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TABLE OF CONTENTS p 3-6
DISCOVER: TAUCK / JAPAN
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STAY: HOTELS 7. PARK HYATT TOKYO 8. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KYOTO 9. CONRAD OSAKA 10. HYATT REGENCY HAKONE RESORT AND SPA
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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES 11. AMANERA, RÍO SAN JUAN, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 13. EXPLORA VALLE SAGRADO URUBAMBA, PERU 15. ULUSABA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE SABI SAND RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA
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HELLO TRAVELERS Tauck offers two ways to see Japan, one entirely on land and one with a mix of big cities and small ship cruising to unique ports. Both have the exclusive experiences and expert guides that are Tauck’s signatures. With the country hosting the Rugby World Cup this year and the 2020 Summer Olympics, Japan is a hot destination. With Tauck, you’re sure to see the best of what the Land of the Rising Sun has in store, from ancient culture to out-of-this-world food.
DISCOVER TAUCK / JAPAN
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“It wasn’t on my bucket list, but it should’ve been.” So said Tauck director of sales and marketing Kaci McAllister after a trip to Japan during cherry blossom season. Tauck offers two itineraries in the Land of the Rising Sun, one entirely land-based and one with a combination land adventure and small ship cruise. The 13-day Essence of Japan tour and 14-day Cruising the Land of the Rising Sun both feature extended time in Kyoto and Tokyo. The land tour runs March through November, while the cruise itinerary is offered in April and May, timed to coincide with the blooming of cherry blossoms. While there are no guarantees when it comes to nature, “if Tauck goes those months, it’s a good time to go,” McAllister said. In 2019, Tauck guests will travel on Ponant’s Le Soleal for the eight-night cruise. “You’re seeing a part of Japan you wouldn’t see otherwise,” McAllister said, describing incredible landscapes and sunset over islands. The cuisine on board is mostly French, with some local options. On land, meals are at local restaurants, including sushi, shabu shabu and barbecue. One highlight is an okonomiyaki lunch featuring an 3
array of vendors offering their own takes on the savory pancake delight. It’s one of those things you’d never be able to find on your own. “This place is not Michelin-starred,” McAllister said, “it’s in an office building. People were saying, ‘What a fantastic local experience. This is why we travel with Tauck.’” Other Tauck exclusive experiences include a welcome dinner in Osaka with a geisha performance and interaction with the traditional entertainers. In Kyoto, there’s a taiko drumming lesson where you test your skills, followed by a performance “to see what it looks like when the professionals do it,” McAllister said. The cruise spends a day in Busan, South Korea, taking in the sights, smells and tastes of Jagalchi fish market. Guides explain what each fish is and how it is prepared, opening up the sensory marvels of one of the world’s largest fish markets to visitors. The journey to Tokyo is made by bullet train, followed by an afternoon walking tour of the Ginza shopping district. The next day, you’ll visit the Edo Tokyo Museum for a sense of what life was like during one of Japan’s most important historical periods. If you’re lucky enough, you might even see a
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Shinto blessing ceremony at the Meiji Shrine, a rarity for Westerners to experience. The Essence of Japan land tour focuses on cities, with traditional ryokan inns and thermal bath experiences in Hakone. With the cruise, “you’re going into really small ports of call that are more difficult to access by land,”
McAllister said. By land or by sea, during cherry blossom season or in the fall when the foliage turns spectacular colors, you’re sure to be enchanted by Japan. If it isn’t on your bucket list, it probably should be.
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STAY
INSIDERS CLUB Park Hyatt Tokyo With views from the city skyline all the way up to Mount Fuji, Park Hyatt Tokyo makes its mark as a memorable home away from home. High above the bustling city, this oasis takes up the top 14 floors of the 52-story Shinjuku Park Tower. The sights and sounds of Shinjuku are easily accessible, yet inside your spacious guestroom (complete with Internet, personal entertainment center and deep soaking tub), you’ll enjoy complete serenity. Come evening time, see and be seen at the chic New York Grill & Bar, the city’s top venue for lively jazz and breathtaking views. Head to the luxurious Club on the Park for swimming and spa treatments.
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Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto Discover the style and vibe of today’s Japan at a brand-new hotel with an 800-year-old ikeniwa (pond garden) at its heart. Intimate and contemporary, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is set in the scenic district of temples. Let us help you unlock the mysteries and capture the essence of Kyoto. Japan’s former Imperial capital with more than one thousand years of exquisitely preserved history is home to two thousand temples and shrines, complete with authentic Japanese gardens and a kaleidoscope of festivals, ceremonies and rituals year-round. Seventeen are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, living evidence of golden age Japan. Yet, the city is also modern, pulsing with up-to-the-moment arts, design and culture.
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Conrad Osaka Welcome to Conrad Osaka, your ‘ address in the sky.’ With a commanding presence on Nakanoshima between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers, this sleek luxury hotel offers incredible views of the water and Osaka from all guest rooms and public areas.Connect easily with West Japan’s largest city - walk to shops and offices in Umeda, and immerse in local food and culture in Namba. Our Conrad team enriches your stay with intuitive, tailored service. Conrad Osaka resides on the highest floors of Nakanoshima Festival West Tower, home to shops, restaurants and an art museum. Festival Hall is next door, easily reached via underground link.
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Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa is an elegant yet relaxed ryokan-style hotel that welcomes visitors to acres of natural beauty in the Gora district of Hakone, famous for its hot springs. As they unwind amid the fresh air, forested hills and scenic views of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, guests can enjoy a balanced mix of Hyatt’s warm, world-class service and Japan’s own style of hospitality, which offers the option of a sumptuous dinner and breakfast as part of the pampered experience.
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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES
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Tee Off on Cliff Tops Amanera Río San Juan, Dominican Republic Valid for Travel Now Through 19 Dec 2019 -3 night stay required -Daily breakfast -One round of golf (nine or 18 holes) for two, with healthy snacks and beverages* -One 60-minute Golfer’s Massage for two -Upgrade upon arrival, based on availability
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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES
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Machu Picchu for free explora Valle Sagrado Urubamba, Peru Valid for Travel Now Through 31 Oct 2019 Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas and we will take you to Machu Picchu for free. By making a reservation in explora Valle Sagrado, you get one night* and the guided exploration to Machu Picchu for free. Because the Sacred Valley of the Incas houses multiple archaeological, natural and cultural attractions worth knowing we invite you to explore this destination deeply. You will learn about the colonial history of Cusco, archaeological sites such as Ollantaytambo, Moray, Chinchero and Pisac, weavers’ communities, the Andean highlands, the mountains in the region and this destination’s top attraction: Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu takes a full-day exploration that includes transportation by van and train, the entrance tickets to the sanctuary, snacks and a certified local guide. In addition, if you reserve five nights you pay only four. For four and three-night reservations, in addition to the guided exploration to Machu Picchu, you get a 75% and 50% discount, respectively, for the last night. -Minimum reservation: three nights and maximum five rooms per reservation. -Not valid for children and youth rates. -Cannot be combined with other offers/promotions. -Can be combined with explora Passport and The Explorer’s Benefit (5%). -No change of dates for stays beyond the effective dates of the benefit. -Not valid for special programs 13
EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES
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Celebrate the Festive Season in Africa Ulusaba Private Game Reserve Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa Valid for Travel 22 Dec 2019 - 01 Jan 2020 Christmas arrivals 22nd or 23rd December 2019 (subject to availability) New Year arrivals 27th or 28th December 2019 What’s Included? -Three nights’ accommodation at one of our beautiful lodges -All meals served in a variety of locations -All beverages including a top quality wine list and fine champagne and nice staff -On Christmas Eve: Our chefs prepare a feast fit for kings with festive African entertainment! On Christmas Day: A delicious Christmas lunch will be the order of the day - the spirit of Christmas takes on an African twist! -New Year’s Eve under a blanket of stars: After a thrilling game drive, feast on traditional dishes prepared over an open fire. New Year’s Day: A late-morning champagne brunch will be served while the early birds can indulge in a continental breakfast. Rates below are per room for a three night stay based on two people sharing between 22nd December 2019 - 1st January 2020. Rates start from ZAR 79,500 for an Elephant Room or Rock Cliff Room. Terms and Conditions: Minimum stay of 3 nights applies. Rates are per room based on double occupancy for a three night stay, except for the exclusive use of Safari Suite and Cliff Lodge. Cliff Lodge is based on up to 5 adults and 4 children. Safari Suite is based on 4 adults sharing. A 30% deposit is required upon confirmation, with final payment (70%) payable 60 days prior to arrival. Deposits and final payments are non-refundable. Rates 15
are subject to change at any time and our standard booking terms and conditions apply.
INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE