View 2013 Brochure

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View 2013 Brochure
Abercrombie & Kent
Abercrombie & Kent
2013
LUXUrY smALL groUp joUrneYs
luxury
SMAll GrOuP
JOurNEyS
INVITATIONAL
JOURNEYS
2013
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800 323 7308 (M-F 8-7, Sat 9-1 CST)
[email protected]
abercrombiekent.com
@AKTravel_USA
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
2013
Please call your travel professional
or Abercrombie & Kent at 866 252 3836
or visit our web site at akmarcopolo.com.
®
®
Marco Polo Club
Invitational Journeys
Luxury Small Group Journeys
Abercrombie & Kent
2013-2014
AntArcticA
LUXUrY PrivAte trAveL
luxury
Private travel
AntArcticA
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
2013
2013-2014
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800 652 8568
[email protected]
abercrombiekent.com
@AKTravel_USA
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800 652 8403
[email protected]
abercrombiekent.com
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
@AKTravel_USA
®
®
Luxury Private Travel
®
LUXUrY smALL groUp joUrneYs
2013
®
2013
®
Marco Polo Club
International Journeys
Abercrombie & Kent
2013-2014
connectionS
Abercrombie & Kent
Abercrombie & Kent
INVITATIONAL
JOURNEYS
Please call your travel professional
or Abercrombie & Kent at 866 252 3836
or visit our web site at akmarcopolo.com.
Luxury Small Group Journeys
2013-2014
AntArcticA
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800 652 8568
[email protected]
abercrombiekent.com
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
@AKTravel_USA
2013-2014
Antarctica
2013
luxury
SMAll GrOuP
JOurNEyS
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
®
Marco Polo Club
International Journeys
AntArcticA
2013-2014
2013
®
®
Luxury Private Travel
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800 323 7308 (M-F 8-7, Sat 9-1 CST)
[email protected]
abercrombiekent.com
@AKTravel_USA
®
Luxury Small Group Journeys
WORLDWIDE HOTEL PORTFOLIO
AntArcticA
LUXUrY PrivAte trAveL
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800 652 8568
[email protected]
abercrombiekent.com
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
@AKTravel_USA
2013
Please call your travel professional
or Abercrombie & Kent at 866 252 3836
or visit our web site at akmarcopolo.com.
2013-2014
AntArcticA
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800 323 7308 (M-F 8-7, Sat 9-1 CST)
[email protected]
abercrombiekent.com
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
@AKTravel_USA
Abercrombie & Kent
Abercrombie & Kent
Abercrombie & Kent
2013
luxury
Private travel
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800 652 8403
[email protected]
abercrombiekent.com
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
@AKTravel_USA
INVITATIONAL
JOURNEYS
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
Marco Polo Club
International Journeys
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
Abercrombie & Kent
®
Luxury Small Group Journeys
2013
2013
luxury
SMAll GrOuP
JOurNEyS
2013
2013
Please call your travel professional
or Abercrombie & Kent at 866 252 3836
or visit our web site at akmarcopolo.com.
Antarctica
LUXUrY smALL groUp joUrneYs
ABERCROMBIE & KENT
LUXUrY smALL groUp joUrneYs
INVITATIONAL
JOURNEYS
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800 323 7308 (M-F 8-7, Sat 9-1 CST)
[email protected]
abercrombiekent.com
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
@AKTravel_USA
Abercrombie & Kent
Abercrombie & Kent
2013
luxury
SMAll GrOuP
JOurNEyS
CONNECTIONS
Abercrombie & Kent
2013
®
Private Luxury Travel
Antarctica
AntArcticA
connectionS
AntArcticA
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
2013-2014
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800 652 8568
[email protected]
abercrombiekent.com
@AKTravel_USA
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
®
Private Luxury Travel
Antarctica
WOrldWide
GrOup
JOurneys
Connections
Worldwide Group Journeys
WORLDWIDE
HOTEL
PORTFOLIO
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800 652 8018
ak-connections.com
abercrombiekent.com
@AKTravel_USA
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
2013
®
Worldwide Hotel Portfolio
Connections
Worldwide Group Journeys
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
WOrldWide
GrOup
JOurneys
Connections
Worldwide Group Journeys
WOrldwide
Group
Journeys
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
XXX XXX XXX
[email protected]
abercrombiekent.com
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
@AKTravel_USA
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800 652 8018
ak-connections.com
abercrombiekent.com
@AKTravel_USA
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
2013
2013
®
Worldwide Hotel Portfolio
®
Connections
Worldwide Group Journeys
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800 652 8018
ak-connections.com
abercrombiekent.com
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
@AKTravel_USA
2013
®
Venice revealed herself to us in spectacular fashion.
A World of Inspiring
Connections
Dear traveller,
When we first launched Abercrombie & Kent 50 years ago
in Africa, I dreamed of allowing my guests to make an
authentic connection with the lands they visited. Today,
I am proud to unveil an entirely new approach to A&K
travel, one that combines our tradition of service with neverbefore-seen value. I am proud to introduce Connections by
Abercrombie & Kent.
Connections journeys are created by on-the-ground experts
working out of our 50 local offices worldwide, the same
dedicated people who have made A&K a byword for inspiring
travel for five decades. All the destinations profiled in this
book are ripe for discovery the A&K way: in comfort and with
the finest Tour Directors and local guides at your side.
Enjoy reading this brochure, and start dreaming of
all the places A&K can take you.
Geoffrey Kent
Founder, Chairman & CEO
Abercrombie & Kent
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
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throughout our journey, we found ourselves in places only the
locals knew.
Table of Contents
2013 Worldwide Group Journeys
16
Italy: Renaissance Cities
18
Italy: South to North
22
France: Art & Artistry
24
Spain: Seven Cities
26
Eastern Europe: Budapest, Vienna & Prague
28
Croatia: Jewel of the Coast
30
East Africa: Tanzania & Kenya
34
Morocco: Kasbahs & Medinas
36
Egypt: Ancient Kingdoms
40
China: Life Along the Yangtze
44
Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam
48
India: Spiritual Splendors
50
Australia: Adventure Down Under
52
Peru: Land of the Incas
54
North America: Canyons of the Southwest
56
North America: Yellowstone
58
North America: Canadian Rockies
For an overview of all departures, refer to page 66.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
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within no time, we had learned to decipher hieroglyphics like a
native expert.
What Does It Mean
to Connect?
Imagine yourself visiting Egypt, exploring the tombs in the
Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile. Emerging
from one tomb, you observe your Tour Director waving for
you to join him in conversation with a local man. This turns
out to be one of the tomb’s caretakers who, speaking through
your guide, provides a unique firsthand perspective on the
challenges and rewards of maintaining these treasures of
antiquity.
All at once, your visit takes on an added dimension. Through
this encounter, unique and spontaneous, you have made an
unforgettable connection both to Egypt’s past and its present
— one which virtually no other traveller can match.
Moments such as this lie at the heart of Connections travel.
Authentic, surprising and backed by peerless local expertise,
Connections journeys by Abercrombie & Kent bring out the
best in every destination you visit.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
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with both sunrise and afternoon visits, we appreciated every facet
of the Taj Mahal’s beauty.
The Abercrombie & Kent
Difference
What makes A&K unique?
For 50 years, Abercrombie & Kent has set the standard for
luxury adventure travel, bringing five-star comfort and
uncompromising service to exotic lands the world over. Today,
we are launching a new tier of A&K travel that brings our
incomparable experience and expertise to a whole new world
of travellers.
Connections by Abercrombie & Kent offers one-on-one
connections with the world’s most intriguing places and
cultures. For explorers at heart who refuse to skimp on
inspiration and enrichment, Connections journeys offer
something never before possible: a chance to discover the
world in the company of unmatched local experts, at an
unbeatable value.
Fifty Local Offices.
One Impeccable Standard.
Abercrombie & Kent knows there is simply no substitute for
having local staff on the ground, experts with beyond-theguidebook knowledge of what makes your destination tick.
That is why A&K operates 50 independent offices around
the globe, employing hundreds of full-time local experts.
These men and women have spent decades, and in some cases
lifetimes, getting to know the people and places you will
encounter on your journey, and their insights are what make
Connections journeys so special.
Our on-the-ground approach extends to all areas of our
operations. We train our own staff, maintain our own vehicles
and oversee every detail of your journey with consummate
expertise.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
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Connecting to the
World’s Greatest Places
How Connections journeys
deliver unmatched value
Great Value from Beginning to End
Connections travel delivers what you value most in a vacation:
a true understanding of your destination’s culture, history and
natural beauty, without the extra amenities that make up a
typical luxury journey. Our commitment to great value shines
through in every aspect of your journey, from the hotels handselected by our local experts to the Tour Directors who make
sure you get the most from every stop on your itinerary —
read on for more details.
Jean Bernard-Coudon,
A&K Morocco
“I designed Morocco: Kasbahs &
Medinas to introduce you to the many
wonderful facets of my home country,
from the timeless beauty of Fez to the
warmth and hospitality of Marrakech.”
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The Finest Local Experts
Your A&K Tour Director brings your itinerary to life with
one-of-a-kind local insight. Part storyteller, part scholar
and part expert organizer, the Tour Director oversees your
Connections journey from beginning to end, answering
questions (usually before you think to ask them) and engaging
every single member of the travelling party in the wonders of
your destination.
Assisting the Tour Director are local guides who lend your
journey additional expertise and insight that only come from
a longtime native.
Pedro Barraza,
A&K South America
“Our Tour Directors may come from all
walks of life, but they have one thing in
common: an incredible passion for their
homeland that comes out in every visit,
every meal and every local interaction.”
Small Groups of Just 24-28 Guests
Other travel companies tout “average group sizes” of as many
as 44 passengers — meaning you can end up travelling with
even more than that. In order to truly connect you to your
destination, Connections journeys are limited to no more than
24-28 guests. That means more one-on-one local connections,
less time spent boarding and disembarking vehicles and plenty
of personal interaction with your A&K Tour Director.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
9
Hotels Selected by A&K Experts
Your accommodations are more than a place to lay your
head at night: they are an important way of experiencing the
character of your destination. Ranging from spacious resorts
to boutique lodgings, the hotels and lodges on Connections
itineraries are chosen by local A&K experts for their
amenities, local character and proximity to the places that
make your destination unique.
Sujata Raman,
A&K Australia
“For the perfect ‘home base’ for a visit
to the Great Barrier Reef, we chose
Peppers Beach Club for its open-air
design and close proximity both to the
reef and to the Daintree Rainforest.”
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Irresistible Dining Opportunities
Connections journeys offer a balance between planned
meals at restaurants rich in local flavor and history — not to
mention festive welcome and farewell dinners — and meals
left free to allow you to explore and discover independently.
Not sure where to start? Ask an expert: your A&K Tour
Director is ready with suggestions to satisfy any palate.
Friendly Service From the
Moment You Arrive
When you arrive in country for your Connections itinerary,
your A&K representative is on hand to welcome you and
escort you to your first lodging, a preview of the close
personalized service you will receive throughout your journey.
Vikram Madhok,
A&K India
“The first thing you see when you
arrive in India is an A&K representative
holding our famous yellow sign. Once
you see that sign, you can relax —
everything is going to run smoothly.”
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
11
Choose Your Journey
With Confidence
Travel with A&K, and travel with
peace of mind
What does it mean to book with confidence? It means
knowing that your journey is going to run, guaranteed;
that the price you pay is always the best price; and that the
company you choose has an unmatched record of acclaim.
Departures and Prices Guaranteed
logo
Select2C
thisline:brochure
(topdepartures
line: PMS Cool Gray 7 Cin
bottom
PMS 295 C)
are guaranteed to operate with a
minimum of only two guests. In
addition, every group journey is
led from start to finish by an A&K
Tour Director.
The A&K Price Assurance (see page
64) ensures that you always pay
the lowest possible price for your
vacation — so if the price on your
journey
is reduced after booking,
2C logo
(top line: PMS Cool Gray 7 C bottom line: PMS 295 C)
A&K will refund you the difference
immediately.
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All-inclusive Value:
Transfers & Gratuities
Award-Winning Standards,
Time and Time Again
Included in your Connections journey price are your arrival
and departure transfers, no matter which airline you choose
or whether you book your flights or have us do it for you. Most
taxes and gratuities are also included up front — Connections
journeys end with inspiring memories, not surprise fees.
Year after year, A&K’s inspiring journeys win the recognition
and praise of travellers and travel professionals alike. The
same dedicated experts and staff who have made A&K a
byword for quality are the ones working behind the scenes
to make your Connections journey as perfect as it can be —
award-winning service on every departure.
A Great Fit for Solo Travellers
Solo travellers are welcome on all Connections departures,
where single accommodations are available on every stop
on the itinerary. Group journeys are a great fit for the solo
traveller: all the planning is taken care of for you, and there is
always a like-minded fellow guest with whom to share a meal
or discuss the day’s sightseeing.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
13
Connections by Abercrombie & Kent
2013 Destinations
Start planning your next great adventure today.
CANADA
czech
republic
FRANCE
SPAIN
UNITED STATES
austria
hungary
croatia
italy
morocco
egypt
kenya
tanzania
Peru
Connections Destinations
Additional A&K Destinations
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What sets
Connections journeys
apart from the rest?
• Hundreds of dedicated local experts
in 50 offices around the world
• Decades-long relationships that give
us prime access to your destination’s
best sites
• Unprecedented value for travellers
who value authenticity over luxury
China
• World-renowned resident Tour Directors and local experts
• Small groups of no more than
24-28 guests
INDIA
thailand
• Authentic, characterful hotels in the
best locations
vietnam
• Guaranteed Departures on select dates
cambodia
• Price Assurance insures you pay the
lowest possible price
• Round-the-clock support no matter
where in the world you are
australia
Your Journey
Begins Here
Read the following pages and discover a
world of inspiring travel made possible only
with Abercrombie & Kent. A&K Destination
Specialists are on hand at 800 652 8018
Monday through Friday (8-7 CST) and on
Saturday (9-1 CST); you may also find more
information online, at ak-connections.com.
When you’re ready to take the next step,
call us or consult your travel professional.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
15
The unmistakable Duomo in Florence.
Italy: Renaissance Cities
Priced from $4,380
Limited to 28 Guests | 8 Days | 13 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Venice
Discover your destination through these local connections.
A D R I AT I C
SEA
Florence
Siena
ITALY
TYRRHENIAN
SEA
Rome
Road
Rail
• Enjoy unique, private access to the atelier (workshop) that
produces Venice’s carnival costumes, and tour the palace
that houses it.
• Visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence accompanied by a specialist
art guide.
• Stop at a farm near Siena for lunch and an opportunity to sample
local honey and saffron.
• Join a fun night out, learning the secrets of pizza making from an authentic Roman piazziaolo.
• Visit a traditional Florentine enoteca, where the owner guides you through tastings of the various Italian wines.
Day 1: Arrive in Rome
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Later, meet your fellow guests
for a welcome dinner. Rome Marriott Grand Hotel Flora / Dinner
Day 2: rome / City of Empire
Explore the seat of the former Roman Empire, visiting the Roman
Forum and Palatine, the Colosseum and the theatrical Piazza
Navona, once a Roman racetrack and now the setting for Bernini’s
awe-inspiring sculptures. Rome also gave its name to romance,
and nowhere is that more apparent than at the spectacular Trevi
Fountain. You also visit the Pantheon, originally a Roman temple to
the gods, and the magnificent Castel Sant’Angelo, which overlooks
the Tiber River. Rome Marriott Grand Hotel Flora / Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 3: rome / The Vatican
This morning, visit Vatican City and
explore the treasures of the Vatican
Museums, including the Sistine Chapel
with its famous frescoes by Michelangelo.
Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, a
Renaissance and Baroque masterpiece. Explore the city at your
leisure this afternoon, and tonight, learn the secrets of pizza making
from an authentic Roman piazziaolo.
Rome Marriott Grand Hotel Flora / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Florence / The Heart of Tuscany
Depart for Florence this morning, stopping
en route for a visit to the scenic Tuscan
town of Siena, built on three hills and
enclosed by a series of walls and gates. Visit
Siena’s Duomo, considered to be one of the
finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy. Afterward, continue to a nearby
farm for a light lunch and an opportunity to sample local honey and
saffron. Arrive in Florence later this afternoon.
Hotel Brunelleschi / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Florence / Treasures of the Renaissance
Set out to discover this vast and beautiful monument to the
Renaissance, a city transformed by artists such as Botticelli,
Michelangelo and Donatello into one of the world’s great capitals of
the arts. A specialist art guide accompanies you on visits to the Uffizi
Gallery, housing some of the world’s most important art treasures,
as well as the Bargello, which contains Italy’s finest collection
of Renaissance sculpture. Enjoy a light lunch before visiting a
traditional Florentine enoteca, where the owner conducts a tasting
of the various regional wines. Hotel Brunelleschi / Breakfast, Lunch
local connections
Venice is renowned for its yearly carnival, so we
included a peek behind the scenes at the workshop
where the famous carnival costumes are made.
Day 6: venice / Europe’s Drawing Room
Depart Florence this morning aboard a
high-speed train to Venice. On arrival,
transfer along the Grand Canal to St.
Mark’s Square, known as the “drawing
room of Europe,” for a walking tour of the
square that includes St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. End
the day with a Venetian spritz looking out over the Grand Canal.
Hotel Danieli / Breakfast
Day 7: Venice / City of Splendors
This morning, enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to the market
district around the Rialto Bridge. Visit the nearby Frari Church,
considered one of the most imposing Gothic monuments in Venice,
where you can admire timeless works by Bellini and Titian. End
your morning with a special private visit to the long-serving atelier
(workshop) for Venice’s iconic carnival costumes, housed in a
Venetian palace that is still home to one of the oldest families in
the city. Tour the palace, and then learn about the history of the
costumes and how they are made. Mark the end of your journey
with a festive farewell dinner. Hotel Danieli / Breakfast, Dinner
Dates & Pricing
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Apr 09-16
Apr 30-May 07
May 14-21
Jun 11-18
Jul 30-Aug 06
Aug 20-27
Land arrangements: Double occupancy
Triple occupancy
Single supplement
Sep 03-10
Oct 01-08
Oct 15-22
Apr-Jun; Sep-Oct
Jul-Aug
$4,675$4,380
$4,310$4,115
$1,440$1,200
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Day 8: Depart Venice
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Breakfast
Hotel Danieli
Combines a magnificent atmosphere
with easy access to Piazza San Marco. Hotel Brunelleschi
Once the property of a Renaissance
nobleman, now a contemporary haven.
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
17
Italy: South to North
Priced from $7,270
Limited to 28 Guests | 13 Days | 21 Meals
Venice
Connections at a Glance
Discover your destination through these local connections.
Cinque
Terre
Florence
• Take a walk through Rome’s Trastevere district with a
local resident.
• Learn the secrets of Florentine cuisine from your chef, who guides you in an Italian culinary class.
• Enjoy unique, private access to the atelier (workshop) that crafts Venice’s carnival costumes, and tour the palace that houses it.
• Meet a local buffalo mozzarella producer on his farm to sample this delicious cheese and learn firsthand how it is made.
• Lunch with a family who produces celebrated balsamic vinegar
and sample this local favorite.
A D R I AT I C
SEA
Siena
ITALY
Rome
TYRRHENIAN
SEA
Naples
Sorrento
Road
Rail
Day 1: Arrive in Naples
Arrive in Naples and transfer to your hotel. Meet your fellow guests
at tonight’s welcome dinner. Hilton Sorrento Palace / Dinner
Day 2: Sorrento / The Amalfi Coast
Embark on a walking tour of Sorrento, a Belle Ėpoque treasure of
elegant streets with a stunning view across the Bay of Naples. Travel
along the famously scenic Amalfi Coast, pausing in Positano, a
town built into the cliff face, before continuing to delightful Amalfi.
Visit the 10th-century Duomo fronted by a beautifully colored 13thcentury façade. Hilton Sorrento Palace / Breakfast
Day 3: Sorrento / The Island of Capri
Start your journey this morning with a cruise by hydrofoil to the
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The town of Positano on the Analfi Coast.
Mediterranean island paradise of Capri. You may visit the town of
Capri via cable car, and also take a boat to the iridescent Blue Grotto.
This afternoon, meet a local buffalo mozzarella producer and learn
how the cheese is made before enjoying a sample.
Hilton Sorrento Palace / Breakfast
Day 4: rome / Secrets of Pompeii
Travel north this morning to Rome, stopping en route in the ancient
city of Pompeii, which was buried in volcanic ash and essentially
frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. The
excavated city now offers incredible insights into Roman life. A
specialist local guide joins you to bring this extraordinary place to
life. After lunch, resume your journey north, arriving in Rome in the
late afternoon. This evening, explore the Trastevere district with a
local resident, ending with a wine-tasting and dinner.
St. Regis Rome / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Rome / The Empire & the Vatican
Journey through history today with a visit to the Imperial Roman
Forum, the ancient political, commercial and religious center of
Roman life. Afterward, visit the Colosseum where gladiators fought
pitched battles with each other and wild beasts before crowds of
over 50,000 spectators. Continue to Vatican City. View the treasures
of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel with its
unparalleled frescoes by Michelangelo. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, with
its elaborate interior of marble, mosaic, gilt and bronze.
St. Regis Rome / Breakfast
Jonathan White,
A&K Europe
“From the great cities of Rome,
Florence and Venice to the quaint
beauty of Capri and the Cinque
Terre, this journey offers a truly
comprehensive Italian experience.”
one of the most widely copied buildings in the Western world. Later,
stop at the iconic Trevi Fountain and then continue to the charming
Campo de Fiori, whose local food market delights the senses. Spend
your afternoon exploring at leisure. St. Regis Rome / Breakfast
Day 7: Siena / Tuscan Treasures
Travel north this morning to the famed
region of Tuscany, stopping en route in the
scenic Tuscan town of Siena. Here your
local expert introduces you to the Piazza
del Campo, one of the finest main squares
in Italy, and the Palazzo Pubblico, which has served as Siena’s town
hall since the 14th century. In the afternoon, visit Siena’s Duomo,
one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy. Continue through the
Tuscan countryside to the elegant spa town of Montecatini Terme.
Grand Hotel & La Pace Spa / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Rome / The City in Depth
Visit the Piazza Navona, today dominated by the remarkable
Baroque Fountain of the Four Rivers, and continue to the Pantheon,
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
19
A morning mist shrouds the Tuscan countryside.
Day 8: Cinque Terre / Beauty Along the Coast
Discover the extraordinary beauty of the
Cinque Terre (“Five Lands”), five scenic
villages built along the steep coastal cliffs of
Liguria on the Italian Riviera. Board the
local train at Levanto and visit Vernazza, a
beautiful village consisting of tall, colorful houses and a church
clustered together at the head of a sheltered cove; partially buried in
a 2011 mudslide, the town has been rebuilt and restored to its former
glory. Manarola is a fishing village set amid terraced vineyards
where you can walk to view the coast and visit other neighboring
villages. You may also wish to visit Riomaggiore, a medieval village
set in a narrow valley. Continue to Florence, considered the
birthplace of the Renaissance. Hotel Brunelleschi / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Florence / The Renaissance Come to Life
Florence is a vast and beautiful monument to the Renaissance, and
Michelangelo, Botticelli and Donatello were its artist laureates,
transforming the city into one of the world’s greatest centers of
fine art. A specialist art guide accompanies you on visits to the
Uffizi Gallery, housing some of the world’s most important art
treasures, and the Bargello, which contains Italy’s finest collection
of Renaissance sculpture. After lunch at leisure, drive out to the hills
surrounding Florence to visit Villa Castello and Villa della Petraia,
home to two outstanding terraced gardens created by the Medici
family in the 15th century. Hotel Brunelleschi / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Florence / Tuscan Flavors
The excavated ruins of Pompeii.
20
/ 2013
Savor the sights of the central market hall before enjoying a threehour culinary class, where your chef shares the secrets of Florentine
local connections
Italy is a food-lover’s paradise. That’s why we have
arranged a three-hour private cooking lesson with
a Florentine chef — and of course, you can enjoy the
results for lunch!
cooking. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch, and then spend
the remainder of the day experiencing the flavor of Florence on your
own. Hotel Brunelleschi / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Venice / A Culinary Excursion
Travelling by coach to Venice, stop en route this morning to enjoy
a gastronomic treat: a private tasting of balsamic vinegar in a rustic
restaurant owned by a renowned balsamic vinegar producer and his
family. Hear the history of vinegar making, and then join the family
for a light lunch of local specialties. Afterward, continue to Venice.
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: Venice / Palaces and Canals
Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, with its rich
decoration of marbles and golden mosaics,
and the Doge’s Palace before continuing to
the bustling Rialto district. Top off your
morning with a specially arranged visit to
the workshop (or atelier) that crafts Venice’s iconic carnival
costumes, housed in a Venetian palace still occupied by of one of the
oldest families in Venice. Tour the palace, and then learn the history
of the costumes and how they are made. Tonight, gather with your
fellow guests for a festive farewell dinner.
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal / Breakfast, Dinner
Dates & Pricing
May 27-Jun 08
Jun 03-15
Land arrangements:
Double occupancy
Triple occupancy
Single supplement
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Jun 17-29
Jul 01-13
Jul 22-Aug 03
Sep 09-21
Oct 14-26
May-Jun; Oct
Jul-Aug
Sep
$7,495 $7,270$7,590
$7,045$6,860 $7,125
$2,300 $2,095$2,380
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Day 13: Depart Venice
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast
St. Regis Rome
A 2011 Condé Nast Traveler Gold
List property near the Trevi Fountain.
Grand Hotel & La Pace Spa
Situated within a vast private
park in Montecatini Terme.
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
21
The Eiffel Tower lights up the Paris evening.
France: Art & Artistry
Priced from $4,760
Limited to 28 Guests | 9 Days | 15 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Paris
Discover your destination through these local connections.
B AY O F
B I S C AY
FRANCE
Avignon
Nimes
Arles
Monte Carlo
Aix-enProvence
Nice
Road
RAIL
• Join a resident Parisian for a walking tour of her neighborhood.
• Lunch at a Provençal family farm near St. Remy, featuring your host’s homegrown vegetables.
• Stop at a delightful olive oil mill for a tour and tasting.
• Visit the private studio of Paul Cezanne in Provence.
• Meet a local art student for a lesson in Provençal art history.
• Enjoy the art de vivre on the Côte d’Azur with a game of boules,
followed by dinner at a countryside restaurant.
• Sample the local wine at a private tasting in Aix-en-Provence.
• Pay a private visit to a local artist’s studio.
Day 1: Arrive in Paris
On arriving, transfer to your hotel, and later, meet your fellow guests
over champagne at the hotel’s historic Champagne Bar.
Radisson Blu le Dokhan’s Hotel, Paris Trocadero / Dinner
Day 2: Paris / The City of Light
Explore Paris, starting at the historic Notre Dame Cathedral.
Continue to Sainte Chapelle and the Left Bank, meandering through
the charming streets of the Latin Quarter. Pass by La Sorbonne, and
then cross the river to the lovely Marais district. Continue to the
stunning Champs-Elysées, capped by the famous Arc de Triomphe.
End your tour at the iconic Eiffel Tower. The rest of the day is at
leisure. Radisson Blu le Dokhan’s Hotel, Paris Trocadero / Breakfast
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/ 2013
Day 3: Paris / An Artistic Treasure Trove
Spend the morning at the Louvre Museum,
home to one of the world’s most famous
and distinguished art collections.
Highlights include the Venus de Milo,
Ghirlandaio’s The Visitation and Leonardo
da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Afterward, join a Parisian for a fascinating
walk through the markets in her neighborhood, meeting local
vendors. Later, have dinner in a nearby restaurant.
Radisson Blu le Dokhan’s Hotel, Paris Trocadero / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Avignon / Papal Estates
Travel south to Avignon by TGV high-speed train. Visit the Palais
des Papes, a 14th-century palace built as Avignon’s papal capital.
The city overlooks the River Rhône and is the strategic point of the
valley. From the fortress’ ramparts, you can see the Pont d’Avignon.
Avignon Grand Hotel / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: St-Remy-de-Provence & Arles / Country Charms
Explore the French countryside, immortalized by Vincent van Gogh.
Visit St. Paul de Mausole, the asylum where the famous painter
was voluntarily interned for a year. Continue to Arles, exploring its
Roman amphitheater, cathedral and Place du Forum, where Van
Gogh painted his famous Café at Night. After a rustic French lunch
featuring homegrown produce at a family-owned farm, continue
to Les Baux-de-Provence. The main attractions near this cliffside
village are its Celtic and Roman ruins. End the afternoon with a stop
at an olive oil mill for a tasting of this flavorful local product.
Avignon Grand Hotel / Breakfast, Lunch
local connections
Because no journey to France would be complete
without an authentic French wine experience, we
take you to a Provençal château for a private wine
tasting.
Day 6: NÎmes / Roman Wonder
Visit a family-run company helping to keep the art of traditional
textile printing alive, and meet a member of the family. Then drive
to Nîmes to explore the city’s stunning architecture, including the
amphitheater, which once held 24,000 spectators for gladiatorial
combats and chariot races. En route back to Avignon, stop at the
Roman ruins of Pont du Gard. Avignon Grand Hotel / Breakfast
Day 7: Aix-en-Provence / Cezanne’s Hometown
Drive through the Provençal countryside to
the 17th-century town of Aix-en-Provence.
Visit the studio of Paul Cézanne for an
intimate look at one of the founders of
modern art. Afterward, share lunch with a
local art student who introduces you to the artists who called
Provence home. Stroll through the picturesque streets to admire the
fountains, colorful market shops and bustling cafés. Pause at a
château for a tour and private wine tasting. Continue to Monaco,
where you have a chance to visit the famous casino.
Fairmont Monte Carlo / Breakfast, Lunch
Dates & Pricing
Apr 12-20
May 03-11
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
May 31-Jun 08
Jun 07-15
Land arrangements:
Double occupancy
Triple occupancy
Single supplement
Jun 28-Jul 06
Aug 16-24
Oct 11-19
Oct 18-26
Apr-May; Oct 18
Jun-Aug; Oct 11
$4,760 $4,995
$4,590 $4,750
$1,495 $1,670
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Day 8: Nice / Coastal Gems
Transfer to Nice and enjoy a private visit to a local artist’s studio,
followed by a lunch of Niçoise specialties. Pay a visit to the
medieval village of Eze for a glimpse of how locals live and to take
part in a fun-filled game of boules. Head back to Monte Carlo for a
special farewell dinner. Fairmont Monte Carlo / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Depart monte carlo
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast
Radisson Blu le Dokhan’s Hotel,
Paris Trocadero A former private
residence in the 16th arrondissement.
Fairmont Monte Carlo
Stunning Mediterranean views and
a luxurious spa set this resort apart.
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
23
The Plaza de España, Seville.
Spain: Seven Cities
SPAIN
Limited to 28 Guests | 10 Days | 17 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Barcelona
Discover your destination through these local connections.
BALEARIC
SEA
Madrid
Seville
Priced from $5,495
Córdoba
Granada
Gibraltar
Marbella
ALBORAN
SEA
• Sample savory Spanish olive oil at a private tasting in Granada.
• Attend a private recital by an ensemble of Andalusian musicians.
• Visit an authentic bodega to privately sample sherry in the famed
region of Jerez.
• Savor the authentic taste of Seville on an evening tapas tour.
• Travel via horse drawn carriage to a private palace in Seville for
dinner with the owners.
• Enjoy an unforgettable private performance by local flamenco dancers and singers from the Santa Cruz district.
Road
AIR
Rail
Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona
Your A&K representative greets you on arrival and escorts you to
your hotel. Get to know your fellow guests at tonight’s welcome
dinner. El Palace Hotel Barcelona / Dinner
Day 2: Barcelona / Heart of Catalonia
Explore this vibrant city, beginning with the Boquería, perhaps the
finest food market in all Europe. Continue to the Sant Jaume Square,
the cathedral and then down into the elegant Eixample district.
End your tour with a visit to Gaudi’s sensational Sagrada Familia
Basilica. El Palace Hotel Barcelona / Breakfast
Day 3: Granada / Spain’s Islamic Heritage
Fly to Granada and check in to your historic hotel. This afternoon,
24
/ 2013
visit the Alhambra Palace, one of the most beautiful examples of
Islamic architecture in the world, and then the extraordinary district
of the Albaizín, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right.
Later, savor a uniquely Spanish experience: a tasting of local olive
oils. Following dinner, enjoy a remarkable recital by an ensemble of
world-class Andalucian musicians.
Hotel Alhambra Palace / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Marbella / Historic Málaga
Depart for Marbella, stopping en route in Málaga to visit the
beautifully restored historic center and to see the Picasso and
Carmen Thyssen Museums. Continue to Marbella, the finest resort
on the south coast of Spain, where the remainder of the afternoon is
free to spend as you like. Hotel Fuerte Marbella / Breakfast
Day 5: Gibraltar / Europe’s Last Outpost
Follow the coast westward to the Rock of
Gibraltar, visiting the spectacular St.
Michael’s Cave and seeing Gibraltar’s
Barbary macaques, the only wild
monkeys in all of Europe. Return to
Marbella, where the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the
shops and restaurants. Hotel Fuerte Marbella / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Seville / Ronda and Jerez
Journey into the heart of Andalucía, first up the winding hills
to Ronda, one the most beautiful “white villages” in all of Spain.
Continue through the mountains to Jerez, home of golden sherry,
where you visit a bodega to learn about sherry and taste its different
varieties. After time at leisure, the road takes you to Seville. This
evening, join your fellow guests on a tapas tour through Seville’s
finest taverns. Hotel Alfonso XIII / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
local connections
No visit to Spain is complete without flamenco, and so we’ve arranged for a private flamenco
performance in a palace where the owners welcome
you for dinner.
Day 7: Seville / Sunny Santa Cruz
Explore this uniquely lovely city: the Royal Palace of the Alcázar,
the enormous Gothic cathedral and of course, the f lower-filled
Santa Cruz district. The afternoon is at leisure to explore on
your own. On this unique and exciting evening, ride a horsedrawn carriage to a beautiful palace, where the owners host your
private dinner. Afterward, enjoy an unforgettable performance of
flamenco dancing and singing on the patio of this historic home.
Hotel Alfonso XIII / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: CÓrdoba / Streets of Flowers
Today the road leads north to Córdoba,
where you visit the extraordinary Mezquita,
the cathedral and former great mosque of
Córdoba, and walk along its flower-lined
streets. Later in the afternoon, board your
high-speed AVE train to Madrid. Hotel Ritz Madrid / Breakfast
Dates & Pricing
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Apr 22-May 01
May 13-22
Jun 17-26
Jun 24-Jul 03
Jul 08-17
Jul 22-31
Land arrangements: Double occupancy
Single supplement
Sep 02-11
Sep 16-25
Oct 14-23
Apr-Jun 17; Jul-Oct
Jun 24
$5,795$5,495
$1,690$1,425
Internal airfare from Barcelona to Grenada included in program cost.
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Day 9: Madrid / Masterful Art & Architecture
This morning, view works by the great Spanish masters El Greco,
Velázquez and Goya in the Prado Museum. Afterward, visit the
Royal Palace, followed by a short walk to the Plaza Mayor, and the
marvelous San Miguel market, where you arrive in time to savor
its mouth-watering ensemble of tapas bars for lunch at leisure. This
evening, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner.
Hotel Ritz Madrid / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Depart Madrid
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast
Hotel Alfonso XIII
An iconic 1920s landmark in
Moorish style, renovated in 2012. Hotel Ritz Madrid
A Baroque palace built in 1910 at
the bequest of King Alfonso XIII.
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
25
The Charles Bridge in the quiet of dusk, Prague.
Eastern Europe: Budapest,
Vienna & Prague
Priced from $4,335
Limited to 28 Guests | 10 Days | 15 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Prague
Discover your destination through these local connections.
CZECH REPUBLIC
• Enjoy a private visit to the Opera House in Budapest.
• Take an evening cruise along the Danube River.
• Learn the art of apple strudel baking at a demonstration by a professional pastry chef.
• Attend a music lecture with Edward Kudlak, retired violist with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Practice your waltz with a lesson in one of Vienna’s most prestigious dance schools.
• Take a private tour of the ornate library of the Strahov Monastery
in Prague.
Vienna
AUSTRIA
Budapest
HUNGARY
Road
Day 1: Arrive in Budapest
Arrive in Budapest and meet your A&K representative. This evening,
gather with fellow guests at a welcome dinner.
InterContinental Budapest / Dinner
Day 2: Budapest / Old World Splendors
Explore Budapest, starting with a private tour of the palatial State
Opera House. Visit the ornate Dohány Street Synagogue, the vast
Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica, the city’s largest church.
After lunch, ascend Castle Hill, where the former Royal Palace
gracefully towers over the Danube. Visit the Matthias Church, where
many Hungarian kings have been crowned, and enjoy the stunning
views of the city and river. InterContinental Budapest / Breakfast, Lunch
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/ 2013
Day 3: Budapest / The Danube by Twilight
Spend the morning strolling among the
merchants and local shoppers in the
Central Market Hall, at the Pest end of
Liberty Bridge. The afternoon is at leisure
for you to explore on your own. This
evening, enjoy a relaxing private cruise along the Danube.
InterContinental Budapest / Breakfast
Day 4: Vienna / Pannonhalma
Depart Budapest for Vienna. Stop along the way at Pannonhalma,
where your local guide leads you on a tour of the 1,000-year-old
Benedictine abbey. Afterward, enjoy lunch in the abbey’s restaurant
while sampling a range of their wines. Arrive in Vienna this
afternoon. Hotel Imperial / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Vienna / Home of the Habsburgs
Discover the fabulous imperial city of Vienna during a walking tour.
Walk along the famous Ringstrasse with its 19th-century buildings,
and visit the Hofburg Palace, former home of the Habsburgs. Also
visit the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, whose soaring structure
enshrines the heart of Vienna. This afternoon takes you to
Schönbrunn Palace for an apple strudel baking lesson and tasting
with a professional pastry chef. Hotel Imperial / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Vienna / A Musical History
After a morning at leisure, join Edward Kudlak, retired Vienna
Philharmonic Orchestra violist, for a talk on Vienna’s incomparable
musical heritage. The performance is but a prelude to this evening,
when you take part in a private Viennese waltz lesson in one of the
city’s most prestigious dance schools. Hotel Imperial / Breakfast
local connections
Soak up Vienna’s musical heritage with a private
lecture and performance by Edward Kudlek, former
violist with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and
a private waltz lesson later that evening.
Day 7: Prague / Medieval Telc
This morning, depart Vienna for Prague. Stop en route at the
medieval Czech town of Telc, famous for its fine Gothic, Renaissance
and Baroque buildings, where you may visit the abbey at your
leisure. Continue to Prague for an afternoon at leisure, or join your
Tour Director for a brief orientation walking tour.
InterContinental Prague / Breakfast
Day 8: Prague / The Old Town
Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town with its cobbled streets and
Jewish Quarter, birthplace of Franz Kafka. See the Gothic Town
Hall in Old Town Square, famous for its astronomical clock. Visit
the Jewish Museum, which houses the largest collection of Judaica
in Europe, along with the Jewish Cemetery. In the afternoon, enjoy
an excursion to Prague’s Castle District and visit the Cathedral
of St. Vitus. Complete your sightseeing with a visit to the Strahov
Monastery, with its glorious Baroque decorations, where you enjoy a
private tour of the ornate library. InterContinental Prague / Breakfast
Dates & Pricing
Apr 23-May 02
May 14-23
Land arrangements:
Double occupancy
Triple occupancy
Single supplement
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
May 21-30
Jun 11-20
Jun 18-27
Jul 09-18
Sep 10-19
Oct 08-17
Apr-Jun; Sep-Oct
Jul
$4,560$4,335
$4,205$4,100
$1,665$1,380
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Day 9: Prague / Czech Favorites
Today, take an in-depth look at two of the Czech Republic’s bestknown products: Bohemian crystal and Pilsner Urquell beer. You are
also welcome to relax and explore on your own. Gather tonight for
your farewell dinner. InterContinental Prague / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Depart Prague
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast
Hotel Imperial
Built in 1863 as a royal palace,
located on Vienna’s Ringstrasse.
InterContinental Budapest
A chic property overlooking the
Danube and Budapest landmarks.
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
27
The sapphire-blue waters along the Dubrovnik coast.
Croatia: Jewel of the Coast
Limited to 28 Guests | 9 Days | 16 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Zagreb
Discover your destination through these local connections.
CROATIA
A D R I AT I C
SEA
Priced from $3,675
Split
Brac
• Explore Split’s Mestrovic Gallery as its curator opens its doors to
you for a private guided tour.
• Meet a local fisherman and sample his harvest of Croatia’s
famous oysters.
• Attend a private talk in Dubrovnik with a local resident who
relates her experiences during the Balkan War.
• Meet some of the local traders and craftsmen of Dubrovnik.
• Immerse yourself in Croatia’s musical heritage during a local brass band’s performance.
MONTENEGRO
Dubrovnik
Kotor
Road
Day 1: Arrive in Zagreb
On arrival, meet your A&K representative and transfer to your hotel.
Gather for a welcome dinner tonight. Regent Esplanade Zagreb / Dinner
Day 2: Zagreb / The Stately Capital
This morning, take a tour of the Croatian capital. Walk the loveliest
parts of Zagreb, seeing the National Theatre, Mimara Museum and
Academy of Arts and Sciences. Visit the Ban Jelačić Square, which
divides the old town from the newer part of the city. Then ride a
funicular, built in 1889, to reach the charming Upper Town quarter
from Lower Town. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore your
favorite parts of the capital.
Regent Esplanade Zagreb / Breakfast
28
/ 2013
Day 3: Split / Plitvice Lakes
Drive to the coastal city of Split. En route, visit the UNESCO World
Heritage Site of the Plitvice Lakes, where emerald forests surround
16 shimmering turquoise lakes linked by a series of breathtaking
waterfalls. Enjoy lunch in this spectacularly scenic region before
continuing to Split. Radisson Blu Resort / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Brac / The View from Vidova Gora
Board a ferry to Brač, a Dalmatian island famous for its stone, used
in the construction of Split’s Diocletian Palace and the White House
in Washington, D.C. In Brac, travel to Vidova Gora, the highest
summit of the Adriatic islands, for spectacular views. Enjoy a lunch
made from local ingredients. Radisson Blu Resort / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Split / The Emperor’s Palace
Tour Split, starting with the fascinating
Palace of the Emperor Diocletian, built in
295 BC. The rest of the afternoon is at
leisure for you to explore at your own
pace. You may also visit Riva, a coastal
boardwalk lined with palm trees, to soak up the sun and the
views of the port and nearby islands. In the late afternoon, take a
private tour of the Mestrović Gallery, led by its curator. Marvel at
the 86 bronze, marble and wood sculptures fashioned by this
talented artist. Radisson Blu Resort / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Dubrovnik / The Culinary Road
Depart Split for Dubrovnik, stopping first at Ston, world-renowned
for its oysters. Meet a local fisherman and sample one of these
gastronomic delights on the spot. Savor magnificent seafood at a
local restaurant, and then continue along the Pelješac peninsula
to a region renowned for its red wine. Visit winemaker Mike
Grgich’s birthplace, Trstenik, and his small winery. Continue to
Dubrovnik. Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik / Breakfast, Lunch
local connections
Croatia’s world-famous oysters taste especially
fantastic when taken fresh from the sea, as you
discover when you meet with a local fisherman.
Day 7: Dubrovnik / The City Museum
Enjoy a morning tour of Dubrovnik. Proclaimed a “city museum”
by UNESCO, the old town is surrounded by a circuit of walls, with a
tower in each corner. Along the way, meet some of the local traders
and craftspeople in the town’s markets. At morning’s end, a survivor
of the Balkan War shares emotional memories of that tumultuous
time. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps strolling along the
Stradun, the centuries-old main city promenade.
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Montenegro / Of Beaches and Mountains
Drive along the Konavle Valley to
Montenegro, a country of sandy beaches
and high mountains. Visit Boka
Kotorska, the most southern fjord in
Europe, where precipitous mountains rise
from azure waters. Continue past Risan and Perast, and visit the
Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, a Baroque edifice constructed
in 1452 on a man-made islet. Later, visit the walled city of Kotor, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, before returning to Dubrovnik for
a farewell dinner with your fellow guests, accompanied by music
from a local brass band.
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Depart Dubrovnik
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast
Dates & Pricing
May 03-11
May 24-Jun 01
Land arrangements:
Double occupancy
Single supplement
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Jun 07-15
Jun 21-29
Sep 06-14
Sep 13-21
Oct 04-12
May-Jun; Oct
Sep
$3,675$3,860
$795 $940
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Regent Esplanade Zagreb
A palatial exterior gives way to art
deco glamour and modern amenities.
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
A 100-year-old hotel just steps
away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
29
East Africa:
Tanzania & Kenya
Masai Mara
Game Reserve
Priced from $5,195
Limited to 24 Guests | 11 Days | 28 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Discover your destination through these local connections.
KENYA
• Experience East Africa with the company that pioneered the modern safari adventure, Abercrombie & Kent.
• Pay a visit to Ilboru Primary School, one of the few area schools to service special-needs children.
• Meet with a Maasai village elder, who welcomes you into the community.
• Visit Gibb’s Farm for a fresh lunch and a leisurely walk through
the gardens.
• Observe a traditional Maasai dance, performed for you by members of the local tribe.
Nairobi
Serengeti
National Park
Amboseli
Ngorongoro
Crater
Arusha
TANZANIA
Road
AIR
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha
Arrive and meet your A&K representative, who escorts you to your
hotel in the center of Arusha. The Arusha Hotel
Day 2: Arusha / Ngorongoro Crater
Start your morning with a visit to Ilboru Primary School, one of the
few schools in the region that offers programs for deaf and specialneeds children. Pause at Gibb’s Farm for a lunch prepared from
farm-fresh ingredients. Following lunch you have the opportunity to
stretch your legs on a walk to the nearby coffee farm and vegetable
garden. Continue your journey to Ngorongoro Crater, a collapsed
volcano some 10 miles across, and which serves as sanctuary
to a stunning array of wildlife. Stay the next two nights at the
30
/ 2013
A lion in the Masai Mara.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, which offers spectacular views across this
2,000-foot-deep natural amphitheater.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater / Africa’s Garden of Eden
Descend to the crater floor this morning for
your first game drive, in an A&K custom
safari vehicle. The crater walls serve as a
spectacular backdrop to every photo as you
begin your search for the “Big Five” (lions,
leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalo), as well as the myriad
other animals that populate the crater, including hyenas, zebras,
gazelles and flamingos; even the rare and elusive black rhinoceros,
one of Africa’s most endangered species, is a resident here. Enjoy a
picnic lunch near the hippo pool before continuing with your game
drive. The crater lies within the territory of the Maasai: tall, proud,
nomadic warriors and herdsmen who continue to co-exist with
wildlife as they have for centuries. You may chance to see members
of the local tribe driving their herds. This afternoon, meet with a
village elder at a nearby Maasai village who introduces you to the
village community and its culture and traditions.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Serengeti National Park / Land of the Migration
Depart the crater this morning for Serengeti National Park, a land
whose name alone conjures powerful images of nature at its most
spectacular. Each year this park is the setting of an awe-inspiring
migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebra make their annual
trek in search of fresh grasses, trailed by lions, leopards and hyenas
hoping to make a kill. Arrive at your lodge early this afternoon with
Mark Wheeler,
A&K Kenya
“Africa is a land of proud,
longstanding cultures as well as
wildlife, which is why we introduce
you to the Maasai tribe and let you
discover their unique way of life.”
time to settle in. If time permits, take an afternoon game drive for
your first taste of this famed reserve and its wildlife.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Serengeti National Park / Land of the Migration
This morning, you have the option to view the Serengeti from a
unique perspective: from a hot air balloon soaring high over the
plains (at an additional cost). Following lunch back at your lodge,
relax by the pool or in your tent before returning to the Serengeti
for an afternoon game drive. Return to your lodge through a golden
sunset at the end of a truly wonderful and unforgettable day.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Amboseli National Park / Mountain Vistas
Transfer to the airstrip this morning for
your onward flight to Arusha, where you
travel overland to Amboseli National Park.
Amboseli is located at the foot of Mount
Kilimanjaro, and the snow-capped peak of
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31
One of the “Big Five,” the majestic elephant.
Africa’s highest mountain dominates every view of the reserve. This
is where Ernest Hemingway spun stories of big-game hunting in the
African wilds, and it is also home of the Maasai people. Enjoy game
viewing en route to your lodge, which is shaded by acacia trees deep
in the heart of the park. Between game drives, watch animals graze
nearby. Enjoy an evening of entertainment at your lodge, perhaps
featuring a demonstration of traditional dance by the local Maasai.
Ol Tukai Lodge / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Amboseli National Park / Mountain Vistas
Enjoy a full day in Amboseli National Park
today, with morning and afternoon game
drives. The snows of Kilimanjaro form a
backdrop to one of Kenya’s most
spectacular displays of wildlife including
lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo and hosts of plains game
and birds — Amboseli is a photographer’s paradise. Part of the
reserve is composed of a dried-up lakebed, which produces mirages
in the shimmering heat. Swamps and springs, fed by underground
rivers from Kilimanjaro’s melting snows, form permanent watering
places for the wildlife in times of drought.
Ol Tukai Lodge / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Masai Mara Game Reserve / Jewel of Africa
A traditional Maasai dance.
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Depart Amboseli this morning for Nairobi. Lunch today is at
Carnivore, an open-air restaurant famous for their game meats.
Afterward, board a flight for the Masai Mara Game Reserve, a
jewel in Africa’s crown, rich in plains game, predators and birds.
Embark on an afternoon game viewing drive before returning to the
Fairmont Mara Safari Club, your home for the next three nights.
local connections
A&K pioneered the luxury safari 50 years ago, and
no one does East Africa better. We train our own
driver-guides, maintain our own vehicles and oversee
every element of your safari, from beginning to end.
Perched on the brow of the steep banks of the Mara River, the Mara
Safari Club offers a luxurious retreat on the edge of the world’s
greatest wilderness. Fairmont Mara Safari Club / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9-10: Masai Mara Game Reserve / Jewel of Africa
Spend the next two days in the Masai Mara
with morning and afternoon game viewing
each day. The Mara’s 583 square miles of
open savanna, woodlands and tree-lined
rivers create an ecosystem that supports
huge numbers of bird and mammal species. The western border of
the park is the spectacular Siria Escarpment, and together with the
acacia-dotted plains, creates scenery of stunning beauty. Lions are
found in abundance throughout the park, as are elephants, giraffes, a
variety of gazelle species and zebras. Cheetahs and leopards are also
regularly sighted, and you may even spot rhinos. For an
unforgettable view of the reserve, take an optional early morning
balloon flight (at an additional cost).
Fairmont Mara Safari Club / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dates & Pricing
Mar 20-30
May 04-14
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Jun 12-22
Jul 03-13
Aug 02-12
Sep 04-14
Land arrangements: Double occupancy
Single supplement
Internal airfare:
Serengeti/Arusha; Nairobi/Masai Mara
Oct 16-26
Dec 11-21
Mar, Jun-Dec
May
$6,895$5,195
$2,245$1,510
Economy class
from $635
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Day 11: Depart Nairobi
Enjoy a final game drive before driving back to Nairobi. A dayroom
is reserved for your use until your transfer to the airport for your
flight home. Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel (Dayroom) / Breakfast
Fairmont Mara Safari Club
The epitome of tented comfort, flanked
by the Mara River on three sides.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
A beautiful lodge perched on the
rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
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33
The view through the Blue Gate, Fez.
Morocco:
Kasbahs & Medinas
Priced from $3,395
Limited to 28 Guests | 8 Days | 16 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Discover your destination through these local connections.
AT L A N T I C
OCEAN
Rabat
Casablanca
Marrakech
• “Everybody comes to Rick’s”: Enjoy a nostalgic welcome dinner at Rick’s Café in Casablanca.
• Dine in an authentic riad, where a special guest speaker shares an
insider’s view of life in Fez.
• Get to know Marrakech with a horse-drawn carriage ride.
• Experience Moroccan hospitality when you dine with a family in their home in Marrakech.
• Stop at a village in Imlil in the Atlas Mountains, where you meet
the local Berber people and visit them in their homes.
Fez
MOROCCO
Road
Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca
Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to your hotel. Your welcome
dinner tonight is at Rick’s Café. Hyatt Regency Casablanca / Dinner
Day 2: Casablanca / Roman Volubilis
Start the day by exploring Casablanca’s most important site, the
Hassan II Mosque, which houses 25,000 worshippers. Afterward,
drive to the city of Meknes, built in the 17th century to rival the
court of Louis XIV. Following lunch, continue to Volubilis, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Morocco’s largest and
best-preserved Roman ruins; its greatest treasures are its excellently
preserved mosaic floors. At day’s end, arrive in Fez.
Sofitel Fès Palais Jamaï / Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 3: Fez / The Medieval City
Step back in time to the Middle Ages as you visit one of the most
ancient and untouched city neighborhoods in the world, Fez el-Bali
(“Old Fez”), the cultural heart of Morocco. Wander among the
9,000 lanes, alleys and souks that comprise the city’s old quarter,
taking in the sights and sounds of locals conducting their day-today business. Pause at Nejjarine Square, with its beautiful fountain
with elaborate mosaic tile work. After lunch, discover Fez el-Jadid
(“New Fez”), built by the Merinid Dynasty in the 13th century. Fez
el-Jadid is home to the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, which boasts
traditional Jewish architecture of wrought iron–decorated windows
and splendid carved wood balconies. Tonight, dine at a traditional
Moroccan riad, where a special guest offers insights into life in Fez
during an informal talk. Sofitel Fès Palais Jamaï / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Rabat / Morocco’s Capital
After breakfast, drive to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Set off
to explore the city’s highlights, including its superbly preserved
Moorish relics, such as the 12th-century Hassan Tower, the
incomplete minaret of a great mosque built by Yacoub el-Mansour.
View the mausoleum of Mohamed V, founder of modern Morocco,
and visit Oudaya Kasbah, built on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic.
Note the carvings on the kasbah’s gate, among the most beautiful
surviving in the Moorish world.
Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Marrakech / The Red City
Travel overland today to Marrakech,
arriving in the afternoon. Considered the
“Pearl of the South,” Marrakech was once
the capital of an empire that stretched from
Spain to Senegal, and is sometimes known
as “the red city” for the distinctive hues of its brick buildings.
Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa / Breakfast
local connections
What better way to get to know someone than to
dine with them? That’s why we arranged for a local
family in Marrakech to welcome you into their home
for dinner.
Day 6: Marrakech
Spend the day discovering Marrakech, starting at its ancient medina,
the old walled section of the city. Visits include the Saadian Tombs,
displaying intricate stucco and Granada-style carvings, and the
Dar Si Said, one of the most beautiful palaces and the home to the
Museum of Moroccan Arts and Crafts. Continue to El Badi Palace
and the 12th-century Koutoubia Minaret, the most perfect Islamic
religious structure in North Africa. Enjoy an exciting stroll through
the fabled Djemaa el-Fna square where fire-eaters, mime artists and
street musicians perform at every turn. Before returning to your
hotel, savor another view of the city with a private horse-drawn
carriage ride. This evening, join a special dinner hosted by a local
Marrakech family.
Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dates & Pricing
Aug 22-29
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Sep 05-12
Land arrangements: Double occupancy
Single supplement
AugSep
$3,395$3,750
$735$990
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Day 7: Marrakech / Atlas Mountains
You may choose to remain in Marrakech today or enjoy a full-day
excursion to the High Atlas Mountains, North Africa’s greatest
mountain range. Visit a picturesque village at Imlil Valley, meeting
with local Berbers and visiting them in their home. Your farewell
dinner tonight is held at the Palais Soleiman, a lovely Moroccan riad.
Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Depart Marrakech
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast
Sofitel Fès Palais Jamaï, Fez
Outstanding Moorish and Arabic
architecture sets this hotel apart.
Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses
Located in the heart of Rabat, near
the mausoleum of Mohamed V.
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
35
Egypt: Ancient Kingdoms
Limited to 24 Guests | 9 Days | 18 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Cairo
Discover your destination through these local connections.
Egypt
Luxor
Edfu
RED
SEA
Kom Ombo
Aswan
Abu Simbel
Priced from $3,795
Air
Cruise
• Cruise for three nights on board the luxurious Nile cruiser Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV,’ named top small cruise ship by Condé Nast Traveler.
• Avoid crowds and the hassle of navigating around other ships, thanks to private Nile docking facilities in Luxor and Aswan.
• Discover the heritage of the Nubian people with a visit to one of their villages.
• Sail aboard an authentic Egyptian felucca around the
Aswan Islands.
• Enjoy afternoon tea on the Victorian-inspired terrace at the historic Sofitel Legend Old Cataract hotel.
Day 1: Arrive in Cairo
Arrive in Cairo, the largest city in Africa and the hub of your adventure
through milennia of history. Meet your A&K representative, who escorts
you to your hotel. Fairmont Nile City
Day 2: Cairo / Pyramids of Giza
This afternoon, visit the Giza Plateau to view one of the world’s truly
iconic sights: the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chefren and the Great
Pyramid of Cheops, the last surviving structure of the Seven Wonders
of the Ancient World and, for much of its existence, the tallest manmade
structure on earth. Standing guard before the pyramid of Chefren is
the Great Sphinx, the largest statue ever carved from a single piece of
stone. This enigmatic figure depicts a pharaoh with the body of a lion,
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Looking out over the pyramids at Giza.
though who the figure represents is unknown. Continue to the Solar
Boat Museum, which houses Cheops’ 142-foot funerary boat, perhaps
the single most important archaeological find in Egypt since the tomb
of Tutankhamun. Get to know your fellow guests at tonight’s welcome
dinner.
Fairmont Nile City / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Abu Simbel / The Twin Temples
Early this morning, fly south to Abu Simbel,
site of the magnificent twin temples of Ramses
II and his wife, Queen Nefertari. The four
towering sculptures of Ramses (each nearly 70
feet tall) are impressive enough; even more
astonishing, this entire site was disassembled and moved to its present
location to save it from flooding in the waters of the Aswan High Dam.
Following your visit, take a short flight to Aswan and enjoy afternoon tea
and the Nile views from the terrace of your hotel. Later, pay a visit to the
Nubian Museum, home to many rare artifacts and mummies from this
distinct Nile-dwelling culture. Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan / Breakfast
Day 4: Aswan / Temple of Philae
Begin the day with a visit to the granite quarries to view the enormous
Unfinished Obelisk, a 1,200-ton block that showcases the outstanding
skills of ancient Egypt’s stonemasons. From here, take a short boat ride to
the exquisite temple of Philae on the island of Agilika. Like Abu Simbel,
this temple was dismantled and reconstructed to prevent its eventual
destruction by the Nile floodwaters. Later, step off the beaten track
when you discover the less-visited temple of Nubian Egypt, Kalabsha,
constructed around 30 BC. Continue overland to your five-star deluxe
Nile cruise boat, Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV.’ This afternoon, sail in a
Amr Badr,
A&K Egypt
“Escorting you throughout
your journey is your own A&K
Egyptologist, a native expert in the
history and myths of the pharaohs.”
traditional Nile felucca and continue your discovery of Nubian culture
and heritage with a visit to a traditional Nubian village.
Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV’ / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Cruising the Nile / Kom Ombo to Edfu
After a morning at leisure, take part in a
cooking lesson and a chance to help prepare
this afternoon’s lunch hosted by your onboard
chef. Your next port of call is Kom Ombo,
where you visit its lovely Greco-Roman
temple. Kom Ombo is unique for having been dedicated to two gods,
Haroeris and Sobek, and its construction mirrors this dual focus.
Mummified crocodiles were also discovered near the site, and a few are
on display here. Return to Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV’ for a leisurely sail to
Edfu, where you explore the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus, the
falcon god, built in 230 BC. The temple spent much of the modern era
buried in sand and debris, thus preserving its colorful murals from the
ravages of time. This evening’s dinner on board is an “Egyptian Night”
costume party, with a chance to don traditional galabeyyas (long robes)
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37
A traditional felucca sails the Nile.
and enjoy a buffet of savory Egyptian cuisine, followed by music and
dancing. Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV’ / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Cruising the Nile / Luxor
This morning, tour the famed temple of Luxor, built in 1400 BC and
containing, among other wonders, a Christian mural dating from the
10th century. Visit the neighboring temple of Karnak, an awe-inspiring
complex built by a succession of pharaohs over two millennia. Its
highlight is the great Hypostyle Hall, a forest of towering stone columns
spanning an area greater than Notre Dame cathedral. After lunch,
explore the west bank of the Nile, the famous necropolis of Thebes where
many of Egypt’s pharaohs were laid to rest. Begin in the Valley of the
Kings, the burial ground of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom, including
Tutankhamun. Continue to the lovely, terraced mortuary temple of
Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s first female pharaoh, and end with a stop at
the Colossi of Memnon, two gargantuan statues of Amenhotep III.
Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV’ / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Cairo / The Ancient City
Bid farewell to Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV’ before your return flight to Cairo.
On arriving, embark on a sightseeing excursion to Old Cairo and its
Coptic area. Explore the remains of the Fortress of Babylon, built in the
sixth century BC, as well as the oldest synagogue in Egypt, Ben Ezra.
In this basilica-style temple were found the Cairo Geniza documents,
an invaluable source of information about the life of the Jews in Egypt’s
past. You also visit the Coptic Museum, with its many fine examples of
pagan and Christian art. Return to your hotel and spend the afternoon at
leisure. Fairmont Nile City / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Cairo / The Pharaohs’ Treasures
Visit the world-famous Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to over
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120,000 relics of ancient Egypt. While your guide introduces you to
many stunning sights, none are as awe-inspiring as the Mummy Room,
where some of ancient Egypt’s pharaohs and nobility lie in state, and the
treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb, including his priceless gold funerary
mask. A wireless earpiece allows you to hear your Egyptologist’s
commentary even in the most crowded galleries. Continue your tour of
Cairo, exploring the Sultan Hassan mosque, remarkable for containing a
madrasa for each of the four schools of Sunni Muslim belief. Continue to
the Khan El-Khalili, the city’s famous bazaar, where you may browse and
haggle for all manner of goods, from souvenir keepsakes to rugs, clothing
and fresh spices. Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner tonight.
Fairmont Nile City / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Depart Cairo
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, Aswan Fairmont Nile City, Cairo
Completely restored Victorian
An elegant, modern hotel with great
jewel on the banks of the Nile.
Nile views and in-house spa.
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
local connections
This journey illuminates every era of Egyptian history
— not only the glory days of the pharaohs, but also
the less well-known civilization of the Nubians, which
you discover during a visit to a Nubian village.
Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV’
Comfort Worthy of the Pharaohs
Deck Plan
PROMENADE DECK
Lib
ra
ry
Sw
Su Low
n D er
ec
k
im
mi
ng
Po
ol
SUN DECK
Dates & Pricing
Sep 10-18 Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Oct 22-30 Nov 19-27 Dec 03-11
Gi
ft
Sh
op
Lo
& unge
Ba
r
BRIDGE DECK
Land/Cruise arrangements:
NILE DECK
Re
ce
pt
ion
Re
sta
ur
an
t
Ga
le
y
MAIN DECK
Royal Suites (638 sq. ft.)
Promenade Deck (162 sq. ft. avg.)
Gy
m
Presidential Suites (468 sq. ft.)
Bridge Deck (180 sq. ft. avg.)
Main Deck (193 sq. ft. avg.)
Nile Deck (207 sq. ft. avg.)
Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV’ offers equally distinguished service and comfort.
With a maximum of about 80 guests, she delivers one of the most
intimate experiences on the Nile.
›› 36 luxury cabins, 2 Presidential Suites and 2 Royal Suites with balcony
›› Fully air-conditioned with cabin control
›› Most cabins have panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows
›› Elegant dining room with picture windows
›› Smoking and cell phone use restricted for your comfort
›› On-board doctor is always available
›› Wireless Internet access
Sep
Nile Deck
Main Deck
Bridge Deck
Promenade Deck
Presidential Suite
Royal Suite
Oct-Dec
Nile Deck
Main Deck
Bridge Deck
Promenade Deck
Presidential Suite
Royal Suite
Internal airfare:
Luxor/Cairo; Cairo/Abu Simbel/Aswan
Double
occupancy
Single
supplement
$3,795
$3,895
$3,990
$4,095
$4,555
$5,075
$1,030
$1,190
$1,265
$1,375
$2,295
$3,115
$4,495
$4,660
$4,720
$4,820
$5,635
$6,350
$1,455
$1,610
$1,690
$1,800
$2,905
$3,825
Economy class
from $630
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
39
China: Life Along
the Yangtze
Priced from $4,690
Limited to 28 Guests | 13 Days | 27 Meals
Beijing
Connections at a Glance
Discover your destination through these local connections.
EAST
C H I N A S ea
Xian
Chongqing
Three Gorges
Dam Project
Shanghai
Fengdu
CHINA
Hong Kong
SOUTH
C H I N A S ea
Air
Cruise
• Pay a unique visit to a family home for a dumpling making
lesson and lunch with the family.
• Hop into a pedicab and explore a traditional
Beijing neighborhood.
• See a noodle making demonstration.
• Participate in traditional tai chi exercise, lead by a tai chi master.
• Visit a Yangtze River village to mingle with the locals.
• Participate in a Chinese brush painting and calligraphy lesson.
• Take a traditional sampan ride through the local floating villages.
• Enjoy a tea service at a local Shanghai teahouse.
Day 1: Arrive in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, China’s bustling capital, where your A&K
representative meets you and takes you to your hotel. Fairmont Beijing
Day 2: Beijing / The Heart of the City
Start your explorations of Beijing at Tiananmen Square, where
thousands gather to walk, fly kites or enjoy the view of the
monuments surrounding the square. Continue to the Forbidden
City, so named because it was barred to all but the emperors who
inhabited it and the servants who attended them. The Imperial
Palace is a vast complex of halls, pavilions, courtyards and walls. It
was within these walls that 24 emperors — aided by their ministers,
soldiers and servants — ruled imperial China for nearly 500 years.
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/ 2013
The Great Wall coursing over the Chinese landscape.
After an afternoon at leisure, enjoy a special welcome dinner.
Fairmont Beijing / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Beijing / A Taste of the Ancient Capital
Patrick Macleod,
A&K Hong Kong
Hop into a pedicab and explore a traditional Beijing neighborhood.
Hutongs, winding alleyways that were once the lifeblood of
old Beijing, used to number in the thousands; yet under urban
renewal, they are quickly disappearing. Pay a visit to a home for
a dumpling making lesson and lunch with the family. Afterward,
travel to the Mutianyu section of Great Wall of China, and explore
this architectural feat along its best-preserved section. Return to
Beijing, pausing en route to take photos of the Bird’s Nest and Water
Cube, fixtures of the 2008 Summer Olympics. This evening, savor
traditional Peking duck at a local restaurant.
Fairmont Beijing / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chinese architectural style of the exquisite Great Mosque. Visit the
Ming-era City Walls as well. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a show, based
on Tang Dynasty music and dance.
Hilton Xian / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Xian / Treasures of the Silk Road
Day 6: Chongqing / At River’s Edge
Fly to Xian, the ancient eastern terminus of the Silk Road. Visit the
Yangling Museum, which features archaeological discoveries from
Han Dynasty tombs. Enjoy a local dumpling lunch, one of the city’s
culinary specialties, followed by an afternoon at leisure.
Hilton Xian / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Xian / Terra Cotta Warriors
Visit the site of what is often considered to
be the single greatest archaeological find of
the 20th century, the Terra Cotta Warriors.
See the more than 8,000 life-size figures
said to represent second-century Chinese
military might. After lunch, continue exploring Xian. Stroll through
the markets and lanes of the old city quarter and discover the
“Learn many of China’s traditional
arts through firsthand instruction,
including tai chi, calligraphy — even
dumpling making.”
Fly from Xian to Chongqing this morning.
Visit the Chongqing Zoo to catch a glimpse
of China’s famous pandas. Afterward, take
a tour of the city, the gateway to China’s
southwest frontier. Following lunch, board
Sanctuary ‘Yangzi Explorer.’
Sanctuary ‘Yangzi Explorer’ / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Fengdu / Life Along the Yangtze
Start off your morning with a soothing tai chi session alongside a
tai chi master. In the afternoon, disembark for a shore excursion
in Fengdu, a village on the shores of the Yangtze. Explore Fengdu,
chatting with locals and visiting a school. Return to ‘Yangzi
Explorer,’ where more activities and fascinating lectures await.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
41
The breathtaking Three Gorges region.
Tonight, meet the captain during a welcome reception before dinner.
Sanctuary ‘Yangzi Explorer’ / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
is at leisure to explore the city. Fairmont Peace Hotel / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Hong Kong / City-State on the Make
Day 8: The Three Gorges / Cruising a Chinese Scroll Painting
‘Yangzi Explorer’ enters the Qutang Gorge this morning through
the majestic cliffs of Kui Men gate. Continue cruising through Wu
Gorge, known for its famous peaks, said to represent a celestial being
and her 12 attendants. At Badong, embark on an exclusive excursion
up the picturesque Shennong Stream on board a traditional sampan,
rowed by expert Tujia boatmen. Back on board ‘Yangzi Explorer,’
pass through the Xiling Gorge. Later, partake in a Chinese brush
painting and calligraphy lesson, as your instructor explains the
method of Chinese writing. Tonight, dress in traditional Chinese
attire for a festive dinner.
Sanctuary ‘Yangzi Explorer’ / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: The Three Gorges Dam Project
Visit the Exhibition of the Three Gorges Dam Project for a tour of
the area. The Three Gorges Dam Project, the largest construction
project ever undertaken, stands at 1.2 miles in length and 600 feet
high. Sail through its locks before continuing to Yichang. Disembark
in Yichang and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Fairmont Peace Hotel / Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, fly from Shanghai to Hong
Kong, a vibrant city known for its
expansive skyline, deep harbor and
surprising greenery.
Royal Pacific Hotel & Towers / Breakfast
Day 12: Hong Kong / East Meets West
This morning, visit the Dried Food and Herbal Medicine Market in the
Western District. Continue to the incense-filled Man Mo Temple and to
the Peak Tram for a ride on this storied funicular up to Victoria Peak.
Enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city from the observation
deck. Afterward, take a sampan ride through the local floating villages
of Aberdeen. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening, attend a special
farewell dinner. Royal Pacific Hotel & Towers / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Day 10: Shanghai / China’s Style and Economic Capital
Join your Tour Director for a stroll along the Bund — the promenade
along the Huangpu River — watching locals doing their morning
exercises. Continue through Shanghai’s old Chinese quarter to the
16th-century Yu Garden. Afterward, enjoy a tea appreciation service
at a local teahouse. Return to the Bund, with its lovely British, French,
American, German, Japanese and Russian buildings. Your afternoon
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Fairmont Beijing
Royal Pacific Hotel & Towers
Winner of TripAdvisor.com’s 2012
Located on stunning Victoria Harbour,
Travelers’ Choice Awards.
near the shops of Canton Road.
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
local connections
One of the best ways to know a culture is through
food, which is why we arranged for a hands-on
dumpling making session and lunch with a local
family in Beijing.
Sanctuary ‘Yangzi Explorer’
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MAIN DECK
Deluxe Cabin (333 sq. ft.)
Suite (420 sq. ft.)
Jade Suite (871 sq. ft.)
Mandarin Suite (871 sq. ft.)
Celestial Suite (1,183 sq. ft.)
Imperial Suite (1,183 sq. ft.)
With luxurious staterooms and public areas, expert on-board guides and
a peerless staff and crew, ‘Yangzi Explorer’ is the best choice for cruising
China’s mighty Yangtze.
›› 38 Deluxe Cabins, 20 Suites and four specialty suites
›› Private balcony in all cabins and suites
›› Viewing lounge with bar
›› International restaurant offering a wide array of menu options
›› Double-decker theater area with bar
›› Spa and beauty salon
Dates & Pricing
Apr 20-May 02
May 11-23
May 18-30
Land/Cruise
arrangements:
Deluxe Cabin
Main Deck
Xiling Deck
Wu Deck
Suite
Wu Deck
Qutang Deck
Jade/Mandarin
Celestial/Imperial
Internal airfare:
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Jun 01-13
Jun 22-Jul 04
Jul 13-25
Aug 17-29
Sep 07-19
Sep 21-Oct 03
Oct 05-17
Oct 26-Nov 07
Apr; Sep;
Oct 05
Oct 26-Nov May Jun -Aug
Oct24
Double
Double
DoubleDouble
occupancyoccupancy occupancy occupancy
$5,225 $5,120$4,690 $5,315
$5,305 $5,200$4,770 $5,395
$5,385 $5,280$4,850 $5,475
$6,225
$6,350
$8,305
$8,965
$6,120$5,490 $6,315
$6,245$5,590 $6,440
$8,200$6,830 $8,395
$8,860$7,380 $9,055
Beijing/Xian/Chongqing; Yichang/Shanghai/Hong Kong
Single supplement from $2,115. Call A&K for details.
Economy class
from $920
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
43
Southeast Asia: Thailand,
Cambodia & Vietnam
Priced from $5,395
Limited to 28 Guests | 15 Days | 32 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Hanoi
Discover your destination through these local connections.
Chiang Mai
S outh
C hina S ea
Thailand
Bangkok
Siem Reap
Danang
vietnam
A ndaman
S ea
CAMBODIA
• Enter the Grand Palace via a secret doorway.
• Encounter one of the last masters of Thai traditional puppetry.
• Explore Bangkok through a unique rickshaw and walking tour.
• Witness a stunning sunrise at Angkor Wat.
• Meet a war veteran who shares his eye-opening experience during your visit to the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam.
• Travel by traditional cyclo through Hanoi’s old quarter.
• Experience a private elephant ride at Maesa Elephant Camp.
• Chat with a Buddhist monk at Wat Umong.
Ho Chi Minh City
AIR
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
Arrive in Thailand’s vibrant capital city, where an A&K
representative is on hand to greet you and escort you to your hotel.
Millennium Hilton Bangkok
Day 2: Bangkok / City of Angels
Start at the Grand Palace, entering via a secret doorway that reveals
oft-missed treasures in the exhibit of royal regalia. Explore its
sprawling grounds dotted with over 100 ornate buildings, gardens
and statues of mythological creatures. Continue to the Wat Phra
Kaew, home to the famous Emerald Buddha. Then visit Wat Pho,
where the 150-foot-long Reclining Buddha lies. Cruise the Chao
Phraya River to an artists’ collective for a traditional performance by
44
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Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
one of the last masters of Thai puppetry. Tonight, enjoy a welcome
dinner with fellow guests set to traditional Thai dance performances.
Millennium Hilton Bangkok / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Bangkok / The Local’s Way
Venture off the beaten path onto the
opposite side of the river for a rickshaw ride
and walking tour. Stops include a local
temple to witness Buddhists at worship.
Then embark on a long-tail boat ride to a
lush, secluded area of the city. Take a ride on a samlor (bicycle taxi)
through the greenest parts of Bangkok before returning to the other
side of the river. The rest of your day is at leisure.
Millennium Hilton Bangkok / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Chiang Mai / Home to the Lion Buddha
Fly to Chiang Mai. Venture through its
streets via rickshaw, stopping at Wat Phra
Singh, home to the revered Phra Singh
(Lion Buddha), one of the most revered
images of Buddha. Later, stroll Chiang
Mai’s famous Night Market, a kaleidoscope of merchants and
food carts.
Le Meridien Hotel / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Chiang Mai / Meditating Buddhism
Meet and chat with a Buddhist monk at Wat Umong, a famed center
of meditation. Afterward, visit Wat Doi Suthep. Enjoy lunch in a hill
tribe village, followed up by an opportunity to experience a private
elephant ride to Maesa Elephant Camp.
Le Meridien Hotel / Breakfast, Lunch
Samuel Desmier,
A&K Thailand
“Explore a key battleground of the
Vietnam War, the Cu Chi tunnels —
and then meet a veteran who
fought there.”
Day 6: Siem Reap / The Temple in the Jungle
Fly from Chiang Mai via Bangkok to Siem Reap, near the ruins of
Angkor Wat. Visit romantic Ta Prohm, entangled in the surrounding
jungle foliage. Climb over its crumbling stonework and marvel at the
tree roots dripping down the temple’s walls.
Sofitel Angkor / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Siem Reap / The Khmer Crown Jewel
Travel early today to Angkor Wat to catch the sunrise. Then discover
the masterpiece of the Khmer empire, walking amid moss-covered
cobbled pathways and marveling at the intricately carved bas-reliefs.
Continue to Banteay Srei, a temple constructed with red sandstone.
After lunch, board a wooden boat and cruise through the floating
villages on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting a local school and perhaps even
presenting students with study materials.
Sofitel Angkor / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Siem Reap / The Faces of Bayon
Set off to explore the fortified city of Angkor Thom and Bayon
Temple, with its beguiling 172 large-scale faces. Wrap up
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
45
Carrying produce across Pagoda Bridge in Hoi An.
your first day at the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the
Leper King. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Siem
Reap on your own. Sofitel Angkor / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City / Old Saigon
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Begin your
explorations of the city formerly known as
Saigon in Cholon, its Chinatown, home to
delis, ancient quarters, old temples and
beautiful architecture. Continue to Thien
Hau Pagoda and Le Cong Kieu, one of the city’s oldest commercial
streets. InterContinental Asiana Saigon Hotel / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City / Shaping Contemporary Vietnam
Drive into the countryside to explore the expansive Cu Chi Tunnel
network, a key Vietcong resource during the Vietnam War, and meet
a war veteran who recounts his experiences in the tunnels. After
lunch, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, with its neo-Romanesque
façade and bell towers. You also stop at the 19th-century Frenchcolonial Post Office, the largest in Vietnam.
InterContinental Asiana Saigon Hotel / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Hoi An / Pearl of China Beach
A closer look at the Champa temple in My Son.
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Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang and
continue to Hoi An. Explore this traditional
town, visiting the colorful local market and the
400-year-old Japanese covered bridge. Stop at a
local home to see how silkworms are raised.
Then visit an artisan’s house for a demonstration on how to make Hoi
An’s famous silk lanterns. InterContinental Danang / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
local connections
Southeast Asia is stepped in spirituality, and so your
journey includes a chance to chat one-on-one with
a monk at Wat Umong in Chiang Mai.
Day 12: My Son / Seat of the Champa Kingdom
Visit My Son, the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization
and considered to be the Champa Kingdom’s counterpart to Angkor
in Cambodia. Enjoy lunch near My Son and return to Hoi An for
an evening at leisure. InterContinental Danang / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Hanoi / Capital of Culture
Fly to Hanoi. Start exploring Vietnam’s capital by visiting Ho Chi
Minh’s House, and continue to the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda,
the Temple of Literature and the Quan Thanh Temple. End your city
tour at the famed “Hanoi Hilton” Prison, used by French colonists in
Vietnam for political prisoners and later by the North Vietnamese
for prisoners of war. InterContinental Westlake Hotel / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Hanoi / The Old Quarter
Visit the Fine Arts Museum, home to ancient antiquities and
contemporary art. Then set off on an exciting cyclo ride into the Old
Quarter, where narrow streets dating back to the 15th century bear
names reflecting the business once conducted there: Silk Street, Rice
Street, Paper Street. After lunch, your afternoon is at leisure. Join
your fellow guests for a farewell dinner this evening.
InterContinental Westlake Hotel / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dates & Pricing
Sep 12-26
Oct 03-17
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Oct 10-24
Oct 24-Nov 07
Nov 07-21
Nov 21-Dec 05
Land arrangements: Double occupancy
Single supplement
Dec 05-19
Dec 12-26
SepOct-Dec
$5,395$5,865
$1,525$1,800
Internal airfare:
Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Siem Reap/
Ho Chi Min City/Danang/Hanoi
Economy class
from $1,265
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Day 15: Depart Hanoi
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast
Sofitel Angkor
Modern elegance with a touch of
French art de vivre in Siem Reap.
InterContinental Danang
Surrounded by beautiful views
of the South China Sea.
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
47
A glimpe of traditional life in Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
India: Spiritual Splendors
Priced from $3,990
Limited to 28 Guests | 11 Days | 19 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Discover your destination through these local connections.
Delhi
Jaipur
Agra
Jhansi
Varanasi
Khajuraho
INDIA
Road
Air
Rail
• Visit the Deepalaya School, which services local
underprivileged children.
• Take an exciting rickshaw ride through the colorful shopping district of Chandni Chowk.
• Experience both sunrise and sunset visits to the Taj Mahal.
• Enjoy an elephant safari on a private Rajput farm. • Witness the evening Aarti ceremony on the Ganges, complete with chanting prayers and mantras, drums and bells. • Marvel at an unforgettable sunrise boat ride on the sacred
river Ganges.
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, where an A&K representative is on hand to greet
you. Taj Palace Hotel
Day 2: Delhi / India’s Capital
This morning, visit the A&K Philanthropy-supported Deepalaya
School, which supports the education of local underprivileged
children, before starting your tour of New Delhi. Visit two UNESCO
World Heritage Sites: Humayun’s Tomb, a red-sandstone predecessor
to the Taj Mahal, and 13th-century Qutub Minar. Meet your fellow
guests tonight for a welcome dinner. Taj Palace Hotel / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Delhi / Treasures of Old Delhi
Tour Old Delhi for a glimpse into some of India’s most historic sites,
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including the 17th-century Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.
Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar. Continue
to the Red Fort, with its red sandstone walls extending for more than
a mile. Afterward, visit Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
The afternoon is at leisure. Taj Palace Hotel / Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4: VARANASI / The Holy City
Fly to Varanasi, located on the Ganges
River. Millions of pilgrims flock to
Varanasi’s ghats (steps leading into the
river), where the devout wash away their
sins. This afternoon, visit Sarnath, the
birthplace of Buddhism. Explore the ruins of a once-flourishing
Buddhist monastery and a Buddhist art and sculpture museum.
This evening, visit the ghats during the Aarti ceremony, as
worshippers pray near the water by the light of candles and lanterns.
The Gateway Hotel Ganges, Varanasi / Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: KHAJURAHO / Medieval Temples
Discover India’s spirituality from another perspective — by taking
an unforgettable sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, f loating past
ghats as worshippers begin to appear on the banks. Afterward,
fly to Khajuraho, where you spend the afternoon discovering its
exquisitely carved temples. Hotel Chandela, Khajuraho / Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: JHANSI / On the Road to the Taj Mahal
Travel from Khajuraho to Jhansi, stopping en route at Orchha. Pass
by small villages and fields plowed by ox carts, in time arriving at the
17th-century Orchha Palace and its group of Hindu temples. Enjoy
lunch near the temples, and then board a train to Agra, home to the
Taj Mahal; your luxury hotel offers private views of this monument
from every room. The Oberoi, Amarvilas / Breakfast, Lunch
local connections
Witness one of the most moving of rituals: the Aarti
ceremony, at which lamps and candles are lit in
honor of the Hindu deities.
DAY 7: AGRA / The Greatest Monument to Love
Visit the Taj Mahal early this morning to watch as the sunrise
decorates its sheer white surface in rosy pinks. Afterward, visit the
Agra Fort before returning to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Return to the Taj Mahal at sunset to watch as the light dances off
the crisp white marble. The Oberoi, Amarvilas / Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8: JAIPUR / The Pink City
Drive to Jaipur, stopping en route at
Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. After lunch in Bharatpur, continue to
the “pink city,” as Jaipur is often known, for
its pink-hued sandstone buildings.
Rambagh Palace / Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9: JAIPUR / Mughal Treasures
Visit the Amber Fort, with its distinct Mughal architecture, and
then set off for a local village to ride an elephant through the
countryside. After lunch, make a photo stop at Hawa Mahal (or
Palace of the Winds), and visit the City Palace. You also stop at the
Jantar Mantar Observatory, which houses the world’s largest sundial.
This evening, join your fellow guests for a farewell dinner.
Rambagh Palace / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dates & Pricing
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Apr 07-17
Sep 15-25
Oct 20-30
Oct 27-Nov 06
Land arrangements: Double occupancy
Single supplement
Internal airfare:
Delhi/Varanasi/Khajuraho; Jaipur/Delhi
Nov 10-20
Dec 08-18
Apr-SepOct-Dec
$3,990$4,850
$1,535$2,375
Economy class
from $385
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
DAY 10: DELHI / Return to the Capital
Fly back to Delhi, where the remainder of day is at leisure.
Trident, Gurgaon / Breakfast
DAY 11: DEPART DELHI
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast
Rambagh Palace
The “Jewel of Jaipur” was
once a royal residence.
The Oberoi, Amarvilas
Ranked the 4th best hotel in Asia
by Travel + Leisure readers.
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
49
Beautiful Port Douglas, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Australia: Adventure
Down Under
Daintree
Rainforest
Priced from $5,350
Limited to 24 Guests | 10 Days | 17 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Port Douglas
Discover your destination through these local connections.
Great Barrier
Reef
Uluru
(Ayers Rock)
CORAL
S ea
Sydney
G reat
australian bight
Melbourne
Road
AIR
Cruise
• Learn about life in the bush with a visit to a family-run
sheep ranch.
• Spend an unforgettable evening at Uluru (Ayers Rock), including an authentic Australian “barbie” and stargazing with an expert.
• Marvel at the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, with insights from a qualified marine biologist.
• Follow a local indigenous guide down tribal paths through the Daintree Rainforest.
• Travel the Daintree River with an expert guide.
• Enjoy a personally guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne
Arrive in Melbourne, and then gather tonight for a cocktail
reception and welcome dinner. Sofitel Melbourne / Dinner
Day 2: Melbourne / “Aussie Living”
Explore Melbourne today, viewing St. Paul’s Cathedral and the
beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Then depart for the Barber family
sheep farm in Coliban Park to learn about one of Australia’s most
important industries. Enjoy morning tea followed by a sheepshearing demonstration. You may also plant an Australian native
tree, and then embark on a drive around the property to spot
kangaroos in their natural environment.
Sofitel Melbourne / Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 3: The Outback / Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Fly via Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
for an overnight in the heart of the
Australian Outback. Gaze in wonder at
fabled Uluru, its surface alive with the
colors of the setting sun. Enjoy sparkling
wine and canapés, followed by an authentic Australian barbecue.
Then turn your gaze to the night sky, as a local expert takes you on a
tour of the spectacular southern stars.
Voyages Sails in the Desert / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: The Outback / Tropical Getaway
This morning, take a guided walk around Uluru and hear some of
the legends that feature the monolith. Meet your indigenous guide
and learn how the traditional owners of the land survived in the arid
Outback. Afterward, fly to Cairns, leaving behind the desert, and
transfer to Port Douglas. Gather with fellow guests this evening for
dinner. Peppers Beach Club / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Great Barrier Reef / The Spectacular Sea
Cruise to the Low Isles and spend a full day exploring one of earth’s
most incredible “living” sites, the Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at the
colors and beauty of the coral and fish while swimming, snorkeling
or observing from a glass-bottom boat, while a marine biologist
offers guidance and answers questions. Spend the evening at leisure
back at your resort. Peppers Beach Club / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Daintree Rainforest / Tribal Paths
This morning, head north toward Daintree Rainforest. Joined by
a local indigenous guide, follow rainforest paths that have been
travelled for centuries by the Kuku Yalanji people, who have
generously granted us access to their tribal lands. Set out on a
wildlife cruise on the Daintree River with an expert guide, keeping
on the lookout for “salties” — Australia’s infamous saltwater
crocodiles. Explore the small township of Daintree before returning
to your resort for an afternoon at leisure.
Peppers Beach Club / Breakfast
Day 7: Sydney / The True Blue City
Bid farewell to the Coral Sea and the tropics
as you take off for Sydney late this morning,
arriving in the afternoon. Mix with the
locals tonight over a casual dinner in a pub
in the famous Rocks area of Sydney.
Sheraton on the Park / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Sydney / The Harbourside
One of Australia’s iconic sights takes center stage today when you visit
Sydney Opera House on a personally guided tour. Then board a cruiser
on Sydney Harbour for a view of some of this extraordinary city’s
landmark sites, including Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Luna Park
and Sydney’s waterfront mansions. Following the cruise, cross the harbor
to the Taronga Zoo, where you may get up close and personal with
Australia’s charming native fauna. Sheraton on the Park / Breakfast, Lunch
local connections
Access the Kuku Yalanji lands and explore the
Daintree Rainforest with a local indigenous guide,
treading paths that have been travelled for centuries
by the tribe.
Dates & Pricing
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Sep 9-18
Oct 07-16
Dec 02-11
Land arrangements: Double occupancy
Single supplement
$5,350
$1,865
Internal airfare:
Melbourne/Uluru/Cairns/Sydney
Economy class
from $1,180
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Day 9: Sydney / Sydney at Leisure
Spend your last day exploring on your own. Ask your Tour Director
for some suggestions, or go wherever inspiration leads. Gather for a
farewell dinner tonight. Sheraton on the Park / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Depart Sydney
Voyages Sails in the Desert Hotel
Located in the heart of the Outback,
with Aborigine-inspired decor.
Peppers Beach Club
An open-air resort located near
Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef..
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
51
Looking down upon Machu Picchu.
Peru: Land of the Incas
Priced from $4,185
Limited to 28 Guests | 9 Days | 16 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Discover your destination through these local connections.
PERU
Lima
Machu Picchu
Urubamba
Cusco
Pa c i f i c
ocean
Road
Air
Rail
• Meet a local family in Urubamba who welcomes you into
their home.
• Visit a private residence with an impressive collection of
colonial artifacts.
• Enjoy two opportunities to explore Machu Picchu, including a sunrise visit when the ruins emerge from the morning mists.
• Meet an internationally renowned weaver who introduces you
to this traditional craft.
• Engage in an Andean musical presentation by Tito Leon, a
regionally famous musician from Cusco.
Day 1: Arrive in Lima
On arriving in Lima, transfer to your hotel.
Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel
Day 2: Lima / City of Kings
Begin exploring Lima at the Plaza Mayor. Continue to the historic
Cathedral and walk past the Presidential Palace. Then visit the
Monastery of San Francisco and its collection of paintings and
frescoes. Leave Lima’s colonial center to visit the Larco Museum,
home to an extensive private collection of pre-Inca ceramics. This
evening, join fellow guests for dinner at a restaurant located next to
an impressive archaeological site, which you may explore afterward.
Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel / Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 3: Urubamba / Heart of the Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incan empire. Savor
novoandina fare at lunchtime before continuing to the Sacred Valley
of the Incas, Urubamba. Make a stop at Awana Kancha, a breeding
center for llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. Learn about the renowned
fibers created from their coats, as well as the ancient weaving
techniques still used to this day. Upon arrival at your hotel, the
remainder of the afternoon is free for you to relax and settle into
your new surroundings.
Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Urubamba / The Andes Unveiled
Meet a local family at their home and chat with them over a glass of
chicha (traditional Andean corn drink). Continue to Ollantaytambo,
a massive Incan fortress constructed of rose-colored granite. Then
have lunch at Hacienda Huayoccari, home of the Lambarri-Orihuela
family. View their impressive collection of artifacts and learn
the traditional Andean game of “guinea pig raffle.” Continue to
Chincheros, where you meet and learn the art of weaving from Nilda
Callañaupa Alvarez, an expert weaver.
Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Machu Picchu / The Lost City of the Incas
Board the glass-topped Vistadome train and arrive in Machu
Picchu in the late morning, with plenty of time to begin your
explorations of this mysterious, breathtaking Incan citadel.
Accompanied by your guide, visualize the lives of the craftsmen,
servants and priests who inhabited this seemingly uninhabitable
citadel. After lunch, continue to Aguas Calientes and your hotel.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
local connections
The highlight of any trip to Peru is Machu Picchu
— and we arrange for our guests to visit it once in
the evening and again for a special sunrise stroll
through these unforgettable ruins.
Day 6: Machu Picchu / Sunrise Over the Ruins
Rise early this morning for another visit to Machu Picchu, this one an
unforgettable sunrise walk through the mist-shrouded ruins. You may
choose to hike one of the many trails around the ruins for a different
perspective. After lunch at your hotel, board the Vistadome train back
to Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Cusco / Incan and Colonial Splendors
Explore Cusco’s evocative mix of Incan and
Spanish colonial architecture and spirit.
Visit the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas
and the Santo Domingo Temple, built on the
foundation of the Incas’ principal religious
building. Experience the lively local culture with a stop at the bustling
market of San Pedro, a great opportunity to interact with the locals.
Head to Sacsayhuaman, a fortress compiled of huge blocks pieced
together so precisely that not even a piece of paper can slip between
the cracks. Later this afternoon, enjoy a traditional Andean musical
presentation by expert local musician Tito Leon. Join your Tour
Director and fellow guests for a special farewell dinner.
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel / Breakfast, Dinner
Dates & Pricing
Apr 05-13
May 03-11
May 17-25
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Jun 07-15
Jul 19-27
Sep 06-14
Sep 20-28
Oct 25-Nov 02
Land arrangements: Double occupancy
Single supplement
$4,185
$895
Internal airfare:
Economy class
from $355
Lima/Cusco
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Day 8: Lima / Return to the Capital
Fly back to Lima this morning, where the remainder of the day is at
leisure to explore the city at your own pace.
Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel / Breakfast
Day 9: Depart Lima
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast
Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness
Built on the grounds of a 17th-century
hacienda in the Sacred Valley. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Beautiful property on 12 verdant acres,
a short drive from Machu Picchu. Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
53
The incomparable Grand Canyon.
North America: Canyons
of the Southwest
UTAH
NEVADA
Bryce Canyon
National Park
Zion National
Park
Las Vegas
Lake
Powell
Grand
Canyon
Priced from $4,845
Limited to 28 Guests | 10 Days | 22 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Discover your destination through these local connections.
Arches
National Park
Monument Valley
Sedona
• Stay directly within some of America’s great national parks, leaving more time to explore.
• Explore Sedona’s history with a resident expert.
• Pay an up-close visit to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
• Explore Monument Valley in the company of a local
Navajo guide.
• Join an experienced river pilot on a float trip on the
Colorado River.
ARIZONA
Phoenix
Road
Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix
On arriving in Phoenix, you are greeted and taken to your hotel.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess / Dinner
Day 2: Sedona / Land of Red Rocks
Start your morning in the Sonoran Desert, where the iconic saguaro
cacti dot the vast landscape. Ascend from the desert to Sedona and
its extraordinary red rock landscapes. Meet up with a local expert
who leads you on a tour that uncovers the town’s fascinating history.
Following free time in town, travel to the Grand Canyon (7,200 feet)
for the night. Maswik Lodge or Yavapai Lodge / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Grand Canyon National Park / America’s Treasure
The Grand Canyon’s colors, otherworldly formations and immense
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scale are overwhelming, and this morning’s sunrise at the canyon is
a spectacle you will never forget. Visit the most celebrated vantage
points of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim before travelling through
Navajo Reservation lands and the Painted Desert. Continue on to the
Glen Canyon National Recreation area and Lake Powell.
Lake Powell Resort / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Lake Powell / Rainbow Bridge
Embark on a relaxing 50-mile cruise along the Lake Powell shoreline
en route to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, the largest known
natural bridge in the world. Following a scenic walk, explore
Rainbow Bridge up close, a thrilling opportunity to experience a
natural wonder as few visitors do. Lake Powell Resort / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Monument Valley / Navajo Trails
Depart Lake Powell early this morning for an exciting day in the
native lands of Monument Valley. Join your local Navajo guide, who
introduces some of the most extraordinary geological formations
in the West, many made famous in classic American Western films.
This afternoon, continue on to Moab, Utah, and your ranch resort.
Red Cliffs Lodge / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Arches National Park / Colorado River Float Trip
Begin your day with a visit to Arches National Park, which boasts more
than 2,000 arches, domes, pinnacles and spires (the greatest density
of natural sandstone arches in the world), the most famous being the
Delicate Arch formation. Later today, enjoy a fun float trip down the
Colorado River. Red Cliffs Lodge / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Bryce National Park / Nature’s Amphitheater
Depart Moab for the unique landscapes of
Bryce Canyon National Park (8,300 feet), a
series of stunning natural amphitheaters
complete with natural “audiences” of
hoodoos, extraordinary spires of striated
rock. Overnight directly in Bryce Canyon National Park, giving you
even more time to explore this otherworldly place.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Zion National Park / Scenic Splendor
More diverse landscapes await as you
depart Bryce Canyon National Park for
Zion National Park. Sculptured canyons
and massive, soaring cliffs are highlights of
the park, particularly Zion Canyon, a
15-mile-long canyon of reddish and tan Navajo sandstone carved by
the Virgin River. Descend to the canyon floor and explore at your
own pace. You might wish to take a short walk to one of the
waterfalls and colorful pools, or embark on a more rigorous hike for
extraordinary canyon views. Overnight at Zion Lodge, located in the
heart of the national park. Zion Lodge / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
local connections
Your guide takes you up-close to Rainbow Bridge
to experience the awesome wonder of the largest
known natural bridge in the world.
Dates & Pricing
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Apr 28-May 07
Jun 23-Jul 02
May 12-21
Jul 07-16
Jun 08-17Aug 04-13
Sep 01-10
Sep 15-24
Sep 29-Oct 08
Land arrangements: Double occupancy
Triple occupancy
Single supplement
$4,845
$4,505
$1,285
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Day 9: Las Vegas / The Entertainment Capital
Bid farewell to the canyons of the southwest as you cross the Mojave
Desert en route to Las Vegas, where you are free to spend the day
enjoying the pleasures of the Strip. Tonight, join your Tour Director
and fellow guests for a farewell reception and dinner.
Bellagio Las Vegas / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Depart Las Vegas
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast
Red Cliffs Lodge
Located on the Colorado River, with
stunning views of the nearby red cliffs.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
A full-featured desert oasis, complete
with spa and golf courses.
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
55
One of the many scenic sights in Yellowstone National Park.
North America:
Yellowstone
Priced from $3,995
Limited to 28 Guests | 10 Days | 18 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Yellowstone
National Park
Grand Teton
National Park
Discover your destination through these local connections.
Cody
Ucross
Rapid City
South dakota
wyoming
Salt Lake City
• Stay at hotels located within Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.
• Hear ranch hands swap stories around the campfire.
• Cruise the Yellow Tail Reservoir, followed by a barbecue lunch.
• Take part in a guided experience at the Buffalo Bill Museum.
• Shoot the rapids on the Snake River with dinner under the stars.
• Gather at the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City for an
organ recital.
utah
Road
Day 1: Arrive in Rapid City
Transfer to your hotel. Later, join your Tour Director and fellow
travellers for a welcome dinner. Hotel Alex Johnson / Dinner
Day 2: Mount Rushmore / Mountain of Presidents
Drive a short distance from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore,
towering above the Black Hills. Continue to the Crazy Horse
Memorial honoring the Lakota leader, and the world’s largest
mountain carving. Stop for lunch in historic Spearfish and then head
west into the northern heart of Wyoming for an overnight visit to
The Ranch at Ucross. Join the wranglers for a fun evening of stories
around the bonfire. The Ranch at Ucross / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3: Cody / Legacy of Buffalo Bill
Drive past the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn and arrive at
the Yellow Tail Reservoir, located in Bighorn Canyon. Cruise on
the reservoir to a special picnic area for a barbecue lunch before
continuing to the old west town of Cody, Wyoming, founded with
help from the pioneering Western showman “Buffalo” Bill Cody.
Take some time to explore on your own and have dinner before
experiencing the exciting Nite Rodeo.
The Holiday Inn in Buffalo Bill Village / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Yellowstone National Park / Old Faithful
Explore Buffalo Bill Village, including its
museum and historical center. A short
drive away is Yellowstone National Park
(7,800 feet), your home for the next two
nights. Tour this magnificent national
treasure this afternoon before proceeding to rustic, historic Old
Faithful Inn, near the famous geyser. Old Faithful Inn / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Yellowstone National Park / America’s Wilderness
Today is devoted to experiencing the grandeur of Yellowstone
National Park, home to mountains, rivers, lakes, and of course,
some of the world’s most concentrated geothermal activity.
Diverse wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, and
moose live throughout the national park, so keep your eyes peeled
and cameras ready throughout the day. Old Faithful Inn / Breakfast
Day 6: Grand Teton National Park / Where Bears Roam
Depart Yellowstone this morning for Grand Teton National Park
(6,800 feet), noted for its stunning mountain vistas and abundant
wildlife. Following lunch on your own, gather for a tour of the park,
where carnivores such as grey wolves and black bears reside.
Jackson Lake Lodge / Breakfast, Dinner
local connections
To properly introduce you to two of America’s great
national parks — Yellowstone and Grand Teton
— we’ve arranged for overnight accommodations
inside each of them.
Day 7: Grand Teton National Park / Whitewater Adventure
Continue exploring the park today, and
after lunch, prepare for the ride of a
lifetime: white water rafting on the Snake
River. Class II and III rapids are
combined with gentle f loating for eight
miles down the river to an idyllic site for a fun barbecue dinner.
If you prefer, a gentle cruise on Jackson Lake is also available.
Jackson Lake Lodge / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Salt Lake City / The Oregon Trail
Set out this morning for the fascinating city of Salt Lake. Pause
for lunch in Pocatello, Idaho, located at the fork in the road called
the Oregon Trail. Continue south through the picturesque Idaho
countryside to Salt Lake City. Utah’s capitol city lies in a large valley
between two mountain ranges, the Wasatch and the Oquirrhs.
Hotel Monaco / Breakfast, Lunch
Dates & Pricing
May 26-Jun 04
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Jun 23-Jul 02
Land arrangements: Double occupancy
Triple occupancy
Single supplement
Jul 08-17
Aug 26-Sep 04
MayJun-Sep
$3,995$4,150
$3,895$3,995
$1,195$1,195
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Day 9: Salt Lake City / Mormon Heritage
Visit the impressive Salt Lake Temple, home of the Mormon
Tabernacle Choir, and then see the majestic State Capitol building,
the Governor’s Mansion, the Pony Express station and more. After a
bit of free time, gather to hear a beautiful organ recital in the temple.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for you to explore the
city at your own pace. Hotel Monaco / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Depart Salt Lake City
Old Faithful Inn
The most requested lodging in
Yellowstone, adjacent to Old Faithful. Jackson Lake Lodge
Located right within Grand Teton
National Park, with spectacular views.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
57
The still waters of Lake Louise in Banff National Park.
North America:
Canadian Rockies
Priced from $4,390
Limited to 28 Guests | 8 Days | 15 Meals
Connections at a Glance
Discover your destination through these local connections.
Jasper
ALBERTA
Banff
Lake Louise
Calgary
Road
• Upon arrival in Calgary, enjoy a warm Canadian welcome with a special ceremony.
• Wake up to magnificent lakeside views at Fairmont Chateau
Lake Louise.
• Learn the art of photography from a professional photographer at scenic Moraine Lake, one of the most picturesque in the Canadian Rockies.
• Hike Emerald Lake with one of the country’s best
naturalist guides.
• Savor a barbecue picnic lunch and enjoy a lecture by an expert park naturalist with Sunwapta Falls in the background.
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary
Arrive in Calgary, where your A&K representative greets you and
takes you to your hotel. Fairmont Palliser Hotel / Dinner
Day 2: Lake Louise / Pristine Waters
Depart Calgary and start an adventure filled with natural beauty,
highlighted by the famed lakes of the Canadian Rockies. Drive
through the Bow Valley to Johnston Canyon, with its sheer walls,
waterfalls, tunnels and pools formed by erosion over thousands of
years. Stroll along the interpretive walkway before setting off for
Moraine Lake, a glacially fed lake in Banff National Park. Later, get
a hands-on lesson on the art of wildlife and landscape photography
alongside a professional photographer. Try out your newfound skills
58
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on one of the most picturesque lakes in the Canadian Rockies. End
the day at your accommodation at Lake Louise (5,700 feet).
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise / Breakfast
Day 3: Lake Louise / Flora and Fauna
This morning, drive through the serene Yoho National Park en route
to Emerald Lake, so named for its unique, vibrant color, the effect
of glacial sediment in its waters. Meet with your expert guide, who
reveals the geological and natural forces behind this scenic lake,
and describes the breathtaking natural surroundings and habits of
the endangered local grizzly bear. After lunch, weather permitting,
continue through the old railroad town of Field, pausing at Takakkaw
Falls, Spiral Tunnel and Kicking Horse Natural Bridge. The
remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Lake Louise (5,700 feet) at
your own pace. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Jasper / Through the Icefields
Travel the scenic Icefields Parkway, along
the backbone of the Canadian Rockies.
Named after the sprawling icefields in the
area, this is one of the world’s great drives,
with roadside wildlife a common sight and
vistas of verdant forests and soaring peaks all around. Stop at the
massive Athabasca Glacier (7,200 feet) for a thrilling ride across its
surface on a specially designed vehicle. After your glacial adventure,
continue to magnificent Jasper National Park via Peyto Lake and
Crowfoot Glacier before arriving at your lodge.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Jasper / Canyon Skyscrapers
Cruise along the mile-high Maligne Lake to the famous Spirit
Island, a tiny island surrounded by the towering snow-capped
Rockies. You may opt to join your fellow guests for a guided hike
through the Maligne Canyon, with its impressive 200-foot-tall
limestone walls. Later, return to your lodge, where the remainder
of the day is at your leisure to enjoy its natural surroundings and
amenities. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Banff / Waterfalls Between the Parks
This morning, depart Jasper National Park,
stopping at Athabasca Falls, known for its
awesome power. You also visit lovely
Sunwapta Falls, enjoying a barbecue lunch
and lecture by a local park naturalist in this
beautiful, remote setting. Continue to Banff National Park — a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, established in 1885 as Canada’s first
national park — and your extraordinary hotel, often called the “Castle
in the Rockies.” Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel / Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Banff / Nestled in Nature
Bordered on all sides by wilderness, Banff is a national park
resort community surrounded by spectacular nature, home
to roaming deer, elk and other wildlife. Begin your day with a
memorable float trip down the majestic Bow River. The rest of
your day is at leisure to enjoy Banff at your own pace, perhaps
exploring the community’s restaurants, galleries and unique
shops. This evening, attend a special farewell dinner.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel / Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Depart Banff
Depart for the airport and your return f light home. Breakfast
local connections
We not only arranged for a professional
photographer to provide a hands-on lesson, but
timed it for the beginning of your trip, so you can
become a pro yourself as your journey continues.
Dates & Pricing
May 25-Jun 01
Jun 08-15
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate.
Jul 06-13Aug 03-10
Jul 20-27
Aug 31-Sep 07
Sep 14-21
Sep 28-Oct 05
Land arrangements: Double occupancy
Single supplement
May; Sep 28
Jun; Aug31-Sep
Jul-Aug 17
$4,390 $4,895$5,090
$1,190 $1,720$1,900
A&K is happy to arrange your international air or pre-/post-itinerary hotel nights.
Contact A&K for details.
Hotel Spotlight
Take a closer look at this journey’s inspiring accommodations.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Located at stunning Lake Louise, with
Styled after a Scottish castle, with
premium rooms overlooking the water. a 125-year history of excellence.
Visit ak-connections.com for photos of all the hotels on this journey.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
59
British Airways Club WorldSM
Booking Your Air with Abercrombie & Kent
The best way to fly.
Booking your airline reservations with A&K is both easy and beneficial. We know which flights work best with your A&K travel
itinerary and can offer them at a specially negotiated fare. You may pay for your tickets either on the same schedule as the rest of
your trip or at the time of booking, and relax knowing that all of your travel arrangements have been made.
Why book your air through A&K?
››Special fares available only through A&K
››A&K can cancel and refund our special fare air tickets up to the day before departure (less a fee); tickets booked through the
airline must usually be paid for within 24 hours of booking and may be non-refundable
››Earn mileage credit offered by your preferred airline’s frequent-flyer club, where applicable
››Reserve your preferred seat when you make your reservations, where applicable
Our partners in the air
Choose from a variety of global carriers who have partnered with A&K to offer you special fares.
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Passenger Travel Protection Program
One more reason to travel with A&K.
Abercrombie & Kent knows the value of planning for every travel contingency. Circumstances can force you to cancel your trip
at the last minute, return home early or seek emergency medical treatment overseas. That’s why Travel Guard has developed
the Passenger Travel Protection Program to meet the needs of A&K travellers. The option to buy is included on your departure
invoice. There are no additional forms to fill out; simply indicate that you wish to purchase the plan, pay the amount shown and
you are enrolled.
The Passenger Travel Protection Program is designed to provide broad coverage that includes:*
››Coverage due to pre-existing medical conditions
››Medical coverage for illness or injury sustained while travelling. Optional upgrade is available for primary coverage
››Baggage loss, theft, delay or damage coverage including an option to upgrade to primary coverage
››Plan also includes toll-free 24/7 assistance with medical, dental or legal emergencies, lost travel documents, emergency
cash transfers and more
Enjoy your journey with Abercrombie & Kent’s Passenger Travel Protection Program.
*This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance is
underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., with its principal place of business in New York, NY. Coverage may not be available
in all states. Travel assistance services are provided by Travel Guard.
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
61
Sundowner view over the Masai Mara
Luxury Small Group Journeys
A world of inspiration awaits.
Abercrombie & Kent’s Luxury Small Group Journeys offer the finest group travel experience in the world: journeys where luxury
and discovery go hand in hand, and where A&K’s signature insider access introduces you to people and sites far beyond the reach
of the average traveller. With more than 40 itineraries to choose from, Luxury Small Group Journeys let you visit nearly every
continent in premier A&K style.
Luxury Small Group Journeys offer:
››Exclusive private access to the people and places that make a destination unique
››The most luxurious hotels in the best locations
››Small groups of no more than 12-18 guests (24 on cruises and family journeys)
››Complimentary Travelling Bell Boy® luggage handling, an A&K exclusive that delivers your
bags from room to room throughout your journey
Abercrombie & Kent
››Free Internet at most hotels
››World-renowned resident Tour Directors and local experts
2013
LUXUrY smALL groUp joUrneYs
Request the Luxury Small Group Journeys brochure and learn more about A&K group travel at its
absolute best. Contact an A&K travel specialist at 800 323 7308, visit abercrombiekent.com/luxury
or contact your travel professional.
luxury
SMAll GrOuP
JOurNEyS
Contact your travel professional or Abercrombie & Kent at:
1411 Opus Place
Executive Towers West II, Suite 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800 323 7308 (M-F 8-7, Sat 9-1 CST)
[email protected]
abercrombiekent.com
@AKTravel_USA
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
2013
®
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/ 2013
Image of a Vietnamese rice farmer, a finalist in A&K’s Facebook photo contest
A&K Everywhere
Keep up with A&K through Facebook, Twitter and your favorite mobile devices.
The Social Traveller
Get the latest A&K news and offers, and become part of an active and engaged online
travel community, through Facebook and Twitter. A&K’s page on Facebook features
travellers’ experiences and pictures from locales near and far, while our Twitter feed
keeps you up to date on the latest travel news and offers from around the world. Find
us online today.
facebook.com/AbercrombieKent
@AKTravel_USA
A&K on the Go
A&K’s mobile website features content specially tailored to mobile browsers and allows you to view any A&K journey
from your iPhone, Blackberry or Android device. Search for your favorite destinations, catch up on the latest offers
and promotions or browse through photo galleries just as you would on the full site.
Visit abercrombiekent.com on your mobile device.
See the World of A&K on Your iPad
®
See the world through the eyes of an A&K traveller with The World of A&K, an
immersive multimedia environment developed exclusively for the iPad. From
Virtual Visits that recreate the A&K experience through sound and video to an
interactive map that is yours to customize and share, A&K for iPad lets you explore
and interact with dozens of A&K destinations without ever leaving home.
abercrombiekent.com/ipad
iPad and App Store are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
®
™
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
63
Terms & Conditions
Connections journeys as
indicated on select dates are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of
two (2) persons. Guaranteed departures will operate except only in cases
of force majeure, which could include any major world event adversely
affecting international travel patterns or other circumstances beyond
A&K’s control. Programs containing a cruise component may require a
varying number of passengers to operate.
A&K GUARANTEED DEPARTURES:
A&K PRICE ASSURANCE: The A&K Price Assurance applies
to 2013 Connections and Luxury Small Group Journeys available
through Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. Short-term one-day promotions
and international air and extra services are excluded. The A&K Price
Assurance applies only to 2013 advertised rates on abercrombiekent.
com for the same program, travel date and accommodation classification.
Abercrombie & Kent reserves the right to modify or cancel the A&K Price
Assurance for future bookings without prior notice. Marco Polo Club
discount does not apply to Connections departures.
INCLUDED IN ESCORTED GROUP PROGRAMS: All
accommodations as noted in the itinerary; meals as specified; arrival and
departure transfers (regardless of days of arrival and departure); fully
guided sightseeing as noted in the itinerary (including park and entrance
fees); local bottled water during sightseeing; selected beverages with
group meals; services of an A&K Tour Director (or Egyptologist in Egypt);
handling of two pieces of baggage per person for international flights
(other conditions/restrictions may apply for internal routes; please refer
to BAGGAGE section); hotel taxes; and gratuities throughout, except
to the Tour Director/Egyptologist and safari camp staff/driver-guides/
trackers. (See separate section on GRATUITIES for more details.)
Medical evacuation service, when available, including air transportation
to medical care facilities, is included within Kenya and Tanzania.
Hospitalization and medical expenses are at an additional cost.
SPECIAL NOTES: Services on Connections journeys may be
modified to accommodate a small group. All extensions are locally
guided.
GRATUITIES: Gratuities are included for hotel and restaurant staff,
porterage and local guides and drivers. Gratuities are not included for the
A&K Tour Director/Egyptologist, which are at the traveller’s discretion
and should be based on the level of satisfaction with the service received.
Where applicable, gratuities to ship crews and camp staff are also not
included in the escorted group program price and are at the discretion of
the traveller. Recommended guidelines by tour will be provided in A&K’s
pre-tour documentation.
NOT INCLUDED IN connections Journey
PRICES: Passenger Travel Protection Program; international and
internal airfares, unless otherwise noted; costs associated with obtaining
passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted;
excess baggage charges; gratuities to the A&K Tour Director/Egyptologist
on Connections programs or camp staff as outlined above; meals other
than those specified in the itinerary; beverages other than noted in
your pre-tour documentation; sightseeing not included in the published
itinerary; and personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges
and optional activities (which are subject to availability).
Accommodations including vessels and arranged
sightseeing are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen
circumstances or circumstances beyond Abercrombie & Kent’s control.
Every effort will be made to operate itineraries as planned, but alterations
may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. A&K also reserves the
right to withdraw a program or any part of it, to make such alterations to
the itinerary or the program inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable,
and to pass on to tour members any expenditures or losses caused by
delays or events beyond its control.
ITINERARIES:
SPECIAL REQUESTS: Specific requests such as adjacent or
connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking rooms and special dietary
needs should be advised at time of booking. Please note that while every
effort will be made to secure a special request, it cannot be guaranteed in
advance of travel.
PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS: Quoted program prices are
per person, double occupancy except where indicated. Prices include
planning, handling and operational charges and are based on current
rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes in effect at the time of publication.
A&K reserves the right to increase program prices to cover increased
costs, tariffs, taxes and V.A.T. received after prices are published and
to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. A&K is under no
64
/ 2013
obligation to give a breakdown in costs of any small group escorted
journey. Modification of program content to accommodate a smaller group
size will not affect the published program price.
On programs where immediate
check-in has not been included in the program price, A&K has requested
that all hotels provide the service when possible; however, it cannot
be guaranteed. Most hotels allow check-in to take place during the
mid-afternoon. Should you wish to have a guaranteed room ready for your
immediate check-in upon arrival, it can be arranged for an additional
charge. Please ask A&K for details and prices.
IMMEDIATE CHECK-IN:
A&K recommends that you arrive a day or two
before the start of your planned program to allow time to relax and
refresh after your journey. To prepare for the start of your tour, A&K has
negotiated favorable overnight rates at many hotels; please ask for details
at time of booking. Departing early from the U.S. and Canada during the
winter months is strongly recommended, due to possible flight disruptions
and cancellations caused by inclement weather.
EARLY ARRIVAL:
CHILD POLICY: On non-family A&K escorted small group journeys,
unless otherwise indicated on the individual tour, a minimum age of 10
years is required. However, some activities contained within an itinerary
may have a different age restriction than the overall minimum age
requirement. Details will be provided at the time of booking .
Some active elements have been incorporated
into select itineraries. To enjoy the trip as intended, a minimum level of
fitness is required. A&K will require notice if any participant has any
physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to
him or herself or to other members of the group. A&K reserves the right
to decline acceptance of anyone whom it considers unsuitable due to
fitness level. A&K also reserves the right to remove from the trip, at
the participant’s own expense, anyone whose condition is such that it
could create a hazard to him or herself or others, or otherwise impact
the enjoyment of other passengers. SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY
ACTIVE ELEMENTS:
are subject to the following: Cancellations received 31 or more days prior
to the service will be refunded in full; cancellations received 30-15 days
in advance will be charged 50% of the price; and cancellations received
less than 15 days in advance will be charged 100% of the price. Special
cancellation charges apply to select hotels in Egypt and East Africa.
Payment and cancellation terms and conditions for
extensions and internal air may vary from those noted above. Ask A&K
for details.
EXCEPTIONS:
AIR TRANSPORTATION: International airfares are not included
in program pricing. Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, has special
agreements with many carriers and can offer quotations from any
gateway. Please ask your destination specialist about our special fares.
All international and internal air quotes are subject to change and can
carry penalties and surcharges until final payment has been received
by A&K. Flight confirmation is based on availability. Air reservations
cannot be confirmed until a passport copy is received by A&K. PLEASE
NOTE THAT CERTAIN AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO A
SERVICE FEE.
Airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission
or event during the time passengers are not on board their planes or
conveyances. These programs may use the services of any IATA carrier.
International air carriers are subject to international air conventions
limiting their liability. The limitations of liability are contained on the
reverse side of the airline ticket or e-ticket receipt, or on the carrier’s
web site, and form part of the terms and conditions of this package. The
passage contract in use by these companies, when issued, shall constitute
the sole contract between the companies and the purchaser of these travel
programs and/or passage.
BAGGAGE: Abercrombie & Kent provides handling of two pieces
QUESTIONS OR NEED ANY CLARIFICATION ABOUT
A SPECIFIC PROGRAM, PLEASE ASK FOR DETAILS AT
TIME OF BOOKING.
of baggage per person. Weight restrictions on some routes on internal/
domestic flights may apply; details will be provided with pre-tour
documentation. Baggage and personal effects are at the owner’s risk
throughout the travel program, and A&K assumes no liability for lost
or damaged baggage. Please check with your international carrier for
other baggage restrictions applicable to your international flights.
A&K’S PASSENGER TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN:
Claims and Refunds: Refunds are not made for any missed
Our specially designed travel protection plan, which provides
cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or
damaged luggage, is not included in the program price and is strongly
recommended. See page 61 for more details.
Valid passports are required for
all international destinations. It is recommended that you check with
A&K and the U.S. Department of State website for the latest passport
and visa requirements. Please note that non-U.S. passport holders are
responsible for obtaining the required documentation applicable for entry.
Passports must be valid for six (6) months after the return of your journey
and should also have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigrations
stamps. A&K cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry
to a country due to non-compliance with these requirements. A copy of
your valid passport must be submitted to A&K in order to confirm air
reservations.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS:
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE: A deposit
of $500 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is
due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90
days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of the
request in order to secure confirmation. For all India programs operating
between November 1 and December 31, 2013, final payment is due 120
days prior to departure. A special deposit applies. For China: Life Along
the Yangtze, a non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a Specialty
Suite (Jade, Mandarin, Imperial or Celestial) on the Sanctuary ‘Yangzi
Explorer.’ Ask A&K for details.
CANCELLATION CHARGES: Cancellations received by A&K
90 days or more prior to departure will be subject to a $500 per person/
per tour cancellation fee; 89-60 days prior to departure will be subject to
20% of the program price; 59-30 days prior to departure will be subject
to 50% of the program price; and 29 days or less prior to departure will
be subject to 100% of the program price. For all India programs operating
between November 1 and December 31, 2013, a special cancellation
schedule applies. Ask A&K for details.
Additional hotel
nights and other extra services booked in connection with A&K programs
CANCELLATION FOR extra services:
services, except for verifiable extenuating circumstances. Please see our
Limits on Abercrombie & Kent’s Responsibility
clause below. For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be
received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program
and be accompanied by supporting documentation and/or a statement
from the local destination company verifying the claim. Any adjustment
considered will be based on the actual price of the services involved
and not on a per diem basis. Adjustments will not be made for unused
sightseeing trips or meals. A&K will not accept any liability for any
claims that are not received within 30 days of the termination of your
travel program. All claims for days missed while travelling should be
made in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program.
Photography During Travel: Abercrombie & Kent
reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any
program or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes. By
booking a program with A&K, program members agree to allow their
images to be used in such photographs. Program members who prefer
that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to their
Tour Director at the beginning of their program.
Limits on Abercrombie & Kent’s Responsibility:
Abercrombie & Kent, USA, LLC, its employees, shareholders, officers,
directors, successors, agents and assigns (collectively A&K), does not
own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services
for your trip. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, coach, train, vessel
or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant,
ground handling and other services from various independent suppliers
(including from time to time other affiliated Abercrombie & Kent
companies). All such persons and entities are independent contractors.
As a result, A&K is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such
person or entity or of any third person.
In addition and without limitation, A&K is not responsible for any injury,
financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to
personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or
services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force
One Name: One Unparalleled
Standard Worldwide
the advance payments received by Abercrombie & Kent. More details of the
Throughout this brochure and on abercrombiekent.com, you’ll see references
at 345 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1801, New York, New York 10001, by email to
to “Abercrombie & Kent” (or simply “A&K”). This is our shorthand for the many
[email protected] or by visiting their website at www.USTOA.com.
USTOA Travelers Assistance Program may be obtained by writing to USTOA
independent A&K companies that work with Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC
of Downers Grove, Illinois, to provide its travellers with a consistent worldwide
ASTA TOP Tour Operator Program
standard of expertise and excellence in travel. Their independence allows our
Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC is a member of the
American Society of Travel Agents TOP Program, open
guests to benefit from the unique local knowledge and specialized services
available only from destination-based operating companies around the globe.
United States Tour Operators
Association $1 million
travelers assistance program
only to select tour operators.
Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC is also a member of
the National Tour Association (NTA), the leading association for
professionals serving travelers to, from and within North America.
Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, as an Active Member of USTOA, is required
to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with
Travel Agents
the terms and conditions of the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance
A travel agent can enhance your trip by providing information and advice
Program, the advance payments of Abercrombie & Kent customers in the
not contained in this brochure. A&K has long-standing relationships with
unlikely event of an Abercrombie & Kent bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation
the industry’s best travel agents and would be pleased to work with yours.
of business. Further, you should understand that the $1 Million posted by
Abercrombie & Kent may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery of
majeure, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt,
animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities
of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning,
mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation
or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on
time.
There are many inherent risks in adventure travel of the type involved
here, which can lead to illness, injury, or even death. These risks are
increased by the fact that these trips take place in remote locations,
far from medical facilities. Passenger assumes all such risks associated
with participating in these trips.
Travel Advisories and Warnings: It is the
responsibility of the traveller to become informed about the most
current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S. State
Department’s travel website at travel.state.gov or by phone at 888
407 4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning
against travel to the specific destination location(s) of the trip, should
the traveller still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory
or warning, the traveller assumes all risk of personal injury, death or
property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or
warned against.
Arbitration Agreement: Any controversy or claim arising
out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions, to the
Limits on Abercrombie & Kent’s Responsibility
clause, to the brochure, to any information relating in any way to the
trip, to the trip itself, or to any products or services related to the
trip, shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in
Chicago, Illinois in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules
of the American Arbitration Association, except that (a) in lieu of a
personal appearance at arbitration, the arbitration may be conducted
by telephonic means, (b) arbitration is the exclusive forum for dispute
resolution (no court actions), and (c) except as otherwise provided by
statute, each party shall bear its own costs and expenses and an equal
share of the arbitrator and administrative fees.
Traveller’s Representations: The traveller represents
that neither he nor she nor anyone travelling with him or her has any
physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to
himself or herself or other members of the tour. A&K reserves the right
to decline to accept anyone on a trip, and to remove from the trip, at
his or her sole expense, anyone whose condition is such that he or she
could create a hazard to himself or others, or otherwise impact the
enjoyment of other passengers on the trip.
ANY PAYMENT TO ABERCROMBIE & KENT CONSTITUTES
YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT
HEREIN AND IN MORE SPECIFIC PRE-DEPARTURE PASSENGER
DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING THE PERSONAL INFORMATION
FORM.
Abercrombie & Kent accepts all major credit cards.
© 2012 Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. ABERCROMBIE & KENT,
A&K, GUARDIAN ANGEL, CONNECTIONS BY ABERCROMBIE &
KENT, INSPIRING EXPERIENCES, MARCO POLO CLUB, PRIVATE
JOURNEYS, SIGNATURE SERIES, SIMPLY THE BEST WAY TO
TRAVEL, TRAVELLING BELL BOY and the ampersand design are
service marks owned by Abercrombie & Kent Group of Companies, S.A.
The service marks and trademarks of airlines appearing in this brochure
and on abercrombiekent.com are owned by the respective companies
mentioned.
Kramer, Ernesto Rios Lanz, Frans Lemmen, LMR Media, LOOK Die
Bildagentur der Fotografen GmbH, Guillem Lopez, Lucid Photography
Services, Dennis MacDonald, Richard Manin, Stevie Mann, Lawrence
Manning, Mantra Group, Michael Walters 4, MIVA Stock, Stephen
Morris, Luciano Mortula, Altrendo Nature, Orient-Express Hotels Ltd,
Vladimir Ovchinnikov, Panorama Media (Beijing) Ltd., Panoramic
Images, Peppers Beach Club, Ben Pipe, Vincente Machancoses Primo,
Purestock, QCumber, William Rawlings, Red Cliffs Lodge, The Regent
Esplanade Zagreb, Robert Harding World Imagery, Rollie Rodriguez,
Sanctuary Retreats, SIME s.a.s., Sino Group of Hotels, Sofitel Luxury
Hotels, Sopa Lodges, St. Regis Rome Grand Hotel, Starwood Hotels
& Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Lee Karen Stow, Keren Su, SuperStock,
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, Suzanne Teng, Thinkstock, Luboslav
Tiles, Tips Images / Tips Italia Srl a socio unico, Travelscape Images,
Tuul, Martin Valigursky, View Stock, Voyages Hotels & Resorts, James
Warwick, Andrew Watson, Stuart Westmorland, Tim Whitby, Paul
Williams, Jan Wlodarczyk, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc., Brian Yarvin,
Steve Zalan
CST#2007274-20
design & production: Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC /
Downers Grove, IL / abercrombiekent.com
printing: Lithographix Inc. / Hawthorne, CA / lithographix.com
photography: Abercrombie & Kent, Alamy, Steve Allen, Jaime
Amerlan, Karl Ammann, Aranwa Hotels Resorst & Spas, Liz Boyd,
Sylvain Brajeul, British Airways, Yvette Cardozo, The Carlson Rezidor
Hotel Group, Cephas Picture Library, China Span, Comstock Images,
Corbis Images, Dennis Cox, CTK, CuboImages s.r.l., Digital Vision, Li
Ding, Stephen Emerson, eStock Photo, Greg Balfour Evans, eventpix,
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Steve Filipiak, James Forni, FunkyFood
London, Fuse, Slawomir Gawryluk, Getty Images, Andrea Getuli,
graficart.net, Grand Hotel & La Pace Spa, Grand Teton Lodge Company
& Flagg Ranch Company, Gwen Shabka Photography, Ryan Heffernan,
Hemera, Hemera Technologies, Andy Hockridge, Cindy Hopkins,
Hotel Alfonso XIII, Hungarian National Tourism Board, Imperial
Dubrovnik, Inkaterra Machu Picchu, InterContinental Hotels Group,
iStockphoto, Jupiterimages, Sandra Kapocius, Silva Krajnc, Philip
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
65
Connections by Abercrombie & Kent
2013 Destinations
Index of Dates and Destinations
Destination
66
Brochure Page #
# of days
priced from
Italy: Renaissance Cities
16
8
$4,380
Italy: South to North
18
13
$7,270
France: Art & Artistry
22
9
$4,760
Spain: Seven Cities
24
10
$5,495
Eastern Europe: Budapest, Vienna & Prague
26
10
$4,335
Croatia: Jewel of the Coast
28
9
$3,675
East Africa: Tanzania & Kenya
30
11
$5,195
Morocco: Kasbahs & Medinas
34
8
$3,395
Egypt: Ancient Kingdoms
36
9
$3,795
China: Life Along the Yangtze
40
13
$4,690
Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam
44
15
$5,395
India: Spiritual Splendors
48
11
$3,990
Australia: Adventure Down Under
50
10
$5,350
Peru: Land of the Incas
52
9
$4,185
North America: Canyons of the Southwest
54
10
$4,845
North America: Yellowstone
56
10
$3,995
North America: Canadian Rockies
58
8
$4,*90
/ 2013
Book with confidence
Journeys in bold are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of two guests.
Italic indicates an itinerary that concludes in the following month.
Jan
FEB
MAR
APR
may
jun
jul
aug
sep
oct
09-16
30-07
14-21
11-18
30-06
20-27
03-10
01-08
15-22
27-08
03-15
17-29
01-13
22-03
09-21
14-26
12-20
03-11
31-08
07-15
28-06
22-01
13-22
17-26
24-03
08-17
22-31
02-11
16-25
14-23
23-02
14-23
21-30
11-20
18-27
09-18
10-19
08-17
03-11
24-01
07-15
21-29
06-14
13-21
04-12
04-14
12-22
02-12
04-14
16-26
22-29
05-12
20-30
20-02
11-23
18-30
01-13
22-04
13-25
17-29
07-17
Venice revealed herself to us in spectacular fashion.
05-13
03-11
17-25
07-15
19-27
28-07
12-21
08-17
23-02
07-16
04-13
26-04
23-02
8-17
26-04
25-01
08-15
6-13
20-27
03-10
31-07
dec
11-19
18-26
16-24
03-13
nov
10-18
22-30
07-19
21-03
05-17
26-07
12-26
11-21
19-27
03-11
03-17
10-24
24-07
07-21
21-05
05-19
12-26
15-25
20-30
27-06
10-20
08-18
09-18
07-16
06-14
20-28
25-02
02-11
01-10
15-24
29-08
14-21
28-05
800 652 8018 / ak-connections.com
67
Terms & Conditions
Connections journeys as
indicated on select dates are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of
two (2) persons. Guaranteed departures will operate except only in cases
of force majeure, which could include any major world event adversely
affecting international travel patterns or other circumstances beyond
A&K’s control. Programs containing a cruise component may require a
varying number of passengers to operate.
A&K GUARANTEED DEPARTURES:
A&K PRICE ASSURANCE: The A&K Price Assurance applies
to 2013 Connections and Luxury Small Group Journeys available
through Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. Short-term one-day promotions
and international air and extra services are excluded. The A&K Price
Assurance applies only to 2013 advertised rates on abercrombiekent.
com for the same program, travel date and accommodation classification.
Abercrombie & Kent reserves the right to modify or cancel the A&K Price
Assurance for future bookings without prior notice. Marco Polo Club
discount does not apply to Connections departures.
INCLUDED IN ESCORTED GROUP PROGRAMS: All
accommodations as noted in the itinerary; meals as specified; arrival and
departure transfers (regardless of days of arrival and departure); fully
guided sightseeing as noted in the itinerary (including park and entrance
fees); local bottled water during sightseeing; selected beverages with
group meals; services of an A&K Tour Director (or Egyptologist in Egypt);
handling of two pieces of baggage per person for international flights
(other conditions/restrictions may apply for internal routes; please refer
to BAGGAGE section); hotel taxes; and gratuities throughout, except
to the Tour Director/Egyptologist and safari camp staff/driver-guides/
trackers. (See separate section on GRATUITIES for more details.)
Medical evacuation service, when available, including air transportation
to medical care facilities, is included within Kenya and Tanzania.
Hospitalization and medical expenses are at an additional cost.
SPECIAL NOTES: Services on Connections journeys may be
modified to accommodate a small group. All extensions are locally
guided.
GRATUITIES: Gratuities are included for hotel and restaurant staff,
porterage and local guides and drivers. Gratuities are not included for the
A&K Tour Director/Egyptologist, which are at the traveller’s discretion
and should be based on the level of satisfaction with the service received.
Where applicable, gratuities to ship crews and camp staff are also not
included in the escorted group program price and are at the discretion of
the traveller. Recommended guidelines by tour will be provided in A&K’s
pre-tour documentation.
NOT INCLUDED IN connections Journey
PRICES: Passenger Travel Protection Program; international and
internal airfares, unless otherwise noted; costs associated with obtaining
passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted;
excess baggage charges; gratuities to the A&K Tour Director/Egyptologist
on Connections programs or camp staff as outlined above; meals other
than those specified in the itinerary; beverages other than noted in
your pre-tour documentation; sightseeing not included in the published
itinerary; and personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges
and optional activities (which are subject to availability).
Accommodations including vessels and arranged
sightseeing are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen
circumstances or circumstances beyond Abercrombie & Kent’s control.
Every effort will be made to operate itineraries as planned, but alterations
may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. A&K also reserves the
right to withdraw a program or any part of it, to make such alterations to
the itinerary or the program inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable,
and to pass on to tour members any expenditures or losses caused by
delays or events beyond its control.
ITINERARIES:
SPECIAL REQUESTS: Specific requests such as adjacent or
connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking rooms and special dietary
needs should be advised at time of booking. Please note that while every
effort will be made to secure a special request, it cannot be guaranteed in
advance of travel.
PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS: Quoted program prices are
per person, double occupancy except where indicated. Prices include
planning, handling and operational charges and are based on current
rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes in effect at the time of publication.
A&K reserves the right to increase program prices to cover increased
costs, tariffs, taxes and V.A.T. received after prices are published and
to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. A&K is under no
64
/ 2013
obligation to give a breakdown in costs of any small group escorted
journey. Modification of program content to accommodate a smaller group
size will not affect the published program price.
On programs where immediate
check-in has not been included in the program price, A&K has requested
that all hotels provide the service when possible; however, it cannot
be guaranteed. Most hotels allow check-in to take place during the
mid-afternoon. Should you wish to have a guaranteed room ready for your
immediate check-in upon arrival, it can be arranged for an additional
charge. Please ask A&K for details and prices.
IMMEDIATE CHECK-IN:
A&K recommends that you arrive a day or two
before the start of your planned program to allow time to relax and
refresh after your journey. To prepare for the start of your tour, A&K has
negotiated favorable overnight rates at many hotels; please ask for details
at time of booking. Departing early from the U.S. and Canada during the
winter months is strongly recommended, due to possible flight disruptions
and cancellations caused by inclement weather.
EARLY ARRIVAL:
CHILD POLICY: On non-family A&K escorted small group journeys,
unless otherwise indicated on the individual tour, a minimum age of 10
years is required. However, some activities contained within an itinerary
may have a different age restriction than the overall minimum age
requirement. Details will be provided at the time of booking .
Some active elements have been incorporated
into select itineraries. To enjoy the trip as intended, a minimum level of
fitness is required. A&K will require notice if any participant has any
physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to
him or herself or to other members of the group. A&K reserves the right
to decline acceptance of anyone whom it considers unsuitable due to
fitness level. A&K also reserves the right to remove from the trip, at
the participant’s own expense, anyone whose condition is such that it
could create a hazard to him or herself or others, or otherwise impact
the enjoyment of other passengers. SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY
ACTIVE ELEMENTS:
are subject to the following: Cancellations received 31 or more days prior
to the service will be refunded in full; cancellations received 30-15 days
in advance will be charged 50% of the price; and cancellations received
less than 15 days in advance will be charged 100% of the price. Special
cancellation charges apply to select hotels in Egypt and East Africa.
Payment and cancellation terms and conditions for
extensions and internal air may vary from those noted above. Ask A&K
for details.
EXCEPTIONS:
AIR TRANSPORTATION: International airfares are not included
in program pricing. Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, has special
agreements with many carriers and can offer quotations from any
gateway. Please ask your destination specialist about our special fares.
All international and internal air quotes are subject to change and can
carry penalties and surcharges until final payment has been received
by A&K. Flight confirmation is based on availability. Air reservations
cannot be confirmed until a passport copy is received by A&K. PLEASE
NOTE THAT CERTAIN AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO A
SERVICE FEE.
Airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission
or event during the time passengers are not on board their planes or
conveyances. These programs may use the services of any IATA carrier.
International air carriers are subject to international air conventions
limiting their liability. The limitations of liability are contained on the
reverse side of the airline ticket or e-ticket receipt, or on the carrier’s
web site, and form part of the terms and conditions of this package. The
passage contract in use by these companies, when issued, shall constitute
the sole contract between the companies and the purchaser of these travel
programs and/or passage.
BAGGAGE: Abercrombie & Kent provides handling of two pieces
QUESTIONS OR NEED ANY CLARIFICATION ABOUT
A SPECIFIC PROGRAM, PLEASE ASK FOR DETAILS AT
TIME OF BOOKING.
of baggage per person. Weight restrictions on some routes on internal/
domestic flights may apply; details will be provided with pre-tour
documentation. Baggage and personal effects are at the owner’s risk
throughout the travel program, and A&K assumes no liability for lost
or damaged baggage. Please check with your international carrier for
other baggage restrictions applicable to your international flights.
A&K’S PASSENGER TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN:
Claims and Refunds: Refunds are not made for any missed
Our specially designed travel protection plan, which provides
cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or
damaged luggage, is not included in the program price and is strongly
recommended. See page 61 for more details.
Valid passports are required for
all international destinations. It is recommended that you check with
A&K and the U.S. Department of State website for the latest passport
and visa requirements. Please note that non-U.S. passport holders are
responsible for obtaining the required documentation applicable for entry.
Passports must be valid for six (6) months after the return of your journey
and should also have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigrations
stamps. A&K cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry
to a country due to non-compliance with these requirements. A copy of
your valid passport must be submitted to A&K in order to confirm air
reservations.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS:
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE: A deposit
of $500 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is
due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90
days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of the
request in order to secure confirmation. For all India programs operating
between November 1 and December 31, 2013, final payment is due 120
days prior to departure. A special deposit applies. For China: Life Along
the Yangtze, a non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a Specialty
Suite (Jade, Mandarin, Imperial or Celestial) on the Sanctuary ‘Yangzi
Explorer.’ Ask A&K for details.
CANCELLATION CHARGES: Cancellations received by A&K
90 days or more prior to departure will be subject to a $500 per person/
per tour cancellation fee; 89-60 days prior to departure will be subject to
20% of the program price; 59-30 days prior to departure will be subject
to 50% of the program price; and 29 days or less prior to departure will
be subject to 100% of the program price. For all India programs operating
between November 1 and December 31, 2013, a special cancellation
schedule applies. Ask A&K for details.
Additional hotel
nights and other extra services booked in connection with A&K programs
CANCELLATION FOR extra services:
services, except for verifiable extenuating circumstances. Please see our
Limits on Abercrombie & Kent’s Responsibility
clause below. For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be
received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program
and be accompanied by supporting documentation and/or a statement
from the local destination company verifying the claim. Any adjustment
considered will be based on the actual price of the services involved
and not on a per diem basis. Adjustments will not be made for unused
sightseeing trips or meals. A&K will not accept any liability for any
claims that are not received within 30 days of the termination of your
travel program. All claims for days missed while travelling should be
made in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program.
Photography During Travel: Abercrombie & Kent
reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any
program or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes. By
booking a program with A&K, program members agree to allow their
images to be used in such photographs. Program members who prefer
that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to their
Tour Director at the beginning of their program.
Limits on Abercrombie & Kent’s Responsibility:
Abercrombie & Kent, USA, LLC, its employees, shareholders, officers,
directors, successors, agents and assigns (collectively A&K), does not
own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services
for your trip. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, coach, train, vessel
or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant,
ground handling and other services from various independent suppliers
(including from time to time other affiliated Abercrombie & Kent
companies). All such persons and entities are independent contractors.
As a result, A&K is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such
person or entity or of any third person.
In addition and without limitation, A&K is not responsible for any injury,
financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to
personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or
services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force