I have updated the full 2010 itinerary for the Craft World Tours Collection using the Deep Terracotta (#B35C44) and C5A059 branding.
As requested, I have kept the first four lines of each trip in bold and included the full introductions and every single day verbatim. The hotel names and “B, L, D” meal information at the end of each day have been changed to regular text (unbolded).
THE CRAFT WORLD TOURS COLLECTION 2010
MYANMAR (BURMA): festivals, crafts & village life
with Tom & Sherry Wilson
18 DAYS JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 6, 2010
$4845 LAND ONLY (per person, double occupancy)
Introduction: Travel in Myanmar (Burma) is a step back in time. This is a land of shimmering golden stupas, ancient temples, and a culture that remains deeply rooted in its traditions. Our journey takes us from the colonial charm of Yangon to the breathtaking temple plains of Bagan, the tranquil waters of Inle Lake, and the craft centers of Mandalay. We focus on the gentle people of Myanmar and their traditional ways of life. Along our way we meet weavers, potters, lacquerware makers, and woodcarvers, and experience the vibrant local markets that are the heart of every village. Join Tom & Sherry on our 13th journey into this beautiful and welcoming land.
Itinerary:
- Day 1 Wed, Jan 20: Arrival at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport by your own independent air arrangements. Land arrangements begin at Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel which is a short walk from the airport. Rooms are available for check-in from 2pm today. Tom & Sherry will meet our group at 6pm in the lobby for a pre-trip introduction and to confirm departure timing for our flight to Yangon very early tomorrow morning. Meals on your own. BANGKOK-NOVOTEL SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT HOTEL
- Day 2 Thu, Jan 21: Early morning flight to Yangon (formerly Rangoon). On arrival we begin our sightseeing of the “garden city of the east” with its colonial buildings, leafy boulevards and shimmering stupas. Visit the National Museum, home to the eight-meter high Lion Throne. Late afternoon visit to Shwedagon Pagoda, the spiritual heart of Myanmar. At sunset the golden dome is a magnificent sight. YANGON-PARKROYAL HOTEL (B,L,D)
- Day 3 Fri, Jan 22: Morning visit to Bogyoke (Scott) Market, a sprawling complex of over 2000 stalls selling everything from traditional longyis and gems to lacquerware and woodcarvings. After lunch we visit a family of traditional glassblowers and a workshop making gold leaf. YANGON-PARKROYAL HOTEL (B,L,D)
- Day 4 Sat, Jan 23: Morning flight to Heho and drive to the picturesque town of Kalaw, a former British hill station. Visit the colorful local market where ethnic minority groups—the Palaung, Pa-O, and Danu—come to sell their produce and crafts. KALAW-PINE HILL RESORT (B,L,D)
- Day 5 Sun, Jan 24: Morning visit to a Palaung village to see their traditional longhouses and unique dress. After lunch we drive to Pindaya, through a landscape of rolling hills and fields of dry-land rice and ginger. PINDAYA-PINDAYA INLE INN (B,L,D)
- Day 6 Mon, Jan 25: Morning visit to the Pindaya Caves, a unique site where thousands of Buddha images have been placed in limestone caves over the centuries. Visit a papermaking & umbrella workshop. PINDAYA-PINDAYA INLE INN (B,L,D)
- Day 7 Tue, Jan 26: Morning drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake. Board private long-tail boats to our hotel on the lake. Afternoon boat excursion to see the unique “leg-rowers,” floating gardens, and a lakeside village. INLE LAKE-PARAMOUNT INLE RESORT (B,L,D)
- Day 8 Wed, Jan 27: Morning flight 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, and a papier mache village. MANDALAY-EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
- Day 9 Thu, Jan 28: Continue our exploration of Mandalay’s crafts including woodcarving & stone carving, a bronze foundry, and a pottery village. Explore Zegyo Market. MANDALAY-EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
- Day 10 Fri, Jan 29: Visit sequin-makers, bamboo & rice straw papermakers, and an artist who does reverse painting on glass… and see the making of gold leaf. Visit Kyauktawgyi Temple and Mandalay Palace. MANDALAY-EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
- Day 11 Sat, Jan 30: Visit important pagodas and monasteries. One evening a puppet show in Mandalay. MANDALAY-EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
- Day 12 Sun, Jan 31: Sunday we board the Pandaw 1947 Riverboat for a magnificent two night journey on the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to Bagan. Relax and take in the rich and varied river life and beautiful scenery. PANDAW 1947 RIVERBOAT (B,L,D daily)
- Day 13 Mon, Feb 1: Along our way we’ll stop to visit a pottery village. Overnights on the riverboat in private air conditioned cabins with private shower. PANDAW 1947 RIVERBOAT (B,L,D daily)
- Day 14 Tue, Feb 2: Arrive in Bagan. Lunch on your own. This afternoon we begin our sightseeing of the important temples. BAGAN-BAGAN HOTEL (B,D)
- Day 15 Wed, Feb 3: We spend our next days touring the ruins of this vast archaeological site, considered one of the most remarkable in Asia. Visit Ananda Temple and Shwe Zigon Stupa. Explore small villages producing oxcarts, lacquerware and “cheroots”. BAGAN-BAGAN HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
- Day 16 Thu, Feb 4: Late afternoon horsedrawn cart ride to view the sunset from one of the temples… unforgettable views of endless temples and shrines dotting the landscape of the Pagan plain. Puppet show one evening. BAGAN-BAGAN HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
- Day 17 Fri, Feb 5: Morning visit to the nearby archaeological museum. Late afternoon return flight to Yangon. Dinner on your own. YANGON-PARKROYAL HOTEL (B,L)
- Day 18 Sat, Feb 6: The day is yours for personal exploring or returning to Bogyoke Market for last-minute shopping. Lunch on your own. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner. YANGON-PARKROYAL HOTEL (B,D)
GUJARAT & RAJASTHAN: rural traditions of Village India
with Lesley Robin
18 DAYS FEBRUARY 9 – 26, 2010
$5987 LAND ONLY (per person, double occupancy)
Introduction: Experience the vibrant colors and rich traditions of rural India on this journey through Gujarat and Rajasthan. We explore the desert landscapes of Kutch, home to nomadic tribes and exquisite handcrafts. In Gujarat, we visit the innovative Kala Raksha Trust, meet master block printers and tie-dye artisans, and see the ancient art of double ikat weaving. Our journey continues into the “Blue City” of Jodhpur and the “Golden City” of Jaisalmer, where we explore magnificent forts and bustling bazaars. We focus on meeting craftspeople in their homes and workshops, gaining insight into their traditional ways of life. This is a unique opportunity to go “behind the wall” and discover the hidden gems of Village India.
Itinerary:
- Day 1 Tue, Feb 9: Arrival in Mumbai (Bombay) by your own independent air arrangements. Our hotel is available for check-in from 12noon today. Land arrangements begin with a transfer from the airport to Orchid Airport Hotel. Meals on your own. MUMBAI (BOMBAY)-ORCHID AIRPORT HOTEL
- Day 2 Wed, Feb 10: A day to relax and acclimatise. You are at leisure to enjoy the hotel, or join Lesley on an excursion into the center of Mumbai, with lunch in town. Visit Fabindia, renowned for its contemporary and traditional hand loomed clothing. MUMBAI (BOMBAY)-ORCHID AIRPORT HOTEL (B,L,D)
- Day 3 Thu, Feb 11: After breakfast we take the mid day flight to Bhuj situated in Kutch (Western Gujarat). On arrival we are met by Judy Frater, author and Trustee of The Kala Raksha Trust. Drive to Kutch Safari Lodge. BHUJ-KUTCH SAFARI LODGE (B,L,D)
- Day 4 Fri, Feb 12: A day in the Northern Region visiting the Kala Raksha Trust in Sumrasar village. Learn about village life and self-sufficiency through craft. Drive to Banni, the desert grassland, to visit villages of cattle herders. Evening performance of Banni music. BHUJ-KUTCH SAFARI LODGE (B,L,D)
- Day 5 Sat, Feb 13: Visit Ajrakhpur and the Khatri community of block printers. Ismail Khatri will demonstrate “ajrakh” hand blocked cloth. Explore the old walled city of Bhuj and its bazaar. Meet a Master “bandhini” tie dye artisan. BHUJ-KUTCH SAFARI LODGE (B,L,D)
- Day 6 Sun, Feb 14: A full travel day by road across the state of Gujarat to the capital city of Ahmedabad. AHMEDABAD-HOTEL LE MERIDIEN (B,L,D)
- Day 7 Mon, Feb 15: Visit the Gandhi Ashram on the Sabarmati River. Continue to the Calico Museum of Textiles housed in an old “haveli” (mansion). Later visit the National Institute of Design. AHMEDABAD-HOTEL LE MERIDIEN (B,L,D daily)
- Day 8 Tue, Feb 16: Tuesday we start the day with a walk through Old Ahmedabad, meander along the old streets and lanes with carved wooden historical buildings. Afternoon drive north to Zainabad situated on the edge of the Ran of Kutch. ZAINABAD-DESERT COURSERS LODGE (B,L,D daily)
- Day 9 Wed, Feb 17: Wednesday early morning jeep safari to see the wildlife & birds of the area. Visit an encampment of one of the nomadic tribes and a nearby village. ZAINABAD-DESERT COURSERS LODGE (B,L,D daily)
- Day 10 Thu, Feb 18: Depart for the 11th century Sun Temple of Modhera and on to Patan where we visit the Salvi family, traditional weavers of “patola” double ikat. Continue to Palanpur. PALANPUR-BALARAM PALACE (B,L,D)
- Day 11 Fri, Feb 19: Morning drive north into Rajasthan to Syana in the rural countryside. Overnight with a local noble family. Afternoon visit a potter and a street of woodcarvers. SYANA-SYANA GARDEN RETREAT (B,L,D)
- Day 12 Sat, Feb 20: Saturday morning departure for our drive across the Thar Desert to Jaisalmer, the “Golden City.” JAISALMER-HOTEL GORBANDH PALACE (B,L,D)
- Day 13 Sun, Feb 21: Explore Jaisalmer’s 12th-century fort and its narrow streets. Visit the beautifully carved “havelis” and the colorful local bazaar. JAISALMER-HOTEL GORBANDH PALACE (B,L,D)
- Day 14 Mon, Feb 22: Morning departure for our drive to Jodhpur, the “Blue City.” After lunch, visit the magnificent Meherangarh Fort. JODHPUR-HOTEL RANBANKA (B,L,D)
- Day 15 Tue, Feb 23: Morning visit to the local bazaar and the Jaswant Thada memorial. Afternoon drive to Chandelao Garh, a 300-year-old fort. CHANDELAO-CHANDELAO GARH (B,L,D)
- Day 16 Wed, Feb 24: A day to explore Chandelao village and meet the local craftspeople. Visit a blockprinting workshop and see traditional leatherwork. CHANDELAO-CHANDELAO GARH (B,L,D)
- Day 17 Thu, Feb 25: Morning drive to Jodhpur for our flight to Delhi. This evening we come together for our farewell dinner. DELHI-HOTEL RADISSON (B,L,D)
- Day 18 Fri, Feb 26: Transfer to the airport is provided for your independent return flight home. (B)
GUATEMALA: traditional textiles & village life
with Tom & Sherry Wilson
15 DAYS MARCH 6 – 20, 2010
$3785 LAND ONLY (per person, double occupancy)
Introduction: Guatemala is a land of stunning natural beauty and a rich Mayan heritage that is vividly expressed in its traditional textiles. Our journey takes us through the highlands, visiting remote villages where the art of backstrap weaving and natural dye techniques are still practiced. We explore the colorful markets of Chichicastenango and Solola, visit the lakeside villages of Lake Atitlan, and wander the cobblestone streets of Antigua. Along our way we meet master weavers, painters, and potters, gaining a deeper understanding of Mayan culture and traditions. Join Tom & Sherry on this immersive journey into the heart of the Guatemalan Highlands.
Itinerary:
- Day 1 Sat, Mar 6: Arrival in Guatemala City by your own independent air arrangements. Land arrangements begin with meeting at the airport for our drive to Antigua. ANTIGUA-HOTEL POSADA DE DON RODRIGO (D)
- Day 2 Sun, Mar 7: Morning walking tour of Antigua, once the colonial capital of Guatemala. Visit the local market and the museum of traditional textiles. ANTIGUA-HOTEL POSADA DE DON RODRIGO (B,L,D)
- Day 3 Mon, Mar 8: Morning visit to San Antonio Aguas Calientes, known for its intricate backstrap weaving. Afternoon at leisure in Antigua. ANTIGUA-HOTEL POSADA DE DON RODRIGO (B,L)
- Day 4 Tue, Mar 9: Morning departure for our drive to Lake Atitlan. Stop in Comalapa to visit the local market and the workshops of naive painters. PANAJACHEL-HOTEL POSADA DE DON RODRIGO (B,L,D)
- Day 5 Wed, Mar 10: A full day boat excursion to visit the lakeside villages of Santiago Atitlan and San Juan La Laguna. See traditional dress and natural dye weaving. PANAJACHEL-HOTEL POSADA DE DON RODRIGO (B,L,D)
- Day 6 Thu, Mar 11: Morning visit to the Chichicastenango Market, one of the most famous and colorful markets in the Americas. CHICHICASTENANGO-HOTEL MAYAN INN (B,L,D)
- Day 7 Fri, Mar 12: Morning visit to the church of Santo Tomas to see traditional rituals. Afternoon drive to Quetzaltenango. QUETZALTENANGO-HOTEL PENSION BONIFIAZ (B,L,D)
- Day 8 Sat, Mar 13: Visit the local market in San Francisco El Alto and the workshop of a master ikat weaver in Salcaja. QUETZALTENANGO-HOTEL PENSION BONIFIAZ (B,L,D)
- Day 9 Sun, Mar 14: Morning drive to Huehuetenango, stopping to visit local weavers along the way. HUEHUETENANGO-HOTEL CASA BLANCA (B,L,D)
- Day 10 Mon, Mar 15: A full day excursion to the remote mountain villages of Todos Santos Cuchumatan. HUEHUETENANGO-HOTEL CASA BLANCA (B,L,D)
- Day 11 Tue, Mar 16: Morning departure for our drive back to Panajachel. PANAJACHEL-HOTEL POSADA DE DON RODRIGO (B,L,D)
- Day 12 Wed, Mar 17: Morning visit to the Solola Market. Afternoon at leisure. PANAJACHEL-HOTEL POSADA DE DON RODRIGO (B,L)
- Day 13 Thu, Mar 18: Morning departure for our drive back to Antigua. ANTIGUA-HOTEL POSADA DE DON RODRIGO (B,L,D)
- Day 14 Fri, Mar 19: Morning at leisure for last minute shopping. Farewell dinner this evening. ANTIGUA-HOTEL POSADA DE DON RODRIGO (B,D)
- Day 15 Sat, Mar 20: Transfer to the airport in Guatemala City for your independent flight home. (B)
UZBEKISTAN: handcrafts & bazaars of Central Asia
with Raisa Gareeva & Tom & Sherry
20 DAYS APRIL 14 – MAY 3, 2010
$5980 LAND ONLY (per person, double occupancy)
Introduction: Travel in Uzbekistan and Central Asia is a bittersweet mix of old and new, with pockets of “gems” scattered throughout this region located between the Caspian Sea and Western China. Uzbekistan is by far the most diverse and exciting country in Central Asia. The capital city of Tashkent was destroyed by an earthquake in the 20th century, so is a modern city. The old cities of Samarkand and Bukhara are magnificent with fabulous architecture! Textiles are plentiful… carpets, suzani embroideries, traditional dress, silk ikat, hats, as well as jewelry, ceramics, wood and metal. In Ferghana Valley, the small Uzbek villages of Margilan and Rishtan are home to potters, a jeweler, silk ikat weavers and a master blockprinter. Words cannot express the beauty of the historic old walled village of Khiva. Join Tom & Sherry & Raisa on our 8th journey into Central Asia… come with a spirit of adventure!
Itinerary:
- Day 1 Wed, April 14: Arrival in Istanbul, Turkey by your own independent air arrangements. Our group arrangements begin with meeting at Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport for our early evening departure on Turkish Airlines’ overnight flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. TASHKENT-POYTAHT HOTEL
- Day 2 Thu, April 15: Very early morning arrival in Tashkent where we will be met by our special tour escort Raisa Gareeva. The morning to rest after our overnight flight. After lunch, orientation sightseeing and visit the Museum of Applied Arts. TASHKENT-POYTAHT HOTEL (B.L.D)
- Day 3 Fri, April 16: Visit the Museum of Fine Arts with its collection of ceramics and suzani embroideries. Also visit the Puppet Museum and the Uzbek Puppet Theater. Early evening flight to Khiva. KHIVA-HOTEL SHAHEREZADA (B.L.D)
- Day 4 Sat, April 17: Today a full day of exploring the historic old walled town of Khiva. Visit a family of woodcarvers, a carpetweaving cooperative and a silk weaving workshop. KHIVA-HOTEL SHAHEREZADA (B.L.D)
- Day 5 Sun, April 18: A full day’s drive across the Kyzyl Kum Desert to Bukhara with box lunch en route. BUKHARA-SALOM INN (B.L.D)
- Day 6 Mon, April 19: Explore the architecture & sights of Bukhara… the 10th century mausoleum of the Samanids and the Ark Fortress. Visit the Summer Palace. BUKHARA-SALOM INN (B.L.D daily)
- Day 7 Tue, April 20: Visit Kalyan Minaret and Mosque, and old medressas. Meet a suzani artist who uses natural dyes. Time for exploring & shopping the old trading domes. BUKHARA-SALOM INN (B.L.D daily)
- Day 8 Wed, April 21: Morning excursion into the countryside to visit a family of potters who grind their own glazes. After a home hosted lunch we return to Bukhara. BUKHARA-SALOM INN (B.L.D)
- Day 9 Thu, April 22: Morning departure for our drive to Samarkand, stopping in Gijduvon to visit the workshop of a master potter and his family. SAMARKAND-HOTEL PRESIDENT (B.L,D)
- Day 10 Fri, April 23: Explore Samarkand, capital of Tamerlane’s 14th century empire. Visit Registan Square and Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Visit a family of papermakers. SAMARKAND-HOTEL PRESIDENT (B.L,D daily)
- Day 11 Sat, April 24: Visit the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a silk carpetweaving workshop, and traditional musical instrument makers. Time for the colorful Siyob bazaar. SAMARKAND-HOTEL PRESIDENT (B.L,D daily)
- Day 12 Sun, April 25: Morning departure for our drive through the mountains to Shakhrisabz. Visit the ruins of Ak-Saray Palace and Kok-Gumbaz Mosque. SAMARKAND-HOTEL PRESIDENT (B.L)
- Day 13 Mon, April 26: Morning departure for our drive through the countryside to the village of Urgut. After lunch return to Samarkand. SAMARKAND-HOTEL PRESIDENT (B.L,D)
- Day 14 Tue, April 27: Morning visit to the Afrosiyob Museum before we board our late afternoon train for the journey to Tashkent. TASHKENT-POYTAHT HOTEL (B.L)
- Day 15 Wed, April 28: Morning drive to Tashkent for lunch, with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner on your own. TASHKENT-POYTAHT HOTEL (B.L)
- Day 16 Thu, April 29: Thursday a very early morning flight to Ferghana. Visit the silk ikat factory, a silkworm nursery, and an ikat artist. FERGHANA-HOTEL 777 (B.L.D daily)
- Day 17 Fri, April 30: Friday we’ll visit more small regional workshops—a blockprinter, a jeweler, a hatmaker, and a master of traditional ceramics. FERGHANA-HOTEL 777 (B.L.D daily)
- Day 18 Sat, May 1: Visit the market in Ferghana before our drive to Tashkent, stopping in Kokand for lunch at Kokand Palace. TASHKENT-POYTAHT HOTEL (B.L.D)
- Day 19 Sun, May 2: Morning visit to a local craft center. Farewell lunch at the studio of a ceramic artist. The remainder of the afternoon & evening is for rest. TASHKENT-POYTAHT HOTEL (B.L.LUNCH)
- Day 20 Mon, May 3: Transfer to the airport is provided for your independent return flight home. (B)
ECUADOR: traditional crafts & village life
with Tom & Sherry Wilson
15 DAYS JUNE 12 – 26, 2010
$3985 LAND ONLY (per person, double occupancy)
Introduction: Ecuador is a country of dramatic contrasts, from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest. Our journey focuses on the rich craft traditions of the Andean highlands. We explore the colorful markets of Otavalo and Saquisili, visit the workshops of master weavers, woodcarvers, and potters, and experience the traditional way of life in small mountain villages. Join Tom & Sherry on this immersive journey into the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Itinerary:
- Day 1 Sat, June 12: Arrival in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Land arrangements begin with meeting at the airport for our drive to our hotel in the historical center. QUITO-HOTEL PATIO ANDALUZ (D)
- Day 2 Sun, June 13: Morning orientation walking tour of Quito’s colonial center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Church of the Society of Jesus. QUITO-HOTEL PATIO ANDALUZ (B,L,D)
- Day 3 Mon, June 14: Morning visit to the Guayasamin Museum. Afternoon visit to the Middle of the World monument. QUITO-HOTEL PATIO ANDALUZ (B,L)
- Day 4 Tue, June 15: Morning departure for our drive north to Otavalo. Stop in Calderon to visit the workshops of bread-dough artists. OTAVALO-HACIENDA CUSIN (B,L,D)
- Day 5 Wed, June 16: A full day exploring the Otavalo Market, one of the largest indigenous markets in South America. OTAVALO-HACIENDA CUSIN (B,L,D)
- Day 6 Thu, June 17: Morning visit to the village of Peguche to visit the workshops of traditional weavers. OTAVALO-HACIENDA CUSIN (B,L,D)
- Day 7 Fri, June 18: Morning departure for our drive to the village of Cotacachi, known for its high-quality leatherwork. OTAVALO-HACIENDA CUSIN (B,L,D)
- Day 8 Sat, June 19: Morning departure for our drive back to Quito. Afternoon visit to the local craft market. QUITO-HOTEL PATIO ANDALUZ (B,L,D)
- Day 9 Sun, June 20: Morning departure for our drive south to the Cotopaxi National Park. Afternoon drive to the town of Lasso. LASSO-HACIENDA LA CIENEGA (B,L,D)
- Day 10 Mon, June 21: Morning visit to the Saquisili Market, a vibrant and authentic indigenous market. LASSO-HACIENDA LA CIENEGA (B,L,D)
- Day 11 Tue, June 22: Morning departure for our drive to the village of Tigua, known for its colorful paintings. LASSO-HACIENDA LA CIENEGA (B,L,D)
- Day 12 Wed, June 23: Morning departure for our drive back to Quito. Afternoon at leisure. QUITO-HOTEL PATIO ANDALUZ (B,L)
- Day 13 Thu, June 24: Morning departure for our drive to the Amazon rainforest. Afternoon boat excursion on the Napo River. AMAZON-NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (B,L,D)
- Day 14 Fri, June 25: A full day exploring the Amazon rainforest with local guides. Farewell dinner this evening. AMAZON-NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (B,L,D)
- Day 15 Sat, June 26: Morning departure for our drive back to Quito. Transfer to the airport for your independent flight home. (B)
BHUTAN: festivals, crafts & village life
with Tom & Sherry Wilson
14 DAYS OCTOBER 15 – 28, 2010
$5875 LAND ONLY (per person, double occupancy)
Introduction: Bhutan, the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” is a kingdom of stunning mountain landscapes and ancient monasteries. Our journey takes us through the heart of Bhutan, visiting remote villages and experiencing the vibrant local festivals. We focus on the traditional crafts of Bhutan, visiting workshops of weavers, woodcarvers, and painters, and learning about the deep connection between their art and their spiritual beliefs. Join Tom & Sherry on this extraordinary journey into the heart of the Himalayas.
Itinerary:
- Day 1 Fri, Oct 15: Arrival in Bangkok, Thailand by your own independent air arrangements. Land arrangements begin at Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. BANGKOK-NOVOTEL SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT HOTEL
- Day 2 Sat, Oct 16: Early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan. On arrival we begin our sightseeing of the Paro Valley. PARO-HOTEL OLATHANG (B,L,D)
- Day 3 Sun, Oct 17: Morning drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Afternoon visit to the National Library. THIMPHU-HOTEL RIVERVIEW (B,L,D)
- Day 4 Mon, Oct 18: Morning visit to the National Institute of Zorig Chusum. THIMPHU-HOTEL RIVERVIEW (B,L,D)
- Day 5 Tue, Oct 19: Morning departure for our drive to Punakha. Stop at the Dochula Pass for stunning views. PUNAKHA-HOTEL DAMCHEN (B,L,D)
- Day 6 Wed, Oct 20: Morning visit to the Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan. PUNAKHA-HOTEL DAMCHEN (B,L,D)
- Day 7 Thu, Oct 21: Morning departure for our drive to the Phobjikha Valley. Visit the Gangtey Monastery. PHOBJIKHA-HOTEL DEWACHEN (B,L,D)
- Day 8 Fri, Oct 22: Morning departure for our drive to Bumthang. Afternoon visit to the Jakar Dzong. BUMTHANG-LEKI’S LODGE (B,L,D)
- Day 9 Sat, Oct 23: Saturday we join village people at the annual Jambay Lhakhang “tsechu” held in the courtyard of an 8th century temple. Swirling masked dancers in colorful costumes perform sacred ritual dance. BUMTHANG-LEKI’S LODGE (B.L.D daily)
- Day 10 Sun, Oct 24: Sunday morning we attend the “tsechu” in Prakar village. Later visit the Yathra Weaving Centre for handwoven twill weave cloth. BUMTHANG-LEKI’S LODGE (B.L.D daily)
- Day 11 Mon, Oct 25: An informal morning workshop with Leki Wangmo, a highly accomplished weaver and dyer. See methods of spinning and how to set up a loom. TONGSA-PUENSHI LODGE or YANGKHILL HOTEL (B,L,D)
- Day 12 Tue, Oct 26: Drive to Gangley in the Gangtey Valley, winter home of the Black-necked crane. Visit a small carpet weaving factory before continuing to Wangdi. WANGDI-DRAGON NEST RESORT (B.L.D)
- Day 13 Wed, Oct 27: Morning drive to Thimphu and time at leisure for independent shopping. Late afternoon drive to Paro. PARO-HOTEL OLATHANG (B,L,D)
- Day 14 Thu, Oct 28: Morning hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of the most iconic sites in Bhutan. Farewell dinner this evening. PARO-HOTEL OLATHANG (B,L,D)
MOROCCO: medinas, souks & markets
with Tom & Sherry Wilson
19 DAYS OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 11, 2010
$5425 plus airport taxes, from NYC
Introduction: Join Tom & Sherry as they return for our 20th 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, Marrakech and Taroudant visiting small colorful shops and workshops of carpetweavers, wool dyers, woodworkers, potters, brass and copperworkers.
Itinerary:
- Day 1 Sun, Oct 24: Evening departure from JFK New York for Casablanca, Morocco on Royal Air Maroc. In-flight meal.
- Day 2 Mon, Oct 25: Morning arrival in Casablanca. Brief stop to see Hassan II Mosque before we drive north to Rabat. Welcoming dinner this evening. RABAT-VILLA MANDARINE (L.D)
- Day 3 Tue, Oct 26: Morning visit the tomb of Mohammed V and the ruins of Chellah before we visit the potteries near Sale. Afternoon walk through Kasbah Oudayas. RABAT-VILLA MANDARINE (BL)
- Day 4 Wed, Oct 27: Wednesday departure for our drive to Chechaouen, stopping to visit the ethnographic collection of Musee Dar Belghazi. CHECHAOUEN-HOTEL PARADOR (BLD daily)
- Day 5 Thu, Oct 28: Thursday morning walking sightseeing of Chechaouen, located at the foot of the Djebel Sidi Bou Mountains. After lunch, time to wander. CHECHAOUEN-HOTEL PARADOR (BLD daily)
- Day 6 Fri, Oct 29: Friday departure for Fes, the most ancient of the Imperial Cities. Stop to visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis. FES-HOTEL MERINIDES (B.L.D daily)
- Day 7 Sat, Oct 30: Saturday morning visit to a pottery & mosaic workshop before we begin our walk through the old medina of Fes. Visit the famous tannery and silk brocade weaving. FES-HOTEL MERINIDES (B.L.D daily)
- Day 8 Sun, Oct 31: We continue our visits in Fes, visiting the Mellah and Dar Batha Museum. Dinner on your own this evening. FES-HOTEL MERINIDES (B.L)
- Day 9 Mon, Nov 1: A full day’s drive to Afourer, leaving the main road for our overnight near the foothills of the Middle Atlas Mountains. AFOURER-HOTEL TAZARKOUNT (B.L.D)
- Day 10 Tue, Nov 2: This morning we visit the weavers of Bzou village before continuing to Marrakech. Explore the central square of Djemma El Fna. MARRAKECH-HOTEL ES SAADI (B.LD)
- Day 11 Wed, Nov 3: Morning visit to Majorelle Gardens & the Museum of Islamic Art. Afternoon at leisure to explore the back streets. MARRAKECH-HOTEL ES SAADI (B.D)
- Day 12 Thu, Nov 4: Early departure for Zagora, crossing the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass. Visit the weekly market at Agdz to see traditional Draoui people. ZAGORA-HOTEL TINSOULINE (B,L,D)
- Day 13 Fri, Nov 5: Morning excursion to the sand dunes of Tinfou and the library at Tamegroute. Return to Zagora for lunch in a local riad. ZAGORA-HOTEL TINSOULINE (B.L)
- Day 14 Sat, Nov 6: Saturday on our way to Taroudant, stop to visit a cooperative of village carpetweavers. Continue to the walled town of Taroudant. TAROUDANT-HOTEL PALAIS SALAM (B.L.D daily)
- Day 15 Sun, Nov 7: Sunday morning view the red-ochre ramparts of Taroudant. Remainder of the day for independent exploring or relaxing by the pool. TAROUDANT-HOTEL PALAIS SALAM (B.L.D daily)
- Day 16 Mon, Nov 8: Continue to the Atlantic seaport town of Essaouira, with its whitewashed walls & blue shutters. Lunch at the waterfront. ESSAOUIRA-HOTEL DES ILES (B.L.D)
- Day 17 Tue, Nov 9: Morning visit to a woodworking workshop. Afternoon at leisure for personal exploring and shopping. Farewell dinner this evening. ESSAOUIRA-HOTEL DES ILES (B.D)
- Day 18 Wed, Nov 10: Morning departure for our drive to Casablanca, stopping to see the potteries of Safi. Dinner on your own. CASABLANCA-HOTEL GOLDEN TULIP FARAH (B.L)
- Day 19 Thu, Nov 11: Morning transfer for our Royal Air Maroc flight to JFK New York. (B)
Winter Traditions of Romania
Christmas in the Carpathians with the Maramures Winter Festival
with Tom & Sherry Wilson
17 DAYS DECEMBER 17, 2010 – JANUARY 2, 2011
$5498 LAND ONLY (per person, double occupancy)
Introduction: Join Tom & Sherry for our 9th wintertime journey celebrating Christmas in the Carpathians! The remote mountain villages in Bucovina and Maramures are living ethnographic museums. Between Christmas and the New Year, the streets are filled with mummers in animal masks and heavy bells. This journey includes the Maramures Winter Festival with folk groups from across Romania in traditional dress.
Itinerary:
- Day 1 Fri, Dec 17: Arrival in Bucharest, capital city of Romania. Land arrangements begin with a transfer from the airport to our hotel. BUCHAREST-HOWARD JOHNSON HOTEL (B.L.D)
- Day 2 Sat, Dec 18: Morning orientation sightseeing of Bucharest’s historical center. Visit the Peasant Museum. Welcoming dinner in a folk restaurant. BUCHAREST-HOWARD JOHNSON HOTEL (B.L.D)
- Day 3 Sun, Dec 19: Morning departure for our drive through the Carpathian Mountains, visiting Bran Castle before continuing to Brasov. BRASOV-ARO PALACE HOTEL (B.LD)
- Day 4 Mon, Dec 20: Morning walking tour of old Brasov. Festive lunch in a mountain restaurant and visit with a master woodcarver. BRASOV-ARO PALACE HOTEL (BL)
- Day 5 Tue, Dec 21: Continue northeast to Piatra Neamt, stopping to photograph villages along our way. PIATRA NEAMT-HOTEL CEAHLAUL (B L,D)
- Day 6 Wed, Dec 22: Drive into the province of Moldavia (Bucovina). Visit mask-maker Nicolae Popa and his family. CAMPULUNG MOLDOVENESC-HOTEL ZIMBRUL (B L,D daily)
- Day 7 Thu, Dec 23: Visit the painted monasteries of Moldovita, Sucevita, Voronet and Humor. Meet a family of eggpainters. CAMPULUNG MOLDOVENESC-HOTEL ZIMBRUL (B L,D daily)
- Day 8 Fri, Dec 24: Friday evening enjoy Christmas Eve celebrations of caroling children and dinner with a folk art collector. CAMPULUNG MOLDOVENESC-HOTEL ZIMBRUL (B L,D daily)
- Day 9 Sat, Dec 25: Journey west into Maramures. Arrive for Christmas Day lunch in Botiza village. SIGHETU MARMATIEI-PERLA SIGHETEANA MOTEL (B.L.D daily)
- Day 10 Sun, Dec 26: Explore the villages of Maramures and take in village festivities. This region preserves ethnic dress and regional customs. SIGHETU MARMATIEI-PERLA SIGHETEANA MOTEL (B.L.D daily)
- Day 11 Mon, Dec 27: Maramures Winter Festival in Sighetu Marmatiei. A loosely organized procession with folk groups in traditional dress. SIGHETU MARMATIEI-PERLA SIGHETEANA MOTEL (B.LD)
- Day 12 Tue, Dec 28: Morning visit to the Merry Cemetery before driving south for lunch in Cluj. Visit the Ethnographic Museum. SAVADISLA VILLAGE near CLUJ-TAMAS BISTRO INN (B.L.D)
- Day 13 Wed, Dec 29: Drive to Sibiu in southern Transylvania. Visit the workshop of a felt hatmaker and lunch in Saliste village. SIBIU-HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (BL,D daily)
- Day 14 Thu, Dec 30: Morning visit to the daily market before driving into the countryside to meet weaver friends in Avrig village. SIBIU-HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (BL,D daily)
- Day 15 Fri, Dec 31: Sightseeing of the Old Town of Sibiu. Visit Sibiel village for icons on glass. Festive New Year’s Eve celebration in Sibiu. SIBIU-HOTEL IMPARATUL ROMANILOR (B.L.D)
- Day 16 Sat, Jan 1: Sleep in before our mid-morning departure for Bucharest. Dinner on your own. BUCHAREST-AIRPORT HOTEL (B.L)
- Day 17 Sun, Jan 2: Transfer to the airport is provided for your independent return flight home. (B)