Cox & Kings, The Americas - Travel Journeys

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.

 

Cox & Kings, the Americas Launches All-New Europe Product

Overseen by recently appointed Destination Manager Thor Forsberg, new journeys will showcase "off- the-beaten-path" European destinations

LOS ANGELES (June 21, 2011) – Adding to its in-depth destination offerings in Africa, Asia, Indian, Latin America and the Middle East, Cox & Kings expands into an entirely new, albeit "Old World" continent – Europe. Cox & Kings, The Americas is now offering custom-designed and escorted journeys to Europe, primarily the region's less visited, “under the radar” destinations, including meticulously detailed tours of Turkey, Romania, Russia, Sicily, the Balkans, Scandinavia and Iceland. Luxury five-star private journeys as well as more value-driven Discovery Group Journeys will be available to the region.

The announcement of Cox & Kings' new European journeys marks an exciting step for the U.S. market, which specializes in journeys to exotic, often far-flung locales worldwide. "With our new European product, Cox & Kings combines the brand's foundation in destination expertise and specialization in authentic experiences with the fantastic offerings available in the region, from spectacular cuisine to in- depth cultural encounters, walking tours of enchanting cities and breathtaking nature visits," said Thomas Stanley, Centre Head & COO, Cox & Kings, The Americas.

The official Cox & Kings Europe catalogue listing bespoke experiences offered in the region will be available October 2011. Several of the private journeys featured in the catalogue are "Marvels of Turkey," a 14-day tour exploring both cultural and natural wonders in Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pergamon, while the Discovery Group Journeys include "Timeless Romania" – visiting the country's medieval towns and impressive Carpathian mountains – and "Classic Sicily," swhich covers the land's impressive Roman art and Norman architecture, along with natural highlights such as the iconic Mount Etna.

To oversee the development of the new Europe product, Cox & Kings has announced the appointment of Europe specialist and Destination Manager, Thor Forsberg. Based in the company’s newly opened Los Angeles headquarters, Forsberg will utilize his extensive expertise to design and develop new journeys to the continent, acting as a liaison between the traveler and the on-the-ground Cox & Kings tour guides and support staff.

A veteran travel professional, Forsberg shares two decades of experience in the industry, with former positions held at Nelson World Travel and Scandia World Travel. As a Scandinavia and Eastern Europe specialist, Forsberg initiated travel programs and managed the companies’ tour divisions, as well as assisted with customer service and maintained relationships with travel agents. He has lived abroad in Germany and Sweden and counts the former's Island of Gotland, Lofoten Island in Norway, Lisbon, Barcelona, Edinburgh and St. Petersburg as a few of his favorite European destinations.

"I am excited to join the amazing Cox & Kings team and assist in launching these all-new journeys to Europe, a continent I have enjoyed exploring and sharing my knowledge on over the years," said Forsberg. "The destinations to which Cox & Kings is venturing are unique for U.S. travelers, with a few of them – particularly the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden – sharing the status of being Europe's best-kept secrets. Places like the Balkans offer an intriguing mix of culture and natural adventure, combining the grandeur of Central Europe with the glamour of the French Riviera, while countries like Turkey and Russia provide magnificent historical insight and a vibrant crossover of cultural influences."

Cox & Kings' European Private and Discovery Group Journeys are currently available for booking and are listed on the official website. For inquiries and to book, contact 1-800-999-1758 or visit www.coxandkingsusa.com.

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

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.

 

 

Moroccan Sojourn: Summer Special

Travel on a private Moroccan Sojourn with us this summer for reduced prices through Sept 30, 2011 – just $4485 per person double occupancy.

Your journey beings in fabled Marrakesh and ends 10 days later in the 1000-year-old city of Fez. Stay at restored riads and character hotels throughout your journey.
 


Moroccan Sojourn Highlights:

• Marrakesh, the heartbeat of Morocco
• Sunset visit to Djemaa el-Fna
• Koutoubia mosque from the 12th Century
• Atlas Mountains and tea with a local Berber family
• Dades Valley known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs"
• Tafilalt oasis region towns near the beautiful Merzouga dunes
• Fez, the world's largest living medieval city
• Roman ruins at Volublis, an UNESCO World Heritage site

Your trip includes all accommodation, breakfast daily, select other meals, and transfers and sightseeing with private guides. No visa is required for US passport holders visiting Morocco.

Extend Your Journey with our other summer specials: Tunisian Sojourn and Egyptian Sojourn.

Please contact Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758 to book your journey.

Tunisian Sojourn: Summer Special

 
Travel on a Tunisan Sojourn with us this summer for reduced prices through Oct 31, 2011 – just $5594 per person double occupancy.*

Tunisia is home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 6 of which are included on this tour. Not only does the country boast well-preserved Roman cities, the Coliseum at El Jem rivals its famous cousin in Rome.

Tunisia Sojourn Highlights:

• The Medina of Tunis
• Roman mosaics in the Bardo National Museum
• Roman ruins at Dougga known as "The city of the Temples"
• Ancient Roman amphitheatre of El Jem
• Archeological site of Carthage
• The Great Mosque in Kairouan
• Well-preserved Forum temples of Sufetula
• Seaside village of Sidi Bou Said

Your trip includes all accommodation, breakfast daily, and transfers and sightseeing with private guides. No visa is required for US passport holders visiting Tunisia.

Extend Your Journey with our other summer specials: Moroccan Sojourn and Egyptian Sojourn, or Island of the Knights: Malta.

Please contact Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758 to book your journey.

*peak season supplement $875 per person double applies July 6 – Sept 6, 2011

Cox & Kings' China Family Tour — Take the kids this summer

Give your children the opportunity to experience China on this private tour created just for families: Emperors, Warriors, Dumplings & Pandas.

Learn about Beijing of the past in the fast disapearing ancient Hutongs, and the art of kite-making. Later, fly your kite and walk (or toboggan) on the Great Wall. Visit the famous Terracotta Warriors in Xian and see the pandas up close at a special mountain sanctuary in Chengdu. Finish your trip in modern Shanghai with an acrobat performance.

From $3700 per adult, $2970 per child under 11 years (based on a family of 3). Deluxe and premium hotel options are available.

For more information contact Denise Gogarty at 1-800-999-1758.

See more pictures here.

 

E-News, March 2011

We'd like to share these wonderful special offers with you—travel with us this spring or summer!

Jordan Sojourn
• Specially-designed 6-day tour of Jordan's highlights
• Travel May 1 - Sept 30, 2011
• From $2195 per person double

Portrait of Kenya
• $2000 worth of value ads, including free hot air balloon safari
• Book by March 31, 2011
• From $7455 per person double

Boutique South Africa
• Stay at Lion Sands, as seen on "The Bachelor" Feb 28th episode
• Get a complimentary night when you book the 7-night tour
• Book by April 1, travel by Sept 30, 2011
• From $4195 per person double

Splendors of Namibia
• $3120 discount for 2 people traveling together (equates to 2 free nights)
• Travel March 1 - June 14, 2011
• From $6435 per person double

Four Seasons Chiang Rai, Thailand
• Enjoy 2 complimentary nights at the Four Seasons Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Koh Samui when you stay 3 nights in the Golden Triangle Tented Camp
• Includes all meals and house wines, 1 spa treatments per person per stay in Chaing Rai
• Travel April 1 - Sept 30, 2011

India: Lure of the Jungle
• See "Searching for the Bengal Tiger" below
• Reduced price for travel through June 30, 2011
• From $8545 per person double

Call one of our specialists at 1-800-999-1758: Africa: Megan Bryant, Asia: Denise Gogarty, Europe: Janice Decker, India & Beyond: Seema Prakash Latin America: Rachel Robar, Arabia & North Africa: Nicole Beattie.


Cox & Kings' China Family Tour—Take the Kids this Summer
Give your children the opportunity to experience China on this private tour created just for families: Emperors, Warriors, Dumplings & Pandas. Learn about Chinese family life in the ancient Hutongs of Beijing and make kites and fly them at the Great Wall. In Xian, see the Terracotta Warriors up close and visit with the rare Great Pandas in Chengdu. This exceptional journey ends in Shanghai with its modern skyscrapers and an amazing acrobat performance.

From $3700 per adult/$2970 per child under 11 years (based on a family of 3). For more information contact Denise Gogarty at 1-800-999-1758.
 
Searching for the Bengal Tiger—on Safari in India
Cox & Kings' tour Lure of the Jungle follows the trail of the endangered Royal Bengal tiger. Traveling by specially designed 4x4 vehicles, and on elephant back, safaris in the national parks of Bandhavgarh, Kahna and Pench offer an opportunity to search for one of the world's most elusive animals. The new Taj lodges of Mahua Kothi, Banjar Tola and Bagvan offer impeccable service and lush luxury. Read Mahua Kothi naturalist guide Kartikeya's account searching for tiger in Bandhavgarh National Park.

Reduced prices when you travel through June 30, 2011. To book, or for more information, contact Seema Prakash at 1-800-999-1758.


Book early for the best East African lodges
With many lovely boutique properties and private game ranches on the scene, Kenya and Tanzania today offer some of the best game-viewing in Africa, and exquisite safari camps and lodges all in the setting of a truly classic Out of Africa backdrop. Planning in advance for July through October is essential in order to ensure availability of your top accommodation choices and witness East Africa's spectacular migration.

Contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758 to book one of our Cox & Kings Private Journeys such as Classic East Africa: Kenya & Tanzania or Timeless Tanzania, or to customize your travel.


Mongolia's Nadaam Festival
Experience the biggest Mongolian festival of the year—from the grand opening ceremonies at the country's largest Naadam in Ulaanbaatar to the more provincial Naadam festival in the Gobi. The yearly celebrations begin July 11 this year, and bring out a fun, but competitive spirit in Mongolians. Watch expert horse racing, archery, and wrestling—traditional sports very dear to Mongolians of all ages. Food, music, and dancing add to the celebrations of this centuries-old festival.

We are holding a very limited amount of deluxe lodging, including the Three Camel Lodge, and the Ulaanbaatar Hotel, which is situated on the city's central square.

To book this special itinerary, contact Denise Gogarty at 1-800-999-1758. See also our Mongolia: Untouched Wilderness journey.


Just Back From: Syria
Our Arabia & North Africa product manager Nicole Beattie recently returned from Syria—one of many trips she's made to the country in the past 20 years. Read about her top places to visit. See also our private journeys Syria Through the Ages, Syria & Jordan: Ancient Civilizations, and Lebanon & Syria: Empires Past for more ideas on traveling to Syria.

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

UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests, Bwindi Park covers 80,000 acres and is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. Many types of birds and butterflies can also be found here, as well as endangered species such as the mountain gorilla.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 250,000 acres in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa's third highest peak. The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. The park contains varied natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora, including the giant heather.

Visits to Uganda's UNESCO World Heritage sites may be easily added to our private journey Uganda: Pearl of Africa. To book your trip, contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.