"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page"
--St. Augustine
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| Nomads Sailing in the Aegean Sea, Greece Tour 2010 |
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2010 Tour List
SCROLL DOWN THIS WEB PAGE TO SEE LONGER DESCRIPTIONS AND FULL DETAILS OF EACH OF THE TOURS LISTED HERE. TO BOOK A TOUR, COMPLETE THE FORM AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE OR GO TO THE CONTACT PAGE OF THIS WEBSITE AND COMPLETE THE FORM.
1. Autumn in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Oct. 7-10, 2010) Tour described below. SOLD OUT
2. Thanksgiving in Krakow, Poland (Nov. 20-27, 2010) Tour described below. SOLD OUT - Wait List Only
3. New Year's Eve in Edinburgh, Scotland (Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011) Tour described below. Spaces Available
4. New Year's Eve in St. Petersburg, Russia (Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 4, 2011) Tour described below. SOLD OUT - Wait List Only
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| Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia |
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1. AUTUMN IN HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA (Oct. 7-10, 2010):
Over the last several years, ArawjoTours has made it a bit of a tradition to spend autumn in the land of our friendly northern neighbor, Canada. We have visited Quebec City, Kingston, Montreal (twice!), and Ottawa, but we have never yet ventured to any of the beautiful Atlantic Provinces. The time for procrastination is over, as 2010 is the year for a relaxing getaway to the "New Scotland" of the northeast, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Our three night, four day retreat will take us to a city that's "…been called a 'San Francisco in miniature,'" as well as a "…small Boston" (Frommer's 2008). A picturesque harbor town of 370,000 people, Halifax is perfect for people who want to combine the culture of a big city--restaurants, museums, and historic sites --with the laid back atmosphere of a waterfront setting and a Bohemian lifestyle. In addition to an introductory tour of the city, we will also spend a half day traveling 26 miles outside of Halifax to visit lovely Peggy's Cove, a charming fishing village with a world-famous octagonal lighthouse and fantastic scenic views of the surrounding harbor.
THIS TRIP INCLUDES: Round trip direct air to/from Halifax on Continental Airlines out of Newark, three nights in Studio Suites at the lovely Cambridge Suites Hotel located in downtown Halifax, continental breakfasts daily, all hotel taxes totalling15%, a full day tour combining the city of Halifax with a trip to Peggy's Cove, and private motor coach transfers between the airport and hotel in Halifax. All rooms at the Cambridge Suites Hotel also offer a kitchenette with mini-fridge, a sink, microwave, cutlery/dishes, a toaster and coffee. Each room also includes complimentary local calls and high speed internet. A free fitness center, a 24 hour business center and a rooftop patio are also available. The package does not include air taxes and a small tip for our drivers and guide in Halifax.
PACKAGE PRICE: ONLY $678.00 per person based on double occupancy in Studio Suites and excluding any applicable air taxes. The single supplement is $222.00.
AVAILABILITY: SOLD OUT.
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| Old Market Square in Krakow |
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2. THANKSGIVING IN KRAKOW, POLAND (Nov. 20-27, 2010)
REASONS TO LOVE KRAKOW:
Krakow is a city whose roots go back to the early Middle Ages, when the original settlement functioned as a fortified castle on the Wawel Heights. It has a complex history that includes serving as the seat of the Polish kings until 1609, being incorporated into the Austrian Hapsburg empire as part of Galicia in 1846, and, during World War II, becoming the capital of the Nazi General Government administered by the notorious Hans Frank, who used the royal palace on Wawel hill as his residence. Today an intellectual center, Krakow is home to one of the oldest universities in Central Europe, the Jagiellonian University, first established in 1384 by King Kazimierz Wielki. Like Prague, Krakow has many beautifully-preserved buildings, but the atmosphere is distinctly medieval, with narrow alleys, cobblestone streets and cellar restaurants and taverns greeting the excited traveler with the smells of delectable Polish cuisine. Famous for being the setting of Steven Spielberg's masterpiece Schindler's List, Krakow is a city with a sometimes dark past, but whose contemporary youthfulness and energy coupled with the medieval landscape make it a natural rival to Prague--and, quite rightfully, a European jewel. Smaller than Prague but larger than Bruges, Krakow is a very manageable, comfortable, tourist-friendly city that is only recently gaining the attention it deserves. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Krakow is, in my opinion, among the top three most charming cities in all of Europe (the other two already mentioned above, Prague and Bruges). Scrumptious pierogies (the best in the world!), the purest vodka, friendly young Polish students eager to test their English, a grand Market Square that will stun you with its beauty, a chance to listen to Klezmer music in the Jewish Quarter, countless opportunities for optional excursions to such fascinating places as the Wieliczka Salt Mines (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), the beautiful resort town of Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, and, for those interested in World War II history, the chance to visit Auscwhitz-Brikenau, a must-see for anyone interested in Holocaust remembrance--all of these things are at your fingertips in Krakow. This trip is simply one that you will NEVER forget. Come join us and experience one of the greatest "best-kept secrets" of central Europe.
TOUR FEATURES: Round trip trans-Altantic air from Newark to Krakow, Poland on Lufthansa Airline and LOT Polish Airline; all transfers between the airport and hotel in Krakow; SIX nights in Krakow in a first class hotel with full buffet breakfasts daily; a half day guided sightseeing tour of the city; opportunities to participate in optional excursions, including a Schindler's List Holocaust Remembrance Tour, which will focus on places represented in Steven Spielberg's Academy Award-Winning Film, and a pre-departure orientation and pizza party conducted by Kevin Arawjo.
TOUR PRICE: ONLY $899.00 PER PERSON for the week excluding air taxes and fuel surcharges of approximately $443.00. This price is well BELOW our expected price of between $999.00 and $1099.00 and is an INCREDIBLE deal for a week in this absolutely stunning European city. Single supplement is $149.00 for the week.
AVAILABILITY: SOLD OUT. Wait List Only.
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| Queen Elizabeth outside of the Kirk of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, 2003. |
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3. NEW YEAR'S EVE IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND (December 28, 2010 - January 3, 2011):
On a cool, quiet morning on the 6th of July, 2003, my son, Ian, and I decided to take a pleasant stroll along Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile before doing some souvenir shopping on our last day in Scotland. A short walk from our hotel, the Royal Mile is the beautiful road that connects towering Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip call home during their periodic, constitutionally-required stays in the "Athens of the North," as Edinburgh is often called. Upon entering this stretch of history, I noticed a small gathering of people and a few security officers gathered around the small Canongate Kirk (also know as the Kirk of the Holyroodhouse) located along the lower stretch of the Royal Mile. Operating on a hunch, I rushed Ian to the scene in the hopes of catching a glimpse of one of the most celebrated queens in British history. We weren't disappointed. After waiting just a few minutes Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip exited the church and greeted the respectful onlookers before being whisked away in their black sedan. Not one to grovel over celebrities, I must admit I was speechless, and when one of the Queen's entourage walked over to my son, stroked his head and handed him a copy of The Order of the Divine Service, I nearly fainted. Such was our first, unforgettable experience in the land called Scotland and in the city called Edinburgh.
Although I cannot promise you the same experience, I can guarantee that you will be impressed by England's historically rebellious northern neighbor. Situated on the seat of a dead volcano, Edinburgh is one of the most spectacularly scenic cities in the world, with a Castle that proudly stands as sentinel over the Old and New Towns and which forms a stunning backdrop against the "gloaming" (fading evening light) of the night. A city made for walking, Edinburgh is comprised of a network of cobbled streets, pedestrian lanes, bridges and gardens that form a matrix of serenity and beauty. Although visits to Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are among the must-sees of the town, you may find that some of your most memorable experiences are those sitting in a Scottish pub drinking beer, experimenting with the regional dish known as haggis (stuffed intestines) or sampling several of the best whiskeys on the planet. If high culture is your thing, then head for the National Gallery or to one of the many theaters that bless the city with performances second to none. And if you wish to travel to the Highlands and get a feel for the countryside, Stirling (home to Mary Queen of Scots during her childhood), Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are all within easy reach. Most importantly, however, Edinburgh is home to one of the most incredible New Year's Eve celebrations in the world. Known as Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year consists of four days of wild celebrations, including street theatre, concerts, parades and fireworks all leading to a grand party on Princess Street. New Year's Eve in Edinburgh is in fact an unforgettable festival of joy and love.
We hope that you will join us on this, our tenth annual New Year's Eve celebration in Europe. It will undoubtedly be one of the most incredible experiences of your life, Queen or no Queen.
TOUR FEATURES: Our exciting New Year’s Eve adventure includes round trip DIRECT air transportation from Newark, New Jersey to Edinburgh, Scotland on Continental Airlines (great flights!), five nights in the beautiful, centrally-located Novotel Hotel in Edinburgh (this is one of the finest four star hotels in the city), full buffet breakfasts daily, private motor coach transportation to/from the hotel and airport in Scotland, a half day a guided sightseeing tour of the city, opportunity to participate in optional tours, including a visit to the Highlands and a pre-departure orientation and pizza party.
TOUR PRICE: $1099.00 per person based on double occupancy. Continental air taxes and surcharges of approximately $362.00 are additional. The single room supplement is $330.00 for the six days.
AVAILABILITY: Spaces available. Please note that Edinburgh is an extremely popular place to visit over New Year's Eve, so spaces will be very limited. Sign up early to guarantee your seats.
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| Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg. Photo by Alex Pudov |
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4. NEW YEAR'S EVE IN ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA (December 28, 2010 - January 4, 2011)
Winston Churchill once said, "Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma." Indeed, with over 1100 years of history, Russia is an exotic land with a rich and often turbulent past but whose people continue to frustrate all external attempts at defining their national character. It is impossible for outsiders to understand the so-called Russian soul, when Russians themselves have debated the nature of this soul for centuries. Russia's geographical location, encompassing two continents separated by the Ural Mountains, has fed into this debate by raising the identity problem posed in the form of the question: Are we Russians largely a European or an Asiatic people? Or are we something in between with a special destiny of our own?
Until 1703, Russia was a vast but landlocked nation that had experienced countless invasions from the east and west and remained a rather isolated country engaged in a relentless struggle for survival. The Mongol "yoke" alone of the ancient lands of Rus lasted for nearly 250 years! But one Russian leader was determined to break Russia's isolation and to link Russia definitively with the West by creating a "Window on Europe" in the marshlands of the Gulf of Finland. His name was Peter the Great. In the midst of a long and eventually victorious war with Sweden in the late seventeenth and early eighteen centuries, Peter decided to create a magnificent new capital in the north, St. Petersburg, which would provide Russia with a permanent access to the Baltic Sea and the wider seas beyond. Founder of the first Russian navy and an experienced European traveler, Peter became convinced that Russia's future must be culturally connected to the West.
Peter named his new capital after the biblical St. Peter. Renamed Leningrad after the Russian Revolution of 1917, the city returned to its original name after the collapse of the former Soviet Union in 1991. Often simply referred to as "Peter" by Russians, St. Petersburg is today a magical place of incredible palaces, world-renown theatres, breathtaking Orthodox churches, scenic vistas on the banks of the River Neva, spacious parks and gardens and museums, like the Hermitage, that are mind-blowing in terms of their wealth and treasures. For history buffs, St. Petersburg was the seat of power for Russian monarchs from 1703-1918, the home of the Russian Revolution, and the location of the heroic siege of Leningrad, where, at the cost of hundreds of thousands of lives, the Russians held out against Hitler's war machine during the darkest days of World War II. The inspiration for many famous Russian writers, such as Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and Pushkin, St. Petersburg has a mystique about it capable of turning casual tourists into philosophically-minded humanists interested in discussing not only the Russian soul but the universal soul of man. For most Russians, religious and non-religious, the most important celebration of the year is New Year's Eve. (Russians do not celebrate Christmas in December but in early January in accordance with the Russian Orthodox Church.) If you want to be in a city when it is truly alive with the most intense joy of the year, then St. Petersburg is it. Imagine the beauty of the city itself, made more splendid with the crisp air of winter and a fresh blanket of snow reflecting the multi-colored holiday lights strung throughout the city. Imagine a stroll on Nevsky Prospect, where Dostoevsky himself once walked, followed by a stop in a café or restaurant for some warm borsch, Siberian pelmeni and delicious blini, all slaked down with some of the best vodka in the world. Imagine celebrating New Year's Eve in one of the imperial ballrooms in which the Russian royalty and nobility greeted in the New Year with French champagne, caviar, and dancing. Let your imagination become reality by joining us on this amazing New Year's Eve tour 2010-2011. The "riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma" awaits you.
TOUR FEATURES: Our exciting New Year’s Eve adventure includes round trip trans-Atlantic air transportation from Newark or JFK to St. Petersburg, Russia (we are currently booked on Lufthansa but may take Aeroflot if they offer us better connections); SIX nights in the brand new first class Park Inn Nevsky Prospect Hotel with full buffet breakfasts daily; all private motor coach transfers for our group between the airport and hotel in St. Petersburg; a full day guided sightseeing tour, including visits to the Peter and Paul Fortress and to the Hermitage Museum in the Winter Palace; a three course lunch with the full day guided tour; opportunity to participate in several optional excursions and an optional New Year’s Eve dinner celebration; a pre-departure orientation and pizza party sponsored by ArawjoTours and the services of a full time tour escort throughout the journey (Kevin Arawjo). The base price for this fabulous getaway is only $999.00 per person, a full $200.00 below our maximum anticipated price! This air-inclusive rate does not include Lufthansa fuel surcharges and taxes totaling approximately $435.00 at the time of this writing. Total costs for the entire week with all taxes and surcharges included is $1435.00, a tremendous bargain for a week in Russia! Air alone to this destination over the holiday period is well over $900.00 and this package includes so much more! Rates are based on double occupancy (two to a room). For anyone desiring a single room, there is a supplement of $200.00 for the week.
AVAILABILITY: SOLD OUT. Wait List Only.
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Booking a tour is now easier than ever. Just fill out the brief form below or send me a direct message to inquire about or to make reservations for a specific tour package. Please be sure to include a valid email address, so that I can respond promptly to your inquiry. Thank you for your interest in ArawjoTours.
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