Cox & Kings, The Americas - Travel Journeys

E-News, April 2011

Asian Odysseys: From Vietnam to Sri Lanka

The New York Times has just published 37 essential experiences not to miss when visiting Asia — from shopping in Hanoi to a river cruise in Phnom Penh. Based on their suggestions, we've noted select Asian countries below, including a recommended Cox & Kings journey for each, easily customized to your personal interests. Read the full article here.

• Cambodia – Phnom Penh, Siem Reap – Indochina Sojourn

• China, Hong Kong – Beijing, Chengdu, Mount Emi, Shanghai, Yangshuo, Peak Tram – Classic China

• India – Cochin, New Delhi, Kovalam, Mumbai, Mysore – Essence of South India

• Japan – Kanazawa, Kawagoe, Osaka, Tokyo – Treasures of Japan

• Laos – Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang: The Crown Jewel of Laos

• Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur, Penang – Malaysia & Brunei: Crossroads of Asia

• Myanmar – Bagan – The Burmah Trader

• Sri Lanka – Elephant Orphanage, Kandy – Sri Lanka: The Spice Island

• Thailand – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket – Northern Thailand & Krabi

• Tibet – Lhasa – Timeless Tibet

• Vietnam – Hanoi – Classic Vietnam & Cambodia

For more information contact Denise Gogarty (Southeast Asia, China, Tibet and Japan) or Seema Prakash (India, Sri Lanka) at 1-800-999-1758.


Egypt on Sale — 2 for 1 through Sept 30, 2011

We are delighted to announce that Egypt is once again welcoming travelers to come and enjoy its treasure trove of incredible ancient wonders. Our 11-day Egyptian Sojourn private journey was specially created to entice those who have always wanted to experience Egypt first-hand.

For a very limited time, we are making this tour available at $4995 for two people double occupancy (book one trip for $4995 and your companion travels free).* Just book your trip by May 31 and travel by Sept 30, 2011.

This is a great opportunity to take the kids or grandkids — see 13-year-old Peter Bitman's story of his Egypt trip last summer. With private guides in Cairo and Abu Simbel, and small group touring while on the Nile cruise, 5,000 years of incredible history will unfold before you.

Contact Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758 to book your travel to Egypt.


Cox & Kings relocates its offices — May 4th Grand Opening in Los Angeles
We are moving our U.S. operations (from Tampa) to Los Angeles, and celebrate the grand opening of Cox & Kings' North American headquarters on May 4, 2011. Read more on our blog.

The new address is:

Cox & Kings, the Americas
The Cox & Kings Building
8060 Melrose Ave., 3rd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90046-7017

The toll-free number (1-800-999-1758) and e-mail addresses remain the same.

Experience Ethiopian Music at 1,000 Stars Festival
Set in Arba Minch in the heart of the Rift Valley in Ethiopia every December, The Festival of 1,000 Stars is a spectacular experience for travelers with a passion for music. The relaxed, three day music celebration features more than 1,000 performers, representing over 56 ethnic tribal groups from southern Ethiopia. A visit to the festival can be arranged as part of our Omo Valley: Cultures of Southern Ethiopia private journey — a front row seat to a unique, beautiful festival of music and tradition. The 11-day, 10-night journey starts at $4,235 per person, double occupancy. Cox & Kings can take you to festivals around the world — read more here.

Contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758 to book your journey.

Cox & Kings Launches New European Destinations
We now offer both Private and Discovery Group Journeys to Europe! Check our website soon for new tours to Croatia, Iceland, Russia, Swedish Lapland and Turkey. More destinations will continue to be added, culminating in the launch of our 2012 Europe brochure.

Contact our Europe destination manager Thor Forsberg at 1-800-999-1758 to book your trip or to customize your European journey.

Peru: Beyond Machu Picchu
Pisco, Peru is just a short flight south from Lima, and where an ancient people created 100's of shapes and figures on the desert floor. Fly by private plane over the Nazca Lines, take an all-wheel drive trip or sandboard in the dunes. End your stay with a champagne lunch aboard your private yacht while cruising dramatic Paracas Bay. The extention is an easy addition to our Classic Peru or Peru & the Galapagos.

Contact Viviana Gaeta at 1-800-999-1758 to book your journey.


 
Just Back From: Bahia, Brazil
Our West Coast Sales Director Dianna Upton recently returned from Brazil. Read about her tips for visiting Bahia and the luxury beach resort of Trancoso on our blog, or download the pdf. See also the private journey Rhythms of Brazil for more ideas on traveling to Brazil.

Contact our resident Brazilian Renata da Silva at 1-800-999-1758 to book your journey.


UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Ethiopia

Simien National Park
Massive erosion over the years on the Ethiopian plateau has created one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, with jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys and sharp precipices. The park is home to some extremely rare animals such as the Gelada baboon, the Simien fox and the Walia ibex.

Aksum
Long after its political decline in the 10th C, Ethiopian emperors continued to be crowned in Aksum. The massive ruins, dating from between the 1st and the 13th C A.D., include monolithic obelisks, giant stelae, royal tombs and the ruins of ancient castles.

Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region
The fortress city of Fasil Ghebb contains palaces, churches, monasteries and unique public and private buildings marked by Hindu and Arab influences. It was later transformed by the Baroque style brought to Gondar by the Jesuit missionaries.

Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town
This fortified historic town contains 82 mosques, three of which date from the 10th C, and 102 shrines, but the interior design of the townhouses are some of the most spectacular of Harar's cultural heritage.

Lower Valley of the Awash
The remains found at the site provide evidence of human evolution which has modified our conception of the history of humankind. The most spectacular discovery came in 1974, when 52 fragments of a skeleton enabled the famous Lucy to be reconstructed.

Lower Valley of the Omo
A prehistoric site near Lake Turkana, the lower valley of the Omo is renowned the world over. The discovery of many fossils there, especially Homo gracilis, has been of fundamental importance in the study of human evolution.

Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
Lalibela is a high place of Ethiopian Christianity, and a place of pilmigrage and devotion. The 11 medieval monolithic cave churches of this 13th-century 'New Jerusalem' are situated in a mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia near a traditional village with circular-shaped dwellings.

Tiya
Tiya is among the most important of the roughly 160 archaeological sites discovered so far in the Soddo region. They are the remains of an ancient Ethiopian culture whose age has not yet been precisely determined.

Visits to Ethiopia's UNESCO World Heritage sites may be easily added to our private journeys Northern Ethiopia: The Historic Route or Omo Valley: Cultures of Southern Ethiopia. Contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758 to book your journey.

 

 

National Geographic Traveler Announces 50 Tours of a Lifetime

Cox & Kings' private journey Lebanon & Syria: Empires Past has been selected as one of National Geographic Traveler magazine’s 2011 "50 Tours of a Lifetime," and is featured in the May/June 2011 issue, as well as listed on the Tours of a Lifetime page of their website.

Notes senior editor Norie Quintos, who headed up the project: The selection process was competitive and our editorial team worked long and hard to find 2011’s most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours. The outfitters we selected continue to find new ways travelers can connect with places and people. More and more, it’s about human interaction.

For more details on traveling in the region, please contact Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758.

 

Peru: Llamas, Sea Lions & Incas — A Family Cultural Experience with Cox & Kings

Participate in a Peruvian cooking class with our Cuzco chef when you reserve by May 31, 2011.
 
Share the wonders of Peru for 9 days and 8 nights on our Peru: Sea Lions, Llamas & Incas family tour. Enjoy special kid-friendly activities created to enhance your family's learning experience of this colorful country. Tour Peru's main attraction Machu Picchu, and take part in fun activities like swimming with sea lions, pottery making, horseback riding, feeding llamas and alpacas at a breeding center in the Andes.
 
Reserve by May 31, 2011 and take a Peruvian cooking class with our favorite chef with our compliments:

Kids 7+ will be able to take part in a fun "transforming" experience as they carve exotic fruits into animals, birds and a variety of unique shapes all under supervision.  
 
Adults can take an active role in participating and learning about the rich tradition of Peruvian cuisine as our chef prepares a selection.

Highlights

• Swim with sea lions at the Palomino Islands
• Feed llamas and alpacas at the Awanacancha breeding center
• Pottery Classes at Artist Pablo Seminario's atelier
• Experience Machu Picchu with your family
• Learn traditional weaving techniques in the town of Chinchero
• Tour the San Francisco Monastery and visit the Archbishop's Palace in Lima

Pricing based on a family of 3
$3,740  per person based on triple occupancy
$3570 per child under the age of 12

Pricing based on a family of 4
$3,640 per person based on double occupancy
$3470 per child under the age of 12
 
$395 Internal Airfare per person - subject to change (Lima-Cusco-Lima)
 
Pricing valid through December 31, 2011
 
Call Viviana Gaeta to book or for more information 1-800-999-1758.

Shoes for Zambian Children

Ginny, a Cox & Kings client, took her granddaughter to Africa for her college graduation trip two years ago. When she returned, she told her grandchildren about the trip and her 12-year old grandson Nick decided that for his birthday wanted to send shoes to kids in a village in Zambia instead of receiving gifts himself. The shoes made it to Zambia as you can see by these great pictures!

Says Ginny: "I have 15 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. I have been blessed for most of my life, and am trying to teach my grandchildren to give more than receive, and so far they have really gotten the message.

When I asked Nick what he wanted for his birthday, he replied 'I don't need anything, and I'd like to give to someone who needs.' He didn't have anything particular in mind, so I proceeded to tell him about the village that his cousin Jessica and I visited in Zambia, and how sad it was that these children didn't have shoes, we wanted to go and buy some while we were there, but couldn't find a store. Nick right away said that's what he wanted to do – buy lots of shoes for the children. We made two different shopping days of buying shoes. Just spending time with Nick, and seeing how excited he was and picking out different sizes and colors, that both of us will treasure. We both really had a good time, and know we made someone else happy."

Logan Stine, one of our Africa Travel Specialists, worked with Ginny on her inital trip to Zambia, and coordinated the contacts for Ginny and Nick to send the shoes to. Laurie Bisig is Ginny's travel advisor, from Platimum Travel, Louisville, KY.

 

Splendors of Borneo – save $310 per person

Travel with us on an amazing journey to Borneo!

For 11 days and 10 nights, you will encounter the astounding variety of cultural and natural attractions in the Malay states of Sabah and Sarawak. Experience primordial rainforests, amazing wildlife including orangutans, proboscis monkeys and Asian elephants, and visit with friendly tribal people. A great trip for the whole family. Priced from $2,990 per person double occupancy (if booked by May 15, 2011).

Highlights:

• Explore the rainforests of Sarawak

• Experience Iban tribal life

• See orangutans in the wild

• Optional wildlife excursion to the Klias Wetlands


To book Splendors of Borneo, contact Denise Gogarty 1-800-999-1758.

Just Back From: Brazil

Exploring Bahia’s best kept secret – by Dianna Upton

Somehow I knew, even before arriving to Brazil, that Trancoso would become my favorite stop on my journey. In spite of spending 2 full weeks traversing Brazil’s coastline and taking in such tremendous beauty all along the way – I was captivated by the idea of experiencing Trancoso. I wanted to understand how this simple village, founded by Jesuits in the 16th century could turn itself into a place where today artists, architects, chefs and designers from all over the world come to find inspiration.

Trancoso’s heart lies in its "Quadrado" or town square where a small white church sits at one end. The Quadrado (now designated a UNESCO historic site) is the center of life in Trancoso where during the day one will find children playing soccer, couples strolling and horses grazing. Its grassy center is surrounded by dozens of traditional, brightly-painted one-story cottages. At night the Quadrado comes alive with these colorful cottages transformed into upscale boutiques, open-air bars and restaurants; the atmosphere illuminated by candles, torches, and colored lanterns hanging from mango and jackfruit trees.

My experience in Trancoso began in this area near the Quadrado at a charming boutique hotel Pousada Etnia. Located just off of the main road yet in the midst of a shady grove, the pousada offers privacy and tranquility with the life of the Quadrado only steps away outside its main gate (less than 5 minutes walk). The owners are interior designers Andre Zanonato and Conrado Tini – wonderful hosts who welcome you into their home and are happy to recommend the best restaurants, beaches and ideas for ways to spend your days here.

Etnia means "ethnic" and its bungalows (there are only 8 of them) are each themed to reflect the owners' favorite places – from Goa to Kyoto to Marrakech and the Mediterranean. The bungalows are all spaced well apart one from another, so you can enjoy comfortable seclusion in this laid back yet stylish atmosphere. The breakfasts by the pool were excellent and I can still taste the pão de queijo (small round breads with a light cheese flavor), my favorite morning treat during my stay.

As if this charming atmosphere were not enough, a 10-minute walk from Pousada Etnia and the Quadrado will bring you to one of Brazil's most stunning beaches. I made this my next "home" to experience life right on the beach with a stay at the Villas de Trancoso owned by American expat Galen Briggs. The resort consists of five one and two bedroom luxury villas and a sixth four bedroom villa located within the Terravista Golf Resort just a mile down the beach. All of the villas are appointed with native Brazilian furnishings and beautiful woods against a backdrop of white netting and linens, colorful rugs, local art, and hand painted cushions. The grounds themselves are impeccably manicured and while the pool is small, it is the pristine beach of Praia dos Nativos (on which the resort has its own lounge and bar) where you want to spend your time.

A short walk down this same unspoiled beach will bring you to another intimate resort. Pousada Estrela d'Agua, a one-time private residence of Brazilian singer Gal Costa and now a 28-room seaside escape. It is also a Relais & Chateaux property. The perfect resort for a family holiday in Trancoso, it sits right on the beach and also has two large gorgeous pools. The resort also offers a game room, gym and a TV room so there are lots of areas to keep children occupied if they are not on the beach or in the pool. The atmosphere is informal and friendly and the colorful paint in the rooms contrasts nicely with the natural wood tones through-out. The quadrado is only about 1 KM away but because of the route itself being so uphill, it is not a place you easily walk to and the resort can easily arrange for a cab to take you on the very short ride.

I could have lingered at any of these beach resorts for a week or more but have to say that the new chic lodging that left an indelible impression upon me took me back to the Quadrado. UXUA Casa Hotel is the newest arrival to the Trancoso luxury scene. Uxua (pronounced U Shoo Ah) means "marvelous" in the Pataxó native Indian language and the resort is nothing short of just that! Each "casa" is different. Four casas are restored homes that sit directly on the Quadrado, while five others sit in a lush garden plus one that is an actual tree house! The casas were created by designer Wilbert Das (the former Creative Director for the Diesel brand) in collaboration with local artisans using traditional building methods, and incorporating Brazilian antiques and art.

The Pataxó Indians live on a reservation just up the coast from Trancoso and their influence is evident throughout the property in its design which combines the indigenous with the modern and creatively fuses the indoor and outdoor living spaces. Uxua has two restaurants specializing in traditional Bahian cuisine. I was mesmerized by the swimming pool created entirely from 40,000 specimens of unique green aventurine quartz crystals, a native Bahian stone considered by many to have powerful healing qualities. Its beach lounge (a 10 minute stroll away) is spectacular and is created from old fishing boats that were found there.

Whether your goal is to perfect your kite surfing technique, practice the art of Capoeira (the traditional Brazilian martial-art/dance), kayak through mangroves, or relax as you sip your perfectly mixed capirinha – there is no better place to feel at home than in Trancoso. So why not discover for yourself the secret that "hippies" and Brazilians have known about since the 1970’s and let Cox & Kings design your next "hippie chic" getaway.

To find out more about Trancoso and our journeys to Brazil, contact our resident Brazilian Renata da Silva at renata.silva@coxandkingsusa.com or call 1-800-999-1758.

 

Travel Advisor of the Month: Ellen Rubinfeld

Stellar Travel, Bellevue, WA

Ellen Rubinfeld’s love of adventure and passion for photography led her into the travel industry in 2002. Since 2005, she has been serving clients worldwide as an outside consultant for Stellar Travel in Bellevue, WA. Ellen specializes in high-end, customized travel for discerning clientele.

Says Ellen: It has been as pleasure to do business with Cox & Kings. Thanks to Megan's good advice and the efficiency of the C & K team, we were able to put together a fabulous trip for my clients.

Recent Press—Beyond the Umbrella

Nine Great Island Adventures
by Aaron Gulley

Stow the crossword, hold the cocktails (for now), and add some action to your next island getaway.

French Polynesia's powdery beaches, swaying palms, and verdant volcanoes are so beautifully clichéd they push they push the envelope of believable. But it's below sea level, where fish flitter like millions of light flashes through a prism, that you'll think you're dreaming. Consider Cox & Kings' snorkeling tour of the Society Islands a 14-day sleepwalking reverie. From Tahiti to Moorea, Bora-Bora to Rangiroa, you'll fin through placid bays and over shallow sandbars to take in the sheer magnitude of sea life. In the you end, you'll wish you never had to wake up. Departures: Any day through 2011; from $10,545.

Excerpt from Virtuoso Life March/April 2011. Article starts on page 90.

More details on our private journey Tahiti: Islands in Time, or contact Denise Gogarty at 1-800-999-1758.

 

TOP STORIES: April 2011

E-News, April 2011: lead story, Asian Odysseys: From Vietnam to Sri Lanka

Egyptian Sojourn Summer Special: 2 for 1

China Family Tour — Take the kids this summer

Cox & Kings to relocate U.S. operations to Los Angeles

Moroccan Sojourn: Summer Special

Maharajas' Express dream train journeys through India
Visit the Cox & Kings Maharajas' Express site for photos and details.
View details about guest lecturers scheduled for select 2011 journeys.