Cox & Kings, The Americas - Travel Journeys

Enews - August, 2011

 

YIPENG LOI KRATHONG &
THE NORTHERN LANTERN FESTIVAL 

As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated krathong or traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called Loi Krathong - the 'festival of lights'. This is one of the Kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions.

The Loi Krathong tradition we know of today has evolved from the royal rituals of the early Rattanakosin period in which several types of lanterns were set afloat in the Chao Phraya River and its waterways. The practice was subsequently adopted and adapted by common folk.
 

Krathong floats are made from basic materials easily found around the village and reflect the simplicity of life beyond the palace walls. They typically take the shape of lotus in full bloom, swans, chedis (stupas), and Mount Meru from Buddhist mythology. However krathong floats in the shape of lotus blossoms are most popular.

Click here and read more about Thailand and our Southeast Asia Discovery.

 

2012 EXOTIC EUROPE JOURNEYS ARE HERE!

Europe is in the air at Cox & Kings, with the launch of our 2012 European journeys. Combining the best of this years most popular trips, along with newly planned journeys for the upcoming year, 2012 is the time to explore Europe!

With unique, imaginative programs to many exotic European destinations such as Iceland, Russia and Estonia - and luxury group tours to Croatia, Scandinavia and Turkey, the time is now to secure these incredible journeys. With the destination experts that have over 250 years experience, Cox & Kings allows you to reap the benefits of our in-depth local knowledge and exclusive opportunities.

Start planning your 2012 Exotic European journey today!

Contact your travel professional or Thor Forsberg at: thor.forsberg@coxandkingsusa.com.

 

BIG CAT SAFARI - NEW! 

Featuring both the oldest and largest private game reserves in South Africa, this journey truly encompasses the most intimate view into the big cat predators of this diverse country.

You will have a chance to see not only the big cats, but also the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant) as well as a plethora of common plains game, such as giraffe and zebra, unique nocturnal species like the aardvark and aardwolf, and an habituated meerkat colony at Tswalu.

Click here to learn more about this exciting journey.

 

COX & KINGS MAILBAG

Thanks for letting us know how we're doing!

Hi Megan,

We made it to Cape Town and are staying at an amazing place about an hour outside of town, on the ocean in a little fishing village, Kommetje in an "intimate hotel" called The Long Beach. There are only 6 huge rooms, we are the only guests now.

Our rooms are awesome. Huge! One wall is all windows that looks out over the ocean and opens to a garden patio with a swimming pool. Our bathroom is to die for! Huge. The open shower will hold about 10 people and we have a soaking tub with the best assortment of bath products you can imagine - bath milks, salts, oils, bubbles. Crista and I are in heaven. There is a decanter of sherry in each room and the best candy! It is like my mom's homemade divinity! We are in love with this place. Thank you! You really know what we like!

Jenny

We love hearing from you! Please write us at: tours@coxandkingsusa.com.

 

NEW EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: NANCY CIPRA

Born in Denver, Nancy Cipra has a BA in Anthropology and a passion for travel. She took her first trip to China on a cruise in 1985. She loved it so much, that she returned the very next year for a month long land tour. Unable to shake the travel bug within herself, Nancy has traveled to over 90 countries worldwide. From working on cruise ships to developing private land tours, traveling has always allowed Nancy to reconnect with herself and make it her life-long career. Nancy is proud to be your Asia Specialist at Cox & Kings, The Americas.

Contact Nancy Cipra at: nancy.cipra@coxandkingsusa.com.

Places Lived: Denver, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles and cruise ships

Favorite Travel Spot: Vietnam and Burma

Best Vacation: Two-weeks in Rome and Poisitano with my family

Favorite Drink/Food: Chicken curry (spicy!) with jasmine rice and a Tiger beer

Always wanted to try: Hang gliding

If I were stuck on an island, I would bring (3 things): Diet Dr. Pepper, lots of books, my camera

 

SPLENDORS OF NORTH INDIA 

From the lavish hospitality of princely India, to the opulence of the Mughal empire, the colonial legacy of the British Raj, and the vibrant life of modern India, this journey takes you through Indian history.

Discover the splendors of north India as she reveals her wonders and secrets. Travel across a landscape fed by the sacred Ganges, laden with sumptuous palaces, dotted with ancient temples, guarded by massive forts, and graced with the unparalleled magnificence of the Taj Mahal.

Click here to learn more about this exciting journey.

Enews, July 2011

COX & KINGS, THE AMERICAS SHINES IN
 TRAVEL + LEISURE’S WORLD’S BEST AWARD
 2011 READERS’ SURVEY

Cox & Kings, The Americas, is proud to announce its status as one of the world's best Tour Operators and Safari Outfitters in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 2011 readers' survey. Cox & Kings ranked as the top sixth tour operator as polled by Travel + Leisure readers for its 16th annual survey, which is considered an essential index of the places travelers want to go and the best companies to take them there.

 Cox & Kings' top rank in Travel + Leisure's prestigious survey distinguishes the brand's top-notch travel excursions as premier product, providing unsurpassed customer satisfaction and authentic travel experiences. 

Read more here.



COX & KINGS MAILBAG
Thanks for letting us know how we're doing!

Megan,
Luby and I had the time of our lives!!!!
 The trip FAR exceeded anything I could have imagined. Seeing the animals on safari was incredible and each of our trackers and guides were outstanding. The four hotels just were beyond fabulous! The time with Trevor in CapeTown and Wine country was great. He was so kind and attentive and so knowledgeable too. We were surprised when Derek met us in JoBurg to escort us to the airport for our plane ride home. We were not expecting that but it was very helpful! Megan, thank you so much!!!! Your planning and arrangements for our trip were wonderful. I sure hope I can return again to this wonderful country!

Fondly, Mary

We love hearing from you! Please write us at tours@coxandkingsusa.com.

BOUTIQUE SOUTH AFRICA
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS - Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, Cape Town - From $4,195 PER PERSON*

Cape Town has experienced nearly a month of sunny weather in their typically dreary, winter season, while much of South Africa is seeing record lows and snow. With the recently erratic and unusual weather patterns around the world, good travel times are becoming more and more unpredictable. October should be a great time to travel this year with warmer weather and super pricing that may not be available next year as travel around the globe increases.

Let us share the good value of our Boutique South Africa private journey with you this season.

Call your travel advisor to reserve your journey today or contact Graeme Watson at graeme.watson@coxandkingsusa.com.

 

NEW EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: GRAEME WATSON

Graeme Watson was born and bred in Durban, South Africa and has had a love for travel from an early age. He remembers going into travel agencies when he was as young as 10 years old and collecting brochures and planning itineraries! This love was firmly cemented when he got a job working on a cruise liner based in Mombasa, Kenya and would frequently visit exotic island paradises such as Zanzibar, The Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, the Maldives and the Comores. He has travelled extensively in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands and was running his own travel business in London, England before moving to Los Angeles earlier this year. 

He is very happy and proud to be able to promote travel to his home continent by working as one of the Africa Specialists for Cox and Kings, The Americas.



Contact Graeme at graeme.watson@coxandkingsusa.com.
 
Places Lived: Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, London, England and Los Angeles, USA

Favorite Travel Spot: La Digue in The Seychelles

Best Vacation: Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi while visiting Victoria Falls

Favorite Drink/Food: Savanna Cider from South Africa and Lasagne

Always wanted to try: Trekking with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda

If I were stuck on an island, I would bring (3 things): Solar powered laptop with satellite internet, Swiss army knife, water filtration device




DUBROVNIK - DALMATIAN DREAM
6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS - Roundtrip Dubrovnik - From $2,040 PER PERSON*

Dubrovnik, described by Byron as "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a city of a unique political history, of world-famous cultural heritage and beauty. Our tour includes a wine, olive oil and oyster tour to Peljesac peninsula and options for kayaking and bike riding on the many islands near Dubrovnik.

    •    A private gourmet dinner in a lighthouse, surrounded by magnificent
         Dalmatian scenery
    •    A visit to a family farm in the olive oil and wine region of Peljesac
    •    Oyster harvesting and tasting

Click here to read more about Dubrovnik - Dalmation Dream

Call your travel advisor to reserve your journey today or contact Thor Forsberg at thor.forsberg@coxandkingsusa.com.




MAHARAJAS' EXPRESS: ROYAL INDIA
13 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS - Delhi to Bombay - From $10,040 PER PERSON*

Relive India's days of romance and nostalgia aboard the newly launched Maharajas' Express deluxe train. Your journey begins in the Imperial city of Delhi, home to the former British Viceroy. The first stop is Agra where you can gaze upon the romantic Taj Mahal. Your journey then takes you to one of the well-known hunting grounds of the erstwhile princes, Ranthambore, now a national park famous for its Bengal tiger preservation efforts.

On to Jaipur, quintessential India, where forts and palaces, maharajas and snake charmers, history, color and pageantry combine to project Jaipur as the dream image of India. Bikaner is the next stop on your romantic journey through Rajasthan. This medieval city was once a major stop on the cross-desert caravan trade route. On to the desert region of Rajasthan and the principality of Jodhpur, home to some of the finest architectural wonders of the desert region.

Your next stop is the magical city of Udaipur, an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid lakes and green hills. Your rail journey continues to Vadodara, the princely capital formerly known as Baroda, ruled by the Gaekwads who were so rich at one time, they had a carpet woven of diamonds and pearls and cannons cast of gold.

Your romantic journey ends in the cosmopolitan city of Bombay, where modern skyscrapers and gracious colonial buildings coexist!

Click here to read more about Maharajas' Express: Royal India.

Call your travel advisor to reserve your journey today or contact Seema Prakash at seema.prakash@coxandkingsusa.com.

*Fares are in U.S. dollars and are per person based on double occupancy. Offers are subject to availability, and may be higher for desired travel dates. New bookings only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Please visit our website for further restrictions that may apply to your booking.

Enews, June 2011

Introducing Our New European Journeys
Cox & Kings is now offering custom-designed and escorted European journeys, primarily to its less visited, off-the-beaten-path destinations, including Turkey, Romania, Russia, Sicily, the Balkans, Scandinavia and Iceland. Luxury five-star Private Journeys as well as the more value-driven Discovery Group Journeys are available to the region. Overseeing the development of these offerings is our newly appointed Europe specialist and Destination Manager, Thor Forsberg.

European Private Journeys featured on our website range from the Marvels of Turkey to a Train Journey through Northern Spain, and far-flung Iceland and Western Greenland. Discovery Group Journeys include Treasures of the Ukraine: Kiev & Crimea, and Classic Sicily.

Contact Thor Forsberg to book your Private Journeys to Europe, and Janice Decker for Discovery Journeys – both at 1-800-999-1758.

Arabia: Why Go Now — a message from Thomas Stanley
Thomas Stanley, Centre Head & COO, Cox & Kings, The Americas reflects on the Arabic Spring (the complete text may be found on our website.):

"In the past few months we have seen an unleashing of the pent up desire for the peoples of the Arabic world to have what Americans take for granted, a desire for freedom and self-determination through the democratic process. I have traveled to most of these countries and have many friends throughout. The traveler has choices as to whether to travel to these regions or defer to a later time.

I am thoroughly convinced that the next twelve months are a golden period of travel for Egypt and those who do travel will be glad they did. Tunisia is a delight, the food, the exciting and historic cities and ruins: Tunis and Carthage in particular. Tunisians will welcome you with pride.

The media is full of naysayers but I am simply bullish on these two countries and their future. Now is a great time in history to be there as I feel the Arabic Spring will go down in the books as a great and very important event in world history." Read more.

View our specially designed summer tours to the region: Egypt & Jordan: Kingdoms Lost, Jordan Sojourn: Summer Special, Moroccan Sojourn: Summer Special, Tunisian Sojourn: Summer Special.

Contact Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758 to book your travel to Arabia & Northern Africa.


New Hotel Spotlight — Asia
The recently opened Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, Shanghai follows in the footsteps of Dubai's over-the-top Burj al Arab, but with an Asian sensibility. With beautiful Himalayan-inspired decor, this well-located property sits the heart of the Pudong financial district across from the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The hotel complex itself includes an art museum, 1100-seat theater, luxury mall, and a 50,000 square foot rooftop garden.

Our Private Journeys Classic China Odyssey, Treasures of the Orient, and Journey on the Silk Road, all visit Shanghai.

Contact Denise Gogatry at 1-800-999-1758 to book your travel to China.


Ladakh: Land of the Lamas — Free domestic air in India
The India region of Ladakh is famed for its remote alpine beauty and ancient Tibetan culture. On this tour you will meet local Ladakhi artists, enjoy guided walks through villages, and visit Buddhist monasteries and medieval temples which house the region's rich history. Delhi and Agra (Taj Mahal) round out the trip. From $5,945 per person double occupancy; 13 Days, 11 Nights.

Receive free domestic air in India on your Ladakh: Land of the Lamas journey for travel completed by Sept 30, 2011.

Contact Seema Prakash at 1-800-999-1758 for more information.


Sales Staff Spotlight
This month we are featuring two newer members of our sales team, who act as liaisons to travel consultants and destination specialists, providing valuable product and destination information.

Michele Dienna is our Southeast Director of Sales, and a veteran travel enthusiast who has enjoyed two decades of success in travel industry business development. Her strengths are in creating strong, loyal relationships by providing information and exceptional service to the client. Michele has traveled to many regions of the world, her favorites being Africa, India, the UK and New Zealand.

Lurdes Muñoz is our Latin America Director of Sales. With her extensive in-depth personal knowledge, and more than fifteen years of international executive sales experience, Lurdes has developed a sharp focus in the Latin American market. She has traveled to over 26 countries — one of her most memorable trips was traveling to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Contact Michele Dienna and Lurdes Muñoz 1-800-999-1758.
 
UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Madagascar
Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
The reserve contains karstic landscapes and limestone uplands cut into impressive "tsingy" peaks and a "forest" of limestone needles, the spectacular canyon of the Manambolo River, rolling hills and high peaks. The undisturbed forests, lakes and mangrove swamps are the habitat for rare and endangered lemurs and birds.

Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
This site consists of a royal city, burial ground and an ensemble of sacred places. It has maintained its spiritual and sacred character both in ritual practice and the popular imagination for the past 500 years. It remains a place of worship to which pilgrims come from Madagascar and elsewhere.

Rainforests of the Atsinanana
These rainforests comprise six national parks distributed along the eastern part of the island. They are important for maintaining ongoing ecological processes necessary for the survival of Madagascar’s unique biodiversity, which reflects the island’s geological history.

Visits to Madagascar’s UNESCO World Heritage sites may be added to our Private Journey Mysteries of Madagascar. View also our Perfumed Isles of Madagascar. To book your trip, contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.

Travel Advisor of the Month: Nicole Converse
Nicole Converse is our Travel Advisor of the Month. She is President of Sarasota, FL-based Converse Premium Services LLC.

 

Our comprehensive brochure is filled with Cox & Kings' Exquisite Cultural and Wildlife Adventures, featuring Africa, Indian Ocean, India & Beyond, Asia, Latin America, and Arabia & North Africa. Request one online at www.coxandkingsusa.com.

 

Ladakh: Land of the Lamas – reserve by June 17, 2011 and receive two Cox & Kings black canvas bags

Updated travel offer for Lakakh: Land of the Lamas – free domestic air in India, a savings of $650 per person. Valid of for travel completed by Sept 30, 2011.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Set between the Kunlun mountains and the Himalayas, the India region of Ladakh is famed for its remote alpine beauty and ancient culture. It is sometimes called "Little Tibet" as it has been strongly influenced by Tibetan culture.

On this tour you will meet local Ladakhi artists, enjoy guided walks through villages, and visit Buddhist monasteries and medieval temples which house the region’s rich history. Delhi and Agra (Taj Mahal) round out the trip. From $5,945 per person double occupancy; 13 Days / 11 Nights.
 
The Ladakh Festival is a celebration of the harvest, filled music and dance, polo, and archery contests, and wedding celebrations – all adding to the excitement. Held the first two weeks of September, the festival promotes and maintains the rich heritage of Ladakh's age-old culture.
 
Highlights   

• Learn traditions and culture of this land at the "rooftop of the world"

• The colorful annual Ladakh Festival

• Visit several gompas (monasteries) with local experts

• Travel aboard the Shatabdi Express train between Delhi and Agra (Taj Mahal)

• Visit both modern and ancient Delhi

Travel with us to this fascinating destination — contact Seema Prakash at 1-800-999-1758.

E-News, May 2011

Cox & Kings Celebrates the Grand Opening of its New North American Headquarters in Los Angeles

We welcomed over 400 guests including top travel agents, media, travelers and other special guests to our new offices on May 4, 2011 to celebrate our grand opening, with the theme of the “Golden Age of Travel.” In a prime location on Melrose Avenue, the space incorporates vintage décor with a contemporary design and multi-cultural inspiration to create a truly unique space, created by Ron Woodson of the design firm Woodson & Rummerfield. The festive evening featured Chinese Lion Dancers, an African a capella singer, a henna artist and a Brazilian crooner.

Sponsors of the party were LA Confidential, YTL Hotels in Asia, Africa Tour Corp, South African Tourist Board, Afar Magazine, Orion Expeditions, Singular Hotels Chile, Singapore Tourist Board, Hong Kong Tourist Board, Macau Tourist Board, and Botswana Tourism Board.

Read the full story on our blog.


Spectacular door prizes were donated. The winners are listed below:

Avril Bransky, New Act Travel, Encino, CA
6 nights at Adriatic Luxury Hotels in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Patti Fowler, Third Millennium Travel, Northridge, CA
2 economy class tickets on Turkish Airlines
3 nights accommodation in Istanbul
3 nights accommodation in Cappadocia

Paulette Darensburg, ProTravel, Beverly Hills, CA
2 economy class tickets on Lan Airlines
3 nights at Orient-Express hotels: Miraflores Park Hotel, Hotel Rio Sagrado, and Hotel Monasterio

Carolyn Rothberg, Plaza Travel, Encino, CA
1 coach ticket on Copa Airlines
2 nights at the Bristol Panama
2 nights at the Bristol Buenaventura Resort Panama

Elisa Tomasino, Plaza Travel, Encino, CA
Taj Hotels & Resorts package:
2 nights at the Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi
1 night at the Gateway Hotel, Agra
2 nights at Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur

Liza Gevera, Travel International, Beverly Hills, CA
2 economy tickets to any Emirates Airline destination

Greta Gilford, New Act Travel, Encino, CA
2 night stay at Hotel de la Paix, Cambodia

Charles Stevens, Déjà vu Travel, Northridge, CA
A golf shirt and cap from Jumeirah Hotels

Phoebe Shackeroff, Beachside Travel, Seal Beach, CA
A Singapore Airlines duffle bag

You can also view a list of our winners here.


Classical Journey of India & Nepal — Book Now for Fall/Winter Departures
Our new fully escorted Classical Journey of India & Nepal highlights the best of both of these exotic countries—all in classic Cox & Kings “grand tour” style. From Delhi, continue to Kathmandu, Nepal. Return to India and experience a sunrise cruise in Varanasi, visit the erotic temples of Khajuraho and the immortal Taj Mahal. Explore Ranthambore, home to the elusive Bengal Tiger, live like a maharaja in Jaipur and tour the romantic city of Udaipur. Conclude in Bombay, India’s most cosmopolitan city. From $12,485 per person double; 21 days, 19 nights.

Book now for our fall/winter departures: Oct 7-27, Nov 2-22, and Dec 16-Jan 5. Contact Seema Prakash at 1-800-999-1758.

New Hotel Spotlight — Africa
Hogmead opens in Nairobi: with six spacious rooms, this brand new property promises an intimate stay in a quiet and peaceful area of Nairobi. It's the perfect location for an overnight prior to your Kenyan safari. Each of the exquisitely decorated rooms have with both shower and bath in the bathroom, and lovely views over the Giraffe Sanctuary and Ngong Hills beyond. Hogmead is also home to families of warthogs whose presence adds to the wild feeling of the grounds.

Contact Yvonne Whitcomb at 1-800-999-1758 to book your safari to Kenya.

Argentinian Soccer
For anyone interested in soccer (you? your soccer-crazed kids or grandkids?), Cox & Kings can arrange for a specialized soccer guide in Argentina, with visits to the Boca Stadium and museum. Watch one or more matches (depending on availability; typical season is late Jul - Dec; Mar- Jun). If you have more time, let us enroll you in the soccer academy for visitors with excellent Argentine coaches. These soccer activities are easy additions to our Portrait of Argentina private journey.

Contact Vivana Gaeta at 1-800-999-1758 to for more information.


Off the Beaten Path in Tahiti
Tahiti and her islands are the ultimate South Seas paradise — lush mountains, crystalline lagoons, magnificent coral reefs and a rich cultural heritage. Tahiti: Islands in Time offers more just than stays at some of French Polynesia’s finest resorts, and the trip is featured as one of Nine Great Island Adventures in the March/April issue of Virtuoso Life magazine. Your journey also takes you to a remote island, where you will be treated to the best in Tahitian camping. Learn about the natural history of the islands, and snorkel in its pristine waters. From $10,545 per person double occupancy.

Contact Denise Gogarty at 1-800-999-1758 to book your journey.

Jordan Sojourn: Summer Special
This private journey is a specially-designed 6-day tour of Jordan’s highlights. Tour the spectacular Roman ruins at Jerash, considered one of the best preserved architectural cities outside of Italy. Lunch at the Greco-Roman town of Umm Qais while enjoying sweeping views of Lake Tiberias and the Golan Heights. Explore the hidden city of Petra. Take a dip in the Dead Sea. Travel May 1 - Sept 30, 2011. From $2195 per person double..

To book your Jordan Sojourn contact a Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758. Read also her Just Back From: Jordan.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Malta

City of Valletta
The capital of Malta is inextricably linked to the history of the military and charitable Order of St John of Jerusalem. It was ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St John. Valletta’s 320 monuments, all within an area of 135 acres, make it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.

Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
The Hypogeum is an enormous subterranean structure excavated c. 2500 B.C., using cyclopean rigging to lift huge blocks of coralline limestone. Perhaps originally a sanctuary, it became a necropolis in prehistoric times.

Megalithic Temples of Malta
Seven megalithic temples are found on the islands of Malta and Gozo, each the result of an individual development. The two temples of Ggantija on the island of Gozo are notable for their gigantic Bronze Age structures. On the island of Malta, the temples of Hagar Qin, Mnajdra and Tarxien are unique architectural masterpieces. The Ta’Hagrat and Skorba complexes show how the tradition of temple-building was handed down in Malta.

Visits to Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage sites are included in our private journey Island of the Knights: Malta. Read more about Malta on our blog. To book your trip, contact Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758.

 

Our comprehensive brochure is filled with Cox & Kings' Exquisite Cultural and Wildlife Adventures, featuring Africa, Indian Ocean, India & Beyond, Asia, Latin America, and Arabia & North Africa. Request one online at www.coxandkingsusa.com or email tours@coxandkingsusa.com.

Announcing the Winners of our Grand Opening Party Raffle...

Thanks to everyone who attended our Grand Opening Party May 4th at our new offices in Los Angeles.

The following winners have been chosen from our raffle drawing. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all of our generous prize and event sponsors!

Patti Fowler, Third Millennium Travel, Northridge, CA
2 economy class tickets on Turkish Airlines

3 nights accommodation in Istanbul

3 nights accommodation in Cappadocia

Avril Bransky, New Act Travel, Encino, CA
6 nights at Adriatic Luxury Hotels in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Carolyn Rothberg, Plaza Travel, Encino, CA
1 coach ticket on Copa Airlines
2 nights at the Bristol Panama
2 nights at the  Bristol Buenaventura Resort Panama

Elisa Tomasino, Plaza Travel, Encino, CA
Taj Hotels & Resorts package:
2 nights at the Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi
1 nights at the Gateway Hotel, Agra
2 nights at Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur

Paulette Darensburg, ProTravel, Beverly Hills, CA 

2 economy class tickets on Lan Airlines

3 nights at Orient-Express hotels: Miraflores Park Hotel, Hotel Rio Sagrado, and Hotel Monasterio

Liza Gevera, Travel International, Beverly Hills, CA
2 economy tickets to any Emirates Airlines destination

Greta Gilford, New Act Travel, Encino, CA
2 night stay at Hotel de la Paix, Cambodia

Charles Stevens, Déjà vu Travel, Northridge, CA
A golf shirt and cap from Jumeirah Hotels
 
Phoebe Shackeroff, Beachside Travel, Seal Beach, CA
A Singapore Airlines duffle bag

Travel Advisor of the Month: David Schooler

Town & Country Travel

David Schooler is president of Town & Country Travel, located in lovely German Village in Columbus Ohio, a Virtuoso agency. He considers himself an avid Equatorial Travel specialist, with favorite destinations of North Africa, Ecuador, and Southeast Asia.

Product manager Megan Bryant has worked with David on several Africa trips. Says Megan: "He is always very easy-going, but exceptionally detail-oriented. He cares a lot about his clients and their complete experience."

Originally from Coshocton Ohio, David and graduated from Mt. Union College. He has spent time in both Venezuela and Brazil for the Peace Corps. David currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Mt. Union College and the Columbus Museum of Art.

Book 'Highlights of Vietnam' and get $200 off Angkor Wat Extension

A Private Cultural Experience with Cox & Kings
Discover Vietnam's buzzing cities of Hanoi and Saigon, visit the historic towns or of Hué and Hoi An, and tour Cu Chi Tunnels. Cruise in your junk boat along the magnificent landscapes of Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta. Stay in a collection of new world class hotels.

Highlights

·  Water puppet show in Hanoi, a captivating art form from northern Vietnam

·  Cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay on a traditional wooden boat

·  Explore picturesque Hoi An

·  Boat excursion up the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda

·  Visit the amazing complex of underground tunnels at Cu Chi

·  River cruise on the Mekong Delta

From $4,780 per person based on double occupancy; 12 days, 11 nights. Tour must be booked by Aug 30, 2011 to get $200 off Angkor Wat extension.

Includes all internal flights, accommodation, breakfast daily and some other meals, transfers, sightseeing, and services of local guides. Private Journeys depart daily subject to availability.

To book, contact Denise Gogarty at 1.800.999.1758.

 

Cox & Kings Celebrates the Grand Opening of its New North American Headquarters in Los Angeles

Newly Designed Office Reflects the Timeless Art of Travel

What is old is new again with the world's longest operating travel company of 253 years opening the doors of its new North American headquarters in Los Angeles. The new space, with prime location on Melrose Avenue, incorporates vintage décor with a contemporary design and multi-cultural inspiration to create a truly unique space. To celebrate the opening, Cox & Kings welcomed travelers of all types, including travel agents, influential personalities and media, to its new space on Wednesday, May 4, to toast the timeless art of travel in collaboration with Los Angeles Confidential magazine.

"The 'Golden Age of Travel' has inspired us in our search for a great new location for our headquarters. It is tied to our belief that reaches to our company's core, celebrating a time when Americans ventured far and wide with the newfound freedom of the jet age," said Thomas Stanley, Centre Head and COO, Cox & Kings, The Americas. "Our new office reflects this ideal, creating a retro-inspired 'Pan Am' meets 'Mad Men' look and feel through a mixing of vintage inspired pieces with ethnic collectables to illustrate our company's reach around the globe."

The offices located at 8060 Melrose Avenue were the design inspiration of Ron Woodson of cutting edge design firm Woodson & Rummerfield. Woodson saw potential of the mid-century building, drawing in vibrant colors including oranges, teals and greens and counterbalancing with refurbished 1960s Steelcase desks finished in a classic industrial aluminium color. Vintage inspired wallpapers bring in a worldly sentiment with patterns and designs from Asia and Africa and ethnic artifacts line the walls combining African art, Indian quilts, feathered headdresses and global masks. With the company’s origins rooted in travel from England to India, the spiritual center of the office was initiated with a consultation by a Vaastu expert, a traditional Hindu system of design based on directional alignments.

Along with its new office, Cox & Kings continues steady growth, increasing its presence by adding highly experienced regional sales staff and Custom Journeys destination experts. Offering the richest travel experiences ranging from high-end customized luxury to the more value-driven escorted tours, Cox & Kings provides once-in-a- lifetime travel experiences to destinations including India, Africa, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, Asia, the Pacific, Europe and Latin America.

Cox & Kings' gala Grand Opening had the sponsorship of several of the premium brands in the industry including Los Angeles Confidential, Emirates Airlines, LAN and Copa Airlines, as well as YTL Hotels, Tourism Corp. Africa, Adriatic Luxury Hotels, AFAR Magazine, Botswana Tourism, Bristol Hotels, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hotel de la Paix, Macau Tourism, Orient-Express, Orion Cruises, Singular Hotels, South Africa Tourism, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, Turkish Airlines and Singapore Tourism.

To reach a Cox & Kings expert, contact 1-800-999-1758.

For catalog requests, please contact tours@coxandkingsusa.com or dail 1-888-53-KINGS (1-888-535-4657). 

 

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.