Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Our Small Group Journeys Private Tours & Custom Travel SAVE $800 or more per couple Book by December 31, 2013
22 NEW Trips
2014-2015
Africa | Asia | Europe | Latin America
Even after 67 years as one of America’s most respected travel companies, we continue to be so inspired by our travelers who yearn for unique cultural experiences in pristine lands that retain their timeless ways. This is what drives us to innovation and it’s the spirit behind our newest journeys... Explore the World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka, the ancient terraced valleys of China and Vietnam or the ancient Silk Road in Uzbekistan – just to name a few! No other company delivers the authenticity we promise to our guests because none can match the intimacy of our Small Group Journeys… never more than 16 guests and oftentimes with 6 or fewer travelers. Likewise, our Private Tours and Custom Travel services will reward you with extraordinary experiences you won’t find anyplace else. We hope to welcome you soon so you can experience for yourself why so many guests tell us that “this was the best tour we’ve ever taken!”
Robert bert D Drumm President P.S. Our $800 per couple pay-in-full savings will almost cover the cost of airfare to many of our destinations... Enjoy remarkable savings without compromise to our fine accommodations and attentive services!
Front cover: A Shaman in Peru 2
®
Extraordinary Savings for Extraordinary Travel SAVE $800 per couple everywhere we go in the world on any departure for all of our “never more than 16 guests” Small Group Journeys and Private Tours!
Solo travelers SAVE $400 on all of our Small Group and Private Tours! And since more guests are booking our trips alone, we always keep our single prices as low as possible! Book now while space is available! Just pay-in-full at time of booking before December 31, 2013.
Family
Friends
Save 50 - 200 more per person when 3 or more go together
More and more of our guests are yearning to travel with their families or an intimate group of friends – and our culturally enriching vacations and exciting adventures worldwide are wonderful experiences to share with loved ones... especially our innovative journeys to Africa, the Galapagos and Asia!
SAVE $50 per person when 3 guests go together… SAVE $100 with 4 people… SAVE $150 with 5 people… and SAVE $200 per person when 6 or more travel together!
Myanmar
India
Asia
A Week in India • 7 days • 16 guests ............................................ 52 NEW
China
Land of the Maharajahs • 13 days • 16 guests............................. 54
Yangtze Sampler by Small Ship • 12 days • 16 guests ............... 12
Grandeur of India & Nepal • 13 days • 16 guests ....................... 56 NEW
Yangtze Sojourn • 11 days • 16 guests ........................................... 14
Visions of India • 12 days • 16 guests ........................................... 58
Historical China, Tibet & the Yangtze • 16 days • 16 guests ..... 16
India In-Style • 9 days • Private....................................................60 NEW
China Sampler • 10 days • 16 guests ............................................. 18
From Kerala to the Taj Mahal • 14 days • 16 guests .................. 62 NEW
Beijing, Xian & Shanghai • 8 days • Private ...............................20
The Captivating Isle of Sri Lanka • 11 days • 16 guests .............64 NEW
The Pandas of Chengdu • 11 days • Private ............................... 21
India, Nepal, Bhutan Private Tours • Private ......................... 66
Across the Himalayas • 10 days • 16 guests ................................ 22
India FreeStyle • Private ...........................................................67
Hill Tribes of China & Vietnam • 11 days • 16 guests ................ 24 NEW Mongolia & Lake Baikal • 12 days • 16 guests.............................26 NEW China In-Style • 10 days • Private.................................................28 NEW China Private Tours • Private ...................................................29 China FreeStyle • Private ..........................................................30
Latin America Galapagos & Peru Our Intimate Journey to the Galapagos • 7 or 8 days • 16 guests................................................................... 72
Japan
Silversea Expeditions to the Galapagos • 11 days • 16 guests .. 74
From Japan’s Inland Sea to the Alps • 11 days • 16 guests ....... 31
Machu Picchu & the Galapagos • 14 days • 16 guests ............... 76
Backroads & Teahouses of Japan • 8 days • 16 guests .............. 34 NEW
Machu Picchu & Reserva Amazonica • 10 days • 16 guests ..... 78 NEW
Simply Affordable Japan • 7 days • Independent ....................... 36
Grandeur of Peru • 12 days • 16 guests ....................................... 80
Japan Private Tours • Private................................................... 37
Peru Explorer • 9 days • 16 guests ................................................82
Japan FreeStyle • Independent .................................................. 37
Five Days in Peru • 5 days • Private ............................................84
Southeast Asia
Chile, Argentina & Brazil
Hill Tribes of Thailand • 12 days • 16 guests...............................38
Across the Andes • 11 days • 16 guests .........................................86
Adventures in Thailand, Laos & Angkor Wat
Easter Island & Patagonia • 8 days • 16 guests ..........................88
14 days • 16 guests .....................................................................40 NEW
A Private Journey to Myanmar • 8 days • Private ............... 42 Visions of Vietnam • 10 days • 16 guests .................................... 44
Into the Amazon & Iguassu • 8 days • 16 guests ........................90 Three Jewels: Buenos Aires, Iguassu & Rio 9 days • Private .............................................................................92
Wildlife of Borneo • 11 days • 16 guests ....................................... 46
Central America, Colombia & Antarctica
Treasures of Korea • 8 days • 16 guests .......................................48 NEW
The Complete Panama Canal • 9 days • 16 guests ..................... 94
Undiscovered Taiwan • 9 days • 16 guests ..................................50 NEW
Classic Cuba • 8 days • 24 guests .............................................96
Asia FreeStyle • Private ............................................................ 51
Highlights of Costa Rica • 8 days • Independent ...................... 97 Treasures of Nature in Costa Rica • 8 days • 16 guests ............98 Treasures of Nicaragua • 8 days • 16 guests........................... 100 Charms of Colombia • 8 days • 16 guests ................................101
Antarctica... Glaciers & Penguins 13 or 14 days • 16 guests ............................................................. 105 Latin America Private Tours • Private ..................................... 102 Latin America FreeStyle • Private ........................................... 103
®
Africa
Europe
On Safari in Kenya & Tanzania • 12 days • 16 guests .............. 110
Capri, Sicily & Malta By Sea • 10 days ...................................... 128
Luxury Tenting in the Serengeti • 9 days • 16 guests ...............114
Grand Capitals of Eastern Europe by Rail • 13 days • 16 guests ...................................................... 130
Journey to South Africa & Victoria Falls 12 days • 16 guests.......................................................................116
Botswana, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe 9 days • 16 guests ........................................................................ 118
South Africa & Botswana Explorer • 12 days • 16 guests........ 120 Custom East Africa • Private ...................................................113 Custom Southern Africa • Private ...........................................121
Italy by Rail • 7 days • Independent ............................................ 132 Gems of Central Europe by Rail • 10 days • Private ............... 134 Classic London & Paris by Rail • 7 days • Independent .......... 135 Adventures Across Iceland • 7 days • 16 guests ....................... 136 NEW Journey to Croatia & Montenegro • 12 days • 16 guests ......... 138 NEW Magic of Morocco • 8 days • 16 guests ....................................... 140 Traditions of Turkey • 12 days • 16 guests................................. 142 NEW
Israel & Middle East
Historic Gems of Russia • 10 days • 16 guests .......................... 144
The Holy Land • 8 days • 16 guests ............................................ 156
Discover Moscow & St. Petersburg • 7 days • Private ............ 148
Our Spectacular Dubai • 5 days • Private ................................. 158 NEW
The Silk Road in Uzbekistan • 10 days • 16 guests .................. 150 NEW
Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Oman • 9 days • Private.......................... 159 NEW
Through the Greek Isles by Sea • 9 days .................................. 152 NEW
Private Tours & FreeStyle • Private ....................................... 160
Europe Private Tours • Private............................................... 153
From Istanbul to St. Petersburg • 14 or 16 days • 16 guests ... 146 NEW
Europe FreeStyle • Private ......................................................155
South Pacific Spectacular New Zealand • 9 days • 16 guests............................68 NEW
European River Cruising ....................... 124
The Most Intimate Groups With our exclusive “Never more than 16 guests” groups (often just 4 or 6 guests!), you’ll develop deeper relationships with your Trip Leader and fellow guests. Traveling more efficiently with less time waiting, you can enjoy authentic encounters with locals, planned and serendipitous, sit down to convivial meals, see more of the sites and stay in small boutique hotels that won’t accept larger groups!
®
Remarkably Affordable Private Tours With a personal car, driver and guide for just your traveling party, our Private Tours offer maximum flexibility and a pace tailored to your group – whether it’s several generations of your family or a merry band of your friends. And you’ll save up to $200 per person when 3 or more travel together!
Custom Travel So many of our sophisticated well-informed guests are turning to us for one-of-a-kind itineraries! Our resourceful Travel Experts are quick, informed and always ready to tailor a personal itinerary with the best guides, most suitable hotels and unforgettable dining – all chosen just for you!
A Truer Sense of Place Handpicked for their deep knowledge and keen cultural insights, our attentive Trip Leaders will take you beyond the tourist-trodden ways of their native lands so you can experience their True Spirit. You can even join them for joyous local celebrations on our many new festival departures!
Truly Personalized Travel Every journey is crafted with a comprehensive and exciting scope of experiences which we can personalize to your particular interest. With our worldwide presence, flexibility comes naturally‌ from adding extra nights to a trip or traveling onward to other places near and far.
Botswana
Thoughtful Insight from our Guests I’m so glad we found General Tours… This was our best vacation ever!
It was the perfect balance of sightseeing and time on our own.
With 67 years of experience, we understand your yearning to feel the true spirit of a place and to return home inspired. And whether it’s our fine trip leaders, the scope and flexibility of our inclusions or the exclusive cultural experiences not available to larger groups, we often hear that our trips are “the best.”
We plan our trips with ample opportunity for you to pursue your own passions. So extensive sightseeing of the must-see sites and hidden gems is carefully balanced by free time so you can relax in a café, return to a favorite museum or just soak up more of the local flavor at your own pace. Of course, our resident guides and Trip Leaders are always on hand to offer guidance and assistance!
Every place we stayed was special!
Your discounts and service make exotic trips possible
From respected luxury brands and historic boutique hotels that are perfect for our Small Groups to our upscale safari camps and eco-lodges, all of our accommodations are handpicked for their outstanding service, authentic ambience and environmental stewardship. Our small ships are also among the finest in the world, from the luxury European river fleet of AmaWaterways to our intimate eco-sensitive expedition vessels in the Galapagos, Amazon and Antarctic!
Because we understand the cost of travel today, we always strive to provide the best value. Compare our prices to other upscale companies and we think you’ll agree… Our Small Group Journeys and Private Tours are a remarkable value for the quality and service we deliver.
Maybe it’s because we’re an American-owned company, but we understand that American travelers value enriching experiences by day… and also want the perfect place to stay every night.
®
I’ll never forget our lunch with the Burmese family in their lakefront home!
I had a last-minute chance to travel and you made it possible!
Perhaps nothing captures the authenticity we strive for more than the regional cuisines, safe and locally sourced, which distinguish our trips. From stylish city-center restaurants and congenial meals with a resident family to shopping in a local market with our chef before a cooking class, these unique dining experiences promise to be one of the most memorable parts of your journey.
Whether it’s a last-minute adjustment due to a change in your flights or the unexpected chance to take some time away, our up-tothe-minute travel technology and responsive Call Center staff are used to solving lastminute travel logistics‌ And we never charge for late bookings!
Galapagos
速
Asia Bali Borneo Cambodia China & Mongolia India & Bhutan Japan Korea Laos Myanmar Sri Lanka Taiwan Thailand Tibet Vietnam
6RXWK 3DFL多F New Zealand
11
Yangtze Sampler by Small Ship 12 days | from $3,699 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Xian’s Terra Cotta Warriors
Thrill to our Trip Leaders, China’s luxury hotels, extensive sightseeing and the ¿QHVW VKLS RQ WKH <DQJW]H
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Browse and shop for produce in a local market to bring to your hosts – a native Beijing family. • A Xian resident shares his lifetime of experience as he guides you through a colorful city market filled with bustling stalls and exotic fare. • Get to know Shanghai’s most famous boulevard on an intimate guided walk along Nanjing Road, just outside your city-center 5-star hotel. • Thrill to the amazing feats and inspiring skill of the world-famous Shanghai Acrobats. 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
We delighted in the personal attention IURP RXU JXLGHV /RJLVWLFV ZHUH ÀDZOHVV and hotels outstanding. We particularly appreciated the additional arrangements you made for us to accomplish our own personal objectives – F.L., Chapel Hill NC 12
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Beijing! A luxury room awaits you at the city-center Sofitel Wanda Hotel. Day 2 – Explore Imperial Beijing Join your Trip Leader after breakfast to explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City c. Browse in a colorful local market and help your guide to select produce for your hosts, a resident family you’ll join for lunch during your rickshaw tour through a hutong, an ancient enclave in this bustling city. This evening, savor a traditional Peking Duck banquet. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – Great Wall c and Summer Palace c excursion Journey into the mountains north of the capital to walk with your guide atop the Great Wall c – an unforgettable experience! Then tour the lovely Summer Palace c, erstwhile seasonal retreat of China’s mighty emperors. Meals B,L Day 4 – From Beijing to your 5-star ship! Fly to Yichang and board the MS Yangzi Explorer, China’s finest ship. Settle in to your balcony stateroom before an elegant dinner with wine. Meals B,D Day 5 – The immense Three Gorges Dam Early risers can start the day with invigorating Tai Chi before breakfast. Enjoy a relaxing morning of scenic cruising or join in the ship’s enriching cultural program. After lunch, visit the massive Three Gorges Dam and return to ship for Afternoon Tea as you cruise through Xiling Gorge. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – Up Shennong Stream and through the Yangtze Gorges A sampan excursion takes you up Shennong Stream, famed for its spectacular mountain scenery. Back onboard, the Explorer navigates through Wu Gorge, renowned for its massive cliffs, and Qutang Gorge. Meals B,L,D Day 7 – Go ashore in Fengdu Get a first hand look at how this small river town has changed since the completion of the Three Gorges Dam and visit a local kindergarten. Back onboard, you can try your hand at traditional brush painting, learn Mah Jong, or just enjoy the captivating scenery. Meals B,L,D
Beijing 3
Day 8 – Disembark in Chongqing and Fly to Xian Visit the Panda’s in Chongqing Zoo before your flight to Xian. Join an in-the-know city resident for fascinating exploration of a colorful local market, popularly referred to as the Muslim Market. Enjoy a dinner of savory dumplings and retreat to the 5-star Hilton Hotel. Meals B,D
Xian 2
Day 9 – Discover the Terra Cotta Army c With our signature Small Group, you’ll enjoy a better view and more time to marvel at the Terra Cotta Warriors before exploring the ancient walls of the city. Enjoy a festive lunch of regional cuisine as you watch a lively noodle-making demonstration. Meals B,L,D Day 10 – Onward to Shanghai Fly to Shanghai and transfer to Le Royal Meridien. Then step out with your guide to explore this bustling part of town. Tonight you’ll attend a thrilling performance of the Shanghai Acrobats. Meals B Day 11 – Shanghai sightseeing Walk along the waterfront Bund, explore the lovely Yu Yuan Garden and tour the Shanghai Museum, highly regarded for its carefully curated exhibits spanning centuries of Chinese culture. Meals B,L,D Day 12 – Farewell to Shanghai Our tour program ends this morning after breakfast. Meals B
With only 62 staterooms, the all-balcony MS Yangtze Explorer is the most intimate on the river. An elegant singleseating dining room features fine international cuisine including wine with lunch and dinner. Enjoy small-group shore excursions and an enriching onboard program.
Beijing – Sofitel Wanda Hotel We’ve reserved a Luxury Room for you at the stylish Asia-Pacific flagship of renowned Sofitel Hotels. This awardwinning hotel boasts some of the city’s finest Continental dining! Xian – Hilton Hotel With an enviable downtown location within the old city walls, this deluxe hotel blends contemporary design, 21st-century guest amenities and Tang Dynasty artwork. Shanghai – Le Royal Meridien Hotel Our contemporary 5-star hotel puts you in the heart of the action right on Nanjing Road, the city’s most popular pedestrian boulevard!
Extend to Hong Kong 4 days from $1,359 Go beyond the ordinary to experience facets of Hong Kong which few visitors glimpse. We include your flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong, 3 nights at the superior Mira Hotel, daily breakfasts, lunch at Jimmy’s Kitchen and our exclusive Be a Hong Kong Insider tour. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
2
Yangtze
Yichang
Chongqing
rm o
sa S
tr.
P a c i f i c
Fo
O c e a n
Hong Kong 3
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Value • Escorted, comprehensive sightseeing with all entry fees • A complete program of shore excursions with all entry fees • 7 nights in our handpicked deluxe and luxury accommodations • 4 nights in a balcony stateroom aboard the MS Yangzi Explorer • 26 meals with international and Chinese cuisine: 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners • Complimentary free-flowing wine with all shipboard dinners • All on-tour transportation and all 3 internal flights • Luggage handling, hotel taxes & service charges, port charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
12 days from $3,699 $3,299* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
China’s finest Small Ship
Shanghai 4
COUPLES
The best value and service on land and river
CHINA
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Apr 17 May 8, 22 Jun 12 • Jul 17 • Aug 21 Sep 18 • Oct 9, 16, 23 2015 Apr 16
Main Deck
Xiling Deck
Wu Deck
Wu Deck Suite
$4099 4199 3699 4299
$4179 4279 3779 4379
$4259 4359 3859 4459
$5124 5224 4724 5324
$4299
$4379
$4459
$5324
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Cathay Pacific or United. Add extra nights. A single entry China visa is required for U.S. citizens.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
13
Yangtze Sojourn 11 days | from $4,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
'HOLJKW LQ &KLQDÂśV ÂżQHVW DQG PRVW LQWLPDWH VKLS OX[XU\ KRWHOV ÂżQH GLQLQJ DQG VSHFLDO H[FXUVLRQV ZLWK RXU DWWHQWLYH 7ULS /HDGHU
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
â&#x20AC;˘ Our exclusive welcome service in Beijing whisks you from your arrival gate and through customs. â&#x20AC;˘ With fewer visitors, the remote Mutianyu section of the Great Wall offers a more authentic experience. â&#x20AC;˘ Embark on a full-day exploration of ancient Suzhou, revered for its gardens and the Grand Canal. â&#x20AC;˘ Discover Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich variety of regional cuisines... Our handpicked restaurants are among the best. 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
:H KDG D ZRQGHUIXO WLPH ,W ZDV RXU ÂżUVW trip with General but it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be our last. 7KLV LV WKH ÂżUVW WLPH ZH WUDYHOHG ZLWK MXVW 8 people in a group. We all got along so well LW ZDV OLNH WUDYHOLQJ ZLWK IDPLO\ :KDW D difference from the usual 30 or more passenger groups! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; S.M., Valley Springs CA 14
ÂŽ
Day 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Our White Glove welcome service in Beijing Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be met at your flight, personally assisted with entry formalities and baggage claim, and then escorted to the 5-star Sofitel Wanda Hotel. Day 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Full-day Small Group sightseeing in the capital Behold the grandeur of Tiananmen Square and tour the imposing Forbidden City c . After lunch at Huaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant, visit the lovely Summer Palace c, erstwhile seasonal retreat of Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emperors. Tonight, enjoy a festive Peking Duck banquet at Dadong, one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest restaurants. Meals B,L,D Day 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Beijing hutong and the Great Wall c Explore by rickshaw through the narrow lanes of a hutong and meet with a resident family in this traditional neighborhood of ancient courtyard homes. After lunch, travel to the remote, less-visited Mutianyu section for a more authentic and rewarding Great Wall experience. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve included the cable car, but the intrepid will have time to make the ascent on foot. Meals B,L Day 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fly to Xian... and Touch Antiquity Upon arrival in Xian, our Touch Antiquity experience with museum curators is a rare chance to examine and handle priceless ancient artifacts. Spend the night at the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel. Meals B,D Day 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Terra Cotta Army c Marvel at the Terra Cotta Warriors, thousands strong, buried 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of an emperor. After lunch, fly to Chongqing where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be escorted to your 5-star, all-balcony ship. Meals B,L,D Day 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ghost Cityâ&#x20AC;? of Fengdu Alight in Fengdu to explore its ancient temples. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of scenic cruising or join in the shipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural program... You might learn about traditional Chinese medicine or see a demonstration of the arts. Meals B,L,D Day 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Through the Three Gorges and up Shennong Stream Cruise through the magnificent Qutang and Wu Gorges. Later, journey by traditional sampan up one of the Yangtzeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most scenic tributaries into an unforgettable landscape of mountain peaks and clear streams. Meals B,L,D
3
Beijing
Day 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Visit the Three Gorges Dam and fly to Shanghai Visit the Three Gorges Dam before disembarking your ship in Yichang. Fly to Shanghai and transfer to the Peninsula Hotel. Meals B,L Day 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Full day city sightseeing Travel along the historic waterfront Bund, tour the highly-respected Shanghai Museum and ascend Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tallest building for breathtaking views. Sit down to a traditional Dim Sum lunch at Ding Tai Fung. Then explore the evocative alleys of Xintiandi where ancient stone houses have been lovingly restored to house some of Shanghaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Meals B,L Day 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Excursion to Suzhou c by High-Speed Rail Journey to Suzhou, renowned for its classic Chinese gardens, for an exclusive lecture from the Bonsai master at the Garden of the Master of Nets. Then tour Lingering Garden, one of Suzhouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest, before returning to Shanghai by High-Speed Rail. Enjoy an elegant Ă la carte dinner tonight at /RVW +HDYHQ RQ WKH %XQG famed for its masterful presentation of exotic Yunnan cuisine. Meals B,L,D Day 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Depart Shanghai Our tour services end this morning. Or why not continue your journey to Hong Kong? Meals B
Beijing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sofitel Wanda Club Level Your upgraded Club Level guestroom offers exclusive access to the Club Lounge, private breakfasts, evening cocktails, butler service and free WiFi. Xian â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Shangri-La Hotel Superb dining and lavish guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows await you at this contemporary 5-star hotel. Shanghai â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Peninsula Hotel This premier luxury hotel offers an enviable location overlooking the historic landmarks of the waterfront Bund.
Extend to Hong Kong 4 days from $1699 We take you beyond the typical sites to experience facets of the city which few visitors ever glimpse. Includes your flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong, airport transfers, 3 nights overlooking the harbor at the Kowloon Shangri-La, 3 breakfasts, lunch at Jimmyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen and our unique Hong Kong Insider full-day tour. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Shanghai
Yangtze
3
Suzhou
Yichang
Chongqing
Fo rm
os a
St r.
P a c i f i c O c e a n
Hong Kong 3 All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Value â&#x20AC;˘ Our VIP Meet & Greet arrival service in Beijing â&#x20AC;˘ Escorted comprehensive sightseeing with all entrance fees â&#x20AC;˘ Complete shore excursion and shipboard enrichment program â&#x20AC;˘ 24 meals with fine Asian and Western cuisine: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners including elegant international dining onboard ship and an Ă la carte farewell dinner in Shanghai â&#x20AC;˘ 7 nights accommodation in our outstanding luxury hotels â&#x20AC;˘ 3 nights in a balcony stateroom on the MS Yangzi Explorer â&#x20AC;˘ Gratuities for drivers, waiters and porters â&#x20AC;˘ All on-tour transportation and all 3 internal flights â&#x20AC;˘ Luggage handling, port charges, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your 3 included flights â&#x20AC;˘ GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
11 days from $4,999 $4,599* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
MS Yangzi Explorer With only 62 outside staterooms, our intimate all-balcony ship is Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best. Enjoy free-flowing wine with lunch and dinner, Small Group shore excursions and an enriching program of culture and entertainment.
CHINA
3
COUPLES
The best all-balcony ship on the Yangtze and Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest luxury hotels!
Xian 1
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014 Apr 13 â&#x20AC;˘ May 4, 18 Sep 21 â&#x20AC;˘ Oct 12 Jun 8 2015 Apr 12
Main Deck
Xiling Deck
Wu Deck
Wu Deck Suite
$5499 4999
$5579 5079
$5659 5159
$6524 6024
$5499
$5579
$5659
$6524
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Cathay Pacific or United. Add extra nights. A single entry China visa is required for U.S. citizens.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
15
Historical China, Tibet & the Yangtze 16 days | from $5,399 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Potala Palace
Small groups, comprehensive sightseeing, and special cultural encounters reveal more of what make China and Tibet so unique.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Gain deeper insight into Tibetan life and culture... By special arrangement, spend time with a resident family, meet a local doctor, visit a Buddhist nunnery and join in an ancient rite of walking and prayer. • Go behind the scenes with caretakers at the Panda Research Station in Chengdu to feed a Panda. • Meet the actors at the Sichuan Opera and watch as they apply their intricate “face-changing” make-up. • Experience one of China’s oldest culinary traditions with a noodle-making demonstration in Xian. 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
$ ZRQGHUIXO WLPH IURP VWDUW WR ¿QLVK Our small group got along so well. The ship was small, clean and comfortable with accommodating staff and good IRRG <RX H[FHHGHG RXU H[SHFWDWLRQV – G.L., Ft. Lauderdale FL 16
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Shanghai Check in to the 5-star Le Royal Meridien, perfectly located on Nanjing Road. Day 2 – Full-day Small Group sightseeing See all the city’s highlights including the Bund, Yu Yuan Garden, the Shanghai Museum and the bustling Tianzifang District. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – A spacious balcony stateroom awaits you on the Yangzi Explorer Fly to Yichang and board your luxury ship to begin your voyage. Meals B,D Day 4 – Visit the Three Gorges Dam Tour the immense Three Gorges Dam after lunch. Enjoy Afternoon Tea as the Explorer navigates through picturesque Xiling Gorge. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – Up Shennong Stream and through the Gorges Traditional sampans take you up one of the Yangtze’s most scenic tributaries. Return to the ship and cruise through Wu and Qutang Gorges. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – Ashore in Fengdu This morning’s tour offers a fascinating look into how the Three Gorges Dam has impacted the daily life and traditions of a bustling river town. Meals B,L,D Day 7 – Disembark in Chongqing and fly to Tibet Fly to Lhasa and transfer to the comfortable Four Points Sheraton. Meals B,D Day 8 – Exploring Lhasa with your Trip Leader Visit Norbulinka, Archanggu Nunnery and the beautiful Jokhang Monastery. Then explore Barkhor Street with its lively and colorful markets. You’ll also spend time with a local family in their home and a master Tangka painter in his studio for an enriching look into Tibetan life and culture. Meals B,L,D Day 9 – Experience Kora and tour the mighty Potala Palace Join Tibetans as they perform Kora, an ancient rite of prayer. After lunch, tour the Potala Palace c and Sera Monastery. At a local hospital, a Tibetan doctor offers insight into his use of traditional and Western medicine. Meals B,L,D Day 10 – Fly to Chengdu, China... Overnight at the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel At the famed Sichuan “face changing” opera, we’ll take you backstage for an exclusive look as these skilled actors apply their intricate make-up. Meals B,D
Beijing
Day 11 – Encounter a Panda and fly to Xian Going behind the scenes this morning with caretakers at the Panda Research Station in Chengdu is a rare treat available to few visitors. After this special visit, fly to Xian where you’ll be escorted downtown to the Hilton Hotel, newly built within the old city walls. Meals B,L Day 12 – Visit the Terra Cotta Army c and City Walls A Small Group means more time and a better vantage as you marvel at China’s greatest archaeological discovery. Learn the art of traditional noodle-making at lunch and visit the city’s ancient walls. Meals B,L Day 13 – Fly to Beijing Fly to Beijing and transfer to the city-center Sofitel Wanda, where a Luxury Room awaits. Explore by rickshaw through a colorful hutong district and sit down to a dinner of fine regional cuisine. Meals B,D Day 14 – Beijing’s Imperial highlights Full day sightseeing includes Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City c and a boat ride on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace c. Meals B,L Day 15 – Excursion to the Great Wall c Experience the thrill of walking atop the Great Wall and then stroll along the statue-lined Sacred Way at the Ming Tombs c. Gather tonight for a festive Peking Duck banquet. Meals B,L,D Day 16 – Your journey with us finishes this morning. Meals B
China’s finest, most intimate ship...
3
Xian 2
CHINA
Shanghai
Chengdu
3 Lhasa
1
2
4 Yangtze
Yichang Chongqing
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Value • Comprehensive sightseeing and all shore excursions including entrance fees • 36 meals: 15 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 11 dinners • 11 nights in superior first class, deluxe and luxury hotels • 4 nights in a balcony stateroom aboard China’s best ship • All on-tour transportation including all 5 internal flights • Gratuities for drivers, waiters and porters • Luggage handling, port charges, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your 5 included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
16 days from $5,399 $4,999*
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
Carrying just 124 guests in 62 balcony staterooms, the Yangzi Explorer offers a sophisticated cruise experience! An elegant single-seating dining room features fine international cuisine including wine with lunch and dinner. Enjoy daily shore excursions and an enriching and entertaining shipboard program.
Shanghai – Le Royal Meridien This contemporary 5-star hotel enjoys a premier location on Nanjing Road, the city’s most vibrant pedestrian boulevard. Lhasa – Four Points Sheraton Comfortable and modern, this superior first class hotel is ideally located close to Jokhnag Monastery and Barkhor Market. Chengdu – Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu’s finest luxury hotel offers lavish accommodations and a warm welcome in the cosmopolitan heart of the city. Xian – Hilton Hotel Tang Dynasty artwork and contemporary style blend beautifully at this deluxe hotel, wonderfully located downtown within the ancient walls of the city. Beijing – Sofitel Wanda Hotel Voted the Best Luxury Hotel in Beijing, this city-center hotel is the Asia Pacific flagship of world-renowned Sofitel Hotels.
2014 Apr 25 • May 16 Jun 6 Jul 25 • Aug 15 Sep 12 • Oct 10 2015 Apr 24
Main Deck $5699 5399 5599 5999
Xiling Deck $5779 5479 5679 6079
Wu Deck $5859 5559 5759 6159
Wu Deck Suite $6724 6424 6624 7024
$5999
$6079
$6159
$7024
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Cathay Pacific or United. Add extra nights. A single entry China visa is required for U.S. citizens.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Visit with a Tibetan Tangka painter in his studio.
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
17
China Sampler 10 days | from $2,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Explore the captivating water town of Wuhzen.
Join our expert Trip Leader for intimate exploration of the highlights and authentic experiences not available to larger groups.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Sit down to a congenial lunch with a resident family in their home in a traditional Beijing hutong. • Feel the ancient rhythms of Xian as you explore a bustling city market with a savvy resident. • Experience China’s enduring ways when you meet with tea farmers at their home near Hangzhou. • An intimate stroll along historic Pingjiang Road is the best way to appreciate the splendor of Suzhou. 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Our Trip Leader was a gem! He understands the needs and desires of Americans. I chose China Sampler to visit quaint, less traveled places like Suzhou and Wuzhen as well as – K.H., Bend OR the big cities. 18
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Beijing Check in to your Luxury Room at the 5-star city-center Sofitel Wanda. Day 2 – In and around Beijing with your Trip Leader Start your day with the Sofitel’s Bistro Buffet breakfast, featuring a tempting selection of Asian and Western cuisine, and then tour Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City c. Explore by rickshaw through the narrow lanes of an ancient hutong and sit down to a congenial lunch with a resident family in their home here in this traditional city neighborhood. This evening, savor a traditional Peking Duck banquet. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – Out to the Great Wall c Journey into the mountains north of the capital to walk with your guide atop the Great Wall – an unforgettable experience! Then tour the resplendent Summer Palace c, erstwhile seasonal retreat of China’s mighty emperors. Meals B,L Day 4 – Fly to Xian, ancient capital of thirteen dynasties Fly to Xian where you’ll be escorted to the Hilton Hotel. Join an in-the-know city resident to explore a colorful local market, popularly known as the Muslim Market. He’ll guide your discovery as you peruse and sample exotic fare from the many vendors. Tonight’s dinner features savory dumplings. Meals B,D Day 5 – The Terra Cotta Warriors c Tour the excavation site of the Terra Cotta Army, China’s greatest archaeological discovery, and visit the ancient defensive walls of the city. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – Above there is Heaven. Below there is Hangzhou Fly to Hangzhou and transfer to the stylish JW Marriott. Cruise on beautiful West Lake and then visit a tea farm outside the city center. Spend time with the farmers and learn about their daily life and the generations-old techniques that ensure the esteemed quality of the region’s fine teas. Meals B,L Day 7 – On to Wuzhen and the Garden City of Suzhou It’s off the beaten path but your visit to Wuzhen, a 2,000-year-old town, reveals some of China’s most finely preserved Ming Dynasty homes. Continue on to Suzhou and check in to the first class Renaissance Hotel. Meals B,L,D
3 Beijing
Day 8 – Discover Suzhou A visit to the Flower Market reveals facets of Chinese culture which few visitors glimpse. Tour the exquisite Garden of the Master of the Nets c and stroll along historic Pingjiang Road. Learn how silk is made at a local factory and marvel at the imposing Panmen City Gate. Continue on to Shanghai and check in to the Le Royal Meridien Hotel. Meals B,L Day 9 – Out and about in Shanghai Tour the vast collection of the Shanghai Museum and enjoy a guided stroll along the historic waterfront Bund. Marvel at the iconic 21st-century skyscrapers of the dynamic Pudong district and explore the ancient lanes of Tianzifang, now home to some of the city’s most popular boutiques and studios. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner of fine regional cuisine. Meals B,L,D Day 10 – Depart Shanghai Your program with us finishes after breakfast. Meals B
Xian 2
CHINA
Suzhou
P a c i f i c
rm
os
aS
tr.
Hangzhou
1 1
Shanghai 2
Fo
O c e a n
You won’t find better hotels for the price...
Hong Kong 3
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Value Xian – Hilton Hotel This fabulous 5-star hotel boasts a privileged city-center location within the ancient walls.
Hangzhou – JW Marriott Our stylish hotel offers luxury, convenience and impeccable service in the heart of Hangzhou.
Suzhou – Renaissance Hotel Enjoy spacious, well appointed guestrooms at this premium hotel overlooking lush Central Park.
• Escorted, comprehensive sightseeing with all entry fees • 21 meals featuring international and Chinese cuisine: 9 buffet breakfasts, 7 lunches and 5 dinners • 9 nights in our handpicked, first class and deluxe hotels • All on-tour transportation and both internal flights • Gratuities for drivers, waiters, and porters • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
10 days from $2,999 $2,599*
Shanghai – Le Royal Meridien This contemporary 5-star hotel in the heart of town offers an enviable location along worldfamous Nanjing Road.
Extend to Hong Kong 4 days from $1,359
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
Beijing – Sofitel Wanda We’ve reserved a Luxury Room for you at this deluxe hotel in the heart of the city.
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Apr 11 • May 9, 23 Jun 13 • Jul 11 • Aug 15 Sep 19 • Oct 17 • Nov 7
$3299 2999 3299
$4199 3799 4199
$3299 3299
$4099 4299
2015
Mar 20 Apr 17
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. Holiday surcharges may apply. We offer air on Cathay Pacific or United. Add extra nights. A single entry China visa is required for U.S. citizens.
We’ll take you beyond the typical sights to experience facets of Hong Kong which few visitors ever encounter. Our complete easyto-add extension includes your flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong, airport transfers, 3 nights’ superior first class accommodations at the Mira Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, lunch at world-famous Jimmy’s Kitchen and our unique Be a Hong Kong Insider full-day tour. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $3,499
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
19
Beijing, Xian & Shanghai 8 days | from $2,799 | A private tour just for your traveling party.
'HOLJKW LQ RXU SUHPLHU KRWHOV DQG WKH Ă&#x20AC;H[LELOLW\ LQWLPDF\ DQG XQKXUULHG SDFH RI H[SORULQJ ZLWK \RXU RZQ FDU GULYHU JXLGH
3
Beijing
Private Tour Discoveries & Value
Day 2: Extensive private sightseeing includes Tiananmen Square, the imposing Forbidden City c, Temple of Heaven c, and the beautiful Summer Palace c, erstwhile retreat of royalty. Dine tonight on Peking Duck. Meals B,L,D Day 3: Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit to the Great Wall c at Juyong Pass reveals one of the most historic and important sections of this ancient military fortification. Then walk along the statue-lined Sacred Way to the Ming Tombs c. Meals B,L Day 4: Fly to Xian and transfer by private car to the Hilton Hotel. Meals B Day 5: Marvel at the vast Terra Cotta Army c, Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest archaeological discovery! Learn about centuries-old healing traditions at the Chinese Herbal Medicine Market and visit the ancient defensive walls of the city before returning to your hotel. Meals B,L 20
ÂŽ
Day 6: Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be chauffeured to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, transfer to Le Royal Meridien Hotel. Meals B Day 7: Stroll in the celebrated Yu Yuan Garden and explore the Old City Bazaar before sitting down to a lunch of regional dishes. Tour the Shanghai Museum, filled with a priceless collection spanning thousands of years of Chinese culture. Then drive along the Bund, Shanghaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graceful waterfront boulevard, and explore Pudong, filled with the 21st-century skyscrapers. Tonightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dinner is followed by a performance of Shanghaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world-famous acrobats. Meals B,L,D Day 8: Your tour finishes today. Or why not extend your journey with our easy-to-add stay in Hong Kong? Meals B
CHINA
Shanghai 2 To Hong Kong
All internal flights are included.
Travel any day you wish.
8 days from $2,799 $2,399* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
Day 1: Check in to the Sofitel Wanda Hotel.
Xian 2
COUPLES
â&#x20AC;˘ Discover all five of Beijingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UNESCO World Heritage Sites â&#x20AC;˘ The strategic Juyong Pass promises a more enriching Great Wall experience â&#x20AC;˘ Stand in awe before Xianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vast Terra Cotta Army, thousands strong, and explore millennia of Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history at the highly-regarded Shanghai Museum â&#x20AC;˘ In-depth sightseeing with your own car, driver and guide, with all entrance fees â&#x20AC;˘ 13 meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners â&#x20AC;˘ 7 nights in deluxe hotels, on-tour transportation, both internal flights, luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and airline taxes for included flights
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan-Feb â&#x20AC;˘ Jul-Aug â&#x20AC;˘ Dec Mar-Jun Sep-Nov
$2799 2899 2999
$3599 3799 3899
$2799 2999
$3599 3899
2015
Jan-Feb Mar-Apr
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. Holiday surcharges may apply. Add extra nights. A single entry China visa is required for U.S. citizens.
Family
Friends
6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
The Pandas of Chengdu 11 days | from $4,999 | A private tour just for your traveling party.
Experience the vitality of modern China, discover amazing antiquity, VDYRU ¿QH UHJLRQDO FXLVLQHV $QG HYHQ KROG D \RXQJ 3DQGD
3
Beijing
Private Tour Discoveries & Value
Day 2: Private car tour includes Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City c and Summer Palace c. Tonight’s dinner at Dadong features classic Peking Duck. Meals B,L,D Day 3: Explore the more remote, less visited Mutianyu section of the Great Wall c. Dine at the historic Schoolhouse Restaurant and then explore by rickshaw through a Beijing Hutong. Stroll along Houhai Lake and dine à la carte at Hua’s Restaurant. Meals B,L,D Day 4: Fly to Xian and transfer to the 5-star Hilton Hotel. At the Hanyangling Museum, a unique subterranean exhibit hall reveals an ongoing archaeological excavation. Meals B,D Day 5: Visit the 2,000-year-old Terra Cotta Army c. Then learn about medicinal herbs at a local market. Dine à la carte tonight at Tianxilou. Meals B,L,D
Day 6: Handle ancient artifacts with a museum curator. Fly to Chengdu and transfer to the Shangri-La. Tonight’s à la carte dinner features regional specialties. Meals B,L,D Day 7: Go behind the scenes at the Breeding Center to hold a baby Panda! Sit down at a local teahouse and delight in the architecture of Kuangzhaixiangzi, an ancient city district. Dine à la carte at Weidian. Meals B,L,D Day 8: Fly to Shanghai where the MagLev Train whisks you downtown to Le Meridien Hotel. Enjoy dinner at Jade Garden, one of the city’s best restaurants. Meals B,D Day 9: A private tour of the city’s highlights and dinner at Lost Heaven. Meals B,L,D Day 10: Free day. Meals B
CHINA
Shanghai 3 2
Chengdu All internal flights are included.
Travel any day you wish.
11 days from $4,999 $4,599* SAVE ON ANY DATE
800
Save $
SINGLES
Day 1: Check in to the Sofitel Wanda Hotel.
Xian 2
COUPLES
• Join caretakers at a premier Panda research facility to feed and hold a Panda • Observe an active archaeological excavation at the unique Hanyangling Museum • Join museum curators in Xian to hold and examine priceless ancient artifacts • Extensive sightseeing with a private car, driver and guide including all entry fees • 24 meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners • 10 nights in our 5-star hotels, all on-tour transportation and all 3 internal flights • Luggage handling, hotel taxes & charges, and all airline fees for included flights
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan-Mar • Jul-Aug Apr-May • Sep-Nov Jun Dec
$4999 5399 5099 4999
$6299 6799 6399 6199
$4999 5399
$6199 6799
2015
Jan-Feb 22 Feb 23-Apr
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. Holiday surcharges may apply. Add extra nights. A single entry China visa is required for U.S. citizens.
Day 11: Your tour ends today. Meals B 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Family
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
Friends 21
Across the Himalayas 10 days | from $3,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Head toward the Himalayas in a 4 x 4 from Lhasa.
Embark on this unforgettable adventure to Mt. Everest from inspiring Lhasa and across the Roof of the World to Kathmandu!
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• With only 2 guests per 4 x 4 jeep and our professional drivers and expert mountain guides, we’ll take you on this thrilling expedition through some of the most amazing scenery on the planet! • Mingle with climbers and professional Sherpas as you spend time exploring Mt. Everest Base Camp. • Cross the spectacular 17,000-foot Gyatsola Pass and visit the highest monastery on Earth. • Join in a traditional Tibetan blessing ceremony with your own personalized prayer flag during your ascent to the Everest Base Camp. 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
You spoiled us! We were treated like Family everywhere. Your discounts and service make exotic trips possible. – A.B., Ringgold GA 22
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Lhasa, Tibet! Check in to the Four Points Sheraton. The rest of the day allows you to rest and acclimate to the high-mountain altitude of this fascinating city. Meals D Day 2 – Lhasa in-depth Tour the spectacular Potala Palace c and visit Jokhang Temple, a beautiful 4-story timber structure topped with gold. Spend time exploring lively Barkhor Street and the historic Sera Monastery. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – Over the Kanbala Pass to Shigatse Accompanied by a professional driver and our experienced mountain guide, you’ll hit the road this morning in a sturdy and comfortable 4 x 4. Ascend to 15,680 feet through the Kanbala Pass with great views over Yamdrok Yumtso Lake. Visit Palkhor Monastery and continue to the Shigatse Hotel, an inviting hotel with modern comfort and Tibetan styling. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – Across the “Roof of the World” Witness local traditions at the Tashihunpo Monastery and see the Buddhist frescoes of Sakya Monastery. From Gyatsola Pass at 17,000 feet, Mt. Everest can be seen on a clear day. Drive to New Tingri and settle in to the Dingri Qumulangma Hotel; though simple, it’s the best in town. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – Visit the Mt. Everest Base Camp Visit Rongbuk Monastery; set against the North Face of Everest, it’s the highest in the world. Hang your personal prayer flag en-route to Mt. Everest Base Camp where you’ll have time to revel in this awesome experience. Mail a postcard from the world’s highest post office and continue to New Tingri. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – Overland to the border and Zhangmu An unforgettable overland journey through remote high-mountain landscapes brings you to the Zhangmu Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 7 – Into Nepal and the Kathmandu Valley c Drive to the remote border town of Kodari and continue to exotic Kathmandu. Settle in for an enchanting stay at the 5-star Hyatt Regency. Meals B
Day 8 – In and around Kathmandu In-depth sightseeing includes Durbar Square, Parvati Temple and Hamuman Dhoka, the ancient royal quarter. Then journey into the tranquil Nepalese countryside to Patan, a city that will captivate you with its art and architecture. Meals B Day 9 – Excursion to Bhadgaon Discover ancient Bhadgaon, one of the three kingdoms of medieval Nepal. Then visit Bodhnath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, and admire the richly carved doors and gilded roof of Pashupatinath Hindu Temple, dedicated to the Lord Shiva. Meals B Day 10 – Farewell to Kathmandu Your tour finishes this morning after breakfast. Meals B En-route to the Everest Base Camp in Tibet.
From Beijing
TIBET N E PA L
2 Lhasa 1 New Tingri Shigatse 2 Zhangmu 1 EVEREST 3 Kathmandu
To Delhi INDIA
Our Small Group Adventure Value • The attentive services of our highly-experienced mountain guides and drivers • Comprehensive sightseeing throughout, including all entrance fees • 20 meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners • 9 nights accommodation in our carefully selected hotels • All on-tour transportation, luggage handling, and all hotel taxes & service charges • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
10 days from $3,999 $3,599*
Authenticity and Exceptional Service
Explore Beijing before your expedition... 3 days from $1,099 Enhance your Himalayan adventure with the treasures of Beijing. Enjoy 2 nights at the Sofitel Wanda Hotel, daily breakfast, city tour & Great Wall excursion, delivery of your Tibet Travel Permit, and the flight from Beijing to Lhasa. Call or visit us online for details.
Discover Delhi & the Taj Mahal after! 4 days from $1,199
Save $800
SINGLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE COUPLES
Curious and intrepid travelers love this romantic adventure, exploring well off the beaten path with our attentive, native-born mountain guides. The expedition begins at the first class Four Points Sheraton in the heart of Lhasa and winds down at the deluxe Hyatt Regency in Kathmandu. Along the way, you’ll enjoy outstanding adventure, authentic cultural encounters and the best available hotels in these remote mountain regions. Is this trip right for you? In addition to being in reasonably good physical condition and comfortable at high altitudes, an open mind ready for adventure is the only requirement.
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014 Double Single $3999 $6399 Apr 25 • May 9 • Jun 20 Jul 11 • Sep 19 4699 7599 4399 6999 Oct 11, 17 2015 $4199 $6599 Apr 24 Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Cathay Pacific or United. Add extra nights. A single entry China visa is required for U.S. citizens. Entry to Tibet is through China and we provide the Travel Permit. One night accommodation is required in China prior to your arrival in Lhasa for delivery of the included Tibet Travel permit.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $4,199
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Potala Palace
Here’s a great complement to your trip! We include your flight from Nepal to India, a deluxe hotel in Delhi, full-day city tour, and full-day rail excursion to Agra with visits to the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
23
Hill Tribes of China & Vietnam
NEW
11 days | from $4,799 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
The World Heritage Site of Hani.
Our exclusive adventure from Kunming to Hanoi showcases the stunning beauty and tribal cultures of China and Vietnam!
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Immerse in the magical landscapes of Yuanyang, where the Hani people handcarved these terraced rice paddies more than a thousand years ago! • Authentic encounters with villagers and farmers in their kitchens and fields reveal the amazing cultural diversity and enduring traditions of the region’s many ethnic hill tribes. • Comfortable 4x4 vehicles and guided walks promise authentic people-to-people engagement and deep exploration of Sapa’s lush mountain scenery - for experiences you won’t find on other tours. • Venture into remote mountain valleys in northern Vietnam to experience their timeless ways of life... Then delight in the romance of rail travel on our overnight journey to Hanoi. 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site c
24
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Kunming Check in to the Green Lake Hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Day 2 – Journey to historic Jianshui Travel to Jianshui and check in to the Zhu Family Garden Hotel. Tour the restored courtyard home and garden of an aristocratic Qing Dynasty family and visit Wen Miao, the largest Confucious temple in the province. Meals B,L Day 3 – Explore Jianshui and travel to Yuanyang Your tour of Jianshui reveals ancient buildings dating back 1,000 years! Visit a local shop to see how tofu is made and then travel into Yuanyang, famed for its terraced rice fields. Check in to the Yuanyang Yunti Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – The ancient rice terraces of Yuanyang c Built 1,000 years ago by the Hani people, these rice paddies turned a barren valley into a self-sustaining eco-system of terraced plots that now cover the slopes. Our special in-depth exploration up and down the valley encompasses sunrise over the terraces, authentic encounters with village families and local farmers, and plenty of time to take in this amazing scene. Meals B,L Day 5 – Into Vietnam Experience local life at a morning market where the Hani and Yi ethnic tribes come to shop and barter. Then journey through the scenic Red River Valley into Vietnam where a guided walk explores the villages, homes and cultural ways of the Hmong tribe. Check in to the Victoria Sapa Hotel. Meals B,L Day 6 – The hill tribes of Sapa Traveling by road and along valley paths, today’s guided exploration includes stunning views of Mt. Fansipan and a chance to witness timeless scenes of daily life in the fields and villages of the Black Hmong and Red Zao tribes. Meals B,L Day 7 – Hoan Lien National Park Visit Silver Waterfall for great views of the Park’s lush forests and mountains. Stop by a local farm for a refreshing cup of tea before driving deeper into the scenic valley. After lunch, a pleasant guided walk explores the remote villages and picturesque rice fields of the Lu and Thai ethnic people. Meals B,L
Day 8 – Village visits... And the overnight train to Hanoi Explore a bustling village market that draws a colorful variety of the region’s ethnic peoples. Visit the quiet village of the Ha Nhi tribe before boarding the overnight train from Lao Cai to Hanoi. Meals B,L Day 9 – Welcome to Hanoi After an early check in and breakfast at the Sofitel Legend Metropole, you’ll visit the 11th-century Temple of Literature. Then discover the MYANMAR city’s vibrant culinary scene with your guide, a chance to sample local street fare like Pho noodles and Banhmi sandwiches. Explore Old Town before tonight’s dinner and Water Puppet show. Meals B,L,D Day 10 – Out and about in Hanoi This morning, you’ll see the imposing mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh in Ba Dinh Square and the simple cottage where he lived. Marvel at the elegant French Colonial style of the Governor’s Palace and see the unique One Pillar Pagoda. Your afternoon is at leisure. Meals B
Kunming 1 1 Jianshui Yuanyang 2
Sapa
3 1
CHINA
VIETNAM
Hanoi 2 1 Ha Long Bay
LAOS
South China
Day 11 – Depart Hanoi: Our tour ends this morning Meals B
Danang
To Saigon
The Seasons of Yuanyang
Kunming – Green Lake Hotel The city’s finest hotel is a short stroll from lovely Green Lake Park. Jianshui – Zhu Family Garden Hotel Our hotel is set in the erstwhile residence of the aristocratic Zhu family. Yuanyuan – Yuanyang Yunti Hotel The region’s best offers modern but simple comfort and a fine location. Sapa – Victoria Sapa Hotel Delight in charming chalet-style guestrooms and great mountain views. Lao Cai to Hanoi - Victoria Express Overnight Train Enjoy wood-paneled carriages and comfortable berths for your journey. Hanoi – Sofitel Legend Metropole We’ve reserved a Luxury Room for you at Hanoi’s best 5-star hotel!
Join us for the Tet festivities! Our February departure features the joyous celebrations before Tet, the Vietnamese New Year when colorful decorations and lights adorn nearly every street, home and building. Experience lively traditions and savor special dishes prepared to herald the New Year!
• Extensive Small Group sightseeing including all entry fees • 20 meals: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 2 dinners • 9 nights in our carefully selected hotels • 1 night aboard the overnight train from Lao Cai to Hanoi • All on-tour transportation • Luggage handling and all hotel taxes & service charges • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
11 days from $4,799 $4,399* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
Comfort and ambience await
Our Small Group Adventure Value
COUPLES
Yuanyang’s fabled beauty varies through the year... November through April is a popular time when the water-filled paddies reflect mountain and sky. During September and October, the terraces shift from emerald to gold as the rice ripens for harvest. The valley is at its most lush in the hotter month of May.
2 Hoi An
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Mar 16 • Apr 6 • Oct 19 • Nov 9 May 18 • Sep 7, 21
$4899 4799
$6599 6199
$4899
$6599
2015
Feb 8 - Tet Festival • Mar 15 • Apr 19
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on United. A single entry China visa and a Vietnam visa are required for U.S. citizens.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $5,199
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Travel on to Ha Long Bay c and southern Vietnam 7 days for $1,999 Day 11: Depart Hanoi for an overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay. Day 12: Fly to Danang and overnight at the 5-star Anantara Resort. Day 13: Explore Hoi An, once the most important port in Asia! Day 14: Fly to Saigon and check in to the luxury Park Hyatt. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Day 15: Enjoy a full-day city tour of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Day 16: Excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels and a free afternoon. Day 17: Depart Saigon... Our tour extension ends this morning! With all transportation, 5-star hotels, breakfasts & sightseeing. 800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
25
From Mongolia to Lake Baikal
NEW
12 days | from $5,499 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Mongolian countryside
Our exclusive adventure showcases the stunning landscapes of Mongolia, scenic Lake Baikal and a thrilling day on the best lakeside stretch of the Trans-Siberian.
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Gain insight into the nomadic life and culture of the Gobi’s dauntless residents when you meet with camel breeders and stay in a traditional yurt. • Experience the romance of rail travel on a first class overnight journey across Mongolia and into Russia. • Spend a day exploring the shores of the world’s deepest lake; this historic 50-mile stretch of the original Trans-Siberian Railroad traverses 200 bridges along magnificent Lake Baikal. • Immerse in the culture, history and daily life of a remote and picturesque island: Olkhon, the largest island in Lake Baikal, is home to just 1,500 residents and is revered as a sacred site by the indigenous Buryat people. 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site c
26
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Check in to the Ramada CityCenter Hotel. At Choijin Lama Temple, discover a fine collection of Buddhist art, silk icons and traditional Tsam dancing masks and enjoy a performance of Mongolian music and dance. Meals L,D Day 2 – Into the Gobi Desert and Yol Valley National Park Fly to the Gobi Desert, one of the harshest environments on the planet but rich in geological and wildlife diversity. See the Gobi Glacier as you explore the Yol Valley, home to gazelles, ibex and wild camels. Spend two unforgettable nights in your private Mongolian-style tent at the Gobi Discovery Camp. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – The Flaming Cliffs and Moltsog Sand Dunes Follow in the footsteps of adventurer Roy Chapman Andrews on an excursion to the Flaming Cliffs, where Mr. Andrews found the first-known nest of fossilized dinosaur eggs. Explore the Moltsog Sand Dunes and meet with camel breeders for an authentic look into their Nomadic traditions and way of life. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – Fly back to Ulaanbaatar Your city tour includes Gandan Monastery, the most important and significant in Mongolia, and the National History Museum. Overnight once again at the Ramada CityCenter Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – First class overnight rail journey to Irkutsk Transfer to the station this afternoon and settle in to your first class sleeper for a once-in-a-lifetime rail journey across Mongolia and deep into Siberia. Meals B Day 6 – Arrive Irkutsk Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to the Courtyard Irkutsk City Center Hotel. The balance of your afternoon is free to enjoy as you wish. Meals B Day 7 – Getting to know Irkutsk Founded more than 350 years ago as a Cossack outpost, Irkutsk retains the spirit and architecture of a 19th-century Russian town. Tour the Decembrists’ Museum and then meet with the caretaker of the Church of the Exhaltation to watch as he rings the bells of its historic belfry. Meals B
SIBERIA Day 8 – Journey to Olkhon Island in Lake Baikal c A scenic morning drive brings you to magnificent Lake Baikal to board the ferry for Olkhon Island. Although its the world’s largest lake island, it’s home to just 1,500 farmers and fishermen living in scattered settlements. Check in to the Baikal View Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 9 – Exploring Olkhon Island Set out in a vintage Russian UAZ jeep across the island’s rugged forested slopes and embark on a guided nature hike to scenic Cape Khoboy. After a picnic lunch, your evening is free to experience more of Lake Baikal’s stunning vistas and natural beauty. Meals B,L,D Day 10 – Back to Irkutsk Journey back to the Courtyard Irkutsk City Center Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 11 – Excursion on the fabled Trans-Siberian Railway A day-long excursion on the most historic and scenic stretch of the fabled Trans-Siberian takes you along the shores of Lake Baikal. It’s a thrilling 50-mile journey encompassing 39 tunnels and 200 bridges. You’ll make several stops along the way to enjoy lunch and take in the magnificent scenery. Meals B,L,D Day 12 – Depart Irkutsk Your tour with us ends this morning. Meals B
Thrill to the Nadaam Festival Travel with us in July on a special 13-day tour and experience Mongolia’s largest festival when Nomadic families gather together from all across Mongolia.
Lake Baikal
2 Olkhon Island
Irkutsk 4 1 MONGOLIA
Gobi
2
Ulaanbaatar
2 SERT I DE GOB
Both internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Adventure Value • Extensive small group sightseeing including all entry fees • 27 meals: 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners • 8 nights in our superior first class hotels • 2 nights in a private tent at our ger encampment in the Gobi • 1 night in a private 2-person berth aboard the Trans-Siberian • All on-tour transportation and both internal flights • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
From the Gobi to the world’s deepest lake
12 days from $5,499 $5,099*
Ulaanbaatar – Ramada CityCenter Hotel Our comfortable modern hotel offers a terrific location in the heart of the city near the historic Gandan Monastery. Gobi – Gobi Discovery Camp Retreat to your private round felt ger at this charming camp, ideally located in the remote heart of the Gobi with spectacular desert and mountain vistas. Irkutsk – Courtyard City Center Hotel This contemporary superior hotel is conveniently located close to the historic Kirov Palace and Angara River.
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jun 2, 23 • Aug 11 • Sep 1 Jul 10 - Nadaam Festival
$5499 5999
$6599 7099
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Lufthansa.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $6,499
Olkhon Island – Baikal View Hotel Delight in our hotel’s stunning views of Olkhon Island and Lake Baikal and then retreat to your inviting and comfortable wood-paneled guestroom.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Along the shores of Lake Baikal. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
27
China In-Style
NEW
10 days | from $4,399 | A private tour just for your traveling party.
Behold the lovely scenery of Guilin
Travel in style as you explore China’s best cities! Enjoy your own expert guide and upgraded Club Level rooms at our deluxe hotels.
3 Beijing
Private Tour Discoveries & Value • Our exclusive VIP welcome service in Beijing whisks you from your arrival gate and through customs to your luxury hotel... Now that’s style! • With fewer visitors and your own private guide, the remote Mutianyu section of the Great Wall offers a more authentic and rewarding experience • Extensive sightseeing with your own private car, driver & guide with all entry fees • 16 meals: 9 buffet breakfasts, 6 lunches and 1 dinner • 9 nights in Club Level rooms at our 5-star hotels, on-tour transportation, private car, driver & guide at your disposal during leisure time and luggage handling
28
®
5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
P a c i
Fo r
mo
sa
St
r.
Guilin 2
Travel any day you wish.
10 days from $4,399 $3,999* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
traditional dumplings and fly to Guilin. Overnight at the Shangri-La. Meals B,L Day 7: Enjoy a bamboo rafting expedition down the Yulong, one of the most scenic tributaries of the Li River. Then experience rural life when you spend time with a local farmer and his family. Meals B,L,D Day 8: Fly to Shanghai and transfer to the luxury Le Royal Meridien Hotel. Meals B Day 9: Today’s sightseeing includes the Bund, Yu Yuan Garden and the renowned Shanghai Museum. Explore the historic and now trendy Xintiandi district and sit down to a special Dim Sum lunch at the popular Green Wave Restaurant. Meals B,L Day 10: Travel aboard the futuristic, superfast MagLev Train to the airport for your departure flight. Meals B
CHINA
Shanghai 2
COUPLES
Day 1: You’ll be met at your flight, assisted with entry formalities and baggage claim and escorted to the 5-star Sofitel Wanda Hotel. Day 2: See Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City c, Temple of Heaven c and the famous Panda Hall at the Beijing Zoo. Meals B,L Day 3: Journey to the remote Mutianyu section of the Great Wall c. Then explore a Beijing hutong by rickshaw and dine with a resident family in their home. Meals B,L Day 4: Enjoy a private Tai Chi lesson with our master and tour the resplendent Summer Palace c. Fly to Xian and transfer to the Hilton. Meals B,L Day 5: See the Terra Cotta Army c. Your car, driver & guide are at your disposal this afternoon to explore as you wish. Meals B Day 6: Join a museum curator to examine and handle priceless ancient artifacts. Savor
Xian 2
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan-Mar • Jul-Aug Apr-Jun • Sep-Dec
$4399 4599
$5699 6099
$4599
$6199
2015
Jan-Apr
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. Add extra nights.
Family
Friends
Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
O c e
China Private Adventures &RPSUHKHQVLYH SULYDWH WRXULQJ DOO WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ DQG ÂżQH KRWHOV COUPLES: SAVE $800 | SINGLES: SAVE $400
Pay-in-full savings are combinable with other offers. Book by 12/31.
From Guiyang to Guilin
Journey into Tibet
10 days for $3,899 $3,499
5 days from $2,799 $2,399
Hangzhou and up Yellow Mountain 8 days for $3,399 $2,999
Authentic cultural encounters and guided walks explore town, village and country.
Adventure Discoveries & Value
From Lhasa into the lofty peaks of the Himalayas, our exclusive tour showcases more of Tibetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enduring traditions and magnificent mountain landscapes.
â&#x20AC;˘ Spend time with tribal villagers, walk among terraced rice paddies and cruise the Li River
Adventure Discoveries & Value
â&#x20AC;˘ 25 meals and 9 nights in our fine hotels Day 1: Check in to the 5-star Sheraton Hotel in Guiyang before a private tour. Meals D Day 2: Scenic mountain drive to Kaili with guided visits to learn about the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indigenous tribes and cultures. Check in to the Heaven-Sent Dragon Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 3: Spend time with Miao tribal families for rich cultural insight. Meals B,L,D Day 4: Journey through terraced valleys to Zhaoxing, home to the Dong people. Meet village families and check in to the comfortable Zhaoxing Inn. Meals B,L,D Day 5: Continue exploring regional cultures and learn to make local Hot Pot. Meals B,L,D Day 6: Travel on to Sanjiang and check in to the Sucheng Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 7: Journey to the Li An Lodge in Long Sheng. Tour terraced rice paddies. Meals B,L,D Day 8: Drive to Guilin. Visit Mt. Yaoshan and the Tea Institute. Enjoy 2 nights at the luxury Shangri-La Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 9: Cruise the scenic Li River and spend time with a farmer in Yangshuo. Meals B,L Day 10: Your tour ends today. Meals B,
â&#x20AC;˘ Discover all of Lhasaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highlights and Tibetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most holy lake... and then immerse in the traditions and landscapes of the Himalayas â&#x20AC;˘ 10 Meals and 4 nights in handpicked hotels Day 1: Check in to the superior first class Four Points Sheraton in Lhasa. Take the rest of the day to relax and acclimate to the altitude. Day 2: Private tour includes the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market. Watch a spirited debate by Buddhist monks on a special visit to the Sera Monastery. Meals B,L,D Day 3: Marvel at cradled by Himalayan peaks. Spend time with a local family for insight into their daily life and traditions and learn about an enduring Tibetan custom as you hang your own Prayer Flag in a mountain pass. Visit Sang Ding Monastery, behold the Karola Glacier and continue to the Xigatze Hotel in Shigatze. Meals B,L,D Day 4: Visit the 600 year-old Tashilhunpo Monastery and watch (or join) local residents as they perform Kora, an ancient Buddhist walking ritual of circumnavigation and prayer. Make the scenic mountain drive back to the Four Points Sheraton in Lhasa. Meals B,L,D Day 5: Your tour with us ends today. Meals B
Our exclusive private tour encompasses Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most scenic lake and mountain.
Adventure Discoveries & Value â&#x20AC;˘ Explore Hangzhou, cruise on West Lake, learn about tea and ascend Yellow Mountain â&#x20AC;˘ 15 meals and 7 nights in our fine hotels Day 1: Check in to the deluxe and stylish Le Royal Meridien in the heart of Shanghai. Day 2: Private full day tour includes the Bund, Yu Yuan Garden, historic French Concession and the famed Shanghai Museum. Meals B,L Day 3: Enjoy a free morning and then travel by first class high-speed rail to Hangzhou. Check in to the 5-star J.W. Marriott. Meals B Day 4: Private city tour includes Linyin Temple, Lei Feng Pagoda and a delightful cruise on beautiful West Lake. Meals B,L Day 5: Explore historic Hefang Street and visit the Tea Museum. After a scenic drive, discover the ancient city of Tunxi. Overnight at the Huangshan International Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 6: Ascend by cable car for classic views from Yellow Mountain. Overnight atop the mountain at the Beihai Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 7: Witness a spectacular sunrise from Mt. Huangshan. Visit the ancient water towns of Xidi and Nanping and fly back to Shanghai in the evening. Meals B,L,D Day 8: Your journey ends today. Meals B
CHINA
Guiyang 1
CHINA
TIBET
2 Kaili
Zhaoxing 2 1 1 Long Sheng Sanjiang 2 Guilin
3 Lhasa 1 N E PA L
Shigatse
Yellow Mountain 1
Shanghai
3 2 Hangzhou 1 Tunxi
EVEREST
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
29
China FreeStyle 'HVLJQ RU HQKDQFH \RXU MRXUQH\ ZLWK RXU SULYDWH WRXULQJ WUDQVIHUV DQG ÂżQH KRWHOV
Beijing Insider
Chengdu
Guilin
4 days from $699
3 days from $799
3 days from $699
Your private tour of Wenshu Monastery is enriched by a visit to the Panda Breeding & Research Station and our special cultural activities: Enjoy tea with city residents and sit down to a traditional Hot Pot dinner.
Our private sightseeing immerses you in the mystical landscapes and rich traditions of Guilin... Embark on a Li River cruise and visit the Yangshuo Bazaar and Tea Institute.
Hong Kong Insider
Lhasa
Shanghai
4 days from $999
4 days from $1,299
3 days from $599
Discover facets of Hong Kong which few visitors glimpse with our savvy resident guide. We include transfers, a choice of fine city-center hotels, our exclusive Be a Hong Kong Insider full-day private tour, and more!
Extensive sightseeing including the Potala Palace and Jokhang Monastery is enriched by our exclusive Kora Experience... Join local Tibetans at Medicine King Mountain for this ancient rite of walking and prayer.
Enjoy a full day of private car sightseeing and then make the most of your free time with our fine selection of deluxe and luxury hotels in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best locations!
Xian
Yangtze Cruise
Yunnan
3 days from $599
4 days from $1,160
8 days for $3,699
Two full days of private touring include the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Summer Palace and a rickshaw tour through a hutong â&#x20AC;&#x201C; highlighted by lunch with a local family in their courtyard home.
Delight in our choice of fine city-center hotels and enjoy a full-day tour with your own private car, driver and guide. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see the Terra Cotta Warriors, ancient city walls and impressive Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
30
Step aboard Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest all-balcony ship and enjoy international dining, free-flowing wines every evening, and expertly guided shore excursions enhanced by our enriching shipboard program.
From Kunming and Dali, journey to ancient Lijiang, spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge and Zhongdian - the fabled land of Shangri-La. Includes hotels, sightseeing, visits to tribal villages, on-tour transportation and more!
Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
From Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inland Sea to the Alps 11 days | from $4,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Travel across the Inland Sea to Miyajima Island.
Our expert Japanese Trip Leader brings culture and tradition to life as you explore all across this beautiful land from city and sea to garden and mountain.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
â&#x20AC;˘ Dine with Geisha, sample fine sake, tour a tranquil Zen garden and visit the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. â&#x20AC;˘ Hear colorful stories of Kyotoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ancient cultural ways as you stroll with your guide in the historic Gion district, where Geisha traditions began long ago. â&#x20AC;˘ Learn the art of sushi from a master chef in Tokyo. â&#x20AC;˘ Experience more of Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colorful and enduring traditions with our exclusive Festival Departures featuring some of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best celebrations! 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
([FHOOHQW DQG GLYHUVLÂżHG LWLQHUDU\ QLFHO\ VFKHGXOHG JUHDW DFFRPPRGDWLRQV and a superb Japanese Trip Leader. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; G.P., Morrisonville, NY
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Day 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Welcome to Kyoto! Check in to the Hotel Granvia Kyoto, ideally located in the heart of Kyoto. Day 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Best of Kyoto c Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sightseeing begins at Nijo Castle where you can try to walk in stealth across the famous Nightingale Floor, ingeniously designed to â&#x20AC;&#x153;chirpâ&#x20AC;? in warning if would-be assassins entered into the Emperorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private quarters. Then tour the magnificent vermilion-hued Heian Shrine and Kinkakuji, a golden temple nested on a pond in an enchanting pine forest. Then delve into Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enduring traditions when you dine with Geisha at midday and tour the tranquil Zen meditation gardens of Kodai-ji Temple. Meals B,L Day 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Excursion to the Inland Sea... Miyajima c and Hiroshima Journey by train and then by ferry across the lovely island-dotted Inland Sea to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima Shrine, established in the 6th century, and marvel at the magnificent red Torii Gate which rises from the sea. Visit Hiroshimaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peace Memorial Park c where the Memorial Museum stands as a sobering reminder of the destruction wrought by the Atomic bomb. Meals B Day 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tour Nara c, Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first capital Travel to ancient Nara to visit Todai-ji Temple, one of the largest wooden structures in the world and home to an enormous statue of Buddha. Stroll the lantern-lined forest paths of Kasuga Shrine before returning to Kyoto. Meals B Day 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Travel to Kanazawa Travel by rail to Kanazawa and visit the Nomura Samurai Residence and Kutani Kosen Pottery Studio to see skilled artisans at work. Then explore Kenrokuen, revered as one of the very best landscaped gardens in all of Japan. Overnight at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel. Meals B Day 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Into the Japan Alps to Shirakawago c and Takayama Journey to the mountain hamlet of Shirakawago, famous for its ancient â&#x20AC;&#x153;Joined Handsâ&#x20AC;? farmhouses. These unique homes, many built by hand more than 100 years ago, derive their name from the steeply pitched thatch roofs which give the appearance of two hands joined together in prayer. Continue to the deluxe Associa Takayama Resort. Meals B,L 800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
31
'LVFRYHU .HQURNXHQ RQH RI -DSDQÂśV ÂżQHVW JDUGHQV
Day 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Full day sightseeing in Takayama Visit the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s morning market and then admire perfectly-preserved buildings like Takayama Jinya, an imposing government hall of the Edo period. Enjoy a tasting of fine regional sake and tour the fascinating Folk Craft Museum. At the Festival Floats Exhibit Hall, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see enormous parade floats dating back nearly four centuries, many with cleverly-engineered figures that can be animated when these floats are used in the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colorful spring and autumn festivals. Travel with us in April on our special Festival Departure and thrill to an exciting parade featuring these impressive floats. Meals B
The warmth and hospitality of a Japanese inn An unforgettable cultural experience awaits you in Kyoto at the Yoshi-ima Ryokan, owned by the same family for generations in the Gion district where Geisha and Kabuki traditions began centuries ago. Slumber peacefully in your tatami-matted room and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner, breakfast and tea ceremony. Add just $159 per person double, $200 single.
32
ÂŽ
Day 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Onward to Tokyo Journey by rail to Tokyo and transfer to the Keio Plaza Hotel, ideally located in bustling Shinjuku. After time to refresh in your spacious Plaza Premier Room, join your guide for a walking tour in the vibrant, modern district where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re staying. The area is popular with Tokyo residents for shopping, dining and entertainment. Meals B Day 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tsukiji Fish Market and Tokyo city sightseeing Early this morning, we take you on a special visit to the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market, where the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best chefs and ordinary citizens come daily to procure the freshest seafood. Then join one such master chef to learn the art of preparing restaurant-quality sushi. Enjoy the results of your efforts for lunch and continue your sightseeing. Ascend the Tokyo City View Observatory for panoramic views over the capital and visit the Mori Museum, renowned for its world-class collection of contemporary art. Then stroll along the colorful Nakamise Arcade to Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest in the city. Meals B,L Day 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Full day excursion to Mt. Fuji and Hakone Journey this morning through picturesque pine-clad slopes up to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji and continue to Hakone National Park, one of Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loveliest. Enjoy a delightful cruise across the placid waters of picturesque Lake Ashi and ascend Mt. Komagatake by cable car for sweeping views over mountains and forest. Experience the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s powerful geothermal forces in the Owakudani Valley and then return to Tokyo. Meals B Day 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Depart Tokyo Your tour with us finishes today after breakfast. Meals B
o f J a p a n
Our deluxe, city-center hotels...
J A PA N
Kanazawa 1 Takayama 2 3 Tokyo Kyoto lII ll
II lll
IIll
Tokyo – Keio Plaza Enjoy an upgrade to a Plaza Premier Room at this deluxe hotel. You’ll love its many international dining venues and terrific location close to shops and restaurants.
lII ll
llllI
Illll
II lll
llllllII llll
Takayama– Associa Takayama Resort Every guest room in this classic and comfortable hotel offers unobstructed views of the northern Japan Alps.
llllllII
Kanazawa – ANA Crowne Plaza Modern amenities and traditional Japanese hospitality blend at this inviting hotel in the heart of the city.
l
Kyoto – Hotel Granvia Kyoto With a prime location, our stylish deluxe hotel offers easy access to shopping, dining and Kyoto’s myriad cultural attractions.
Inland Sea
lll
4
lllll
lllIllII
lIlllIIl
Hiroshima llllllIIllllllIIllllIIlllIIl
Nara
Mt. Fuji Hakone
Osaka
Our Small Group Value • Escorted comprehensive sightseeing every day, including all entrance fees • 13 meals: 10 buffet breakfasts and 3 lunches • 10 nights accommodation in our handpicked deluxe hotels • All on-tour transportation including the famous Bullet Train • Luggage handling and all hotel taxes & service charges • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Cherry Blossom Time Festival
11 days from $4,999 $4,599*
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
Takayama Spring Festival Discover Japan’s enchanting springtime beauty on our special April departures. Delight in the profusion of pink cherry blooms that adorn cities, towns and countryside. Then experience the Takayama Spring Festival, featuring colorful traditions that date back centuries... Mingle with local residents in a colorful night market and thrill to an unforgettable parade of giant floats, many ingeniously animated and dating back to the 17th century!
2014 Apr 9 - Takayama Spring Festival
Double
Single
Apr 24 • May 22 Jun 19 Jul 15 - Gion Festival • Sep 18 • Oct 16
$5499 4999 $5499
$7799 6799 $7799
2015 Apr 9 - Takayama Spring Festival
$5499
$7799
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on United. Add extra nights.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Kyoto’s Gion Festival Experience one of Japan’s liveliest festivals with 1,200 year-old traditions! At festival-time, the streets of Gion, Kyoto’s historic Geisha district, are filled with color, music and light. Join local residents for this mid-summer revelry, see the festive decorations and thrill to Yamaboko-Junko, a spectacular parade of gigantic floats pulled by teams of men in traditional garb. Experience all this and more on our July departure. Book early… This departure always sells out quickly!
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
33
Backroads & Teahouses of Japan
NEW
8 days | for $4,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Our exclusive cultural experiences and active exploration off-the-beaten path promise an authentic look into facets of Japan which few visitors ever glimpse.
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Discover the essence of Japan’s culture, history and enduring age-old ways as you explore its charming backroads, waterways and wooded trails. • Sample hot rice wine and savor traditional Japanese snacks in an historic Edo-era tea house set along the feudal Tokaido highway. • Join our special Zen meditation experience at a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, an ancient town revered as the spiritual and cultural heart of Japan. • Ascend the forested slopes of Fushimi Inari Shrine as you make your way through its 10,000 red torii gates, featured in the film Memoirs of a Geisha. 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
34
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Tokyo Check in to your Deluxe Room at the city-center Hilton Hotel. Day 2 – Out and about in Tokyo Your day begins with a guided stroll through Hamarikyu Garden, a lovely oasis surrounded by the city’s skyscrapers. Refresh with a cup of macha in a teahouse set on a garden island and then enjoy a cruise along the Sumida River. Step off in Asakusa, one of the city’s oldest districts, to visit Asakusa Kannon Temple and the bustling Nakamise Arcade. Enjoy a hands-on class in the preparation of both nigiri and maki sushi and then sit down to a congenial lunch. Tour the Meiji Shrine before returning to your hotel for a free evening. Meals B,L Day 3 – Along the forested trails of Kamakura Travel by rail to Kamakura to visit Jochiji Temple, founded in 1283. A pleasant 2-hour hike along a carefully tended forested trail offers lovely views of the sea. Visit a small Shinto shrine as you make your way to Kotokuin Temple, home to Kamakura’s famous giant bronze Buddha. Marvel at the gilded statue of the Goddess of Mercy at Hasedara Temple before returning to Tokyo. Meals B,L Day 4 – Hakone and Mt. Fuji National Park With forested slopes and the image of Mt. Fuji reflected in the waters of Lake Ashi, this is one of Japan’s most spectacular regions, and we’ve made special arrangements for you to experience its beauty... Ascend by cable car over steaming mineral pools to Mt. Owakudani, cruise on Lake Ashi and hike along one of the last remaining sections of the Old Tokaido Highway. Sample rice wine in an Edo-era tea house and overnight at the Fujiya Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – By rail to Kyoto c Ride the world-famous Bullet Train to Kyoto arriving in time for lunch and a guided afternoon walking or biking tour through the Gion district where Geisha traditions began long ago. Delight in the weeping willows and quaint tea houses that line the Shirakawa Canal and visit the beautiful gardens of the Imperial Palace Park. Continue along the Kamogawa River, lined with cherry trees abloom in the spring, and overnight at the Brighton Hotel. Meals B,L
J A PA N
Hakone 1
iiI llllllIIllllllIIlllliiiIlllIIlllli
3
Kamakura
Mt. Fuji
Nara Inland Sea
3 Tokyo
llIIll llIIll IIllll llllll
Kyoto
lIIll llIIl ll
Day 6 – Out and about in Kyoto Your exploration of Japan’s spiritual heart begins fittingly with our special Zen meditation experience at a Buddhist temple. Then visit Nijo Castle with its remarkable Nightingale Floor, designed to “chirp” a warning if would-be assassins intruded into the Shogun’s quarters! Visit the vermilion-hued Heian Shrine and marvel at the exotic foods and wares of the bustling Nishiki Market. Enjoy magnificent views from the terrace of Kiyomizu Temple before returning to your hotel. Meals B,L Day 7 – Ancient Nara c Today’s full-day excursion showcases the historic temples of Japan’s first capital including Todaiji, the world’s largest wooden building, and Kasuga Taisha, founded in 768 and famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns. At Fushimi Inari Shrine, featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha, you’ll walk through its 10,000 red torii gates to the summit for amazing views over the wooded hills. Return to Kyoto where your evening is free. Meals B,L Day 8 – Sayonara, Japan! Your journey with us ends this morning. Meals B
Osaka
Your Trip Leader, Yoko Hori Tokyo-born Yoko is equally at home in her cosmopolitan, 21st-century home town as she is exploring the forested trails of Hakone and the Kyoto region. Well versed in Japan’s culture and history, this 15-year travel veteran will enrich your exploration of the country she loves and knows so well.
Our hotels
Hakone – Fujiya Hotel For more than a century, this outstanding resort has welcomed distinguished guests to the heart of Hakone’s wooded splendor.
Our Small Group Adventure Value • Extensive sightseeing and guided walks including all entry fees • 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 1 dinner • 7 nights in our deluxe hotels • All on-tour transportation • Luggage handling and all hotel taxes & service charges (Please note that an overnight bag is required for the stay in Hakone) • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Kyoto – Brighton Hotel With a great location close to the Imperial Palace, this deluxe hotel artfully blends gracious Japanese hospitality with modern amenities.
Delight in Japan at festival time Cherry Blossoms Discover Japan’s springtime beauty... From an enchanting Tokyo garden and Hakone National Park to the delicate pink blossoms that line Kyoto’s waterways, our special March and April departures offer the opportunity to experience Japan during one of its loveliest seasons! Gion Festival Delight in the ancient traditions of this festival when Kyoto is filled with color, music and light. Join the revelry, see the decorations and witness a spectacular parade of gigantic floats pulled by teams of men in traditional garb. Book early… This departure always sells out quickly!
8 days for $4,999 $4,599* COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
Tokyo – Hilton Tokyo Enjoy a Deluxe Room and modern Japanese style at this newly renovated hotel ideally situated in the city’s dynamic Shinjuku District.
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Mar 30 • Apr 6 – Cherry Blossoms May 10 • Jun 8 • Jul 12 – Gion Festival Sep 7 • Oct 5
$4999
$6599
$4999
$6599
2015
Mar 29 • Apr 19
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on United.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
35
Simply Affordable Japan 7 days | from $2,499 | Independent travel with our attentive local services
6LJKWVHHLQJ ZLWK RXU WHUULÂżF JXLGHV LQ 7RN\R DQG .\RWR EULQJV \RX IDFH WR IDFH ZLWK -DSDQÂśV DQFLHQW FXOWXUH DQG VW FHQWXU\ VSLULW
J a p a n
JAPAN
Engaging Discoveries & Value â&#x20AC;˘ Thrill to the high-speed comfort of the Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto â&#x20AC;˘ Experience Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s captivating beauty with our available overnight in Hakone â&#x20AC;˘ See if you can walk in stealth across the Nightingale Floor, cleverly designed to chirp a warning if would-be assassins gained entry to Nijo Castle â&#x20AC;˘ City sightseeing tours in Tokyo and Kyoto, including all entrance fees â&#x20AC;˘ 6 nights with daily breakfast in your choice of first class or deluxe city-center hotels â&#x20AC;˘ All on-tour transportation including the Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto â&#x20AC;˘ All hotel taxes and service charges Day 1: Check in to your choice of hotel in the heart of Tokyo.
including Kinkaku-ji Temple c, Nijo Castlec and the Kyoto Imperial Palacec. Meals B
Day 2: Your tour begins atop Tokyo Tower and continues to the Imperial Palace Plaza and Akihabara Electric Town. Stroll through the Nakamise Arcade to visit Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest in the city. Your tour ends downtown at Tokyo Station, where dining and shopping options abound. Meals B
Day 6: Explore at your own pace or join an available tour to ancient Narac. Meals B
Day 3: From April to November, a tour is available to visit the historic Toshogu Shrine and beautiful Nikko National Park c. Meals B Day 4: Travel at startling speeds in safety and comfort aboard the world-famous Bullet Train to Kyoto and transfer to your choice of hotel. Or add our overnight trip to Hakone. Meals B Day 5: Morning sightseeing showcases the important treasures of the ancient capital 36
ÂŽ
Day 7: Our tour finishes today. Meals B 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Spend a day in Hakone On Day 4, ride up the slopes of Mt. Fuji, cruise on Lake Ashi and overnight at a hot springs resort in the National Park. We include two meals, all transportation between Tokyo and .\RWR DQG \RXU FKRLFH RI WKH VXSHULRU ÂżUVW class Yumoto Fujiya Hotel for an additional $700 per person â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or the luxurious Hyatt Regency Resort for $900 per person.
Kyoto
3
lIIlIIlllIIl
llIIllllIIll
llllllIIllll
lllIIlll
lllIIIIlllll
3
Tokyo
1
Hakone
Osaka
Travel any day you wish.
7 days from $2,499 Superior first class Tokyo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Grand Palace Our comfortable 4-star hotel offers a terrific location close to the Imperial Palace. Kyoto â&#x20AC;&#x201C; New Miyako Travelers love this superior first class hotel close to Kyoto Station and many historic sites.
Deluxe Tokyo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Keio Plaza Our stylish deluxe hotel offers well-appointed guestrooms in the vibrant Shinjuku district. Kyoto â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ANA Crown Plaza Contemporary styling and traditional warmth in the heart of the city near Nijo Castle. Prices are per person, land only. Holiday surcharges may apply. Add extra nights.
Family
Friends
Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
Japan Private Tours 'HVLJQ RU HQKDQFH \RXU MRXUQH\ ZLWK RXU SULYDWH WRXULQJ WUDQVIHUV DQG ÂżQH KRWHOV
Southern Horizons of Japan
Okinawa
7RN\R )UHH6W\OH
5 days from $3,199 $2,799
5 days from $2,999 $2,599
4 days from $859
Nagasaki Peace Memorial
Our exclusive Private Tour showcases the bustling ports of Fukuoka and Nagasaki.
Our unique exploration into the ancient and World War II history of the island.
3ULYDWH 7RXULQJ 'LVFRYHULHV 9DOXH
3ULYDWH 7RXULQJ 'LVFRYHULHV 9DOXH
â&#x20AC;˘ Explore the magnificent Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and admire the stately British-built homes of Glover Garden in Nagasaki â&#x20AC;˘ 4 meals and 4 nights in our fine hotels Day 1: Check in to the 5-star Hotel Okura in Fukuoka on the southern island of Kyushu. Day 2: This morningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private tour begins at the beautiful Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated during the Heian period. Ascend Fukuoka Tower for terrific views over the city and bay and enjoy a sightseeing cruise on the Yanagawa River. Meals B Day 3: Journey by rail to Nagasaki and check in to the BW Premier Hotel. Your private afternoon tour begins in Glover Garden with its gracious homes built by British merchants in the 19th century. Then visit the Atomic Bomb Museum and Nagasaki Peace Park, located just a few minutes from the epicenter of the August 9, 1945 atomic bomb blast. Meals B Day 4: The day is free to enjoy as you wish. Or you can join an optional tour including the 17th-century Portuguese enclave on Dejima Island and the bubbling hot spring pools of Unzen. Meals B Day 5: Your tour ends this morning. Meals B
â&#x20AC;˘ Learn about the ancient Ryuku Kingdom that ruled Okinawa long ago and delight in the idyllic beaches and tropical landscapes of Cape Busena
We make it easy to experience the best of Tokyo, old and new... Choose from our fine city-center hotels and enjoy airport bus transfers from Narita and a group sightseeing tour of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highlights.
.\RWR )UHH6W\OH 3 days from $599
â&#x20AC;˘ 4 meals and 4 nights in our superior hotels Day 1: Check in to the Naha Terrace Hotel on the enchanting island of Okinawa. Day 2: Your full-day private car tour begins at the magnificent Shuri Castle which rose to prominence during the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom that dominated the island for centuries. Explore along the well-maintained paths that lead deep into Gyokusendo Cave and take in the sweeping coastal views from Manzamo. End your day at the Himeyuri Peace Museum dedicated to the inspiring work of the Himeyuri Student Corps, schoolgirls who were mobilized as nursesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; assistants during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Meals B Day 3: Transfer to the Busena Terrace Resort, situated on a beautiful cape fringed with spectacular white sand beaches. Meals B Day 4: This entire day is free to enjoy the enchanting setting and amenities of your resort. Meals B Day 5: Your tour with us ends today. Meals B
Revered as the cultural, artistic and spiritual heart of the country, Kyoto is one of Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most captivating cities. Choose from our fine hotels or stay in a traditional Japanese inn and enjoy a group city tour of Kyotoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highlights including the Golden Pavilion.
2VDND )UHH6W\OH 3 days from $699
JAPAN
SOUTH KOREA
Pacific
J A PA N
Ocean E a s t C h i n a S e a
llII
llll
llIl
2 Fukuoka
llll
2 Nagasaki Okinawa
Add this fascinating metropolis to your exploration of Japan! We offer a selection of fine city center hotels and a group sightseeing tour of the magnificent Osaka-jo, one of Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most impressive castles.
For Private or Custom arrangements FDOO
37
Hill Tribes of Thailand 12 days | for $3,199 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Elephant trekking in Thailand
Our exclusive journey features special cultural excursions and jungle adventures for exciting, authentic engagement with Thailand’s rich history and diverse cultures.
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• We take you deeper into northern Thailand to discover more of the region’s hill tribes, including the Long-Neck women of the Karen Tribe. • Join city residents in their daily alms ritual, providing food to local monks... It’s an intimate look into the vibrancy of modern Buddhism in Thailand. • Discover the lush forests of the north as you explore atop an elephant, by ox cart and on a bamboo raft! 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
The elephant camp was delightful and resorts were exceptional. The scenic Thailand countryside is wonderful. – J.K., Richmond TX
38
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Bangkok! Check in to the deluxe Rembrandt Hotel. Day 2 – Tour the Grand Palace and more Your morning tour begins at the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Explore the city’s canals by boat and visit the Temple of Dawn. Meals B,D Day 3 – Kanchanaburi and the Bridge over the River Kwai Travel to Kanchanaburi to visit the JEATH War Time Museum and ride a train across the Bridge. Then venture by boat through spectacular river gorges deep into the jungle to visit a Mon tribal village. Enjoy dinner and a performance of Mon music and dance. Spend a memorable night in your comfortable floating “Raft Room” at the charming River Kwai Village. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – Ayutthaya c and on to Phitsanuloke Tour the vast ruins of Ayutthaya and visit Wat Yai, famed for its golden statue of Buddha. Then drive to the Topland Hotel in Phitsanuloke. This evening, ride a trishaw to explore the exotic fare of the Night Market. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – From ancient Sukhothai c to Chiang Mai Visit Sukhothai, the first capital of the Thai Kingdom. Continue to the stylish U Chiang Mai Hotel. Tonight’s Khantoke dinner features the region’s Lannastyle cuisine and the music and dance of the northern hill tribes. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – Morning sightseeing Visit the lavish Doi Suthep Temple, situated 3,500 feet above sea level with sweeping views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding forests. Then journey deeper into the mountains to visit a remote Meo hill tribe village. Meals B,L Day 7 – To Thaton on the Burmese border Join residents early this morning as they “gain merit” with food offerings to local monks, an ancient ritual that offers rich insight into an enduring facet of Buddhist culture. After breakfast, head into the jungle to see elephants at work in their native habitat. Then explore the forest from a variety of thrilling perspectives: From atop an elephant, by ox cart and down the Mae Taeng River on a raft. Continue to the Maekok River Village Resort in Thaton. Meals B,L,D
VIETNAM
MYANMAR (BURMA)
Chiang Rai 2 Thaton 1
Day 8 – Onward to Chiang Rai Travel over river and land to visit several hill tribe villages, including the Karen, Lahu, Akha and Yao tribes. Tour the White Temple and check in to the Legend Chiang Rai River Resort. Meals B,L Day 9 – Into the Golden Triangle Journey deep into the heart of the Golden Triangle to explore the towns and landscapes along the Thai border with Burma and Laos. Meals B,L Day 10 – Fly to Bangkok Fly to Bangkok and transfer to the Rembrandt Hotel. Meals B Day 11 – Morning excursion from Bangkok Visit the colorful and world-famous floating markets of Damnoen Saduak and see the world’s tallest Buddhist pagoda. Meals B Day 12 – Your tour ends today. Meals B
Modern comfort. Traditional Thai charm.
LAOS
Chiang Mai 2 THAILAND
Phitsanuloke Kanchanburi 1 1 Bangkok 4
2 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat CAMBODIA
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Adventure Value • Escorted comprehensive sightseeing • 23 meals: 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 5 dinners • 11 nights in our handpicked first class hotels and resorts • All on-tour transportation and one internal flight • Luggage handling, hotel taxes & service charges and all fees for the internal flight • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
12 days for $3,199 $2,799*
Save $800
SINGLES
Bangkok – Rembrandt Hotel This fine first class hotel offers a heart-of-it-all location in the capital’s bustling Sukhumvit district. River Kwai – River Kwai Village Hotel Retreat to your floating room at this simple yet charming resort. Phitsanuloke – Topland Hotel This fine first class hotel offers modern conveniences, handsomely furnished guestrooms and a panoramic view of river and city. Chiang Mai – U Chiang Mai Hotel Your guestroom at this stylish boutique hotel features elegant decor, 21st-century amenities and your own private terrace with daybed. Thaton – Maekok River Village Resort & Spa Built in traditional northern Thai style with bamboo and thatch, this inviting resort is nestled on the banks of the tranquil Mae Kok River. Chiang Rai – Legend Chiang Rai River Resort & Spa Retreat to our enchanting resort, splendidly located on the river close to the heart of town with panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan 9 • Feb 20 • Mar 27 • Dec 4 Nov 1 – Lantern Festival
$3199
$3599
$3199
$3799
2015
Jan 8 • Feb 19, 26 • Mar 5, 19
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Cathay Pacific. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $3,399
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Add Angkor Wat c 3 days from $699
Travel with us to the Lantern Festival Our Nov 1 departure includes the Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai. Enjoy a traditional Thai dinner and then release your own lantern into air, joining thousands of city residents who believe that the lanterns will carry away their misfortunes.
The mighty jungle ruins of Angkor stand in testament to the ancient grandeur of the Khmer Empire. Our easy-to-add extension includes your flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap, a choice of deluxe or luxury hotel, sightseeing and more! Call us or visit GeneralTours.com.
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
39
Adventures in Thailand, Laos & Angkor Wat 14 days | for $5,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
The Living Lands Community experience.
Feel the rhythms of “Old Asia” as you venture down a seldom traveled stretch of the Mekong, engage with the people... and experience their timeless way of life.
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Spend time with a master elephant trainer, learning the basic commands as you work with these giant beasts in their jungle habitat outside of Chiang Mai. • Spend two unforgettable days on the remote, lesser visited, upper reaches of the Mekong River... with an overnight at our enchanting riverside Lodge. • Join local residents in Thailand and Laos in their daily alms rituals... It’s an authentic look into the vibrancy of modern Buddhism in these lands. • Meet Laotian farmers at the unique Living Lands Community for a hands-on experience in rice cultivation, even plowing with a water buffalo! • End your trip on a high note with unhurried and immersive exploration of Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat... staying in their finest boutique hotels. 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Day 1 – Welcome to Bangkok Check in to the 5-star Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa. Day 2 – Tuk-Tuk adventure Hop aboard a traditional motorized rickshaw to explore some of the city’s oldest and most colorful districts including Chinatown. Marvel at the golden Buddha at Wat Traimit and enjoy lunch at the Supratra River House. Meals B,L Day 3 – Fly to Chiang Mai Upon arrival, transfer to the 5-star Chedi Chiang Mai. Later, ascend to the glittering Doi Suthep Temple for a magical twilight view over the city. Dine tonight at Rak Tha Nam, set in a Lanna-style house on the river. Meals B,D Day 4 – Elephant Training Course at the Mae Sa Elephant Camp Working with the Camp’s veterinarian, staff and master elephant trainers, you’ll engage with these enormous beasts in their native jungle habitat, learning the basic commands as you help to bathe and feed them. Meals B,L Day 5 – Morning Alms Experience and travel to Chiang Rai Join city residents in their daily ritual of offering food to Buddhist monks from a nearby temple. It’s a unique look into Thailand’s enduring and deeply spiritual ways. Explore the Chiang Dao Cave Shrine and travel by river and land to visit several hill tribe villages. Continue to Le Meridien Chiang Rai. Meals B,L Day 6 – Discover Chiang Rai Your morning tour includes a bustling local market and Wat Phra Kaew, where many believe the revered Emerald Buddha was first discovered. Meals B Day 7 – From Chiang Rai along the Upper Mekong River into Laos Journey down the Mekong aboard the intimate Luang Say, enjoying lunch and a relaxing afternoon of cruising. Experience life in a remote riverside village
We enjoyed our trip very much, most notably the accommodations, the attentive guides and, of course, the awesome sights and sounds at each destination. – R.C., New York NY
40
®
CHINA
Chiang Rai 2
Chiang Rai – Le Meridien Resort Step onto your private balcony at this stylish resort and enjoy magnificent views of the region’s lush mountain landscapes. Luang Say Cruise & Lodge Enjoy two days on the remote Upper Mekong aboard our traditional river craft and spend the night at our charming riverside lodge. Luang Prabang – Maison Souvannaphoum Once the home of a Laotian prince, the city’s premier hotel delights guests with its attentive service and evocative charm. Siem Reap – Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Our landmark luxury hotel is surrounded by 15 acres of beautifully landscaped French gardens across from the Royal Palace. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Luang 3 Prabang THAILAND
Bangkok 3
CAMBODIA
2 Angkor Wat
Gulf
All three internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Adventure Value • Comprehensive sightseeing with all entry fees • 22 meals: 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners • 12 nights in our premium city-center hotels and 1 night at our enchanting Mekong River lodge • All on-tour transportation including a 2-day expedition cruise on the Upper Mekong and all internal flights • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees for your 3 included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
14 days for $5,999 $5,599* SAVE ON ANY DATE COUPLES
Feel the warmth and spirit of Old Asia...
Chiang Mai – Chedi Chiang Mai Resort Luxurious guestrooms at this riverside resort are elegantly furnished and feature a wall of glass doors leading to your private balcony.
LAOS
1
Chiang Mai 2
Day 14 – Depart Bangkok: Your tour ends this morning. Meals B
Bangkok – Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort Our upscale urban resort is set amidst lush tropical gardens on the banks of the legendary Chao Phraya River.
VIETNAM
Luang Say Lodge
Save $800
SINGLES
before continuing your voyage to the Luang Say Lodge, arriving in time for dinner on their riverfront terrace. Meals B,L,D Day 8 – Down the Mekong to Luang Prabang c After breakfast at your lodge, reboard the Luang Say and cruise to a remote hill tribe village to see how rice wine is made. Enjoy lunch onboard and then visit the fabled Pak Ou Caves. Continue your voyage to Luang Prabang and transfer to the 5-star Maison Souvannaphoum. Savor traditional Laotian cuisine at dinner and explore the city’s Night Market. Meals B,L,D Day 9 – Excursion into the Laotian countryside At the innovative Living Lands Community, join local farmers for a hands-on experience in the 14 steps of rice cultivation, from planting to harvesting. Back in the city, your tour includes the National Museum and Wat Xieng Thong, the city’s most beautiful temple. Meals B,L Day 10 – Morning Alms Experience in Luang Prabang Early risers can join locals to “earn merit” by offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks as they march silently through the streets of Luang Prabang. After breakfast, the balance of your day is free. Meals B Day 11 – Onward to Cambodia and Angkor Wat c Fly to Siem Reap and transfer to the luxurious Raffles Hotel. Then join your guide to explore magnificent Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world. Late in the day, we’ll lead you to a prime vantage point to witness the sunset over the ancient jungle ruins of Angkor. Meals B Day 12 – The luxury of a second day at Angkor Discover lesser-known sites like the ancient Khmer capital of Angkor Thom with its beautifully carved Elephant Terrace and the stunning Bayon Temple. You’ll also visit Ta Prohm, a 12th-century temple now enveloped by the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees. Meals B Day 13 – Tonle Sap Lake and back to Bangkok A morning excursion reveals the floating homes and timeless fishing villages of Tonle Sap Lake. Then fly to Bangkok and transfer to the convenient Novotel Airport Hotel for your final night. Meals B
MYANMAR (BURMA)
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan 25 • Feb 15 • Mar 29 • Nov 22
$5999
$7799
$5999
$7799
2015
Jan 17 • Feb 7 • Mar 14 • Apr 11
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Cathay Pacific or United. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $6,299
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Add Myanmar... Before or After! Our 8-day Private Journey Enhance your travels through exotic Southeast Asia with our Private Tour of Burma. We include your flight between Bangkok and Yangon and all the features of our Private Journey to Myanmar! See page 42 for the complete Burma itinerary. 800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
41
A Private Journey to Myanmar 8 days | from $4,699 | A private tour just for your traveling party.
Discover the ancient temples of Bagan.
Experience more of Myanmar’s (Burma) timeless way of life and ancient traditions as you explore with your own private guide.
Private Touring Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• In this exotic land, seemingly untouched by time, you’ll witness authentic scenes of village life on a tranquil sunset cruise on the Irrawaddy. • Journey by traditional pony cart across the golden temple-studded plain of Bagan and ascend an ancient pagoda for a magnificent sunset over this remarkable landscape. • Immerse in the rhythms of daily life along Inle Lake with our unhurried stay... You’ll mingle with tribal villagers, dine with a local family and explore its villages and temples.
The trip was fabulous. The hotels were lovely and lunch at a private home on Inle Lake was the best. – P.L., Orange, CA
42
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Yangon Check in to your choice of hotel. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for dinner at the elegant Strand Grill. Meals D Day 2 – Discover Yangon Discover historic and cultural highlights like the Sule and Shwedagon Pagodas, Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha and Scott Market. An evening stroll through Chinatown offers a glimpse into daily life. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – Journey to Bagan Fly northward and begin your exploration of the 2,000 ancient temples that dot Bagan’s golden plains. Then check in to your choice of hotel and enjoy a sunset cruise on the Irrawaddy River. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – Life in Bagan Spend time at a fruit market and with a village family for an authentic look into Burmese life and culture. Then travel by pony cart and ascend one of Bagan’s towering pagodas to witness an unforgettable sunset across these golden temple-studded plains. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – Fly to Mandalay Visit ancient Amarapura and check in to the deluxe Mandalay Hill Resort. Enjoy a private city tour and the sunset from atop Mandalay Hill. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – Fly to Heho and travel to Inle Lake Transfer to your chosen lakefront resort and then explore the remote villages and sacred temples of this vast mountain lake, home to fishermen who skillfully row their boats with one leg as they cast their nets. Visit a floating farm and see the boat carvers of Nampan. Meals B,L,D Day 7 – Life along the shores of Inle Lake Mingle with tribal villagers at the bustling 5 Day Market and tour ancient Inn Dein Temple. Sit down to a traditional lunch with an Intha family in their charming lakefront home and enjoy an evening canoe excursion. Meals B,L,D Day 8 – Return to Yangon Fly back to Yangon this morning. Meals B
MYANMAR (BURMA)
Our Private Tour Value
Bagan 2
• Escorted sightseeing with your own private car, driver and guide including all entry fees • 20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners • 7 nights in your choice of hotels • All on-tour transportation and 4 internal flights • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance
1 Mandalay Heho 2 Inle Lake
VIETNAM LAOS
2 Chiang Rai
Yangon 2
2 Chiang Mai THAILAND
2 Bangkok
Travel any day you wish.
8 days from $4,699 $4,299*
All internal flights are included.
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
Superior First Class
Deluxe
Yangon – Chatrium Hotel Stylish modern hotel with Colonial flourishes in the heart of town. Bagan – Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort Set on 24 landscaped acres along the gentle Irrawaddy River. Mandalay – Mandalay Hill Resort A lovely deluxe hotel with sweeping views of the Royal Palace. Inle Lake – Villa Inle Resort Traditional style and modern comfort on the shores of Inle Lake.
Yangon – Govenors Residence A luxury Orient-Express hotel set in a romantic 1920’s mansion.
2014
Double
Single
2014
Double
Single
Jan-Apr May-Sep Oct-Dec
$4999 4699 5399
$6399 5799 7099
Jan-Apr May-Sep Oct-Dec
$5599 4899 5799
$7499 6499 7799
$5399
$7099
$5799
$7799
2015
Bagan – Aureum Palace Resort Set on 27 acres of tropical paradise amidst the temples of Bagan. Mandalay – Mandalay Hill Resort Retreat to this deluxe resort at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Inle Lake – Inle Princess Resort Teakwood interiors, modern amenities and private lakeview terraces.
2015
Jan-Apr
Jan-Apr
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Cathay Pacific or United.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Discover Thailand’s Hill Tribes 7 days from $2,999... before or after your journey to Burma Day 1: Arrive Bangkok and transfer to the deluxe Anantara Riverside Resort.
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Day 2: Exploring in a traditional tuk-tuk, your morning tour includes the Temple of the Golden Buddha, Chinatown and the colorful Flower Market. Meals B,L
Day 5: Visit “Long Neck” Padong and Ahka villages and the Chiang Dao cave shrines. Continue to Chiang Mai and check in to the 5-star Chedi Hotel. Dine tonight at Rak Tha Nam, set in a traditional Lanna style house on the river. Meals B,L,D
Day 3: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Rai in the northern mountains of Thailand and check-in to the deluxe Le Meridien Hotel. Meals B
Day 6: Work with elephant trainers in the jungle and learn the basic commands that guide these giant beasts through their daily routine of bathing and feeding. Meals B,L
Day 4: Travel by boat along the gentle Kok River to visit a Yao tribal village and the local market. Tour Wat Phra Kaew, where the fabled Emerald Buddha was discovered centuries ago, and Wat Pra Singh, a fine example of Lanna style. Meals B,L
Day 7: Join city residents in their daily alms ritual of offering food to Buddhist monks and visit Doi Suthep Temple. Then fly to Yangon for the start of your tour. Meals B You can add this Thailand extension before or after your Private Journey to Myanmar!
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
43
Visions of Vietnam 10 days | from $3,799 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Enjoy an overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay.
5HPDUNDEOH YDOXH DQG WKH EHQH¿WV RI D VPDOO JURXS DUH UHÀHFWHG LQ RXU OX[XU\ hotels, special cultural excursions, attentive services and unforgettable dining!
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Savor Hanoi’s culinary scene as our local chef takes you on a tasting exploration around town. • Discover ancient Hue and the historic must-see port of Hoi An, which so many visitors miss. • Learn how to select exotic produce and spices for your hands-on culinary class. • Journey deep into the Mekong Delta and explore by sampan for an intimate look into rural life. 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
We saw everything I hoped and planned to see. Our Trip Leaders were excellent, knowledgeable and with a sense of KXPRU 7KH KRWHOV ZHUH ¿UVW UDWH – D.H., Hampstead, NC 44
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Check in to the evocative, city-center Park Hyatt, the best hotel in town! Day 2 – Out and about in Saigon An excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels reveals a vast network of secret trapdoors, underground rooms. Back in the city, your tour includes Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and Le Cong Kieu Street with its many antique vendors. Dine tonight at Hoa Tuc, famed for its fine Vietnamese cuisine. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – An excursion into the Mekong Delta Drive deep into the Mekong Delta and explore these bustling waterways by sampan. Sample exotic fruits in the shade of a farmer’s garden before sitting down to a congenial lunch of regional specialties. Meals B,L Day 4 – Onward to historic Hoi An c Fly to Danang and drive past the Marble Mountains and China Beach to Hoi An, where your walking tour includes a local school and time to marvel at Hoi An’s historic merchant homes, ancient temples and bustling markets. This evening, delight in your deluxe beachfront guestroom at the Victoria Resort. Meals B,D Day 5 – Explore Hoi An Mingle with residents at the local market and learn how to select the best spices and freshest produce - ingredients you’ll use at a hands-on cooking class. After lunch, which you help to prepare, your afternoon is free. This evening, dine along the riverfront at the esteemed Brother’s Café. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – A scenic overland journey to Hue Visit the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh and the Imperial Citadel. Encounter fascinating scenes of local life as you cruise down the Perfume River and visit the Dong Ba Market. After dinner, retire to La Residence Hotel. Meals B,D Day 7 – Fly to Hanoi Upon arrival, visit the 11th-century Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple and lovely Hoan Kiem Lake. Enjoy lunch and then explore the French Quarter
CHINA
aboard a traditional cyclo. Enjoy a Water Puppet performance and spend two luxurious nights at the Sofitel Metropol. Meals B,L,D Day 8 – The Flavors and Sites of Hanoi Our local chef will give you a taste of the city’s culinary scene. Explore an exotic local market and meet the vendors before joining him for coffee or tea at a charming sidewalk café. Then sit down to an authentic Vietnamese lunch at one of his favorite restaurants. Meals B,L Day 9 – Journey to Ha Long Bay c for an overnight cruise A morning drive brings you to magnificent Ha Long Bay to board our Paradise Cruise vessel for an unforgettable overnight cruise. Enjoy the scenery. Enjoy lunch, dinner and a wonderful voyage deep into this captivating tableau of mountains, sea and sky. Meals B,L,D Day 10 – Awake on Ha Long Bay and return to Hanoi Return to Hanoi where our tour services end at the airport. Meals B
Hanoi 2
2
Gulf Mekong Delta of Thailand
4 days for $999 We include your flight from Hanoi to Siem Reap, transfers, 3 nights at the 5-star Sofitel Royal Resort, 6 meals including lunch at Viroth’s and 2 full days of expertly guided sightseeing. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
3 Ho Chi Minh City
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Value • Comprehensive sightseeing including all entry fees • 21 meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners featuring some of our favorite restaurants in Southeast Asia • 8 nights accommodation in deluxe and luxury hotels • Overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay in a Deluxe Cabin aboard our Paradise Cruises ship • All on-tour transportation and both internal flights • Luggage handling, port charges, hotel taxes & service charges, and all airline fees for your two included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
10 days from $3,799 $3,399* COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
Join us for the Tet festivities!
Extend to Angkor Wat c
Siem Reap/ 3 Angkor Wat CAMBODIA
Ha Long Bay – Paradise Cruises Styled after a traditional Vietnamese junk, our fine ship offers the best cruise and dining experience on the Bay.
Our January departures feature the joyous days leading up to the celebration of Tet, the Vietnamese New Year when decorations and lights adorn nearly every street and home. Experience lively traditions and savor special dishes prepared to herald the New Year!
S o u t h C h i n a S e a
Bangkok
SINGLES
Hanoi – Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s best luxury hotel offers FrenchColonial flair and fine dining in the heart of the city.
1 Hue 2 Hoi An
Danang
THAILAND
Ho Chi Minh City – Park Hyatt Ideally located on Lam Son Square, this striking city-center luxury hotel is Saigon’s best, heralded for its attentive service.
Hue – La Residence Set on the banks of the Perfume River, the Art Deco styling of this boutique hotel will delight you.
1 Ha Long Bay
LAOS
Delight in Vietnam’s finest hotels
Hoi An – Victoria Resort Retreat to your deluxe beachfront guestroom at this wonderful resort, set on a private stretch of white sand.
Hong Kong
VIETNAM
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan 20 - Tet Festival Feb 10 • Mar 17 • Oct 20 Dec 15
$3799 3899
$5699 5899
$3899
$5899
2015
Jan 19 - Tet Festival Feb 9 • Mar 16
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Cathay Pacific or United. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $4,399
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
45
Wildlife of Borneo 11 days | from $3,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
See Proboscis Monkeys in their native jungle habitat.
Encounter Borneo’s famed Orang Utans and Proboscis Monkeys and experience tribal life... by river, lake and land deep into the remote jungles.
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Experience the ways and cultures of the indigenous Iban tribe... Visit a traditional longhouse and explore the rainforest with expert Iban trackers. • Learn how injured and orphaned animals at the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary are prepared for reintroduction into the remote wilds of Borneo. • Visit the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary at feeding time for an exciting up-close encounter with these fascinating primates. • Travel deep into Sukau’s Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary to observe Borneo’s exotic birds and creatures in their native rainforest habitat.
This is one of the best tours I’ve ever taken with the best guides ever. I loved Borneo and will probably go back again one day. – J.S., Bellingham, WA 46
®
Day 1 – Arrive Kuching on the Island of Borneo Check in to the Pullman Kuching Hotel, the finest in town. Day 2 – Full day sightseeing Visit the Sarawak Cultural Village, a unique living museum that showcases the island’s diverse ethnic cultures. After lunch, visit the Semenggok Rehabilitation Center to learn how orang utans rescued from captivity are taught the skills needed to survive on their own in the rainforest. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – Into the heart of Borneo Journey overland through rubber plantations and jungle-clad mountains and then by boat up the Lemanak River, dotted with Iban longhouse settlements. Arrive at Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort in time for dinner. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – Excursion deep in Iban country Spend the day getting to know Borneo’s indigenous Iban tribe. Explore the jungle with expert Iban trackers, learning how they use rainforest plants and trying your hand at blowpipe hunting. Enjoy a traditional Iban meal cooked in bamboo tubes over an open fire. Return to your resort for dinner. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – By river, land and air to Kota Kinabalu Return to Kuching, fly to Kota Kinabalu and transfer to Le Meridien Hotel. Your evening is free to explore the nearby night market and waterfront. Meals B,L Day 6 – Off the coast of Borneo Cruise to the Marine Ecology Center and learn about their efforts to protect highly-endangered giant clams. Then experience life in a coastal village of the Bajau tribe and join these “Sea Gypsies” as they fish and crab. Meals B,L,D Day 7 – Fly to Sandakan and travel to Sukau An early morning flight brings you to Sandakan to visit the world-famous Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center, an innovative facility where orphaned and injured animals are reintroduced to their native jungle habitat. Then visit the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary at feeding time before continuing to the Borneo Nature Lodge in Sukau. Tonight’s River Safari offers a thrilling chance to observe elusive nocturnal species. Meals B,L,D
To Penang
Day 8 – The wilds of Borneo Embark on an early morning cruise upriver and across an ox-bow lake in search of tropical birds and other wildlife. As local conditions permit, you might experience more of Borneo’s remote wilderness on a guided jungle walk. After breakfast, you’ll assist in local conservation efforts by planting a tree in the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. An afternoon river safari takes you deep into the native habitats of elusive and endangered species like the Proboscis monkey, Macaque, estuarine crocodile and Borneo Pygmy elephant. Meals B,L,D Day 9 – Explore Sukau village This morning’s guided walk in Sukau offers a fascinating look into the traditional ways of the Orang Sungai tribe. Enjoy a free afternoon at your Lodge before this evening’s cruise on the Menanggol River and an exciting Night Safari deep into the jungle with your guide. Meals B,L,D Day 10 – Back to Sandakan Travel to Sandakan and get to know the town’s colorful history and culture as you explore at your own pace along the Sandakan Heritage Trail. Enjoy lunch at the English Tea House and spend the night at the Four Points Sheraton. Meals B,L,D Day 11 – Depart Sandakan: Your tour ends this morning. Meals B
Kota Kinabalu 2
Batang Ai
2
1 Sandakan 3 Sukau
MALAYSIA
2
Kuching
Borneo
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Adventure Value • Comprehensive sightseeing and safari expeditions including all national park and entry fees • 27 meals: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners • 10 nights in our carefully selected hotels, resort and lodge • All on-tour transportation including both internal flights • Luggage handling, all hotel taxes & service charges, and all airline fees for both included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
11 days for $3,999 $3,599* Orang Utan
Fine and evocative accommodations
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
Kuching – Pullman Kuching Kuching’s newest and finest deluxe hotel offers a convenient in-town location and hilltop views of the city and Sarawak River. Batang – Batang Ai Longhouse Resort This distinctive resort features authentic native styling with woodpaneled, high-ceiling guest rooms and covered verandas. Kota Kinabalu – Le Meridien Hotel Enjoy a Deluxe Seaview Room at this stylish and contemporary upscale resort overlooking Mt. Kinabalu and the exotic South China Sea. Sukau – Borneo Nature Lodge This comfortable, eco-friendly lodge is in a delightful riverfront setting next to Malaysia’s largest remaining forested floodplain. Sandakan – Four Points Sheraton Our bright and modern hotel offers a great location on the scenic waterfront promenade overlooking the Sulu Sea.
2014
Double
Single
Mar 19 • Apr 2 • May 14 • Jun 11 • Aug 6 Sep 24 • Oct 15 • Nov 5
$3999
$4799
$3999
$4799
2015
Jan 7 • Feb 11 • Mar 11 • Apr 22
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Cathay Pacific or United to Hong Kong and beyond to Kuching. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $4,299
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Travel on to Penang... The Pearl of the Orient To Penang
4
Sandakan
Penang MALAYSIA
This flight is included
Borneo
5 days from $1,299 Day 1: Your flight from Sandakan to Penang is included. Arrive and transfer to the stylish Eastern & Oriental Hotel where a Superior Seaview Suite awaits. Day 2: Your tour of George Town reveals its rich heritage including Asia’s oldest Anglican church, an ornate Chinese clan house and a Hindu Temple. Meals B,L
Day 3: Set out in a traditional 3-wheeled beca and visit two historic mansions: The 19th-century Blue Mansion and Suffolk House, a stunning example of a Colonial Anglo-Indian garden home. Meals B,L Day 4: Enjoy this day at leisure. Meals B Day 5: Transfer to the airport. Meals B
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
47
Treasures of Korea
NEW
8 days | for $3,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Yangdong Village – A World Heritage Site
Our expert Trip Leader and an intimate group promise more authentic engagement with Korea’s rich cultural traditions and a deeper look into its fascinating history.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Immerse in Korea’s culture through its people and cuisine.. Enjoy a special hands-on cooking class and mingle with residents in the colorful port of Busan. • Learn about ancient Korean healing ways at one of the country’s largest herbal and ginseng markets. • Return to the days of the Cold War on our special visit to the DMZ. • Experience a colorful slice of daily life as you join restaurateurs and ordinary citizens at the largest seafood market in the country! • Spend time with a Buddhist monk at an ancient temple on Jeju Island for a fascinating look into the daily duties and rituals that shape his life. 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
48
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Seoul Check in to the deluxe Grand Hilton Seoul Hotel. Day 2 – Exploring Seoul Join your guide this morning to stroll the ancient lanes of Bukchon Hanok, an authentic village-like enclave in the city. Your hands-on cooking class finishes with lunch featuring traditional Korean dishes you’ve prepared like Bulgogi and Kimchi. After visiting the resplendent Gyeongbok Palace for the Royal Changing of the Guard, explore the galleries of Insa-dong and gain insight into traditional healing techniques at the Gyeongdong herbal market. Meals B,L Day 3 – Visit the DMZ and journey to Gyeongju Your visit to the Demilitarized Zone is a fascinating yet stark reminder of the Cold War legacy. After lunch, journey by train to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty for 1,000 years. Take in the spectacular panorama of the city by night and enjoy two nights at the Gyeongju Suites Hotel. Meals B,L Day 4 – Discover Gyeongju and Yangdong Village Tour Bulguksa Temple c, an exquisite complex of ancient wooden pavilions and pagodas built on stone terraces amidst forested hills. At Seokguram Grotto c, established in the 8th century, you’ll behold a monumental statue of Buddha looking out to the sea. Then tour the ancient royal tombs and view priceless royal relics at the National Museum. Sheltered by forested mountains, the perfectly preserved homes of Yangdong c offer a glimpse into life 500 years ago during the peak of the Joseon Dynasty. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – Onward to Jeju Island Travel overland to the bustling port of Busan for a tour of the city’s highlights including the Nurimaru APEC House, a stunningly contemporary structure overlooking the sea. Then get a glimpse into local life here along the coast as you explore Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest in Korea, and encounter friendly residents on a guided stroll along Nampodong Street. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to beautiful Jeju Island where you’ll be met and escorted to the Jeju Suites Hotel. Meals B
Seoul 2 2 Gyeongju SOUTH KOREA
JAPAN
Both internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Value • Extensive Small Group sightseeing including all entry fees • 12 meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner • 7 nights in our carefully selected deluxe hotels and resort • All on-tour transportation and both internal flights • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
8 days for $3,999 $3,599*
Our deluxe hotels and resort
SAVE ON ANY DATE COUPLES
Seoul – Grand Hilton Hotel Beautifully appointed guestrooms and seven outstanding restaurants promise a delightful stay in the heart of this cosmopolitan city.
Jeju – Jeju Suites Terrific dining options from Italian to Korean and lovely light-filled guestrooms distinguish this deluxe island resort.
Busan
3 Jeju Island
Jeju Island
Gyeongju – Gyeongju Suites Hotel This contemporary deluxe hotel offers a welcoming resort-style ambience close to picturesque Bomunho Lake and the ancient sites of Gyeongju.
To Tokyo
Save $800
SINGLES
Day 6 – Discover Jeju Island Begin your exploration of the island at the beautiful Cheonjiyeon Falls, surrounded by lush subtropical greenery, and the unique geological wonder of Manjanggul Cave c, the longest lava tube in the world. At the Haenyeo Museum, you’ll meet women divers and hear about their personal experiences working in the region’s vital seafood industry. Then journey by boat to picturesque Udo Island where you can explore along well-maintained trails by foot, bike or ATV. Back on Jeju, ascend Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak c for a magnificent sunset before returning to your hotel. Meals B,L Day 7 – A look into island culture Visit Yakcheonsa Temple for a fascinating look into the daily duties and rituals of a Buddhist monk. At the Spirit Garden, participate in a guided meditation experience before sitting down to a cup of Korean tea at the O’sulloc Tea Museum. Take in the extraordinary coastal views from Yongduam Rock and then return to your hotel. Meals B Day 8 – Farewell Korea Fly back to Seoul for your onward journey. Meals B
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Apr 6 • May 18 • Jun 15 • Sep 14 • Oct 12 • Nov 9
$3999
$4999
$3999
$4999
2015
Apr 13
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on United.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $5,699
Add our Backroads & Teahouses of Japan It’s the perfect way to enhance your journey to Korea...And Save $2,000 per couple when you book both! Add 8 days in Japan from $4,999 $3,999 per person Korea and Japan share many cultural ways yet retain their own unique historic traditions... Add our Backroads & Teahouses of Japan tour to your Korea trip for a sweeping survey of these two distinctive countries and experience for yourself their surprising similarities and fascinating differences. As a special offer, you’ll SAVE $1,000 per person off the total price for this once-in-a-lifetime 2-week vacation. See page 34 for our complete Japan itinerary featuring exclusive cultural experiences and off-the-beaten path exploration.
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
49
Undiscovered Taiwan
NEW
9 days | for $3,599 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
With our expert Trip Leader and special sightseeing designed just for our guests, you’ll enjoy enriching exploration of the best of Taiwan! Taipei 4
CHINA
Small Group Discoveries & Value • Discover the lovely temples that grace the shores of Sun Moon Lake and set out on a delightful cruise across its tranquil waters, cradled by forested mountains • Spend the night at one of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries on the island for a once-in-a-lifetime look into the life and ways of Buddhist monks and nuns • Our 2-night stay at Taroko Gorge offers unhurried exploration of its natural beauty • Escorted, comprehensive sightseeing with all entry fees • 8 nights in our handpicked hotels and resort with daily breakfasts • All on-tour transportation and luggage handling
TA I WA N
2 Hualin
Sun Moon Lake 1 Tainan 1
Kaohsiung
Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Day 3: Explore temples and villages as you make the scenic journey to Sun Moon Lake. Enjoy a cruise and settle in to your lakeview room at the Fleur de Chine Hotel. Meals B Day 4: Travel to ancient Tainan and visit Koxinga Shrine and a unique cultural heritage park founded by the Grammy-nominated Ten Drum Percussion Group. Gain deep insight into Buddhism as you meet with monks and spend the afternoon and an overnight at the sacred Fo Guang Shan Monastery. Meals B 50
®
Day 6: Traveling along serpentine roads carved out of sheer rock, you’ll spend this thrilling day exploring the towering cliffs, forested peaks, deep ravines and rushing waters of Taroko Gorge. Meals B Day 7: On your scenic journey back to Taipei, visit Lin An Tai House built during the Ching Dynasty and historic Pao An Temple. Savor traditional island-grown tea and return to the Palais de Chine Hotel. Meals B Day 8: Visit the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial and National Palace Museum. Meals B Day 9: Your tour ends today. Meals B
9 days for $3,599 $3,199* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
Day 2: Today’s full-day excursion includes the impressive Goddess of Mercy Statue in Hung Ching Park overlooking the sea, a drive along the island’s rugged northeast coast and the quaint mountain villages of Chiufen. Meals B
Day 5: Discover the picturesque lakes and pagodas that grace Kaohsiung. Then fly to Hualien and transfer to the charming Leader Village Hotel, set in an erstwhile Aboriginal village at Taroko Gorge. Meals B
COUPLES
Day 1: Check in to the stylish Palais de Chine Hotel in the heart of bustling Taipei.
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Mar 17 • Apr 7 • Oct 6 • Nov 17
$3599
$4,599
$3599
$4,599
2015
Jan 19 • Feb 9 • Mar 16
Prices are per person, land only. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party
from $4,899
Family
Friends
Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
Asia FreeStyle 'HVLJQ RU HQKDQFH \RXU MRXUQH\ ZLWK RXU SULYDWH WRXULQJ WUDQVIHUV DQG ÂżQH KRWHOV
Angkor Wat
Bali
Bangkok
3 days from $599
4 days from $899
4 days from $599
Our leisurely stay on this idyllic island gives you enough time to explore its temples and oft-photographed terraced landscapes on a private tour as well as a full day to relax and enjoy as you wish.
Explore the ancient Buddhist traditions of this thoroughly modern city on a private tour featuring its most significant temples including the Temple of the Golden Buddha and the Marble Temple.
Chiang Mai
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City
3 days from $499
4 days from $599
4 days from $699
Surrounded by lush forested mountains in northern Thailand, this inviting city is revered as the cultural, artistic and spiritual heart of the country. Choose from our fine hotels and explore the city with your own private guide.
Hanoiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Colonial-era charms, rich cultural traditions and vibrant 21st-century spirit come to life with our extensive sightseeing... enhanced by a cyclo tour through Old Hanoi and a Water Puppet performance.
Choose from our city-center deluxe and luxury hotels and join your personal guide to explore Saigonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architectural landmarks, the markets and temples of Chinatown and the historic Cu Chi Tunnels.
Luang Prabang
Singapore
Phuket
3 days from $799
3 days from $699
4 days from $699
Choose from the finest hotels, including the Raffles. Then join our expert guide for unhurried private sightseeing featuring Angkorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-known sites, its significant lesser-visited temples and Tonle Sap Lake.
Extensive private sightseeing here in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jewel of Indochinaâ&#x20AC;? features the National Museum, Vat Mai Temple with its dramatic 5-tiered roof, and an excursion on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves.
Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
Discover the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colorful, multi-ethnic heritage and rich Colonial history! Your private city tour takes you through Little India and Chinatown to Mt. Faber and the renowned National Orchid Garden.
Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous resort island is the perfect place to unwind. We include private airport transfers, a choice of fine resorts, daily breakfast and an excursion to lovely Phi Phi Island with lunch at a beachside restaurant.
51
A Week in India
NEW
7 days | from $1,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
The Taj Mahal
Extensive sightseeing and authentic cultural experiences with our expert Trip Leader capture all of India’s rich history and vibrant spirit in one remarkable week!
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Encounter India’s rich multi-cultural diversity on a specially arranged tour of Delhi’s largest Sikh temple, rarely visited by other travelers. • Immerse in the enchanting evening rhythms of city life as you explore the bustling markets of Old Jaipur and learn how to don a saree and turban. • Ride atop an elephant just as royalty would have done centuries ago to the Amber Fort for a tour of this imposing 16th-century hilltop citadel. • Discover more of India’s spellbinding wonders with our remarkably affordable, easy-to-add extensions! 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
52
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Delhi Check in to the deluxe, city central Le Meridien Hotel on Connaught Place. Day 2 – Discover New and Old Delhi Drive along the Rajpath and past the India Gate and Presidential Palace. Visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, and then hop aboard a traditional pedicab for a ride through Chandni Chowk Market. See the Red Fort c and visit Qutab Minar c and Emperor Humayun’s Tomb c. Finish your day on a special tour through Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest Sikh Temple. Meals B,D Day 3 – Travel to Agra Journey to Agra and check in the Radisson Hotel. This evening’s visit to the Taj Mahal c reveals this icon bathed in the golden glow of dusk. Meals B Day 4 – The Taj Mahal at Sunrise Early risers will have an opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal again this morning, an unforgettable spectacle as the sun casts its first light upon the iridescent marble of this monument to everlasting love. After breakfast, visit the palatial Agra Fort c, a stellar example of Indo-Persian style. Meals B Day 5 – Onward to Jaipur Depart Agra and explore the “ghost town” of Fatehpur Sikri c, built and mysteriously abandoned in the 16th century. Continue to Jaipur and check in to the Marriott Hotel. This evening, enjoy a guided stroll through the markets of Old Jaipur and learn how to don a traditional saree and turban. Meals B Day 6 – Explore Jaipur Ascend atop an elephant to tour the Amber Palace, home to pavilions, gardens, and the fabled Chamber of Mirrors. See the ornate façade of the Palace of Winds, tour City Palace Museum and explore Jantar Mantar c, an accurate observatory with enormous stone instruments from the 17th century! Meals B Day 7 – Depart Delhi Return to Delhi where guestrooms at the Crown Plaza Gurgaon Hotel are available for you to freshen up. Then transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Meals B
India’s most colorful celebrations...
Delhi 2
NEPAL Gan
ges
Our special October departure features this ancient Hindu festival in the historic city of Jaipur. You’ll be enthralled as innumerable candles and lanterns illuminate the roofs and streets of India’s Pink City! It’s a timeless and inspiring celebration of the victory of good over evil – and the glory of light.
Agra I N D I A
2 Varanasi
Ganges
Our Hotels
Republic Day Travel with us in January and thrill to the grandeur of the Republic Day parade as it makes its way along the Rajpath, Delhi’s grandest boulevard! This display of pageantry and solemnity celebrates India’s cultural diversity and honors those who died for their country.
Delhi – Le Meridien Our stylish deluxe hotel offers convenient access to the historic landmarks and bustling commercial districts of New Delhi. Agra – Radisson This inviting superior first class hotel is set on landscaped grounds in the heart of the city close to the Taj Mahal. Jaipur – Jaipur Marriott This deluxe contemporary hotel is embellished with traditional Indian accents.
Holi Festival Go in March and greet the arrival of spring in India! You’ll join Jaipur residents for Holi, the much anticipated Festival of Colors. As locals celebrate the end of winter, you’ll experience unforgettable spectacles including colorful parades, joyful music and lively traditional dancing!
Add more of India & Nepal Varanasi 3 days from $699 Enjoy roundtrip flights from Delhi to Varanasi, airport transfers, two nights at the Taj Gateway Hotel, daily breakfast, and an in-depth city tour highlighted by a dawn boat ride on the sacred Ganges River.
Our Small Group Value • Extensive Small Group sightseeing including all entry fees • 7 meals: 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner • 6 nights accommodation in our carefully selected superior first class and deluxe hotels • All on-tour transportation, luggage handling, and all hotel taxes & service charges Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Mumbai
7 days from $1,999 $1,599*
3 days from $699
SAVE ON ANY DATE
We include your flight from Delhi to Mumbai, two nights at the Trident Nariman Point Hotel, daily breakfast, a city tour and a guided excursion to explore the ancient cave temples of Elephanta Island c.
Kerala 5 days from $999 We include your flight from Delhi to Kochi, ontour transportation, two nights at the Vivanta by Taj in Kochi, two nights at the Coconut Lagoon Resort in Kumarakom, breakfasts, in-depth sightseeing throughout, and a day cruise through the backwaters of Kerala.
Kathmandu 4 days for $999 Includes roundtrip flights between Delhi and Kathmandu, transfers, choice of deluxe or luxury hotel, daily breakfast and two days of extensive sightseeing with your own private car, driver and guide.
Save $800
SINGLES
To Mumbai
2
Diwali Festival Mount Everest
COUPLES
Jaipur 2
3 Kathmandu
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan 11 • Feb 9 • Mar 12 - Holi Festival Jan 25 - Republic Day $2499 Apr 20 1999 Oct 18 - Diwali Festival • Sep 14 • Oct 30 • Nov 16 2599
$3499 2899 3999
2015
Jan 25 - Republic Day • Feb 8 Mar 1 - Holi Festival • Apr 12
$2599
$4199
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Emirates or United. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $2,399
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
53
Land of the Maharajahs 13 days | from $3,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Enjoy authentic encounters with Indian art, culture & life.
Our special excursions by jeep, elephant and horse-drawn cart enhance this journey through north India and historic Rajasthan.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Experience the shifting hues of the Taj Mahal’s pearly white, marble facade on sunrise and sunset visits to this revered monument to love! • Embark on morning and afternoon safari drives at Ranthambore in our special 6-passenger jeeps; you’ll go farther afield and even off-road for a better chance to spot the elusive Bengal tiger. • Explore the bustling streets and markets of historic Jodhpur by Tonga, a traditional horse-drawn cart. • Journey into the Rajasthani desert by jeep to engage with the Bishnoi tribe and to learn about their cultural traditions that regard all life as sacred. 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Our Trip Leader was key to our falling in love with India. He was a wealth of information and introduced experiences for us that large groups could never have. – J.D., Madison, WI 54
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Delhi! Check in to the 5-star Starwood Maurya Hotel in the heart of New Delhi. Day 2 – Full day sightseeing Explore Delhi, Old and New... Drive along the grand Rajpath and gain insight into India’s cultural diversity as you visit the country’s largest mosque and Sikh Temple. See the imposing Red Fort c and explore the bustling lanes of the old Chandni Chowk market by pedicab. Enjoy lunch at Veda, one of the city’s most stylish venues, and visit Qutab Minar c and Humayun’s Tomb c. Meals B,L Day 3 – Onward to Agra Travel to Agra and check in to the Starwood Mughal Hotel. A sunset visit to the Taj Mahal c reveals the monument bathed in the evening’s golden glow. Meals B Day 4 – By rail to Ranthambore National Park Experience sunrise at the Taj Mahal as the first light of day is captured and reflected by its pearly white marble facade! Then visit the lavish Agra Fort c and the “ghost town” of Fatehpur Sikri c, built and abandoned in the 16th century. Take the Jan Shatabadi Express Train to Ranthambore where you’ll spend two nights at the outstanding Vivanta by Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – In search of the Bengal tiger in Ranthambore Most travelers visit the tiger reserve in a canter, a bus that seats 25 people. But our exclusive morning and afternoon safari drives find you in special open-air jeeps that seat only 6 guests. There’s an expert naturalist guide in each jeep... in vehicles that are much faster and more maneuverable than the canter! Meals B,L,D Day 6 – From Ranthambore to Jaipur Journey through the Rajasthani countryside to Jaipur, where you’ll check in to the Starwood Rajputana Hotel. This evening, join your guide to stroll through a bustling market and learn how to don a traditional saree and turban. Meals B Day 7 – Sightseeing in Jaipur Ascend to the Amber Palace c atop an elephant just as royalty would have done centuries ago! Then visit the City Palace Museum with its collection of royal costumes and see the lovely Palace of the Winds. At Jantar Mantar c, an ancient observatory, you’ll discover accurate stone instruments built in 1726. Meals B
Day 8 – Journey to Jodhpur A scenic drive brings you to the Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal Hotel. This evening, explore the colorful streets of the city by Tonga, a traditional horse-drawn cart; it’s an experience you’ll always remember! Meals B Day 9 – Explore Jodhpur and travel into the Thar Desert Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459, and see its fabulous collection of memorabilia from Jodhpur’s royal families. An afternoon jeep safari into the nearby Thar Desert explores the villages and traditions of the Bishnoi tribe, known for their deep reverence for all life. Meals B Day 10 – Through the Aravalli Hills to Udaipur Visit the Jain temple complex at Ranakpur, with its 29 halls and 1,444 pillars, no two of which are alike! Enjoy lunch in a lovely palace hotel in the scenic Aravalli foothills before continuing on to the Trident Hotel in Udaipur, one of India’s most romantic cities. Meals B,L Day 11 – The City of Dreams Explore the vast City Palace, home to a fine collection of Mogul art, and then visit Jagdish Temple, which enshrines a stone image of Lord Vishnu. Cruise on Lake Pichola and then return to the idyllic lakefront setting of your resort where the rest of your day is free. Meals B Day 12 – Return flight to Delhi Fly to Delhi and transfer to the Crowne Plaza Gurgaon Hotel. Meals B
us Ind
3
Jaipur 2
Jodhpur 2
2
Delhi
NEPAL
Gan
ges
3
Kathmandu
1 Agra Bharatpur
Ranthambore National Park
2
Udaipur
Mount Everest
Ganges
I N D I A
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Value • Comprehensive sightseeing including all entry fees • Safari drives in Ranthambore National Park in our specially arranged 6-passenger 4x4 jeeps • 18 meals: 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners • 12 nights accommodation in our 5-star hotels and resorts • All on-tour transportation and one internal flight • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your included flight
Day 13 – Depart Delhi: Your tour with us finishes today. Meals B
Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
13 days from $3,999 $3,599*
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan 17 • Feb 21 • Mar 7 • Nov 7 Apr 11 Oct 25 – Pushkar Festival
$4399 3999 5199
$6399 5399 7999
$4399
$6399
2015
Feb 6 • Mar 13 • Apr 3
Visit Ranthambore
Adventure at the Pushkar Festival Go with us in October for an unforgettable 15-day journey and join musicians, dancers, merchants and 25,000 camels as they gather in the desert dunes of Pushkar. Enjoy two nights at our deluxe encampment featuring air-conditioned tents with private baths plus additional meals and activities.
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. . Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Emirates. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $4,099
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Travel on to Kathmandu 4 days from $999
Our outstanding hotels and resorts Delhi – Starwood Maurya Elegant guestrooms surrounded by lovely gardens await you at this outstanding deluxe hotel in New Delhi’s prestigious diplomatic enclave. Agra – Starwood Mughal Luxury Collection With opulent decor and beautifully landscaped garden grounds, our 5-star hotel evokes the grandeur of the nearby Taj Mahal. Ranthambore – Vivanta by Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge A charming hotel set in an historic 80-year-old hunting lodge surrounded by 12 acres of lush gardens. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Jaipur – Starwood Rajputana A private balcony, regally-inspired stylish decor and modern amenities promise a comfortable and memorable stay at this 5-star landmark. Jodhpur – Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal Mughal-inspired domes, murals and turrets welcome you to this lovely deluxe hotel set on 6 acres of lushly landscaped garden. Udaipur – Trident Hotel Retreat to our deluxe resort on the tranquil shores of Pichola Lake. Gurgaon – Crown Plaza Gurgaon For your final night, we offer a great location close to the airport. 800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
55
Grandeur of India & Nepal
NEW
13 days | from $4,799 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Visit Bodhnath – Nepal’s largest stupa.
Our attentive Trip Leaders in India and Nepal and our congenial groups promise a deeper and more authentic look into these exotic lands.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Hop aboard a pedicab, the best way to experience the colorful bustling lanes of Delhi’s oldest market. • Get an authentic look into India’s cultural diversity on a tour of the country’s largest Sikh temple. • Sunrise and sunset visits to the Taj Mahal reveal the depth and beauty of this monument to love, sheathed in a magically translucent white marble. • Journey by boat along the sacred Ganges River to witness the candle-lit Aarti Ceremony, a timeless Hindu ritual of beauty and devotion. • Our leisurely stay in Kathmandu allows you to explore the ancient highlights of the city and the timeless tranquility of the Nepalese countryside. 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
56
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Delhi Check in to the city-center Claridges Hotel. Day 2 – Delhi... New & Old Behold the grand landmarks of New Delhi as you travel along the grand Rajpath to Old Delhi. Marvel at the imposing Red Fort c and then visit the city’s largest mosque and Sikh Temple. Hop aboard a traditional pedicab to explore the bustling lanes of the Chandni Chowk market. In the afternoon, tour Qutab Minar c and Humayun’s Tomb c, a masterpiece of Mughal style. Meals B,D Day 3 – Onward to Jaipur Travel to Jaipur and check in to the 5-star Marriott Hotel. This evening, explore the markets of Old Jaipur and learn how to don a saree and turban. Meals B Day 4 – India’s celebrated “Pink City” Ascend by elephant for a tour of the Amber Palace c. Then see the lovely Palace of Winds and visit the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar c. Meals B Day 5 – Travel to Agra Tour Fatehpur Sikri c, built and abandoned centuries ago but still in pristine condition. Continue to Agra and check in to the Radisson BLU. Meals B Day 6 – The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Arise early to behold the Taj Mahal c bathed in the early morning glow. After breakfast, tour the magnificent Agra Fort c. This evening’s return visit to the Taj Mahal reveals this stupendous monument in a whole new light! Meals B Day 7 – Journey to Orchha and Khajuraho Travel by rail to Jhansi and visit the splendid medieval city of Orchha. Continue to historic Khajuraho and check in to the Radisson Hotel. Meals B,L Day 8 – The Temples of Khajuraho c... And onward to Varanasi Tour the best of Khajuraho’s famed 10th-century temples including Kandariya Mahadev, a stunning architectural and artistic achievement. Then fly to Varanasi and transfer to the Radisson Hotel. This evening’s cruise on the sacred Ganges River is the best way to experience the mesmerizing Aarti Ceremony, an ancient Hindu ritual of light and glory. Meals B
Delhi NEPAL
Gan
ges
2 Pushkar Festival
Mount Everest
3
Kathmandu
IIll
2 Agra llIIllll
2 Jaipur
Orchha
2 Varanasi
1
Khajuraho
Ganges
INDIA
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Value • Extensive sightseeing including all entry fees • 15 meals: 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners • 12 nights in our superior first class and deluxe hotels • All on-tour transportation and three internal flights • Luggage handling, hotel taxes & service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for all included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Diwali Festival Go with us in October to experience this ancient Hindu festival in historic Jaipur. You’ll be enthralled by the thousands of candles and lanterns that illuminate the buildings, roofs and streets of India’s Pink City.
13 days for $4,799 $4,399* COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
India’s most colorful celebrations...
2
llll llllllII
Day 9 – Discover ancient Varanasi Enjoy a dawn boat ride on the Ganges as thousands of devotees descend to the riverbanks. Tour Varanasi’s most significant shore temples and visit Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon. Meals B Day 10 – Fly to Kathmandu Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Nepal. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Meals B Day 11 – Colorful Kathmandu Today’s tour includes Durbar Square, the Mahadev & Parvati Temple and Hamuman Dhoka, the ancient royal quarter. Enjoy an afternoon visit to Patan, famed for its traditional Nepalese architecture. Meals B Day 12 – Into the Kathmandu Valley c Journey into the tranquil Kathmandu Valley to explore Bhadgaon, one of the three medieval kingdoms of ancient Nepal. Visit Bodhnath, the largest stupa in the country, and stop along the banks of the River Bagmati to Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to the Lord Shiva and one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world. Meals B,D Day 13 – Return to Delhi Fly back to Delhi where our tour services end. Meals B
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
Pushkar Festival Travel with us on November 2 for a 15-day journey and join musicians, dancers, merchants and 25,000 camels in the desert dunes of Pushkar! Includes two nights at our deluxe encampment with air-conditioned tents and private baths. Holi Festival Go in March and join Jaipur residents for Holi, the much anticipated Festival of Colors. As joyous locals greet the arrival of spring, you’ll experience unforgettable spectacles including colorful parades, traditional music and lively dancing!
2014
Double
Single
Jan 21 • Feb 18 • Apr 8 • Mar 14 - Holi Festival Oct 21 - Diwali Festival Nov 2 - Pushkar Festival Nov 18
$4799 5699 4899
$6099 7899 6299
$4899
$6299
2015
Jan 27 • Feb 17 • Mar 3 – Holi Festival
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Emirates.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $4,899
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Our outstanding hotels will enhance your journey... Delhi – The Claridges This deluxe hotel in the heart of New Delhi artfully blends graceful architecture and traditional charm with modern world-class amenities. Jaipur – Marriott A great location and comfortable guestrooms with traditional Indian accents distinguish this deluxe hotel. Agra – Radisson BLU Our inviting hotel is set on landscaped grounds close to the Taj Mahal. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Khajuraho – Radisson Our contemporary deluxe hotel is surrounded by lush gardens close to the ancient temple sites of Khajuraho. Varanasi – Radisson You’ll enjoy a spacious guestroom and a tempting array of international dining options in the vibrant heart of this ancient city. Kathmandu – Hyatt Regency A modern deluxe resort with traditional Nepalese flourishes ideally set on the road to Bodhnath, the holiest of Tibet’s Buddhist shrines. 800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
57
Visions of India 12 days | from $5,099 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Varanasi at dawn.
Our sweeping journey encompasses all the highlights of northern India, ancient Varanasi, fabulous palace hotels, and the timeless villages of Rajasthan.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Witness two of India’s most powerful rituals... Sunrise on the Ganges as thousands of devotees come to the river for purification and the candle-lit Aarti Ceremony that unfolds at twilight. • Our sunrise and sunset visits to the Taj Mahal offer two surprisingly different perspectives of India’s best-known and most beloved monument. • Ride atop an elephant to the Amber Fort for a tour of this imposing 16th-century hilltop citadel. 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Unforgettable places and hotels… the Taj Mahal, the Lake Palace Hotel… the Aarti ceremony on the Ganges, funeral pyres at night, and pilgrims bathing at dawn. Our Trip Leader was excellent… as was the overall – L.P., Falls Church, VA pacing of our tour. 58
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Delhi! Check in to your lavishly appointed Deluxe Room at the Taj Palace Hotel. Day 2 – Discover New Delhi Drive along the Rajpath and past the India Gate to visit Humayun’s Tomb c and Qutab Minar c. Tour the city’s largest Sikh Temple and have lunch at Veda, a stylish and elegant venue famed for its haute Indian cuisine. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – The colors and sounds of Old Delhi Visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, and see the Red Fort c. Hop aboard a traditional pedicab to explore the bustling Chandni Chowk market. Meals B,L Day 4 – Onward to ancient Varanasi Fly to Varanasi and transfer to the Gateway Hotel Ganges. Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon. This evening, observe the Aarti Ceremony, an ancient Hindu ritual on the sacred River Ganges. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – Explore Varanasi Enjoy a dawn boat ride on the Ganges as thousands of devotees descend to the holy waters for purification. Visit the most important shore temples and then learn how the city’s intricately beautiful silks are woven. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – Fly to Khajuraho Upon arrival, transfer to the Taj Chandela Hotel. This afternoon, explore the best of Khajuraho’s famed 10th-century temples including Kandariya Madadev, one of India’s greatest architectural and artistic achievements. Meals B,L,D Day 7 – Journey to Agra Visit the medieval city of Orchha and then continue to Jhansi to board the Shatabdi Express Train bound for Agra. Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to the Gateway Hotel and your elegant rooms facing the Taj Mahal. Meals B,L Day 8 – The Taj Mahal In addition to touring the palatial Agra Fort c, your sunrise and sunset visits to the magnificent Taj Mahal c capture all of its haunting beauty – bathed in the first rays of dawn and again in the golden glow of dusk. At a local workshop, observe the artistry behind the regions exquisite marble inlay work. Meals B
Day 9 – Through the Rajasthani countryside to Jaipur Visit Fatehpur Sikri c, built and mysteriously abandoned in the 16th century. Continue to Jaipur and check in to the historic Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel. This evening, enjoy a guided stroll through a bustling city market and learn how to don a traditional saree and turban. Meals B,L Day 10 – Discover Jaipur Ascend by elephant to the Amber Palace where opulent halls and lavish courtyards reveal the grandeur of a kingdom that was never conquered. After lunch, your city tour continues with the Palace of Winds and Jantar Mantar c, an accurate observatory built in 1726. Meals B,L Day 11 – From Jaipur back to Delhi Fly to Delhi and transfer once again to the Taj Palace Hotel. Meals B Day 12 – Depart Delhi Our tour ends this morning.
Delhi – Taj Palace Hotel Stylish 5-star hotel with a prime city-center location in the exclusive Diplomatic Enclave. Varanasi – The Taj Gateway Hotel Ganges Set amidst 40 acres of gardens, this elegant resort hotel is a tranquil oasis.
ges
Jaipur
2
Orchha 2
Udaipur
1
2
Varanasi
Khajuraho
I N D I A
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Value • Comprehensive sightseeing including all entry fees • 22 meals: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 4 dinners • 11 nights in our 5-star hotels including our exceptional palace hotel in Jaipur. • All on-tour transportation and both internal flights • Luggage handling and all hotel taxes & service charges • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
12 days from $5,099 $4,599*
Agra – The Taj Gateway Hotel Our guests enjoy Superior Rooms facing the Taj Mahal at this enchanting retreat.
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Jaipur – Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel This former residence of kings is one of India’s most historic palace hotels.
6 days for $2,699
Gan
2 Agra
2
Jodhpur
Khajuraho – Taj Chandela Hotel Tucked away on 11 acres, this is an enchanting deluxe hotel.
Add Jodhpur & Udaipur...
Delhi
Save $800
SINGLES
The uncompromising service of Taj Hotels
4
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan 23 • Apr 10 Feb 13 • Mar 20 Oct 19 – Diwali Festival • Nov 13 • Dec 4
$5299 5099 5599
$7699 $7499 8099
$5599
$8199
2015
Jan 22 • Mar 19 Feb 25 – Holi Festival
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Emirates or United. Add extra nights.
Discover two of India’s most captivating and historic cities with two nights at the lavish Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel in Jodhpur, two nights at the famed Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur and a night at the Taj Palace in Delhi. We include all on-tour transportation, 8 meals, sightseeing, and special excursions like a 4x4 safari adventure to experience the wildlife and remote villages of the Rajasthani desert.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $5,499
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Thrill to India’s most colorful celebrations... Diwali Festival Join our October 19 departure and experience the Hindu festival of lights in Varanasi. You’ll be enthralled by the innumerable candles and lanterns illuminating the streets and riverbanks of India’s most ancient city. It’s a timeless and inspiring celebration of the victory of good over evil - and the glory of light! See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Holi Festival Go in February 2015 and join joyous Jaipur residents for Holi, the much anticipated Festival of Colors. As locals herald the arrival of spring, you’ll experience colorful spectacles and ancient traditions including lively parades, joyful music and exotic dancing! 800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
59
Gange
India In-Style
NEW
9 days | from $6,299 | A private tour just for your traveling party.
The unhurried pace of exploring the sites by luxury sedan with our expert private guides and the splendor of famed Oberoi Hotels promise a uniquely rewarding experience.
Private Touring Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Inspired by Mughal palaces and gardens, our lavish resorts evoke the romance and splendor of royalty long ago, enhancing your exploration of north India’s magnificent ancient treasures. • See the Taj Mahal in the golden glow of sunset... Then go again at dawn to see this monument to love in a whole new light! • Our specially arranged elephant safari is a thrilling way to explore the forests of Rajasthan. • Join the engaging and well-versed Mrs. Jesel to explore the colorful markets of Udaipur, selecting the best produce for a delightful lunch prepared just for you by the owner of a local boutique hotel. 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
60
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Delhi Check in to the luxurious Oberoi Hotel, located in a prestigious and vibrant area of the capital. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore as you wish. Day 2 – Discover Delhi... Old and New Set out on a privately guided walk along the ancient lanes of Old Delhi. Explore the silver and flower markets and see the Red Fort c and Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia. In New Delhi, you’ll tour both Qutab Minar c and Humayun’s Tomb c. Then drive along the Rajpath past the imposing India Gate and President’s Palace before returning to your hotel. Meals B,L Day 3 – Journey to Agra Travel by luxury sedan to Agra and check in to the Oberoi Amarvilas! Join your guide to behold the Taj Mahal c in the warm glow of the setting sun. Meals B Day 4 – The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Arise early for a second visit to the Taj Mahal as the rising sun casts its first golden light upon the iridescent marble of this monument to love. Then tour the magnificent Agra Fort c, a stellar example of Indo-Persian design. Meals B,D Day 5 – Onward to Jaipur Depart Agra and tour Fatehpur Sikri c. Built and mysteriously abandoned in the 16th century, this perfectly-preserved “ghost town” offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulence of court life long ago. Continue to Jaipur, India’s Pink City, and check in to the princely Oberoi Rajvilas in time for dinner. Meals B,D Day 6 – In and around the Pink City Enjoy a morning walk in the hotel’s herb garden, helping the chef to select your favorite herbs for an exclusive garden breakfast which he will prepare to your delight. Ascend atop an elephant for a tour of the Amber Fort c. Then embark on our special elephant safari through the forests outside of town. Marvel at the Palace of Winds and tour the City Palace and Jantar Mantar c. Meals B,L Day 7 – Travel to Udaipur Journey with your luxury car and driver to Udaipur, stopping for lunch at a country palace, and check in to the enchanting Oberoi Udaivilas. Meals B,L
us
Ind
2
Agra
Jaipur INDIA
2 Udaipur
Your internal flight is included.
Our Private Tour Value • Extensive sightseeing with your own driver and guide in a Mercedes E Class or BMW 5 Series including all entry fees • 14 meals: 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners • 8 nights in the luxury hotels of Oberoi with free WiFi • On-tour transportation by luxury sedan and one internal flight • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your included flight • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Travel any day you wish.
Agra – Oberoi Amarvilas With sumptuous interiors, terraced lawns, graceful fountains, reflecting pools and pavilions, this enchanting resort promises breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal from every guestroom. Enjoy free WiFi everywhere.
9 days from $6,299 $5,899* SAVE ON ANY DATE COUPLES
Jaipur – Oberoi Rajvilas Set amidst 32 acres of lush gardens, flowering trees and cascading fountains, this idyllic retreat evokes the princely splendor of an historic Rajasthani fort. Free WiFi throughout for our guests.
Gan
2
2
Experience the luxury of Oberoi Hotels Delhi – The Oberoi The landmark Oberoi continues to set the standard with its traditional warmth, modern sophistication and prestigious city center location. Our guests enjoy free WiFi.
Delhi ges
Save $800
SINGLES
Day 8 – Udaipur... India’s most romantic city Your private city tour includes Jagdish Temple, the lovely gardens of Sahelion Ki Bari and the City Palace - an ornate fantasy of arches, towers and domes. Join Mrs. Jesel, an engaging and in-the-know city resident, to shop for produce in a local market. Then head to a nearby inn where the owner will prepare lunch for you, enlightening you about the techniques, spices and traditions of Indian cuisine. Enjoy a tranquil afternoon cruise on Lake Pichola. This evening’s Sound & Light Show at Manek Chowk brings the history of Rajasthan to life. Meals B,L Day 9 – Fly to Delhi Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Delhi. Meals B
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Jan-Apr 26 Apr 27-Oct 11 Oct 12-Dec 2015 Jan 1-21 Jan 22-Apr
Double
Single
8199 6299 8599
12499 8299 12899
$9099 8599
$13799 12899
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Emirates and United. There is a surcharge for singles traveling alone.
Udaipur – Oberoi Udaivilas Set on Lake Pichola, this opulent Oberoi resort captures the splendor of an erstwhile royal era. Enjoy luxurious guestrooms, rambling courtyards, rippling fountains, verdant gardens and free WiFi.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Journey on with us to Varanasi 3 days from $1,299 Experience evocative traditions on our luxury sojourn in one of the world’s most ancient cities. Witness the candle-lit Aarti Ceremony that unfolds on the Ganges at twilight. The next morning, set out on the sacred river at dawn to witness thousands of devotees descending to the river banks as they’ve done daily for centuries. You’ll enjoy two nights at the lavish Taj Nadesar Palace with daily breakfasts, a private city tour and an excursion to Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon. Your roundtrip airfare between Delhi and Varanasi is also included.
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
61
From Kerala to the Taj Mahal
NEW
14 days | from $6,899 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Fishing in Cochin
Travel with our expert Trip Leader from historic Cochin in southern India and through historic Rajasthan all the way to the fabled cities of the north.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Our most extensive journey showcases the lush scenery and Colonial-era history of the south and the impressive Mughal monuments of north India. • Spend the day on a private houseboat exploring the quiet waters and timeless fishing villages of Kerala. • Experience authentic facets of local life when you dine with a resident family in Cochin and explore the bustling night markets of Old Jaipur. • Thrill to our specially arranged elephant safari into the forests outside of Jaipur. 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
62
®
The Oberoi Amarvillas in Agra
Day 1 – Welcome to Cochin (Kochi) Check in to your seaview room at the enchanting Brunton Boatyard Hotel. Day 2 – The Queen of the Arabian Sea Your tour of India’s first European settlement includes the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church. Join a resident family as they prepare their evening meal and then sit down to dinner in their charming home. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – Aboard a houseboat along the waters of Kerala to Kumarakom Delight in the quiet backwaters and enchanting scenery. Explore timeless villages ashore and check in to the Kumarakom Lake Resort. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – At leisure in paradise The day is yours to bask in your resort’s idyllic lakeside setting. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – Onward to Udaipur Fly to Udaipur, one of India’s most historic and romantic cities, where you’ll enjoy two nights in a lakeview room at the luxurious Leela Palace. Meals B,D Day 6 – Experience the romance of Udaipur Visit the City Palace and Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Enjoy a tuk tuk ride through Old Udaipur and a cruise on Lake Pichola. This evening, history comes to life at the Manek Chowk Sound & Light Show. Meals B,D Day 7 – Journey to Jodhpur Visit Ranakpur Temple with its 29 halls and 1,444 decorated pillars. In Jodhpur, tour Mehrangarh Fort and marvel at Jaswant Thada, an imposing white marble cenotaph. Overnight at the luxurious Umaid Bhawan Palace. Meals B,L Day 8 – Through the Rajasthani countryside to Jaipur Journey to India’s fabled Pink City. Enjoy a guided evening stroll through the markets of Old Jaipur where you’ll learn to don a traditional saree or turban. Overnight at the sophisticated Fairmont Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 9 – Explore the Pink City Ascend by elephant for a tour of the Amber Fort. See the Palace of Winds and tour the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar c. This evening, we’ve arranged a special elephant safari in the forests outside of town. Meals B,L,D
Day 10 – Onward to Agra Visit Fatehpur Sikri c and enjoy a magical visit to the Taj Mahal c at sunset. Retreat to the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas. Meals B,L,D Day 11 – Out and about in Agra Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and tour the Agra Fort c. Enjoy a dancefilled performance of the love story behind the Taj Mahal. Meals B,D Day 12 – Travel to Delhi Enjoy a private Yoga class arranged exclusively for our guests. Then drive to Delhi and check in to the Leela Palace Hotel. Meals B,D Day 13 – Full day sightseeing Explore Old and New Delhi including the Red Fort c, Qutab Minar c and Humayun’s Tomb c. Explore Chandni Chowk market by pedicab and dine at Veda, one of Delhi’s most stylish restaurants. Meals B,L,D
us
Ind
2
Delhi
Jaipur 2
Jodhpur
Gan
ges
2
Agra
1
2
2
Varanasi
Udaipur
Ganges
INDIA
From Mumbai To Udaipur
Mumbai 2 Cochin (Kochi)
Day 14 – Depart Delhi: Your tour ends this morning. Meals B
SOUTH INDIA
2
B a y o f
2 Kumarakom
B e n g a l
Cochin 2
The finest luxury hotels and resorts
An internal flight is included.
Our Small Group Value • Extensive sightseeing including all entry fees • 32 meals: 13 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 11 dinners • 13 nights at our handpicked luxury hotels • All on-tour transportation and one internal flight • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
14 days from $6,899 $6,499* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Nehru Trophy Boat Race Travel with us in August and witness one of India’s most thrilling spectacles, an exciting boat race in Kerala featuring traditional “Snake Boats” with 100-man teams rowing to enthusiastic chants. Onam Festival Go in September for an ancient festival dedicated to a mythical king who ruled in Kerala. Join a local family to experience colorful ancient traditions including carpets of flowers to adorn their home. Diwali Festival Travel in October to experience this ancient Hindu festival in Jaipur. You’ll be enthralled as innumerable candles and lanterns illuminate the roofs and streets of India’s Pink City. Elephant Festival These special departures take you to Sree Parthasarathy Temple outside of Kumarakom to watch the King of Elephants lead a glittering procession of his pachyderm “subjects.” See your Travel Counselor or call us.
COUPLES
India’s cultural celebrations
Save $800
SINGLES
Cochin – Brunton Boatyard Our boutique hotel evokes Kochi’s rich Dutch and Portuguese heritage. Kumarakom – Kumarakom Lake Resort 5-star resort amidst 25 acres of lush grounds on Lake Vembanad. Udaipur – The Leela Palace Stylish luxury hotel with an enviable location overlooking Lake Pichola. Jodhpur – Umaid Bhawan Palace Set in a magnificent palace perched high above the desert capital. Jaipur – Fairmont Hotel Mughal-inspired style and grandeur nestled in the Aravalli Hills. Agra – The Oberoi Amarvilas Legendary luxury with unforgettable private views of the Taj Mahal. Delhi – The Leela Palace Palatial elegance and luxury in the prestigious Diplomatic Enclave.
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan 20 • Feb 16 • Mar 23 • Apr 6 Aug 6 - Nehru Boat Race • Sep 6 - Onam Oct 15 - Diwali • Nov 16 2015 Jan 28 - Elephant Festival • Feb 15 • Mar 8
$7999 6899 8699
$12199 9599 13199
$8699
$13199
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Emirates.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $7,199
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Discover Mumbai before your tour 3 days for $999
Add Varanasi after your journey 3 days from $1,199 800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
63
The Captivating Isle of Sri Lanka
NEW
11 days | from $5,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Ascend the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya.
Our sweeping journey, expert Trip Leader and exclusive specialty guides promise unrivaled exploration of the history, cultures and landscapes of Asia’s best-kept secret.
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Venture down a maze of hidden backstreets and meet the current residents of Galle Fort as you explore Asia’s best-preserved “Living Fort” with Juliet Coombe, author Around the Fort in 80 Lives. • Join Colombo-native Mark Forbes on a walking tour of the city’s best-kept secrets and meet the friendly merchants of the Pettah Bazaar where exotic spices and glittering gems have been traded for millenia. • Sit down to an exclusive luncheon at the private hillside estate of pioneering textile artist Ena de Silva • Spend time in Kandy... The ancient capital of the island’s Kandyan Empire is an untouched colonial gem filled with enchanting cultural treasures. • Learn about the exotic tropical plants of the Royal Botanic Garden from an expert botany professor. 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
64
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Sri Lanka... Our VIP Arrival Service in Colombo You’ll be met upon arrival and assisted with immigration and baggage claim. Meet your Trip leader and transfer to the luxurious Wallawwa. Meals D Day 2 – Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle Journey past timeless villages and vast tropical plantations to visit the 2,000 year-old Dambulla Cave Temples c with their sacred images of Buddha. Check in to the Kandalama Lake Lodge with Sigiriya in the background. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – Rock Fortress of Sigiriya c and Ancient Pollonaruwa c Walk through ancient pleasure gardens and ascend the magnificent 5th-century fortress of Sigiriya, built atop a massive outcrop with sweeping views. Then explore the ancient capital of Pollonaruwa. This stunning archaeological site of palaces, pools and temples was discovered in the 19th century more than 600 years after it was abandoned due to repeated invasions from India. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – The Spice Road to Kandy Visit a fragrant spice garden before your specially-arranged luncheon at the private estate of Ena de Silva, a pioneering textile artisan known for her vibrant batik masterpieces. Check in to the exceptional Kandy House. Meals B,D Day 5 – Kandy... Venerated capital of the Kandyan Kings Your tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens, first conceived as a Queen’s pleasure garden in the 14th century, is lead by Bandara Palipana, professor of botany from Peradeniya University. Explore Kandy’s exotic central market and sit down to tea at the Queens Hotel, one of the oldest in Asia. End your day at the Temple of the Tooth, Buddhism’s most important temple and home to a sacred relic taken from Buddha’s funeral pyre 2,500 years ago. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – By rail into the highlands... Sri Lanka’s Tea Country From an authentic 19th-century train station, a magical rail journey transports you through dense jungle and cloud forest interlaced with lakes, ravines and waterfalls. Step off in Hatton and transfer to your private bungalow guestroom at Tea Trails, set on an erstwhile British tea estate. Meals B,L,D
Day 11 – Farewell Sri Lanka: Our tour ends this morning. Meals B
The island’s very best boutique hotels
INDIA
2 Kandalama
Kotugoda
Kandy – Kandy House Set in an enchanting 19th-century manor home, our sophisticated yet casual 9-room hotel overlooks the hills and rice paddies of Kandy. Hatton – Tea Trails Stunning views and attentive Butler service await you at this idyllic resort, set in 4 historic bungalows originally built for British tea estate managers. Galle – Amangalla Built by the Portuguese in 1658 as Asia’s first hotel, our luxury landmark from Aman Resorts is set within the ramparts of the ancient Galle Fort.
Galle
2 Yala National Park
Our Small Group Adventure Value • Extensive expertly-guided sightseeing including all entry fees • 26 meals: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners • 10 nights in our exceptional luxury hotels and resorts • All on-tour transportation including a scenic rail journey into the highlands • Luggage handling and all hotel taxes & service charges • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
11 days from $5,999 $5,599* COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Apr 1- Whale Watching May 14 • Aug 7- Perahera Festival • Nov 1
$5999 6399
$3799 9499
$6399
$9499
2015
Apr 9- Whale Watching
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Emirates.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $6,799
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Add our exciting leopard safari! 3 days from $1,299
Perahera Festival This ancient and extraordinary festival has long taken place in the old royal capital of Kandy. Travel with us in August and witness a spectacular procession as thousands of dancers, drummers, whip crackers, fire-eaters and elephants make their way around Lake Kandy, carrying the sacred tooth relic taken from Buddha’s funeral pyre almost 2,500 years ago!
2 Kandy 2 Hatton
2 2
Kotugoda (Colombo) – The Wallawwa Set in a splendid Colonial-era manor house, our luxury retreat offers just 17 stylish guestrooms surrounded by three acres of manicured garden. Kandalama – Kandalama Lake Lodge Our 12-room, lakeside boutique hotel in the village of Kandalama offers intimacy and stylish luxury with Sigiriya as its dramatic backdrop.
SRI LANKA
SINGLES
Day 7 – Tea and daily life in the hill country Spend time with a professional planter on an authentic working tea plantation and explore timeless villages in the valley. Meals B,L,D Day 8 – Onward to historic Galle A scenic drive brings you to Galle, an historic port on the palm-fringed Indian Ocean. Check in to the fabulous Amangalla. Meals B,L Day 9 – Galle Fort c Juliet Coombe, author of Around the Fort in 80 Lives, is your special guide for our exclusive tour of Galle Fort, inhabited continuously since 1588. Then tour a cinnamon plantation before lunch at Villa Mayurna, the main house of this rolling 40-acre estate. Travelers in April begin the day with a whale watching excursion off the coast when Blue and Sperm whales are in these waters. Meals B,L Day 10 – Back to Colombo... with Mark Forbes Visit Lunuganga, the enchanting home of architect Geoffrey Bawa who conceived his ocean estate as a tropical vision of an Italian Renaissance garden. Discover Colombo’s best-kept secrets on an exclusive walking tour with Mark Forbes, an engaging lifelong resident. Meals B,L,D
Famed for having the highest leopard density in the world, Yala National Park on the island’s southern tip offers extraordinary chances to spot this elusive predator and its prey. We include 2 nights at the award-winning Leopard Safaris camp, morning and evening game drives with our expert trackers, and all camp meals.
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
65
India, Nepal, Bhutan Private Tours &RPSUHKHQVLYH SULYDWH WRXULQJ DOO WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ DQG ÂżQH KRWHOV Pay-in-full savings are combinable with other offers. Book by 12/31.
COUPLES: SAVE $800 | SINGLES: SAVE $400
The Spirit of Bhutan
Calcutta & Darjeeling
Colors of South India
5 days for $3,899 $3,499
7 days for $2,899 $2,499
5 days for $2,299 $1,899
Let us show you a timeless beautiful land of ancient traditions and inspiring sites.
Our exclusive journey from bustling Kolkata into the lush Himalayan hills.
Immerse in the history, landscapes and enduring ways of exotic south India.
Private Touring Discoveries & Value
Private Touring Discoveries & Value
Private Touring Discoveries & Value
â&#x20AC;˘ Enjoy dinner with a Bhutanese family and ascend to the famed Tigerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nest Monastery
â&#x20AC;˘ Discover the legacy of Mother Theresa, a lovely British Hill Station and the Himalayas
â&#x20AC;˘ Discover Cochinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Colonial-era history and cruise the tranquil byways of Kerala.
â&#x20AC;˘ 11 meals and 4 nights in our deluxe hotels
â&#x20AC;˘ 10 meals and 6 nights in our deluxe hotels
Day 1: Arrive Paro and embark on a scenic journey by private car to Thimpu. Check in to the 5-star Taj Tashi Hotel and dine tonight with a local family in their home. Meals D Day 2: Visit the National Library, home to priceless Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School, dedicated to preserving Bhutanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 13 traditional arts. After lunch, tour Tashichhodzong Fortress, built in 1641and the Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Memorial Chorten, continuously circumabulated by pilgrims chanting mantras and spinning prayer wheels. Meals B,L,D Day 3: Journey past the clustered hamlets and terraced rice paddies of the tranquil Paro Valley and check in to the deluxe Uma Paro Hotel. In the afternoon, tour Ta Dzong and the Rinpung Dzong fortress. Meals B,L,D Day 4: The ascent to the spectacular Tigerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nest Monastery is steep, but the invigorating journey is rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the cliff-side monasteries and surrounding mountains. Meals B,L,D Day 5: Return to Paro for your flight. Meals B
Day 1: Check in to the deluxe Taj Bengal in Kolkata (Calcutta). Day 2: Private tour includes the Academy of Fine Arts, historic Armenian Church and Nirmal Hriday, one of the first foundations established by Mother Theresa. Meals B Day 3: Fly to Bagdogra and travel overland to Darjeeling, a favorite hill station of the British during Colonial times. Check in to the deluxe Mayfair Resort. Meals B,D Day 4: Ascend Tiger Hill for a lovely sunrise over the Himalayas. Then visit the Botanical Gardens and Darjeeling Zoo. Meals B,D Day 5: This morningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scenic overland journey brings you to Gangtok. Tour this charming capital of Sikkim, set in the lush green hills of the Himalayas, and check in to the enchanting Mayfair Resort. Meals B,D Day 6: Full day private excursion visits the Rumtek & Enchey Monastery, established in the 18th century with stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas. Meals B,D Day 7: Return transfer to Bagdogra for your included flight to Kolkata. Meals B
â&#x20AC;˘ 5 meals and 4 nights in your choice of superior first class or deluxe hotels
NEPAL
Mount Everest
NEPAL
Gangtok 2 Darjeeling 2
Day 1: Arrive Kochi (Cochin) and check in to the superior first class Vivanta by Taj Hotel or the deluxe Brunton Boatyard. Day 2: Private tour of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first European settlement includes the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church. Drive along the coast to see fishermen at work with their nets and visit historic Fort Kochi. Meals B Day 3: Spend a delightful day aboard a private houseboat exploring the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom. Witness timeless scenes of daily life including fishermen in their cockleshell boats and women neck-deep in the water searching for fish. Disembark and check in to the lovely Coconut Lagoon Resort or the deluxe Kumarakom Lake Resort. Meals B,L Day 4: Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, on Lake Vembanad. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an important refuge for migratory birds including the Siberian stork. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the enchanting setting of your resort. Meals B Day 5: Transfer to Kochi. Meals B
INDIA
BHUTAN
Cochin (Kochi)
2 Thimpu
2 Paro
BHUTAN
2 2 Kumarakom
Ganges BANGLADESH
I N D I A
Kolkata
66
2
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
SRI LANKA
India FreeStyle 'HVLJQ RU HQKDQFH \RXU MRXUQH\ ZLWK RXU SULYDWH WRXULQJ WUDQVIHUV DQG ÂżQH KRWHOV
Amritsar
Aurangabad
Calcutta
3 days from $559
3 days from $649
3 days from $599
Enhance your travels with historic Amritsar. Visit the Golden Temple, holiest of Sikh sites, to witness an ancient religious ceremony, explore the city, and travel to the IndoPakistani border town of Wagha.
Discover the amazing rock-cut cave temples of Ellora and Ajanta. Dating back more than 2,000 years, these temples have been revered through the ages by members of the Buddhist, Jain and Hindu Brahmanic faiths.
One of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest cities, lively Kolkata offers an exciting experience of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 21st-century vibrancy. Your full-day private tour includes the Victoria Memorial, Academy of Fine Arts and Nirmal Hriday, one of the first foundations of Mother Theresa.
Delhi & the Taj
Goa
Kathmandu
4 days from $899
3 days from $649
4 days from $799
Spend 3 nights in the heart of the capital with a private tour encompassing both Old and New Delhi. Then enjoy a full-day private excursion aboard the Shatabdi Express Train to Fatehpur Sikri and the fabled Taj Mahal.
Set on the lovely western coast of India, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pearl of the Orientâ&#x20AC;? is a terrific way to enhance your journey. Choose from our fine resorts and enjoy a day at leisure to explore the historic sites at your own pace... or just relax on the beach.
Explore the medieval kingdoms & enduring cultural traditions of the lovely Kathmandu Valley. Our extensive private sightseeing includes the historic highlights of town and excursions to Patan and Bhadgaon.
Mumbai
Tigers of Ranthambore
Varanasi
3 days from $699
3 days from $799
3 days from $559
Choose from our fine hotels in this historic and still-thriving port and enjoy a private city tour featuring the impressive Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum and more.
Most travelers visit the National Park in a 25-seat open air bus. By special arrangement, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll join our expert trackers in 6-passenger jeeps to venture off-road for a much better chance of encountering the elusive Bengal!
Ancient Varanasi has been the center of the Hindu faith since the dawn of history. Your private tour includes Sarnath and a dawn boat ride on the sacred Ganges when thousands of devotees descend to the river.
Visit GeneralTours.com for detailed itineraries.
67
Spectacular New Zealand
NEW
9 days | for $5,499 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Cruise overnight through Milford Sound.
Captivating vistas, tastings of regional wines & produce and thrilling adventures enhance our journey through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island!
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Embark on an unforgettable jetboat adventure on the Shotover River! • Journey by 4WD into Middle Earth, the spectacular backdrop for the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. • Cruise across scenic Lake Wakatipu in an authentic turn-of-the-century steamer to spend time on an old sheep station homestead. • Sample world-class wines, enjoy lunch on a farm, visit a bountiful fruit orchard in the historic Central Otago region and sit down to a convivial dinner with a family in Christchurch. • Wake up to some of the most magnificent scenery on the planet on our overnight cruise deep into the fiords and rainforests of the Milford Sound.
68
®
Day 1 – Welcome To Queenstown Check in to the 5-star Hotel St. Moritz. Enjoy a tasting at a local winery before exploring Arrowtown, founded in the heady days of the Gold Rush! A thrilling jetboat ride on the Shotover River is followed by a more tranquil excursion on the TSS Earnslaw, a turn-of-the-century steamer. Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to a high-country homestead where you’ll see highly trained sheep dogs in action and enjoy a lakeside dinner before returning to your hotel. Meals D Day 2 – The landscapes of Middle Earth A 4WD adventure to Glenorchy immerses you in the magnificent scenery made famous in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Spend the morning surrounded by forests and soaring mountains before returning to Queenstown. Meals B Day 3 – Queenstown This afternoon’s gondola ride is a great way to take in the majestic mountains and waterways that surround Queenstown. Visit the Kiwi Bird Park and return to your hotel for dinner and a free evening. Meals B,D Day 4 – Overnight cruise through Milford Sound Embark on one of the most memorable travel experiences you’ll ever have! Skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu and journey into breathtaking Fiordland National Park to embark the Milford Mariner for your overnight cruise. Settle in to your private cabin and enjoy a leisurely afternoon and onboard dinner as you navigate through some of the most unforgettable scenery in the Southern Hemisphere with our shipboard naturalist. Marvel at waterfalls, rainforests and wildlife and even step off to explore in the ship’s tender or kayaks! Meals B,D Day 5 – Through Te Anau and the Kawarau Valley to Clyde Set on the shores of one of New Zealand’s deepest lakes, the alpine Te Anau region is one of the South Island’s most scenic areas. Enjoy lunch on a local farm here and then journey into the spectacular Kawarau Valley. See the famous Bungy Bridge where two adventurers launched the worldwide bungee-jumping craze in 1988 and then check in to Oliver’s in historic Clyde. Meals B,L
AUSTRALIA
Day 6 – Exploring Central Otago With fruit orchards, waterways and rolling hills, this is one of the Auckland 2 loveliest areas of New Zealand. Begin your exploration at a popular farmers market in Cromwell on the shores of Lake Dunstan and sample 1 Rotorua Waitomo the region’s bounty when you visit an orchard and winery. Meals B,D N E W Day 7 – Onward to Mt. Cook Z E A L A N D North Journey through fantastic mountain scenery and across the imposing Island South Linda Pass to reach New Zealand’s highest mountain. Check in to the Island Hermitage Hotel in time for dinner. Tonight, the absence of ambient light makes the Aoraki MacKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve one TA S M A N I A Mt. Cook 1 Christchurch of the best places to view the Southern Constellations. Meals B,D 1 Day 8 – Across the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City Milford Sound 1 With its lovely parks, fine Anglican Cathedral and handsome Gothic 3 2 Clyde Queenstown buildings, there’s a very English ambience to Christchurch. Upon arrival, a brief city tour includes its architectural landmarks and the P a c i fi c O c e a n Botanic Garden. Enjoy a congenial home hosted dinner with a local family and overnight at the charming George Hotel. Meals B,D Day 9 – Depart Christchurch Our Small Group Adventure Value Your adventure with us ends this morning. Meals B Cook Strait
Queenstown – Hotel St Moritz Our stylish boutique hotel offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. Milford Sound Cruise – Milford Mariner Unforgettable adventure awaits with spacious viewing decks, hearty meals, expert onboard naturalist and the Sound’s amazing scenery!
Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
9 days for $5,499 $5,099*
Clyde – Oliver’s Set on an authentic 19th-century homestead, our charming lodge blends modern comfort and the region’s history. Mt Cook – The Hermitage Terrific dining and great views over the region’s valleys and towering peaks distinguish our warm and inviting hotel. Christchurch – The George Our luxury boutique hotel offers an enviable location in the “Garden City” overlooking Hagley Park and the River Avon.
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
Our great boutique hotels & small ship cruise
• Extensive Small Group sightseeing including all entry fees • 15 meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunches and 6 dinners • 7 nights in our wonderful boutique hotels • 1 night in a private stateroom aboard the Milford Mariner • All on-tour transportation, luggage handling and hotel taxes & service charges • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Mar 18 • Nov 11 2015 Feb 24 • Mar 10 • Apr 14
$5499
$7199
$5499
$7199
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Air New Zealand.
Enjoy a Private Tour
Explore the North Island... 4 days from $699 Add the wonders of the North Island to your adventures through New Zealand with 2 nights at the 5-star Sofitel in Auckland and 1 night at the Wai Ora Resort in Rotorua. Discover the charming “City of Sails”, descend into the Waitomo Caves wondrously lit by thousands of glowworms and explore the WaiO-tapu thermal wonderland. Includes all on-tour transportation and sightseeing. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Go any day with just your traveling party from $9,299
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
69
速
Latin America Antarctica Argentina Brazil Chile & Easter Island Colombia Costa Rica Cuba Ecuador Galapagos Nicaragua Panama Peru
Peru 71
Our Intimate Journey to the Galapagos 7 or 8 days | from $4,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Fantas guides from beginning Fantastic to end. Ou Our small group of 15 made de it it easy ea to hear and participate... Only 32 passengers on the ship. Pacing was great. – K.F., Las Vegas, NV
7KH ¿QHVW DQG PRVW LQWLPDWH deluxe ship in the islands and our unique Small Group touring.
Our Small Ship Adventures • Step ashore in small landing parties of never more than 16 guests with our expert naturalists; they’re praised by our guests for their unique capacity to educate, inspire, enthrall and entertain. • Nightly lectures and informative briefings with our knowledgeable shipboard expedition team will enhance your wildlife-viewing shore expeditions. • Complimentary use of wet suits, snorkeling gear, sea kayaks and a glass-bottom boat enrich your exploration of the Galapagos’ colorful undersea realms. • Stay in Quito’s finest boutique luxury hotel, Casa Gangotena. • Extensive sightseeing through the Colonial district, our special cultural encounters, and a congenial lunch in historic La Ronda bring Quito to life. 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c 72
®
The finest accommodations on sea and land! Our deluxe 24-cabin yacht-style cruiser is the only Galapagos ship with floor-to-ceiling windows in every perfectly located stateroom! And at 175 square feet, our cabins are larger than the suites on most other ships! Enjoy congenial meals in the dining room or on the Sun Deck. The ship offers free wifi and snorkeling gear and comes with its own kayaks and glass-bottom boat for more enriching exploration. Casa Gangotena – Quito In Quito’s most enviable spot right on Plaza San Francisco, Quito’s best boutique luxury hotel offers only 31 elegant guestrooms and promises an artful blend of contemporary style and antique design… perfect for our small groups of never more than 16 guests. Hilton Colon – Guayaquil This contemporary deluxe hotel offers a fine city central location in the heart of this bustling Pacific port. Inviting guestrooms are handsomely furnished and offer complete world-class amenities including wireless Internet access.
Our 7-day Adventure from $4,999
Our 8-day Adventure from $5,799
3-night cruise
4-night cruise
• 13 meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners • 3 nights in our deluxe hotels and a 3-night all-inclusive cruise
• 16 meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners • 3 nights in our deluxe hotels and a 4-night all-inclusive cruise
Day 1 – Welcome to Quito c Days 1 and 2 – Quito c Genovesa Is. Check in to the luxurious Casa Gangotena. Same inclusions as our 7-day Adventure. Our 4-night cruise Meals B,L Day 2 – Quito’s Colonial Splendor James Is. Bartolomé Is. Begin your day in the San Juan district Day 3 – Fly to the Galapagos Islands c (Santiago Is.) North Seymour Is. with traditional hot chocolate and then Fly to Baltra Island and journey into the Baltra Is. Rabida Is. explore Quito’s landmark architecture. highlands of Santa Cruz Island to observe Fernandina Is. Santa Cruz Is. Stroll through the Colonial district to the rare giant Galapagos tortoise. This Santa Fé Is. historic La Ronda for lunch in one of our evening’s lecture, the first of your daily San Cristóbal Is. favorite restaurants. Meals B,L briefings, will enhance your exploration Isabela Is. over the coming days. Meals B,L,D Our 3-night cruise Day 3 – Onward to the Galapagos Floreana Is. Islands c Day 4 – Santa Cruz and Chinese Hat Islet Hood Is. (Española Is.) Fly to San Cristobal Island and visit the A morning excursion reveals a diversity Cerro Colorado Tortoise Center to learn All internal flights are included. of birds. You can also snorkel or enjoy a more about these creatures. This evening’s Panga excursion along the shore. After lecture with our shipboard naturalists, the first of your daily briefings, lunch, a landing on Chinese Hat Islet offers a chance to espy marine will enhance your exploration over the coming days. Meals B,L,D iguanas, lava lizards and Galapagos penguins. This is also a rewarding spot to snorkel, kayak or ride the glass-bottom boat. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – Morning and afternoon landings on San Cristobal Step ashore at scenic Punta Pitt, the only site in the islands where all Day 5 – Bartolomé and James Islands three species of boobies can be found together. After lunch, discover Ascend to the summit of Bartolomé for great views and then explore the wildlife and beaches of Cerro Brujo. Meals B,L,D the undersea world with free snorkeling equipment or enjoy a guided excursion aboard our glass-bottom boat. After lunch, explore the lava Day 5 – Two Landings on Espanola Island formations of Sullivan Bay. Meals B,L,D Explore the lava terrain at Punta Suarez for encounters with boobies, swallow-tail gulls and marine iguanas. Later, explore Gardner Bay, Day 6 – Two landings on Genovesa Island home to sea lions, mockingbirds and finches. This is a great spot to Genovesa is celebrated for its birdlife including the magnificent snorkel, kayak or ride the glass-bottom boat. Meals B,L,D frigate bird, red footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches, mockingbirds and Galapagos-storm petrals. Again, these waters are Day 6 – Charles Darwin Research Center and Fly to Guayaquil Disembark on Santa Cruz and visit the Charles Darwin Research Center ideal for snorkeling or exploring in a sea kayak! Meals B,L,D to learn about their work to preserve the islands’ natural heritage. Day 7 – Fly to Guayaquil Transfer to Baltra Island for your included flight back to the mainland. Disembark on Baltra Island. Fly to Guayaquil and transfer to the Hilton Arrive in Guayaquil and transfer to the deluxe Hilton Colon. Meals B Colon. Meals B Day 7 – Farewell to Ecuador Day 8 – Farewell to Ecuador Your voyage with us ends today. Meals B Your voyage with us ends today. Meals B
7 days from $4,999 $4,599
8 days from $5,799 $5,399
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
2014
Jan 8, 22 • Feb 5, 19 • Apr 2 Apr 16 Apr 30 • May 14, 28 • Jun 11 • Jul 9, 23 Aug 6, 20 • Sep 3, 17 • Oct 1,15, 29 • Nov 12 Dec 24 2015 Jan 7 • Feb 4, 18 • Mar 4, 18 • Apr 1, 15, 29
$4999 5299
$6699 8299
4999 5299
6699 8299
Jan 11 • Feb 8, 22 • Mar 8, 22 • Apr 5 • May 3, 17, 31 Jul 12, 26 • Aug 9, 23 • Sep 20 • Oct 4, 18 • Nov 1,15 $5799 Dec 27 6099 2015 Jan 10, 24 • Feb 7, 21 • Mar 7, 21 • Apr 4, 18 $5899
$5099
$6799
Family
Double
Single
$7899 9899 $7999
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on LAN. Add extra nights.
Friends
Save 50 - 200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Spend 7 nights in the Galapagos... 11 days from $7,999. Enjoy 3 nights in luxury hotels, our special Small Group touring in Quito and an all-inclusive 7-night cruise aboard La Pinta with daily shore expeditions on 8 distinct islands. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Add Peru after the Galapagos 5 days from $2,299. Enjoy 1 night in Lima and 2 nights in Cuzco with sightseeing, a scenic rail journey through the Sacred Valley, deluxe Machu Picchu overnight and guided tour of the Lost City. 800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
73
Silversea Expeditions to the Galapagos 11 days | from $7,199 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Our intimate luxury vessel and superbly TXDOL¿HG QDWXUDOLVWV SURPLVH UDUH DQG unparalleled exploration of the world’s most pristine and remote wildlife areas.
It’s the world’s most luxurious expedition ship
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Set sail aboard the newest and most luxurious ship... The ultimate Silver Galapagos features oceanview suites, butler service, complimentary wine and spirits throughout the ship and the finest naturalists. • Delight in Quito’s best luxury hotel, set in a restored mansion overlooking historic Plaza San Francisco. • Our extensive Small Group sightseeing and a lunch in historic La Ronda bring Colonial Quito to life. • With no more than 16 guests in your landing party, you’ll enjoy a comfortable pace and unforgettable up-close encounters with wildlife. • All on-tour transportation, both internal flights, port charges, luggage handling, hotel & airline taxes, and National Park fees, Transit Control Card • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance. 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
74
®
K Intimate, 100-guest expedition vessel K Outstanding onboard Expedition Team certified by the Galápagos National Park Service K Complimentary Shore Excursions led by the Expedition Team K Full fleet of Zodiacs for adventures ashore K All ocean-view suites and all-inclusive shipboard indulgences K In-suite bar and refrigerator stocked to guest’s preference K Attentive butler service for all stateroom categories K Fine dining with free-flowing wines at lunch and dinner K Complimentary wines and spirits served throughout the ship K Casual/informal attire
Casa Gangotena In Quito’s most enviable spot right on Plaza San Francisco, Quito’s best boutique luxury hotel offers only 31 elegant guestrooms and promises an artful blend of contemporary style and antique design… perfect for our small groups of never more than 16 guests.
Our 11-day Western Islands Adventure
Our 11-day North & Central Islands Adventure
Days 1 & 2 – Same as our North Day 1– Welcome to Quito c & Central Islands Adventure Check in to the 5-star Casa Gangotena in the historic heart Day 3 – Fly to Baltra Island in Genovesa Is. Western Islands cruise the Galapagos c of town. James Is. Fly to Baltra Island to board the North (Santiago Is.) Day 2 – Discover Quito’s vibrancy Seymour Is. luxurious Silver Galapagos. A and Colonial splendor Baltra Is. guided walk near Sullivan Bay Rabida Is. Savor hot chocolate in the charming Fernandina Is. is a chance to espy lava lizards, San Juan district and stroll through Santa Cruz Is. Galapagos penguins and numerous the Colonial city-center to La Ronda Santa Fé Is. bird species. Meals B,L,D Isabela Is. for lunch. Meals B,L San Cristóbal Is. Day 4 – Bartholomew and Day 3 – Fly to Baltra Island in the Floreana Is. North & Central Islands cruise Santiago Islands Galapagos c. Enjoy the views from Pinnacle Rock Fly to Baltra Island and board your Hood Is. (Española Is.) and hike to a nearby beach where luxury ship. A hike on Santa Cruz white tip reef sharks are known to All internal flights are included. is rewarded with your first wildlife congregate. Santiago Island offers a sightings. Meals B,L,D pristine lagoon home to flamingos and pintail ducks. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – Morning and afternoon landings on Genovesa Island Day 5 – Remote Isabela and Fernandina Islands Observe native birds like masked boobies and Galapagos storm petrals Explore by Zodiac along Isabela’s coastal cliffs, home to blue-footed and explore Darwin Bay, an excellent spot for snorkeling. Meals B,L,D boobies. As you prepare to land on Fernandina, keep your eyes peeled Day 5 – Ashore on North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands for diving penguins and iguanas feeding underwater. Meals B,L,D Marvel at sea lions and marine iguanas and see the giant Galapagos Day 6 – More of Isabela Island tortoise in its natural habitat. Meals B,L,D Discover the wildlife diversity of Tagus Cove and then set out on a Day 6 – Explore Rabida and Santa Cruz Islands Discover the flora and fauna of Rabida’s unusual red-sand beach. After Zodiac expedition across Elizabeth Bay. Meals B,L,D Day 7 – Morning and afternoon landings on Floreana Island lunch, step ashore at Whale Bay on Santa Cruz Island. Meals B,L,D Go ashore to explore historic Post Office Bay and the island’s unique Day 7 – Two excursions on San Cristobal Island fauna including sea lions, pelicans and warbler finches. Meals B,L,D Visit the Galapagos Interpretation Center. Later enjoy great views of Day 8 – Discover San Cristobal Island the fresh water lagoon inside the Junco Volcano crater. Meals B,L,D Visit Cerro Colorado Reserve, home to giant Galapagos tortoises, and Day 8 – Morning and afternoon landings on Española Island encounter the amazing creatures that inhabit Wizard Hill. Meals B,L,D Discover the wildlife of Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez. Meals B,L,D Day 9 – Ashore on Santa Cruz Island Day 9 – Puerto Ayora Town and Plazas Island Explore ashore and visit the Darwin Research Center. Meals B,L,D Tour the Darwin Research Center and explore Plazas Island. Meals B Day 10 – Disembark on Baltra Island and fly to Guayaquil Day 10 – Disembark on Baltra Island and fly to Guayaquil Fly to Guayaquil and transfer to the deluxe Hilton Colon. Meals B Fly to Guayaquil and transfer to the deluxe Hilton Colon. Meals B GALAPAGOS
ECUADOR
PERU
Machu Picchu
Day 11 – Depart Ecuador: Our services end this morning. Meals B
Day 11 – Depart Ecuador: Our services end this morning. Meals B
Add Peru after the Galapagos • 6 days from $2,999 Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
11 days from $7,199 $6,799*
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
North & Central Islands 2014 Explorer Jan 2, 16 • Feb 13 • May 8 • Jun 5 $7299 Jan 30 • May 22 • Aug 28 Oct 9, 23 • Nov 6, 20 • Dec 4 7199 Feb 27 • Mar 13, 27 • Apr 10 Jun 19 • Jul 3, 17, 31 • Aug 14 7699 Dec 18 8299
Deluxe Veranda $9699
Terrace $8699
Veranda $9299
8599
9199
9599
9299 9799
9999 10499
10299 10899
Western Islands 2014 Explorer $7299 Jan 9, 23 • Feb 6 Feb 20 • May 1, 29 • Oct 2, 16, 30 Nov 13, 27 • Dec 11 7199 Mar 6, 20 • Apr 3, 17 • Jun 12, 26 Jul 10, 24 • Aug 7, 21 7699 Dec 25 8299
Deluxe Veranda $9699
Terrace $8699
Veranda $9299
8599
9199
9599
9299 9799
9999 10499
10299 10899
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on LAN. Add extra nights.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
75
Machu Picchu & the Galapagos 14 days | from $7,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
3HUX DQG WKH *DODSDJRV DUH D WHUULÂżF FRPELQDWLRQ ZLWK RXU H[SHUW JXLGHV ÂżQH QDWXUDOLVWV RXWVWDQGLQJ KRWHOV DQG WKH PRVW GHOX[H VPDOO VKLS LQ WKH LVODQGV
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
â&#x20AC;˘ Delight in all the scenery of the Galapagos with picture windows in your Upper Deck stateroom! â&#x20AC;˘ Step ashore with our expert Naturalists at 8 unique landing sites on 4 Galapagos islands and enhance your cruise with free snorkeling gear and kayaks â&#x20AC;˘ Our Complete Machu Picchu Experience includes the artifacts first found by Hiram Bingham 100 years ago plus a second sunrise visit to the Lost City. â&#x20AC;˘ Discover the Colonial majesty of Quito and travel to the charming Andean market town of Otavalo. 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
$EVROXWHO\ IDQWDVWLF :HÂśUH DPD]HG E\ WKH ZD\ ZH ZHUH WUHDWHG +RWHOV and life on the ship were wonderful... FRXOGQÂśW KDYH DVNHG IRU D EHWWHU WULS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; R.W., Vermillion, SD 76
ÂŽ
Day 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Welcome to Lima Check in to the new Hilton Hotel in the lively seaside district of Miraflores. Day 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Explore Limac After a free morning to rest, enjoy a guided exploration of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Colonial architecture and the Bohemian district of Barranco. Then tour the extensive pre-Columbian collection of the Larco Herrera Museum. Meals B Day 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fly to Cuzco... Meet your Andean Trip Leader, Yakelin Huaman Your tour includes Colonial-era landmarks and an exhibit of the Machu Picchu artifacts returned by Yale University. Overnight at the Aranwa Hotel. Meals B Day 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A scenic journey through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchuc Ride the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu and explore the ancient ruins as Yakelin expertly illuminates the extraordinary history and accomplishments of the Inca. Overnight at the charming Inkaterra El Pueblo Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunrise at Machu Picchu for early risers Enjoy a return visit to Machu Picchu this morning. The paths can be slippery with dew, requiring caution. Return to your hotel in Cuzco. Meals B,L Day 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; In-depth sightseeing in Cuzcoc Your city tour with Yaki includes Cuzcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Colonial highlights â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Temple of the Sun and the Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Gain fascinating insight into Andean traditions at the Almudena Cemetery and San Pedro Market. Meals B Day 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Onward to Quitoc, Ecuador Fly to Quito and transfer to the 5-star JW Marriott Hotel. Tour the historic Colonial district and dine atop Itchimbia with stunning city views. Meals B,D Day 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Excursion to Otavalo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ecuadorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Andean Colors Drive along the Avenue of Volcanos to the highland town of Otavalo. At the famed Indian Market, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see locals in traditional garb who are here to sell their finely made crafts. Enjoy lunch at an authentic Hacienda. Meals B,L Day 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Embark your Galapagosc voyage Fly to the Baltra Island where your ship awaits. Journey into the Santa Cruz highlands to see the giant Galapagos tortoise in its native habitat. Meals B,L,D
COLOMBIA
Days 10 to 12 – Daily shore expeditions in the Galapagos! Over the next 3 days, join our Naturalists on morning and afternoon excursions for up-close encounters with the Islands’ wildlife and plenty of chances to snorkel, kayak and ride our glass-bottom boat. See marine iguanas, lava lizards, penguins and colonies of sea lions on Santa Cruz and ascend Bartolome for sweeping views! Admire the lava formations of Sullivan Bay and step ashore at two unique sites on Genovesa, celebrated for its birdlife including the great frigate bird, red-footed boobies and numerous species of finches. Meals 3B,3L,3D Day 13 – From Baltra Island back to the Mainland Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil, where you’ll be escorted to the deluxe Oro Verde Hotel. Meals B Day 14 – Farewell Ecuador Your tour with us finishes this morning. Meals B
Cuzco – Aranwa Hotel Located in the historic city center, this exceptional hotel is R[\JHQDWHG WR KHOS \RX DFFOLPDWH PRUH TXLFNO\ WR WKH KLJK DOWLWXGH Machu Picchu – Inkaterra El Pueblo Charming casita-style guestrooms are nestled in a pristine Andean cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. Quito – JW Marriott Our superb 5-star hotel promises traditional warmth, sophisticated elegance and a range of dining opportunities. Guayaquil – Oro Verde Colonial “Old World” elegance and traditional Ecuadorian hospitality blend beautifully at this newly renovated hotel in the heart of town.
Our intimate Galapagos vessel
2
The Galapagos Islands
ECUADOR
Guayaquil
1
P a c i fi c PERU
O c e a n
Lima
The perfect ending to every day... Lima – Hilton Lima Miraflores Renowned Hilton amenities gracefully enhanced with authentic Peruvian touches and antiques from the 18th century.
Quito
4
2
Machu Picchu 1
3
Cuzco
All internal flights are included.
Yakelin... Our Andean Trip Leader Yaki, a Cuzco native, traces her passion for Inca history to early childhood trips to Machu Picchu and the years she spent working there with the resident archaeologist. Our guests love her deep knowledge and capacity to inform and enthrall.
Our Small Ship Adventure Value • Extensive sightseeing and shore excursions with all entry fees • 26 meals: 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners with wine • 9 nights in our handpicked 5-star hotels & resorts • 4-nights in an outside stateroom aboard our premium ship • Port charges, National Park fee and the required Galapagos Transit Control Card • Luggage handling, all hotel taxes & service charges and all airline taxes, fees and fuel charges for your 5 included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
14 days from $7,999 $7,599*
Save $800
SINGLES
The deluxe 24-cabin yacht-style La Pinta is the only Galapagos ship with floor-to-ceiling windows LQ HYHU\ SHUIHFWO\ ORFDWHG VWDWHURRP. Enjoy congenial meals in the dining room or al fresco on the Sun Deck. The ship offers free wifi and snorkeling gear and comes with its own kayaks and glass-bottom boat for more enriching exploration throughout your the Galapagos Islands cruise!
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Feb 2 • Mar 2, 30 • Apr 27 • May 25 Jul 6 • Aug 17 • Sep 14 • Oct 12 • Nov 9
$7999
$10599
$8199
$10999
2015
Add the rainforest after your journey! 4 days from $1,799 Discover the amazing diversity of Ecuador’s rainforests! We include transportation, one night at the JW Marriott in Quito, two nights at Mashpi, a new luxury jungle lodge, all meals, and guided rainforest activities like nature walks and canopy tours. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Jan 18 • Feb 15 • Mar 15 • Apr 12
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on LAN. Add extra nights.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
77
Machu Picchu & Reserva Amazonica
NEW
10 days | from $4,099 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Our exclusive combination of Peruâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best ancient sites, its Andean traditions and the award-winning Reserva Amazonica Lodge.
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
â&#x20AC;˘ Carlos Seminario, our Trip Leader in Cuzco and Machu Picchu, will illuminate Peruâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deeply spiritual ways and its most enthralling ancient sites. â&#x20AC;˘ Venture to the less-visited, enigmatic terraces of Moray to explore one of Peruâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest Inca sites. â&#x20AC;˘ Thrill to sunrise from Machu Picchu â&#x20AC;˘ Adjacent to a 3.5 million-acre nature reserve and hailed by National Geographic Traveler as one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best eco-lodges, Reserva Amazonica promises a more rewarding rainforest experience. â&#x20AC;˘ Personalize your Amazon exploration with a choice of guided nature walks and activities including canopy tours, wetland hikes and night safaris. 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
My trip to Machu Picchu & Reserva Amazonica only had 12 people! This allowed more individual attention and to enjoy the experience so much more. Âą 5 / :HVW %ORRPÂżHOG 0, 78
ÂŽ
Day 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lima, Peru Check in to the brand new Doubletree El Pardo Hotel. Day 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fly to Cuzco c Fly to Cuzco and transfer to the beautiful Libertador Palacio del Inka, now a member of the distinguished Luxury Collection. Meet Carlos Seminario; heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an expert on the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, ancient ceremonies and traditional Peruvian healing techniques. After time to rest and acclimate to the altitude, join Carlos to explore the Main Plaza, San Pedro Market and Almudena Cemetery. Meals B Day 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Descend into the Sacred Valley Visit the salt mines of Maras, worked for generations by the same families, and the agricultural terraces of Moray, one of Peruâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most enigmatic Inca sites. Tour the fortress at Ollantaytambo, stroll in this ancient town and then visit the home of an Andean family. Overnight at the Sonesta Posada del Inca. Meals B,L Day 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; By rail to Machu Picchu c Journey by rail through the picturesque Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and tour this ancient site with Mr. Seminario. A traditional ceremony offers thanks to the Maker, Mountain and Mother Nature. Overnight at the deluxe Inkaterra El Pueblo, set in a rainforest at the base of Machu Picchu. Meals B,L,D Day 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Morning visit to Machu Picchu and return by rail to Cuzco Witness the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first light upon the ancient ruins as you explore at your own pace. En route to Cuzco, stop in Chincheros to see skilled weavers at work. Arrive Cuzco and settle in once again at the Libertador Palacio del Inka. Meals B,L Day 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; In and around Cuzco Join Carlos this afternoon to explore the Temple of the Sun and Sacsayhuaman. After a special purification ritual for your group near the Temple of the Moon, visit El Hogar San Pedro where at-risk girls receive the education, care and support they need to become strong, independent young women. Meals B
BRAZIL
PERU
Day 7 – Into the Amazon! Fly to Puerto Maldonado and journey up the Madre de Dios River to the acclaimed Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge. Meals B,L,D Day 8 – Deep into the Rainforest at Reserva Amazonica Tailor your exploration with a choice of naturalist-guided expeditions. Venture through the rainforest canopy along a network of suspended bridges, journey silently by canoe across a tranquil oxbow lake or learn about the diversity of wildlife in an Amazon wetland. You can even set out on a thrilling night safari after dinner. Meals B,L,D Day 9 – Back to Lima c Return to Lima and transfer to the Doubletree El Pardo Hotel. Tour Lima’s Colonial highlights and the Larco Herrerra Museum. Meals B Day 10 – Adios, Lima Our tour program ends this morning. Meals B
Lima
Machu Picchu Sacred 1 2 1 Valley Reserva 3 Amazonica Cuzco
2
Paracas 1
B O L I V
All internal flights are included.
Our Trip Leader Carlos Seminario Born and raised in the Andes and well-versed in Peru’s rich history, ancient cultures and ecology, Mr. Seminario will enhance every one of your experiences as you delve into the enduring traditions and diverse landscapes of Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Outstanding hotels capture Peru’s spirit
Our Small Group Adventure Value
Sacred Valley – Sonesta Posada del Inca This enchanting retreat, one of the finest in the Valley, is set on the lovely garden grounds of an 18th-century Colonial monastery. Machu Picchu – Inkaterra El Pueblo Charming casita-style guestrooms are nestled in a pristine Andean cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
10 days from $4,099 $3,699*
Peruvian Amazon – Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge A 45-minute river journey brings you deeper into the Amazon to one of the world’s finest lodges. Enchanting thatch-roof guest cabanas feature spacious hot-shower baths and an inviting siesta area with hammock.
Corpus Christi Festival Experience one of Peru’s most revered celebrations on our June 14 departure as you observe the moving traditions of morning mass in Cuzco’s historic central plaza. Then witness a lively and colorful procession of 15 Holy statues through the town square.
Add the Nazca Lines
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
Lima – Doubletree El Pardo Graced with contemporary Peruvian art, our superior first class hotel promises a warm welcome in the lively seaside district of Miraflores. Cuzco – Liberatador Palacio del Inka This newly renovated, deluxe landmark is in the historic heart of Cuzco.
• Escorted in-depth sightseeing, including all entrance fees • 17 meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners • 7 nights in our handpicked superior first class and deluxe hotels • 2 nights at the award-winning Reserva Amazonica Lodge. • All on-tour transportation, including all 3 internal flights • Vehicles in Cuzco equipped with oxygen tanks for your comfort • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and services charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your 3 included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Feb 14 • Mar 14 • Apr 18 • May 9 Jul 11 • Aug 15 • Sep 19 • Oct 17 • Nov 14 Jun 14 - Corpus Christi Festival
$4099 4199
$4999 5099
$4199
$5099
2015
Feb 13 • Mar 13 • Apr 24
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on LAN. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $4,799
3 days for $899 Before your tour begins, experience flight-seeing over the Nazca Lines. We include first class hotels in Lima and Paracas, 2 breakfasts, all on-tour transportation and an excursion to the Ballestas Islands. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
79
Grandeur of Peru 12 days | from $5,299 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Thrill to our 2-day visit to Machu Picchu.
Our extensive trip showcases more of Peru, from its ancient sites to the Nazca Lines and /DNH 7LWLFDFD DOZD\V ZLWK WKH ¿QHVW KRWHOV
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• From historic mansions to an Andean cloud forest, our intimate boutique hotels promise an evocative experience you won’t find on any other tour! • Sit down to an elegant lunch overlooking a recently excavated 4th-century pyramid in Lima and tour the renowned Larco Herrera Museum with a curator. • Julian, our resident expert, leaves no ancient stone unturned as he shows you storied Inca sites and lesser-visited gems like the terraces of Moray. • Our unhurried pace offers more time to enjoy Peru, including a second dawn visit to Machu Picchu, a free morning in Cuzco and two nights in Paracas. 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Excellent! In just 12 days, we saw everything we wished... it was well RUJDQL]HG ZLWK ÀDZOHVV H[HFXWLRQ – J.C., Valrico, FL 80
®
Day 1 – Lima, Peru Check in to the intimate Arts Boutique Hotel B, set in an historic mansion in one of the capital’s liveliest and most vibrant districts. Day 2 – Sightseeing in Lima c See Lima’s Colonial landmarks, tour Huaca Pucllana, a pyramid of the 4th century, and sit down to lunch at this ancient monument. Tour the famed Larco Herrera Museum with a curator and enjoy a guided stroll in Barranco where restored historic buildings now house artists’ studios and galleries. Meals B,L Day 3 – Fly to Cuzco: Meet Julian and descend into the Sacred Valley Fly to Cuzco and meet Julian, your Andean Trip Leader. Visit Awanacancha to see llamas and alpacas and to learn about traditional weaving techniques. Visit Pisac and check in to the Aranwa Sacred Valley Spa Resort where you can unwind with a complimentary 30-minute massage. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – Discover fascinating off-the-beaten-path Inca sites Visit the massive stone fortress of Ollantaytambo and the salt mines of Maras, worked for generations by the same families. Then discover the agricultural terraces of Moray, one of Peru’s most captivating Inca sites. Meals B,L Day 5 – By rail to Machu Picchu c Enjoy a rail journey through the scenic Sacred Valley and explore Machu Picchu as your guide sheds light on the Inca and their achievements. Have lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge and overnight at the Inkaterra El Pueblo Hotel. Meals B,L,D Titilaka Day 6 – Return to Machu Picchu and take the train to Cuzco Enjoy a second visit to Machu Picchu in the early light before the day visitors arrive! Return to Cuzco and check in to Inkaterra La Casona. Meals B,L Day 7 – Out and about in Cuzco c Join Julian to explore Sacsayhuaman, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun. Then experience traditional Andean life at the San Pedro Market and Almudena Cemetery. Dine at MAP Café, one of Cuzco’s finest restaurants. Meals B,D
BRAZIL
PERU
Day 8 – Onward to Lake Titicaca After a free morning to enjoy more of Cuzco, fly to Puno and check in to your lakeview room at the Libertador Puno Hotel. Meals B,D Day 9 – Across the waters and along the shores of Titicaca Set out across Lake Titicaca to visit the remarkable floating islands, built on layers of Totora reeds and home to the indigenous Uros people. Then step ashore on Taquile Island where residents speak the ancient language of the Incas and weave extraordinary textiles with techniques developed over the centuries . Meals B,L,D Day 10 – Onward to the Paracas Visit the ancient burial towers of Sillustani and then fly to Lima. Continue overland to Paracas and check in to the Libertador Luxury Collection Hotel where your evening is free. Meals B,D Day 11 – The mysterious Nazca Lines Take to the skies in a small plane for a bird’s-eye view of the celebrated Nazca Lines, one of the world’s great mysteries. Meals B Day 12 – The Ballestas Islands... And back to Lima Embark on a cruise excursion to the Ballestas Islands and then transfer to the airport in Lima for your onward journey. Meals B
Lima
Machu Picchu 1 llllll
2
Sacred 2 Valley 2 Cuzco
Paracas/ 2 Nazca Lines
Puno 2
Pacific Ocean
B O L I V I A
Lake Titicaca
All 3 internal flights are included.
Your Trip Leader Julian Born and raised in the Andes and educated in Cuzco, Julian Satisteban is passionate about the rich history and ancient ways of his homeland. With his excellent command of English, he is lauded by our guests for his deep knowledge and cultural insights.
Our evocative and intimate 5-star hotels
Sacred Valley – Aranwa Resort This enchanting riverside spa resort is set in a beautifully restored Colonial hacienda deep in the tranquil Sacred Valley. Cuzco – Inkaterra La Casona This elegant Relais & Chateaux property is set in an exquisitely restored 16th-century mansion in the historic heart of town.
Our Small Group Value • Escorted comprehensive sightseeing with all entry fees • 23 meals: 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners • 11 nights in our evocative and luxurious hotels and resorts • All on-tour transportation, including 3 internal flights • Our vehicles in Cuzco have oxygen tanks for your comfort • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance
Machu Picchu – Inkaterra El Pueblo Hotel Retreat to your private casita set in a lush and pristine riverside cloud forest at the base of Machu Picchu.
Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
12 days from $5,299 $4,899* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Paracas – Libertador Luxury Collection The most luxurious coastal resort in Peru offers resort-style luxury on a prime location overlooking the lovely Bay of Paracas.
COUPLES
Lake Titicaca – Libertador Puno The only 5-star hotel in Puno is set on a private island for unparalleled 360° views of the world’s highest navigable lake.
Save $800
SINGLES
Lima – Arts Boutique Hotel B Located in the vibrant Bohemian district of Barranco, our luxury boutique hotel offers just 17 rooms in a lovely historic mansion.
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Mar 14 • Oct 24 Apr 25 • May 22 • Jul 11 • Aug 9 • Sep 12, 26 Jun 13 - Corpus Christi Festival
$5299 5599 5699
$6799 7099 7199
$5399 5699
$6899 7199
2015
Corpus Christi Festival Travel with us in June and experience one of Peru’s most colorful festivals. You can join us early for morning mass in Cuzco’s historic plaza or enjoy some free time. Then gather for a moving and spirited procession of Holy statues that makes its way along the old cobbled streets of town.
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Mar 20 Apr 24
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on LAN. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $6,999
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
81
Peru Explorer 9 days | from $3,399 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Our most popular Small Group Journey to Peru.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
“
The food, the people, the Inca architecture and history are unforgettable. Real experiences at marketplaces, chicherias, panaderias, pottery makers, unusual churches and cemeteries, as well as all the major landmarks. These made our trip “personal,” as opposed to the larger, ordinary tours where everything is at a PRUH VXSHU¿FLDO OHYHO (YHU\ OLWWOH GHWDLO was accounted for from the airport to the end. – T.K., Fullerton, CA 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
82
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Lima Check in to the superior first class Doubletree El Pardo Hotel. Day 2 – Discover Lima c Visit Santo Domingo Church and the Larco Herrera Museum. Then stroll through Barranco where historic homes have been splendidly restored. Meals B Day 3 – Into the Sacred Valley of the Inca Fly to Cuzco c where you’ll be greeted by Ana Maria. Journey into the Sacred Valley to visit the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary. At Awanacancha, see llamas and alpacas and learn about ancient weaving techniques. Explore Pisac’s bustling market and check in to the Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel. Tonight, head over to your resort’s planetarium and observatory to marvel at the constellations of the Southern Sky. Meals B,L Day 4 – Explore the Sacred Valley with Ana Maria Tour the mountaintop fortress of Ollantaytambo and stop by a local chicheria in this authentic Inca-era town to learn about chicha, an Andean beverage distilled from corn. Then visit the studio of renowned pottery artisans Pablo and Marilu Seminario. Tonight, witness a Pago a la Tierra, a Tribute to the Earth, performed by an Andean shaman. Meals B,L Day 5 – Through the Sacred Valley by rail to Machu Picchu c A two-day visit to the Lost City of the Inca begins with a rail journey through the Sacred Valley. Arrive at Machu Picchu and explore the mountain citadel as Ana Maria illuminates the history of the ancient Inca. Retreat to the enchanting Inkaterra El Pueblo Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – Morning at Machu Picchu and back to Cuzco by train We include your transportation and entry so you can ascend again to explore the Lost City at your own pace. Stand in awe as the sun casts its first light upon the ancient stones of Machu Picchu; it’s a powerful and unforgettable experience. En route to Cuzco, stop in Chincheros, known for its skilled weavers. Spend three nights at the charming El Mercado Hotel, set in a splendidly renovated historic building in the heart of Cuzco. Meals B,D
BRAZIL
PERU
Day 7 – Morning sightseeing Join Ana Maria to discover Cuzco’s iconic landmarks, including Sacsayhuaman and the Temple of the Sun. Then mingle with city residents at the lively San Pedro Market and visit Almudena Cemetery to experience traditional facets of daily life here in the Andes. Return to your city central hotel and enjoy your afternoon at leisure. Meals B Day 8 – Off the beaten path to Oropesa and Cuyuni Journey across high-mountain plains to Oropesa. Rarely visited by tourists, this Colonial-era town is celebrated for its bread-making traditions. Continue to the remote mountain village of Cuyuni to mingle with residents. They’ll take you into their homes and fields, teaching you about traditions and a way of life that has changed little over the centuries. Return to Cuzco and dine at Incanto. Meals B,L,D Day 9 – From Cuzco back to the capital Fly to Lima for your onward journey. Guests with late international departures will have a day-use room at the El Pardo Hotel. Meals B
Lima
Machu Picchu 1 llllll
2
2 Sacred Valley 3 Cuzco
P a c i fi c Ocean
2 Puno
B O L I V I A
Lake Titicaca
All internal flights are included.
Your Trip Leader, Ana Maria... Born and educated in Cuzco as the daughter of a history teacher, Ana Maria was immersed early in her family’s passion for their cultural heritage. Now as an enthusiastic messenger for her homeland’s lively traditions and rich history, she is widely praised by our guests for the insights and knowledge which she brings to their travels.
Outstanding comfort. Historic charm.
Our Small Group Value
Machu Picchu – Inkaterra El Pueblo This lovely upscale resort offers casita-style guestrooms nestled in a pristine Andean cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Cuzco – El Mercado Hotel Our distinctive and intimate boutique hotel is set in a restored historic building close to the town’s main square.
• Extensive, expertly-guided Small Group sightseeing every day including all entrance fees • 15 meals: 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners • 8 nights accommodation in our fine hotels • All on-tour transportation including both internal flights • Our vehicles in Cuzco are equipped with oxygen tanks to ensure your comfort at high altitude • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your 2 included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
9 days from $3,399 $2,999* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Join us for Inti Raymi… The Inca Festival of the Sun Enjoy an extra night in Cuzco and experience the traditions, and pageantry of Inti Raymi. Honoring the Sun God, this ancient festival is highlighted by a colorful procession from the heart of town up to Sacsayhuaman. Book Early! This June departure will sell out fast.
Save $800
Experience one of the world’s highest lakes, with transportation from Cuzco to Puno, 2 nights at the Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel in a lakeview room, 4 meals, full day sightseeing including the floating Uros Islands, and your return flight to Lima. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Feb 14 • Mar 14 $3399 Apr 4, 25 • May 16 3599 Jun 18 - Inti Ryami Festival 3999 Jul 18 • Aug 15 • Sep 12, 26 • Oct 17 • Nov 7 3599
$4199 4399 5199 4399
2015
Feb 13 • Mar 13 • Apr 10, 24
$3599
$4499
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on LAN. Add extra nights.
Add Lake Titicaca 3 days for $499
SINGLES
Sacred Valley – Casa Andina Private Collection This charming resort offers garden and Andes views from your private balcony or patio.
COUPLES
Lima – Doubletree El Pardo Hotel Graced with fine contemporary Peruvian art, our superior first class hotel is ideally located in the seaside district of Miraflores.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $4,499
Family
Friends
Save 50 - 200 more per person when 3 or more go together $
$
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
83
Five Days in Peru 5 days | from $2,499 | A private tour just for your traveling party.
Machu Picchu.
The ancient history and rich cultures of Lima, Cuzco and Machu Picchu come to life as you experience the best of Peru.
Private Touring Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Delve into pre-Columbian Peru at the Larco Herrera Museum and experience the modern face of Lima in the lively Bohemian district of Barranco. • Tour Casa Aliaga... The Continent’s oldest residence has been home to the same family for 500 years! • Immerse in the sights and sounds of Cuzco as our resident expert reveals the ancient traditions and Incan beliefs which still endure here in the Andes. • Join your guide for a tasting of regional foods including indigenous vegetables that originated with the Inca here in the Andes centuries ago! 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
The total experience… great hotels and fantastic guides… made this an excellent trip. – E. & R. S., Cincinnati OH 84
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Lima! Check in to your choice of city-center hotel. Day 2 – Discover Lima c Your private sightseeing includes the fine Colonial architecture of Plaza Mayor with a tour of the historic Cathedral, the lively artisan district of Barranco and the Larco Herrera Museum, famed for its extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. You’ll also enjoy a special tour of Casa Aliaga, the oldest inhabited residence in the Americas. Meals B Day 3 – Into the Andes to Cuzco Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco c where you’ll be met and escorted to your choice of hotel. After time to rest and adjust to the altitude, your private city tour includes the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun. Then ascend into the mountains outside of town to the Inca site of Sacsayhuaman, known for its impressive masonry and great views. At the Almudena Cemetery and bustling San Pedro Market, you’ll gain rich insight into ancient Andean traditions which still endure in the lives of residents. Then join your private guide to sample popular Andean foods like empanadas, indigenous organic vegetables... and even guinea pig for the adventurous! Meals B Day 4 – Through the Sacred Valley by rail to Machu Picchu Your full-day visit to Machu Picchu c begins from Cuzco aboard the Vistadome train through the captivating landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Explore Machu Picchu while your expert private guide illuminates the history and culture of the once-great Inca Empire. Return to Cuzco in the evening by train. Or you can enhance your trip with an overnight at Machu Picchu and return to Cuzco the following evening... We include your choice of hotel at Machu Picchu, dinner, breakfast, roundtrip transportation up to the site and a second entry ticket to explore Machu Picchu again at your own pace. Meals B,L Day 5 – Fly back to Lima... Or extend your travels! Return to Lima for your homeward journey... Or continue your exploration of Peru with our easy-to-add extensions! Meals B
BRAZIL
PERU
Lima
Machu Picchu
2
Reserva Amazonica Sacred 2 1 Valley B O L I
2 Cuzco
Paracas/ 1 Nazca
Puno 2
Pacific Ocean
Lake Titicaca
All internal flights are included.
Our Private Tour Value • Extensive sightseeing with your own private car, driver and guide, including all entrance fees • 5 meals: 4 breakfasts and 1 lunch • 4 nights in your choice of handpicked, city-center hotels • All on-tour transportation, including both internal flights • Vehicles in Cuzco have oxygen tanks to ensure your comfort • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for both included flights Travel any day you wish.
5 days from $2,499 $2,099*
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. Holiday surcharges may apply. We offer air on LAN.
Family
Personalize your tour with our fine hotels Choose the class that’s right for your budget or mix-and-match them V I A for a truly personalized vacation... You can even enhance your trip with extra nights at any of these outstanding hotels!
First Class from $2,499 per person Lima – Casa Andina Select Cuzco – El Mercado Step out to enjoy Lima’s vibrant seaside district of Miraflores. Our brand new boutique hotel in Cuzco is unique to us and set in a renovated historic building in the heart of town.
Deluxe
Superior from $2,699 per person Lima – Casa Andina Private
Collection Cuzco – Aranwa Hotel Our fine Lima hotel boasts fine antiques. Cuzco’s deluxe Aranwa features upscale decor and special oxygenated rooms!
Orient-Express Luxury
from $2,899 per person
from $3,399 per person
Lima – Hilton Hotel Cuzco – Libertador Palacio del Inka Modern rooms with traditional Peruvian touches distinguish our Lima hotel. The 5-star Libertador, now a Luxury Collection hotel, is near Cuzco’s historic Main Plaza.
Lima – Miraflores Park Cuzco – Monasterio In Lima, delight in amazing views of the Pacific from your stylish suite. Our spellbinding luxury landmark in Cuzco is set in an historic Colonial-era mansion in the heart of town.
Overnight at Machu Picchu with dinner & a sunrise visit! Your choice of the Sumaq Hotel from $353... Or the Inkaterra El Pueblo from $413... Or the Sanctuary Lodge from $820
Add the exclusive Hiram Bingham Train For $525. Travel roundtrip from Cuzco to Machu Picchu on the luxury Orient Express Train, with brunch, cocktails and dinner.
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Discover more of Peru with our Private Touring extensions Nazca Lines
Lake Titicaca
3 days from $899
3 days from $549
One of Peru’s greatest mysteries, we include a flight over the Nazca Lines, an overnight in Lima and a night at your choice of hotel with transportation.
We include all transportation, 2 nights at your choice of hotel and full day sightseeing to the remarkable floating Uros Islands and the Inca terraces of Taquile.
Peruvian Amazon
Sacred Valley
3 days from $799
2 days from $399
Explore deep into the Amazon from our outstanding jungle lodges. We include transportation by air and boat, 2 nights at your choice of Amazon lodge and all rainforest excursions.
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Enhance your trip with an overnight in the heart of the Sacred Valley. We include all on-tour transportation, your choice of resort and all sightseeing.
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
85
Across the Andes 11 days | from $6,599 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
6SHQG QLJKWV DW WKH UHQRZQHG /ODR /ODR 5HVRUW
Explore three unique countries with our WHUULÂżF QDWLYH ERUQ JXLGHV &RPH HYHQLQJ GHOLJKW LQ 6RXWK $PHULFDÂśV ÂżQHVW KRWHOV
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
â&#x20AC;˘ Chileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Colchagua Valley is celebrated for its fine wines... Spend time on an historic estate here and blend your own wine with a master vintner. â&#x20AC;˘ Exalt in some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most magnificent landscapes as you journey through the Andes, crossing forested mountains and crystal clear lakes. â&#x20AC;˘ Delve into the life and music of Carlos Gardel, the undisputed King of Tango, on a special visit to his erstwhile residence cum museum. â&#x20AC;˘ Our Chilean, Argentine and Brazilian Trip Leaders promise deep insight into their beloved native lands. 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site c
2XU WULS OHDGHU ZDV H[FHOOHQW DQG WKH VPDOO JURXS PDGH WRXULQJ HDV\ 7KH WULS ran smoothly with ample free timeâ&#x20AC;Ś *UHDW WULS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; S.O., Louisville, KY 86
ÂŽ
Day 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Welcome to Santiago, Chile Check in to Le Reve, our fabulous luxury boutique hotel in the heart of town. Day 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Excursion by rail into the wine country Journey into the Colchagua Valley and tour the historic ViĂąa MontGras. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made special arrangements for you to work with a master vintner to craft your own wine from start to finish â&#x20AC;&#x201C; blending three vintages, bottling, corking and labeling your wine. Enjoy lunch in the lovely town of Santa Cruz and explore the renowned pre-Colombian art collection of the Colchagua Museum. Meals B,L Day 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; From Santiago to the Lake District See the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highlights before your flight to Puerto Montt. Upon arrival, a scenic drive brings you to the charming lakefront town of Puerto Varas. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a chance to sample delicious pastries at CafĂŠ Dane, a local favorite, before a walking tour. Overnight at the 5-star Cumbres PatagĂłnica Hotel. Meals B,D Day 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Across the Andes into Argentina and the amazing Llao Llao Resort An unforgettable crossing of the Andes from Chile to Argentina transports you through an enchanting landscape of emerald lakes and snow-capped volcanoes. Voyage by motorcoach, boat and catamaran â&#x20AC;&#x201C; crossing land and lakes to arrive in Puerto PaĂąuelo. Continue on to the renowned Llao Llao Resort and settle in to your deluxe lakeview room in the new Moreno wing. Meals B,L Day 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nahuel Huapi National Park This amazing day begins in Argentinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest national park, dominated by the mighty Tronador Volcano. Nearby, the spectacular forested peninsulas and bays of Lake Naheul Huapi often evoke comparison with the fjords of Norway. Your touring takes you up the Campanario Chairlift for breathtaking views over forests, mountains and lakes. End your morning on a sweet note and see the creation of Barilocheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-known specialty: Chocolate! Meals B Day 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fly to Buenos Aires Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Argentine capital, where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be met and escorted to the 5-star Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt. Meals B
B R A Z I L
Puerto Varas – Hotel Cumbres Patagónica Attentive service and simple elegance blend perfectly at this charming deluxe hotel overlooking the waters of Lake Llanquihue.
A R G E N T I N A
P a c i fi c O c e a n
Iguassu Falls – Orient-Express Das Cataratas Our luxury hotel is the only one located directly inside Brazil’s National Park. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to the nearby falls when the park is closed to other visitors!
Then go to Rio after your trip! 3 days from $1,299
Colchagua
Buenos Aires 3
URUGUAY
Puerto Varas Puerto Montt
1
2 Bariloche
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Value • Escorted comprehensive sightseeing including all entry fees • 14 meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners • 10 nights accommodation in our 5-star hotels and resorts • All on-tour transportation and all 3 internal flights • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your 3 included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
11 days from $6,599 $6,199*
Bariloche – Llao Llao Resort Delight in exhilarating lake views from your spacious room in the new deluxe Moreno Wing at this magnificent mountain resort.
SAVE ON ANY DATE COUPLES
Buenos Aires – Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Our luxury hotel in the city’s upscale Recoleta district blends the 1930’s charm of the French Palace Duhau with modern flair and comfort.
2 Santiago
2 Easter Island
Save $800
SINGLES
Santiago – Le Reve Capturing the intimate elegance of a luxury urban residence, our stylish boutique hotel is set in one of Santiago’s finest neighborhoods.
Iguassu 2 Falls
CHILE
l
When only the best will do...
To Rio
llllll
Day 7 – Discover wonderful Buenos Aires Your city tour includes Plaza de Mayo, historic San Telmo, the popular antique markets of Palermo and charming La Boca, the colorful district where the Tango was born. At the Carlos Gardel Museum, get to know the undisputed King of Tango through the music and memorabilia preserved at his home. Tonight, enjoy an excellent dinner and exciting show of authentic Argentine Tango at &DIp GH ORV $QJHOLWRV. Meals B,D Day 8 – Day at leisure A full day free to enjoy Buenos Aires as you wish. Meals B Day 9 – Onward to Iguassu Falls c Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu and tour the Brazilian side of the Falls. Check in to the 2ULHQW ([SUHVV +RWHO 'DV &DWDUDWDV, the only hotel located within Brazil’s Iguassu National Park! Meals B Day 10 – Explore Iguassu from the Argentine side Extensive sightseeing takes you to all the best vantage points on the Argentine side of the Falls, including the famed Devil’s Throat. Meals B Day 11 – Back to Buenos Aires After a leisurely morning, transfer to the airport. Or why not extend your trip to exciting Rio? Meals B
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan 17, 31 • Feb 14, 28 Mar 14, 28 • Apr 11 Sep 12 • Oct 10 • Nov 7 • Dec 5
$6799 6599 6799
$9299 8999 9299
$6999 6699
$9599 9199
2015
Jan 9, 23 • Feb 6, 20 Mar 6, 20 • Apr 10
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on LAN. Add extra nights. A visa for Brazil and a $160 pre-paid Argentine tax are required for US citizens.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $7,299
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Visit Easter Island before your tour... 3 days from $1,999 Exciting, beautiful Rio is the perfect add-on to this journey! We include your flight from Iguassu to Rio, two nights at the luxurious Copacabana Palace, daily breakfasts and sightseeing! See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Our 2-night extension includes guaranteed early check-in at the island’s newest luxury hotel, the Hangaroa EcoVillage & Spa, complete sightseeing, all meals and the flight to Santiago. 800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
87
2
Easter Island & Patagonia 8 days | from $4,799 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed. Rano Raraku, Easter Island
Our exclusive combination of Chile’s most remarkable places... The inspiring landscapes of Patagonia and Easter Island, the most remote populated island on the planet!
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Marvel at the colossal stone figures of Easter Island and delve into the mysteries of their ancient origins. • Experience the distinctive culture of this isolated island deep in the Pacific... It’s an unusual blend of Polynesian and South American cultures. • Personalize your all-inclusive 3-night Patagonia stay with a choice of naturalist-guided activities... Explore the spectacular glaciers, pristine lakes and towering granite peaks of this astounding natural wonder! • It’s a scenic overland journey to Otway Fjord, home to a thriving colony of Magellanic penguins. 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site c 88
®
Day 1 – Arrive Easter Island, Chile Check in at your chosen hotel, the comfortable Patagonia Camp O’tai or the 5-star Hangaroa Eco Village. This afternoon, begin your exploration of the island and its ancient culture, a distinctive blend of Polynesian and South American. Meals B (Guests at Hangaroa will also enjoy lunch and dinner at their resort.) Day 2 – Full day exploration of Easter Island c Today’s sightseeing focuses on the most important and striking archaeological sites. Hear the fascinating history of Rapa Nui, its people and the enormous moia - the enigmatic stone figures that are scattered across this windswept island. Visit the quarry where the moia were carved long ago and see Ahu Akahanga, a large ceremonial platform with four fallen statues. Meals B,L (Guests at Hangaroa will also enjoy dinner at their resort.) Day 3 – Fly to Santiago... Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to the Holiday Inn Airport Hotel. Meals B Day 4 – Onward to Patagonia Fly to Punta Arenas,where you’ll be met for the scenic overland journey to Patagonia Camp. South America’s finest luxury camp is set on the shores of Lake Toro, facing the towering granite peaks of the Paine Massif. Nestled in a pristine forest of beech trees, each of the 18 yurts features a complete en suite bath, hotel-style furnishings and a private terrace with unobstructed views over the lake. Each evening during your stay, the Camp’s experienced guides will present the explorations they will be leading the next day, based upon weather and terrain conditions. Depending upon your interests and physical condition, you’ll enjoy a variety of guided excursions, including full- and half-day journeys, hikes and treks into the spectacular landscapes of Patagonia. Meals B,D
Rio
Rio
Pa ran a
PARAGUAY
Day 5 – Out and about in Patagonia After a hearty breakfast, set out on the included excursion of your choice. Again this evening, the Camp’s guides will present the excursions which will be available tomorrow. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – Another day in Patagonia Enjoy the full or half-day excursion of your choice, including options for gentle hikes and invigorating treks. Back at camp, you can relax with fellow guests at the bar, perhaps sipping a Pisco Sour or enjoying a glass of fine Chilean wine. Or retreat to your private terrace and just take in the magnificent views over lake and mountain. Meals B,L,D Day 7 – To Otway Fjord and Punta Arenas Embark this morning on a scenic overland journey to Punta Arenas and check in to the enchanting Hotel Cabo de Hornos. This afternoon, travel to picturesque Otway Fjord to visit a Magellanic penguin colony that is home to more than 5,000 couples. Meals B Day 8 – Tour Punta Arenas and fly back to Santiago Fly to Santiago where our tour services end at the airport for your onward flight. Or why not add our 3-day stay in Chile’s cosmopolitan capital? Meals B
Rio Parana
CHILE
ay
oU
gu ru
Ri
Rio
1 Santiago
2 Easter Island
U R U G U A Y
Para na
A R G E N T I N A
P a c i fi c
A t l a n t i
O c e a n
O c e a n
Patagonia 3
1 Punta Arenas
Our exceptional hotels and resorts Easter Island – O Tai This comfortable, family-run hotel offers a lovely garden setting in the heart of town. or Easter Island – Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa Inspired by a ceremonial village, this deluxe ocean-view resort encompasses just 75 guestrooms and suites surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds. Santiago – Holiday Inn Santiago Airport Modern comfort and airport convenience. Torres del Paine – Patagonia Camp South America’s finest luxury camp offers 18 beautifully-furnished yurts set along the shores of Lake Toro, facing the granite peaks of the Paine Massif. Punta Arenas – Hotel Cabo de Hornos In the heart of town looking out to the Strait of Magellan, our fine hotel captures the history and spirit of Punta Arenas.
y gua Para
Atacama
Strait of Magellan
Tierra Del Fuego
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Adventure Value • Extensive sightseeing on Easter Island with all park fees • A choice of naturalist-guided activities in Patagonia • 14 meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners (Guests staying at Hangaroa enjoy an additional lunch and 2 more dinners) • 2 nights in your choice of hotel on Easter Island • 5 nights in our fine hotels and award-winning Patagonia camp • All on-tour transportation including all 3 internal flights • Luggage handling, hotel taxes & service charges, and all airline fees for your 3 included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
8 days from $4,799 $4,399*
Add Santiago to your adventure! 3 days from $549 The lively sophisticated capital of Chile is the perfect complement to your adventure. Enjoy 2 nights at the deluxe Lastarria Boutique Hotel, 2 breakfasts, airport transfers and a privately guided city tour.
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
O Tai Double Single
Hangaroa Double Single
Jan 12 • Feb 9 Mar 2 • Oct 5, 19 Nov 2, 16, 30
$5199 4799 5199
$6599 6099 6599
$5699 5499 5699
$6999 6699 7299
$5399 5199
$6899 6599
$5899 5699
$7599 6999
2015
Or discover more of South America... Explore more of South America with our affordable FreeStyle Travel. From vibrant cities like Buenos Aires and the ancient Inca treasures of Peru to the natural wonders of the Atacama Desert and Amazon, we make it easy to explore more of the Continent. See pages 103 & 104 for our many options.
Jan 11, 25 • Feb 8, 22 Mar 1
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on LAN. Add extra nights.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
89
Into the Amazon & Iguassu 8 days | for $4,599 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Explore the Brazilian and Argentine sides of Iguassu and venture farther on our Amazon cruise aboard our wonderful 9-cabin vessel.
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
â&#x20AC;˘ Stay inside Iguassu National Park at the luxury Orient-Express Das Cataratas and enjoy exclusive Park access when the gates are closed to visitors! â&#x20AC;˘ With its shallow draft and open-air design, the M/Y Tucano surrounds you with all the sights and sounds of the jungle where other ships canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go! â&#x20AC;˘ With our expert naturalists blazing fresh jungle trails, explore remote reaches of the Rio Negro and Amazon River on up to four excursions each day. â&#x20AC;˘ Great dining and inviting open decks promise the most intimate and exciting Amazon experience! 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site c
7KH ERDW ZDV WHUULÂżF IRRG WDVW\ DQG YDULHGÂŤ DQG WKH GLYHUVLW\ DQG DEXQGDQFH RI DQLPDOV SODQWV DQG ELUGV ZDV JUHDW 2XU QDWXUDOLVWV ZHUH VR VNLOOHG DW ÂżQGLQJ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; J.W., Arvada, CO them all. Perfect! 90
ÂŽ
Day 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Welcome to Iguassu Falls, Brazil Check in to the distinguished Orient-Express Hotel Das Cataratas. Day 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Expertly guided sightseeing of Iguassu Falls c Spend a full day exploring these 275 magnificent cascades, including all the best vantage points on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. Meals B Day 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; From Iguassu to Manaus Fly to Manaus and transfer to the Park Suites Hotel. Meals B Day 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Embark the Motor Yacht Tucano Embark the M/Y Tucano in mid-afternoon and begin your Amazon odyssey up the Rio Negro. Late afternoon finds your vessel navigating the vast Anavilhanas Archipelago. You might go for an excursion into the dense forests alive with squirrel monkeys and howler monkeys. This is also a great chance to see many brightly colored Amazon birds. Return to ship for hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres on the Observation Deck. After dinner, set out in the Tucanoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s launches to search for nocturnal creatures like the caiman. Meals B,D Day 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Deeper into the Amazon Join our naturalists this morning to explore the jungles of the Anavilhanas Archipelago. Here youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find the IgapĂł, an unusual flooded eco-system of dense forests rising from the waters of the Rio Negro. Later, a hike through a high Amazon forest reveals a very different environment, home to its own unique flora and fauna. Meals B,L,D Day 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Forest communities of the Amazon Awaken to another remote rainforest area accessible only to shallow-draft vessels like the Tucano. Explore by launch and then set out on a guided forest walk. After lunch, go ashore to visit a small Amazon village and learn about the traditions that help these families survive in the remote interior. Meals B,L,D Day 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lago Janauari Park and the Meeting of the Waters Explore by launch through the dense forests of Lago Janauari Ecological Park. Venturing through narrow channels overhung with trees and vines, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a chance to spot monkeys, sloths and the collared anteater. Later, the Tucano
A t l a n t i c COLOMBIA
O c e a n
navigates along the Encontra das Aguas, where the brown waters of the Amazon and the darker waters of the Rio Negro flow side by side for miles without mixing. Pink and grey river dolphins are often seen cavorting along this stark line of contrasting currents. Meals B,L,D P E R U Day 8 – Disembarkation, Manaus tour and departure Step off the ship in Manaus for a city tour, including the ornate Amazon Theater, and then transfer to the airport. Meals B
1 Manaus
4
Cru ise Rio Route Neg Manaus ro nas azo m A o i R
B R A Z I L B O L I V I A
From Peru
Rio de Janeiro 3
CHILE
Iguassu Falls.
Iguassu 2 Falls
Our hotel and ship promise a more rewarding and exciting vacation...
ARGENTINA
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Ship Adventure Value • Escorted sightseeing at Iguassu and Manaus and our complete Amazon shore excursion program with expert naturalists • 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners • 3 nights at our handpicked, perfectly located hotels • 4-night all-inclusive cruise aboard the unique M/Y Tucano • All port charges, luggage handling, on-tour transportation and both internal flights • All hotel taxes & service fees and all airline taxes & fees for both included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
8 days for $4,599 $4,199*
Sail longer on the M/Y Tucano COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
11-day trip from $5,899 Enjoy 2 nights at Das Cataratas in Iguassu and 1 night in Manaus. Then board the Tucano for 7 nights venturing into Amazon regions unexplored by other ships.
Explore Peru first 6 days from $2,899 This deluxe Pre-Trip extension includes 2 nights in Lima and 2 nights in Cuzco with in-depth sightseeing, guided overnight visit to Machu Picchu, 7 meals, and your flight from Peru to Iguassu Falls. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
O c e a n
URUGUAY
Save $800
SINGLES
With a shallow 5-foot draft and its culturally and environmentally sustainable practices , the Tucano is the ideal ship for navigating remote reaches of the Amazon River and Rio Negro. Venturing by launch and along jungle paths newly blazed by our naturalists, you’ll embark on up to four excursions per day, including night safaris and visits to isolated rainforest villages. With only 9 cabins, you’ll enjoy attentive service and fine meals.
A t l a n t i c
Buenos Aires 3
This 5-star Orient-Express Das Cataratas is the RQO\ hotel located inside Brazil’s Iguassu National Park. Enjoy exclusive, privileged access to the Falls’ trails and vantage points when the park is closed.
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan 10, 24 • Feb 28 • Mar 14 • Apr 11 May 9, 23 • Jul 18 • Aug 1, 15 • Sep 19 Oct 3, 17, 31 Nov 14 • Dec 12
$4599
$6199
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on LAN TAM. Add extra nights. A single entry Brazil visa and a pre-paid $160 Argentine tax are required for U.S. citizens.
Start in Buenos Aires or Rio 4 days from $849 800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
91
Three Jewels: Buenos Aires, Iguassu & Rio 9 days | from $3,699 | A private tour just for your traveling party.
:H WDNH \RX WR DOO WKH EHVW YDQWDJH SRLQWV DW ,JXDVVX
A complete private journey showcasing WKUHH LFRQV RI 6RXWK $PHULFD ZLWK ¿QH KRWHOV DQG WKH ÀH[LELOLW\ RI WRXULQJ ZLWK your own expert guides and naturalists.
Private Touring Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Join residents at a city dance club to try your turn at authentic Argentine Tango... Or if you just want to watch, we’ll take you to dinner and a Tango show. • Our complete Falls experience hits the best vantage points on both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. • Ascend both Corcovado and Sugar Loaf for two unique and inspiring experiences of Rio de Janeiro. 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Excellent! Our guide was a walking encyclopedia and so delightful. – P.K., Albuquerque, NM
92
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Buenos Aires, Argentina Check in to your choice of hotel. Days 2 – Private sightseeing Discover the best of BA, from Plaza de Mayo to historic neighborhoods like La Boca, the colorful district where the Tango was born! Drive through lovely Palermo and see the Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Peron was laid to rest. Tonight we take you to a downtown pizzeria that’s a favorite among residents; then experience authentic Argentine Tango at a dance club where you can join the fun. Or if you prefer just to watch, we’ll take you to Café de los Angelitos, one of the best places in town for dinner and a Tango show. Meals B,D Days 3 – At your leisure in Buenos Aires A free day to enjoy the city’s many wonderful sites, boutiques and cafés. Meals B Days 4 – Fly to Iguassu! Fly to Iguassu where you’ll be met and chauffeured to your choice of hotel. Then join your guide along the well-maintained trails of Brazil’s Iguassu National Park and thrill to captivating views over the thundering cascades. Meals B Days 5– Mighty Iguassu Falls c A full-day private tour takes you to all the best vantage points on the Argentine side of Iguassu, including the famed Devil’s Throat Cataract. Meals B Days 6 – Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Fly to exciting Rio and transfer by private car to your choice of hotel. Meals B Days 7 – Private sightseeing in Rio Your city tour includes the Sambodromo where Brazil’s Samba schools compete during Carnival and the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral. A 2-stage cable car ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain is rewarded with amazing views. You’ll also ascend Mt. Corcovado c to behold the inspiring statue of Christ the Redeemer. Meals B Days 8 – A free day in exciting, beautiful Rio This entire day is yours to explore and enjoy at your own pace. Meals B Day 9 – Farewell Rio Our tour services end this morning. Meals B
To the Amazon B R A Z I L PARAGUAY
Our Private Tour Value
Rio de Janeiro 3
• Comprehensive private sightseeing including all entrance fees • 9 meals: 8 breakfasts and 1 dinner • 8 nights in your choice of our handpicked hotels and resorts • All on-tour transportation, including both internal flights • Luggage handling, hotel taxes & service charges, and all airline fees for your two included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance
Iguassu Falls 2 ARGENTINA
From Lima A t l a n t i c O c e a n
U R U G U A Y
Buenos 3 Aires
Travel any day you wish.
9 days from $3,699 $3,299*
All internal flights are included.
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
First Class
Deluxe
Luxury
Buenos Aires – Intersur Recoleta This stylish hotel promises a warm welcome in the city’s upscale Recoleta district
Buenos Aires – Sofitel Enjoy French-inspired elegance at this 5-star hotel in one of the city’s best neighborhoods.
Buenos Aires – Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Enjoy palatial Belle-époque elegance and luxury amenities in the heart of the city.
Iguassu – Bourbon Cataratas Resort-style hotel with modern amenities and gracious service close to the Falls and town.
Iguassu – Iguazu Grand Resort Spa A junior suite and beautiful garden grounds await you at this Leading Hotel of the World.
Iguassu – Orient-Express Das Cataratas This outstanding luxury resort is the only one inside Brazil’s Iguassu National Park!
Rio de Janeiro – Porto Bay Internacional Overlooking Copacabana Beach with spacious rooms and a rooftop pool with fabulous views!
Rio de Janeiro – JW Marriott Classic elegance and casual sophistication in the heart of the action at Copacabana Beach!
Rio – Orient-Express Copacabana Palace A glamorous landmark since 1923, this Art Deco treasure overlooks Copacabana Beach.
2014
Double
Single
2014
Double
Single
2014
Double
Single
Jan-Dec
$3699
$5599
Jan-Dec
$4699
$7199
Jan-Dec
$5199
$8099
$3899
$5799
$4899
$7699
$5399
$8499
2015
Jan-Apr
2015
2015
Jan-Apr
Jan-Apr
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. Carnival and holiday surcharges may apply. We offer air on TAM. Add extra nights. A single entry Brazil visa and pre-paid $160 Argentine tax are required for U.S. citizens.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Add Peru before your trip...
Extend to the Amazon!
6 days from $2,699
6 days from $2,799
Enhance your travels through South America with our Private Tour to the Land of the Inca. We include your international air from Lima to Buenos Aires, a choice of fine hotels in Lima, Cuzco and Machu Picchu, 7 meals, all on-tour transportation with 2 internal flights in Peru, and extensive private sightseeing including an overnight visit to Machu Picchu. Call or visit GeneralTours.com for details.
Our 9-cabin vessel has a shallow draft and unique open-air design to surround you with all the sights and sounds of the Amazon as you explore remote regions where other ships can’t go. We include your flight from Rio to Manaus, transfers, 1-night hotel in Manaus, and a 4-night all-inclusive cruise on the M/Y Tucano with all meals and complete naturalist-guided excursions. Contact us for details.
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
93
The Complete Panama Canal 9 days | from $2,599 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Embark on a full Canal transit from ocean to ocean!
We uniquely include a complete Panama Canal crossing, historic Portobelo and the Smithsonian’s Barro Colorado Reserve.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Explore Casco Antiguo, Panama City’s splendid colonial-era Old Town; our expert Trip Leader is well-versed in all facets of the Canal and Panama’s history, culture and ecology. • Marvel at the massive construction of the new canal, being built to accommodate much larger ships – up to 1,400 feet long and 180 feet wide! • Join our experienced naturalists on Barro Colorado Island in Gatun Lake, home to 50%of all the birds and mammals found in Panama! • Immerse in the lively traditions of historic Portobelo, where a rich Afro-Caribbean culture endures against a backdrop of ancient Colonial sites. • Ride the historic Panama Railroad, built in 1855. 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c 94
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Panama City Check in to your oceanview room at the InterContinental Miramar. Day 2 – Old and new in Panama City Marvel at the Miraflores Locks and watch ships transiting the Panama Canal as your guide shares history and insight. You’ll be astounded by the immensity of these tankers, cargo vessels and naval ships! Then cross the bay for a walking tour in Casco Antiguo c, noted for its fine Colonial architecture. Meals B,L Day 3 – Through the Panama Canal! An unforgettable day unfolds as you journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic on a full Canal transit, surrounded by the enormous ships that rely upon this vital passage between these oceans. Enter the Miraflores Locks and continue with these giant vessels through the Gaillard Cut to cross Gatun Lake. Arrive in Cristobal and transfer to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Meals B,L Day 4 – Excursion to Barro Colorado Island Journey into the heart of Gatun Lake to Barro Colorado, a pristine reserve managed by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, where ongoing scientific research is revealing much about Panama’s unique eco-system, home to a wide diversity of wildlife from the northern and southern continents! By special arrangement, your Small Group will set out on a guided walk along forested island trails deep into the native habitats of myriad species of tropical birds and indigenous mammals like tapirs, sloths and monkeys. Meals B,L Day 5 – A day at leisure at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort Relax poolside or join available guided activities like birdwatching, wildlife tours or fishing on Gatun Lake. Or you might embark on a unique excursion to the remote jungle village of Tucipono for a fascinating and authentic encounter with Panama’s indigenous Embera Indians. Meals B
Caribbean Sea
PANAMA To Nicaragua
COLOMB
“
Panama City – InterContinental Miramar Retreat to your beautiful Executive Level oceanview room at this contemporary landmark on the bay. Enjoy resort-style amenities like a pool, spa and fitness center.
I enjoyed the small group very much. Well-paced and our tour guide was excellent in every way. I’m glad we were introduced to General Tours!
Our Small Group Value
• Expertly-guided Small Group sightseeing in Panama City and Portobelo, including all entrance fees • Special Small Group excursion with our expert naturalist guide to the Smithsonian’s nature reserve on Barro Colorado Island • 13 meals: 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner • 8 nights in deluxe hotel and resorts, with free in-room wireless Internet access for our guests • All on-tour transportation, including a full Canal transit and return journey aboard the historic Panama Railroad • Luggage handling and all hotel taxes and service charges • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
9 days from $2,599 $2,199*
Playa Bonita – InterContinental Playa Bonita Nestled on a private beach and lushly landscaped, our gracious Pacific resort is a beautiful blend of Mediterranean, Colonial and Panamanian styles. And every room offers an ocean-view balcony!
Discover the wildlife of Barro Colorado
– S.M., Missouri City, TX
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
Hotels and resorts you won’t want to leave!
Gamboa – Gamboa Rainforest Resort Enjoy your private riverview balcony and hammock at this tropical resort surrounded by the pristine rainforests of Soberania National Park, home to exotic birds, monkeys and other wildlife.
Gamboa Portobelo Rainforest Resort Cristobal 3 l 2 Panama City Playa Bonita 3 lll llll lllll
Day 6 – By rail from Portobelo to the Pacific Explore Portobelo c, rich with history and impressive ruins of Colonial fortifications. Visit the 17th-century Custom House, see the Christo Negro statue, sit down to a congenial lunch and enjoy a performance of Afro-Caribbean dance. Then embark on a thrilling journey aboard the Panama Railroad. Built for fortune seekers during the California Gold Rush, this was the first transcontinental railroad in the world. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the tropical rainforest with superb views of the Canal. Upon arrival at Corozal Station, it’s a pleasant drive to the InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa. Meals B,L Day 7 – Unwind at Playa Bonita You have a full day to unwind and enjoy the swimming pools, beautiful beach and sports activities of your Pacific resort. Or you might choose an available excursion to the beautiful Anton Valley, nestled in an ancient volcanic crater with lush forests and terrific views. Meals B Day 8 – Another day in paradise... Enjoy another day at leisure before this evening’s farewell dinner at the Light House Restaurant. Meals B,D Day 9 – Adios, Playa Bonita Your tour ends today. Or discover more of Central America with our wide selection of tours and FreeStyle Travel programs to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Meals B
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan 9, 16 • Feb 6, 13 • Mar 6, 13 May 15 • Jun 19 • Jul 17 • Aug 14 Sep 18 • Oct 16 • Nov 13
$2799
$3699
$2599
$3299
$2899
$3799
2015
Jan 8, 15 • Feb 12,19 • Mar 5,19 • Apr 16
Pay-in-full discount is $300 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Avianca. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $3,199
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
95
Classic Cuba 8 days | from $3,795 | Never more than 24 guests. Guaranteed.
Gain insight into the hearts and lives of Cubans on this journey from vibrant Havana to lovely Cienfuegos and Colonial Trinidad.
People-to-People Discoveries & Value for all Americans
5 VIÑALES VALLEY
• Immerse in the sights and sounds of Havana as you mingle with city residents from all walks of life and from all across the city • Days full of guided activities with a Cuban Guide and an Insight Cuba Tour Leader • All meals, first class hotels, in-country ground transportation & transfers and travel health insurance with emergency medical evacuation and trip cancellation coverage (up to $1,000) • U.S. Treasury Department License and Letter of Authorization from Insight Cuba Our travelers to Cuba Save $600 per couple off their next trip on any of our Small Group Journeys or Private Tours worldwide. Day 1: Meet your American Tour Leader Cuban guide and transfer to your hotel for orientation and a welcome dinner. Meals D
meet with local artists at “Art in Your Hands,” a cooperative artist center. Continue to your hotel in Colonial Trinidad c. Meals B,L,D
Day 2: Get to know Old Havana c as you meet with a local historian, residents at the Grandparents Home and with kids at a city learning facility. Meals B,L,D
Day 6: Visit the Museum of Architecture and a ceramic studio. Then meet members of the Ballet Folklórico de Trinidad and spend time with healthcare professionals. Meals B,L,D
Day 3: Meet the director of the Literacy Museum and explore the arts at the famous Spanish Ballet Company and La Colmenita, a children’s performance group. Meals B,L,D
Day 7: In the community of Palmira, learn about the influence of African traditions on Cuban culture and meet the children and choral director of Coro del Cienfuegos. Return to Havana to meet with business owners and a Cuban economist. Dine this evening with the owner of a city paladar. Meals B,L,D
Day 4: Spend time at health clinic, meet with primary school students and visit the home of a local artist. Meals B,L,D Day 5: Visit the Korimacao Community Project to discuss music education in the region and travel to Cienfuegos, where we’ll 96
®
Day 8: Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the United States. Meals B 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Havana CUBA
Playa Larga Cienfuegos
2 Trinidad
Caribbean Sea
People-to-People Journeys are organized and operated by Insight Cuba
8 days from $3,795 2014
Double
Single
Jan 21, 28 • Feb 11, 18, 25 Mar 11, 18, 25 $3895 Apr 8, 22 • May 6, 20 • Jun 3 $3795
$4295 $4195
Prices are per person, double. Programs are land-only.
For the Most Choices to Cuba Visit GeneralTours.com! Vintage Cuba • 6 days Cayo Santa Maria /Santa Clara/ Caibaríen/Remedios/Havana
Scenic Cuba • 8 days Havana/Viñales/Pinar del Río
Cuban Music & Art • 9 days Havana/Santiago de Cuba
Undiscovered Cuba • 12 days Havana/Santa Clara/Remedios/Bayamo Camagüey/Santiago de Cuba/Baracoa/ Guantanamo Visit our website for additional dates.
Highlights of Costa Rica 8 days | from $2,199 | Independent travel with our attentive local services
Choose your adventure at Arenal.
$V \RX YHQWXUH IURP WKH &DULEEHDQ WR WKH 3DFLÂżF RXU H[SHUW JXLGHV make this diverse Costa Rica vacation truly fun and rewarding.
Independent Adventure Discoveries & Value â&#x20AC;˘ A canal safari along the pristine waterways of Tortuguero National Park reveals a stunning variety of tropical flora and fauna â&#x20AC;˘ Enjoy splendid volcano views and relax in the mineral springs of your Arenal resort â&#x20AC;˘ Manuel Antonio is the crown jewel of Costa Ricaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national parks... Let our expert naturalist reveal the many wonders of this pristine coastal reserve â&#x20AC;˘ Naturalist-guided activities and a choice of adventures to tailor your stay in Arenal â&#x20AC;˘ 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners; 7 nights in your choice of first class or deluxe hotels and lodges; all on-tour transportation; hotel taxes & service charges Day 1: Check in to your choice of hotel. Day 2: Go by land and water to Tortuguero and check in to your lodge. Meals B,L,D Day 3: Join your naturalist guide for a boat safari along Tortugueroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canals. Meals B,L,D Day 4: Transfer by boat and private car to your volcano-view resort at Arenal. Then take time to relax in the hot springs! Meals B,L
Monteverde 2 GUANACASTE
1
Arenal 2 Tortuguero 1 San JosĂŠ 3 C O S TA
P a c i fi c Ocean
Manuel Antonio
RICA
PANAMA
Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
Day 5: Tailor your stay at Arenal with the included guided adventure of your choice: â&#x20AC;˘ Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Falls â&#x20AC;˘ Hike Arenal Volcano â&#x20AC;˘ Suspended Bridges Tour â&#x20AC;˘ Zip-Line Adventure through the Canopy â&#x20AC;˘ Penas Blancas River Float Safari â&#x20AC;˘ Class I & II white water rafting â&#x20AC;˘ Class III and IV white water rafting â&#x20AC;˘ Canyoneering and Rappelling adventure
Continue with your private car and driver to your resort at Manuel Antonio National Park. Or you can add an extra night at Arenal from only $69 per person! Meals B
Travel any day you wish.
8 days from $2,199 First Class President â&#x20AC;˘ Mawamba Lodge Montana del Fuego â&#x20AC;˘ El Parador 2014 Double Single Jan-Aug $2299 $2999 Sep-Nov 2199 2799 Dec 2399 3099 2015 Jan-Apr $2399 $3099
Deluxe Grano de Oro â&#x20AC;˘ Pachira Lodge Arenal Kioro â&#x20AC;˘ Si Como No 2014 Double Single Jan-Apr $2499 $3299 May-Aug 2399 3099 Sep-Nov 2299 2999 Dec 2599 3399 2015 Jan-Apr $2599 $3399 Prices are per person, land only. Add extra nights.
Family
Friends
Add Corcovado 4 days from $799
Days 6 & 7: With entry fee included, enjoy a guided nature hike through this coastal forest and an entire day at leisure. Meals 2B
Add Monteverde!
Day 8: Your tour with us ends today. Meals B
3 days from $399 97
Treasures of Nature in Costa Rica 8 days | from $2,899 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Our uniquely intimate adventure promises thrilling activities every day in the engaging company of our expert naturalist.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Dine with one of Monteverde’s Quaker founders. • Explore the canals of Tortuguero on our guided boat excursion, an exciting and enriching way to learn about this unique tropical wetland. • Visit the Monteverde Orchid Garden and then learn about coffee and sugar production on an authentic working plantation in the highlands. • Spend time with the family owners of a pioneering organic farm, picking vegetables for your hands-on cooking class and dinner. • Venture into the exotic realm of the jungle canopy, teeming with life, on our suspended bridges tour. 98
®
Day 1 – Welcome to San José Check in to the deluxe La Corteza Amarilla and meet your Trip Leader, Dino Matarrita. Tour the University of Peace, uniquely created by a United Nation’s mandate in 1980. Then join Dino for dinner and an orientation. Meals D Day 2 – Through Braulio Carrillo National Park to the Caribbean Travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park and into the Tortuguero Canals. Check in to the Pachira Lodge and visit Tortuguero village and the Turtle Museum before dinner and a nature briefing with Dino Matarrita. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – Explore Tortuguero National Park Tortuguero is an exotic wetland filled with flora and fauna. Explore by boat along its canals, winding through the wildlife-rich vegetation. A guided walk along rainforest trails reveals other facets of this eco-system. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – Onward to Heredia and Monteverde Fly to San Jose and travel overland to Heredia. With its vibrant market, old fort and handsome 18th-century church, this charming town offers an authentic look into small town life. Then tour the historic Colonial city of Barva before continuing on to Monteverde. This evening, sit down to a specially arranged dinner with Marvin Rockwell, one of the Quaker pioneers who settled in Monteverde. Overnight at the Hotel Fonda Vela. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – Monteverde Cloud Forest and Orchid Garden Explore the Cloud Forest Reserve as Mr. Matarrita deepens your understanding of this complex ecosystem and visit the Monteverde Orchid Garden, home to
NICARAGUA
Managua L.
400 varieties of these delicate plants. At working coffee and sugar plantations, learn how these daily staples come from the mountains to your breakfast table. Enjoy dinner tonight at Cabure. Meals B,L,D
Sea
Day 6 – Monteverde to Arenal On our way to Arenal, we’ll stop for lunch overlooking the picturesque Arenal Volcano and then enjoy a scenic lakeside walk with Dino. We’ll continue to the luxurious Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa. Later this afternoon, meet the Gonzalez family at their organic farm, Vida Campesina. You’ll join the brothers in the garden to select vegetables and herbs for your hands-on cooking class with their sister in their on-site restaurant, La Guaria Morada. Then sit down to a congenial meal featuring your freshly-prepared dishes. Tonight, relax in the soothing mineral pools and waterfalls of your resort. Meals B,L,D Day 7 – Explore through the forest canopy! Embark on a thrilling exploration of the jungle canopy as you walk safely along bridges suspended high in the treetops. Enjoy lunch and time to shop in La Fortuna. Or if you prefer, there are also options for hiking or horseback riding. Back at Arenal Kioro, there’s time again to indulge in your resort’s landscaped hot-spring pools. Meals B,L,D Day 8 – Back to the capital Transfer to San José where our services end. Or explore more of Central America with our wide selection of Small Group Journeys and FreeStyle Travel programs to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Meals B
Our handpicked hideaways...
Caribbean
Nicaragua
Arenal 2 Monteverde 2 GUANACASTE
2 Tortuguero 1 San José C O S TA RICA
P a c i fi c Ocean
To Panama PA N A M A
“
Scenery and evenings spent with local families were delightful. Restaurants were outstanding. Our guide was amazing and made the entire trip easy – F. & K. R., Lexington, KY Dino, Our Naturalist... consistently delights our small groups with his deep knowledge, attentive demeanor, and the passion he has for his homeland. With more than 20 years of experience, he’s an engaging expert on Costa Rica’s culture, history, flora and fauna.
Our Small Group Value
San José – La Corteza Amarilla Set in a former artist’s residence, our lodge offers an intimate and enchanting retreat in the city.
Tortuguero – Pachira Lodge Enjoy comfortable lodgings, a refreshing crystalline pool, and easy access to the National Park.
• Escorted comprehensive sightseeing and nature activities with our engaging Trip Leader, including all entry fees • We include all meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners • 7 nights in our exceptional handpicked hotels and lodges • All on-tour transportation, luggage handling, and all hotel taxes and service charges • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
8 days from $2,899 $2,499* Monteverde – Hotel Fonda Vela This charming and intimate hotel is owned by two of Monteverde’s original founders.
Save $800
SINGLES
Arenal – Kioro Suites & Spa Spacious suites at our favorite 5-star resort feature 2 private terraces with volcano views!
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan 10, 17, 24 • Feb 7, 14, 21, 28 Mar 7, 14 • Apr 25
$2899
$3699
$2999
$3799
2015
Add Nicaragua 8 days from $1,999 Discover the Colonial towns and amazing natural diversity of Costa Rica’s neighbor to the north with our Small Group Sampler trip to Nicaragua. We even include your international flight between San José and Managua! See page 100 for the complete itinerary of Treasures of Nicaragua.
Jan 9, 16, 23 • Feb 6, 13, 20, 27 Mar 6, 13 • Apr 24
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price, combinable with other offers. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Avianca. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $3,899
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
99
Treasures of Nicaragua 8 days | from $2,599 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Our exclusive itinerary showcases more of Nicaragua’s Colonial towns, indigenous cultures and spectacular natural wonders.
NICARAGUA
Small Group Discoveries & Value
Day 2: Touring Managua’s Old City and modern districts reveals the colonial past and the future. Then travel to Ometepe, a unique and culturally rich island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua’s vast expanse. Check in to the Villa Paraiso Hotel. Meals B,L Day 3: Your day in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve begins on the forested slopes of the Maderas Volcano, once the site of an ancient civilization. Then visit the Ometepe Museum and Charco Verde Nature Reserve, nestled at the base of two volcanoes. Meals B,L Day 4: Travel by ferry to Granada, the Americas oldest Colonial city. Visit La Merced Church and San Francisco Convent, home to a collection of pre-Columbian sculpture. Enjoy two nights at the Plaza Colon. Meals B,L 100
®
Day 5: Enjoy a guided nature walk around the Mombacho Volcano crater and learn about this unique eco-system, home to more than 90 species of orchids. Meals B Day 6: Explore Santiago Crater, active since 1946, and experience daily life at the Masaya Market. Visit the ruins of Old Leon c, founded in 1524, and continue to the modern city to tour the impressive Cathedral c, the largest in Central America. Overnight at the charming El Convento Hotel. Meals B,L Day 7: Explore Juan Venado Nature Reserve by motorboat amidst mangrove forests with abundant wildlife. Meals B,L Day 8: Your tour ends this morning. Or explore more of Central America with our wide selection of tours and FreeStyle Travel programs to Panama and Costa Rica! Meals B 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
2 Ometepe Island
Pacific Ocean
COSTA RICA
To Costa Rica and Panama
Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
8 days from $2,599 $2,199* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
Day 1: Check in to the deluxe InterContinental Hotel.
Managua 2 Granada
1
Lake Nicaragua
COUPLES
• Immerse in the daily life, history and pristine habitats of Ometepe Island with our 2-night stay... a culturally rich experience you won’t find on other tours! • Explore all the region’s volcanoes plus the pristine Juan Venado Nature Reserve • Join our expert native-born Trip Leader Guillermo Rocha and discover Nicaragua’s rich Colonial heritage including Leon and Granada, the oldest city in the Americas • Comprehensive escorted sightseeing and activities with all entry fees • 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 nights in our handpicked hotels
Leon 2
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan 24 • Feb 21 • Mar 21 Apr 25
$2599
$2999
Jan 9, 23 • Feb 6, 20 • Mar 6, 27 Apr 10, 24 $2699
$3099
2015
Prices are per person, land only. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party
from $2,999
Family
Friends
Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
Charms of Colombia 8 days | for $3,199 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Join our attentive Trip Leaders on this fully-guided tour from Bogota into the heart of the World Heritage Coffee Triangle and Cartagena!
Cartagena 2
Small Group Discoveries & Value PANAMA
• Discover Bogota’s enduring historic legacy and vibrant modern traditions, from La Candelaria and the Gold Museum to a rousing game of tejo with the locals • Challenge your tastes and understanding of coffee on a real working plantation • Experience Cartagena’s astounding wealth of Colonial fortifications and palaces • Escorted, comprehensive sightseeing with all entry fees • 13 meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners • 7 nights in the very best hotels, all on-tour transportation and luggage handling
Day 3: Tour the illuminated salt cathedral of Zipaquirá. After lunch at Entrepues, a lively neighborhood favorite, join locals for tejo, a lively game similar to horseshoes. Meals B,L Day 4: Fly to Armenia and transfer to the charming Hacienda El Delirio. At a working coffee plantation, explore the process from seedlings to the final roasting of Colombia’s world-famous coffee. Learn why the area was recently cited as a World Heritage Site c and conclude your visit sampling a variety of fine blends and roasts. Tonight’s dinner is freshly prepared at your inn. Meals B,L,D See your Travel Counselor or call us.
COLOMBIA
All internal flights are included.
Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Day 5: Journey deep into the breathtaking Corcora Valley, home to 200-foot tall wax palm trees. Then visit Salento, famed for its fine Antioquian architecture. Meals B,L,D
8 days for $3,199 $2,799* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Day 6: Fly to Cartagena c, once one of the wealthiest ports in the West Indies. Transfer to the spectacular Sofitel Santa Clara. Your tour includes the Convent of La Popa, built in the 17th century, and the finely preserved monuments of the old walled city. Meals B
Save $800
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan 17 • Feb 21 • Mar 21 Apr 25 • May 16 • Jul 18 Sep 12 • Oct 17
$3199
$4099
$3199
$4099
2015
Day 7: A free day in Cartagena. Meals B Day 8: Your tour ends this morning. Meals B 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
3 Bogotá
SINGLES
Day 2: Explore La Candelaria, the city’s finely preserved historic district and sample exotic fruits at the city market. See the works of local artist Fernando Botero and tour the Gold Museum. Finish your day atop Monserrate Hill with great views over the city. Meals B,L
Coffee 2 Triangle
COUPLES
Day 1: Check in to the 5-star JW Marriott.
Medellin 2
Jan 16 • Feb 13 Mar 13 • Apr 10
Prices are per person, land only. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour
Add Medellin before your tour
Go any day with just your traveling party
3 days from $999
from $3,699
Deluxe hotel, breakfasts, touring and excursion to Santa Fe de Antioquia c. Flight to Bogota is included.
Family
Friends
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
101
Latin America Private Tours &RPSUHKHQVLYH SULYDWH WRXULQJ DOO WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ DQG ÂżQH KRWHOV Pay-in-full savings are combinable with other offers. Book by 12/31.
COUPLES: SAVE $800 | SINGLES: SAVE $400
The Inca Trail
Cultures of Brazil
10 days from $4,299 $3,899
9 days from $4,999 $4,599
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia by Sea 12 days for $5,999 $$5,599
Our completely portered 4-day trek plus fine hotels and private touring in Cuzco.
Our exclusive combination of historic Salvador, the cultural wealth of Ouro Preto and all the excitement of Rio!
Private Touring Discoveries & Value
Step aboard our 36-cabin yacht for a luxury voyage from Costa Rica through the Panama Canal to Cartagena.
â&#x20AC;˘ Trace Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, people and culture with our exclusive in-depth sightseeing.
Private Touring Discoveries & Value
Private Touring Discoveries & Value â&#x20AC;˘ Trek with our expert guide & just your hiking party along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu â&#x20AC;˘ 18 meals, 3 nights in a private tent, 6 nights in our fine hotels, Trail permits, camping equipment, and porters to carry your gear Day 1: Check in to Limaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Airport Hotel. Day 2: Fly to Cuzco, tour Pisac & overnight at the Casa Andina Sacred Valley. Meals B,L Day 3: Sacred Valley guided activity. Meals B,L Day 4: Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6-hour trek includes a tour of the Inca ruins at Llactapata. Meals B,L,D Day 5: A 7 -hour trek through a high Andean pass to camp at 11,480 feet. Meals B,L,D Day 6: An 8-hour hike through a 13,000-foot pass includes remote Inca sites. Meals B,L,D Day 7: Enter Machu Picchu through the Gate of the Sun for amazing views and then tour the Lost City with your guide. Overnight at the deluxe Inkaterra El Pueblo. Meals B,L Day 8: Opportunity for a sunrise visit to Machu Picchu on your own. Return to Cuzco by train. Check in to El Mercado. Meals B Day 9: Visit Sacsayhuaman and hike down to Cuzco for private sightseeing including San Pedro Market and Koricancha. Meals B Day 10: Fly to Lima. Meals B
â&#x20AC;˘ 9 meals and 8 nights in our 5-star hotels Day 1: Check in to the Villa Bahia in Salvador. Day 2: Discover the rich Colonial history of tropical Salvador on a guided tour. Meals B Day 3: Delve into Salvadorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s African heritage and vibrant contemporary arts scene with your choice of a second guided tour. Meals B Day 4: Morning flight and tour of the botanic gardens and art pavilions of Inhotim. Check in to Solar de Rosario in Ouro Preto. Meals B Day 5: Tour of Ouro Preto showcases the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wealth of Baroque architecture, set against a stunning backdrop of lush mountain scenery. Meals B Day 6: Visit Basilica of Congonhas and tour Belo Horizonte. Fly to Rio and transfer to the luxurious Copacabana Palace. Meals B Day 7: City tour includes Rioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic sites and Corcovado. Enjoy a buffet lunch at Confeitaria Colombo, a city icon with lavish ceiling murals and live music. Meals B,L Day 8: Enjoy this free day in Rio! Meals B Day 9: Your tour ends today. Meals B
â&#x20AC;˘ All the comfort and amenities of a luxury ship with the intimacy and off-the-beaten path adventure of a private yacht cruise â&#x20AC;˘ 25 meals, 4 nights in deluxe hotels, 7-night cruise aboard the M/Y Variety Voyager, port charges, sightseeing & shore excursions Day 1: Transfer from San Jose to the deluxe Arenal Kioro Resort and Spa. Day 2: Choice of guided activity. Meals B Day 3: Visit a coffee plantation and embark the M/Y Variety Voyager. Meals B,L,D Day 4: Tour the Curu Nature Reserve and enjoy lovely Tortuga Island. Meals B,L,D Day 5: Explore Manuel Antonio. Meals B,L,D Day 6: Choice of included tour: Corcovado National Park or Drake Bay. Meals B,L,D Day 7: Discover Coiba Island. Meals B,L,D Day 8: Guided tour of Panama City and then cruise through the Canal. Meals B,L,D Day 9: Explore San Blas Islands. Meals B,L,D Day 10: Disembark in Cartagena for a city tour. Check in to the 5-star Sofitel. Meals B Day 11: Day at leisure. Meals B Day 12: Your journey ends today. Meals B
BRAZIL
NICARAGUA
PERU L.
Lima
1
Nicaragua
Machu Picchu
Inca Trail 1 3 2 Sacred Valley 2 Cuzco
BRAZIL
3 Salvador
Arenal 2
Caribbean Sea
B O L I V I A
Los Suenos
Colca Valley 1 1
Arequipa
102
Lake Titicaca
San Blas Islands
C O S TA RICA
Colon Panama Canal
Quepos Drake Bay
P a c i fi c Ocean
CartageĂąa 2
San JosĂŠ
Curu Tortuga Island
Golfito
2 Ouro Preto P a c i fi c O c e a n Granito de Oro & Coiba islands
3 Rio de Janeiro
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
PA N A M A
Amador Flamenco Marina
Latin America FreeStyle 'HVLJQ RU HQKDQFH \RXU MRXUQH\ ZLWK RXU SULYDWH WRXULQJ WUDQVIHUV DQG ÂżQH KRWHOV
Amazon Lodges of Peru
Arenal
Arequipa & Colca Valley
3 days from $699
3 days from $599
3 days from $999
Discover one of Costa Ricaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most rewarding and popular regions. We include roundtrip transfers from San Jose and your choice of a thrilling guided adventure, including forest canopy tours, hiking or horseback riding!
Tour this lovely, Colonial-era Peruvian town and then journey into the Colca Valley, one of South Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest natural wonders and home to the magnificent condor! Enjoy a deluxe hotel in Arequipa and an enchanting new riverside hotel in the Colca Valley.
Atacama
Buenos Aires
Corcovado
4 days from $1,899
4 days from $849
4 days from $1,699
Discover the magnificent, multi-hued desert landscapes and indigenous cultures of the Atacama! We include 3 nights at the exceptional Alto Atacama Desert Lodge with all meals and naturalist-guided adventures!
The sophisticated and cosmopolitan capital of Argentina is the perfect way to enhance your travels through South America. We offer a choice of terrific city-center hotels and include airport transfers, daily breakfasts and a privately guided tour of BAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highlights.
Retreat to our terrific lodge, set on a private reserve on Costa Ricaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pacific coast, and enjoy naturalist-guided exploration of the National Park plus a trip to Cano Island! Includes air & boat transfers from San Jose.
Cuzco
Easter Island
Ecuador Amazon Lodge
3 days from $699
3 days from $799
4 days from $1,999
With its fine Colonial architecture and ancient Inca sites, Cuzco is one of the must-see places in South America! We include a choice of terrific hotels in the heart of town, daily breakfasts, airport transfers and extensive sightseeing with your own private guide.
Experience the unusual blend of Polynesian and South American cultures that distinguish this isolated island. Enjoy a privately guided tour of the moia and learn about the ancient origins of these colossal enigmatic stone figures.
Discover the rich diversity of Ecuadorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rainforests! Enjoy on-tour transportation, one night at Casa Gangotena (the finest hotel in Quito), two nights at Mashpi, a new luxury jungle lodge, all meals, and guided rainforest activities like nature walks and canopy tours.
Discover the remote and pristine Amazon jungles of Peru. We include your choice of eco-lodge deep in the rainforest, roundtrip transportation from convenient Puerto Maldonado, all meals and extensive guided expeditions with our expert naturalists.
Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
103
Latin America FreeStyle 'HVLJQ RU HQKDQFH \RXU MRXUQH\ ZLWK RXU SULYDWH WRXULQJ WUDQVIHUV DQG ÂżQH KRWHOV
Iguassu Falls
Lake Titicaca
Machu Picchu
3 days from $699
3 days from $699
2 days from $999
Choose from our fine resorts on either the Argentine or Brazilian sides of the Falls. Then join our expert guide and explore all the best vantage points over these magnificent thundering cascades.
With its pristine beauty and indigenous peoples, Titicaca is a great way to enhance your travels in South America. We include airport transfers, a choice of fine hotels and a full-day guided excursion including the remarkable floating Uros Islands.
Enhance your trip to Peru with one of South Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most inspiring sites. We include roundtrip rail from Cuzco, a choice of fine hotels, a private afternoon tour of the Lost City and the opportunity for a second sunrise visit at your own pace.
Manuel Antonio
Monteverde
Montevideo & Colonia
4 days from $749
3 days from $599
3 days from $899
With its lovely beaches, rocky headlands and dense tropical forests alive with wildlife, Manuel Antonio is a gem among Costa Ricaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national parks. Enjoy roundtrip transfers from San Jose and a choice of terrific resorts.
Discover the rich diversity of flora and fauna that thrives in these cool forested mountains. We include roundtrip transfers from San Jose, your choice of lodge and the guided cloud forest expedition of your choice.
Uruguayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital is a lively, cosmopolitan port on the Atlantic! Choose from our fine hotels and enjoy a private city tour and an excursion to explore the Colonial-era monuments of Colonia del Sacramento.
Nazca
Rio de Janeiro
Tortuguero
3 days from $999
4 days from $1,199
4 days from $699
Enjoy 1 night in Lima, roundtrip transfers to Paracas with 1 night at your choice of hotel, flight-seeing over the Nazca Lines and an excursion to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect complement to your travels!
104
Cap off your travels with the lively charms and beauty of Rio. We offer a choice of outstanding hotels and extensive private sightseeing including Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain!
Travel from San Jose to your bungalow at the Rainforest Lodge and enjoy an aerial tram adventure. The next day, transfer to your choice of lodge at Tortuguero for 2 nights with guided exploration of its jungle canals!
Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
Antarctica... Glaciers and Penguins 13 or 14 days | from $7,799 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Our Antarctica cruise explores remote regions not visited by larger ships... Go deeper into this pristine wilderness with the ¿QH QDWXUDOLVWV DERDUG RXU QLPEOH YHVVHO
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Our ship carries only 84 passengers... Thus its open bridge and expansive decks can provide a better vantage for wildlife sightings as we take you deeper into the Antarctic. • Top-notch shipboard naturalists enhance every step of this voyage with their thoughtful lectures and enriching insight – on thrilling expeditions ashore and while cruising the Polar seas! • Discover Tierra del Fuego at the End of the World, a remarkable land of dramatic mountains, sea coast, forests and waterways. • Explore more of Antarctica and the remote Southern Seas… See page 104 for two special 15-day cruises to the Weddell Sea and Polar Circle.
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Day 1 – Welcome to Buenos Aires Check in to the luxurious Sofitel Hotel in the heart of the city. Day 2 – Discover Buenos Aires Your sightseeing tour in the vibrant capital includes historic Plaza de Mayo and La Boca, the colorful city district where the tango was born. Meals B Day 3 – To the end of the Continent! Fly to Ushuaia where you’ll be escorted to the deluxe Los Cauquenes Hotel, set on the Beagle Channel with fine views of the mountains and sea. Meals B Day 4 – Into Tierra del Fuego and on to your ship Explore magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park on a guided tour before boarding the MV Ushuaia. Settle in to your cabin, meet your expedition staff of leaders, guides and lecturers, and get acquainted with this intimate Polar vessel as you set sail along the Beagle Channel. Meals B,D Days 5 & 6 – Crossing the Drake Passage Named after the explorer Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold Polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters. This creates a great upwelling of nutrients that sustains the biodiversity of this region. As you sail across this open passage, our naturalists are on deck to help you identify the amazing variety of seabirds – including the albatross – that follow in our wake. The MV Ushuaia’s unique open bridge policy allows you to join the officers to learn about navigation and watch for Minke, orca and humpback whales at close range. Sightings of icebergs and snow-capped peaks indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands. A full program of informative and entertaining lectures will be offered during this time. With good sea conditions, you’ll go ashore on Day 6 for your first landing! Meals 2B,2L,2D Days 7 to 11 – Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula The South Shetlands are a haven for wildlife. Over the coming days, you’ll encounter vast penguin rookeries, numerous seabirds and pristine beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals. Sailing through the 800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
105
Rio
Par
U R U G U A Y ana
2 Buenos Aires
A R G E N T I N A
A t l a n t i c O c e a n
C H I L E
1
Tierra Del Fuego
Ushuaia
Drake Passage
9 or 10
King George Island South Shetland Islands
narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is truly amazing. On King George, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, you’ll be greeted by Adélie and Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls, blueeyed cormorants, Antarctic terns and southern giant petrels. Here you’ll also see the scientific bases of different countries. As we near the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery – a pristine mountain wilderness of snow, ice and water that is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Apart from penguins and seabirds, you are also likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals.
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
All internal flights are included.
“
Depending upon sea and ice conditions, we navigate some of the most beautiful waterways of the Southern Hemisphere: the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel and the Lemaire Channel – a narrow passage between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers. With good conditions, you’ll make at least two landings per day, always joined by our experienced naturalist staff. Possible landing sites include Paradise Bay, on the Continent itself, one of the most aptly named places on earth. After negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Sound, we visit Paulet Island, home to a bustling Adélie penguin colony of 100,000 pairs. The Nordenskjöld expedition built a stone survival hut here in 1903. Today its ruins have been taken over by nesting penguins. Further exploration may take you to Melchior Island, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour and Pléneau Island. If ice conditions permit, we’ll even go to Petermann Island for a visit to the southernmost colony of Gentoo penguins. Meals 5B,5L,5D
Everything was handled perfectly. Our guides were always prompt … and our needs were anticipated before we had time to think of them. Ship staff was top notch DQG IRRG ZDV WHUUL¿F $ WULS RI D OLIHWLPH – L.P., Missoula MT
Days 12 & 13 – Cruising northward across the Drake Passage The MV Ushuaia leaves Antarctica and heads north across the Drake Passage. You can join our naturalists on deck or head up to the bridge with the officers; either way, be sure to keep your senses tuned for seabirds and whales. You can also enjoy our final lectures, a wonderful summary and recap of all that you’ve encountered and learned on this once-in-lifetime voyage. Meals 2B,2L,2D Day 14 – Explore Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires Disembark in Ushuaia for a city tour before your included flight to Buenos Aires, where our program ends at the airport. Meals B
Our nimble, ice-strengthened vessel was purpose-built to explore Polar waters!
MV Ushuaia Shore landings in Antarctica are limited to 100 people at a time and our 84-passenger ice-strengthened Polar vessel, originally built for US government research, is exceptionally able to have all her guests on shore at the same time. This means no waiting for another group to return to ship and more time for you to explore ashore with our topnotch naturalist guides – since there’s no group awaiting their turn!
106
®
Our Small Ship Adventure Value • Our Small Group sightseeing in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia and all shore excursions with our expert shipboard naturalists • 32 meals: 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners • 3 nights in our handpicked 5-star hotels and 9 or 10 nights aboard our comfortable expedition vessel, the MV Ushuaia • All on-tour transportation, including roundtrip flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia • Luggage handling, port charges, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for both included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
14 days from $8,199 $7,799
13 days from $7,799 $7,399
10-night cruise 2014 Jan 31 Mar 2 Nov 4 Nov 14 , 24 Dec 15 Dec 25 2015 Jan 29 Mar 2
9-night cruise
Lower Deck C Cabin
Middle Deck B Cabin
Upper Deck A Cabin
Upper Deck Sup. Cabin
$9399 8299 8199 8499 9499 9699
$10799 9599 9499 9999 10899 11199
$12099 10699 10599 11099 12299 12599
$12799 11299 11199 11799 12999 13299
$9699 8499
$11199 9999
$12599 11099
$13299 11799
2014 Jan 22 • Feb 10 Mar 12, 21 2015 Jan 20 Mar 22
Lower Deck C Cabin
Middle Deck B Cabin
Upper Deck A Cabin
Upper Deck Sup. Cabin
$8799 7799
$9999 8999
$11299 9999
$11899 10599
$9099 7999
$10399 9299
$11699 10999
$12399 11399
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. A pre-paid $160 Argentine tax is Save 50 - 200 more per person when 3 or more go together required for US citizens.
Family $
Thrill to Iguassu Falls before your cruise!
Friends
$
Our 2 itineraries explore more of Antarctica and the remote Southern Seas...
3-days from $1,099
Begin your journey with one of South America’s greatest natural wonders, the 275 thundering cascades of Iguassu Falls! We include 2 nights, in your falls view room, right in the National Park at the 5-star Sheraton Iguassu, daily breakfast, expertly guided sightseeing with all park entry fees and your flight from Iguassu to Buenos Aires. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Weddell Sea Adventure
Polar Circle Quest
15 days from $8,999
15 days
Dec 4 to 18, 2014 In addition to the Peninsula and South Shetlands, this unique voyage is a must for history buffs. As you spend 3 days roaming the iceberg-filled Weddell Sea, our Expedition Leaders share their deep knowledge of the region’s natural wonders and the dramatic stories of historic Polar explorations like the Swedish Expedition of 1901 and the ill-fated voyage of Sir Ernest Shackleton. This trip may offer a rare chance to glimpse juvenile Emperor Penguins astride ice floes.
Feb 19 to Mar 5, 2014 from $9,399 Feb 8 to 22, 2015 from $10,299 After the South Shetlands and Antarctica, go on to discover the pristine landscapes of the Peninsula’s western coast all the way to the Polar Circle. Among myriad icebergs of varying shades, these remote waters are rich with wildlife, including likely encounters with Weddell, fur and leopard seals as well as Minke whales and orcas at close range. At this time of year, you also have a good chance to see huge humpback whales!
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
107
速
Africa Botswana Kenya Mozambique Namibia Republic of Congo Rwanda South Africa Tanzania & Zanzibar Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe
Middle East Abu Dhabi Dubai Egypt Israel Jordan Oman
Africa 109
On Safari in Kenya & Tanzania 12 days | from $6,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Kenya’s Amboseli National Park
Our atmospheric safari lodgings and sheer number of game drives promise the soul stirring adventure of a classic safari and the elegant luxury of a bygone era.
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Our uniquely mobile, luxury tented camps in the Serengeti are strategically positioned for unmatched viewing of the Great Migration! • Morning and afternoon game drives in our special 6-passenger open-top jeeps mean unobstructed game viewing for all of our guests. • Float silently above the golden grasslands of the Masai Mara on our included hot air balloon safari. • Gain insight into life beyond the game parks, with our specially-arranged cultural excursions. 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
110
®
Day 1 – Our VIP Meet & Greet at Nairobi International Airport, Kenya Upon arrival, you’ll be personally assisted with all immigration and customs formalities and escorted to the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel, a luxury landmark. Day 2 – Into the Masai Mara Visit the Giraffe Center and the Daphne & David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where the care of orphaned elephants and rhinos is just part of their decadeslong conservation work. Enjoy lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant before a short flight brings you deep into the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of the few places on the Continent where you can see big game in the same superabundance that existed a century ago. You’ll be met at the airstrip for a transfer and game drive en route to the Fairmont Mara Safari Club. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – Ballooning over the Masai Mara Arise early this morning for one of the world’s most unforgettable experiences. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon at dawn and float silently above the golden game-filled expanse of the Masai Mara, home to the “Big Five” and large herds of herbivores... and their predators! After lunch and time to relax back at the Fairmont Club, join your tracker guide for a thrilling game drive. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – Into the shadow of Kilimanjaro Embark on an early morning game drive before flying to Nairobi. After lunch at Dorman’s Café, enjoy a game drive en route to Amboseli National Park – set against the backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro! Spend 2 nights at Ol Tukai Lodge, famed as one of the best places in the world to observe elephants. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – Explore Amboseli National Park Your morning game drive in the early light is a great time to observe the animals and to experience the majesty of Africa’s tallest mountain. After lunch, you’ll have time to take full advantage of your lodge’s pristine setting, nestled between
KENYA Masai Mara National Park 2 1 Nairobi
Lake Victoria
3 Serengeti 2 Kigali 2 RWANDA National Park Ngorongoro Crater The luxury camps of Lemala capture a bygone safari era.
Lake Manyara
the open plain and acacia woodland. An afternoon game drive reveals more spectacular wildlife across the plains and woodlands of Amboseli. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – Through the Great Rift Valley into Tanzania Journey into northern Tanzania for lunch in Arusha and continue across the Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara National Park. Although not large, Lake Manyara is one of the prettiest and most wildlife-rich parks in the country. Check in to the luxurious Lake Manyara Serena Lodge and enjoy a thrilling evening game drive. This park is especially famous for its unusual tree-climbing lions that drape themselves in the shady branches of the umbrella tree. Meals B,L,D Day 7 – Ngorongoro Conservation Area c Set out on an early morning safari drive followed by breakfast. Continue your journey to the intimate and luxurious Lemala Ngorongoro, set spectacularly on the rim of the crater! This afternoon’s cultural excursion brings you to a Masai village, where lively and thoughtful engagement reveals the challenges and rewards of life here in this part of East Africa. Meals B,L,D Day 8 – Down to the crater floor! With a privileged location next to the Ngorongoro crater access, you and your fellow camp guests can descend to the crater floor in 15 minutes, bypassing the long line of vehicles at the main entry and guaranteeing superior, unforgettable game-viewing on the crater floor before other visitors arrive. Return to camp for lunch and then visit a local school. Meals B,L,D Day 9 – Into the Serengeti c Fly into the famed Serengeti, where you’ll be met and escorted to the Lemala Serengeti Camps . With superb seasonal locations at both the
Amboseli 2 National Park
1
Kilimanjaro Arusha
TA N Z A N I A
Zanzibar All internal flights are included.
“
The itinerary was outstanding. Lodgings and staff were impressive. I highly recommend your company to those interested in safaris.
– K.P., Alexandria, VA
Mara River and Ndutu Plains, Lemala captures the Great Migration at its very best. Our luxury tented camps offer a truly authentic safari experience combined with great comfort and style. Enjoy an afternoon safari drive with expert safari guides and trackers before an elegant candle-lit dinner back at camp. Meals B,L,D Days 10 & 11 – The amazing Serengeti Morning and afternoon game drives reveal the enormous variety of plains game and ferocious predators that have earned the Serengeti its well-deserved reputation as a safari paradise. Meals 2B,2L,2D Day 12 – Out of Africa! After an early morning game drive, you’ll be escorted to the airstrip for your flight to Arusha. After lunch in town, transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward flight. Meals B,L
Dawn on the Serengeti.
For Private or Custom Safari arrangements call 800-221-2216
111
The classic elegance of a Grand Safari...
Nairobi – Fairmont Norfolk Hotel This luxury landmark has been the starting point for many of the world’s great safari expeditions.
Fairmont Masai Mara Safari Club Luxury tents feature four-poster pillowtop beds and private verandahs overlooking the river.
Our Small Group Adventure Value • Daily game drives in specially-designed, 6-passenger, open-top jeeps for unobstructed, up-close big game viewing • 32 meals: 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 10 dinners • House wines, cocktails and beverages at both Lemala camps • 11 nights accommodation in our luxury lodges and camps • All on-tour transportation and all 4 internal flights • All game park fees, hotel taxes & service charges, and all airline taxes, fees and fuel charges for your 4 included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
12 days from $6,999 $6,599*
Lemala Ngorongoro Camp Our luxury tented camp is set on the rim of the crater, with privileged access to the Lemala crater entry point.
Lake Manyara - Serena Lodge Spacious balcony guestrooms offer views over the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara, home to thousands of pink flamingos.
Lemala Serengeti Camps Uniquely mobile luxury camps are seasonally positioned near the Mara River or on the Ndutu Plains for the best game viewing.
We shift with the seasons in East Africa
Save $800
SINGLES
Amboseli – Ol Tukai Lodge Surrounded by open plains and woodlands, this inviting lodge is famed as one of the best places in the world to see elephants!
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Jan 13 • Feb 3, 24 Mar 17 • Jun 2, 16, 30 Apr 7 • May 19 Jul 14 • Aug 4, 11, 18, 25 Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Oct 6, 20 Nov 3, 17 Dec 1
$9299 8999 6999
$11599 10899 7599
9799 7999 8699
11999 9199 9899
$9599
$11899
2015
Jan 12 • Feb 2, 23 • Mar 16
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Emirates. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $7,399
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
For the comfort of our guests, we stay in the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge in April and May. We drive from Ngorongoro Crater to our tented camp in the Serengeti from November through May. To stay close to the Great Migration, we shift Lemala Camps from January through October.
The Gorillas of Rwanda 3 days from $2,999 A chance to observe the critically endangered Gorillas of Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! We make it easy by including your roundtrip flights between Nairobi and Kigali, an overnight close to the entrance to Volcano National Park at your choice of either the Gorilla Mountain View Lodge or the deluxe Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge; one night at the deluxe Kigali Serena Lodge, 3 meals, and an expertly guided half-day Gorilla Trek along the lushly forested slopes of Volcano National Park. We even include your Gorilla Trekking Permit – a $750 value!
112
®
We’re expert at custom safaris in East Africa Kenya • Rwanda • Tanzania • Uganda Chimps & Gorillas of Uganda
Reserves & National Parks
• Our expert safari trackers promise you unmatched opportunities to observe these magnificent primates in the wild
Amboseli Bwindi Forest Laikipia Plateau Masai Mara Mt. Kilimanjaro Ruaha Samburu Selous Serengeti Tarangire Virunga Mountains
• 7 nights in our deluxe accommodations, all trekking permits, your internal flight from Entebbe to Kihihi and 17 meals
Preferred Camps & Lodges
8 days for $6,599 $6,199
Encounter a variety of primates in Africa’s most remote and pristine forests.
Day 1: Check in to the Lake Victoria Serena Resort on the shores of Africa’s largest lake. Day 2: Fly to Kihihi and transfer to the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, overlooking the Impenetrable Forest where gorillas, monkeys and chimpanzees roam free. Meals B,L,D Day 3: Join your expert guide and trek through the densely forested hills of Bwindi to observe gorillas in the wild. Meals B,L,D Day 4: Travel to the Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a boat trip on Kazinga channel and an evening game drive. Meals B,L,D Day 5: Transfer to the Ndali Lodge in the Kibale Forest. Relax or explore nearby Crater Lake. Meals B,L,D Day 6: Safari treks reveal chimps crashing through the forest canopy and a diversity of other primates and wildlife. Meals B,L,D Day 7: Transfer back to the Lake Victoria Serena Lodge in Kampala. Meals B Day 8: Your once-in-a-lifetime primate trekking adventure ends today. Meals B UGANDA
KIbali Forest 2 Queen National Park 1 Bwindi Forest 2
2 Lake Victoria Serena Resort
KENYA
Asilia Camps &Beyond Crater Lodge Borana Lodge Elewana Collection Camps Elsa’s Kjope Governors Camps Lemala Luxury Camps Exploreans Lodges Mnemba Island Ol Donyu Wuas Lodge Rekero Camp Sabyino Silverback Lodge Sanctuary Kusini Sand Rivers Camp Serena Lodges Serian Camps Singita Grumeti Reserves Volcanoes Lodges
Lake Victoria
TA N Z A N I A
For Private or Custom Safari arrangements call 800-221-2216
113
Luxury Tenting in the Serengeti 9 days | from $6,899 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Crossing the Mara River.
Our luxury camps in remote, pristine areas of Tanzania afford unmatched morning and afternoon game drives... Away from the crowds with our expert safari guides.
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Our 4-night sojourn in the Serengeti allows you to explore this game-rich region from two camps and to track the Great Migration at anytime of year! • An unforgettable hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti ends with a champagne breakfast! • The son of a local chief will share his keen insight into the culture, history and life of the Masai. • Enjoy a bush walk and thrilling night safari at Lake Manyara, famed for its unusual tree-climbing lions. • Visit Olduvai Gorge, where Louis and Mary Leakey made their startling fossil discoveries. 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
The most amazing trip we’ve ever been on – absolutely mind-blowing! The staff is so caring and eager to provide for your every need… our trip of a lifetime. – J.J., Pittsburgh PA 114
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Arusha, Tanzania Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to the outstanding Arusha Hotel. Day 2 – Lake Manyara National Park Journey to Lake Manyara, a bird watcher’s paradise and one of the few places to observe Africa’s rare tree-climbing lions. Check in to Lemala Manyara Camp and set out with our expert ranger on your first bush walk and game drive. After Sundowner cocktails and an elegant dinner, head out again with your safari guide on a thrilling night safari to track nocturnal animals. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – Ngorongoro Conservation Area c Visit a school for insight into the challenges and rewards of life in Tanzania. Continue to the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world, and settle in to your luxury tent at Lemala Ngorongoro. After lunch, visit a Masai village and return to camp where we’ve arranged for a Masai chief’s son to share insight into his tribal culture. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – Wildlife on the Crater floor With vast expanses of open grassland surrounded by steep cliffs, the crater floor is easy for game officials to patrol and the result is a healthy population of rare species like the black rhino and cheetah. Your camp enjoys a prime location near the Lemala Crater Access Route and you’ll descend quickly this morning for a truly spectacular game drive before other visitors arrive. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – To Olduvai Gorge and the Central Serengeti Visit Olduvai Gorge and learn about the 1.8 million-year-old fossil discoveries of Louis and Mary Leakey. Continue your journey into the vast expanse of the Serengeti, unequalled for its spectacular beauty and the extraordinary concentration of its wildlife, including the Big Five and numerous other herbivores and their fierce predators. Enjoy a game drive here before relaxing with Sundowner cocktails and a dinner at the Lemala Ewanjan. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – Floating above the Serengeti c Animals, too, have their regular routines and this morning’s included hot air balloon safari in the sharp clear light of dawn is an amazing time to observe
Lake Victoria
the daily movements of Serengeti’s wildlife. Touch back down for a champagne breakfast and a morning game drive. Enjoy lunch and time to relax at camp before a late afternoon safari drive. Meals B,L,D Day 7 – Follow the game across the Serengeti! Enjoy a morning safari drive as you make your way into the more remote reaches of the vast Serengeti. Your destination is a uniquely mobile luxury Lemala Camp which is seasonally positioned for unmatched game viewing at any time of year. Set out on an afternoon game drive followed by cocktails and a candle-lit dinner. Meals B,L,D Day 8 – Serengeti National Park Enjoy a thrilling day of morning and afternoon game drives. As dusk descends, enjoy Sundowner cocktails and a farewell dinner under the starry Serengeti sky. Meals B,L,D Day 9 – Return to Arusha Transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Arusha, where you’ll be met and escorted to Kilimanjaro airport for your homeward flight. Or extend your trip and join us on the exotic isle of Zanzibar. Meals B,L
The best game viewing... all year long!
Serengeti National Park 4
KENYA Kilimanjaro
Ngorongoro 2
1 Arusha
Lake Manyara 1 TA N Z A N I A
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Adventure Value • Comprehensive game drives with our expert trackers and safari guides, including all park fees • 23 meals: 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners • House wines, cocktails and beverages at all Lemala camps • 8 nights in our deluxe hotel and luxury Lemala safari camps • All on-tour transportation including one internal flight • All luggage handling, hotel taxes & service charges, and all taxes and fees for your included internal flight Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
9 days from $6,899 $6,499*
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Predators threaten
During the winter months, your safari ends on a thrilling high note at Lemala Ndutu in the Southern Serengeti, the ultimate amphitheater for the Great Migration. More than 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra arrive here in December, staying through March as the calving season begins. Then when the animals move into the Northern Serengeti during the Great Migration, our guests at Lemala Mara are far from the crowds – but close to two of the largest Migration crossing points on the Mara River!
Double
Single
Jan 20 • Feb 10 $7599 Mar 10 6899 Jun 9 7399 Jul 7, 21 • Aug 4, 18 • Sep 8, 22 • Oct 13, 27 7699 6999 Nov 10 • Dec 8
$9599 7999 8699 9699 8199
2015
Jan 19 • Feb 9 Mar 9, 23
$8299 7499
$10299 8599
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Emirates. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $7,899
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
The luxury camps of Lemala... In addition to offering unmatched game viewing in isolated, uncrowded settings of extraordinary natural beauty, our esteemed luxury camps capture the romance and simple elegance of the classic Grand Safaris of a bygone era.
Stylish tents have wooden floors and rugs, cozy beds and spacious private baths with a dressing area and large safari shower. A handsomely appointed classic “mess tent” offers dining, living areas and a central bar. Wine, cocktails and beverages are available throughout the day and multi-course dinners are an evening highlight.
For Private or Custom Safari arrangements call 800-221-2216
115
Journey to South Africa & Victoria Falls 12 days | from $6,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Our award-winning Trip Leaders and this unique tour showcases the best of South Africa and stunning Victoria Falls.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Track the Big 5 both on foot and by jeep during a three-night safari on the uncrowded Thornybush Reserve adjoining Kruger National Park. Your stay benefits their pioneering Rhino Rescue Project. • Enjoy a truly in-depth Cape Winelands experience with an overnight stay in beautiful Franschhoek. • Experience the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve by land and sea... and discover the unique flora and marine life thriving at the end of the Continent. • Finish with a great stay in Cape Town that includes the stylish Taj Hotel and in-depth sightseeing! 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
The coordination was outstanding! Without a doubt, the best trip I have ever taken and I will use General again. Guides were so knowledgable and fun to be with. – M.R.., Venice, FL 116
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Livingstone, Zambia Check in to the Royal Livingstone, set on the banks of the Zambezi. Aboard the Lady Livingstone, refresh with afternoon cocktails as elephants and other wildlife descend to the river to drink. Meals D Day 2 – Experience magnificent Victoria Falls c Your thrilling guided exploration of Victoria Falls will take you to all the best vantage points, including the dramatic Knife Edge Bridge. Meals B,D Day 3 – On to Thornybush Nature Reserve at Kruger National Park Fly to Kruger, South Africa and transfer to the 5-star Thornybush Game Lodge, set in an animal-rich private reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park. Meals B,D Days 4 to 5 – The thrill of safari! With fewer visitors and an amazing concentration of wildlife – especially the “Big Five,” you can be assured that the game viewing at Thornybush is unequaled. In comfortable, open-top 4x4 tracking vehicles, with only eight passengers and the finest ranger guides, you’ll enjoy thrilling morning and afternoon game drives and bush walks. Meals 2B,2L,2D Day 6 – Into the Cape Winelands to Franschhoek Fly to Cape Town and journey into the picturesque Winelands. Indulge in dinner and a delightful overnight at Le Franschhoek Hotel. Meals B,D Day 7 – From the Winelands to the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Tour the Winelands’ lovely villages and enjoy a tasting at the Houte Cabrierre estate. Then journey to the Western Cape and check in to your Forest Lodge overlooking Walker Bay at the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Meals B,L,D Day 8 – Explore by sea and land to the end of the Continent! Join our marine biologist for a thrilling expedition out onto the waters where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. See thousands of Cape Fur Seals, look for breaching dolphins and trawl Shark Alley, home to Great Whites. From June to November, Southern Right whales are seen. Journey to Cape Agulhas at the very tip of Africa before an elegant 6-course dinner at your resort. Meals B,L,D
ZAMBIA
M
Livingstone 2 Chobe 2 Victoria Falls
Day 9 – Journey to Cape Town Embark on a guided exploration through the ancient Milkwood forest that stretches across the expanse of Grootbos down to the sea. Visit Stony Point to observe a thriving penguin colony (3,500 strong!) and continue to Cape Town. Check in to the 5-star Taj Hotel. Meals B,L Day 10 – Explore Robben Islandc and Cape Town Ascend Table Mountain by cable car for spectacular views and enjoy an in-depth city tour, including the colorful Cape Malay Quarter and historic Company Garden. Then ride the ferry to Robben Island for a tour of this revered national monument. Meals B,L Day 11 – Excursion along the Cape Peninsula Drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular coastal journeys in the world! Explore the rocky coastline, home to unique flora and fauna, as you make your way along the Cape Peninsula all the way to the famous Cape Point Lighthouse overlooking False Bay. Return to Cape Town for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Meals B,L Day 12 – Farewell to Cape Town Your tour with us ends after breakfast. Meals B
MOZAMBIQUE
ZIMBABWE
N A M I B I A
BOTSWANA
Kruger National Park 3
Thornybush Game Lodge
Johannesburg SWAZILAND Orange R.
SOUTH AFRICA
LESOTHO
Cape Winelands
INDIAN OCEAN
1
Cape Town 3 Cape of Good Hope
2 Grootbos
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Value
Kruger – Thornybush Game Lodge Set on 28,000 private acres adjacent to world-famous Kruger National Park, this 5-star lodge delivers an exceptional safari experience as you go off-road with expert guides for up-close encounters with wildlife including the Big Five! The Winelands – Le Franschhoek Cited by Condé Nast Traveler, the idyllic setting of this luxury resort provides sweeping vineyard views. Contemporary Cape Dutch style and exceptional dining make for a very special experience. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Our stylish, 5-star eco-paradise offers private Forest Lodges set on a sweeping expanse in the Cape Floral Kingdom. Enjoy exceptional dining every day featuring the finest locally-sourced ingredients. Cape Town – The Taj This fabulous luxury hotel is uniquely located in the historic South African Reserve Bank where Old World charm, refined hospitality, and stunning décor combine with ultra modern amenities.
Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
12 days from $6,999 $6,599* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
Victoria Falls – Royal Livingstone This lavish colonial-style resort is set amid elegant green lawns right at the very edge of the Falls. An exclusive private gate provides direct access to the scenic walking trails of the National Park.
• Escorted comprehensive sightseeing and game-viewing drives, including all entrance fees and game park fees • 26 meals: 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners • 11 nights accommodation in our 5-star hotels and lodges • Airport transfers, on-tour transportation and 2 internal flights • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for both included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance
COUPLES
Absolutely the best accommodations!
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Feb 8 • Mar 29 • Apr 26 • May 17 • Jun 14 Jul 12 • Aug 23 • Sep 13 • Oct 11 • Nov 15
$6999
$9199
$7499
$9899
2015
Jan 17 • Feb 21 • Mar 29 • Apr 26
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on award-winning Emirates. Add extra nights. A visa for Zambia is required for U.S. citizens and is available on arrival.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $7,999
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Discover Botswana before your trip
Our Johannesburg pre-tour stay
3 days from $999
3 days from $799
Enhance your trip with the amazing wildlife of Chobe National Park. We include 2 nights at the exceptional Muchenje Safari Lodge, all meals and safari excursions, and all on-tour transportation.
Delve into South Africa’s dramatic history with our exclusive Small Group sightseeing in Soweto. We include two nights at the 5-star boutique 54 on Bath Hotel, daily breakfasts, sightseeing and more.
For Private or Custom Safari arrangements call 800-221-2216
117
Botswana, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe 9 days | from $5,499 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
For the safari purist, this value-packed trip explores two of Africa’s most game-rich regions, the Okavango Delta and Hwange National Park as well as Victoria Falls!
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Uncover the Delta’s diversity, a blend of forests, floodplains, wetlands and grasslands, with our superb guides in the private Khwai Concession. • Enjoy every possible type of safari activity – game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, serene mokoro canoe rides, bush walks, and exciting night game drives! • Experience the Edwardian-era elegance of the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, set on landscaped grounds at the very edge of the Falls. • Spend 3 nights on a private reserve within Hwange National Park, now considered to have one of the densest concentrations of wildlife on the Continent. 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site c
Accommodations were outstanding, arrangements perfect and the Rangers were fantastic. A remarkable value! – G.C, Etna, NH 118
®
Enjoy exciting bush walks with our Rangers.
Day 1 – Into the Okavango Delta, Botswana Transfer by light aircraft from Maun Airport to the Banoka Bush Camp in the private Khwai Concession adjacent to the Moremi Game Reserve. Meals L,D Day 2 – Okavango by land Here in one of the most diverse areas of northern Botswana, you’ll thrill to morning, afternoon, and night time game drives while viewing wildlife such as the elusive roan and sable antelope. Fantastic predator sightings are a highlight and include lion, wild dog, spotted hyena and leopard. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – Okavango by water Explore another side of the concession as you glide along serene waterways in a traditional mokoro canoe. With an amazing 450 species recorded, Khwai is a birder’s paradise. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – Onward to Victoria Falls c Fly to Kasane Airport and drive across the border into Zimbabwe. Check in to the Victoria Falls Hotel. Later this afternoon, a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River offers a chance to observe the region’s wildlife including hippos and crocodiles as well as elephants and antelopes grazing on the riverbank. Meals B Day 5 – Explore Victoria Falls A thrilling guided tour of Victoria Falls will take you to all the best vantage points, including a dramatic view of the famed Devil’s Cataract. Meals B Day 6 – Journey to Hwange National Park Drive this morning into Hwange National Park, with over 3-million acres and some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in all of Africa! Your destination is Davison’s Camp, offering total privacy on the vast plains of the Linkwasha Concession in the prime south-eastern sector of the park. Meals B,D Day 7 - Explore Hwange National Park Boasting over 100 mammal species, including incredible herds of buffalo and elephant, your safari experience at Hwange promises to be extraordinary. Track all of the “Big 5” and possibly even spot the rare White rhino. Meals B,L,D
ZAMBIA
Day 8 – Another day in Hwange National Park In addition to superb game drives, Davison’s features guided safari walks with an unforgettable sense of connection to Africa. Game viewing from your own deck can be equally memorable as giraffe, wildebeest, reedbuck, impala, and zebra congregate right in front of the camp’s permanent waterhole. Meals B,L,D
Victoria Falls 2 ZIMBABWE OKAVANGO DELTA
HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
3
Day 9 – Depart Hwange: Fly directly to Victoria Falls Airport for total convenience as you connect to any onward international flight. Meals B
Banoka Bush Camp
Stay close to the action!
3 Davison’s Camp
BOTSWANA All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Adventure Value
Victoria Falls – Victoria Falls Hotel Our historic hotel offers Edwardian period charm and modern comfort with a view of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the spray of the Falls!
9 days from $5,499 $5,099* SAVE ON ANY DATE COUPLES
Hwange – Davison’s Camp This safari favorite has a beautiful main lounge, swimming pool, and spacious tents with private decks overlooking the famous waterhole.
Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Save $800
SINGLES
Okavango Delta – Banoka Bush Camp Featuring comfortable elevated tents with hardwood floors, large beds and luxury linens, this stylish new camp is set on a private lagoon.
• Extensive game-viewing safari excursions and sightseeing with all park entry fees • 19 meals: 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners • 8 nights in our outstanding hotel and safari camps • All on-tour transportation including all 3 internal flights • Luggage handling, hotel taxes & service charges, and all airline fees for your included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014 Mar 16 • Apr 6 • May 6
Jul 13 • Aug 10 • Sep 23 • Oct 12
Double
Single
$5499 6299
$7099 7899
$5899
$7599
2015
Add Johannesburg & Cape Town 6 days from $1,699
Mar 29 • Apr 19
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on award-winning Emirates. Add extra nights. Visas for Zambia & Zimbabwe are required for U.S. citizens and are available on arrival.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $6,199
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Delve into South Africa’s dramatic history with our exclusive private touring in Johannesburg including Nelson Mandela’s former home, and the Apartheid Museum. In Cape Town, private sightseeing includes Table Mountain and the colorful Cape Malay quarter. We include two nights at the 5-star 54 on Bath Hotel in Johannesburg, 3 nights at the luxury Taj Hotel in Cape Town, on-tour ground transportation, daily breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner and complete sightseeing with your own private car, driver and guide. Internal air is not included.
For Private or Custom Safari arrangements call 800-221-2216
Victoria Falls 119
South Africa & Botswana Explorer 12 days | from $7,799 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
The thrill of Victoria Falls, Botswana’s most pristine wildlife areas and the best of South Africa come alive on this 3-country journey.
ZAMBIA
2 OKAVANGO DELTA
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Toka Leya Camp
VICTORIA FALLS
33 Savuti Camp
22 Seba Camp
DAMARALAND
NAMIBIA
Small Group Adventure Discoveries & Value
Day 2: In-depth tour of Victoria Falls c plus visits to markets and villages. Meals B,L,D Day 3: Continue to the ultra-private Linyanti Reserve and the Savuti Camp adjacent to Chobe National Park. Meals B,L,D Days 4 & 5: Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in deluxe open vehicles and an excursion to the Savute Channel. Meals B,L,D Day 6: Travel deep into the Okavango Delta and stay at Seba Camp. Meals B,L,D Day 7: Explore the Okavango’s pristine waterways in a mokoro canoe for sightings of hippo, elephant, delta impala, hundreds of bird species, and rare flowers. Meals B,L,D
Day 8: Fly to Cape Town and transfer to the superb Taj Hotel. Meals B Day 9: Ascend Table Mountain by cable car, tour the Cape Malay Quarter and spend the afternoon on Robben Island c. Meals B,L
®
2 OKAVANGO DELTA
33 Savuti Camp 22 Seba Camp
Cape Winelands
Cape Town
SOUTH AFRICA
4
Cape of Good Hope
All internal flights are included.
Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
12 days from $7,799 $7,399* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
Day 11: Explore historic villages in the Cape Winelands, sample fine wines and sit down to a gourmet vineyard lunch. Meals B,L
Jan 17 • Feb 9 • Mar 7
Day 12: Transfer to the airport. Meals B
Add Johannesburg
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Day 10: Drive along Chapman’s Peak and take a boat to see Cape Fur seals on Duiker Island. Continue to the Cape of Good Hope. Enjoy a seaside lunch and visit the African penguins at Boulders Beach. Meals B,L
2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Toka Leya Camp
VICTORIA FALLS
LESOTHO
Jan 19 • Feb 9 • Mar 9, 27 • Apr 8 May 31 • Jun 23 • Jul 14 Aug 8 • Sep 7 • Oct 23 Nov 19 • Dec 1
3 days from $799 120
ZAMBIA
SINGLES
Day 1: Check in to the upscale, riverfront Toka Leya Lodge at Victoria Falls in Zambia and enjoy a sunset river cruise. Meals L,D
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
SOSSUSVLEI
COUPLES
• We uniquely include 5 nights at exclusive safari camps in both the Okavango Delta and Linyanti Reserve, with 300,000 private acres adjacent to Chobe National Park • Thrilling safari expeditions with our experienced trackers over land and water promise superior wildlife encounters in Botswana’s best Big Five game areas • Stay on the prime Zambian side and tour the best view points over Victoria Falls • Escorted, comprehensive sightseeing, game drives, and all entry & park fees • 28 meals, all on-tour transportation, all 3 internal flights and luggage handling • 11 nights in our 5-star hotel & lodge and our upscale safari camps
BOTSWANA
KULALA WILDERNESS RESERVE
Double
Single
$7799
$9299
10999 7999
14099 9499
$8299
$9999
2015 Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. Add extra nights. A visa for Zambia is required for U.S. citizens and is available on arrival.
Family
Friends
Let us design the perfect safari experience in Southern Africa Botswana • Mozambique • Namibia • Republic of Congo • South Africa • Zambia • Zimbabwe Reserves & National Parks Chobe & Linyanti
Lower Zambezi
Etosha
Luangwa
Hwange
Mana Pools
Kafue
Okavango Delta
Kalahari
Sossusvlei
Kruger & Sabi Sands
Victoria Falls
Wilderness’ Mombo Camp
Preferred Camps & Lodges Wilderness Safaris Camps &Beyond Camps & Lodges Jack’s Camp Londolozi Kwando Camps Mala Mala Mashatu Camp
Royal Malewane Sanctuary Camps & Lodges Singita Lodges Tanda Tula Camp Thornybush Lodges Tswalu Lodge Ulusaba Lodge
For Private or Custom Safari arrangements call 800-221-2216
121
速
Europe AmaWaterways European River Cruising Austria Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Finland Germany Greek Isles Hungary Iceland Italy London & Paris Montenegro Morocco Poland Romania Russia Sicily & Malta Spain Turkey Ukraine Uzbekistan
Cochem, Germany 123
European River Cruising
with
COUPLES: SAVE $800 | SINGLES: SAVE $400
All Ships • All Rivers • All Dates
Pay-in-full savings are combinable with other offers. Book by 12/31.
Paris & Normandy
Provence & Spain
Tulip Time Cruise
10 days from $3,399 $2,999
14 days from $4,669 $4,269
8 days from $2,499 $2,099
8 days Cruise only from $2,799 $2,399
8 days Cruise only from $2,899 $2,499
Cruise only
Enjoy a 7-night cruise on the Seine and then spend 2 nights in Paris
Enjoy 3 nights in Paris, a 7-night cruise through Provence & 3 nights in Barcelona
Delight in the springtime beauty of Holland and Belgium
Day 1 Embark in Paris Day 2 Monet’s House in Giverny Day 3 Honfleur or Route des Abbayes Day 4 Normandy Beaches or Pays d’Auge Day 5 Rouen
Day 6 Les Andelys & Chateau Gaillard Day 7 Conflans Day 8 Disembark in Paris... Visit the Musée d’Orsay Day 9 Paris Day 10 Depart Paris
Day 1 Arrive Paris Day 2 Paris Day 3 Paris Day 4 To Lyon for embarkation Day 5 Lyon Tour Day 6 Wines of Beaujolais Day 7 Vienne
Day 8 Viviers Day 9 Avignon Day 10 Arles Day 11 Transfer to Barcelona Day 12 Barcelona Day 13 Barcelona Day 14 Depart Barcelona
Day 1 Embark in Amsterdam Day 2 Amsterdam, Volendam & Edam Day 3 Arnhem and Nijmegen Day 4 Antwerp Day 5 Ghent
Day 6 Willemstad and the Windmills of Kinderdijk Day 7 Keukenhof Gardens Day 8 Disembark in Amsterdam
35 departures
22 departures
13 departures
The Romantic Danube
Melodies of the Danube
Blue Danube Discovery
11 days from $3,249 $2,849
11 days from $3,149 $2,749
13 days from $3,949 $3,549
8 days Cruise only from $2,499 $2,099
8 days Cruise only from $2,399 $1,999
8 days Cruise only from $2,699 $2,299
Spend 3 nights in Prague and then cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest
Enjoy a 7-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen and spend 3 nights in Munich
Spend 2 nights in Budapest, cruise to Nuremberg and enjoy 3 nights in Prague
Day 1 Arrive Prague Day 2 Prague Tour Day 3 Prague Day 4 Visit Regensburg and embark Vilshofen Day 5 Passau Day 6 Linz
Day 7 Melk Abbey and Dürnstein Day 8 Vienna Day 9 Bratislava Day 10 Budapest Day 11 Disembark in Budapest
31 departures 124
Day 1 Embark in Budapest Day 2 Budapest Day 3 Bratislava Day 4 Vienna Day 5 Dürnstein and Melk Abbey Day 6 Linz or Salzburg Excursion
Day 7 Passau Day 8 Disembark in Vilshofen, visit Regensburg, and transfer to Munich Day 9 Munich Day 10 Bavarian Alps Day 11 Depart Munich
31 departures
®
Day 1 Budapest Day 2 Budapest Day 3 Embark in Budapest Day 4 Bratislava Day 5 Vienna Day 6 Dürnstein and Melk Abbey Day 7 Passau
Day 8 Regensburg Day 9 Nuremberg Day 10 Disembark and transfer to Prague Day 11 Prague Day 12 Prague Day 13 Depart Prague
12 departures
Visit GeneralTours.com for dates, maps, itineraries, pricing and deck plans. Premium ships & itineraries designed by river cruise experts • Enriching shore excursions included • New Culinary Delights tours Award-winning Chaîne des Rôtisseurs dining • Free-flowing regional wines • Complimentary bicycles • Onboard fitness, massage and beauty salon • Spacious public areas • En suite Internet & Infotainment • Revolutionary twin balconies • Innovative French balconies
The Legendary Danube
Black Sea Voyage
The Enchanting Rhine
11 days from $3,449 $3,049
14 days from $4,499 $4,099
12 days from $3,559 $3,159
8 days Cruise only from $2,699 $2,299
8 days Cruise only from $2,999 $2,599
8 days Cruise only from $2,399 $1,999
3 nights in Prague and a 7-night cruise to Budapest Day 1 Arrive Prague Day 2 Prague Day 3 Prague Day 4 Visit Karlovy Vary and embark in Nuremberg Day 5 Nuremberg Day 6 Regensburg
Day 7 Passau, free evening in Linz Day 8 Melk Abbey Day 9 Vienna Day 10 Budapest Day 11 Disembark in Budapest
10 departures
Jewels of France 20 days from $7,168 $6,768
2 nights in Vienna, a cruise to Bulgaria, 1 night in Bulgaria & 3 nights in Istanbul Day 1 Arrive Vienna Day 2 Vienna Day 3 Travel to Budapest & embark Day 4 Pecs and Vilany Day 5 Vukovar and Novi Sad Day 6 Belgrade Day 7 Iron Gates
Day 8 Vidin Day 9 Bucharest Day 10 Disembark and visit Veliko Tarnovo. Overnight in Plovdiv. Day 11 Travel to Istanbul, Turkey Day 12 Istanbul Day 13 Istanbul Day 14 Depart Istanbul
Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel... Enjoy 2 nights in Lucerne and 2 nights in Zurich Day 1 Embark in Amsterdam Day 2 Amsterdam City & Canal Tour Day 3 Cologne Day 4 Rüdesheim & Rhine Gorge Day 5 Heidelberg Day 6 Strasbourg Day 7 Alsace
Day 8 Disembark Basel & transfer to Lucerne Day 9 Lucerne Day 10 Transfer to Zurich Day 11 Zurich Day 12 Depart Zurich
14 departures
31 departures
Vineyards of the Rhine & Mosel
Europe’s Rivers & Castles
11 days from $3,299 $2,899
8 days Cruise only from $2,899 $2,499
13 days from $4,299 $3,899
8 days Cruise only from $2,399 $1,999 Enjoy 3 nights in Barcelona, cruising the Rhône & Seine Rivers, and 2 nights in Paris Day 1 Arrive Paris Day 2 Paris Day 3 Embark Day 4 Giverny Day 5 Honfleur or Route des Abbayes Day 6 Normandy Beaches or Pays d’Auge Day 7 Rouen Day 8 Les Andelys & Chateau Gaillard Day 9 Conflans Day 10 Disembark and travel to Lyon to embark Day 11 Lyon
Day 12 Beaujolais excursion Day 13 Vienne and Tournon Day 14 Viviers Day 15 Avignon & Grignan Day 16 Les Baux or Van Gogh Tour. Arles walking tour. Day 17 Disembark and transfer to Barcelona Day 18 Barcelona Day 19 Barcelona Day 20 Depart Barcelona
21 departures See your Travel Counselor or call us.
3 nights in Paris, a Mosel & Rhine cruise to Nuremberg, and 2 nights in Prague Spend 3 nights in Paris and then cruise from Luxembourg to Amsterdam Day 1 Arrive Paris Day 2 Paris Day 3 Paris Day 4 Embark in Luxembourg Day 5 Bernkastel Day 6 Cochem & Reichsburg Castle
Day 7 Mainz or Heidelberg tour Day 8 Rüdesheim and wine tasting Day 9 Cologne Day 10 City Tour in Amsterdam Day 11 Disembark
10 departures
Day 1 Arrive Paris Day 2 Paris Day 3 Paris Day 4 Embark in Luxembourg Day 5 Trier & Bernkastel Day 6 Cochem and Rüdesheim
Day 7 Mainz or Heidelberg tour Day 8 Wertheim Day 9 Würzburg Day 10 Bamberg Day 11 Disembark in Nuremberg and transfer to Prague Day 12 Prague Day 13 Departure
8 departures
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
125
European River Cruising
with
COUPLES: SAVE $800 | SINGLES: SAVE $400
All Ships • All Rivers • All Dates
Pay-in-full savings are combinable with other offers. Book by 12/31.
Ultimate River Cruise
Grand Danube Cruise
15 days from $5,499 $5,099
20 days from $6,898 $6,498
Cruise only
15 days Cruise only from $5,498 $5,098
22 days from $7,848 $7,448 15 days Cruise only from $6,098 $5,698
Enjoy 2 nights in Budapest, a 14-night cruise to Luxembourg & 3 nights in Paris
3 nights in Istanbul, 1 night in Bulgaria, a cruise to Vilshofen & 3 nights in Prague
Magnificent Europe
A truly grand voyage from Amsterdam to Budapest through the heart of Europe Day 1 Embark in Amsterdam Day 2 Amsterdam City & Canal Tour Day 3 Cologne and Koblenz Day 4 Rhine Gorge and Rüdesheim Day 5 Miltenberg and Wertheim Day 6 Würzburg and Kitzingen Day 7 Bamberg
Day 8 Nuremberg and Main-Danube Canal Day 9 Regensburg Day 10 Passau and option to Salzburg Day 11 Dürnstein and Melk Abbey Day 12 Vienna Day 13 Bratislava Day 14 Budapest Day 15 Disembark
Day 1 Arrive Budapest Day 2 Budapest Day 3 Embark Day 4 Budapest Day 5 Vienna Day 6 Melk Abbey and Wachau Valley Day 7 Passau or option to Salzburg Day 8 Regensburg Day 9 Across the Continental Divide to Nuremberg Day 10 Excursion to Munich
9 departures
Day 11 Bamberg Day 12 Kitzingen and Würzburg Day 13 Wertheim Day 14 Mainz or Heidelberg Day 15 Cochem and Rüdesheim Day 16 Trier Day 17 Disembark in Luxembourg and travel to Paris Day 18 Paris Day 19 Paris Day 20 Departure
8 departures
Day 1 Arrive Istanbul Day 2 Istanbul Day 3 Istanbul Day 4 Overnight in Plovdiv, Bulgaria Day 5 Visit Veliko Tarnovo & embark in Rousse Day 6 Bucharest Day 7 Vidin Day 8 Iron Gates Day 9 Belgrade Day 10 Novi Sad and Vukovar Day 11 Visit Pecs Day 12 Budapest
Day 13 Budapest Day 14 Bratislava Day 15 Vienna Day 16 Dürnstein and Melk Abbey Day 17 Linz or option to Salzburg Day 18 Passau and “Oktoberfest in Vilshofen” Day 19 Disembark, visit Regensburg, and transfer to Prague Day 20 Prague Day 21 Prague Day 22 Departure
10 departures
Christmas Time Cruise
Christmas on the Rhine
10 days from $3,199 $2,799
12 days from $3,859 $3,459
8 days Cruise only from $2,699 $2,299
8 days Cruise only from $2,699 $2,299
Delight in Prague and the Christmas Markets of Central Europe!
Switzerland’s winter majesty and Germany’s Christmas Markets!
Day 1 Arrive Prague Day 2 Prague Day 3 Embark in Nuremberg Day 4 Nuremberg Day 5 Regensburg Day 6 Passau and Linz
Day 7 Melk Abbey and Wachau Valley Day 8 Vienna Day 9 Budapest Day 10 Disembark in Budapest
14 departures 126
®
Day 1 Arrive Zurich Day 2 Zurich Day 3 Travel to Lucerne Day 4 Lucerne Day 5 Embark in Basel Day 6 Alsace or Black Forest Tour
Day 7 Strasbourg Day 8 Speyer or Heidelberg Day 9 Rüdesheim Day 10 Cologne Day 11 Amsterdam Day 12 Disembark in Amsterdam
11 departures
Visit GeneralTours.com for dates, maps, itineraries, pricing and deck plans. Premium ships & itineraries designed by river cruise experts • Enriching shore excursions included • New Culinary Delights tours Award-winning Chaîne des Rôtisseurs dining • Free-flowing regional wines • Complimentary bicycles • Onboard fitness, massage and beauty salon • Spacious public areas • En suite Internet & Infotainment • Revolutionary twin balconies • Innovative French balconies
Port Wine & Flamenco
Enticing Douro
14 days from $4,419 $4,019
11 days from $3,249 $2,849
8 days Cruise only from $2,799 $2,399
8 days Cruise only from $2,499 $2,099
Enjoy 3 nights in Madrid, a cruise on the Douro River, and 3 nights in Lisbon
Spend 3 nights in Lisbon and enjoy a 7-night cruise through the Douro Valley
Day 1 Arrive Madrid Day 2 Madrid Day 3 Visit Toledo Day 4 Embark in Vega de Terrón Day 5 Pinhão and Barca d’Alva Day 6 Régua and Lamego Day 7 Palacio de Mateus Tour
Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon Day 2 Lisbon City Tour Day 3 Visit Sintra Day 4 Travel to Porto and embark Day 5 Régua Day 6 Lamego and
Day 8 Resende and Bitetos Day 9 Porto Day 10 Guimarães Day 11 Disembark in Porto. Visit Fatima and travel to Lisbon Day 12 Lisbon Day 13 Visit Sintra Day 14 Depart Lisbon
13 departures
Russian Waterways 12 days from $3,799 $3,399 Cruise only
2014 Theme Cruises
Barca d’Alva Day 7 Salamanca Day 8 Vega de Terrón and Pinhão Day 9 Palacio de Mateus Tour Day 10 Porto Day 11 Disembark in Porto
17 departures
Wine The Romantic Danube 11 days from $3,249 $2,849 8 days Cruise only from $2,499 $2,099
Melodies of the Danube 11 days from $3,149 $2,749 8 days Cruise only from $2,399 $1,999
The Enchanting Rhine 12 days from $3,559 $3,159 8 days Cruise only from $2,399 $1,999
Paris & Normandy
Vietnam, Cambodia & the Riches of the Mekong 16 days from $3,998 $3,598 8 days Cruise only from $1,899 $1,499
10 days from $3,399 $2,999 8 days Cruise only from $2,799 $2,399
Provence & Spain 14 days from $4,769 $4,369 8 days Cruise only from $2,999 $2,599
Enticing Douro 11 days from $3,249 $2,849 8 days Cruise only from $2,499 $2,099
With Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Angkor Wat, Saigon & a 7-night cruise on the Mekong Sail the mighty Volga through the Russian heartland from Moscow to St. Petersburg Day 1 Embark in Moscow Day 2 City Tour Day 3 Kremlin & Armory Tour Day 4 Uglich Day 5 Yaroslavl Day 6 Goritsy Day 7 Kizhi Island
Day 8 Svirstroy Day 9 City & Hermitage Tour in St. Petersburg Day 10 Visit Catherine Palace Day 11 Visit Peterhof Gardens Day 12 Disembark in St. Petersburg
14 departures See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Day 1 Hanoi Day 2 Hanoi Day 3 Overnight Ha Long Bay cruise Day 4 Fly to Angkor Wat Day 5 Angkor Wat Day 6 Angkor Wat Day 7 Embark at Tonle Sap Lake Day 8 Kampong Chhnang
Day 9 Phnom Penh Day 10 Phnom Penh Day 11 Cruising Day 12 Tan Chau Day 13 Sa Dec and Cai Be Day 14 Disembark Ho Chi Minh City Day 15 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Day 16 Departure
28 departures
Chocolate The Romantic Danube 11 days from $3,849 $3,449 8 days Cruise only from $3,099 $2,699
Jewish Heritage Blue Danube Discovery 13 days from $3,949 $3,549 8 days Cruise only from $2,699 $2,299
The Romantic Danube 11 days from $3,449 $3,049 8 days Cruise only from $2,699 $2,299
Melodies of the Danube 8 days Cruise only from $2,499 $2,099
Visit us online for all the details. 800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
127
Capri, Sicily & Malta By Sea 10 days | from $5,899
7KH DQFLHQW SRUW RI 7DRUPLQD
Journey from Sorrento and along the lovely $PDOÂż &RDVW WR ERDUG RXU OX[XU\ \DFKW IRU WKLV VPDOO VKLS 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ FUXLVH
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
â&#x20AC;˘ Our complete program of included shore excursions showcases all of Sicilyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renowned sites of antiquity from Siracusa to Agrigento. â&#x20AC;˘ Expertly-guided sightseeing reveals Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fascinating history... Rarely visited by traditional cruise ships, the island is home to some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest religious monuments and the rich Baroque legacy of the Knights of St. John. â&#x20AC;˘ We uniquely complement your cruise with a stay in Sorrento, a drive along the spectacular Amalfi Coast and lunch with wine in beautiful Ravello. 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
7KLV ZDV D ZRQGHUIXO WULS ,W IXO¿OOHG RXU ³ZLVK OLVW´ IRU VXUH , NQRZ , FDQ FRXQW RQ *HQHUDO 7RXUV IRU D JRRG H[SHULHQFH ¹ 0 6 &DUERQGDOH &2
128
ÂŽ
Day 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Welcome to Italy... Naples to Sorrento Arrive in Naples where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be escorted to the 5-star Grand Hotel La Favorita. Day 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Explore Sorrento with your Private Guide This morningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s walking tour through this enchanting resort town reveals historic churches, beautiful gardens and genteel villas, many with spectacular views overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. Meals B Day 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Along the Amalfi Coast to Salerno for Embarkation Journey along one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most scenic coastal drives through celebrated resorts like Positano and Amalfi. Enjoy lunch with wine in Ravello and continue to Salerno where your yacht cruiser awaits. Sail to the fabled isle of Capri and step ashore to experience its captivating beauty and charm. Meals B,L,D Day 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ashore on the Island of Lipari This morningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tour of the 16th-century castle includes the Cathedral, perched above the harbor. At the museum, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn about the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ancient Greek and Roman history. Enjoy lunch as you set sail for Taormina. Meals B,L,D Day 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Discover Taormina on the Island of Sicily Perched on a cliff with fabulous views, this was a favorite resort of 19th-century aristocrats. You guided tour along its charming medieval streets shows you the 15th-century Palazzo Corvaja and Greco-Roman theater. Meals B,L,D Day 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ancient Sicilian wonders of Siracusa and Noto Siracusa, one of the most celebrated cities of antiquity, was a rival of ancient Athens. Your morning tour includes the amazingly preserved, 15,000seat Greek Theater and the Roman amphitheater, one of the largest in the Mediterranean. On the nearby isle of Ortigia, visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the lovely Baroque Cathedral. Later, journey up the terraced slopes of Mt. Iblei, graced with olive groves and almond trees, to visit historic Noto c, filled with beautiful Baroque palaces, churches and homes. Meals B,L,D Day 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ancient Malta and Valletta See the prehistoric Megalithic Temples of Malta c, one of humanityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest monuments and most ancient religious sites. After lunch, tour Valletta c. Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital is a virtual open-air museum of glorious Baroque architecture built by the Knights of St. John nearly 500 years ago. Meals B,L,D
Rome 2
Day 8 – Licata and The Valley of Temples in Agrigento, Sicily Step off in the lively port of Licata to visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento c. Here at one of the world’s most important archaeological sites, you’ll see the Temple of Hercules, the never-completed Temple of Juno and the magnificent Temple of Concord, regarded by many as the best preserved ancient Greek temple in existence. Meals B,L,D Day 9 – Ashore in Cefalu on Sicily This medieval fishing village retains its traditional Sicilian charm. Enjoy a walking tour in town and visit the Gothic-Norman Cathedral. In the afternoon, you’ll cruise past the Stromboli Volcano, which has been consistently active for nearly 2,000 years! Meals B,L,D Day 10 – Disembark in Salerno and transfer to Naples Step off ship this morning and transfer to the airport or rail station in Naples for your onward journey. Meals B
2
Capri
Onboard the 0 < 9DULHW\ 9R\DJHU
Sorrento Salerno 7
Lipari
Cefalu
Taormina
S I C I LY
Agrigento Licata
Syracusa
M A LT A
Grand Hotel La Favorita in Sorrento
A 5-star hotel in a fragrant Italian garden in the heart of town.
I TA LY
Our Small Ship Value • Small group sightseeing in Sorrento and a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast • A complete program of Shore Excursions on Sicily and Malta • 23 meals: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners • 2 nights at our deluxe hotel in Sorrento and a 7-night cruise in an outside stateroom aboard our luxurious yacht • All on-tour transportation, transfers, luggage handling, port charges and all pre-payable hotel taxes & service charges • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance
10 days from $5,899 $5,499*
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
With 36 staterooms, our elegant new cruiser offers the comfort of a luxury ship combined with the intimacy of a private yacht.
2014 Aug 29 • Sep 26 Oct 3, 10, 17
Cat C
Cat B
Cat A
Cat P
$5899
$6499
$7099
$7599
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Lufthansa. Add extra nights.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Enjoy a custom cruise vacation Spend 7 nights aboard the M/Y 9DULHW\ 9R\DJHU from $3,799. And let us carefully craft a complete vacation to enhance your luxury cruise!
Add Rome... 3 days from $899
Cat P Cat A Cat B Cat C
0 < 9DULHW\ 9R\DJHU
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
129
Grand Capitals of Eastern Europe by Rail 13 days | for $4,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Chain Bridge, Budapest
Our trip is the only one to Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, Vienna & Prague with VPDOO JURXSV ÂżUVW FODVV UDLO DQG RXU Trip Leaders traveling with you.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
â&#x20AC;˘ Enjoy a traditional bread & salt welcome and dine with a Polish family at their home in Lowicz. â&#x20AC;˘ Visit the innovative Haus der Musik, an interactive celebration of Viennaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich musical heritage. â&#x20AC;˘ Relive Krakowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dramatic World War II era history at the pioneering Schindler Factory Museum. â&#x20AC;˘ Savor traditional Czech cuisine at the Municipal House, Pragueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grand Art Nouveau landmark. 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Outstanding! Our guides were far and away the best we have ever experienced. Our hotels were top of the line. We wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have changed a thing. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; W.K., Colorado Springs, CO 130
ÂŽ
Day 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Welcome to Berlin, Germany! Check in to the 5-star Regent Berlin, one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most elegant luxury hotels. Day 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Highlights of Berlin See the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic landmarks including the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. Sit down to lunch in one of your guideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite restaurants. Meals B,L Day 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Journey to Warsaw, Poland by first class rail Meet your friendly Polish guide and travel together by first class rail to Warsaw. Transfer to the Polonia Palace and enjoy a walking tour before dining tonight at Freta Gallery, a Belle Epoque gem in the heart of Old Town. Meals B,D Day 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Warsaw c sightseeing and excursion to Lowicz A morning tour includes Lazienki Royal Park, the historic Warsaw Ghetto, a walking tour in Old Town and St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral. This afternoon in Zelazowa Wola, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll admire the lovely gardens and manor house where Frederic Chopin was born. Then continue to Lowicz for dinner with a Polish family. Meals B,D Day 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Discover Krakow c Travel by rail to Krakow and tour Wawel Castle, seat of Polish kings. Enjoy lunch in the historic Kazimierz district, once home to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vibrant Jewish community. At the innovative Schindler Factory Museum, unique multi-media exhibits provide a powerful â&#x20AC;&#x153;you are thereâ&#x20AC;? experience of city life during the Nazi occupation. Enjoy a walking tour through the charming Old Town and visit St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church. Overnight at the Sheraton Krakow Hotel. Meals B,L Day 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; In and around Krakow with your guide Enjoy a leisurely morning or join our included excursion to Auschwitz c. In the afternoon, descend into the incredible Wieliczka Salt Mines c. Meals B Day 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Onward to Budapest, Hungary Your journey across the Tatra Mountains is enriched by the broad knowledge of your Hungarian guide. Continue through Slovakia, stopping for lunch, and travel onward to the Sofitel Chain Bridge Hotel. Meals B,L
Dresden 2
Warsaw – Polonia Palace This century-old landmark hotel blends splendid period architectural details with modern styling and world class comfort. Krakow – Sheraton Krakow This deluxe hotel is a pleasant 10-minute walk to the architectural landmarks of Old Town and Market Square.
S L O VA K I A
Vienna 2I I I I I I IIIII AUSTRIA III 2 Budapest
III
Berlin – The Regent Berlin Deemed one of the best places to stay in the world by Condé Nast Traveler with a prime location close to the best shopping and dining.
CZECH REPUBLIC
IIII
The finest hotels. The best locations!
2 Krakow
Prague 2
HUNGARY
Our Small Group Value • Comprehensive sightseeing with all entry fees • 20 meals: 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners • 12 nights in our exceptional, city-center 5-star hotels • All on-tour transportation including first class rail journeys accompanied by our attentive and well-versed resident guides • Luggage handling and all hotel taxes & service charges • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Prague Music Festival...
13 days for $4,999 $4,599*
Save $800
SINGLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE COUPLES
Especially for music lovers, our May 9 departure showcases Eastern Europe’s musical traditions. Attend a stellar concert at the Prague Spring Music Festival and a performance of Puccini’s Tosca at the historic Hungarian State Opera House. Book early... This departure will sell out quickly!
2 Warsaw
GERMANY
IIII
Day 13 – Depart Prague: Our tour services end this morning. Meals B
POLAND
IIII
Day 8 – Discover Budapest c Your morning tour through downtown Pest and the scenic Buda Hills includes Heroes’ Square and the Matthias Church. From the Fishermen’s Bastion, you’ll have fine views over city. Meals B,D Day 9 – By first class rail to Austria Your guide will be onboard to enrich your scenic rail journey through the countryside to Vienna. Experience the city’s musical heritage through the innovative interactive exhibits of Haus der Musik. Enjoy two nights at the 5-star Steigenberger Herrenhof Wien. Meals B,L Day 10 – The best of Vienna c Travel along the Ringstrasse and delight in the city’s landmarks, like the Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House and Belvedere Palace. Then tour the opulent Schönbrunn Palace c and its lovely grounds. Meals B Day 11 – To Prague by first class rail Your well-versed Czech guide is on hand to ensure seamless rail travel to Prague. Upon arrival, transfer to the enchanting Pariz Hotel and dine this evening at the historic Municipal House. Meals B,D Day 12 – Morning sightseeing in magnificent Prague c Experience Prague’s celebrated grandeur as you tour Prague Castle and stroll along the historic Golden Lane. Then explore the medieval landmarks of Old Town including the Astronomical Clock. Meals B
Berlin 2
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
May 9 - Prague Music Festival Jun 20 • Jul 18 • Aug 15 • Sep 19 • Oct 3
$4999
$6399
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Lufthansa. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Add historic Dresden to your travels 3 days for $799
Budapest – Sofitel Chain Bridge In the heart of downtown Budapest, this luxury hotel offers a prime location on the Danube next to the historic Chain Bridge.
Vienna – Steigenberger Herrenhof Wien Old world tradition and contemporary Viennese style blend beautifully at this 5-star hotel close to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Prague – Pariz Hotel Exceptional service and superbly appointed guestrooms await you in a century-old Art Nouveau landmark close to Old Town Square. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Travel on to this handsome and historic city on the Elbe River with first class rail from Prague to Dresden, 2 nights at the deluxe Hilton Hotel, daily breakfasts and a city tour including the treasures of the fabled Green Vault. 800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
131
Italy By Rail 7 days | from $1,899 | Independent travel with our attentive local services
Personalize your stay in Rome.
Create your own Italian holiday with our FKRLFH RI FLW\ FHQWHU KRWHOV FRPIRUWDEOH ÂżUVW FODVV UDLO DQG XQLTXHO\ Ă&#x20AC;H[LEOH VLJKWVHHLQJ
Engaging Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
â&#x20AC;˘ Sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of Tuscany... Swift Eurostar Italia trains promise carefree travel and more time to enjoy this grand trio of cities. â&#x20AC;˘ Customize your vacation with our wide selection of included sightseeing in each city! â&#x20AC;˘ Our friendly resident staff will enhance your holiday with their attentive, expert service whenever you need it. â&#x20AC;˘ With our signature flexibility, you can add extra nights in any city... or even do this trip in reverse! 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
We had a wonderful, worry-free trip to Italy thanks to General and your H[FHOOHQW JXLGHV :H ZLOO GHÂżQLWHO\ choose General again! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; D. T., Kokomo, IN 132
ÂŽ
Day 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Benvenuto a Roma! Welcome to the Eternal City! Check in to your choice of city-center hotel. Day 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Customize your stay in Rome c Tailor your vacation to your own interests â&#x20AC;&#x201C; choose any one of these included tours. Visit GeneralTours.com for more detailed tour descriptions. â&#x20AC;˘ Classic Rome features all the best-known sites, including the Trevi Fountain. â&#x20AC;˘ Imperial Rome showcases ancient Rome, including the Forum and Colosseum. â&#x20AC;˘ Vatican Museums includes the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. â&#x20AC;˘ Rome by Night reveals all the magic and romance of the Eternal City. Meals B Day 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Through the Tuscan countryside! A reserved first class seat on the Eurostar Italia train is a comfortable â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and traditional â&#x20AC;&#x201C; way to travel to Florence, the city of the Medicis and home of the Italian Renaissance. Check in to your choice of hotel, close to dining and shopping. Meals B Day 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Make your own magic in Florence c Customize your vacation with the included sightseeing tour of your choice. Detailed tour descriptions are available online at GeneralTours.com. â&#x20AC;˘ Morning Sightseeing includes the Duomo, Giottoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bell Tower and the Galleria dellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Accademia to see Michelangeloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s David. â&#x20AC;˘ Afternoon Sightseeing visits the charming town of Fiesole set in the hills overlooking Florence and ends with a tour through the renowned Uffizi Gallery. â&#x20AC;˘ Arno River Cruise features a ride through town aboard a traditional barchetto. â&#x20AC;˘ Pizza and Gelato Class with local chefs teaches you how to prepare two of Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous treats... Perfect for families! â&#x20AC;˘ Pisa Excursion takes you through the picturesque Tuscan countryside to admire the Piazza del Duomo c and its iconic Leaning Tower. Meals B
SWITZERLAND SLOVENIA
Day 5 – A scenic rail journey to Venice C R O AT I A Venice 2 Travel by rail to Venice. Check in to the hotel of your choice. Meals B Day 6 – Personalize your stay in Venice c B O S N I A Add Delight in the magic of Venice with one of these included tours. FRANCE Pompeii & Sorrento 2 Florence • Ducal Venice takes you along the city’s most historic streets, through St. Mark’s Square and inside the Ducal Palace. I TA LY I TA LY • Unusual Venice & Gondola Promenade explores the backstreets 2 Rome between St. Mark’s and the Rialto Bridge and ends with a Gondola ride. Rome me 2 2 Naples • Excursion to the Three Islands visits Murano, Burano and Torcello. Naples 2 Pompeii Sorrento • Twilight Gondola Serenade takes you on a romantic voyage along Pompeii Sorrento the canals of Venice accompanied by music. Meals B Day 7 – Venice $GG QLJKWV LQ DQ\ FLW\ WUDYHO LQ UHYHUVH ZH¶UH ÀH[LEOH Your tour ends today. Meals B
Our Independent Trip Value • Your choice of expertly-guided shared sightseeing in Rome, Florence and Venice – including all entrance fees • 6 meals: Daily breakfast • 6 nights in your choice of superior tourist, first class or superior first class hotels – all handpicked for great city-center locations • First class Eurostar Italia trains from Rome to Florence and from Florence to Venice • All pre-payable hotel taxes and service charges Travel any day you wish.
7 days from $1,899 Superior Tourist Class
First Class
Superior First Class
Rome – Hotel Veneto Palace Florence – Alba Palace Venice – Hotel Giorgione
Rome – Bailey’s Hotel Florence – Hotel Cellai Venice – Hotel Kette
Rome – Rose Garden Palace Florence – Santa Maria Novella Venice – Hotel Ca’ Dei Conti
Enjoy fine city-center properties like our Roman hotel set in a century-old landmark close to the Trevi Fountain and the Hotel Giorgione not far from St. Mark’s Square.
First class comfort in three great locations! A stylish hotel close to Rome’s Via Veneto; a beautiful landmark in the center of Florence and Venetian charm near St. Mark’s Square!
Our outstanding 4-star hotels offer elegance and charm in historic settings... just off the Via Veneto in Rome and an 18th-century landmark close to Venice’s St. Mark’s Square.
Superior Tourist Class 2014 Jan-Dec 2015 Jan-Apr
First Class 2014 Jan-Dec 2015 Jan-Apr
Superior First Class 2014 Jan-Dec 2015 Jan-Apr
Double
Single
$1899 $2699 $1899 $2699
Prices are per person, land only. Black out dates and holiday surcharges may apply.
Double
Single
$1999 $2899 $1999 $2899
Prices are per person, land only. Black out dates and holiday surcharges may apply.
Double
Single
$2299 $3199 $2299 $3199
Prices are per person, land only. Black out dates and holiday surcharges may apply.
We offer air on Lufthansa or United.
Include Pompeii & Sorrento! 3 days from $899
Pompeii
The lovely Mediterranean coast and spectacular ruins of Pompeii will enhance your exploration of Italy... And we make it easy by including your first class rail between Rome and Naples before or after your tour, roundtrip transportation between Naples and Sorrento, two nights at the first class Hotel Continental or the deluxe Grand Hotel La Favorita, daily breakfasts, a private tour of Pompeii and time to experience all the delights of Sorrento, one of Italy’s loveliest coastal resorts.
La Favorita
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
133
Gems of Central Europe by Rail 10 days | from $2,999 | A private tour just for your traveling party.
2XU ÂżQH UHVLGHQW JXLGHV SULYDWH WUDQVIHUV DQG H[FOXVLYH RQ DQG RII WKH WUDLQ OXJJDJH VHUYLFHV SURPLVH HQULFKLQJ DQG FDUH IUHH WUDYHO
Private Tour Discoveries & Value
POLAND
Prague 3
IIII
SLOVAKIA
IIII
nub e
IIII
Da
CZECH REPUBLIC
III
I Vienna 3 I I I AUSTRIA
I I I IDanube IIIII I 3 Budapest HUNGARY
I TA LY
Travel in either direction. Add nights anywhere.
134
ÂŽ
10 days from $2,999 $2,599*
Day 4: Enjoy our private transfer and luggage service right to your train! Arrive Vienna and transfer to the K+K Maria Theresia or the deluxe Steigenberger Herrenhof. Meals B Day 5: Your private tour in Vienna c includes the Vienna State Opera House, Belvedere Palace and SchĂśnbrunn Palace c. Meals B Day 6: A free day in Vienna. Meals B Day 7: Arrive Prague c. Transfer to the K+K Hotel Central or the Pariz Hotel. Meals B Day 8: On your private tour, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see the Charles Bridge, visit Prague Castle and enjoy a guided walk through Old Town. Meals B Day 9: This day is free to do as you wish. Our staff is on hand to offer suggestions or arrange additional private sightseeing. Meals B Day 10: Your tour ends today. Meals B
800
Save $
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
â&#x20AC;˘ Our engaging guides hail from these cities and will enrich your in-depth private sightseeing with the knowledge and keen cultural insights of a lifelong resident â&#x20AC;˘ Be swept away by the romance of rail travel... Our attentive guides will attend to you and your luggage whenever you come and go by train! â&#x20AC;˘ Sightseeing with your own personal car, driver and guide, including all entry fees â&#x20AC;˘ 9 meals: daily buffet breakfast â&#x20AC;˘ 9 nights in your choice of superior first class or deluxe city-center hotels, all on-tour transportation including private car rail station transfers, first class rail, our signature luggage service right to your trains and all hotel taxes & service charges Day 1: Check in to the superior first class K+K Opera or the 5-star Sofitel Chain Bridge. Day 2: Private tour of Budapest c includes the many architectural landmarks of the Buda Hills and downtown Pest. Meals B Day 3: A free day in Budapest... Our resident staff is on hand if you wish to book additional private sightseeing arrangements. Meals B
Travel any day you wish.
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
Superior First Class K+K Opera â&#x20AC;˘ Maria Theresia â&#x20AC;˘ Central Double Single Jan-Feb $2999 $4499 3199 4699 Mar â&#x20AC;˘ Nov-Dec 20 Apr-Jun â&#x20AC;˘ Dec 21-Dec 31 3399 4999 Jul-Aug 3299 4799 Sep-Oct 3499 5099 2015 Jan-Mar $3199 $4699 Apr 3499 5099 2014
Deluxe Sofitel Chain Bridge â&#x20AC;˘ Herrenhof â&#x20AC;˘ Pariz Hotel 2014 Double Single Jan-Feb $3199 $4899 3399 5099 Mar â&#x20AC;˘ Nov-Dec 20 Apr-Jun 3599 5499 Jul-Aug 3499 5199 Sep-Oct 3699 5599 Dec 21-Dec 31 4099 5999 2015 Jan-Mar $3399 $5099 Apr 3699 5599 Prices are per person, land only. Add extra nights.
Family
Friends
4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
Classic London & Paris by Rail 7 days | from $2,299 | Independent travel with our attentive local services
Our unique and remarkably affordable approach gives you all the tools you need to pursue your interests in these two classic cities!
U. K.
IIII
I
III
iver
3I I I I I I
eR Rhin
London
Day 2: The Original London Sightseeing hopon/hop-off bus offers 4 different routes so you can see all the sites. It also includes a Thames cruise and three themed walking tours. Your 2-day London TravelCard offers unlimited travel on buses, subways and trains. Meals B Day 3: Continue your exploration with the London TravelCard and take advantage of your ticket for the London Eye, the world’s largest observation wheel. You can also admire the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey (entry not included). Meals B Day 4: Transfer to the station for your first class rail journey through the Chunnel to France. Arrive Paris c and transfer to your choice of city-center hotel. Meals B See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Day 5: See the City of Light’s landmarks with convenient hop-on/hop-off sightseeing and get around town for free with a 2-day Paris Visite Pass. Your 2-day Museum Pass affords priority admission and free entry to more than 60 museums and sites including the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay. Meals B Day 6: Continue your discovery of Paris with your Museum and Visite Passes. Meals B Day 7: Your tour finishes today. Meals B 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site c
Travel on by Rail to Italy... Add our Italy by Rail from $1,999
3 Paris
ine Se
Day 1: Check in to your choice of city-center, air-conditioned hotel in London.
FRANCE
IIIII
• Flexible sightseeing, a Paris Museum Pass and transit cards let you personalize your exploration of these two grand cities. Plus you can enjoy a cruise on the Thames River, a choice of London walking tours, and a flight on the London Eye. • 6 meals: Daily breakfast • 6 nights accommodation in your choice of city-center hotels • Luggage handling, all hotel taxes and service charges, first class Eurostar train from London to Paris, and all rail station transfers
IIIIIIIIIIIIIII
ENGLISH CHANNEL
IIII
Engaging Discoveries & Value
Loire
Travel in either direction.
Travel any day you wish.
7 days from $2,299 First Class DoubleTree by Hilton • Hotel Le Lavoisier 2014 Double Single Jan-Dec $2299 $3199 2015
Jan-Apr
$2299
$3199
Superior First Class K+K George • K+K Cayre
2014 Jan-Dec
Double
Single
$2699
$3899
$2699
$3899
2015
Jan-Apr
Prices are per person, land only. Holiday surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Availability of included sightseeing tours may be affected by holidays, museum closures and seasonally-adjusted schedules. Add extra nights.
Family
Friends
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
135
Adventures Across Iceland
NEW
7 days | from $3,399 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
*DGDIRVV :DWHUIDOO
In one unforgettable week, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll show you WKH 9LNLQJ KLVWRU\ PDJQLÂżFHQW ODQGVFDSHV DQG YLEUDQW FXOWXUH RI WKLV XQLTXH LVODQG
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
â&#x20AC;˘ Our unique in-depth journey promises authentic and rewarding engagement with the people and landscapes of this diverse island nation. â&#x20AC;˘ Experience Icelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s powerful geothermal forces as you relax in warm natural pools overlooking lava fields and Lake Myvatn. â&#x20AC;˘ Get to know local artists as you visit their studios and galleries along the Akureyri Art Trail. â&#x20AC;˘ Spend time with fishermen, micro-brewers and farmers along the rugged northern coast and learn about their daily lives as you sample their products. â&#x20AC;˘ Delve into the history of Icelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early settlement by Vikings who braved the open seas from Norway. 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site c
136
ÂŽ
Day 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Welcome to Reykjavik After checking in to the Centrum Hotel, join your guide for a city tour. At the National Museum, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn much about the history and heritage of Iceland. On our March and November departures, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll set out after dinner in search of the Northern Lights, one of the most amazing spectacles on the planet! Meals D Day 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Explore the Golden Circle Travel first to Thingvellir National Park c, a unique geological site where two tectonic plates meet. On the shores of Lake Thingvallavatn, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest democratic Parliament, founded more than 1,000 years ago! See one of Icelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most active geysers and the impressive Golden Waterfall. At a family-owned village farm, learn about Icelandic horses and see how greenhouse vegetables are able to thrive in this northerly climate. Meals B,L Day 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fly to Akureyri, the cultural capital of the north Enjoy a city tour upon arrival and then delve into the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vibrant cultural scene as you explore the Akureyri Art Trail with a local artist, visiting artisan studios and a charming cafĂŠ popular with the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many artists. Guests traveling in March and November, will set out tonight on another hunt for the Northern Lights. This northerly setting and minimal ambient light offer great conditions to observe the Aurora Borealis! Overnight at the Hotel Kea. Meals B Day 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Waterfall of the Gods and Lake Myvatn Join your guide to explore the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diverse landscapes, created by powerful geothermal forces. Marvel at Godafoss Waterfall and the aptly named â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dark Castlesâ&#x20AC;? with its other-worldly lava formations. See the steaming fumaroles of Hverir and an underground river at the Grjotagja rift before relaxing in a natural geothermal pool overlooking lava fields and Lake Myvatn. Meals B,L Day 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Local flavors of the northern coast Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specially planned excursion explores the tastes and traditions of this remote region. Traveling along the scenic rugged coast to visit small villages and
Denmark Strait
Our charming city-center hotels Reykjavik – Hotel Reykjavik Centrum Modern, well-appointed guestrooms distinguish this inviting first class hotel set on a charming street in the center of the city.
Akureyri
3 Reykjavik
$ VSHFWDFXODU JHRWKHUPDO ODQGVFDSH
Lake Myvatn
ICELAND
3
Thingvellir National Park
We include your flight from Reykjavik to Akureyri
Our Small Group Adventure Value • Extensive expertly guided sightseeing including all entry fees • 10 meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners • 6 nights in our carefully selected, superior first class hotels • All on-tour transportation and one internal flight • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your included flight • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
7 days for $3,399 $2,999*
Akureyri – Hotel Kea For 70 years, our superior first class hotel has welcomed guests in the heart of town with cozy guestrooms and modern amenities. Reykjavik – Hilton Reykjavik Nordica This stylish contemporary hotel offers convenient city-center access to both the modern business district and historic areas of Reykjavik.
Norwegian Sea
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
the picturesque island of Hrisey, you’ll enjoy engaging encounters with residents eager to share authentic insight into their lives as fishermen, micro-brewers and farmers. Meals B Day 6 – From Akureyri back to Reykjavik Today’s overland journey offers the chance to experience the culture and beauty of the Icelandic countryside. See traditional 19th-century turf homes at the Glaumbaer Farm & Museum and admire the charming simplicity of the historic Vidimyrar Church. Enjoy a midday break at Hvammstangi Harbor where you’ll have a chance to enjoy lunch on your own at +ODGDQ &DIH, located along the waterfront. In the village of Bogarnes, the exhibits of the Settlement Center offer a fascinating look into the early Vikings who conquered the open seas to settle here in Iceland. Continue to Reykjavik and check in to the superior first class +LOWRQ 1RUGLFD. Enjoy a festive 3-course farewell dinner at Vox. Meals B,D Day 7 – Farewell Reykjavik Your tour with us ends this morning. Meals B
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Mar 12 May 14 • Sep 17 Jun 25 • Jul 12 • Aug 20 Nov 12
$3399 3699 3999 3599
$3799 4199 4699 3999
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Icelandair.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $4,699
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
137
Journey to Croatia & Montenegro
NEW
12 days | for $4,799 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Cross the Bay of Kotor to Perast.
Our sweeping journey explores the history, cultures and sublime natural beauty of three distinct countries along the Adriatic.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Our exclusive itinerary and intimate group size promise a unique and authentic look into three Adriatic nations in this fascinating corner of Europe. • Behold the breathtaking beauty of Plitvice National Park and its profusion of lakes and cascades. • Visit Sarajevo where an Archduke’s assassination sparked the first World War one hundred years ago! • Travel by jeep into the highlands of Montenegro to experience the timeless lifestyles and traditions of the region’s farmers and artisans. • Meet an inn keeper in the Montenegrin village of Njegusi and learn the secrets of the region’s esteemed prosciutto as you sample this specialty. • Discover the outstanding modern sculptures of Ivan Mestrovic on display in the summer villa of this celebrated Croatian artist. 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
138
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Zagreb, Croatia Check in to the Esplanade Hotel. Tour both the historic Upper and Lower Towns before dining at Vinodol, famed for its fine Croatian cuisine. Meals D Day 2 – Excursion to Plitvice National Park c Discover this breathtaking natural wonder of 16 lakes that range in hue from azure and emerald to steely grey. Nestled upon forested slopes, these terraced lakes are connected by a cascade of rushing waters. Sit down to a hearty country lunch near the park and tour the restaurant’s garden. Meals B,L Day 3 – Onward to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Embark on a scenic journey to Sarajevo and check in to the Hotel Bristol. Your tour includes the Princip Bridge where Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914. Later, the Sarajevo Freedom Tunnel Museum offers a sobering yet inspiring look at how residents survived the Siege of Sarajevo. Meals B,D Day 4 – Excursion to historic Mostar c Today’s excursion includes the celebrated Stari Most (Old Bridge) as well as Mostar’s 16th-century mosque and unique Ottoman architecture. Sample Turkish coffee and learn about its enduring role in Bosnian life. Meals B,L Day 5 – Through Durmitor National Park c to Kolasin, Montenegro Journey into Durmitor National Park, a spectacular glacier-formed landscape of rivers, pine forests, clear lakes and the Tara Canyon - the deepest in Europe. Continue to Kolasin and check in to the Bianca Resort & Spa. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – A day trip into the Montenegrin Highlands Travel by jeep into the highlands and experience daily life in this picturesque region. Meet local farmers who live simply in small cottages and enjoy a village lunch of traditional fare before returning to Kolasin. Meals B,L,D Day 7 – Through the Moraca Canyon to Kotor c Marvel at the 13th-century frescoes of the Moraca Monastery and tour Cetinje Monastery which houses holy relics of St. John the Baptist. Sample regional hams and cheeses in the village of Njegusi before an unforgettable coastal drive to the charming town of Kotor. Stay at the Hotel Cattaro. Meals B,L,D
Day 8 – Explore Kotor Situated along a deep fjord, Kotor is one of Europe’s most captivating towns. Enjoy a walking tour through the medieval quarter of this finely preserved 13th-century town including its massive ramparts, the Maritime Museum and Our Lady of the Rocks. Then cruise across the beautiful Bay of Kotor to Perast. Enjoy dinner overlooking the water before continuing to the Hilton Imperial in Dubrovnik. Meals B,D Day 9 – Discover Dubrovnik c Explore with your guide through one of the world’s best preserved walled towns. Enter through the imposing city gate and tour the Old Town where you’ll visit the Rector’s Palace and walk along the imposing medieval walls. Your afternoon is free to enjoy more of Dubrovnik’s charms at your own pace. Meals B Day 10 – Journey to Split Drive northward along the Adriatic coast to Split. After lunch, tour the impressive collection of the Mestrovic Gallery, housed in the former summer villa of Croatia’s most famous modern sculptor. Check in to the stylish Radisson Blu Resort. Meals B,L Day 11 – Ancient wonders in Split Your tour of Split’s ancient landmarks includes the 4th-century Roman palace built by Emperor Diocletian c. Explore handsome piazzas like the grand square where the Emperor addressed Roman citizens and visit the Imperial Mausoleum. This evening’s farewell dinner features fine Croatian specialties. Meals B,D Day 12 – Depart Split Your journey with us ends this morning. Meals B
2 Zagreb CROATIA
Plitvice Lakes National Park
BOSNIA
2 Sarajevo
Split
2
Adriatic Sea
Mostar
Durmitor Nat’l Park
2 Kolasin
Dubrovnik 2 1 Njegusi Kotor
MONTENEGRO
Our Trip Leader, Danilo Stojanovic With law and philosophy degrees and decades as a travel professional, including several years in New York, Danilo brings a scope of experience matched by few. His deep passion for his native lands will bring a rich dimension to your travels! Born in Croatia, Danilo now lives in Montenegro.
Our outstanding and evocative hotels
Sarajevo – The Bristol Hotel This stylish hotel, the finest in town, is set along an enchanting riverside promenade.
Our Small Group Value • Extensive guided sightseeing including all entry fees • 24 meals: 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners •11 nights in handpicked superior first class and deluxe hotels • All on-tour transportation • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Kolasin – Bianca Resort & Spa Our deluxe mountain resort offers casual sophistication and the ambience of a chalet.
Dubrovnik – Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik With an prime location steps just away from the medieval city gate, our deluxe hotel is ideally located for exploring the Old Town. Split – Radisson BLU Split Resort Our contemporary deluxe hotel offers stunning views over the Adriatic Sea.
SAVE ON ANY DATE COUPLES
Kotor – Hotel Cattaro Set in three historic buildings in the heart of town, this superior first class hotel blends Old World style and modern comfort.
12 days for $4,799 $4,399*
Save $800
SINGLES
Zagreb – Esplanade Zagreb Built for passengers of the Orient-Express train, this landmark hotel continues to set the standard for luxury and service.
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
May 11 • Jun 8 • Sep 7, 28 • Oct 12 2015 May 10
$4799
$5799
$4799
$5799
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Lufthansa and United.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
139
Magic of Morocco 8 days | for $3,199 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Journey into the Atlas Mountains.
Our stylish Morocco tour explores four Imperial cities, ancient sites, evocative landscapes and a vibrant age-old culture.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Experience the warmth, history and elegance of two of Morocco’s finest traditional courtyard hotels. • Our special dining experiences include Rick’s Café, a seaside lunch in Rabat, a traditional meal in a highland town and dinner in a Marrakech palace. • Indulge in a traditional Moroccan tea service as you take in sweeping views over the Marrakech medina. • Go off the beaten path to explore Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains and the lovely Ourika Valley. 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Excellent… a knowledgeable guide, wonderful accommodations, great food, just the right amount of time on tour and on our own. – B.A., Portland, OR 140
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Casablanca Check in to the 5-star Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche Hotel. Your afternoon tour features the Central Market, Royal Palace and the Hassan II Mosque. Dine tonight at Rick’s Café, immortalized in the classic Bogart film! Meals D Day 2 – Onward to Rabat c and Fès Drive to Rabat and enjoy a city tour before sitting down to lunch along the seafront. Continue to Fès and check in to the enchanting Riad Fès. Meals B,L Day 3 – Excursion to Meknes c and Volubilis c Travel to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four Imperial cities. See the imposing Gate of Bab El Mansour, stroll in the ancient Jewish Quarter and visit the magnificent Royal Stables, large enough to hold 20,000 Arabian horses. Drive to Moulay Idriss, a sacred hilltop city, and then explore the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis before returning to Fès. Meals B Day 4 – Immerse in the Imperial City of Fès c Your full-day tour includes the medieval Medina, the Old City, the magnificent ceramic mosaics of the Nejjarine Fountain and Karaouine Mosque. Meals B Day 5 – Into the Middle Atlas Mountains and on to Marrakech Journey into the Middle Atlas Range through mountain towns and Berber villages like Ifrane, Immouzer du Kandar and Azrou. Stop for lunch in the bustling market town of Beni Mellal and continue to Marrakech. Settle in to the 5-star La Maison Arabe and enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure. Meals B,L Day 6 – Explore Imperial Marrakech c Sightseeing features Djemaa El Fna Square, the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace and Le Jardin Majorelle – the villa residence of Yves Saint-Laurent. Stop for tea and magnificent views over the Medina at Maison de la Photographie. Meals B Day 7 – Full-day excursion into the peaceful Ourika Valley Set out from the city into a picturesque land of olive groves and citrus orchards. As the peaks of the Atlas Mountains draw near, you enter the Ourika Valley.
PORTUGAL
Visit a Berber cooperative where the rare Argan nut is cultivated and tour a farm specializing in Red Gold – saffron. Discover the lovely landscapes of Setti Fatma before returning to Marrakech. Dine tonight at Palais Soleiman, one of the city’s finest restaurants. Meals B,D Day 8 – Farewell to Morocco Your tour with us ends here this morning. Or enhance your travels with our popular trip extension into the Sahara! Meals B
SPAIN Mediterranean Sea
Strait of Gibraltar
Rabat Casablanca 1
Volubilis
3 Fès Meknes
Beni Mellal
Capturing the romance of Morocco...
Marrakech 3 Ourika
Atl
as
un Mo
Ouarzazate 1 1 Zagora
ALGE
MOROCCO tai
ns
1 Merzouga
Our Small Group Value
The Riad Fès and La Maison Arabe No stay in Morocco would be complete without experiencing the magic and charm of a traditional riad. Set in historic homes and erstwhile palaces, Morocco’s famed riads promise a warm welcome, attentive service and an oasis of tranquility in these exotic cities.
Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
In the style of a courtyard palace, the Riad Fès is a luxury retreat in the heart of the city’s bustling Medina. Retreat to your inviting guestroom and relax alfresco in the calm of a garden patio, beautifully styled with mosaics, lamps and fine Moorish carvings.
8 days for $3,199 $2,799* COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
In Marrakech, the delightful Maison Arabe is an intimate 5-star riad that has welcomed guests to the heart of the Medina for more than half a century. Sumptuous guestrooms, an inviting pool and flower-filled patios reflect the finest Moroccan craftsmanship. Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche In Casablanca we offer the 5-star Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche, ideally located opposite the imposing Hassan II Mosque and close to the city’s historic Medina.
Enjoy World Sacred Music in Fès! Go with us on June 7 and experience one of Morocco’s most evocative and culturally rich festivals. Showcasing sacred musical traditions from around the world, the Fès Festival of World Sacred Music draws musicians and fans from across the globe. Our special departure includes a premier concert performance at this weeklong event.
Save $800
SINGLES
A romantic stay at the Riad Fès.
• Escorted comprehensive sightseeing in every city and two specially-planned full-day excursions with all entrance fees • 11 meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners • 7 nights in our 5-star hotel and luxury riads • All on-tour transportation, luggage handling, and all hotel taxes and service charges • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
Feb 15 • Mar 22 • Apr 19 • May 10 Jun 7 – Fès Festival of World Sacred Music Jun 14 • Sep 6, 27 • Oct 18 • Nov 15 • Dec 6
$3199
$4199
$3199
$4199
2015
Feb 21 • Mar 21 • Apr 18
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Royal Air Maroc. Add extra nights.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $3,399
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Add the Sahara & Southern Morocco 4 days for $1,299 Discover this often overlooked but most rewarding region as you travel through the High Atlas Range to historic Ouarzazate and into the Sahara. Exploring scenic backroads, our easy-to-add adventure includes all transportation, two nights deluxe hotel, an overnight at our romantic desert encampment, 4 meals and in-depth sightseeing including the Todra Gorge and Route of 1,000 Casbahs. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
141
Traditions of Turkey
NEW
12 days | for $5,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Cappadocia
Our unique cultural excursions and intimate personal experiences immerse you in the graceful beauty, style and life of this exotic and antique land.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Cross the Bosphorus to Asian Istanbul to explore a colorful market and enjoy lunch in a one-of-a-kind restaurant famed for its fine Anatolian cuisine. • Experience warm Turkish hospitality and traditions when you sit down to a meal with a resident family in their charming village home in Bergama. • Visit the medieval mausoleum where the Whirling Dervish order was born... Later, you’ll attend a haunting and mystical performance. • Our hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia is the perfect way to take in the region’s picturesque valleys and unusual rock formations! • Join Mehmet, a lifelong resident, to explore the valleys of Cappadocia, venturing deep into scenic areas where other visitors would wander lost! 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
142
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Istanbul Check in to the luxurious Divan Hotel. This evening, dine on traditional Turkish kebabs at a charming restaurant on an island in the Bosphorus. Meals D Day 2 – The ancient wonders of Istanbul c Tour the 6th-century Hagia Sofia and see the ancient Roman Hippodrome. Visit the Blue Mosque and dine on the grounds of the Topkapi Palace. Then tour the erstwhile sultans’ residence including its famed Treasury. End your day exploring the Grand Bazaar, filled with thousands of shops. Meals B,L Day 3 – Istanbul... where Europe and Asia meet Cross the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city and explore an exotic market with tastings of local specialties. At a nearby restaurant, you’ll dine on delicious regional cuisine. Cruise the Bosphorus calling upon charming village ports in both Europe and Asia and then visit the opulent Beylerbeyi Palace. Meals B,L Day 4 – Discover Troy and travel to Assos A scenic drive via Cannakale brings you to the archaeological site of Troy c for a guided tour. Continue to the Kervansaray Hotel in Assos. Meals B,D Day 5 – To Pergamum and Izmir Journey to ancient Pergamum and tour its magnificent ruins from the days of Alexander the Great. Then spend time with a village family in Bergama and experience their warm Turkish hospitality as you join them for a home cooked lunch. Continue to the 5-star Swissotel Grand Efes in Izmir. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – Excursion to Ephesus Begin your day exploring the renowned archeological site of Ephesus, one of the most important cities of the ancient world. Enjoy lunch in medieval Sirince and visit the House of the Virgin Mary and Basilica of St. John. Meals B,L,D Day 7 – Aphrodisias & Hierapolis... and onward to Pamukkale Discover two significant sites of antiquity, beginning with the ancient city of Aphrodisias and its famous sanctuary of Aphrodite. Then tour Hierapolis c; founded in 190 B.C., it reached its zenith in the 2nd century as a Roman thermal spa. Continue to the Pam Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale. Meals B,L,D
BULGARIA
Black Sea
Distinctive hotels with Ottoman charm!
4
Izmir – Swissotel Grand Efes Our 5-star hotel is surrounded by lush landscaped gardens overlooking the spectacular seafront promenade in the heart of this historic port. Pamukkale – Pam Thermal Hotel Against a backdrop of forested hills, this charming hot spring resort hotel offers relaxing thermal pools of native red limestone.
TURKEY
Canakkale
Assos 1 Pergamum 2 Izmir
Ephesus
2 Cappadocia
1 Pamukkale
1 Konya
Your internal flight is included.
Our Small Group Value • Extensive escorted sightseeing including all entry fees • 22 meals: 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners • 11 nights in our deluxe hotels • All on-tour transportation and one internal flight • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your included flight • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Istanbul – Divan Istanbul Our newly rebuilt, luxury hotel offers every modern amenity and a warm Turkish welcome in the vibrant heart of this exotic city.
12 days for $5,999 $5,599* SAVE ON ANY DATE COUPLES
Assos – Kervansaray Hotel Set in a traditional stone building overlooking the Aegean Sea, our charming hotel offers modern amenities including free WiFi.
Istanbul
Save $800
SINGLES
Day 8 – Onward to Konya Journey to Konya and visit the magnificent Mausoleum of Mevlana. Built in the 13th century and ornamented with brilliant turquoise tiles, this is the resting place of Rumi, the renowned Sufi mystic and also the birthplace of the Whirling Dervish order. Continue to Konya and check in to the deluxe Dedeman Hotel. Meals B,D Day 9 – Kaymakli Underground City Explore the remarkable underground city at Kaymakli encompassing hundreds of tunnels and living spaces that descend 8 floors below ground! Continue to the Argos Hotel in Cappadocia. Meals B Day 10 – Cappadocia... From above and below This morning’s hot air balloon ride is the best way to experience the ethereal rocky landscapes of Cappadocia. Then join Mehmet for our specially arranged walking tour; with his intimate knowledge of these picturesque valleys, this lifelong resident will show you facts and facets known to few. Then tour the remarkable 1,000 year-old painted cavechurches of the Goreme Open Air Museum c and see skilled weavers and ceramic artists at work in the village of Avanos. This evening, enjoy a haunting performance by the Whirling Dervishes. Meals B Day 11 – Fly to Istanbul Return to Istanbul and transfer again to the Divan Hotel. Meals B Day 12 – Bid farewell Our tour services end this morning after breakfast. Meals B
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
May 2 • Jun 20 • Aug 1 • Sep 5, 19 • Oct 10
$5999
$7299
$5999
$7299
2015
May 1
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Turkish Airlines.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Konya – Dedeman Konya Hotel Our contemporary deluxe hotel in the center of town offers spacious generously-appointed guestrooms with LCD TV and marble baths. Cappadocia – Argos Hotel On the site of an ancient monastery, our unique deluxe hotel has carefully preserved the historical dwellings and underground tunnels of the region. Whirling Dervishes
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
143
Historic Gems of Russia 10 days | from $3,699 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
7KH &KXUFK RI WKH ,QWHUFHVVLRQ RQ WKH 5LYHU 1HUO
From city to countryside, we promise a more inclusive itinerary... Delightfully SUHVHQWHG E\ RXU ¿QH 5XVVLDQ 7HDP
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Enter within the Kremlin walls to behold a collection of Imperial treasures in the Armory Museum. • Explore the historic towns of Vladimir and Suzdal. • Venture with our well-versed Trip Leader deep into the Golden Ring to Yuryev Polsky and Alexandrov, the ancient capital of Ivan the Terrible. • Get a tantalizing look into the resplendent lives of the Czars as you tour the Catherine Palace and stroll the grounds of Peter the Great’s summer estate. 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Wonderful! We’re delighted to have found General and are eager to explore more of the world with them. We really liked our small group of 15! Our guides were excellent and every detail was – L.N., Evergreen, CO handled very well. 144
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Moscow Check in to the deluxe Hilton Leningradskaya. This evening, get to know your small band of fellow travelers over a congenial dinner at your hotel. Meals D Day 2 – Full-day sightseeing with our in-the-know Trip Leader Begin your day aboard the famed Moscow Metro, passing through some of the city’s most beautifully decorated underground stations. Then enter within the walls of the Kremlin c for a walking tour of the grounds including Cathedral Square. In the Armory Museum, you’ll be dazzled by a priceless collection of Imperial memorabilia, including bejeweled Fabergé eggs. Then see the Bolshoi Theater, KGB building and Novodevichy Convent c. Stand in Red Square c and behold colorful St. Basil’s Cathedral before returning to your hotel. Meals B Day 3 – Into the countryside of the Golden Ring Journey to historic Alexandrov, the capital of Russia under Ivan the Terrible, to visit the Alexandrovskaya Sloboda Museum and see the private chambers of Russia’s most infamous ruler. After lunch, we take you to rarely-visited Yuryev Polsky, a classic country town with one of Russia’s oldest and best-preserved cathedrals. Continue to Suzdal and check in to the Pushkarskaya Sloboda Hotel in time for dinner at your hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – Discover Suzdal c and Vladimir c Founded in 1024, Suzdal’s well-preserved Kremlin walls once protected the borders of the Empire. Tour the Museum of Wooden Architecture and the Nativity Cathedral. Then journey to Vladimir, founded more than 1,000 years ago, to see the Golden Gate and visit the beautifully carved St. Demetrius Cathedral. Nearby, the Church of the Intercession is set in a lovely meadow on the River Nerl. Delight in this rarely-visited gem, one of Russia’s most romantic and enduring visions, before returning to your hotel in Suzdal. Meals B,L Day 5 – Return to Moscow Journey back to the capital where the balance of your afternoon is at leisure. Moscow is filled with historical sites and fascinating museums, and our knowledgeable Trip Leader is on hand for suggestions and assistance. Meals B
FINLAND Lake
Vo lga
Onega Day 6 – By high-speed rail to St. Petersburg c Lake Ladoga Transfer to the station and board the train to St. Petersburg where Helsinki 2 you’ll have a guided tour of the Hermitage. Enjoy four nights at the Gulf of Finland 4 St. Petersburg deluxe, city center 5HQDLVVDQFH 6W 3HWHUVEXUJ %DOWLF +RWHO. Meals B 2 Tallinn Day 7 – The Catherine Palace RUSSIA Rybinsk Lake ESTONIA Visit the Catherine Palace for a tantalizing look into the opulent life of Peter the Great’s wife. Back in St. Petersburg, admire the Baroque Add Helsinki & Tallinn buildings that grace the Nevsky Prospekt, tour St. Isaac’s Cathedral Lake Lak LAT VIA LATVIA Ladoga Suzdal with its massive gilded dome and see the Church of the Spilled Blood, Helsinki 2 2 set along one of the city’s many picturesque canals. Meals B St. Petersburg Gulf of Finland LITHUANIA HUANIA HUA NIA 4 3 Day 8 – Excursion to The Peterhof 2 Tallinn Moscow From mid May through mid September, the exuberant fountains of ESTONIA The Peterhof are on full display and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable visit to this spectacular summer estate of Peter the Great. Meander its landscaped grounds ornamented with gilded statues and thrill to the Our Small Group Value incredible display of its Grand Cascades. This evening, join your Trip • Escorted comprehensive sightseeing including all entry fees Leader and fellow travelers for a convivial farewell dinner. Meals B,D • 14 meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners Day 9 – At leisure in St. Petersburg This day is yours to explore more of the city at your own pace. Meals B • 7 nights in our deluxe city-center hotels and 2 nights at our charming 4-star hotel in the heart of the Golden Ring Day 10 – Farewell to St. Petersburg • All on-tour transportation, luggage handling and all hotel taxes Your program with us finishes after breakfast. Meals B
and service charges • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
10 days from $3,699 $3,299* COUPLES
City luxury & Russian charm Moscow – Hilton Leningradskaya Nicely located next to Moscow’s Garden Ring, our deluxe hotel is set in one of the historic Stalin Towers, among the most celebrated landmarks in the city. Suzdal – Pushkarskaya Sloboda Our comfortable hotel is set on the banks of the Kamenka River. Your Superior Room surrounds you with the warmth and rustic charm of a traditional Russian dacha. St. Petersburg – Renaissance St. Petersburg Baltic Hotel Our deluxe boutique hotel offers an outstanding location in the heart of town close to St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
Save $800
SINGLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Palace Square, St. Petersburg
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014
Double
Single
May 30 • Jun 6 • Sep 26 Jun 27 Jul 18 • Aug 15 Sep 5
$3899 3999 3699 3799
$4899 5099 4499 4699
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Lufthansa. Add extra nights. A visa for Russia is required for U.S. citizens.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $5,299
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Add on Helsinki & Tallinn 5 days from $1,599
Helsinki
With the high-speed Allegro Train making the trip from St. Petersburg in just 4 hours, Helsinki is the perfect add-on to your tour of Russia. Then voyage across the Gulf of Finland to Estonia and discover the medieval splendor of Tallinn! Our easy-to-add extension includes first class rail from St. Petersburg to Helsinki, 2-hour ferry crossing to Tallinn, all on-tour transportation and transfers, 2 nights at the superior first class Hotel GLO Kluuvi in Helsinki, 2 nights at the 5-star Savoy Boutique Hotel in Tallinn, in-depth escorted sightseeing with all entry fees, special visit to a glass artisan’s workshop in Tallinn, and more!
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
7DOOLQQ
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
145
From Istanbul to St. Petersburg
NEW
14 or 16 days | from $6,099 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Istanbul
Odessa
Kiev
Moscow
Suzdal
St. Petersburg
Our engaging Trip Leaders enrich this exclusive and in-depth exploration of the historic connections and enduring cultural traditions of three fascinating countries.
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Savor the exotic flavors of Istanbul on our special Tasting Tour of the colorful Spice Market - including the shop where Turkish Delight was first created! • Delight in the summer palaces, ancient fortresses and peaceful fishing villages that dot the European and Asian shores on your Bosphorus cruise. • Enjoy a performance at the Odessa Opera & Ballet. • Delve into Ukrainian folktales when you visit Bald Mountain, a legendary gathering place for witches. • Behold the priceless collections of the Kremlin Armory Museum and the storied Hermitage. • Explore the historic Russian towns of Vladimir and Suzdal and then venture deeper into the Golden Ring to Yuryev Polsky and Alexandrov, the ancient capital of Ivan the Terrible. 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
146
®
Start in Istanbul, Turkey Day 1 – Welcome to Istanbul Arrive in Istanbul and check in to your hotel. Tonight, savor Turkish kebobs at Suada, a charming restaurant on an island in the Bosphorus. Meals D Day 2 – The exotic sites and flavors of Istanbul c Your tour includes the Topkapi Palace and lavish Beylerbeyi Palace. Tour the Hagia Sophia, the great Byzantine basilica built in the 6th century, and explore the Spice Market with special tastings and a visit to the shop where Turkish Delight was created. An afternoon cruise on the Bosphorus takes you all the way to a peaceful fishing village close to the Black Sea. Meals B,L
Start in Odessa, Ukraine Day 3 – Welcome to Odessa [The flight from Istanbul to Odessa is included for guests on our 16-day tour.] Enjoy a guided walking tour including the Potemkin Stairs, Cathedral and Vorontsov’s Palace. This evening, attend a stellar performance at the renowned Odessa Opera & Ballet Theater. Meals B Day 4 – History and art in Odessa Gain insight into the city’s long-ago and World War II history as you descend into the Catacombs for a guided visit. Then tour the extensive collection of the Fine Arts Gallery, set in a handsome 19th-century noble residence. Meals B Day 5 – Fly to Kiev Upon arrival, your tour includes St. Sophia c. Inspired by the Hagia Sophia you visited in Istanbul, this magnificent cathedral contributed to the spread of Christianity throughout Russia. You’ll also see the imposing Golden Gate and Kievo-Pecharska Lavra, a monastic complex of gold-domed churches. Meals B Day 6 – Traditions and legend in the Ukraine Learn about traditional life as you discover authentic wooden churches and homes gathered from villages across the country. Then visit Bald Mountain, the inspiration for the eponymous orchestral work by Mussorgsky. Meals B,L
L. Ladoga
Istanbul – Divan Istanbul Our newly rebuilt, luxury hotel offers every modern amenity and a warm Turkish welcome. Odessa – The Bristol Hotel For more than a century, this classic and elegant hotel has been welcoming distinguished guests to the heart of town.
Suzdal – Pushkarskaya Sloboda Our comfortable riverside inn offers all the warmth and rustic charm of a traditional Russian dacha. St. Petersburg – Renaissance Baltic Hotel This deluxe boutique hotel offers an outstanding location in the heart of town close to St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
lg a Volga
Suzdal 2
R U S S I A
3
Moscow Dnepr
Kiev 2 Dn epr
Dn
Don
U K R A I N E
est
r
Dn
es
Danub
tr
Odessa
2
e
B l a c k
S e a
2 Istanbul T U R K E Y
Aegean Sea
All internal flights are included.
Our Small Group Value
• Extensive Small Group sightseeing including all entry fees • 23 meals: 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners • 15 nights in our deluxe hotels and traditional Russian inn • All on-tour transportation and all internal flights • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your included flights • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
14 days from $6,099 $5,699*
Kiev – The Premier Palace Built at the turn of the century, this historic architectural landmark offers 5-star amenities in the center of the city. Moscow – Hilton Leningradskaya Nicely located next to Moscow’s Garden Ring, our deluxe hotel is set in one of the city’s historic Stalin Towers.
Rybinsk Res.
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
Deluxe hotels... And a charming Russian inn
Gulf of Finland
Vo
Day 7 – Onward to Moscow Upon arrival in Moscow, transfer to your deluxe hotel. Meals B,D Day 8 – Discover the Russian capital Enter within the walls of the Kremlin c for a tour and discover the glittering Imperial treasures of the Armory Museum. Continue your sightseeing with Red Square c, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Novodevichy Convent c and the Bolshoi Theater. Meals B Day 9 – Into the countryside of the Golden Ring Visit Alexandrov, the Russian capital under Ivan the Terrible and Yuryev Polsky, a classic country town with one of Russia’s oldest cathedrals. Continue to Suzdal and check in to your charming and comfortable inn. Meals B,L,D Day 10 – Excursion to ancient Suzdal c and Vladimir c Visit the 11th-century town of Suzdal and St. Demetrius Cathedral in Vladimir. Nearby, the Church of the Intercession is set in a riverside meadow. Delight in this rarely-visited gem, one of Russia’s most romantic visions. Meals B,L Day 11 – Back to Moscow Return to Moscow for a free afternoon. Meals B Day 12 – By high-speed rail to St. Petersburg c Tour the extensive art collection of the Hermitage, set in an opulent erstwhile palace of the Czars. Enjoy a leisurely stay at our deluxe hotel in the heart of town. Meals B Day 13 – The Catherine Palace & City Highlights Visit the dazzling Catherine Palace for a tantalizing look into the opulent life of Peter the Great’s wife. Return to the city where you’ll tour St. Isaac’s Cathedral and see the Church of the Spilled Blood, set along a lovely city canal. Meals B Day 14 – Excursion to The Peterhof From mid May through mid September, the exuberant fountains of The Peterhof are on full display and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable visit to the spectacular gardens of the summer estate of Peter the Great. Meals B,D Day 15 – At leisure in St. Petersburg This day is free to enjoy and explore as you wish. Meals B Day 16 – Farewell St. Petersburg Your tour with us finishes this morning. Meals B
4 St. Petersburg
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
Start in Odessa – 14 days for $6,099 $5,699* 2014
Double
Single
May 26 • Jun 2, 23 • Jul 14 • Aug 11 • Sep 1, 22
$6099
$7,999
Start in Istanbul – 16 days for $7,399 $6,999* 2014
Double
Single
May 24, 31 • Jun 21 • Jul 12 • Aug 9, 30 • Sep 20
$7399
$9799
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Lufthansa.
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
147
Discover Moscow & St. Petersburg 7 days | from $2,999 | A private tour just for your traveling party.
0RVFRZ¶V .UHPOLQ
7KH ÀH[LELOLW\ DQG SHUVRQDOL]HG VHUYLFHV RI RXU SULYDWH 5XVVLD WULS SURPLVH D PRUH HQULFKLQJ VWD\ LQ WKHVH JUDQG FLWLHV
Private Touring Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• See Moscow’s must-see sights and then personalize your sightseeing... Our private car, driver and guide are at your disposal for an entire morning! • With our unique flexibility, you can choose air or high-speed rail for a comfortable journey to St. Petersburg... You can even do this trip in reverse! • In-depth sightseeing with our resident expert in St. Petersburg includes a personally guided tour of the Hermitage and a private excursion to Pushkin. • Tailor this holiday to your style and budget with our selection of deluxe or luxury hotels, handpicked for great locations and distinctive charm. 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
$ VXSHUE WULS ZLWK IDEXORXV WRXU JXLGHV ZKR EHFDPH FRPSDQLRQV 7KHLU NQRZOHGJH RI WKHLU FLWLHV DQG WKHLU UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV ZHUH H[WUHPHO\ KHOSIXO – D.P. & L.P., Johnson, RI
148
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Moscow Check in to your choice of hotel – all offering unbeatable city-center locations. Day 2 – Private sightseeing in Moscow This morning, your private car, driver and guide await to show you Red Square c, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Bolshoi Theater, Sparrow Hills, and Novodevichy Convent c. In the afternoon, enter the imposing fortress walls for a personally guided tour of the Kremlin c, including the Imperial treasures of the Armory Museum. Meals B Day 3 – Out and about with your guide Your private car, driver and guide are at your disposal this morning to explore Moscow as you wish. This is a unique opportunity to pursue your own passions with our expert at your side. Delve into Medieval art, World War II history, Russian literature or maybe even Soviet architecture - the choice is yours! The afternoon is at leisure to continue your explorations on your own. Meals B Day 4 – North by northwest to St. Petersburg c Travel to St. Petersburg by your choice of plane or train. Upon arrival, your private car will take you to check in to your choice of city-center hotel. The remainder of the days is yours to explore as you wish. Meals B Day 5 – Private sightseeing in St. Petersburg and the Hermitage This morning you will be met by your guide for a private car tour designed to showcase the city’s remarkable architecture and history. Marvel at the impressive dome of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and see the picturesque Church of the Spilled Blood. In the afternoon, rejoin your guide to explore the magnificent Hermitage, which houses one of the finest art collections in the world. Meals B Day 6 – Catherine Palace Travel to Pushkin with your personal car and driver for a private tour of the resplendent Catherine Palace. From mid-May through mid-September, our guests will also enjoy an excursion to marvel at the exuberant fountains and lovely gardens of The Peterhof, Peter the Great’s summer estate on the Gulf of Finland. Meals B Day 7 – Bid fond farewell to St. Petersburg Your program with us finishes this morning. Or enhance your travels with our post-tour extension to Helsinki. Meals B
FINLAND Lake Onega
Our Private Tour Value Helsinki 2
• Extensive sightseeing with your own personal car, driver and guide including all entrance fees • Daily buffet breakfast • 6 nights accommodation in your choice of hotels • All on-tour transportation, including your choice of air or rail between Moscow and St. Petersburg • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline or rail taxes and fuel charges for your travel between Moscow and St. Petersburg • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Travel any day you wish.
Lake Ladoga
3 St. Petersburg
Gulf of Finland
2 Tallinn ESTONIA A
Rybinsk Lake
RUSSIA Vo lga
Add Helsinki & Tallinn Lake Ladoga
Helsinki 2
3 St. Petersburg
Gulf of Finland
2 Tallinn
Moscow 3
ESTONIA
Travel in either direction... with your choice of air or rail!
$2,599*
7 days from $2,999
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
Our city-center, deluxe hotels
Our luxury hotels... the best in town!
Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya You’ll be upgraded to a Deluxe room at the +LOWRQ 0RVFRZ /HQLQJUDGVND\D, a celebrated historic landmark, one of the city’s iconic Stalin Towers wonderfully located next to the city’s Garden Ring. Corinthia Hotel St. Petersburg An award-winning renovation of two majestic 19th-century buildings and an elegant, contemporary ambience greet your arrival at this deluxe hotel, perfectly situated on the famous Nevsky Prospect. 2014
Double
Single
Jan Feb-May 12 • Dec May 13-Nov
$2999 3499 3599
$4499 4899 5099
$3499 3599
$4899 5099
Moscow Marriott Royal Aurora Every guest room enjoys personal Butler service at this inviting luxury hotel. And the Bolshoi Theater and monuments of Red Square are just a pleasant stroll away! Grand Hotel Europe The *UDQG +RWHO (XURSH has been a city landmark for over a century. Legend and luxury continue today here on Nevsky Prospect, close to the Hermitage Museum. 2014
Double
Single
Jan-Feb 1 • Dec 19-31 Feb 2-May 12 • Jul 12-Sep 6 Oct 15-Dec 18 May 13-Jul 11 Sep 7-Oct 14
$3499
$4799
3799 4399 3999
5299 6399 5599
$3499 3799
$4799 5299
2015
2015
Jan-Mar Apr
Russia’s Music is fabulous! We’re pleased to provide availability, schedules and tickets in Moscow and St. Petersburg for ballet, orchestral and cultural performances. Just call us.
Family
Jan Feb 1-Apr 30
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. Holiday surcharges may apply. We offer air on Lufthansa. Add extra nights. A visa for Russia is required for U.S. citizens.
Add on Helsinki & Tallinn 5 days from $1,599
+HOVLQNL
With the high-speed Allegro Train making the trip from St. Petersburg in just 4 hours, Helsinki is the perfect add-on to your tour of Russia. Then voyage across the Gulf of Finland to Estonia and discover the medieval splendor of Tallinn! Our easy-to-add extension includes first class rail from St. Petersburg to Helsinki, 2-hour ferry crossing to Tallinn, all on-tour transportation and transfers, 2 nights at the superior first class Hotel GLO Kluuvi in Helsinki, 2 nights at the 5-star Savoy Boutique Hotel in Tallinn, in-depth escorted sightseeing with all entry fees, special visit to a glass artisan’s workshop in Tallinn, and more!
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
7DOOLQQ
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
149
The Silk Road in Uzbekistan
NEW
10 days | for $3,399 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
Samarkand
Join our expert Trip Leader on this fully guided journey along the fabled Silk Road... Discover amazing sites of antiquity and experience the enduring rhythms of this ancient and tranquil land.
Small Group Adventures F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Learn how a Moscow painter rescued a trove of Russian art banned by the Soviets and see these modernist treasures at the Nukus art museum. • Spend time with a master painter in his studio in Bukhara and learn about the ancient Uzbek tradition of miniature painting. • Our special culinary class and dinner is a great way to savor Plov, a delicious regional specialty made with rice, lamb and vegetables. • Feel the ancient rhythms of the Silk Road as you explore a colorful local bazaar in Samarkand where our expert guide can explain the finer points of traditional Uzbek bargaining. 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
150
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Tashkent Join your guide for a tour of the city including its remarkable subway. Meals D Day 2 – Onward to Khiva... The Desert of Forbidden Art Fly to the modern city of Nukus to visit the State Museum of Art, famed for its unique collection of Avant-garde Russian art, dramatically rescued from the Soviet regime by Igor Savitsky, a Moscow artist. Then tour the ancient fortress ruins of Toprak Qala before continuing through the scenic desert landscapes to Khiva. Spend two nights at the comfortable Orient Star Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 3 – Ancient Khiva c With its small population and more than 1,000 years of history, Khiva is a living museum, its Old City evoking the exotic rhythms of an ancient Orient town and the fabled Silk Road. After breakfast, you guided tour explores the town in-depth including the Kunya-Ark Fortress and Tash Hauli Palace. Meals B,L,D Day 4 – Along the Silk Road to Bukhara c Tracing the route of the ancient Silk Road, you’ll journey today through the dramatic Kyzyl-Kum Desert to the banks of the Amudarya River, which follows along the modern-day border with Turkmenistan. Continue to Bukhara and check in to the Sasha & Son Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 5 – Explore Bukhara Though nearly destroyed by Genghis Khan, Bukhara offers a wealth of ancient sites, a legacy of its strategic location along the great Silk Road. Your full-day tour showcases the most significant of these landmarks including the 7th-century fortress, the 1,000-year-old Samanid Mausoleum and the beautifully ornamented Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah. Meals B,L,D Day 6 – History and art in Bukhara This morning’s excursion takes you to the lavish Palace of Moon-like Stars, the erstwhile summer residence of the last Bukhara Emir. After lunch, visit a miniaturist’s studio, for a fascinating look into this ancient artistic tradition. Return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of your afternoon to relax or explore at your own pace. Meals B,L,D
Day 7 – Travel to Samarkand c Continue your journey to Samarkand, once hailed as the Heart of the Great Silk Road, and check in to the Malika Prime Hotel. After time to refresh, rejoin your expert guide for a tour of the Registan. This impressive public square, where citizens used to gather for royal proclamations, is surrounded by three madrasahs, the oldest of which dates back 600 years. Meals B,L,D Day 8 – The ancient rhythms of Samarkand Your sightseeing begins at the magnificent tomb built by the great Tamerlane in 1404 for his beloved grandson; today it is still hailed as a masterpiece of Persian style. Then browse in an exotic local bazaar and visit the ancient Ulugbek Observatory, Mausoleum of Saint Daniel and the Bibi-Khanum Cathedral Mosque, which was begun by Tamerlane in 1399 after his victorious campaign in India. This evening’s culinary class and dinner is a delicious and authentic way to experience Plov, a Central Asian specialty made with rice and lamb. Meals B,L,D Day 9 – By rail to Tashkent Your morning is at leisure to explore further at your own pace and to immerse in the evocative atmosphere of this ancient city. After lunch, transfer to the rail station for your journey to Tashkent where you’ll check in once again at the Radisson BLU Hotel. Meals B,L,D Day 10 – Tashkent Your journey with us ends this morning. Meals B
Aral Sea
Nukus 2
UZBEKISTAN
KYRGYZS
Khiva 2 Tashkent
Bukhara
TURKMENISTAN
3
2
Samarkand
TAJIKISTAN
Your internal flight to Nukus is included.
Our Small Group Adventure Value • Extensive escorted sightseeing including all entry fees • 26 meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners • 9 nights in our carefully selected hotels • All on-tour transportation including one internal flight • Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your included flight • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
10 days for $3,399 $2,999*
Save $800
SINGLES
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah, Bukhara
Comfort and charm await Tashkent – Radisson BLU Hotel Our superior first class city-center hotel offers spacious rooms and modern amenities including free Internet access and flat screen TV. Khiva – Orient Star Hotel This comfortable and atmospheric hotel is set in an historic building right on the grounds of the Muhammad Aminkhan Madrasah. Bukhara – Sasha & Son Hotel Enjoy comfortable rooms and inviting courtyards at this charming hotel close to one of Bukhara’s most historic areas, the splendidly restored Jewish quarter.
2014
Double
Single
May 3 • Sep 6, 27
$3399
$3799
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Turkish Airlines.
Enjoy a Private Tour Go any day with just your traveling party from $3,799
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Watch a skilled miniaturist at work in his studio.
Samarkand – Malika Prime Hotel Decorated with traditional Uzbek touches, this welcoming hotel offers a prime location near historic sites including Tamarlane’s Gur Emir Mausoleum. See your Travel Counselor or call us.
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
151
Through the Greek Isles by Sea
NEW
9 days | from $3,999
Windmills on Mykonos Island.
T
Step aboard our luxurious 25-stateroom yacht-style vessel featuring elegant dining and our complete shore excursions program.
GREECE Athens 1
Small Group Discoveries & Value
Day 2: Enjoy a guided tour of the famed archaeological excavations at Delos c, one of the most sacred sites of the ancient world. Continue to beautiful Mykonos where you’ll have free time this to explore and dine ashore at your own pace. Meals B,L Day 3: Your guided tour showcases the archaeological sites and picturesque villages that grace Santorini, celebrated as one of the most spectacular of the Greek Isles! Meals B,D Day 4: Disembark in the port of Rethymnon for your guided excursion to ancient Knossos here on the island of Crete. Meals B,D 152
®
Day 5: Arrive on Kythira, a lesser-known island gem where you’ll have free time to immerse in the authentic Greek ambience of the main town, Chora. Meals B,L Day 6: Today offers plenty of free time to discover the fine Byzantine and Venetian architecture of Monemvasia and the lovely Old Town of Nafplion. Meals B,L Day 7: Tour the renowned archaeological site at Mycenae, the ancient palace of King Agamemnon. In the afternoon, step ashore to explore at your own pace in the delightful port on the island of Hydra or Spetses. Meals B,D Day 8: Disembark in Piraeus for a city tour of Athens c including the Acropolis. Overnight at the first class Athens Gate Hotel. Meals B
Delos
Mykonos
Monemvasia Kythira
7
Santorini
Rethymnon
Crete
9 days from $3,999 $3,599* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
Day 1: Embark the Mega Yacht Harmony V from Athens. Begin your voyage along Cape Sounion and then step ashore this evening in Korrisia to enjoy this charming port at your own pace. Meals D
Hydra
COUPLES
• Step into the pages of Greek mythology as you join our expert guide for a tour of Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo • Discover some of the Aegean’s most enchanting ports and picturesque islands... including Santorini, Mykonos and little-known gems like Kythira and Monemvasia • All shore excursions and a guided city tour in Athens with all entry fees • 15 meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners • 7 nights in an outside stateroom aboard our luxurious and intimate yacht-style ship • 1 night in our 4-star Athens hotel, on-tour transportation and luggage handling
Kea
Nafplion
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
2014 Cat C Cat B Cat A Apr 25 $3999 $4499 $4799 May 2, 9, 23 • Jun 6, 13, 20, 27 Jul 4, 11, 18 • Aug 1,8,15,22,29 Sep 5, 19, 26 Oct 3, 10, 17 4299 4699 5099 Oct 24 3999 4499 4799
Cat P $5099
5399 5099
Prices are per person, land only. Add extra nights. Port charges are not included ($250 per person).
M/Y Harmony V
Day 9: Your program ends today. Meals B 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
Europe Private Tours &RPSUHKHQVLYH SULYDWH WRXULQJ DOO WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ DQG ÂżQH KRWHOV Pay-in-full savings are combinable with other offers. Book by 12/31.
COUPLES: SAVE $800 | SINGLES: SAVE $400
Journey through Romania & Bulgaria
Spain By Rail
Rome to Cinque Terre
10 days from $4,299 $3,899
6 days for $4,499 $4,099
Great hotels, first class rail, and intimate leisurely exploration of three great cities.
Our perfect pairing showcases the best of the Eternal City and the abundant beauty of the Italian Riviera!
10 days for $4,499 $4,099
Our exclusive journey to an untouched and often overlooked corner of Europe.
Private Touring Discoveries & Value â&#x20AC;˘ Hands-on pottery class, lunch in the house where Dracula was born, home-hosted village meal and a winery visit & tasting â&#x20AC;˘ 14 meals and 9 nights in our first class hotels Day 1: Check in to the deluxe city-center Arena di Serdica Hotel in Sofia. Day 2: Tour Sofia and visit the 10th-century Rila Monastery. Meals B,L Day 3: Discover Plovdivâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Old Town and the Thracian Tomb at Kazanlak. Enjoy the Grand Yantra Hotel in Veliko Tarnovo. Meals B,D Day 4: Tour Veliko Tarnovoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medieval quarter and the ancient village of Arbanassi. Meals B Day 5: The rock churches of Ivanovo and the royal wine cellars of Azuga. Check in to the Casa Wagner Hotel in Brasov. Meals B Day 6: Tour historic Brasov, Peles Castle in Sinaia, and the infamous Bran Castle. Meals B,L Day 7: Discover medieval Sighisoara and the lovely village of Sibiel. Overnight at the Levoslav Villa Hotel in Sibiu. Meals B,D Day 8: Tour Sibiu and visit the 14th-century Cozia Monastery. Continue to the Grand Continental Hotel in Bucharest. Meals B Day 9: Tour the Romanian capital. Meals B,D Day 10: Your journey ends today. Meals B
Private Touring Discoveries & Value â&#x20AC;˘ Tastings of regional specialties and an exclusive visit to a private medieval convent â&#x20AC;˘ 9 meals and 9 nights in our first class hotels Day 1: Check in to the inviting K+K Picasso Hotel in the heart of Barcelona. Day 2: Discover the masterpieces of Gaudi and stop by a congenial tapas bar for a light snack with fine Spanish wine. Meals B Day 3: A day to do as you wish. Meals B Day 4: Journey by first class high-speed rail to Seville and transfer to the enchanting Las Casas del Rey de Baeza. Meals B Day 5: Private walking tour includes the Cathedral and Real Alcazar and our exclusive visit to learn about traditional cloistered life at a private 16th-century convent. Meals B Day 6: Enjoy a free day in Seville. Meals B Day 7: Transfer to the station and travel by first class high-speed rail to Madrid where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be met and escorted to the 5-star Hospes Madrid. Meals B Day 8: Explore the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vibrant modern districts, old Moorish Quarter and its lovely parks and squares. Enjoy a snack of churros and hot chocolate, a local favorite. Meals B Day 9: Enjoy this day at leisure. Meals B Day 10: Your tour ends this morning. Meals B
Private Touring Discoveries & Value â&#x20AC;˘ Al fresco dining overlooking Romeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Piazza Navona, hands-on culinary class and a terrace lunch overlooking the sea â&#x20AC;˘ 9 meals and 5 nights in our first class hotels Day 1: Check in to the Rose Garden Palace just off the Via Veneto in the heart of Rome. Day 2: See ancient sites like the Colosseum as well as the Trevi Fountain, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Dine al fresco overlooking Piazza Navona and end your evening with Tre Scaliniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous Tartufo dessert. Meals B,D Day 3: A free day to enjoy Rome. Meals B Day 4: Travel by rail to Cinque Terre set along the spectacular Italian coast overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Check in to the Hotel Paradiso and enjoy dinner at your hotel. Meals B,D Day 5: Exploring with your guide by local train, boat and along scenic pathways is the best way to experience the abundant beauty of this rugged coastal treasure. Enjoy a handson cooking class followed by a terrace lunch overlooking the sea. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll visit all five towns of Cinque Terre before dining this evening at Trattoria Tre Torri. Meals B,L,D Day 6: Transfer to the Florence airport for your onward journey or explore more of Italy with our flexible FreeStyle Travel. Meals B SLOVENIA
Venice
TRANSYLVANIA
Sighisoara
Sibiu 1
Madrid 3
Bran
ROMANIA
Bucharest 2
FRANCE
2
BULGARIA
CINQUE 2 TERRE
PORTUGAL
SPAIN
Sofia
C R O AT I A
3 Barcelona
2 Brasov
2 Veliko Tarnovo
BOSNIA
Florence I TA LY
Mediterranean Sea
Seville 3
3 Rome
Plovdiv Strait of Gibraltar MOROCCO
ALGERIA
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
153
Europe Private Tours &RPSUHKHQVLYH SULYDWH WRXULQJ DOO WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ DQG ÂżQH KRWHOV Pay-in-full savings are combinable with other offers. Book by 12/31.
COUPLES: SAVE $800 | SINGLES: SAVE $400
Budapest, Krakow & Prague 10 days from $3,799 $3,399
Our exclusive combination of three magnificent Eastern European cities.
Private Touring Discoveries & Value â&#x20AC;˘ In-home cooking class with a Budapest family and Pragueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art Nouveau treasures â&#x20AC;˘ 13 meals and 8 nights in our 5-star hotels Day 1: Check in to the deluxe Sofitel Chain Bridge Hotel in the heart of Budapest. Day 2: Private city tour from the Buda Hills to downtown Pest including the Fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bastion and Matthias Church. Meals B Day 3: Shop with your guide in a local market and spend time with a resident family learning to make Hungarian Goulash. Meals B,L Day 4: A scenic drive with your private car and driver through Slovakia brings you to the deluxe Sheraton Krakow Hotel. Meals B,L Day 5: Private city tour of Krakow includes Old Town, from the grand Market Square to historic St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church. Meals B,L Day 6: Your choice of a guided excursion to Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Salt Mines. Overnight rail journey to Prague. Meals B Day 7: Upon arrival, tour Prague Castle. Enjoy three nights at the Pariz Hotel. Meals B Day 8: Private walking tour showcases Pragueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art Nouveau architecture. Dine tonight at the Municipal House. Meals B,D Day 9: Enjoy this day at leisure. Meals B Day 10: Your tour ends this morning. Meals B
Berlin, Dresden & Prague by Rail
Winter Adventure in Lapland
10 days from $3,999 $3,599
7 days for $4,199 $3,799
Our luxury hotels & special sightseeing showcase these three cultural capitals.
December to March - Friday Arrivals
Private Touring Discoveries & Value
Experience Arctic life with dog sleds, reindeer and the Northern Lights
â&#x20AC;˘ Tailor your stay in Berlin and tour Dresdenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green Vault and the Semper Opera House
â&#x20AC;˘ Dog sledding adventure, visit to a reindeer farm and hunting for the Northern Lights
â&#x20AC;˘ 9 meals and 9 nights in our deluxe hotels
â&#x20AC;˘ 10 meals and 6 nights in our first class hotels
Day 1: Check in to the luxurious Regent Berlin Hotel in the historic heart of the city. Day 2: Tailor your stay with your choice of sightseeing: Enjoy an excursion to Potsdam and Sanssouci, or tour Berlin including a visit to either the interactive DDR Museum or the pioneering Jewish Museum. Meals B Day 3: Enjoy a free day in Berlin. Meals B Day 4: Travel by first class rail to Dresden and transfer to the 5-star Hilton Hotel. Meals B Day 5: Private walking tour includes the fabulous treasures of the fabled Green Vault and the Semper Opera House. Meals B Day 6: A day to do as you please. Meals B Day 7: Journey by first class rail to Prague and transfer to the Pariz Hotel. Meals B Day 8: Private city tour featuring Prague Castle and Strahov Monastery. Meals B Day 9: Guided walking tour of Old Town showcases the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art Nouveau landmarks including the Municipal House. Meals B Day 10: Your tour ends today. Meals B
Day 1: Check in to the superior first class GLO Kluuvi Hotel in Helsinki. Day 2: Private city tour of Helsinki. Meals B Day 3: Fly to Ivalo deep in the captivating Finnish Lapland and transfer to the 4-star Hotel Tunturi in Saariselka. Meals B,D Day 4: Learn about the life of Finnish Huskies as you set out on a dog sledding adventure through the fells of Lapland. There are two guests per sled, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll each have a chance to be in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seatâ&#x20AC;?! Enjoy a hearty dinner at the Kakslauttanen Igloo Village before returning to your hotel. Meals B,D Day 5: Travel through the Arctic landscapes by snowmobile to visit a reindeer farm. Participate in the herding of the reindeer, learn to throw a Lappish lasso and spend time with your hosts for insight into the indigenous SĂĄmi culture. Then return to your hotel. Meals B,D Day 6: Enjoy a free day. After dinner, set out in a reindeer sleigh to look for the Northern Lights, taking a break to enjoy a hot cup of coffee around a roaring campfire. Meals B,D Day 7: Transfer to Ivalo Airport. Meals B
GERMANY
4 Saariselka
POLAND
3 Berlin
2 Krakow
Prague 3 CZECH REPUBLIC
POLAND GERMANY
Dresden 3
h
n
i a
B
o
t f
S L O VA K I A
FINLAND
o
Gulf of
SWEDEN
3 Budapest
3 Prague
Bothnia
G u l f
AUSTRIA
L. Ladoga
HUNGARY
CZECH REPUBLIC
Helsinki Baltic Sea
154
2
Gulf of Finland
Stockholm
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
ESTONIA
St. Petersburg
Europe FreeStyle 'HVLJQ RU HQKDQFH \RXU MRXUQH\ ZLWK RXU SULYDWH WRXULQJ WUDQVIHUV DQG ÂżQH KRWHOV
London
Paris
Rome
4 days from $899
4 days from $1,099
4 days from $999
We include everything to tailor your stay: transfers from Heathrow, a choice of fine city-center hotels, a flight on the London Eye, 3-day London TravelCard, and Hop-on/ Hop-off sightseeing with a Thames cruise and choice of 3 new themed walking tours!
Our perfectly-planned stay gives you the flexibility to create your own magic! Enjoy private transfers, a choice of city-center hotels, Hop-on/Hop-off sightseeing, and 2-day passes for free transportation and entry to more than 60 top sites.
Delight in the magic of Rome... We include chauffeured airport transfers, a choice of fine city-center hotels, private sightseeing with your own expert guide including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.
Berlin
Budapest
Prague
4 days from $1,199
4 days from $699
4 days from $799
Discover one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most vibrant and sophisticated capitals. Choose from our terrific city-center hotels and then step out for a private car tour of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic and contemporary landmarks.
Get to know the beautiful Queen of the Danube with our perfectly planned stay. We include transfers, a choice of fine hotels, a private car tour of the Buda Hills and downtown Pest and a cruise on the Danube.
Immerse in the legendary beauty of this splendid city, hailed by Goethe as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the jewel in the crown of the world!â&#x20AC;? Your private tour includes Prague Castle, Strahov Monastery and the architectural landmarks of Old Town.
Warsaw
Moscow
St. Petersburg
4 days from $799
4 days from $1,199
4 days from $1,099
Discover the splendors of this captivating city with our choice of terrific hotels. Your private tour takes you through Old Town and along medieval streets to admire landmarks including the Cathedral and Royal Castle.
Our expert resident guides are eager to show you the city they love and know so well! Your private tour includes Red Square, St. Basilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the Kremlin grounds, and the fabled treasures of the Armory Museum.
Peter the Greatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s magnificent capital is filled with lavish palaces, historic churches and great art! Join our expert resident guide to experience all of these highlights including a tour of the renowned Hermitage Museum.
Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
155
The Holy Land 8 days | for $2,999 | Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
The Western Wall in Jerusalem.
With our unhurried pace, expert Trip Leader and just a small group of travelers, you’ll leave no ancient stone unturned as we take you across Israel!
Small Group Discoveries F O R O U R W O R L D T R AV E L E R S
• Our unusually in-depth itinerary showcases more of the Holy Land’s most inspiring sites... Capernaum, Megiddo, Tabgha, Bethlehem and more. • A 4-night stay in Jerusalem allows for extensive exploration of the Old City, a visit to Ein Karem, and a full-day excursion to the Dead Sea and Masada. • Enjoy a special private meeting with a Key Keeper of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre... Learn how his family came to possess the keys to this holy site. 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c
The tour of the Holy Land and Petra was phenomenal! Our guides were excellent and the small group allowed us to really see and enjoy the sites. There were only 6 of us on this trip! – J.W., Worthington, OH 156
®
Day 1 – Welcome to Tel Aviv Check in to the perfectly located Shalom & Relax Hotel. This evening, gather join your Trip Leader for a welcome dinner. Meals D Day 2 – Along the coast to Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee Discover the city’s modern spirit as you explore the White City of Tel Aviv c, including the vibrant district of Neve Tzedek. Then visit two amazing sites of antiquity: Caesarea, built by Herod the Great, and Megiddo c, a city inhabited for 5,000 years where you’ll see the excavation of a 3rd-century church. Continue to the Caesar Premier Hotel on the Sea of Galilee. Meals B,D Day 3 – Along the shores and across the Sea of Galilee Visit Capernaum where Jesus chose his first disciples and see the synagogue built on a spot where Jesus once preached. You’ll also visit Tabgha and the Church of Multiplication, the site of Christ’s miracle of feeding the 5,000. Drive on to the Mount of the Beatitudes and the Golan Heights before visiting the Banias Springs at Caesarea Philippi. Enjoy a pleasant boat ride on the Sea of Galilee before returning to your hotel in Tiberias. Meals B,D Day 4 – Through the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem Visit the Wedding Church in Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle and travel on to Nazareth to see the Church of Annunciation. Continue through the Jordan Valley to Beit Shean with its recently excavated amphitheater and then onward to Jerusalem, where you check in to the Dan Boutique Hotel. Meals B Day 5 – Explore Old Jerusalem c Your tour in this most holy of cities includes the Mount of Olives, a stop at the site where Jesus first gave the Lord’s Prayer, and the Garden of Gethsemane. In the Old City you’ll see the Western Wall and the Temple Mount and walk along the Via Dolorosa. At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, we’ve arranged for you to meet one of the Key Keepers. Hear the fascinating story of how his family came to possess the keys to this holy site. We continue on to Mount Zion, visiting the traditional tomb of David and the Room of the Last Supper, before finishing the day in Bethlehem. Meals B
Our inviting and comfortable hotels Tel Aviv – Shalom & Relax Hotel Overlooking the Mediterranean, our comfortable first class hotel evokes the warmth and ambience of a sophisticated beach house.
Tabgha
Capernaum Sea of Galilee Nazareth 2 Tiberias Caesarea Amman
Tel Aviv 1 Jerusalem 4
Qumran
Ein Karem Dead Sea Bethlehem Masada
ISRAEL
JORDAN
EGYPT
2 Petra
Our Small Group Value • Comprehensive sightseeing including all entrance fees • 12 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners • 7 nights accommodation in our handpicked first class hotels • All on-tour transportation, luggage handling and all hotel taxes & service charges • GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
8 days for $2,999 $2,599*
Tiberias – Caesar Premier Hotel This newly renovated, contemporary 4-star hotel is wonderfully situated on the lakeside promenade overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
COUPLES
SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
Day 6 – Discover modern Jerusalem Visit the New City including the Israel Museum with its detailed model of Jerusalem from the time of the Second Temple and continue to the Shrine of the Book to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and Aleppo Codex. Then visit the Yad Vashem Memorial to the Holocaust and Ein Karem, the traditional birthplace of John the Baptist. This evening, you’ll thrill to the Sound & Light Show at the City of David. Meals B Day 7 – Excursion to the Dead Sea and Masada c En route to the Dead Sea, see the site of the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Continue to Masada, where you ascend by cable car to visit the hilltop ruins and hear the chilling tale of its brave inhabitants. Nearly 1,300 feet below sea level, our next stop is the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Be sure to bring your swimsuit as you’ll enjoy lunch and time for a swim. Gather with your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner. Meals B,L,D Day 8 – Depart Jerusalem: Your tour with us ends today... Or why not travel on with us to discover the magnificent Lost City of Petra? Meals B
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
Jerusalem – Dan Boutique Hotel This hotel is superbly located, overlooking Mount Zion and the Old City Walls. Guests are just a short stroll away from one of the city’s most popular entertainment districts.
Continue to the Lost City of Petra... 3 days from $999
2014
Double
Single
Feb 8 • Mar 22 • Apr 5 • May 10 Jun 14 • Oct 18 • Nov 8
$2999
$3599
$2999
$3699
2015
Mar 14 • Apr 25
Pay-in-full discount is $400 per person deducted from selling price. Combine with other offers to save more. Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Lufthansa. Add extra nights. U.S. citizens traveling to Jordan over the Allenby Bridge require a visa in advance.
Family
Friends
Save $50 - $200 more per person when 3 or more go together
Tower of David in old Jerusalem.
The amazingly preserved ruins of Petra are the perfect complement to your travels through the Holy Land. We include your transfer from Jerusalem to Petra via the Allenby Bridge, two nights at the Moevenpick Hotel right by the visitor’s entrance, daily breakfast and in-depth sightseeing.
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
167
Our Spectacular Dubai
NEW
5 days | from $1,799 | A private tour just for your traveling party.
With non-stop service on award-winning Emirates, 21st-century Dubai is the perfect getaway or addition to your world travels.
Persian Gulf
Str. of Hormuz
4 Dubai
Private Tour Discoveries & Value • Delve into Dubai’s fascinating mercantile history and marvel at the city’s iconic, cutting-edge architecture • Journey across rolling dunes in a 4WD vehicle with your own driver and safari guide to explore the surprising diversity of life in the Desert Conservation Reserve • Comprehensive sightseeing with your own private car, driver and guide including all entry fees • 5 meals, 4 nights in your choice of city-center deluxe or luxury hotel, all on-tour transportation & transfers by private car, and luggage handling.
Gulf of Oman
Abu Dhabi UAE
Muscat Nizwa
Travel any day you wish.
5 days from $1,799 Dubai’s Finest Hotels Hilton Dubai Creek from $1,799
Day 1: You’ll be warmly greeted upon arrival and escorted by private car to your choice of city-center hotel. Day 2: Today’s private sightseeing tour is available in the morning or afternoon – whichever you prefer! Showcasing Dubai’s fascinating history, your city tour will take you from the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel to Majlis Al Ghorfat, the magnificent summer residence of a former local Sheikh. See the impressive Jumeirah Mosque and discover Bastakia, an old part of town famous for its wind-tower houses built in Dubai’s early days. Inside the Al Fahidi Fort, you’ll visit the Dubai Museum where the city’s pearl-diving past is revealed. Cross Dubai Creek in a traditional abra and plunge into the bustling alleys of the gold and spice souks. Meals B
158
®
Day 3: Head out this afternoon with your safari guide traveling in a private 4WD vehicle across the undulating dunes deep into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Watch as the setting sun casts its golden glow across the rippling sands and make your make your way towards the flickering lights of our romantic encampment for an unforgettable evening! Experience Bedouin ways as you dine on grilled meats, fresh salads and traditional Arabian sweets. Under a canopy of stars, enjoy belly dancing and enchanting music before heading back to your hotel. Meals B,D Day 4: This entire day is yours to experience more of Dubai at your own pace. Meals B Day 5: After breakfast, your private car and driver will escort you to the airport for your onward journey. Meals B
You’ll love the convenient location of this deluxe hotel. Spacious, well-appointed guestrooms offer fine views and top-notch amenities.
JW Marriott Marquis from $2,099 Elevated high above Dubai’s bustling business district, this outstanding luxury hotel is setting new standards for dining, style and service.
Al Qasr Madinat Jumeirah from $2,499 Inspired by a Sheikh’s lavish summer residence. Al Qasr is the luxurious “jewel in the crown” of the renowned Madinat Jumeirah resort. Prices are per person, land only. Holiday surcharges may apply. Add extra nights.
Visit our website for detailed itineraries.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Oman
NEW
9 days | for $4,499 | A private tour just for your traveling party.
Our enlightening journey to these friendly nations on the Arabian Gulf reveals the paradox of tradition and modernity in the region.
Str. of Hormuz
Persian Gulf
Private Tour Discoveries & Value
3 Dubai
Day 5: Day at leisure. Meals B
Day 2: See the old wind-tower houses built in Dubai’s early days and historic Al Fahidi Fort. Cross Dubai Creek by abra and explore the bustling gold and spice souks. Meals B
Day 6: Fly to Oman and transfer to the deluxe Grand Hyatt Hotel. Meals B
Day 3: Marvel at Dubai’s iconic 21st-century landmarks. Late this afternoon, journey by 4WD across the dunes for a memorable and romantic experience featuring dinner and belly dancing at our Bedouin camp. Meals B,D Day 4: Journey along the scenic desert coast to Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. Get a look into traditional life at the Heritage Village, drive along the dramatic corniche and visit the unique Falcon Hospital to learn about their research into these amazing birds of prey. Enjoy two nights at the 5-star Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. Meals B,L
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
Day 7: Your private tour of Muscat includes the impressive Grand Mosque and colorful Muttrah souk. See Al Alam Palace; the lavish residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos is flanked by historic Portuguese forts from the 16th century. Meals B Day 8: Travel to Nizwa and get an amazing look into enduring local traditions at the cattle auction. Then tour the historic Round Tower Fort built in the 17th century and see Jabrin, the finest of Oman’s historic castles. Explore the charming village of Birkat Al Mauz in the foothills of the Green Mountains before returning to your hotel in Muscat. Meals B,L
3 Muscat
UAE
Nizwa OMAN
Travel any day you wish.
9 days for $4,499 $4,099* SAVE ON ANY DATE
Save $800
SINGLES
Day 1: Check in to the Hilton Dubai Creek.
Gulf of Oman
Abu Dhabi 2
COUPLES
• Marvel at the historic wind-tower houses from Dubai’s early days and then spend another morning discovering the city’s futuristic 21st-century architecture • Visit the unique Falcon Hospital to learn about their pioneering work and research • Dine at our romantic desert encampment and experience Bedouin ways from henna painting to belly dancing... and witness the cattle auction at the Nizwa souk • Sightseeing with your own private car, driver and guide including all entry fees • 11 meals: 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner • 8 nights in our fine 5-star hotels, all on-tour transportation and luggage handling
Save $400
*PAY IN FULL BY 12/31
Dubai – Hilton Dubai Creek Abu Dhabi – Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Muscat – Grand Hyatt 2015
Double
Single
Jan-Dec
$4499
$6699
$4499
$6699
2015
Jan- Apr
Prices are per person, land only. Holiday surcharges may apply. Add extra nights.
Family
Friends
Day 9: Our tour services end today. Meals B
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
159
Middle East Private Tours &RPSUHKHQVLYH SULYDWH WRXULQJ DOO WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ DQG ÂżQH KRWHOV COUPLES: SAVE $800 | SINGLES: SAVE $400
Pay-in-full savings are combinable with other offers. Book by 12/31.
River of the Pharaohs
Discover Israel & Jordan
Ancient Pathways to Petra
9 days from $4,599 $4,199
8 days for $4,499 $4,099
6 days from $2,299 $1,899
Our superb Egyptologists and luxury Nile view hotel and ship make this trip special!
Private Touring Discoveries & Value
Our rich historical survey from the Holy sites of Israel to antiquity in Jordan.
Private Touring Discoveries & Value
A sweeping journey highlighting Jordanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ancient sites, natural wonders & culture.
Private Touring Discoveries & Value
â&#x20AC;˘ All of Cairoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ancient sites and a luxury cruise aboard our intimate 30-suite ship
â&#x20AC;˘ Explore Old Jerusalem and Galilee, ascend Masada and travel the Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way to Petra
â&#x20AC;˘ The spectacular ruins of Jerash, floating in the Dead Sea and the Lost City of Petra
â&#x20AC;˘ 16 meals, 4 nights luxury hotel, 4-night cruise, sightseeing and shore excursions
â&#x20AC;˘ 7 meals and 7 nights in our deluxe hotels
â&#x20AC;˘ 5 meals and 5 nights in our deluxe hotels
Day 1: Check in to the Imbal Hotel close to the Old City in Jerusalem. Day 2: Tour the ruins of Masada and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Meals B Day 3: Explore Old Jerusalem including the Temple Mount, Western Wall, Mount of Olives and Davidson Center. Meals B Day 4: Journey into Galilee and visit Roman ruins at Beit Shean. Continue to the Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Resort in Jordan. Meals B Day 5: Discover the ancient sites of Amman and the extensive ruins of Jerash. Meals B Day 6: See the Byzantine mosaics of Madaba. Visit Mt. Nebo and travel the Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way to the Moevenpick Hotel in Petra. Meals B Day 7: Discover the legendary Lost City of Petra at a leisurely pace with your own expert private guide. Meals B Day 8: Your tour finishes today. Meals B
Day 1: Check in to the 5-star Kempinski Hotel in the capital city of Amman. Day 2: Explore Ammanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous sites including the Roman Amphitheater and ancient Citadel. Tour the vast ruins of Jerash, the best preserved provincial Roman city in the world, and continue to the deluxe Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Resort. Meals B Day 3: This day is free to enjoy the resort amenities of the Kempinski. Meals B Day 4: Marvel at the Byzantine mosaics of Madaba and visit Mt. Nebo, traditional burial site of Moses. Discover the Ottoman-era village of Dana and see Shobak Castle. Check in to the Moevenpick Petra Hotel. Meals B Day 5: Enter into the Lost City of Petra by horse-drawn cart for a full-day tour. Meals B Day 6: Explore the desert landscapes and exotic Bedouin culture of Wadi Rum before returning to Amman. Meals B
Day 1: Check in to Cairoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kempinski Nile. Day 2: Private sightseeing includes the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, 4,600 year-old Solar Boat, Step Pyramid and Sakkara. Meals B Day 3: Tour the Egyptian Museum, Citadel and Old Cairo. Meals B Day 4: Fly to Luxor to board the Alexander the Great. Tour the Temple of Karnak, Avenue of Sphinxes and Luxor Temple. Meals B,L,D Day 5: Valleys of Kings and Queens and the Colossi of Memnon. Meals B,L,D Day 6: Edfu and Kom Ombo. Meals B,L,D Day 7: Aswan Dam, Philae Temple and the remarkable Unfinished Obelisk. Meals B,L,D Day 8: Fly to Abu Simbel and tour the Temple of Ramses II. Fly back to Cairo and transfer to the Kempinski. Meals B Day 9: Your tour ends today. Meals B Jerash ISRAEL
Mediterranean Sea
2 Amman
Kerak
Madaba J O RD A N
Cairo 4
Capernaum Sea of Galilee
Jerusalem 3
2 Dead Sea
2 Petra
Sinai Peninsula
SYRIA
Mediterranean Sea
Jerash
Amman
Wadi Rum
Bethlehem Masada
Ni
EGYPT
Tabgha Tiberias Nazareth
1
Dead Sea 2
Amman Madaba
le R.
Red Sea
Esna Luxor Edfu Kom Ombo
4
Aswan Lake Nasser
ISRAEL
EGYPT
ISRAEL
JORDAN
2 Petra
EGYPT
Wadi Rum
Abu Simbel
160
For Private or Custom arrangements call 800-221-2216
JORDAN
2 Petra
Wadi Rum
Middle East FreeStyle 'HVLJQ RU HQKDQFH \RXU MRXUQH\ ZLWK RXU SULYDWH WRXULQJ WUDQVIHUV DQG ÂżQH KRWHOV
Abu Dhabi
Alexandria
Amman
4 days from $699
3 days from $799
3 days from $699
This attractive capital of the United Arab Emirates is its second largest city and one of the most modern in the world. Your private city tour includes the lovely Corniche, Grande Mosque and Heritage Village.
Discover the legendary city of Cleopatra and Alexander the Great! We include roundtrip transfers from Cairo and a private tour including the Roman amphitheater, bustling harbor front and Fort of Qait Bay.
Delight in the 5-star Kempinski Hotel and join your private guide for a full day tour including the ancient Citadel, Roman amphitheater and a waking tour in the vibrant downtown district and herb market.
Cairo
Dubai
Jerusalem
4 days from $849
3 days from $699
4 days from $1,059
Enjoy private airport transfers, your choice of hotel and a group tour featuring the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrated 21st-century architecture and historic landmarks like the Al Fahidi Fort.
Your private tour begins on Mount Zion and continues with a walking tour through the Old City to visit the Herodian Mansion, Temple Mount & Western Wall and more.
Tel Aviv
The Kingdom of Oman
Petra
4 days from $1,149
4 days from $1,099
3 days from $599
Enjoy private airport transfers, our choice of fine hotels and extensive private sightseeing encompassing ancient Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, the Bahai Temple and the archaeological site at Acco â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an ancient crusader port.
Explore this friendly nation on the Arabian Gulf with a choice of great hotels in Muscat, a private city tour and an excursion to Nizwa to see the historic Round Tower Fort and Jabrin, the finest of Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ancient castles.
Check in to the Kempinski, Cairoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest boutique hotel, and join our expert Egyptologist for a full-day private tour including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Old Cairo and the Egyptian Museum.
Visit GeneralTours.com for detailed itineraries.
Spend 2 nights at the superior first class Moevenpick Hotel, located right next to the visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entrance to Petra, and join your private guide for an enthralling and unhurried tour of the fabled Lost City!
161
Important things you should know Forms of Payments You may make payment by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, check or electronic cash withdrawal. If your check or electronic debit is returned from your bank for any reason a $25 processing fee will be added to your account balance; and all future payments will need to be made by credit card or certified funds. Rates Prices in our brochure are based on land only or cruise only, and do not include international airfare to or from the US. On-tour transportation is included as indicated on each tour program. Land only rates are guaranteed upon receipt of deposit. Printed rates are subject to change without notice. We are pleased to book international air for you at an additional cost. If you purchase international airfare, airline taxes, fuel surcharges and government-imposed fees are included and your fare is guaranteed upon receipt of deposit. For information about the free baggage allowance and applicable fees for the first and second checked bag and carry-on, please visit the website of your airline. Seat assignments are not available on all airlines and are subject to change without notice. Flight schedules are subject to change without notice. Holiday Rates and Programs Trade fair periods, holidays and festivals may carry additional surcharges, payment requirements and cancellation penalties. During holidays or special events, sites such as museums, restaurants and shopping may be limited or not available. Transfers Transfers are included as indicated or if international air is purchased through General Tours. Transfers for land only travelers who have made their own arrangements for international air are available at additional cost. Mandatory Guest Information including Passports The Transportation Security Administration requires all passengers to provide their name exactly as it appears on their passport, their date of birth and gender when making airline reservations. This information will be requested at the time of reservation in order to secure your booking and airline reservation. In addition, your passport number and its date and place of issue are required by international cruise and transportation companies in order to for you to travel: your confirmation includes a Mandatory Guest Information form to make it easy for you to provide this information to us. Names on your reservation and airline tickets must match your passport name exactly; name adjustments made after ticketing will incur airline change fees. Your passport must be valid for six months after your return to the U.S. Travelers to Tibet must submit a color copy of their passport pages and their Chinese visa in order to secure their final documents. Deposit A deposit is due within 7 days of booking to secure your reservation. Please have credit card information, along with home address, and telephone number at time of booking. Inca Trail programs, train and ferry tickets require passport information to confirm. Reservations made within final payment periods require full payment and passport information at the time of booking. $400 per person deposit Exceptions: $1500 per person: Silver Galapagos, Antarctica, New Zealand, Botswana, Uganda, Congo, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Burma, private luxury train programs. Final Payment 90 days prior to departure. Exceptions: 120 days prior to departure: Galapagos, Antarctica, New Zealand, Botswana, Uganda, Congo, Nepal, Burma, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and private luxury train programs. Changes to Reservations After any payment has been made a minimum $50 fee will be charged for any change made to hotels, sightseeing, ground or air transportation. Changes are considered cancelled services and additional cancellation penalties may apply. Changes are subject to additional airline or hotel charges should the original rates no longer be available for your revised travel dates. Revisions to air tickets are subject to the airline fare rules, change fees and cancellation policies. Changes from double occupancy to single occupancy will incur a single supplement.
162
®
Cancellations Cancellations are subject to the following per person fees: Botswana, Uganda, Congo, Antarctica, New Zealand, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Burma, private luxury train programs: • Up to 121 days prior to departure: $1500 per person plus airline cancellation penalties • 120 to 91 days prior to departure: 50% of program price plus airline cancellation penalties • Within 90 days of departure: 100% of program price AMA Waterways programs: • Up to 121 days prior to departure: $200 per person plus airline cancellation penalties • 120-90 days prior to departure: $400 per person plus airline cancellation penalties • 89-60 days prior to departure: 35% of program price plus airline cancellation penalties • 59-31 days prior to departure: 50% of program price plus airline cancellation penalties • Within 30 days of departure: 100% of program price Galapagos programs: • Up to 121 days prior to departure: $400 per person plus airline cancellation penalties • 120-91 days prior to departure: 50% of program price plus airline cancellation penalties • Within 90 days of departure: 100% of program price All other programs: • Up to 91 days prior to departure: $400 plus airline cancellation penalties • 90-61 days prior to departure: 50% of program price plus airline cancellation penalties • Within 60 days of departure: 100% of the program price We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any vacation departure for any reason, including insufficient participants. If a vacation is canceled due to non-participation, General Tours will refund the amount we have received from our guests. We will try to rebook the same vacation with a different departure date, or a similar vacation. Where General Tours has confirmed flights, we will try to confirm air schedules for the selected new dates, subject to availability. General Tours cannot assume responsibility for any additional costs or any fees relating to the issuance and/ or cancellation of air tickets or other travel arrangements not made through General Tours. Refunds All requests for refunds will be considered promptly, but they must be in writing and received within 30 days of the return date of the tour. There is no refund for unused services or unused portions of your trip. See our Travel Protection Plan to protect your travel investment. Contact for Deposits & Final Payments General Tours 53 Summer Street, Keene, New Hampshire 03431 Phone: 800-221-2216, Fax: 603-357-4548 E-mail: info@generaltours.com Changes to our Programs We will make every effort to operate all programs as disclosed in this brochure. However, circumstances beyond our control may arise which would require an adjustment to the tour, its inclusions or the staff accompanying the trip. We will do all that is possible to avoid such changes but we must reserve the right to make such modifications. Modes of transportation and itinerary routings may change based on the number of passengers on a departure. More than one trip leader or host may accompany you on your guided itinerary. Problems beyond our control (such as civil unrest or acts of nature) may force a change in itinerary. All cruise ships reserve the right to charter a departure date after publication. Because waterways can be affected by severe weather conditions including rain or drought, high or low water levels, programs may require a change in embarkation and disembarkation points, sightseeing itineraries, modes of transportation and cruising schedules. Alternate programs may be arranged by the cruise companies without notice. Normal cancellation penalties still apply to the program that has been changed. Tour Documents Documents are mailed approximately 21 days prior to departure for all tours. Documents for all passengers cannot be released until full payment and the Mandatory Guest Information form have been received.
Hotels We must reserve the right to substitute hotels if absolutely necessary. Please note that it is standard policy that hotel rooms are not available for check-in before 3 p.m. Single rooms/cabins are often smaller than twin rooms/cabins. Triple rooms may not be available or may consist of a rollaway, cot, temporary bed or mattress in a twin room, and may not be comfortable for three adults. Gratuities Gratuities for the trip leader, naturalists, rangers, local guides, drivers, and cruise staff are not included unless indicated and are at the discretion of the individual traveler. Smoking Policy There is a no-smoking policy on all of our transportation. Cruise ships have a non-smoking policy, except where permitted in designated areas of the open decks. Baggage Airline baggage allowance regulations are based on a weight and measurement system determined by the air carrier. Airline restrictions may include baggage fees: contact your airline or visit the airline’s website for applicable baggage fees and up to date dimensions. At the time of publication, combined overall dimensions for transpacific/transatlantic checked baggage can not exceed 106 inches. Carry-on luggage cannot exceed 45 inches. For light aircraft flights within Africa, soft bags without rigid frames and wheels are required. At the time of publication, baggage weight is limited to 33 pounds; personal weight is limited to 220 pounds. Please carefully check your travel documents for strictly enforced baggage requirements. Travelers Requiring Special Assistance Any disability requiring special attention should be reported at the time the reservation is made. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of such travelers, but are not responsible for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, and other independent suppliers. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches, ships and other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. Small ships have very limited handicapped facilities; almost all have stairs rather than elevators. Many Sites Around the World Require Careful Walking and Alertness Sightseeing, either guided or “on your own,” requires walking over uneven stones and unpaved surfaces, climbing steep stairs and paths that may have no railings, and exploring when weather conditions are wet. Travelers who choose to travel with General Tours assume responsibility for their personal safety, whether guided or during free time. Activities, lodges, camps and cruise ships in natural settings may require a signed liability waiver. Responsibility General Tours (the “Operator”) packages and operates these programs solely as an independent contractor. The tour services described in this brochure, including without limitation transportation, lodging, and sightseeing, are provided by the carrier, hoteliers, and other suppliers that are independent contractors and not agents for, employees, partners, or joint ventures of the Operator. The Operator issues tickets, vouchers, and other travel documents for such services merely as an agent for the companies that furnish such services. Such tickets, vouchers, and other travel documents are subject to all terms and conditions of the respective suppliers (some of them may limit or exclude the supplier’s liability). The Operator is not responsible for any loss of or damage to property or death or injury to persons, resulting from any act or omission of any supplier providing any tour service or any other person or entity or caused by strike, war, weather, quarantine, sickness, government restriction or regulation, or any other cause beyond its reasonable control, including supplier’s decision to withdraw and/or cancel a tour for any reason. The tour participant expressly waives all rights, which he or she may have against the Operator in connection with the foregoing. Under no circumstances is the Operator to be construed as a carrier under contract for safe carriage of the passenger or his or her baggage and belongings. The Operator reserves the right to remove a client from a tour and provide a full refund for unused services.
Disputes All matters concerning these tour programs and services shall be governed by, and administered and interpreted according to the laws of the State of New Hampshire (without regard to conflicts of laws principles). Any unresolved dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with the services provided by the Operator shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before the American Arbitration Association in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of that body then in effect. In addition, the arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to a claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. The arbitrator shall not have the authority to add to, detract from, or modify any provision hereof nor to award punitive damages to any injured party. A decision by the arbitrator shall be final and binding. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. Each party shall be responsible for the respective fees and expenses of their legal representation and the costs of arbitration shall be shared equally. Legal proceedings against the Operator may be instituted only in a state or federal court within the State of New Hampshire, and any claim involved in such proceedings shall be decided in accordance with the laws of the State of New Hampshire. Any legal proceeding against the Operator must be commenced within one year following the date of tour completion. Neither the Operator nor any affiliate shall in any case be liable for other than compensatory damages, and you hereby waive any right to punitive damages. Every effort has been made to accurately produce the information in this brochure. We reserve the right to correct errors. Brochure validity: January 2014-April 2015 CST: 2009641-20
Visa & Passport Information A U.S. Passport valid for six months upon return to the U.S. is required of all guests. As passport processing can be unexpectedly delayed, we recommend using CIBT (800-4061523) for new or renewal applications. It is each traveler’s responsibility to obtain their required visas. Visa requirements vary according to the nationality of the passport holder. For travelers who are not citizens of the United States, please consult CIBT or the embassy of your destination country for visa requirements. For those who wish complete visa assistance, CIBT can provide documentation services. Forms are available at www.GeneralTours.com under Community. Application timing and processing vary greatly, so please check on-line early for visa requirements. The following prices are per person and cover all fees plus return of the documents to your home by UPS overnight service. • China .......................$224 • Brazil ...................$274 • Myanmar (Burma) .....$98 • India ....................$165 • Republic of Congo .....$20 • Russia ..................$254 • Uzbekistan ...............$207 • Uganda ...............$162 • Vietnam...............$182
Upon Arrival • Bhutan ......... Included • Cambodia ...............$25 • Egypt ...................$15 • Jordan*...................$30 • Kenya .................$50 • Laos ........................$35 • Nepal ...................$25 • Sri Lanka .................$10 • Tanzania .............$100 • Tibet ............... Included • Turkey ..................$20 • Zambia ...................$50 • Zimbabwe ............$30 *Jordanian visas are not issued upon arrival at the King Hussein/ Allenby Bridge land border crossing. Argentina requires online prepayment of $160 Reciprocity tax for US citizens. Other passport holders should check with their embassy. East Africa and South Africa require 3 unused visa pages available in your passport. Visas secured upon arrival may require that you carry 2 or more passport photos. Please consult your documents before departure. Please note that visa requirements and charges are subject to change, and should be confirmed at the time of booking. General Tours is not responsible for the refusal or delayed processing of visas and passports by Consular offices and normal cancellation charges will apply. Applications received less than 22 business days before departure may require additional fees.
United States Tour Operators Association $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program General Tours, as an Active Member of USTOA, is required to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of General Tours customers in the unlikely event of General Tours bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business. Further, you should understand that the $1 Million posted by General Tours may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery of the advance payments received by General Tours. More details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program may be obtained by writing to USTOA at 345 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1801, New York, New York 10001, or by email to information@ustoa.com or by visiting their website at www.USTOA.com.
Photo credits: Visions of Indochina, pp.2, 34, 36, 42; Robert Colin, p.40; Judy Stewart. p.46; Gary Ashley, p.58; Trent Kanemaki pp.88, 156; Insight Cuba, p.96; Antarpply Expeditions/Weisheng Lin, p105; Antarpply Expeditions/Facundo Santana p.106, Wilderness Safaris, back cover, pp.6, 108, 118, 120.
090113-57m
O UR 67 TH YEAR
53 Summer Street Keene, New Hampshire 03431 Email: info@generaltours.com
800-221-2216 GeneralTours.com
Valuable Protection Plan-Including “Cancel For Any Reason” Waiver If you purchase the General Tours Travel Protection Plan within 7 days of the initial deposit for your Trip, you may cancel your trip up to 48 hours prior to departure, for any reason* and receive a General Tours Travel Voucher for the penalty amount with the balance of the refund, if due, made either by check or credit card credit. Please Note: This policy may not be purchased after You have made final payment for Your Trip. Please Note, the General Tours Pre-Departure Cancellation Waiver does not cover penalties associated with air or other travel arrangements not provided by General Tours and does not apply to visa costs. General Tours Vouchers are non-transferable, nonrefundable, valid for travel within 12 months of the date of issue, but no later than 15 months from the date your Trip was canceled. The Pre-Departure Cancellation Waiver Benefit is not eligible for: Custom Travel, Africa, and all cruises EXCEPT Yangtze cruises. *Any benefit payable under this Cancellation Waiver will be reduced by the amount of any cancellation benefits paid or payable by the General Tours Travel Protection Plan or any other insurance plan providing Trip Cancellation benefits. Yangtze cruises and all land All Other Cruises SCHEDULE OF COVERAGES MAXIMUM BENEFIT AMOUNT If Your ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT ................................................................... $25,000 ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS MEDICAL EXPENSE ............................................................ $25,000 EMERGENCY EVACUATION AND REPATRIATION............................................................ $50,000 TRIP CANCELLATION.............................................................................................TRIP COST TRIP INTERRUPTION ............................................................................................TRIP COST MISSED CONNECTION .................................................................................................. $500 TRAVEL DELAY (MAXIMUM OF $100 PER DAY).............................................................. $500 BAGGAGE & PERSONAL EFFECTS .............................................................................. $1,000 BAGGAGE DELAY........................................................................................................ $100
Conditions & Limitations
Trip Cost is:
programs except Africa,Private Train & Custom Travel Arrangements
& Land Programs
Plan # F390Q Plan # F428G Up To $1,500...............................$169...................................................$249 $1,501-$2,500..............................$239...................................................$249 $2,501-$4,000..............................$289...................................................$349 $4,001-$5,500..............................$379...................................................$549 Over $5,500......................8% of Trip Cost........................10% of Trip Cost Please Note: The rates shown are per-person and are subject to change, and include coverage for the air portion of your itinerary if General Tours is arranging your air transportation. The Travel Protection Plan cannot be purchased after you have made your final payment for your Trip. The cost of your Travel Protection Plan is non-refundable.
Certain exclusions and limitations apply and are detailed in the Description of Coverage. For example, coverage does not apply to: any Sickness or condition of you, a Traveling Companion or a Family Member traveling with you that existed during the 60 days prior to the effective date of the coverages (this exclusion is waived if payment for this plan is received within 7 days of the initial deposit/payment for your Trip), suicide, normal pregnancy, war or any act of war, mental or nervous disorders (unless hospitialized). Other Covered Reasons, as defined, includes the following events or their consequences: Cancellation or Interruption of your Trip due to: Inclement Weather, unannounced Strike, or mechanical breakdown that causes complete cessation of services of Your Common Carrier for at least 12 consecutive hours; a documented traffic accident while enroute to departure; being hijacked or quarantined; jury duty; destruction of your home or destination by fire, flood, burglary or natural disaster; being called to the emergency service of government to provide aid or relief in the event of a natural disaster; a documented theft of passports or visas; a transfer of employment of 250 miles or more; a Terrorist Incident which occurs in a city listed in the itinerary of your Trip provided the Terrorist Incident occurs within 30 days prior to the Scheduled Departure Date for your Trip; or revocation of military leave due to war. Please Note: This advertisement does not constitute or form any part of the Description of Coverage or any other contract of any kind. This plan is underwritten by: United States Fire Insurance Company, Eatontown, NJ. Please Note: Plan benefits, limits, and provisions may vary by state jurisdiction. To review full plan details online, go to: www.tripmate.com/wpF390Q or www.tripmate.com/wpF428G. Benefits are administered by: Trip Mate, Inc.*, 9225 Ward Parkway, Suite 200, Kansas City, MO, 64114, 1-800-888-7292 (*in CA, dba Trip Mate Insurance Agency).
See your Travel Counselor or call us.
800-221-2216 / GeneralTours.com
163
For Reservations, call your local Travel Agent.
SAVE $800 or more per couple Book by December 31, 2013
800-221-2216 • www.GeneralTours.com •