CWT TOUR DIRECTORS: Prof. Tom & Sherry 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 craft, folkart & village life tours for 21 years. The purpose of the Craft World Tours Collection travel programs is to meet craftspeople and village people to see how and where they work, how they live, their way of life… to “go behind the wall”. We hope our traveling companions will be influenced by the range of handcrafts, the people we meet, the cultures, customs, food, architecture and landscape.
MYANMAR (BURMA): TEMPLES, PAGODAS & TIMELESS WAYS
20 DAYS: JANUARY 23 – FEBRUARY 11, 2005
Introduction: Join Tom on his 12th 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, and of haunting images. We have carefully chosen our friends and colleagues in Burma who are in the private sector and depend heavily upon tourism for their livelihood. Whatever small interaction we can have is vital when you are interested in people, as Craft World Tours is. We are not politically oriented, but we feel strongly about the importance of keeping “open doors” to the local people of Burma.
Day 1 Monday, January 23: Early afternoon departure from Los Angeles for our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Tuesday, January 24: Crossing the International Date Line we lose a day. Late night arrival in Bangkok and overnight at our airport hotel. BANGKOK- AMARI AIRPORT HOTEL.
Day 3 Wednesday, January 25: This morning we return to the airport for our short flight to Yangon. After lunch, an afternoon visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda, the spiritual heart of Myanmar. Welcoming dinner this evening. YANGON- GRAND PLAZA PARKROYAL HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 4 Thursday, January 26: Sightseeing of Yangon to include the reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda and the National Museum. Afternoon visit to a glass factory and time for personal exploring. YANGON- GRAND PLAZA PARKROYAL HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 5 Friday, January 27: Morning flight to Heho. On arrival we drive to Inle Lake, stopping en route to visit a family workshop making traditional shan paper and umbrellas. Transfer by boat to our hotel. INLE LAKE- HU PIN HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 6 Saturday, January 28: We spend our days on Inle Lake exploring the floating gardens and villages built on stilts. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and various craft workshops… lotus & silk weaving, silver smithy, blacksmiths and boat building. INLE LAKE- HU PIN HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 7 Sunday, January 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. KALAW-KALAW HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 8 Monday, January 30: Sunday 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… and see the making of gold-leaf. MANDALAY- EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 9 Tuesday, January 31: Continue exploring Mandalay’s craft workshops and local life. Explore Zegyo Market, as well as important pagodas and monasteries, Kyauktawgyi Temple and Mandalay Hill. MANDALAY- EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 10 Wednesday, February 1: Continue exploring Mandalay’s craft workshops and local life. Explore Zegyo Market, as well as important pagodas and monasteries, Kyauktawgyi Temple and Mandalay Hill. MANDALAY- EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 11 Thursday, February 2: Excursion by boat to Mingun to see the unfinished King Bodawpaya Pagoda. One evening a puppet show in Mandalay. MANDALAY- EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 12 Friday, February 3: Thursday we board the MV 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. Overnights on the riverboat. MV PANDAW (B,L,D).
Day 13 Saturday, February 4: Along our way we’ll stop to visit a pottery village, as well as the market and weaving workshops in the town of Pakokku. Overnight on the riverboat. MV PANDAW (B,L,D).
Day 14 Sunday, February 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. BAGAN- BAGAN HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 15 Monday, February 6: We spend our next days touring the ruins of this vast archaeological site. Visit Ananda Temple and Shwe Zigon Stupa, as well as the archaeological museum. BAGAN- BAGAN HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 16 Tuesday, February 7: Explore small villages producing oxcarts, baskets, pottery, lacquerware and cheroots. Afternoon horsedrawn cart ride to view the sunset from one of the temples. Puppet show one evening. BAGAN- BAGAN HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 17 Wednesday, February 8: After morning visits and lunch, we return to the airport for our afternoon flight to Yangon. Dinner on your own. YANGON- GRAND PLAZA PARKROYAL HOTEL (B,L).
Day 18 Thursday, February 9: Morning visit to Bogyoke Market with time for photographing and shopping. Lunch on your own. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner. YANGON- GRAND PLAZA PARKROYAL HOTEL (B,D).
Day 19 Friday, February 10: This morning we return to the airport for our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. Lunch & dinner on your own. BANGKOK- AMARI AIRPORT HOTEL (B).
Day 20 Saturday, February 11: Breakfast on your own before our early morning Thai Airways flight to Los Angeles. In-flight meals.
MEXICO: OAXACA VALLEY FOLK ART & LIVING TRADITIONS
12 DAYS: FEBRUARY 24 – MARCH 7, 2005
Introduction: Join Tom on our 6th journey exploring the handcrafts, folk arts and traditional village life of the Central Valley of Oaxaca. Situated at 5,000 feet and surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains, our days will be filled with excursions to meet folk potters, weavers, woodcarvers, mask-makers, and blacksmiths. We will be welcomed into homes and workshops to learn of Zapotec lifeways and traditions. Our tour is designed and led by Tom and Oaxacan guide Florencio Moreno, a Cultural Geography scholar and native Zapotec.
Day 1 Thursday, February 24: Departure from your home city for your flight to Oaxaca. Transfer to our hotel, Hostal CasAntica, a beautifully restored 16th century convent located just a block from the main plaza (Zocalo). Welcoming dinner this evening. OAXACA- HOSTAL CASANTICA (D).
Day 2 Friday, February 25: Morning orientation walking tour to the Zocalo and visit the Ethnobotanical Garden, the Church of Santo Domingo and the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures with its treasures from Tomb 7 of Monte Albán. Lunch in a local restaurant, dinner on your own. OAXACA- HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L).
Day 3 Saturday, February 26: Visit the large and colorful Saturday market, where people come from throughout the valley to sell their local products. Lunch and dinner on your own. OAXACA- HOSTAL CASANTICA (B).
Day 4 Sunday, February 27: Today we visit the Sunday market of Tlacolula to see the traditional dress of the Zapotec women. Continue to the village of Teotitlán del Valle, famous for its handwoven wool rugs. Visit several family workshops to see the carding, spinning and dyeing of the wool with natural dyes and the weaving on traditional looms. OAXACA- HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L).
Day 5 Monday, February 28: Morning visit to a traditional paper-making workshop in San Agustin Etla. After lunch we continue to a family workshop where they make traditional “alebrijes” (whimsical woodcarvings). OAXACA- HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L).
Day 6 Tuesday, March 1: Drive to the village of Ocotlán to visit the workshop of the Aguilar sisters who make colorful folk pottery. Visit a family of blacksmiths and see the making of traditional embroidered blouses. OAXACA- HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L).
Day 7 Wednesday, March 2: Morning visit to the black pottery village of San Bartolo Coyotepec to see a family workshop and demonstration. Continue to the archaeological site of Mitla. OAXACA- HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L).
Day 8 Thursday, March 3: Workshop of the Aguilar brothers, blacksmiths forging knives and other items. After lunch we visit the famed Aguilar sisters who make colorful folk pottery. Lastly we stop at the black pottery village of Coyotepec to see a family workshop. Return to Oaxaca, dinner on your own. OAXACA- HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L).
Day 9 Friday, March 4: Morning excursion to the mountaintop archaeological site of Monte Albán 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 10 Saturday, March 5: Experience Oaxaca’s unique and traditional cuisine as we take part in a special “hands-on” cooking workshop. Lunch at the workshop, dinner on your own. OAXACA- HOSTAL CASANTICA (B,L).
Day 11 Sunday, March 6: Today is yours for independent exploring, relaxing or shopping. Shops and museums 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 Monday, March 7: Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport is provided for your independent return flight home. (B).
MEXICO: HANDWORK OF MICHOACÁN’S HIGHLANDS
12 DAYS: MARCH 9 – 20, 2005
Introduction: Join us on our 3rd journey exploring the diversity of handcrafts and folk arts of the scenically beautiful mountainous state of Michoacán. Using Morelia and Patzcuaro as bases, we explore small family workshops where artisans still preserve much of their pre-Hispanic roots and the legacy of Bishop Don Vasco de Quiroga, who in the 16th century influenced the craft specialties of each village.
Day 1 Wednesday, March 9: Arrival in Mexico City and transfer to our hotel. Welcoming dinner this evening. MEXICO CITY- HOTEL CAMINO REAL AIRPORT (D).
Day 2 Thursday, March 10: Morning flight to Morelia. Orientation walk of this beautiful colonial city. Visit the Casa de las Artesanias. MORELIA- HOTEL VIRREY DE MENDOZA (B,L).
Day 3 Friday, March 11: Visit the village of Capula, known for its “dotted” pottery. Continue to Patzcuaro. PATZCUARO- POSADA LA BASILICA (B,L).
Day 4 Saturday, March 12: Visit the lively Patzcuaro market. Afternoon boat trip to the island of Janitzio. PATZCUARO- POSADA LA BASILICA (B).
Day 5 Sunday, March 13: Excursion to the village of Erongaricuaro to visit textile and furniture workshops. PATZCUARO- POSADA LA BASILICA (B,L).
Day 6 Monday, March 14: Visit the village of Tzintzuntzan to see straw weaving and pottery. PATZCUARO- POSADA LA BASILICA (B,L).
Day 7 Tuesday, March 15: Visit Santa Clara del Cobre, the copper-smithing center. PATZCUARO- POSADA LA BASILICA (B,L).
Day 8 Wednesday, March 16: Visit St. Francis Monastery and two family ceramic workshops. Return to Patzcuaro. PATZCUARO- POSADA LA BASILICA (B,L).
Day 9 Thursday, March 17: Visit a woodcarving workshop before driving to Santa Clara del Cobre to visit the Copper Museum and a local copper workshop. PATZCUARO- POSADA LA BASILICA (B,L).
Day 10 Friday, March 18: Morning walk to the Friday ceramics market. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner, with a performance of the Dance of the Old Men. PATZCUARO- POSADA LA BASILICA (B,D).
Day 11 Saturday, March 19: Morning departure for our return drive to Mexico City. MEXICO CITY- CAMINO REAL AIRPORT HOTEL (B,L).
Day 12 Sunday, March 20: Breakfast at the hotel and return flight home. (B).
TURKEY: ANATOLIAN CULTURE & FOLKWAYS
24 DAYS: MAY 6 – 29, 2005
Introduction: Join us on our 11th journey to Turkey, as we celebrate our 20th year anniversary. Our program is designed to explore the traditional Anatolian towns and villages, with their rich history and diverse handcrafts. We’ll visit the stunning remote 18th century Isak Pasa palace, travel the edge of the biblical Mt. Ararat, explore the ancient land of Mesopotamia, and the biblical cities of Antioch, Tarsus and Ephesus.
Day 1 Friday, May 6: Evening departure from JFK New York for our Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Saturday, May 7: Late morning arrival in Istanbul. Transfer to our hotel in the old city. Welcoming dinner this evening. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (D).
Day 3 Sunday, May 8: Morning sightseeing of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Afternoon flight to Erzurum in eastern Anatolia. ERZURUM- ORAL HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 4 Monday, May 9: Visit the Çifte Minareli Medrese before driving across the high plateaus to Dogubeyazit. DOGUBEYAZIT- SIMER HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 5 Tuesday, May 10: Visit the Isak Pasa palace and see Mt. Ararat. Continue to Van on the shores of Lake Van. VAN- AKDAMAR HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 6 Wednesday, May 11: Visit the Urartian fortress and take a boat to Akdamar Island to see the 10th century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross. VAN- AKDAMAR HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 7 Thursday, May 12: Visit a traditional kilim weaving workshop before driving to Mardin. MARDIN- TEYMUR HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 8 Friday, May 13: Explore the old city of Mardin and the Deyrul Zafaran monastery. MARDIN- TEYMUR HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 9 Saturday, May 14: Drive to Sanliurfa, the biblical city of Ur. Visit the Pools of Abraham. SANLIURFA- HARRAN HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 10 Sunday, May 15: Excursion to the beehive-shaped houses of Harran. SANLIURFA- HARRAN HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 11 Monday, May 16: Drive to Antakya (Antioch), visiting the Roman bridge in Adiyaman en route. ANTAKYA- BUYUK ANTAKYA HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 12 Tuesday, May 17: Visit the Mosaic Museum and the Grotto of St. Peter. ANTAKYA- BUYUK ANTAKYA HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 13 Wednesday, May 18: Drive along the coast to Mersin, visiting Tarsus en route. MERSIN- MERSIN HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 14 Thursday, May 19: Drive to Konya. Visit the Mevlana Museum. KONYA- OZKAYMAK PARK HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 15 Friday, May 20: Departure for Pamukkale, mineral springs around which the ancient Roman spa of Hieropolis was built. PAMUKKALE- RICHMOND HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 16 Saturday, May 21: Early departure for Kusadasi on the Aegean coast. On our way we’ll stop to see the archaeological ruins of Aphrodisias. KUSADASI- HOTEL DERECI (B,L,D).
Day 17 Sunday, May 22: Sunday morning excursion to the marble ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved, most famous cities of antiquity. And visit the traditional old village of Sirince. KUSADASI- HOTEL DERECI (B,L,D).
Day 18 Monday, May 23: Our overland journey continues to Ayvalik, stopping to visit Bergama’s Monday market and the site of Pergamum. AYVALIK- HALIC PARK HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 19 Tuesday, May 24: We continue to Bursa, along our way visiting a traditional village that has not changed for centuries. Wander the narrow winding streets to see the old Turkish architecture. BURSA- KENT HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 20 Wednesday, May 25: Wednesday sightseeing of Bursa, first capital of the Ottoman Empire… the Green Mosque, Green Tomb, Great Mosque, and the Ethnographic Museum. Time to explore the Covered Bazaar. BURSA- KENT HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 21 Thursday, May 26: Thursday we take the ferryboat across the Sea of Marmara, continuing by bus to Istanbul. Dinner on your own. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (B,L).
Day 22 Friday, May 27: 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. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (B,L).
Day 23 Saturday, May 28: The day is yours for personal exploring. Lunch on your own. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (old city) (B,D).
Day 24 Sunday, May 29: After breakfast transfer to the airport for our Turkish Airlines return flight to JFK New York. In-flight meals. (B).
ROMANIA: 20TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY TOUR
18 DAYS: MAY 30 – JUNE 16, 2005
Introduction: Join Tom on our 20th year anniversary journey into Romania, as we explore the traditional folklife and crafts from the painted monasteries of Bucovina to the medieval villages of Transylvania. Our program is designed to meet craftspeople in their homes and village workshops… woodcarvers, potters, weavers, egg-painters and mask-makers.
Day 1 Monday, May 30: Early evening departure from JFK New York for our AUSTRIAN Airlines flight to Bucharest, Romania… connection in Vienna. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Tuesday, May 31: Late afternoon arrival in Bucharest, capital city of Romania. Welcoming dinner in a folk restaurant this evening. BUCHAREST- LIDO HOTEL (D).
Day 3 Wednesday, June 1: This morning an orientation sightseeing of Bucharest and visit the Peasant Museum, a wonderful collection of traditional handcrafts, ceramics, textiles and folk arts. After lunch we’ll visit the Village and Folk Art Museum, an open-air museum of folk architecture from various regions throughout Romania. Dinner on your own. BUCHAREST-LIDO HOTEL (B,L).
Day 4 Thursday, June 2: Today we drive through the Carpathian Mountains into southern Transylvania, visiting Bran Castle before continuing to Brasov. BRASOV-ARO PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 5 Friday, June 3: Morning walking tour of old Brasov, an ancient Transylvanian city which has retained its medieval quality. Visit a master woodcarver before our lunch in a mountain restaurant. Dinner on your own. BRASOV- ARO PALACE HOTEL (B,L).
Day 6 Saturday, June 4: Visit Prejmer Fortress before we continue northeast through the Eastern Carpathians, stopping to visit a pottery factory, and a small family workshop in Korund producing the traditional Transylvanian Hungarian blue and white ceramics. MIERCUREA-CIUC-FENYO HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 7 Sunday, June 5: Today we continue through the Bicaz Gorges and across the mountains into Romania’s northeastern province of Moldavia, also called Bucovina, region of painted monasteries. Visit maskmaker and woodcarver Popa Nicolae, and Voronet Monastery. CAMPULUNG MOLDOVENSC-HOTEL ZIMBRUL (B,L,D).
Day 8 Monday, June 6: The monasteries of Moldavia are unique as the churches are painted inside and out with marvelous frescoes, considered some of Europe’s fine art treasures. Visit the painted monasteries of Moldovita, Sucevita and Humor. CAMPULUNG MOLDOVENSC-HOTEL ZIMBRUL (B,L,D).
Day 9 Tuesday, June 7: Meet a family of eggpainters, explore Marginea village with its ornately decorated houses, and visit the ethnographic museum in Suceava. CAMPULUNG MOLDOVENSC-HOTEL ZIMBRUL (B,L,D).
Day 10 Wednesday, June 8: Drive across the Tihuta Pass into Maramures, stopping to visit wooden churches. SIGHETU MARMATIEI- TISA HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 11 Thursday, June 9: Explore the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta and meet woodcarvers. SIGHETU MARMATIEI- TISA HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 12 Friday, June 10: Visit the local market and local weavers. Drive to Cluj. CLUJ- VICTORIA HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 13 Saturday, June 11: Morning walking orientation of Cluj. Drive into the countryside to a small ethnic Hungarian community for lunch and to visit a small ethnographic collection. Dinner on your own. CLUJ- VICTORIA HOTEL (B,L).
Day 14 Sunday, June 12: This morning we continue our journey through the Carpathians to Sibiu in southern Transylvania. Along our way we visit the workshop of our felt hatmaker friend, and stop for lunch with his family in Saliste village. SIBIU-HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D).
Day 15 Monday, June 13: Morning walking sightseeing of the Old Town of Sibiu… the old city walls, the 15th and 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 Sibiel to see a unique old collection of icons painted on glass and to explore this picturesque village. We receive a warm welcome from villagers as we enjoy dinner with local families. SIBIU-HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D).
Day 16 Tuesday, June 14: Morning visit to the Outdoor Folk Museum. Lunch on your own. The afternoon is yours for exploring and shopping in the Old Town. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner. SIBIU-HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,D).
Day 17 Wednesday, June 15: Return to Bucharest, stopping to visit a pottery workshop and Horezu Monastery along our way. Dinner on your own. BUCHAREST- LIDO HOTEL (B,L).
Day 18 Thursday, June 16: Early morning transfer to the airport for our AUSTRIAN Airlines return flight to JFK New York. Connection in Vienna. In-flight meals. (B).
CAUCASUS: AZERBAIJAN, GEORGIA & ARMENIA
18 DAYS: SEPTEMBER 4 – 21, 2005
Introduction: Join us on our first journey into the Caucasus, as we explore the “old & new” crafts of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. Our program is designed to meet local craftspeople in their studios and village workshops. Join us as we “go behind the wall” to learn of their cultures, traditions and ways of life. Guest escort for our tour is our friend and colleague Raisa Gareeva.
Day 1 Sunday, September 4: Early evening departure from JFK New York for our AUSTRIAN Airlines flight to Baku, Azerbaijan, connection in Vienna. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Monday, September 5: Morning arrival in Vienna… rooms have been reserved at the airport hotel until our late night onward flight to Baku. Meals on your own.
Day 3 Tuesday, September 6: Early morning arrival in Baku, capital city of AZERBAIJAN located on the Caspian Sea. Transfer to our hotel for immediate check-in and rest after our overnight flight. Late morning sightseeing of Baku. After lunch, time to explore the medieval maze of narrow streets in the walled Old City. Welcoming dinner this evening. BAKU-ABSHERON HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 4 Wednesday, September 7: Morning visit to a carpet factory and the Carpet Museum. This afternoon we’ll visit a musical instrument maker and a dollmaker who creates fantastic dolls of local characters, reflecting her memories of traditional life in Baku’s Ichari Shahar (Old City). BAKU-ABSHERON HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 5 Thursday, September 8: Continue our sightseeing of Baku and meet more craftspeople in their workshops. BAKU-ABSHERON HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 6 Friday, September 9: Drive to the town of Sheki in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. Visit the Sheki Khan Palace. SHEKI- KARVANSARAY HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 7 Saturday, September 10: Visit the local market and meet silk weavers. Drive to the border and enter GEORGIA. Continue to Tbilisi. TBILI- VARAZI HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 8 Sunday, September 11: Orientation sightseeing of Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. Visit the Sioni Cathedral. TBILI- VARAZI HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 9 Monday, September 12: Excursion to the ancient capital of Mtskheta. Visit the Jvari Monastery. TBILI- VARAZI HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 10 Tuesday, September 13: Drive to the Kazbegi region in the high Caucasus. TBILI- VARAZI HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 11 Wednesday, September 14: Visit local craft workshops in Tbilisi. TBILI- VARAZI HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 12 Thursday, September 15: Morning visit to craft workshops to meet the artists and the Georgian State Museum. Visit the outdoor Museum of Georgian Folk Architecture. TBILI-VARAZI HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 13 Friday, September 16: Today we journey to Yerevan, ARMENIA, changing buses at the border. Travel through the ancient and rugged Caucasus Mountains, a land of geographical contrasts and great beauty with deep ravines and pine forests. Along our way we’ll stop to visit the medieval Haghpat monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the 13th century Sagmosavank church. Lunch with a ceramic artist. Continue to Armenia’s capital city of Yerevan located in the Ararat Valley, and entirely surrounded by mountains. YEREVAN-MARRIOTT ARMENIA HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 14 Saturday, September 17: Saturday morning sightseeing of Yerevan to include the Folk Art Museum and the Wood Carving Museum. Meet some of Armenia’s contemporary craftsmen and women in their workshops and studios, some of whom have applied their traditional heritage in their contemporary work… rugweavers, woodworkers, jewelers. YEREVAN-MARRIOTT ARMENIA HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 15 Sunday, September 18: Sunday morning visit to the Vernisage open-air Handcraft Market. Meet some of Armenia’s contemporary craftsmen and women in their workshops and studios. YEREVAN-MARRIOTT ARMENIA HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 16 Monday, September 19: Excursion into the mountainous countryside to visit the 1st century AD pagan temple of Garni, and Geghard, a 13th century monastery carved from the surrounding rock hillside. Visit Lake Sevan, and an architectural outdoor museum. Return to Yerevan, dinner on your own. YEREVAN-MARRIOTT ARMENIA HOTEL (B,L).
Day 17 Tuesday, September 20: Morning visit to the Children’s Art Museum. The afternoon is yours for rest before our long flight home. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner. YEREVAN- MARRIOTT ARMENIA HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 18 Wednesday, September 21: Very early morning transfer to the airport for our AUSTRIAN Airlines return flight to JFK New York. Connection in Vienna. In-flight meals.
CHINA: THE SILK & CRAFT ROUTE
21 DAYS: OCTOBER 7 – 27, 2005
Introduction: Join Tom on our 13th trip exploring the unique cultures and crafts of the lesser-traveled regions of Chinese Central Asia. Follow the ancient Silk Road from Beijing and Xi’an to the oasis towns of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, formerly known as Chinese Turkestan. We’ll meet local craftspeople in their workshops and visit village markets to learn of their cultures and traditions.
Day 1 Friday, October 7: Afternoon departure from San Francisco for our Air China flight to Beijing. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Saturday, October 8: Crossing the International Date Line we lose a day. Early evening arrival in Beijing, capital and cultural center of the People’s Republic of China. On arrival in Beijing our friend and colleague Zhang Xu (Matthew) will meet us and we’ll transfer to our hotel for overnight. BEIJING-CAPITAL HOTEL (D).
Day 3 Sunday, October 9: Excursion to a lesser-traveled section of the Great Wall, with an outstanding funicular ride to the top. After an early welcoming dinner, this evening we take in a performance of the Beijing Opera. BEIJING-CAPITAL HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 4 Monday, October 10: Sightseeing of Beijing to include the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City, a maze of palaces first built in the 15th century, considered one of the greatest museums of Chinese culture. Evening flight to Xi’an, eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road. XI’AN-HYATT HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 5 Tuesday, October 11: Today we visit the underground ruins near the Imperial Tomb of China’s first Emperor Qin to see the life-sized terra cotta soldiers and horses that were created to guard the tomb. Accidentally discovered by farmers in 1974, this is considered one of China’s significant archaeological finds. Dumpling dinner this evening. XI’AN-HYATT HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 6 Wednesday, October 12: Morning sightseeing of Xi’an to include the mosque and the fascinating market streets that surround the mosque. Afternoon flight to Dunhuang located along the Hexi Corridor, a passageway between mountains and deserts for the ancient trade routes between Central Asia and China. An oasis in a large desertland, Dunhuang was formerly a frontier outpost of China. DUNHUANG DUNHUANG HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 7 Thursday, October 13: Today we visit the famous Mogao Grottoes, containing some of the world’s finest Buddhist art… frescoes depicting the life of Buddha as well as the everyday life of the people… weddings, funerals, tea houses, merchant caravans. Afternoon visit to the Mingsha Sand Dunes. Evening flight to Urumqi, modern capital city and base for our journey into Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, formerly known as Chinese Turkestan, a sparsely settled frontier region where Central Asian ethnic populations have preserved their language, culture and traditions. URUMQI-XINJIANG GRAND HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 8 Friday, October 14: Friday morning visit to the Museum of National Minorities, provided renovations have been completed. After lunch we drive to the oasis of Turpan, former stop on the northern Silk Road. TURPAN- TURPAN GRAND HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 9 Saturday, October 15: Saturday we visit the Emin Minaret and explore the local bazaar in Turpan. Excursion to Bezeklik Thousand-Buddha Caves. TURPAN- TURPAN GRAND HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 10 Sunday, October 16: Morning visit to Jiache Ruins before our return drive to Urumqi. Dinner on your own. URUMQI-XINJIANG GRAND HOTEL (B,L).
Day 11 Monday, October 17: Monday morning flight over the Taklimakan Desert to the oasis of Hotan. This region is populated mostly by Muslim national minorities and retains its Central Asian atmosphere. For the next days we’ll explore the traditional old villages surrounding Hotan and the ancient handcrafts of silk spinning, dyeing and ikat weaving, feltmaking, metal casting, carving of wooden bowls, jade-carving and papermaking. HOTAN-ZHEJIANG HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 12 Tuesday, October 18: For the next days we’ll explore the traditional old villages surrounding Hotan and the ancient handcrafts of silk spinning, dyeing and ikat weaving, feltmaking, metal casting, carving of wooden bowls, jade-carving and papermaking. HOTAN-ZHEJIANG HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 13 Wednesday, October 19: For the next days we’ll explore the traditional old villages surrounding Hotan and the ancient handcrafts of silk spinning, dyeing and ikat weaving, feltmaking, metal casting, carving of wooden bowls, jade-carving and papermaking. HOTAN-ZHEJIANG HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 14 Thursday, October 20: Visit local village markets, see an ancient method of pressing oil, and short drive to the edge of the Taklimakan Desert. Wonderful opportunities for seeing and experiencing traditional village life. October is beautiful with yellow-leaved poplar trees lining the countryside and village roads. HOTAN-ZHEJIANG HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 15 Friday, October 21: Friday a full day’s drive northwest along the edge of the Taklimakan Desert to Kashgar, situated where the northern and southern routes of the ancient Silk Road converged. Visit a knife factory en route. Kashgar is located on the northern edge of the Taklimakan Desert and bounded on the west by the towering Pamir Mountains. KASHGAR- BARONY HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 16 Saturday, October 22: We’ll visit the local market and Id Kah Mosque. On Saturday, provided weather and road conditions are favorable, an excursion along a portion of the Karakoram Highway into the Pamir mountains. KASHGAR- BARONY HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 17 Sunday, October 23: This morning we explore the great Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar, one of Central Asia’s colorful markets where thousands of people come to trade their goods… everything from livestock and food to clothes and household items. Remainder of the day at leisure for independent exploring. Late evening flight to Urumqi. URUMQI-XINJIANG GRAND HOTEL (B,L).
Day 18 Monday, October 24: Today we visit the Erdaoqiao Market in Urumqi. Dinner on your own. URUMQI-XINJIANG GRAND HOTEL (B,L).
Day 19 Tuesday, October 25: Morning flight to Beijing. After lunch we return to the airport for our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. Lunch and dinner on your own. BANGKOK- AMARI AIRPORT HOTEL (B,L).
Day 20 Wednesday, October 26: Morning visit to the “antique market” of Panjiayuan. Lunch on your own. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner. BEIJING-CAPITAL HOTEL (B,D).
Day 21 Thursday, October 27: Return to the airport for our Air China return flight to San Francisco. In-flight meals. (B).
WINTER TRADITIONS OF ROMANIA: BUCOVINA, TRANSYLVANIA & MARAMURES
18 DAYS: DECEMBER 16, 2005 – JANUARY 2, 2006
Introduction: Join Tom and Sherry on our 8th trip celebrating the Winter Traditions of Bucovina, Transylvania and Maramures. Remote mountainous regions, they are “living ethnographic museums” where people still preserve many of their centuries-old folkways. During the winter season, people celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another with special festivals, dances, masks and costumes. Our journey features the Maramures Winter Festival in Sighetu Marmatiei, with its parades of villagers in traditional dress singing and dancing to welcome the New Year.
Day 1 Friday, December 16: Early evening departure from JFK New York for our AUSTRIAN Airlines flight to Bucharest, Romania… connection in Vienna. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Saturday, December 17: Late afternoon arrival in Bucharest, capital city of Romania. Welcoming dinner in a folk restaurant this evening. BUCHAREST-LIDO HOTEL (D).
Day 3 Sunday, December 18: Orientation sightseeing of Bucharest and visit the Peasant Museum and the Village Museum. BUCHAREST-LIDO HOTEL (B,L).
Day 4 Monday, December 19: Drive to Curtea de Arges and Horezu, the ceramic center. HOREZU- HOTEL HOREZU (B,L,D).
Day 5 Tuesday, December 20: Drive to Sibiu, stopping to visit monasteries. SIBIU- HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D).
Day 6 Wednesday, December 21: Drive to Maramures, visiting wooden churches. SIGHETU MARMATIEI- TISA HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 7 Thursday, December 22: Visit local craft workshops and the Merry Cemetery. SIGHETU MARMATIEI- TISA HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 8 Friday, December 23: Drive to Bucovina. CAMPULUNG MOLDOVENESC- HOTEL ZIMBRUL (B,L,D).
Day 9 Saturday, December 24: Visit painted monasteries of Moldovita and Sucevita. CAMPULUNG MOLDOVENESC- HOTEL ZIMBRUL (B,L,D).
Day 10 Sunday, December 25: Explore Maramures villages on Christmas Day. Watch costumed young men in animal masks laden with heavy bells dancing through streets. The Maramures dances with masks are remnants of pagan processions of the past… intended as a good omen for the New Year. SIGHETU MARMATIEI-TISA HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 11 Monday, December 26: See old log homes, carved wooden gates, and wooden churches in the villages of Barsana and Ieud. SIGHETU MARMATIEI-TISA HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 12 Tuesday, December 27: Maramures Winter Festival in Sighetu Marmatiei. Parade with many villages represented by men, women and children in traditional dress singing and dancing. Folk performance in the afternoon. SIGHETU MARMATIEI-TISA HOTEL (B,L,D).
Day 13 Wednesday, December 28: Morning visit to the Merry Cemetery before we depart Maramures as we drive south to the university town of Cluj, stopping to visit a straw hatmaker en route. Dinner in a folk restaurant. CLUJ-VICTORIA HOTEL (B,L D).
Day 14 Thursday, December 29: Brief sightseeing of Cluj before we continue our drive to Sibiu in southern Transylvania. Along our way we’ll stop at Saliste village to visit a felt hat workshop and an old water-powered gristmill before lunch with our hatmaker friend and his family. SIBIU-HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D).
Day 15 Friday, December 30: 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 and the daily market. Visit with one of our weaver friends in Avrig village before lunch in a mountain restaurant. SIBIU-HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D).
Day 16 Saturday, December 31: Provided they are open, morning visit to a folkart shop. 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 2006! SIBIU-HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B,L,D).
Day 17 Sunday, January 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 18 Monday, January 2: Transfer to the airport for our AUSTRIAN Airlines return flight to JFK New York. In-flight meals. (B).