Cox & Kings, The Americas - Travel Journeys

BABY ELEPHANT BORN AT ABU CAMP – IT’S A GIRL!

Wilderness Collection, December 2011 – Abu Camp, located in Botswana’s pristine Okavango Delta, is proud to announce that Shireni, one of the Camp’s leading elephants, gave birth to her third surviving calf, a healthy female, at 10:05 pm on the 17th December. Measuring approximately 90cm at the shoulder and weighing about 242.5 lbs, the new-born stood on her own feet, wobbling, within 20 minutes. The elephant handlers have named her Warona, the SeTswana name meaning ‘For Us’.

Reaching up to her mother, Warona suckled properly for the first time at 7:00 the next morning, 10 hours after the birth, and now takes short naps of 5-10 minutes. Closely watched over by her doting big brother, Abu Junior, the new-born calf is already showing signs of playfulness. Both Warona and Shireni are doing well, along with the other elephants that form the Abu herd. This new member brings the number of the Abu herd to seven elephants.

Shireni was brought to Abu Camp as part of the original ‘Brat Pack Girls’ of young elephants saved from a culling operation in the ‘Sirheni’ area of Kruger National Park. The father is believed to be a wild bull or Mthondo, one of several elephants successfully reintroduced from the Abu herd into the elephant paradise of the Okavango Delta. Earlier this year, the Camp released Gika and her eight-year-old calf Naya together; they are adapting well to their natural home, roaming and mingling with wild elephants and another previously released elephant, Nandipa, who now has two calves of her own. A total of nine elephants have been released from the Abu herd, under the full support of the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks.

Abu Camp takes its name from the Arabic word meaning ‘all things to do with elephants’. The birth of Warona ends off a thrilling 2011, which saw the opening of the newly refurbished camp, together with exciting new initiatives within Abu Camp’s elephant program. The elephant experience is being supervised by San Diego Zoo Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Dr. Mike Chase, together with the support of Wild Horizons, a company with a strong history in high quality elephant interaction activities.

The elephant program is complemented by the reputation of Wilderness Safaris, Africa’s leading ecotourism operator that now manages the camp through its brand, the Wilderness Collection. The cornerstone of this new initiative involves Elephants Without Borders establishing a field research station in the Abu Concession. This happy moment overlaps with an ambitious new program which is devoted to the highest standards in elephant welfare, scientific research and meaningful guest experiences.

Warona will provide hours of fascination and enjoyment to visitors of Abu Camp, allowing them the rare opportunity to interact with a family group of elephants in one of Africa’s best wilderness areas: the Okavango Delta.

Visit Abu Camp on any of our Botswana Private Journeys, or contact Africa Destination Manager Megan Bryant at megan.bryant@coxandkingsusa.com or 1-800-999-1758.

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, 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.

 

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.

 

E-News, February 2011

New York Times' Top 41 Places in 2011
From Japan to Zanzibar, this year's New York Times 41 Places to Go in 2011 highlights many Cox & Kings destinations including Chile (Santiago), Thailand (Koh Samui), Colombia (Cali), India (Hyderabad), Egypt (Port Ghalib), Morocco (Oualidia), Zanzibar, Tunisia (Tozeur), China (Hangzhou and Pingyao), Japan (Okinawa and Niseko). Our product managers can arrange a visit to any of these destinations, all customized for your particular interests. Read the full article here.

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

Adopt a Baby Rhino in Kenya
Lewa Downs is favorite safari destination among Cox & Kings clients and staff, and their well-managed conservation programs are to be congratulated. You can't take the animals at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy home, but you can still contribute to their efforts to protect this extraordinary species by adopting one of their rhinos. Adoption programs start at $1,000 for an individual rhino or $2,000 for a mother and calf, up to a $10,000 sole-sponsorship, which allows you to name a black or white rhino. Each includes annual updates and photos of your adopted rhino. Visit Lewa while on our Private Journey Classic East Africa: Kenya & Tanzania.

To adopt a rhino or to book your trip to Kenya, contact Logan Stine at 1-800-999-1758.

Spectacular Helicopter Flights in Hong Kong
A fun addition to a visit to Hong Kong is a helicopter tour—there is nothing quite like viewing this island from the air, with its eye-poping urban skyline, harbor, bays, beaches, and dramatic mountains. Flight options range from 15 to 60 minute trips, and can include Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and even the New Territories on mainland China.

To book, contact Denise Gogarty at 1-800-999-1758.

Chocolate Festival in Belize
The fifth annual Chocolate Festival is being held May 22-24, 2011 in the southern Belizean district of Toledo. Cacao and chocolate played an important role in ancient Mayan life, and much of today's cultivation in Toledo is organic. Activities include a wine and chocolate opening evening, music and dance performances, a cooking fair, arts and crafts displays, archeological talks at the Mayan site Lubaantun, and a local cacao plantation tour. Stay at one of the area's top jungle lodges, or at a beachside resort.

To book, contact Rachel Robar at 1-800-999-1758.

Taj Cape Town—Exclusive Cox & Kings Offer

The recently opened Taj Cape Town sits at the entrance to the vibrant pedestrian precinct St George's Mall—a popular historic and cultural area away from the more touristic V&A Waterfront.

Exclusive Cox & Kings offers include:
• 3rd or 4th night free until Sept 15, 2011
• complimentary bottle of wine on arrival
• a complimentary upgrade to a Luxury Room when booking a Superior Room (subject to availability on arrival)
• meal voucher of ZAR 350 per guest (approximately $50 per guest)
• complimentary transfers to the V&A Waterfront, and more.

To book, contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.

Just Back From: Lebanon
Nicole Beattie, our Arabia & North Africa product manager recently returned visited Lebanon—its capital city Beirut, and several day trips. Find out where to go and where to stay. See also our Lebanon & Syria: Empires Past private journey for more ideas on traveling to Lebanon.

Contact Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758 for more information and to book your trip.

Guest Lectures aboard the Maharajas' Express
Join us this spring in India as the Maharajas' Express luxury train hosts guest speakers aboard two special journeys. Multi-award winning journalist and broadcaster Michael Buerk will be the special guest lecturer on our Royal India journey, Delhi to Mumbai (March 16, 2011). Renowned media personality, author and broadcaster Sir Mark Tully will be aboard the Royal India trip, Delhi to Mumbai (April 6, 2011). Read more on the Maharajas' Express.

To book, contact Seema Prakash at 1-800-999-1758.


Our New Website Launches with Improved Features
The Cox & Kings new website is now live! We hope you enjoy using its enhanced features, with more to be added soon.

From every page, you’ll have three easy ways to find your next adventure: browse by Destination (such as Africa), Country (such as Kenya), and by Journey Type within a Country (such as Private Journey).

You'll also be able to easily order one of our new destination catalogs for you and a friend. If you are a travel advisor, you may order multiple copies of a catalog.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Colombia
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
Cartagena has the most extensive fortifications in South America. A system of zones divides the city into three neighborhoods: San Pedro, with the cathedral and many Andalusian-style palaces; San Diego, where merchants and the middle class lived; and Gethsemani, the popular quarter.

Los Katíos National Park
An exceptional biological diversity is found in the park, which is home to many threatened animal species, as well as many endemic plants.

Historic Center of Santa Cruz de Mompox
Founded in 1540, Mompox played a key role in the Spanish colonization of northern South America.

National Archeological Park of Tierradentro
Several monumental statues of human figures can be seen in the park, which also contains many huge underground tombs dating from the 6th to the 10th century, and decorated with motifs that reproduce the internal decor of homes of the period.

San Agustín Archaeological Park
The largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America stands in a wild, spectacular landscape.

Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary
This vast marine park is the largest no-fishing zone in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, It provides a critical habitat for internationally threatened marine species, and is a major source of nutrients resulting in large aggregations of marine biodiversity.

Visits to Colombia's UNESCO World Heritage sites may be added to any trip to Central America, and Cartagena is the highlight of our Cartagena de Indias private journey. To book your trip, contact Rachel Robar at 1-800-999-1758.

 

 

E-News, January 2011

Our New Website Launches with Improved Features
The Cox & Kings new website is now live! We hope you enjoy using its enhanced features, with more to be added soon.

From every page, you’ll have three easy ways to find your next adventure: browse by Destination (such as Africa), Country (such as Kenya), and by Journey Type within a Country (such as Private Journey).

You'll also be able to easily order one of our new destination catalogs for you and a friend. If you are a travel advisor, you may order multiples of the catalogs.

The Art of Moroccan Cooking—a Cox & Kings Experience
In the ancient medina of Marrakech, learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine from a Dada, the traditional cook among wealthy families. Held in a gorgeous restored riad hotel, you’ll work alongside an English translator. At the end of each half-day workshop, participants dine on the meal that they have prepared. May be added to any of our private travel journeys to Morocco: Splendors of Morocco, Jewels of Morocco, and Moroccan Odyssey. 

To book your Moroccan cooking workshop, contact Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758.

Holy Week in Guatemala—Semana Santa Celebration
Travel to Antigua, Guatemala for the most beautiful religious celebration in the Americas—the Holy Week of Easter (Apr 15-Apr 24, 2011). Amazing processions of people, floats, statues and banners wind their way slowly through the town's cobblestone streets which are covered with ornate carpets handmade from flowers, palms and colored sawdust.

Cox & Kings’ suggested itinerary to Guatemala includes visits to Lake Atitlan, local Maya markets, and Tikal. See Guatemala & Honduras: Mayan Treasures.

Reservations for this Easter event are essential and space is limited—contact Rachel Robar at 1-800-999-1758.

Madagascar in the News
Madagascar was the cover story in The New York Times’ travel section last week: Only in Madagascar. According to the National Tourism Board of Madagascar, no entry visa will be required for any nationality when visiting Madagascar in 2011 for 30 days or less. View our private journeys Mysteries of Madagascar and Perfumed Isles of Madagascar.

To book, contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.

Just Back From: Ethiopia
Ethiopia was Africa product specialist Logan Stine’s destination last month, and her first trip to that country. Read about her exciting journey and see her pictures here, and more on our blog. For information on traveling to Ethiopia, please contact Logan Stine at 1-800-999-1758. See also our Private Journey Northern Ethiopia: The Historic Route and our Discovery Group Journey Ethiopia Odyssey.

Just Back From: Egypt
Nicole Beattie, our Arabia & North Africa product manager recently returned from Egypt. Instead of cruising the Nile, she chose to drive along it, providing her a quite different view of the river, its historical sites, and its people. This drive is featured in our Ancient Roads of Egypt private journey. Contact Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758.

Sri Lanka
The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka is a wonderful place to observe semi-wild elephants going about their daily routine—from grazing, to playing and bathing in the river. One can also bottle-feed a baby elephant. Founded in 1975, this famous orphanage rehabilitates elephants, and has introduced a successful breeding program as well. A visit to the orphanage is included in our private travel journey Sri Lanka: The Spice Island.

To book, contact Seema Prakash at 1-800-999-1758.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Honduras

Maya Site of Copan
Discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio, the ruins of Copán, one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization, were not excavated until the 19th C. The ruined citadel and grand public squares reveal the three main stages of development before the city was abandoned in the early 10th C.

Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve
Located on the watershed of the Río Plátano, the reserve is one of the few remains of a tropical rainforest in Central America and has an abundant and varied plant and wildlife. Mountainous landscape slopes down to the Caribbean coast, where its indigenous people have preserved their traditional way of life.

Visits to Honduras' UNESCO World Heritage sites may be added to any trip to Honduras, and Copan is a highlight of our Guatemala & Honduras: Mayan Treasures private journey. To book your trip, contact Rachel Robar at 1-800-999-1758.

 

Cox & Kings Website Launches with Improved Features

Our new website is now live! We hope you enjoy using its enhanced features, with more to be added soon.

From every page, you'll have three easy ways to find your next adventure: browse by Destination (such as Africa), Country (such as Kenya ), and by Journey Type within a Country (such as Private Journey).

You'll also be able to order one of our new destination catalogs for you and a friend.

E-News, December 2010

 

Enjoy $2000 in Value Adds for Kenya in 2011

Cox & Kings has partnered with Kenya Tourist Board to offer over $2000 in value added perks on our new Africa safari! Portrait of Kenya is an 11-day journey through Kenya’s Chyulu Hills, Samburu National Reserve and Masai Mara National Reserve, staying in some of the best accommodation in Kenya. Included in the tour cost: a complimentary night at Ol Donyo Wuas camp, hot air ballooning over the Mara, a kikoy, a Journey Through Kenya book, and a private vehicle and guide on the day of departure for sightseeing and shopping in Nairobi.

For more information, contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758, view details of Portrait of Kenya. Or see more Africa on our blog.

 

China Cruise Promotions — Aboard the Yangze Explorer

—Save up to 25% with Early Bird Booking: Travel in Shoulder Season and receive a discount of 25% off. Travel in High or Peak Season and receive 10% off. Also enjoy a complimentary upgrade to next level deck (not applicable to specialty suites). Book from now until Feb 28 for travel in 2011.

—Children Stay Free: Children under the age of 12 stay free when sharing the same cabin with two full paying adults. Special kids activities aboard the Yangzi Exporer include calligraphy, intro to Mandarin, and dumpling making. Valid for bookings from Jun 2 - Sep 4, 2011. Applies to deluxe and suite cabins only.

To book the Yangze Explorer in conjunction with one of our China tours, contact Denise Gogarty at 1-800-999-1758.

 

Guaranteed Group Departure to India

Splendors of the North is a guaranteed trip, starting Feb 12, 2011 and finishing Mar 2. Explore the rich heritage and diverse cultural influences of northern India. This fully escorted group tour encompasses the holy city of Varanasi, the intricately carved temples at Khajuraho, the iconic Taj Mahal and the beautiful palaces and lakes of Jaipur and Udaipur. From $10,615 per person double.

To check availability, contact Seema Prakash at 1-800-999-1758.

 

Vote for Cox & Kings in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards Survey 2011

Every year, readers of Travel+Leisure choose the World’s Best. Cox & Kings is included in the survey for the Tour & Safari Operator category. By completing the short survey, you are automatically entered to win some great prizes, including a Grand Prize trip to a destination of your choice, valued at $10,000. Won’t you take a few moments to cast your vote for Cox & Kings? It will only take a few minutes of your time and will help like-minded travelers find us.

—Go online and begin voting. (Vote by Mar 31, 2011. Contest rules and prize details are available on the website.)

—Select Tour Operators & Safari Outfitters category and choose Cox & Kings.

—Rate Cox & Kings and add additional comments before submitting the survey.

Thank you for your support!

 

New Cox & Kings Destination Catalogs Are Here

Three of our favorite destinations are covered in our new catalogs: India & Beyond, Asia & Pacific, and Arabia & North Africa. Look for yours to arrive shortly, or call our catalog hotline at 1-888-53-KINGS (54647) to order or email tours@coxandkingsusa.com.

To book your trip to India & Beyond, contact Seema Prakash. To book your trip to Asia & Pacific contact Denise Gogarty. To book your trip to Arabia & North Africa contact Nicole Beattie.

 

Cox & Kings Client Spotlight — My Second Visit to India

Our client Amy Wayne returned to India this fall with her brother Mark. Read about her India travel insights and see her beautiful pictures (that's Amy in a gorgeous lime sari on our newsletter's header)! For more information or to book your trip, contact Seema Prakash at 1-800-999-1758.

 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Within this vast expanse, wildlife coexist with semi-nomadic Maasai practicing traditional livestock grazing. The property contains Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera, threatened species, and sees the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra, gazelles and other animals into the northern plains. Extensive archaeological research has proven a long sequence of evidence of human evolution.

Serengeti National Park
The vast plains of the Serengeti comprise 3 million acres of savannah. The annual migration of herds of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras, followed by their predators, is one of the most impressive natural events in the world. .

Selous Game Reserve
Large numbers of elephants, black rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, hippo and crocodiles live in this immense sanctuary, which measures 20,000 square miles and is relatively undisturbed by human impact. The park has a variety of vegetation zones, ranging from dense thickets to open wooded grasslands.

Kilimanjaro National Park
This volcanic massif stands above the surrounding plains, with its snowy peaks looming over the savannah. The mountain is encircled by mountain forest. Numerous mammals, many of them endangered species, live in the park. The mountain is forecast to lose its ice cap within 15 years.

Stone Town of Zanzibar
The Town is typical of the Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa. It retains its urban fabric and townscape virtually intact and contains many outstanding buildings, bringing together disparate elements of the cultures of Africa, the Arab region, India, and Europe over more than 1000 years.

Visits to Tanzania’s UNESCO World Heritage sites may be added to any Private Travel Journey to Tanzania. To book your trip, contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.

 

E-News, November 2010

Japan in Winter: The White Season

At Sapporo’s Snow Festival in Hokkaido, Japan, artisans from around the world carve huge, fantastic designs in ice and snow, recreating landmark buildings, historical figures, and cartoon characters. There are lots of festival activities, plus skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling (the powdery snow is legendary). Stay at a luxury city hotel, or a traditional ryokan (guest house), ending each day with a soak in a Japanese onsen (hot spring bath).

Further south, on the main island of Honshu, in the mountains northwest of Tokyo, there’s plenty of great skiing in Nagano, known as the Japanese Alps. This region is also famous for its Snow Monkeys (Japanese Macaque).

Find more details and pictures on our blog. A visit to Sapporo or Nagano may be easily added to our Private Journey Treasures of Japan. Dates for the Sapporo Snow Festival are February 7-13, 2011. Please contact Denise Gogarty at 1-800-999-1758.


View Tanzania’s Great Migration Year-Round by Fly-in Safari

No matter what time of year, or wherever the great wildebeest migration may be in northern Tanzania, Singita will take you there. From their three luxurious lodges in the Grumeti Reserves of the western Serengeti, Singita flies you in to see migration herds with their own aircraft every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Your safari guide and a sumptuous lunch travel with you for the day, while a safari vehicle awaits—along with tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebra.

For more information on Singita and their new migration flights, contact Logan Stine at 1-800-999-1758.


Travel + Leisure’s Trip of a Lifetime

Our Cartagena de Indias journey is featured in this month’s Travel + Leisure article 22 Trips of a Lifetime. Your first stop is Cartagena (at a private designer-decorated villa no less), then helicopter out (the last 90 minutes are by foot) to the mythical Lost City—Ciudad Perdida

To book this special itinerary, contact Rachel Robar at 1-800-999-1758.


Luxury Group Tour to Chile, Argentina & Brazil—Special Introductory Pricing

Join us on this fully escorted travel adventure, as we explore three of South America's largest and diverse countries—Chile, Argentina & Brazil. From Santiago to Rio, experience spectacular Alpine scenery, valleys of vineyards, cosmopolitan cities, and the incomparable Iguazu Falls.

Departures: Feb 12-24, 2011 (confirmed), and Mar 12-24, 2011; from $7215 per person double occupancy. See Chile, Argentina & Brazil or contact Rachel Robar at 1-800-999-1758.

The Ancient Observatory at Jaipur, India

India’s astronomers created several observatories; the largest and best preserved is in Jaipur, next to the City Palace. With amazing precision, Indian scholars built this Jantar Mantar (calculation instrument), used for measuring time, and tracking stars and the earth's orbit around the sun. The instruments are quite large, and include two giant sundials. Several Cox & Kings journeys include a visit to Jaipur and the Jantar Mantar.

To book your trip to India, contact Seema Prakash at 1-800-999-1758.


Past and Present in Alexandria, Egypt

This Mediterranean port city became the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt. For three days you'll explore Alexandria’s past and present with a private Egyptologist by your side. Highlights include the ultra modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina library, built in 2002 near the site of the ancient library, and the Royal Jewelry Museum—a palace housing a large collection of jewels and fine art from the former royal family. Built in 1919, the palace itself is a work of art, and is the only building of its type open to the public.

Alexandria: Pearl of the Mediterranean is easily added to one of our classic journeys to Egypt. To book your trip, contact Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758.


UNESCO World Heritage Sites—South Africa

Fossil Hominid Sites at the Cradle of Humankind
The sites at Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, and Kromdraai provide scientists a deep understanding of how our ancestors lived and evolved 3.5 million years ago. Fossils of animals and plants during this era give further insight.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park
The Park contains critical habitats for a range of species from Africa's marine, wetland and savannah environments, including over 520 different types of birds.

Robben Island
Used from the 17th-20th centuries as a prison, a hospital for socially unacceptable groups, and a military base, its buildings are an eloquent testimony to its somber history.

Drakensberg Park
The site’s diversity of habitats protects a high level of endemic and globally threatened species. This spectacular natural area also contains many caves with paintings made by the San people over a period of 4,000 years.

Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
This open, expansive savannah developed into the largest kingdom in the sub-continent before it was abandoned in the 14th century. The nearly untouched settlement sites help give us a picture of how social and political structures developed in the region.

Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
More species of plants are found here than for any similar sized area in the world. How plants in the area have uniquely adapted for survival is of particular interest to biologists.

Vredefort Dome
Dating back 2,023 million years, it is the oldest, largest, and most deeply eroded complex meteorite impact structure in the world.

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
The area sustains the pastoral, semi-nomadic Nama people, reflecting seasonal patterns that may have persisted for as much as two millennia in southern Africa.

Visits to South Africa’s UNESCO World Heritage sites may be added to any Private Travel Journey to South Africa. To book your trip, contact Logan Stine at 1-800-999-1758.

Enjoy $2000 in Value Adds for Kenya in 2011

Cox & Kings has partnered with Kenya Tourist Board to offer over $2000 in value added perks. Our Portrait of Kenya program is an 11-day journey to Kenya's Chyulu Hills, Samburu National Reserve and Masai Mara National Reserve, staying in some of the best accommodation in Kenya. 

The added value is offered through a free night at Ol Donyo Wuas camp, complimentary hot air ballooning over the Mara, a complimentary kikoy, a Journey Through Kenya book, and a complimentary private vehicle and guide on the day of departure for sightseeing and shopping in Nairobi. For more information, see our Portrait of Kenya tour online. To check availability, contact Logan Stine or Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.