INDIA: ORISSA & WEST BENGAL (handcrafts & tribal villages)

with Tom Muir Wilson 20 DAYS JANUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 4, 2003 Price: $4998 plus airport taxes, from LOS ANGELES; air & land, per person, double occupancy

Join Tom on his 8th exploration of the rich culture, handcrafts and folkart of India, our first journey into Orissa & West Bengal. Beginning in Calcutta, capital of West Bengal, we travel by rail to Shantiniketan, a unique center of Bengalese culture and learning. Return to Calcutta by road, visiting the terracotta temples of Vishnupur, as well as local villages and artisans… weavers, blockprinters, embroiderers, bronze and ceramic artisans. From Calcutta we fly to Bhubaneshwar, capital of Orissa, beginning our overland journey through beautiful, remote countryside into the mountainous ethnic areas to visit tribal villages & weekly markets. Visit a mulberry plantation, a Tussar silk rearing center, Orissan double and single ikat weavers, and villages of the Juang, Kutia Kandh and Dongria Kondh tribes. Come join us with a spirit of adventure in traveling to exotic India!

Day 1 Thu, Jan 16: Early afternoon departure from Los Angeles for our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Fri, Jan 17: 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 Sat, Jan 18: Return to the airport for our late morning Thai Airways flight to Kolkata (Calcutta), capital of WEST BENGAL. Lunch on the plane. On arrival our special escort & friend Malathi Ramaswamy will meet us. Welcoming dinner this evening. KOLKATA – OBEROI GRAND HOTEL (B,D)
Day 4 Sun, Jan 19: Morning sightseeing of Calcutta to include the Kali Temple, Victoria Memorial, and the Gurusaday Museum of Bengal Folk Art with its unique collection of “kantha” embroidery and “patachitra” scroll paintings. Afternoon visit to the potters’ colony. Dinner on your own. KOLKATA – OBEROI GRAND HOTEL (B,L)
Day 5 Mon, Jan 20: Early morning departure by “Shatabdi Express” train to Bolpur. On arrival transfer to our hotel in Shantiniketan. After lunch visit the university and the museum. SHANTINIKETAN – CHUTI HOLIDAY RESORT (B,L,D)
Day 6 Tue, Jan 21: Morning excursion to nearby villages to visit with weavers and leather workers. After lunch drive to Vishnupur, 17th century capital of the Malla Kings, famous for its unique terracotta temples. VISHNUPUR – TOURIST LODGE (B,L,D)
Day 7 Wed, Jan 22: Morning sightseeing of the terracotta temples and visit with local weavers and artisans making the famous Dashavatar playing cards and “dokra” metal dolls. Return to Calcutta. KOLKATA – OBEROI GRAND HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 8 Thu, Jan 23: This morning we visit Calcutta’s famous Flower Market and the West Bengal Crafts Council Centre to see demonstrations of the important handwork of Bengal, including Kantha embroidery. Late afternoon flight to Bhubaneshwar, capital of ORISSA. BHUBANESHWAR-OBEROI HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 9 Fri, Jan 24: Morning excursion to Nuapatna to see silk and cotton ikat weaving. After lunch, sightseeing of the temples of Bhubaneshwar. BHUBANESHWAR – OBEROI HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 10 Sat, Jan 25: Today we begin our overland journey through remote countryside into the ethnic regions of Orissa. The next five days will be long driving days, filled with special visits to villages and markets normally not visited by outsiders.. lunches will be box lunches… we change hotels each night to make our way onward. hotels are 3-star simple, clean accommodation with clean bathrooms. Drive to Keonjar, stopping to see Tussar weaving, visit Tarini temple and a terracotta village. KEONJAR – SRIKETRA INTERNATIONAL HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 11 Sun, Jan 26: Morning visit to see the lost wax process of producing miniature metal wire toys. Continue our overland journey to Baragarh, stopping to see a mulberry plantation, and to visit a Juang tribal village enroute. BARAGARH – HOTEL GANESH (B,L,D)
Day 12 Mon, Jan 27: A long drive today… enroute to Bhawanipatna see tie & dye double and single ikat weaving, and silk weaving. Box lunch. BHAWANIPATNA – HOTEL RICHI (B,L,D)
Day 13 Tue, Jan 28: Departure for Rayagada, stopping to visit the Kutia Kondh tribe and Tuesday market at Kotgarh. Box lunch. RAYAGADA – SAI INTERNATIONAL HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 14 Wed, Jan 29: Morning excursion to Chatikona to see the weekly tribal market of the Dhongria Kondh. A unique opportunity to see a concentration of ethnic peoples, with women in their best traditional dress, bartering for goods. Return to our hotel for lunch before continuing to Gopalpur on Sea. GOPALPUR ON SEA – OBEROI PALM BEACH (B,L,D)
Day 15 Thu, Jan 30: A well-deserved rest… a full day of relaxing by the sea. GOPALPUR ON SEA – OBEROI PALM BEACH (B,L,D)
Day 16 Fri, Jan 31: Morning drive to the village of Raghurajpur, where every house is a studio for artisans who specialize in “patachitra” painting on treated cloth and “talapattachitra” engravings on palm leaves. Continue to Puri. PURI – HANS COCO PALMS (B,L,D)
Day 17 Sat, Feb 1: Morning excursion to see the 13th century Sun Temple at Konark, a masterpiece of Orissan architecture. Return to Puri for an afternoon visit to the Jagannath Temple area and the local bazaar. PURI – HANS COCO PALMS (B,L,D)
Day 18 Sun, Feb 2: Drive to Bhubaneshwar for our afternoon flight to Calcutta. KOLKATA – OBEROI GRAND HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 19 Mon, Feb 3: After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. Afternoon at leisure in Bangkok for last minute shopping. Dinner on your own. BANGKOK – AMARI AIRPORT HOTEL (B,L)
Day 20 Tue, Feb 4: Early morning transfer to the airport for our Thai Airways return flight to Los Angeles. In-flight meals. (B)

RAJASTHAN 2003: Rural Traditions, Villages & Folkcrafts

travel with LESLEY ROBIN 18 DAYS FEBRUARY 20 – MARCH 9, 2003 Price: $3945 LAND ONLY per person, double occupancy

Join Lesley in exploring rural traditions and folk crafts in the villages of Rajasthan. From Delhi we fly to Jodhpur on the edge of the Thar Desert and journey to remote Jaisalmer, described as “the most perfect jewel shimmering above the hard sand like a fairytale mirage”. Travel through Rajasthan where legendary forts and palaces are part of a landscape of lively bazaars… an endless pageant of people and color! Visit a myriad of wonderful sights.. Agra and the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan’s capital city Jaipur and the romantic lake city of Udaipur. Explore the little-visited Barmer area where desert people still maintain their strong traditions and culture. Visit villages where women wear silver jewelry and clothing decorated with mirrorwork. See pottery, blockprinting with natural dyes, embroidery and papermaking.

Day 1 Thu, Feb 20: Arrival in Delhi by your own independent air arrangements. On arrival you will be met and transferred to our hotel. DELHI – TAJ PALACE HOTEL
Day 2 Fri, Feb 21: Morning sightseeing of Old Delhi… the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Afternoon visit to the National Museum and the Crafts Museum with its village compounds and artisans. Welcoming dinner this evening. DELHI – TAJ PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 3 Sat, Feb 22: Early morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Jodhpur on the edge of the Thar desert. Drive to the desert city of Jaisalmer. JAISALMER – HOTEL FORT RAJWADA (B,L,D)
Day 4 Sun, Feb 23: Morning sightseeing of the “Golden City” of Jaisalmer including the 12th century fort, Jain temples and “havelis” (merchant houses) with their intricately carved sandstone facades. JAISALMER – HOTEL FORT RAJWADA (B,L,D)
Day 5 Mon, Feb 24: Morning visit to the local bazaar. Afternoon excursion into the desert to Sam sand dunes for a camel ride. JAISALMER – HOTEL FORT RAJWADA (B,L,D)
Day 6 Tue, Feb 25: Depart Jaisalmer and drive to the town of Barmer, a center for woodcarving, weaving and embroidery. BARMER – HOTEL KAVERI (B,L,D)
Days 7,8 Wed, Thu Feb 26,27: Wednesday morning drive south to the Barmer area where we base ourselves for two nights in the countryside. This area has a rich tradition of embroidery, mirrorwork and appliqued textiles, “ajarak” blockprinting using natural dyes in bold indigo and red patterns, weaving and woodwork. Women wear their traditional full, blockprinted skirts that swish as they walk, adorned with massive ivory bangles, silver earrings, and nose rings, the men in colorful turbans. We explore villages with the mud walled desert huts in this little-visited region. OVERNIGHTS BARMER COUNTRYSIDE – accommodation in traditional village-style huts with attached toilet shower facilities, simple but clean. (our accommodation is run by the artists of the area through a non profit organization) (B,L,D daily).
Day 9 Fri, Feb 28: Morning visit to the massive Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Afternoon excursion to Bishnoi villages to see traditional potters and weavers. JODHPUR – TAJ HARI MAHAL (B,L,D)
Day 10 Sat, March 1: Morning walk through the vibrant Sardar Market and clocktower area. Afternoon at leisure. JODHPUR – TAJ HARI MAHAL (B,L,D)
Day 11 Sun, March 2: A full day’s drive through farming countryside to the beautiful lake city of Udaipur stopping to visit Ranakpur Jain temple situated in the Aravalli Hills. UDAIPUR – FATEHPRAKASH PALACE HOTEL overlooking Lake Pichola (B,L,D)
Day 12 Mon, March 3: Visit the City Palace and Sahelion ki Bari gardens. Visit the Lok Kala Mandal Museum for Rajasthan folk arts and crafts and see a puppet show Afternoon boat ride to picturesque Jagmandir Island. Please note… if The Royal Orient Train is operating, in the early evening we board this narrow guage train for our overnight journey to Jaipur. Decorated in the old style reminiscent of the Princes of India, enjoy royal service and a unique railway experience! (two persons per cabin with separate bathroom facilities next to each cabin and shared between two cabins. Single accomodation not available on train) Important note… if the train is not running, then we take the evening flight to Jaipur . capital of Rajasthan, overnight THE ROYAL ORIENT TRAIN or TAJ JAI MAHAL PALACE HOTEL (B,L.D)
Days 13, 14 Tue Wed March 4, 5: For the next two days we explore Jaipur and surroundings. Visit the old “pink city”, drive past the elaborate facade of the Palace of the Winds and on to the City Palace with its textile museums. Venture into the flower and perfume market, walk through the bangle bazaar and market for wedding sarees, turbans and adornments.. camelcarts. horsedrawn rickshaws and cycles crowd the streets! Ride on elephant back up to the beautiful Amber Fort. See papermaking and blockprinting. Visit “Anokhi” to see behind the scenes of a company that produces contemporary fashion and furnishings using the skills of traditional craftsmen and women. JAIPUR – TAJ JAI MAHAL PALACE HOTEL (B,L.D daily)
Day 15 Thu, March 6: Early departure for Agra to see the beautiful Taj Mahal in the late afternoon light. AGRA – HOTEL CLARKS SHIRAZ (B.L.D)
Day 16 Fri, March 7: Morning visit to Agra Fort. Afternoon drive back to Delhi. DELHI – TAJ PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 17 Sat, March 8: The day is yours for independent exploring or last minute shopping. Farewell dinner this evening. DELHI – TAJ PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 18 Sun, March 9: Transfer to the airport is provided for your independent return flight home. (B)

OAXACA, MEXICO: folk art & living traditions (Trip 1)

with Tom Muir Wilson 12 DAYS FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 10, 2003 Price: $1976 LAND ONLY per person, double occupancy

Join us in exploring the diversity of handcrafts, folkarts and traditional village life of the Central Valley of Oaxaca (pronounced “wah-HAH-ka). Situated at about 5000 feet and surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountain ranges, the central highland valley radiates outward east, south and northwest from the capital city of Oaxaca. Using comfortable Hostal CasAntica in Oaxaca City as our base for 11 nights, our days will be filled with excursions into the countryside and villages to meet folk potters, a ceramic artist, weavers, embroiderers, woodcarvers & maskmakers, tinworkers, candlemakers, papermakers and blacksmiths. Living traditions & customs of the surrounding villages are still strong, we will learn of their lifeways as we are welcomed into homes and workshops. Experience Tlacolula’s ancient ethnic market where traditional dress and headwear of the Zapotec people and other regional ethnic groups can be seen. One evening an excursion to the local Observatory with a talk on Astroarchaeology.

Day 1 Thu, Feb 27: Arrival in Oaxaca by your own independent air arrangements. On arrival you will be met and transferred to our hotel. OAXACA – HOSTAL CASANTICA (D)
Day 2 Fri, Feb 28: After breakfast, walking orientation sightseeing of colonial Oaxaca to include the Santo Domingo Church, the State Regional Museum located in the beautifully restored former Dominican monastery, the walking street and the Zócalo (main plaza). OAXACA – HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L)
Day 3 Sat, March 1: Morning visit to the bustling Saturday market at Abastos. Afternoon visit to the homes and workshops of famous woodcarvers in Arrazola. OAXACA – HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L)
Day 4 Sun, March 2: Excursion to the colorful Zapotec market at Tlacolula. Afternoon visit to the weaving village of Teotitlan del Valle. OAXACA – HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L)
Day 5 Mon, March 3: Day trip to the valley of Ocotlan. Visit the home and workshop of a family of famous ceramic artists and the workshop of a blacksmith. OAXACA – HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L)
Day 6 Tue, March 4: Morning visit to a paper making workshop in San Agustin Etla. Afternoon visit to a master weaver and a family of tinworkers. OAXACA – HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L)
Day 7 Wed, March 5: Day at leisure to explore the galleries and museums of Oaxaca city. OAXACA – HOSTAL CASANTICA (B)
Day 8 Thu, March 6: Excursion to the OAXACA VALLEY where we will be hosted for lunch by a local family and then see their pottery workshop. Provided it is open we will visit the folk art museum. Return to Oaxaca, dinner on your own. OAXACA – HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L)
Day 9 Fri, March 7: Experience Oaxaca’s unique cuisine as we first visit the local market for shopping in preparation for our special “hands on” cooking workshop, Lunch at the workshop. Dinner on your own. OAXACA – HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L)
Day 10 Sat, March 8: Morning excursion to the overwhelming mountaintop archaeological site of Monte Alban which flourished as a religious, political and commercial center for more than 1200 years. Lunch in a nice local restaurant. Return to Oaxaca, dinner on your own. Folkdance performance this evening. OAXACA – HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L)
Day 11 Sun, March 9: Today is yours for independent exploring. relaxing or shopping. Shops are normally open Sunday from late morning until late afternoon, and there are always various performances and activities happening on the Zocalo. Lunch on your own. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner. OAXACA – HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,D)
Day 12 Mon, March 10: Breakfast at the hotel, Transfer to the airport is provided for your independent return flight home. (B)

CENTRAL ASIA: Bazaars of Central Asia

with Tom Muir Wilson 23 DAYS APRIL 17 – MAY 9, 2003 Price: $5549 plus airport taxes, from NYC

Day 1 Thu, April 17: Evening departure from JFK New York for our Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, Turkey.
Day 2 Fri, April 18: Arrival in Istanbul, transfer to airport hotel. Evening flight to Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN. TASHKENT – HOTEL UZBEKISTAN
Day 3 Sat, April 19: Sightseeing of Tashkent: Museum of Fine Arts (suzani embroideries), Museum of Applied Arts, and visit a ceramic artist studio.
Days 13, 14 Wed, Thu April 30, May 1: A full day’s drive across the Kara-Kurn Desert to Bukhara, UZBEKISTAN with box lunch en route. BUKHARA- NEW BUKHARA HOTEL (B,L,D)
Days 15,16 Thu,Fri May 1,2: For the next two days we’ll 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 medressas. Visit a silk factory, and 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. Old textiles are plentiful…. carpets & wall hangings, women’s traditional dress, embroidery, silk ikat, hats, animal trappings., as well as jewelry, ceramics, wood & metal. BUKHARA-NEW BUKHARA HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Days 17,18,19 Sat,Sun,Mon May 3,4,5: 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 6: 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 7: 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. Our hotel is superbly located in Old Istanbul, Dinner on your own. ISTANBUL-ARCADIA HOTEL (B,L)
Day 22 Thu, May 8: 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 9: This morning we return to the airport for our Turkish Airlines flight to JFK New York. In-flight meal. (B)

TURKEY: Anatolian Culture & Folkways

with Tom Muir Wilson 24 DAYS MAY 9 – JUNE 1, 2003 Price: $4197 plus airport taxes, from NYC

Come join us on our 11th 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 Beginning in Istanbul, we fly to eastern Turkey, an unspoiled region of dormant volcanic mountains and vast stretches of lonely plains. In this crossroads land populated by many civilizations explore the ancient Armenian ruins of Ani, Isak Pasa palace, Lake Van & surroundings, Nemrut Dagi, and the ancient land of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. In central Anatolia we visit the volcanic cone formations of Cappadocia and the holy city of Konya. Venture to Kusadasi on the Aegean coast and the magnificent ruins of Ephesus before continuing to Bursa. Cross the Sea of Marmara returning to explore exciting Istanbul on the Bosphorus.

Day 1 Fri, May 9: Evening departure from JFK New York for Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul.
Day 2 Sat, May 10: Arrival in Istanbul. Walking orientation of Old Istanbul. Welcoming dinner. ISTANBUL – ARCADIA HOTEL (L,D)
Day 3 Sun, May 11: Visit Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofya, Blue Mosque, and Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts.
Days 16,17 Sat.Sun May 24,25: Saturday an early departure for Kusadasi on the Aegean coast. On our way we’ll stop to see the archaeological ruins of Aphrodisias. 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 daily)
Day 18 Mon, May 26: 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)
Days 19,20 Tue,Wed May 27,28: Tuesday we continue to Bursa . along our way visiting a traditional village that has not changed for wander the narrow winding streets to see the old Turkish architecture. Wednesday sightseeing of Bursa, first capital of the Ottoman Empire… the Green Mosque, Green Tomb, Great Mosque, and the Ethnogrpahic Museum, Time to explore the Covered Bazaar. BURSA – KENT HOTEL (B.L,D daily)
Days 21,22 Thu,Fri May 29,30: Thursday we take the ferryboat across the Sea of Marmara, continuing by bus to istanbul. Friday morning we visit the copper factory. after lunch time to explore the Spice Bazaar. Return to the hotel. for interested persons we will walk to the Grand Bazaar for independent exploring Dinner on your own both days. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (B,L daily)
Day 23 Sat, May 31: The day is yours at leisure. Lunch on your own. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (old city) (B,D)
Day 24 Sun, June 1: Return flight to JFK.

BULGARIA: folk traditions & monasteries

with Tom Muir Wilson 19 DAYS AUGUST 12 – 30, 2003 Price: $3376 plus airport taxes, from NYC

Join Tom as he returns to Bulgaria after 10 years . a land of rich folk traditions, ancient cities & towns with beautifully restored old Bulgarian architecture, and outstanding monasteries! Visit Sofia and the living museum towns of Koprivshtitsa, Melnik, Bansko. Plovdiv, Veliko Turnovo and Tryavna. A new area for us will be to the “Pomak” Muslim Bulgarian villages of the Rhodope highlands where traditional lifeways are still strong. Visit the workshops of traditional craftsmen & women as well as wander cobblestone streets and quiet lanes to see exquisite old houses with overhanging second stories and curved roofs characteristic of Bulgaria’s unique National Revival architecture. Throughout our route we will visit some of Bulgaria’s outstanding monasteries, including Rila Monastery and Bachkovo Monastery. Meet mummer-mask makers, woodworkers, a bagpipe master, weavers & knitters, potters. a bell…

Day 13 Sun, Aug 24: Today we continue our drive via Shipka Pass to Veliko Turnovo. Visit bobbin-lace makers and Etura open-air museum, a living museum with restored 18th and 19th century buildings housing small workshops of traditional craftspeople still plying their trades. Due to the limited number of rooms at Hotel Gurko, single rooms are not available for our 3 nights in Veliko Turnovo. VELIKO TURNOVO- HOTEL GURKO (B,L.D)
Day 14 Mon, Aug 25: Morning walking sightseeing of Veliko Turnova, perched among the steep cliffs of the Jantra Gorge. Visit Tsarevets Fortress hill and the craftsmen of Samovoska street. Drive to Arbanassi for lunch and visit the ethnographic museum house and the main….

ROMANIA (September): from the painted monasteries to the folklife & crafts of Transylvania

with Tom Muir Wilson 18 DAYS SEPTEMBER 3-20, 2003 Price: $3696 plus airport taxes, from NYC

Join Tom as we return for our 16th journey to Romania exploring the rich and varied folklife of Romania’s traditional regions of Transylvania, Moldavia and Maramures.., and to visit old friends! From Bucharest we make our way through the Carpathian Mountains to Brasov. Continue northeast to the province of Moldavia. also called Bucovina, region of painted monasteries. We then venture west into the mountain villages of Maramures where traditional customs & lifeways are still prevalent. Circling the Carpathians we continue south to Sibiu and the old villages of Transylvania. Focusing on village life we meet woodcarvers. weavers and potters, a family of egg painters, a maskmaker and a folk artist. What you will see preserved in the ethnographic collections in the larger cities can be seen….

Day 13 Mon, Sept 15: Walking orientation of Cluj and visit the porcelain factory. Drive into the countryside to a small ethnic Hungarian community for lunch and to meet a weaver & embroiderer. Dinner on your own. CLUJ- VICTORIA HOTEL (BL)
Day 14 Tue, Sept 16: 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 15 Wed. Sept 17: 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. Special visit with one of our weaver friends in Avrig village. Before lunch on the mountain, drive up to the plateau to hopefully see shepherds wearing the traditional, regional shepherd hats made of felt 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 16 Thu, Sept 18: Morning visit to the Outdoor Folk Museum. Lunch on your own. The afternoon is yours for exploring & shopping in the Old Town. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner, SIBIU-HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,D)
Day 17 Fri, Sept 19: Return to Bucharest, stopping to….

CHINA SILK ROAD: the Silk & Craft Route

with Tom & Matthew (Zhang Xu) 20 DAYS SEPTEMBER 26 – OCTOBER 15, 2003 Price: $4996 plus airport taxes, from LOS ANGELES

Join us for our 12th trip exploring the unique cultures, crafts and folk arts of the lesser-traveled regions of Chinese Central Asia as we journey the ancient Silk Road. Beginning with the well-known sights of Beijing, we then fly to Xi’an, the easternmost terminus of the Silk Road. Continue to Dunhuang located along the Hexi Corridor, a passageway between mountains and deserts for the ancient trade routes between Central Asia and China Venture on to Urumqi…

Day 1 Fri, Sept 26: Departure from Los Angeles for Beijing.
Day 15 Fri, Oct 10: Drive along Taklimakan Desert to Kashgar.
Day 16 Sat, Oct 11: Excursion into Pamir mountains on Karakoram Highway. KASHGAR – SEMAN HOTEL
Day 17 Sun, Oct 12: Explore the Great Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar. KASHGAR – SEMAN HOTEL
Day 20 Wed, Oct 15: Return flight to Los Angeles.

BOLIVIA: traditional life of the Bolivian Highlands

CWT TOUR DIRECTOR: Prof. Tom Muir Wilson
16 DAYS NOVEMBER 4 – 19, 2003
Price: $3588 plus airport taxes, from MIAMI

Day 1 Tue, Nov 4: Departure from Miami to Santa Cruz.
Day 2 Wed, Nov 5: Arrival in Santa Cruz, connect to Cochabamba. Visit ceramic project and charango workshop. COCHABAMBA – HOTEL PORTALES
Day 13 Sun, Nov 16: Very early morning departure for our full day excursion to Lake Titicaca travel is by bus and catamaran. The lake basin region was and is the center of the rich Aymara culture, and is truly a beautiful sight with deep blue waters surrounded by the snow-capped Andes. Visit the Island of the Sun. En route back to La Paz we’ll visit a village of Aymara basketmakers. Dinner on your own. LA PAZ HOTEL PRESIDENTE (BL)
Day 14 Mon, Nov 17: Morning visit to some of La Paz costume and mask workshops.
Day 16 Wed, Nov 19: Return flight to Miami.

MOROCCO: medinas, souks & markets

with Tom Muir Wilson 17 DAYS NOVEMBER 25 – DECEMBER 11, 2003 Price: $3776 plus airport taxes, from NYC

Join Tom as he returns for our 17th journey exploring Morocco’s exotic treasures… a land of incredible and diverse beauty, the kingdom of Morocco maintains much of its traditional culture in the inner old cities and the countryside Focusing on Morocco’s folklife and her people, we wander the labyrinth of the medinas of ancient Fes, Taroudant and Marrakech visiting small colorful shops and workshops of carpetweavers, wool dyers, woodworkers, potters, brass and copperworkers, and basketmakers… in the countryside, we see Berber people and traditional weekly markets, a colorful reflection of Moroccan life, Journey from Rabat to Chechaouen and Fes, through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the south of Morocco to Ouarzazate and Taroudant, on to the coastal town of Essaouira and the Imperial City of Marrakech. Wonderful photographic opportunities!

Day 1 Tue, Nov 25: Evening departure from JFK New York for Casablanca, Morocco on Royal Air Maroc. In-flight meal.
Day 2 Wed, Nov 26: Morning arrival in Casablanca and drive north along the Atlantic coast to the capital city of Rabat, one of four Imperial Cities. Afternoon walk through the Kasbah Oudayas, the Andalusian Garden and visit the Museum of Moroccan Art Welcoming dinner this evening. RABAT-HOTEL SAFIR (L.D)
Day 3 Thu, Nov 27: Visit the tomb of Mohammed V. the ruins of Chellah, and drive by the King’s Palace. This afternoon we’ll visit the potteries near Sale where we may be able to see firings in process. RABAT-HOTEL SAFIR (B.L.D)
Days 4,5 Fri,Sat Nov 28,29: Friday departure for our drive to Chechaouen, en route stopping to visit the Ethnographic Museum in Tetouan, provided their reconstruction is completed. Saturday morning walking sightseeing of Chechaouen, located at the foot of the Djebel Sidi Bou Mountains… after lunch time to wander & photograph the ancient streets of this unique, old town. CHECHAOUEN HOTEL PARADOR (B.LD daily)
Day 6 Sun, Nov 30: Departure for Fes, intellectual, cultural and religious center and the most ancient of the Imperial Cities. Along our way we’ll stop to visit the weavers souk of Quezzane, as well as the ruins of Volubilis. FES-HOTEL MERINIDES (B.L.D)
Day 7 Mon, Dec 1: Experience the incredible sights and sounds of the souks of Fes, medieval in character with mazes of winding passageways and burros loaded with merchandise. Visit the famous tannery, the dyers souk, weavers’ workshops, brass & copperworkers, woodworkers, and a pottery workshop. A full day of exploring & photographing! FES HOTEL MERINIDES (B.LD)
Day 8 Tue, Dec 2: Today we journey through the ranges of the Middle Atlas Mountains to ErRachidia in Morocco’s south. Both landscape and architecture will take on dramatic changes today… many photographic stops! Road permitting, visit the Franciscan nunnery in Midelt where young village girls are taught embroidery and carpetweaving. ER RACHIDIA-HOTEL RISSANI (B L,D)
Day 9 Wed, Dec. 3: Early morning departure for Ouarzazate, stopping to visit the magnificent Todra Gorge and a weekly market. Markets are important weekly events and are excellent opportunities to see traditional people from the countryside as they come to socialize and exchange goods. Continuing our overland journey through the “Valley of the 1000 Kasbahs between the High Atlas and the Saghro Mountains, the landscape is dotted with fortified red adobe villages surrounding the kasbahs that overlook the ancient caravan routes. OUARZAZATE-KARAM PALACE HOTEL (B.L.D)
Day 10 Thu, Dec 4: Today we drive southwest through beautiful countryside to the medieval walled town of Taroudant, located at the head of the Sous Valley Our unique hotel is located in a former 19th century pasha’s palace. TAROUDANT HOTEL PALAIS SALAM (B.L.D)
Day 11 Fri. Dec 5: This morning we explore the red-ochre ramparts surrounding the medina of Taroudant, souks laden with silver jewelry, copper & silver daggers, leather goods and spices. The remainder of the day for independent exploring, or relaxing and enjoying the ambiance of our hotel with its beautiful gardens and pool. TAROUDANT-HOTEL PALAIS SALAM (B.L.D)
Day 12 Sat. Dec 6: Continue to the Atlantic seaport town of Essaouira with its white washed walls & blue shutters, Essaouira is considered one of the most charming of Moroccan towns. ESSAOUIRA HOTEL DES ILES (B.L.D)
Day 13 Sun, Dec 7: 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 Mon. Dec 8: Morning drive to the Imperial City of Marrakech. MARRAKECH HOTEL ES SAADI (B L,D)
Day 15 Tue, Dec 9: This morning we explore colorful back alleyways of the bustling medina with its multitude of fascinating souks… weavers, feltmakers, coppersmiths and blacksmiths. Dappled light shines through reed-covered streets lined with shining brass and copperware, creating a magical atmosphere Visit the central square of Djemma El Fna where throngs of people surround storytellers and acrobats who work for the attention, and money, of spectators. Visit the Museum of Moroccan Art with its outstanding collection of folk art. The rest of the afternoon is yours for independent exploring. This evening brings us together for our special farewell dinner. MARRAKECH HOTEL ES SAADI (B.L.D)
Day 16 Wed. Dec 10: Drive to Casablanca on arrival we’ll stop to see the new mosque and have lunch along the seacoast. Dinner on your own. CASABLANCA-SAFIR HOTEL (B.L)
Day 17 Thu, Dec 11: Early morning transfer to the airport for our Royal Air Maroc flight to JFK New York. In-flight meal. (B)

ROMANIA Winter Festival

with Tom & Sherry Wilson 16 DAYS DECEMBER 17, 2003 – JANUARY 1, 2004 Price: $3996 plus airport taxes, from NYC

Come join us as we return for our 7th trip celebrating the winter traditions of Transylvania and Maramures in Romania, this year spending our last three nights in beautiful Budapest, Hungary on the Danube! For persons with an interest in traditional folklife, Transylvania’s mountainous region of Maramures is truly a living ethnographic museum. Between Christmas and the New Year. days are filled with fun-loving activities intended as a good omen for the New Year Connected with the Winter Solstice, the dances with masks in Maramures are visible remnants of pagan processions of the past the country’s Romanian Orthodox background blended with these pagan remnants manifests itself in the colorful winter traditions of today. One of the organized festivities is the Maramures Winter Festival where villages are represented by men, women & children in traditional dress singing and dancing. For hardy, interested persons, we would love to have you join us ! but please be aware that this is not a luxury tour. While hotels are heated, much time will be spent out-of-doors in cold, sometimes snowy weather and performances are held outdoors as well as in unheated buildings. Weather is similar to that of the northern U.S… cold, snowy and unpredictable.

Day 1 Wed, Dec 17: Evening departure from JFK New York for our AUSTRIAN Airlines flight to Bucharest, Romania connection in Vienna. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Thu, Dec 18: Late afternoon arrival in Bucharest, capital city of ROMANIA. Welcoming dinner this evening BUCHAREST CONTINENTAL HOTEL (D)
Day 3 Fri, Dec 19: Morning sightseeing of Bucharest, and visit to the Village and Folk Art Museum, an open-air museum showing regional architecture. After lunch we visit the Peasant Museum, a wonderful collection of traditional handcrafts, ceramics, textiles and folk arts. Dinner on your own. BUCHAREST CONTINENTAL HOTEL (B.L)
Day 4 Sat, Dec 20: Today we drive through the Carpathian Mountains to Sibiu in southern Transylvania SIBIU – HOTEL IMPERATUL ROMANILOR (B.L.D)
Day 5 Sun, Dec 21: 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. In the days preceding Christmas there is often singing and dancing in the main square. We drive into the mountains for lunch. This evening we drive to Saliste village to visit the workshop of our felt hatmaker friend, and for dinner with his family SIBIU HOTEL IMPERATUL ROMANILOR (B.L.D)
Day 6 Mon. Dec 22: Morning visit with one of our weaver friends in Avrig village. Continue to Sibiel to to see their unique collection of old icons painted on glass and to explore this picturesque village We receive a warm welcome from villagers as we enjoy lunch with a local family. Return to Sibiu, dinner on your own. SIBIU HOTEL IMPERATUL ROMANILOR (BL)
Day 7 Tue, Dec 23: This morning we continue our drive to the university town of Cluj After lunch, walking orientation of Cluj and the ethnographic museum, provided renovation is completed CLUJ-VICTORIA HOTEL (BLD)
Day 8 Wed, Dec 24: Today we drive through beautiful mountainous countryside into Transylvania’s traditional region of Maramures. After a late afternoon rest, we drive to Botiza village to enjoy their Christmas Eve celebrations, caroling and dinner. SIGHETU MARMATIEI TISA HOTEL (B.L.D)
Days 9,10 Thu Fri 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 If you have never experienced Romanian hospitality, you are in for a treat! We will see costumed young men in animal masks and other representative figures, some laden with heavy bells dancing through village streets. The Maramures dances with masks are remnants of pagan processions of the past connected with the Winter Solstice, these days traditionally are meant for fun-loving activities intended as a good omen for the New Year. Throughout Maramures we’ll see old log homes still in use, ornately carved wooden gates, wooden churches, similar to what has been preserved in the ethnographic collections throughout the country. This unique region still retains many traditional customs as well as much of their ethnic dress. Truly a living museum! And hopefully with a fresh snowfall, Maramures is magical SIGHETU MARMATIEI TISA HOTEL (BLD daily)
Day 11 Sat. Dec 27: Today is the Maramures Winter Festival held annually in Sighetu Marmatiei. The full day as 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 Wandering, mingling and watching the villagers who have come to participate in the parade and folk dancing is a highlight in itself SIGHETU MARMATIEI- TISA HOTEL (BLD)
Day 12 Sun, Dec 28: Depart Maramures as we drive to Oradea, stopping en route to visit the Merry Cemetery with its intricately carved and painted wooden grave markers meet the man who keeps this folk art alive ORADEA HOTEL DACIA (B.L.D)
Day 13 Mon, Dec 29: We cross the border into HUNGARY and continue our drive to Budapest, one of Europe’s outstanding cities, and capital and cultural center of Hungary After checking into our hotel located on the Danube. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Budapest’s walking street. Dinner on your own BUDAPEST HOTEL HYATT or INTERCONTINENTAL (B.L)
Day 14 Tue Dec 30: Morning sightseeing of Budapest to include Matthias Church & the Castle District. After lunch the afternoon is yours for independent exploring. Dinner on your own. BUDAPEST HOTEL HYATT or INTERCONTINENTAL (B.L)
Day 15 Wed, Dec 31: Morning excursion to Obuda to the intimate Kun Zsigmond folk collection, Lunch on your own. This evening we’ll come together for a special, early New Year’s Eve dinner. BUDAPEST-HOTEL HYATT or INTERCONTINENTAL (B.D)
Day 16 Thu, Jan 1: Early morning transfer to the airport for our AUSTRIAN Airlines return flight to JFK New York In-flight meals.

TOUR DESIGNERS & DIRECTORS

Prof. Tom Muir Wilson Tom is founder and co-owner of Craft World Tours and former educator for 35 years, retiring after 22 years teaching Photography and Art at Rochester Institute of Technology. Tom & his wife Sherry have been designing & running handcraft, folkart & village life tours for 19 years.

Lesley Robin This program is designed & escorted by Lesley Robin, Director of Cottonseed, a company she organized to run cultural & handcraft tours as well as to encompass her work in design, fabrics & furnishings. Lesley lived 20 years in India. Her interest and involvement in the handcrafts of the Indian sub-continent as well as Hindu & Buddhist culture has been stimulated by living closely among the Tibetans and indigenous people of the Western Himalaya.

GENERAL NOTES & CONDITIONS

PLEASE NOTE: This printed itinerary should be used for basic outline information purposes only… while destinations will remain the same, the actual order of visits may be adjusted from day to day. While careful arrangements are made up to a year in advance, craftspersons’ schedules and other schedules are subject to change the itinerary is adapted accordingly.
RESERVATIONS: A deposit of $250 per person with completed reservation form (or clip form in newsletter) will secure your space.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: Generally speaking for all trips, single rooms can sometimes be inferior to double rooms. The supplement pays for privacy, not for better accommodations.
PASSPORTS & VISAS: Passport needs to be valid for 6 months beyond trip dates, with sufficient blank pages. Visas are not required for U.S. & Canadian citizens for most listed trips, except for China where they are required.

Main Archive

The Craft World Tours Destinations 2003: Tribal Traditions