churches… truly a living museum! SIGHETU MARMATIEI- PERLA SIGHETEANA MOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Day 12 Fri, Dec 27: Today is the Maramures Winter Festival held annually in Sighetu Marmatiei. The full 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 Sat, Dec 28: Depart Maramures as we drive south to the university town of Cluj, stopping to visit a straw hatmaker en route. CLUJ- VICTORIA HOTEL (B,L,D)
Days 14, 15 Sun, Mon Dec 29, 30: Sunday morning sightseeing of Cluj and visit the Ethnographic Museum. After lunch we continue our drive to Sibiu in southern Transylvania. Monday 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. Late afternoon we drive to Saliste village for dinner with our hatmaker friend and his family. SIBIU- HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D daily)
Day 16 Tue, Dec 31: Provided they are open, morning visit to a small ethnographic collection and a folkart shop. After lunch in a mountain restaurant, the remainder 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 2003! SIBIU- HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D)
Day 17 Wed, Jan 1: Mid-day we visit picturesque Sibiel village to see a unique collection of icons painted on glass. We receive a warm welcome from villagers as we enjoy New Year’s Day lunch with our friends. SIBIU- HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D)
Day 18 Thu, Jan 2: Mid-morning departure for our drive south to Bucharest. BUCHAREST- BUCURESTI HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 19 Fri, Jan 3: Transfer to the airport for our SWISS Airlines flight to Zurich where we overnight at an airport hotel. Dinner on your own. ZURICH- WELCOME INN AIRPORT HOTEL (B,L)
Day 20 Sat, Jan 4: Return to the airport for SWISS Airlines return flight to JFK New York. In-flight meal. (B)

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