Contents

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CONTENTS

First sight

4A selection of photographs from our specialists’ latest adventures: this issue, showcasing the best of Italy and China.

Escape routes

8Travel news: take off to Oman, eco-safari in Zambia, and sail the Galapagos on the Solaris.

Introducing Greece

14Explore the diverse highlights of our newest European destination, with an ancient history and culture that’s matched by its scenery – on both sea and land.

Top 6: responsible

20wildlife experiences

Our pick of the best conservation trips: from tracking leopard to seeing pandas.

Widen your

22 travel window

Five destinations that offer you a rewarding experience, but at a time of year you might not expect.

Head to head:

28 Florence vs Naples

Italy is famous for its Renaissance art – but which city boasts the better masterpiece?

New Zealand

30Go on a trip through New Zealand’s most majestic glaciers.

32 Myanmar

Our specialists delve into Myanmar to discover its community-led projects, hide-and-seek cooking lessons, and dolphin conservation programs.

Just back from…

38Updates from our experts’ travels: Namibia, Myanmar, Argentina, and Oman.

48 hours in… Xian

40Trace the city’s ancient history and see its famous Terracotta Army, Ming-era towers and souk-like winding lanes.

Travelers’ tales

44Your stories and images: culture in Chile and Easter Island and tribe life in Laos.

Interview: Hamish Haslop

48Discover the secrets of the Australian rainforest with the owner of Mungumby Lodge.

Q&A: Bhutan

50Mountain monasteries and fiery cuisine: what to expect from the last Shangri-la.

2 | AUDLEY TRAVELER

SUMMER 2019

Discover the country’s culture and cuisine through community-led experiences

WELCOME

Dear Traveler

Welcome to the summer issue of Audley Traveler.

In this edition, we’re throwing some common travel perceptions to the wind. Our specialists are regularly asked when’s the best time to travel to a destination, but there’s more flexibility than you might think. Head to page 22 to discover the benefits of being moveable with your travel window.

We’ve also expanded our European offerings to include Greece, birthplace of democracy, philosophy, gyros and heroes. On page 14, you can delve into this rich culture with five experiences that will help you explore different facets of the country, including kayaking over sunken ruins and a private tour to discover local life in Santorini.

Some of our most recent discoveries hail from Myanmar. We sent a small team to journey across the country and seek out experiences that directly support local communities in the best way possible. Sophie, who was part of the group, talks about her highlights on page 32.

I hope you enjoy the issue.

Jacqui Lewis Managing Director

77 N Washington St, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 Telephone: 1-855-838-8300 Website: www.audleytravel.com The vacations featured in this magazine are suggestions only and will be customized to fit your travel dates and preferences. All prices quoted are exclusive of international flights and subject to change. Designed by Wanderlust Travel Media. CST#2117258-40 | Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST39468.

Images supplied by Audley travelers, staff and suppliers, Cramer © Trustees of the Natural History Museum, Alamy, AWL, Robert Harding, iStockphoto and Superstock

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR DAILY TRAVEL INSPIRATION Tag @AudleyTravel and #TheAudleyWay to share your travel photos with us.

Contributors

Suzanne McGrory

Europe product manager After living and working in Greece and Italy, Suzanne joined our Europe team. Read about her latest travels in Greece on page 14, as it becomes our newest Europe destination. Plastic-saving travel tip? Take a reusable shopping bag.

Sophie Felton

Southeast Asia specialist Currently studying for an MSc in international development, Sophie is passionate about community-led travel. Read about the new experiences she tasted recently in Myanmar on page 32. Plastic-saving travel tip? Buy a shampoo bar instead of using up hotel miniatures.

Emily Summer

New Zealand specialist Emily has hiked, flown and paddled across the country’s landscapes. On page 30, she compares and contrasts the South Island’s showstopping glaciers, and how to explore them. Plastic-saving travel tip? Carry a reusable water bottle.

THE REAL MYANMAR

4THINGS we’ve learned this issue

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1Small communities are trailblazing some of the best ways to experience Myanmar, and securing their own future in the process. (p32)2We’ve all heard of

Michelangelo’s David, but Sanmartino’s Veiled Christ not so much. Yet, this Neapolitan sculpture is worthy of the same acclaim. (p28)3It’s almost unknown for a glacier to run right down to the coast, but New Zealand’s Franz Josef and Fox glaciers do exactly this. (p30)4You stand a chance of meeting one of the farmers who first discovered the Terracotta Warriors in 1974 when you visit the army in Xian – you might even find him signing books in one of the gift shops. (p40)

On the cover

Woman from the Kayah tribe, Myanmar Discover Myanmar through our favorite community-led experiences on page 32. For more information, call our Myanmar specialists on 1-855-838-0105 or request a copy of our Southeast Asia brochure at www.audleytravel.com/us/brochures

AUDLEY TRAVELER | 3