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www.odysseytreks.com Phone: 1-855-888-8735 Email: info@odysseytreks.com
WHY TRAVEL WITH US Adventure travel trips specifically geared for working professionals from the same city. Odyssey Treks provides authentic cultural trips involving travel to remote, exotic areas with elements of physical participation and exploration of a new experience with optional volunteering opportunities. The great thing is everyone on the trip will be from the same city where you can share, relive, and get together back home after the trip.
What we want to create with this company is a community for you in your city where you can meet new friends, create meaningful relationships and have life time memories of unforgettable trips and journeys. We’ve met some truly remarkable people, shared some amazing experiences and have had some fantastic relationships through all our years of travel. The problem is all those people are scattered throughout the world. There’s amazing people, incredible friendships and wonderful relationships ready to be made right in your own city. Why not connect with them through travel and develop something meaningful and lasting. All of our tours will incorporate our trip essence. This trip essence includes adventure, culture and volunteering opportunities. As well we promise to follow our guiding principles and core values on all of our trips.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES QUALITY Our accommodations, local guides, pre-departure service and suppliers are constantly monitored and consistently evaluated to ensure we uphold the standard of excellence. We will always ask for traveler suggestions, requirements and any safety concerns you may have for all our trips to make this the most memorable experience possible. FLEXIBILITY All of our tours offer optional activities throughout with plenty of free time to do your own thing. Of course we want you to do as many activities as possible with the group but we also understand that having time on your own is important as well. Our small groups can venture beyond the well-worn tourist paths and experience a destination’s less publicized but equally rewarding attractions. Our itineraries are creative and responsive and make the perfect one or two week vacation so you can take full of advantage. SMALL GROUPS Limiting our groups to no more than 16 participants plus one Odyssey Treks Tour Leader means we can maximize cultural immersion while minimizing environmental disruption. As food always plays an important role in the local cultural experience, we make a point of avoiding large hotel buffets in favour of smaller, local restaurants. VALUE Since we design, develop and work with local partners in each country no one is more familiar with the intricacies of our product than ourselves. When you book with us, you take advantage of this first-hand knowledge and an extensive network of worldwide contacts; you’ll be in good hands with Odyssey Treks. www.odysseytreks.com Phone: 1-855-888-8735 Email: info@odysseytreks.com
What Odyssey Treks does is make everything easy for you from the moment you land in the country to the time you get back on that plane to go home. There’s no need to do hours and hours of planning. Let us take out all the stresses of traveling so you can enjoy your time away. Remember it’s a vacation for you. We’re going to make sure you have a fantastic time! If something were to go wrong going we will be there to help you, support you and make sure whatever challenges there are you won’t be alone. We’ve found our travel experiences sometimes things can go wrong unfortunately- that’s the nature of traveling in foreign countries.
Our CORE VALUES Develop Friendships and Community Create Happiness Responsibility Provide Opportunities Explore and Challenge We hope you choose to travel with a purpose and to travel with us! Here’s a quote from the Dalai Lama- his words I truly believe in. “We’ve lost something along the way. Our society focuses on material things and for some reason people measure others by what they have instead who they are. I wish everyone happiness and finding it can be difficult. The happiest people I’ve met are those in villages that have nothing. It’s remarkable seeing these happy kids. For them they have family, friends and an imagination.” Ryan- Owner Odyssey Treks
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TOUR ITINERARY Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap Fly to Siem Reap, CAMBODIA In Siem Reap, after clearing immigration and customs, you’ll be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to your hotel. Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. Settle in and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Overnight at Frangipani Villa Hotel (Superior Room) – Siem Reap http://www.frangipanihotel.com/overview-siemreap-hotel.html Day 2: Siem Reap Meals Provided: B/L Ride from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat (Cycling distance 28-38 km), following the countryside trails first and then the paved roads of the small circuit. Explore Angkor Wat, the largest and most breathtaking monument at Angkor. Built as the funeral temple for King Suryavarman II, who ruled from 1112 to 1152, Angkor Wat never fails to reward the first time, or repeat, visitor with its grand scale, surreal bas reliefs and unbelievable attention to detail.
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Proceed on to Bayon temple. Visit the temple that is unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Lunch at Typical Restaurant.
Afternoon: Small circuit (cycling distance 18 kilometers). From Bayon temple cycle inside the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century) to see the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Terraces of Elephants and Leper King, Death Gate and Victory Gate. Cycle along countryside roads to enjoy the scenic life in a village and continue to one of the most beautiful temples in the area: Ta Prohm. Visit the temple which is swallowed by the jungle and has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Continue to Srah Srang and enjoy the sunset. Transfer back to Siem Reap. Overnight at Frangipani Villa Hotel (Superior Room) – Siem Reap Day 3: Siem Reap Meals Provided: B/D This morning, rise early for sunrise at Angkor Wat (optional, but we highly recommend it). You can position yourself for an incredible picture as the sun rises directly over Angkor Wat's central spire. After breakfast drive to the typical Khmer countryside to the Kulen Mountain range. Walk 45 minutes through the forest to the top of the hill to reach Kbal Spean, the Thousand Lingas River: discover the 10th-12th century sculptures chiseled from the rocky riverbed, the Royal Bath and the waterfall. Next continue to visit Banteay Srei; the citadel of women - a tiny, enchanting temple, which is one of the jewels in this remarkable city. Built of red sandstone in the tenth century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the carved male and www.odysseytreks.com Phone: 1-855-888-8735 Email: info@odysseytreks.com
female figures in the niches are exquisitely executed in both style and proportion. This is the most Indian of all the temples in Angkor and in the words of H.W. Ponder, is a fairy palace in the heart of an immense and mysterious forest. Stop at a local village to visit families who are producing palm sugar. Later this afternoon enjoy an excursion to Mechrey Village on Tonle Sap Lake, with a drive time of approximately an hour. En route stop at Ampil Peam to stroll through this traditional village where locals live much as they have for centuries. Perhaps opt to explore by oxcart, to sample the transportation mode favored by most for the last 9,000 years. Continue to Mechrey, a small community on Tonle Sap Lake. Board a localstyle boat and explore the area. This interesting excursion includes a foray into the nearby flooded forest. Your guide will explain the biodiversity in this area, and discuss the importance of the lake for the livelihood of thousands of locals. Tonle Sap, meaning “Great Lake” is in fact a combined lake and river system. Learn about how its flow changes direction twice a year, depending on the season. It has been declared a UNESCO biosphere, recognizing its great importance to the surrounding eco-system. This evening enjoy a delicious dinner with a traditional Cambodia cultural dance performance.
Overnight at Frangipani Villa Hotel (Superior Room) – Siem Reap
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Day 4: Siem Reap Meals Provided: B/L This morning go for one and a half hours through the local market and learn about Cambodian vegetables, herbs, spices and other ingredients, before returning to the school where you will learn new skills and tantalize your taste buds. Learn how to prepare five authentic, delicious Khmer dishes during two hours of close tutelage by professional English – speaking culinary instructors. Following the lesson, enjoy the meal you have prepared in the training restaurant Le Jardin des Délices. This afternoon we enjoy half day volunteer at ACODO. ACODO really welcomes, appreciates and needs volunteers. Our volunteers come from all parts of the world, from varying age groups and bring with them different skills and experiences. Volunteers are the lifeblood of ACODO. Giving your time, skills and creativity can make an amazing difference. Volunteering is a two way process and each volunteer leaves us richer for the experience. Our children learn to trust others and have confidence in themselves. As we have only been operating since 2008 volunteering at ACODO means you can quickly make a meaningful difference and reach out to our desperately poor children. If you are able to volunteer you will never forget this amazing once-in-alifetime experience helping us change children’s lives. Overnight at Frangipani Villa Hotel (Superior Room) – Siem Reap Day 5: Siem Reap / Battambang Meals Provided: B/L Travel by private boat to Battambang across the Tonle Sap Lake to Chhong Khneas floating village and along the Sangker River: Enjoy unspoiled landscapes and traditional daily-life scenes. Stop at Cheur Khmao pagoda, “Black Wood pagoda”, in Bak Prier floating village and cross the floating village of Prek Tuol. Picnic lunch on board. Arrive in Battambang, the second largest city in Cambodia. It is located on a rich and fertile plain, which provides much of the rice and other important crops for the country. Later this afternoon drive along the picturesque Sangker River to Wat Slaket pagoda, the residence of the provincial Buddhist patriarch. Visit a Khmer Ancient House and make a stop to see the production of rice paper used for making spring rolls. Continue to visit Wat Ek Phnom. Overnight at Stung Sangke Hotel (Deluxe Room) – Siem Reap http://www.stungsangkehotel.com/ Day 6: Battambang / Phnom Penh Meals Provided: B This morning drive to Phnom Banon, with its five sandstone towers on top of a hill and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding plains. Then visit Phare Ponleu Selpak, this centre supports around 30 orphans and trafficking victims and is schooling more than 1,200 pupils, over 400 of who study visual arts, music, circus, drama and dance for leisure or vocational training. Enjoy Battambang’s truly unique form of local transportation and take a ride on the Bamboo Train through the picturesque countryside. This afternoon depart Battambang for Phnom Penh by overland transfer (290 km. 4-5 hours drive). Settle in and enjoy the remainder of day at your leisure. www.odysseytreks.com Phone: 1-855-888-8735 Email: info@odysseytreks.com
Overnight at Rambutan Resort (Deluxe Room) – Phnom Penh http://rambutanresort.com/ Day 7: Phnom Penh Meals Provided: B After breakfast, you'll head out with your guide and spend the morning visiting the Royal Palace built in 1866 by King Norodom. See the different structures of this pagoda-style compound and stroll in its beautiful garden. Visit the Silver Pagoda named because of its floor that is comprised of 5,000 silver tiles. A gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha are also housed here. Next will the visit the National Museum built in 1917. It is an exceptional example of traditional architecture and is exclusively devoted to preserving and displaying Khmer art and sculptures. Hundreds of pieces are housed here including both pre-and post-Angkorian pieces. This afternoon, drive to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek (16 km south of Phnom Penh). Between 1975 and 1978 about 17,000 men, women, children and infants (including nine westerners) detained and tortured at S-21 prison were transported to the extermination camp of Choeung Ek. They were often bludgeoned to death to avoid wasting precious bullets. Fragments of human bone and bits of cloth are scattered around the disinterred pits. Over 8,000 skulls, arranged by sex and age, are visible behind the clear glass panels of the Memorial Stupa, which was erected in 1988. Return to Phnom Penh. Visit the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum. In 1975 Tuol Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot's security forces and turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). It soon became the largest such center of detention and torture in the country. More than 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to the extermination camp at Choeung Ek to be executed; detainees who died during torture were buried in mass graves in the prison ground. Room after room the museum displays photographs of men, women and children covering the walls from floor to ceiling; virtually all the people pictured were later killed. End your Phnom Penh tour with a visit to the city's namesake, Wat Phnom. Founded in 1373, the pagoda was built to house Buddhist relics washed ashore by the river. Overnight at Rambutan Resort (Deluxe Room) – Phnom Penh Day 8: Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville Meals Provided: B Breakfast at hotel. This morning will drive from the capital for approximately 3.5 hours to Sihanoukville, Cambodia's major beach resort. There are 4 main beaches to explore around here and some fantastic trips to islands just off shore. There is also fantastic seafood to be had. In season, diving is also possible. On arrival check into your beachside accommodations and enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure. Overnight at Reef Resort (Poolside Room) - Sihanoukville http://www.reefresort.com.kh/
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Day 9: Sihanoukville Meals Provided: B/L Take a full-day boat trip to the beautiful islands offshore of Sihanoukville’s beaches. Embark on a boat and enjoy the sea breeze while discovering islands that offer coral white sandy untouched beaches. Enjoy a seafood BBQ on the beach for lunch. Take the opportunity to snorkel, scuba dive or simply swim in the warm crystal clear waters. Late afternoon return back to hotel. (Day 9 activities are all optional. You may have a free day to yourself if you like) Overnight at Reef Resort (Poolside Room) - Sihanoukville Day 10: Sihanoukville - Kep Meals Provided: B Breakfast at hotel. This morning drive to Kampot, situated on the south bank of the Teuk Chhou River, Kampot is one of the most charming places to visit in Cambodia. It was once a bustling trading port, populated mostly by Chinese merchants, the relatives of whom still live there today. In town, there are colonial shop houses whose architecture is characteristic of the 1900s. Visit the colorful and lively market where many bargains are to be found. Discover the French colonial and post colonial Kampot, Chinese way of life, www.odysseytreks.com Phone: 1-855-888-8735 Email: info@odysseytreks.com
architecture and institutions. Continue to Kep, formerly known as Kep-sur-Mer. This beautiful coastal area was once the favorite holiday spot for Cambodia’s French-influenced elite. On arrival in Kep check into your resort and enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure. Overnight at Vanna Hill Resort (Deluxe Room) – Kep http://vannahillresort.fr/
Day 11: Kep Meals Provided: B/L This morning enjoy a half-day boat trip to Rabbit Island (Koh Tunsay) and discover the beautiful and pristine scenery. Enjoy beautiful nature, white sand beaches and excellent swimming conditions. Unwind yourself at the beach. For those who want to be more active, take a 30 minute hike up to the top of the hill where you discover the remnants of American artillery, dating from the Vietnam War.
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Later this afternoon we return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening. Overnight at Vanna Hill Resort (Deluxe Room) – Kep Day 12: Kep / Phnom Penh / Siem Reap Meals Provided: B/D After a leisurely morning, we’ll drive from Kep to Phnom Penh 3hours and transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for our departure flight to Siem Reap. Fly Phnom Penh to Siem Reap on Angkor Airlines K6117, departing 16:20, arriving 17:15 In Siem Reap, upon arrival you’ll be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a farewell group dinner. Overnight at Frangipani Villa Hotel (Superior Room) – Siem Reap http://www.frangipanihotel.com/overview-siemreap-hotel.html
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Day 13: Depart Siem Reap Meals Provided: B Today free at leisure or volunteer for full day until your guide and driver transfer you to the Siem Reap Airport in time for your international flight. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey.
TRIP/ROUTE MAP
PRICING $1899USD WITH MY OWN ROOM $450USD 2014 DEPARTURE CITIES AND DATES Please check our website for the latest dates and departure cities. www.odysseytreks.com Phone: 1-855-888-8735 Email: info@odysseytreks.com
PHYSICAL CONDITIONING RATING: 2.5 out of 5 THIS TOUR IS FOR EVERYONE Cultural Rating: 3 out of 5
Accommodations 3 star boutique comfort hotels, guesthouses, bungalows Meals Included All daily buffet breakfasts at hotels are included. All meals included as indicated as in program: B: breakfast, L: lunch & D: dinner Meal Budget: Allow USD15-50 for meals and drinks (including bottled water) not included. What’s included 1. All transport related expenses to and from airport as well on tour. This also includes all internal flights: A. Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Economy Class Hotel accommodation base in double/twin rooms (Best 3 star exquisite boutique hotels). All hotel taxes and service charges. Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above. Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced, safe driver. Private sightseeing with local, English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary. Entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programmed. Boat cruise as specified in the programmed. Cool drinking water on board. Volunteering opportunities. VAT and all taxes and service charge. www.odysseytreks.com Phone: 1-855-888-8735 Email: info@odysseytreks.com
What’s Not Included International flights, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre or post tour accommodation, optional tours sightseeing or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and any alcohol purchased or consumed. Some places that we visit charge additional fees if you are entering with a camera or camcorder - your city guide will advise on these and they can be paid for locally. Any travel vaccinations that are required. Travel Medical Insurance (this is mandatory and must be shown to our tour leader before trip begins) If you need travel insurance please go to our website and get a free quote
www.odysseytreks.com Phone: 1-855-888-8735 Email: info@odysseytreks.com