Arawjo Tours - Global Nomads

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page"

                                                         --St. Augustine

The Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn, NY

1.  Winter Weekend in New York City (Feb. 10-12, 2012):

Join us for this annual ArawjoTours promotional tour to our greatest neighboring city, the Big Apple.  Enjoy countless museums, pubs, clubs, restaurants, theatrical performances, comedy shows, and of course superb shopping, for three solid days of adventure.  New York makes for a nice day trip, but it makes for a MUCH nicer weekend getaway, when it becomes possible to feel the city in a way that cannot be done by popping in and out.  This winter travel package includes two nights at a centrally-located four star hotel and round trip private motor coach transportation from the Lehigh Valley to New York.  The bargain price for this weekend package is approximately $239.00 per person.  Again, this is a bargain promotional venture designed to reward existing nomads and to encourage new travelers to become part of our Global Nomad Travel Family.

AVAILABILITY:  SOLD OUT.

Nomads in Costa Rica, 2011

Tiny Costa Rica sits squarely between the two American continents and in its character can be found the best elements of both. The fiery and colorful Latin American culture is tempered with the sophistication of US standards of service and hospitality and there's a healthy dose of Caribbean attitude that brings the laid back easy nature of the islands to the mainland.

It's not difficult to see what draws visitors here. Take your pick from the pristine beaches (either Pacific or Caribbean), misty mountain cloud forests, wildlife rich river deltas or the spectacular volcanoes that are sprinkled across the country. And year round the tropical climate means that this is one holiday the weather has little chance of spoiling.

During the wet season, the thick forests of the river deltas and the slopes of the misty mountains are thick jungle, thrumming with thousands of species of animal, bird and insect life, including big cats, crocodiles and lizards. The coastal waters are home to manatees and turtles, which you can see nesting on the protected beaches. Literally the whole country is a nature lover's delight. In the dry season, the beaches are the place to head as they bake under the hot sun and the pace of life slows down.

Climb the volcanoes of smoldering Arenal with its constant sulphurous plume of smoke, or quieter Irazu from where you can see both Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from the summit. Surrounded by thick forest at their base their sparse black slopes are a reminder that you're in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where nature rules unchecked by Man.

There aren't the historic relics that you find elsewhere in Central and Latin America, but the Diquis Spheres, housed in the National Museum, are a reminder that there were sophisticated cultures here as enigmatic as their more famous neighbors of the Aztecs or the Incas. The colonial influence was never as strong here either, and the culture is refreshingly egalitarian, as the country molded the few settlers who struggled to make a living here, rather than the other way round.

March 1, 2012 - Arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica:

Arrival to the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose.  We will be met at the airport by our full time, English-speaking tour guide/escort, who will be with us throughout our entire stay in Costa Rica.  We will check into our first class Country Inn & Suites hotel near San Jose, have dinner at the hotel and then join a welcome briefing conducted by your tour guide.  Please note that most meals are included in this tour. 

March 2, 2012 - Durerfly Garden, Tortuguero Park:

Today we begin with a scenic morning drive through Braulio Carrillo Park, where we will spot cascading waterfalls.  We will then visit a butterfly garden and a sugar plantation.  Next, we will cruise through rivers and canals to the 47,000 acre Tortuguero National Park.  Tortuguero is home to more than 300 species of birds.  We will look for toucans, parrots, kingfishers and the rare green macaw.  Following an included lunch, we will visit the Green Turtle Research Station in the afternoon, where we will learn about efforts to protect the turtle's nesting habits, eggs and young hatchlings.  We will walk along the Atlantic turtle nesting beaches with a naturalist guide.  We will then visit the Tortuguero, where we will meet Costa Rican school children (when in session), and will then check into the Laguna Lodge for the next two nights.  (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

March 3, 2012 - Tortuguero Park, Canal Cruise:

This morning we will cruise with naturalist guides along canals lined with raffia palm, the habitat of howler and white-faced monkeys, green iguanas and tropical birds.  We will look for white and snowy egrets and the amazing nests of the Montezuma oropendola.  Then, we will enter the mysterious reflecting waters of Cano Palma wildlife reserve.  We will return to the lodge for lunch and then have free time to enjoy the swimming pool and the tropical flower gardens.  Later in the afternoon, we will have a boat excursion into the canals of Tortuguero Park, where we will look for otters, turtles and manatees, while listening to the joyful sounds of the jungle. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

March 4, 2012 - Pineapple Tour, Fortuna:

This morning we will return to Cano Blanco to continue our journey to Arenal.  After lunch, we will drive through the scenic countryside to the San Carlos Valley for a two night stay in Fortuna at the Magic Mountain Hotel.  (Breakfast and lunch)

March 5, 2012- Hot Springs, Arenal:

Today is a full day at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities and to participate in a number of optional excursions.  In the afternoon, you can soak in the volcanic hot springs.  Weather permitting, we will also be able to see nearby Arenal Volcano's softly glowing lave.  Click here for a list and description of exciting optional tours from Arenal that you can select:  Excursions in and around Arenal (Breakfast and dinner)

March 6, 2012 - Quepos/Manuel Antonio

Today we will be transferred to Central Pacific (approximately four hours) to stay for three nights at the beautiful Parador Resort and Spa in Manuel San Antonio near Quepos.  The afternoon is free for leisure to relax at this beautiful resort. (Breakfast and dinner)

March 9, 2010 - San Jose:

Our tour ends after breakfast.  We will be transferred back to the San Jose Airport, where will board our plane and return to the United States.

SUMMARY OF TOUR INCLUSIONS:  Round trip air from Newark to San Jose, Costa Rica; the services of a full-time English-speaking local tour guide/escort;  all private motor coach transportation inside Costa Rica; one night at the Country Inn & Suites in San Jose;  two nights at the Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero; two nights at the Magic Mountain Hotel in Arenal; three nights at the Parador Resort and Spa in Manuel San Antonio;  a total of 16 MEALS as described above; all sightseeing as indicated in the daily itinerary (with the exception of optional excursions, which you are free to select in Arenal and at the Pacific Coast); the services of an ArawjoTours tour leader and a pre-departure orientation.

The Parthenon in Athens

3.  PENN STATE LEHIGH VALLEY CLASSICAL ANTIQUITY TOUR TO ATHENS AND ROME (April 19 - 28, 2012):

While giving a guided tour of the Acropolis in Athens during a recent tour to Greece, a lovely couple who were taking a Mediterranean cruise asked if they could "tag along" with our group as we marched from one stunning monument to another.  Our newfound friends told us that their ship would be at the port of Piraeus for only about five hours and that they had little time to stay in Athens.  Five hours--too see a city that deserves at least five days to do it justice!!!  I was absolutely astonished!!!  The 2012 Penn State Lehigh Valley Classical Antiquity Tour will not be making the same mistake of shortchanging Athens, which over the last ten years has become one of the most exciting destinations in all of Europe, and one of my personal top three favorite cities in the world (and I have traveled to over 45 countries since 1995).  Not only is the archaeological zone of the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the Parthenon, one of the greatest buildings ever erected by man, is now among the newly-declared modern Seven Wonders of the World.  The brand new Acropolis Museum is an architectural wonder in and of itself and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens is mind-blowing in terms of the invaluable riches on display within it, including the famous Mycenaean room based on the finds of Heinrich Schliemann and the gorgeous frescoes dating to about 1645 B.C. from the island of Santorini.  But apart from its rich historical offerings, Athens is a pulsating city with countless outdoor cafes, tavernas, bars, bouzouki venues and ice cream parlors that are perfect for practicing the longtime Greek habit of people-watching.  Greeks are among the friendliest people in the world and will without question make your lovely stay in Athens a memorable one.  Our tour will include five nights in this epicenter of Western civilization, which will ensure that you return to the United States with a much different sense of Athens than those unfortunates who dropped by for five hours.

It is often said that Rome conquered Greece but then became captive to Greece's cultural superiority.  Indeed, one look at Roman architecture and it becomes obvious how great a debt the Romans owe to their eastern neighbors.  But the Romans achieved something the Greeks did not, and that is the creation of a vast Empire extending from Britain in the West to Mesopotamia in the East, an Empire that by 212 A.D. extended citizenship to all free men in this vast political universe.  And for nearly 1000 years (from 509 B.C. to 476 A.D.), the heart of this extraordinary civilization was Rome herself, with its great symbols of power--the coliseum, the Forum, the grand basilicas, the public baths, the triumphal arches and the statues to its many rulers, both good and bad.  Arriving in Rome on our return to the United States from Athens, we will "drop by" this sprawling metropolis for three nights to enjoy the often overwhelming treasures of this magnificent place.  Our intention is to include a half day city tour that will introduce you to the city's highlights, and then to set you free to structure your sightseeing based on personal interests and preferences.  You can spend a day at the Vatican and its museums, visiting the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, or just "piazza hop" and shop.  Whatever your groove, you will find it in Rome (mine is eating!). 

The 2012 Penn State Classical Antiquity is a fabulous two-city combination that is great for first-timers and returning travelers alike.  I have been to Greece more than 15 times and never tire of the city's evolving character.  And Rome?  Well, there is only one "Eternal City" in the world, and everyone must see it.  Below are some of the features that will be part of this exciting and economical package:

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• Classical Antiquity pre-departure lecture series conducted by Kevin Arawjo
• Roundtrip trans-Atlantic air from Newark to Athens with a return from Rome
• Five nights at the Superior First Class Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel with hot breakfasts daily
• All private motor coach transfers throughout the tour between airports and hotels in Europe
• An Acropolis walking tour led by Kevin Arawjo
• A half day tour of Athens and the Parthenon with English-speaking guide
• A visit to the Archaeological Museum of Athens with Kevin Arawjo
• An optional day trip to Delphi or Mycenaea from Athens with English-speaking guide
• An optional full day cruise to the islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina
• A one-way intra-European flight from Athens to Rome
• Three nights in a Superior First Class Beverly Hills Hotel with hot breakfasts daily
• A half day guided tour of Rome, including visits to the Coliseum and Forum
• A pre-departure orientation and pizza party sponsored by ArawjoTours

ADDITONAL PENN STATE PERK:

• Free transportation to/from the Newark Liberty Airport for Penn Staters and their families. 

(Transportation for non-Penn Staters will be organized by Kevin Arawjo for a small fee.)

AVAILABILITY:  SOLD OUT.
 TOUR PRICE:  $1999.00 per person based on double occupancy and excluding any applicable air taxes and fuel surcharges.  The single room supplement is $425.00 for the nine days.

Yellowstone National Park

4.  National Parks of the American West (May 7-17, 2012):

ArawjoTours is delighted to present an exciting itinerary for an eleven day air-inclusive tour to the National Parks of the American West.  Arriving in Salt Lake City, the package below will take us to some of the most famous historical and natural wonders of our beautiful country and will end in Rapid City South Dakota.  We will have our own motor coach throughout the journey and will be accompanied by a full-time local guide/escort who will share his knowledge with us of all the sites we will be visiting.  Below is a snapshot of some of the highlights of the tour.  If you would like to see our day-by-day program, please continue to scroll down this page and you will find a complete narrative of our National Parks of the American West adventure.  We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to experience something entirely new with ArawjoTours.  Come on board!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS (Read below for full itinerary):
 
--Mormon Tabernacle Choir (or organ recital)

--National Oregon/California Trail Center

--Grand Teton National Park

--Cruise on the Snake River

--Yellowstone National Park, including Old Faithful

--Buffalo Bill Historical Center

--Cody Night Rodeo in Cody WY

--Bighorn National Forest

--Mt.  Rushomore National Memorial

--Crazy Horse Memorial

--Custer State Park

--Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

--Badlands National Park

Day 01:Our tour escort will meet us upon arrival at the airport in Salt Lake City.   We will board a local coach for a transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening we will drive to Park City, Utah’s premier ski resort town, full with restaurants and shops. Dinner on your own and return to hotel after dinner. Overnight at the hotel (Sheraton Salt Lake City).

Day 02:
After breakfast we will begin a full day city tour. First stop will be the Mormon Temple, located  in Salt Lake City's center block, known as Temple Square.  Here, the spires of the Salt Lake Temple rise amid downtown high-rises and super malls. With its distinctive spires and statue of the angel Moroni, the Salt Lake Temple is an international symbol of the Mormon Church and it’s largest temple.

At Temple Square, we visit the Mormon Tabernacle.   Legend has it that Brigham Young originated the unusual design of the now-famous Tabernacle on Temple Square after contemplating a hollowed-out egg shell cracked lengthwise. Young wanted the Tabernacle roof to be self-supporting, without pillars or posts to obstruct audience views, so bridge-building techniques of the day were employed. The domed roof was created by using steam to bend the massive beams and weighing them at both ends. Construction of the Tabernacle lasted 12 years, from 1863 to 1875. The 11,623-pipe Tabernacle Organ features prominent golden pipes made of round wood staves, hand-carved from Utah timber. Ten pipes from the original organ still work. The organ is one of the largest (and is considered one of the best sounding) organs in the world. Today, tours of Temple Square feature a demonstration of the Tabernacle's remarkable acoustics. Visitors may sit in the rear of the building as the tour guide drops a pin on the floor close to the podium. The sound rings clearly throughout the hall. The Tabernacle's acoustics are also the reason the Grammy-award winning “Mormon Tabernacle Choir” calls it home. Based on choir’s schedule we will be able to listen to a performance by the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir or an organ recital.  After the concert, the group will visit This Is the Place Heritage Park, which is located on the east side of Salt Lake City. The location of the park is where on July 24, 1847, Brigham Young first saw the Salt Lake Valley that would soon become the Mormon Pioneers' new home.  Lunch and dinner on your own.  Overnight at the hotel (Sheraton Salt Lake City). 

Day 03:
After breakfast,  board our Long Distance Coach and travel to Montpelier, ID.  Here we will step into the days of the Oregon Trail by visiting the National Oregon/California Trail Center, which offers visitors a unique and entertaining interpretive indoor adventure; simulating an actual wagon train experience of the 1850s.  Re-enacted entirely within their comfortable center, this interpretive experience features historically accurate interpretive areas and live actors.  Patrons will go back in time to visit a gun shop, see a mercantile, and  ride in a covered wagon.  After a “Pioneer Lunch”, we will proceeds on to Jackson, WY, and check into our hotel.  Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel (Wyoming Inn).

Day 04:
After breakfast we will have a full day of sightseeing led by our tour escort, visiting Grand Teton National Park . The mountain peaks tower more than a mile above the valley known as Jackson Hole. The “Grand Teton”  peak rises to 13,770 feet above sea level. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feet in elevation, high enough to support a dozen mountain glaciers.  We will then proceed to Jackson WY for cruise on the Snake River. (weather and schedule allowing)  Lunch and dinner under own arrangement.  Overnight at the hotel (Wyoming Inn).

Days 05 and 06:
After breakfast, travel to Yellowstone National Park for a 2 days visit of some of the highlights of the park.Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park. It was established in 1872. Yellowstone extends through Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.  The park's name is derived from the Yellowstone River, which runs through the park. It's unclear if the name first referred to the sulfurous yellow rocks below the falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River or to the sandstone bluffs that border its shores. Within the massive park boundaries, you can find mountains, rivers, lakes, and some of the most concentrated geothermal activity in the world. The park has 60% of the world’s geysers as well as many hot springs and several mud pots. Perhaps the most famous feature of the park is the geyser Old Faithful. Some of the sights we will see include Fountain Paint Pot, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River and Old Faithful. A three course, superior dinner is included on first night at a local restaurant within Yellowstone Park. Overnight at Yellowstone National Park OR West Yellowstone MT.

Day 07:
After breakfast at the hotel, we will travel to Cody, Wyoming to visit the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, which is a complex of museums displaying artifacts and art of the American West. The museums include the Buffalo Bill Museum, which features general western articles and historical items that help tell the story of W. F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody's life.   A large amount of historical background information is provided in order to portray his life in context with the Wild West.
Lunch under own arrangement.  Overnight will be in Cody, WY. (Holiday Inn).

Day 08:
After breakfast at the hotel we will head for Buffalo, Wyoming, where we will traverse the scenic  Bighorn National Forest.  This national forest area features grass prairies, evergreen forests, mountain meadows, rugged alpine peaks, dramatic canyons, arid desert lands and cascading waterfalls. We will stop in town of Sheridan where we can visit the famous Sheridan Inn, once home to Buffalo Bill. We will continue to the small town of Claremont, Wyoming for lunch at a ranch.  If time permits, optional horse-riding and fishing activities will be offered, after which we will travel on to Deadwood, South Dakota.  The evening is free for leisure.  Overnight in Deadwood (Lodge at Deadwood).

Day 09:
After breakfast we will enjoy a short walking tour of Deadwood, SD.  The entire city is a national historic landmark. Models of turn-of-the-century street lamps light the way through accurately, carefully restored architecture. The famous and infamous have left their marks here. Follow their footsteps as you explore the beauty and history of this one-of-a-kind Wild West town. Then, we travel approximately one hour to Keystone, SD where for lunch on our own and visit Mt  Rushmore National Memorial, to view the world famous sculptures carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore. Sculpted by Gutzon Borglum and later by his son Lincoln Borglum, Mount Rushmore features 60-foot (18 m) sculptures of the heads of former United States presidents. Then continue on to Crazy Horse, South Dakota, to see the Crazy Horse Memorial.  The memorial is a mountain monument under construction in the Black Hills of South Dakota, in the form of Crazy Horse, the Oglala warrior, riding a horse and pointing into the distance. Following this, we will head to  Custer, South Dakota.  Here we can visit  Custer State Park, which is home to a famous herd of 1500 free roaming bison. Elk, mule deer, white tailed deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, mountain lions, and feral burros also inhabit the park. The park is famous for its scenery, its scenic drives (Needles Highway and the wildlife loop), with views of the bison herd and prairie dog towns. Travel on to Rapid City, SD for dinner under own arrangement and overnight at hotel (Alex Johnson hotel).

Day 10:
After breakfast, we will spend the full day of sightseeing in and around Rapid City, SD.  Our visit will include the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. It was established in 1999 to illustrate the history and significance of the Cold War, the arms race, and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) development. The National Historic Site preserves one of the last remaining Minuteman II ICBM systems in the United States. Lunch under own arrangement.  In the afternoon, our next visit will be Badlands National Park, which is marked by rugged terrain and formations that resemble a science fiction landscape of another world. These rock formations take on the shapes of domes, twisted canyons and slanted walls, often striped in different colors. The formations contrast sharply with the rolling hills and prairies in which they stand. In addition to the rock formations, the park contains the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. On the way back to Rapid City we will make a stop at historic Wall Drug store.  The evening is free for leisure.  Overnight in Rapid City (Alex Johnson hotel).

Day 11:
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport in Rapid City via local coach and bid farewell to our tour escort. 

TOUR FEATURES:  Round trip air from Newark to Salt Lake City with a return from Rapid City;  a full-time local tour escort as well as a private motor coach and driver for the eleven days;  extensive sightseeing as described fully above; accommodations in first class hotels including breakfasts;  and a pre-departure ArawjoTours orientation.

TOUR PRICE:  The total price for this air inclusive package is $2499.00 per person based on double occupancy and a minimum of 40 passengers and excluding air taxes of approximately $100.08  The single supplement is $700.00 for the twelve days.

AVAILABILITY:  SOLD OUT.

St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow at Night

5.  White Nights:  The Grand Muscovite and Imperial Russia Tour 2012 (July 4-14, 2012):

Back by popular demand, this ArawjoTours Classic (ATC) is one of our biggest hits!  And in 2012, we've scheduled the tour during the famous White Nights (Beliye Nochi) of St. Petersburg, when the city is at its liveliest and the skies are illuminated all night long, so you can stroll along the Neva with your well-worn copy of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment at 3:00 a.m. if your heart so desires!  We've also added one extra night each in both Moscow and St. Petersburg for a more relaxed program.  Continue reading below for more information on this fantastic package.

Moscow and St. Petersburg are two very different Russian cities.  Moscow was first mentioned in the historical record in 1147, when Prince Yuri the Long Arm invited a fellow prince to feast with him in Moscow.  Yuri then constructed walls around the settlement in 1156 thereby officially transforming Moscow into a town.  From the 12th to the 16th century, Moscow served as the center of a process known as the gathering of the Russian lands, which led to the establishment of the Muscovite absolutist state under such tsars as Ivan the Great and Ivan the Terrible.  It is during Ivan the Terrible's reign that the magnificent St. Basil's Cathedral was constructed on Red Square.  Moscow has thus come to represent old, traditional Russia and the seat of religious and political power up until the time of Peter the Great.

St. Petersburg, on the other hand, has come to represent a "window on Europe," a majestic westernized city on the Baltic Sea that was first established as Russia's new capital in 1703 by Peter the Great.  It is often said that St. Petersburg was built on the bones of the serfs, and that is true, for thousands of conscripted peasants toiled endlessly--and to their death--in the swampy land that was to become Peter's pride and joy, a symbol of a modernized great power.  With the "storming" of the Winter Palace in 1917 by the Bolsheviks, the Russian Revolution ushered in a new era of Communist Party rule for St. Petersburg, and eventually the former capital was renamed Leningrad after the founder of the Soviet state.  (The Bolsheviks moved the capital of the Soviet Union back to Moscow in 1918.)  Today, many Russians and foreigners alike tend to identify more with one or the other city, depending on their artistic, philosophical and historical predilections.  As for me, "Ya Moskvich"  (I am a Muscovite), for I have lived in Moscow for two summers and have developed a deep love for the city.  However, no one should leave Russia without experiencing the unquestionably beautiful architecture and cosmopolitan flavor of "Peter" (as the Russians simply call their competitive northern neighbor).  The Grand Muscovite and Imperial Russia Tour 2012 is designed to give you an excellent introduction to Moscow and St. Petersburg--and to the Russian people, who are some of the most hospitable and welcoming people in the world.

Sunset on the Incredible Island of Santorini, Greece. Photo of Austin Kulp, 2010.

6.  Wonders of the Aegean:  Athens, Crete and Santorini (July 14 - 25, 2012)

Picture yourself in the fashionable town of Oia on the beautiful island of Santorini sitting on a slightly breezy rooftop restaurant sipping a cocktail and listening to new age music while the sun softly sets on  the colorful horizon.  Without equivocation, I can guarantee that this will be one of the most magical experiences of your life.  Centered in the heart of the Aegean, Santorini has been called one of the most romantic places on earth by Travel and Leisure Magazine--and for good reason!  The island was once a huge volcano that exploded around the year 1645 B.C., leaving an eight mile wide picturesque caldera embraced by a rim of cliffs composed of volcanic ash.  Perched along and on top of these cliffs are whitewashed, blue-domed buildings that comprise several of the towns of the island, including Oia, Fira and Firastefani.  These scenic settlements offer spectacular views and teem with life; tavernas, churches, quality shops and bars provide an exciting playground for lovers of nightlife.  Sun worshipers can find their way to the nearby black sand beach of Kamari to work on a tan befitting the Greek gods.  And for the history buff, a visit to the remains of the 3700 year-old town of Akrotiri will provide a stimulating glimpse into the life of ancient Cycladic culture.  In short, Santorini is one of those few places that you will remember and talk about for the rest of your life.  This ArawjoTours Aegean Wonders 2007 package provides you with the opportunity to spend four nights on this paradisiacal island.

Santorini is just one of our three stops on this twelve day journey through the Aegean.  We will in fact begin our tour with three nights in Athens at the Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel which is located at the base of the famous Athenian citadel.  We will have a guided tour of the Acropolis and city, including visits to the Parthenon, Erechthuim, Acropolis Museum, Constitution Square, Olympic Stadium and more.  You will also be provided with the opportunity to go on an optional full day excursion to Delphi, which was the ancient religious site of Classical Greece.  In addition to these activities, you will have free time to visit the Plaka (the pedestrian dining and shopping zone around the Acropolis), the flee market and/or any one of a number of museums in the city.   There is also Mt. Lycabettus which you can ascend by funicular in order to catch some fantastic views of the city. When you are in the archaeological heart of Athens, you will be impressed by the architectural accomplishments of the ancient Greeks.  The Parthenon itself is a triumph of aesthetic engineering.  You will quickly come to realize why the statesman Pericles once called Athens "the school of Hellas."

Spanish Flameco Dancers in Andalusia

8.  SPECTACULAR SPAIN:  MADRID, BARCELONA AND THE COSTA DEL SOL (July 26 - Aug. 6, 2012)

Madrid, in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, is truly one of the great cities of Europe.  The museums alone justify paying a visit to this remarkable Spanish capital.  The Prado, for instance, contains over 4000 masterpieces by such artists as Goya, El Greco, Boticelli, Velazquez and others, ranking it among some of the most magnificent European museums, including the Louvre in Paris and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.  If museums are not your thing, have no fear, for there is much else to see and do in Madrid.  A visit to the Royal Palace, which contains over 2000 rooms, makes for a fun way to experience the opulence of the world of Spanish kings and queens.  You can follow up your tour of the royal residence by participating in a Spanish version of a pub crawl, called a tapeo, which involves visiting tascas (tapas bars) in order to sample the vast array of delicious bite-sized portions of food called tapas, which are normally washed down with wine, beer or sherry. 

After a few days of exploring Madrid's fascinating culture, why now take day trip to one the several historic towns that are in close proximity to the city?  Two fantastic towns worth visiting include Segovia, whose El Alcazar is one of the most photographed fortresses in the world, and Toledo, which in addition to its own impressive Alcazar, is home to one of the greatest Gothic cathedral's in the world.  The Roman Aqueduct, also located in Segovia, was built during the 1st century under the Roman Emperor Trajan, and was still functioning until just a few years ago.  In addition to Segovia and Toledo, other options outside of the city include San Lorenzo de El Escorial, El Valle de los Caidos (Valley of the Fallen), and Avila.  (ArawjoTours will in fact be offering an optional excursion to Toledo.)

Following four nights in Madrid, we will travel eastward to Catalonia to spend three nights in the amazing city of Barcelona, a city with a unique and irresistible allure.  From its Catalonian dialect, which Franco tried to stamp out, to its avant-garde architecture, such as Antonio Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, Barcelona reflects an independence of character that is linked to a proud past but is always poised to anticipate and embrace the future.  It is no wonder that the surrealist painter, Pablo Picasso, found the city of his youth a delight and in 1970 donated 2500 of his paintings and other works to what is now the Picasso Museum of Barcelona, one of the largest collections of Picasso's works in the world.  Home to the 1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona has quickly become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Europe.  Its location on the Costa Brava astride the Mediterranean has for centuries made it an important commercial center and springboard to the Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Majorca and Minorca.  To stroll along the promenade Les Rambles, to explore the medieval Gothic Quarter, to eat tapas at one of the innumerable restaurants that line the busy streets is to feel the pulse of this cosmopolitan city. (The nightlife of Barcelona is especially legendary.)

Our third stop on our ArawjoTours Spectacular Spain Tour will be to Andalusia.  Located in beautiful southern Spain, Andalusia is bordered by the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun), a long stretch of Mediterranean coastline famous the world over for its resort towns, golf courses and relative proximity to popular sightseeing destinations like Granada and Seville.  After flying into Malaga, we will head for the jewel of the Costa del Sol at the foot of the Sierra Blanca, the exclusive town of Marbella, where we will spend four nights in a luxurious seaside resort, and from which we will enjoy the local sights and flavors of Andalusia.  Marbella is a charming place, with a magnificent old quarter replete with cobblestone streets, medieval ruins, Moorish walls and tapas bars and restaurants, all situated around the lovely Plaza de los Naranjos.  During our stay in Marbella, we will include a full day tour Granada, the former stronghold of Moorish Spain, to visit the amazing Alhambra Palace.  We will also include an evening Flamenco show, without which no visit to Andalusia is complete.  Apart from these organized activities, you will have time to lounge by the beach and/or pool, bask in the sun, tee up for a round of golf, or book one of any number of optional sightseeing tours through the concierge to such attractions as Morocco, Seville, Torremolinos and more. 

The Spectacular Spain 2012 Tour is a wonderfully relaxed way to spend eleven days in Spain. Our minimum stay of three nights in each city (four in Marbella) gives you the opportunity to enjoy Madrid, Barcelona and Marbella without the feeling of being rushed from place to place and consequently enables you to appreciate the pulse of Spanish life in a less superficial way.  If visiting Spain has been your dream, then this tour is for you.  Sign up now to be sure to secure spaces on what promises to be a popular package.

SPECTACULAR SPAIN 2012 TOUR FEATURES -- This twelve day Spanish adventure includes round trip trans-Atlantic air on Iberian Airlines from New York to Madrid (with a return from Malaga);  three nights in the beautiful superior first class Melia Madrid Princesa hotel in Madrid with buffet breakfasts daily; a half day sightseeing tour of Madrid, including view of the Plaza Espana, the Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor and the Sabatini Gardens; an optional day excursion to the beautiful town of Toledo;  one way AVE train ride from Madrid to Barcelona;  three nights in the superior first class Ayre Gran Via hotel in Barcelona with breakfasts daily;  a half day sightseeing tour of Barcelona, including a visit to the Sagrada Familia;  an optional evening Flamenco performance in Barcelona; a one-way flight from Barcelona to Malaga (southern Spain);  four nights on the Costa del Sol at the centrally-located, superior first class Fuerte Miramar Spa hotel in Marbella with breakfasts daily;  a full day tour to Granada, including visits to the Alhambra Palace and Generalife;  an optional tour to the beautiful town of Ronda;  a pre-departure orientation and dinner and the services of an ArawjoTours tour leader (Kevin Arawjo). 

TOUR PRICE:  The price for this fantastic getaway is ONLY $2549.00 per person based on double occupancy and a minimum of 30 passengers.  Any applicable air  taxes and surcharges are extra.  The single room supplement for the twelve days is $639.00.  Contact us for further information on the possible availability of triple occupancy rates.

AVAILABILITY:  Accepting reservations.

Major's Hill Park - Ottawa, Ontario CA

Pack your bags; we are going on a road trip to Ottawa, Canada's beautiful nation's capital!  For those of you who went on our autumn getaway to Kingston, Ontario a few years ago, you got a taste of Ottawa during our full day excursion there.  Ever since then, I've been asked to add Ottawa to our lovely October foliage tours to the land of Mounties, great beer, hockey and pristine nature.  For those of you who are unfamiliar Ottawa, here are five great reasons to visit this vibrant city:

1.  The View of the Parliament Building and the Ottawa Skyline - Perched on top of a great hill just off of Wellington Street and along the shores of the Ottawa River, the Canadian Parliament , whose first stone was laid in 1860, is a magnificent architectural achievement and one of the most photographed buildings in all of Canada.

2.  The Canadian Museum of Civilization - Simply put, this is one of the greatest museums in the world and is a must-see for anyone visiting Ottawa.  The museum traces the history Canada's social, cultural and material history from the arrival of the Norsemen on Newfoundland's coast around A.D. 1000 to the present.  It also contains an amazing collection of aboriginal art in its wondrous First Peoples Hall.  In addition to this incredible museum, there are many others in Ottawa worthy of a visit, including the new Canadian War Museum, the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of Nature. Like our nation's capital in Washington, the Canadian capital is incredibly rich in its educational offerings for people of all ages.  A full day could be spent just visiting some of these museums.

3. The Rideau Waterway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- The Rideau Waterway links Ottawa and Kingston through a series of canals and lakes that extends over 202 kilometers and includes 45 locks and 24 lock stations.  It is an engineering wonder that has been granted UNESCO World Heritate status in 2007.  East of the Parliament Building, you can experience for yourself this incredible marvel by watching boats pass through eight separate locks that link the Rideau Canal to the Ottawa River.  It is a spectacular sight! 

4.  The ByWard Market, Pubs/Restaurants and Entertainment - One of the highlights of any trip to Ottawa is a visit to the ByWard Market District, which is a farmers' market offering all kinds of fresh produce, including all varieties of maple syrup and other gourmet foods.  In the evening, you will not be bored in Ottawa, as there are countless British-style pubs and wonderful restaurants that will satisfy even the most discerning traveler.  And you may cap off your evening by taking in a performance at the National Arts Centre or even a Ottawa Senators hockey game at the famous Corel Centre.

5.  Experience the Fall Foliage on the Hull-Chelsea- Wakefield Steam Train - Built in 1907 in Sweden and shipped to Canada, this locomotive is the only European steam train operating in Canada and takes passengers on a gorgeous five hour journey through the picturesque Gatineau Hills, stopping for two hours in the lovely village of Wakefield, where you can shop, dine and enjoy the scenery.  This train ride is one of the best ways to spend a day exploring Ottawa's beautiful countryside. (Note:  Due to flooding last year, the train is currently not operating.  We will be visiting Wakefield Village and the Gatineau National Park instead.  See below tour description.)

This list is certainly not exhaustive; there is plenty more to do in Ottawa.  But I hope you will agree that a four day trip to such a cultural center is time well spent.  Plus, don't forget our little Duty Free stops both going into Canada and returning from Canada.  Our yearly trips to Canada have become one of the great traditions of ArawjoTours.  Book early to guarantee your seats, as we are only taking one motor coach.  Below is a list of the specific tour features:

The Beatles Story Museum, Liverpool

10.  In the Footsteps of the Beatles:  Liverpool and London (Nov. 17-25, 2012):

A young lady on one of my tours this past summer asked me in which city I could see myself living for a period of six months or more.  The answer was simple and came to me immediately:  London.  I never tire of London; indeed, if I don't go there every couple of years, I feel like I am missing a good friend.  I am sure that many of you who have had the good fortune of visiting this wonderful city feel the same way.  So whether you are a first time visitor to London or her long-time friend, why not come with us this Thanksgiving (2012) to celebrate not only the city but the heritage of one of the greatest bands ever to have graced stage, the Beatles. 

This ArawjoTours In the Footsteps of the Beatles tour will start with four nights in London, followed by a two day trip to the birthplace of the Fab Four, Liverpool.  On our first day, we will drive to the port city of Liverpool in our private motor coach and upon arrival we will visit the famous Beatles Story Museum, which houses memorabilia of the famous group, including a yellow submarine with live fish swimming past the portholes.  Later in the day, you can have visit on your own the Cavern, which is considered to be "The Most Famous Club in the World," because it is where the Beatles performed 292 gigs between 1961-1963.  In the evening, you can slake down a few beers at the Ye Cracke pub, a favorite watering hole of John Lennon in his early days.  We will then spend two nights in the Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool to soak in the culture of the city. On our second day in Liverpool, we will go on a Magical Mystery Tour in our own private bus.  This tour will take us to the most famous attractions associated with the Beatles, including their homes, schools, birthplaces, Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.  After our two days of Beatles mania, we will board our motor coach and ride back to London to enjoy one last night in the city before returning to the United States.

If you are not a huge Beatles fan, the time spent in Liverpool will not be excessive.  You can approach that part of the tour from the standpoint of historical curiosity and can appreciate another important urban center in the United Kingdom.  For you, spending time in London itself will undoubtedly be the focus, so we have made sure that with five nights there, you will have the ability to take in all the great splendors of the city on the Thames.  As I have been to London many times, and have taken countless groups there, I thought it would be nice to share with you some of my favorite things to do in London.  Keep in mind that this list is in no way exhaustive, nor is the list necessarily in order of preference.  It is merely intended to give you a general idea of the many opportunities that exist in and around the city. 

Kevin's Top Eight Joys of London:
 

1.  Visiting the British Museum--For Free!  Most of the great museums in London are free of charge, so you can pop in and out at your leisure.  The British Museum is my favorite museum in the world.  It houses incredible treasures, such as the Elgin (Parthenon) Marbles from Greece, the Rosetta Stone and the Black Obelisk.  There are free guided tours of 30-40 minutes in duration that cover different areas of the Museum's collection.  After your visit to the Museum, you can stroll across the street and have a beer or English cider at the Museum Tavern (ca 1703), where Karl Marx did some of his writing.  The pub grub at this tavern is particularly good.  Try the shepherd's pie for sure.

2.  Pubs and Beer (while we're on the subject of imbibing) -- With over 5000 pubs in the city, London is a beer-drinker's paradise.  With many excellent brews to sample, you can pass hours chatting with locals, enjoying the charm, ambiance and coziness of antique surroundings and sampling the food.  The British are famous for fish and chips, and this dish goes quite well with English ale.   Some of my favorite pubs include the Museum Tavern above, the Churchill Arms, which celebrates the life of Britain's most famous Prime Minister and the Dog and Duck (my favorite), where George Orwell came to celebrate his sales of Animal Farm in the United States.

3.  Taking in a West End Show -- What would London be without theatre?  It is indeed hard to imagine.  To go to London and not see a theatrical performance is in my opinion a huge mistake.  There is such a variety of shows that you will have a hard time deciding which you want to attend.  (Half price tickets are available in Leicester Square.) The performances are outstanding and you never know whom you will meet at one.  During a 2009 visit to London, my wife and I attended the stage performance of Burnt by the Sun (based on a Russian film of the same name) at the Royal National Theatre and ran into Cate Blanchett.  People are respectful of celebrities on London, so no one made a fuss, but as she was sitting in front of me, I had a hard time focusing on the show.  Amazing!!!

4.  Sightseeing - Wow!!!  I find myself repeating that word over and over again in London as I walk through the city.  Some of my favorite sights include Big Ben, the Tower of London, the Palace of Westminster (containing both Houses of Parliament), Westminster Abbey and #10 Downing Street (home of the Prime Minister).  Throw in a one hour cruise on the Thames and you will think you are in sightseeing heaven.  It is not even necessary to enter some of these buildings; all you need to do is to stop, stare and absorb the beauty of their external architecture. 

5.  Shopping at Harrods or in Covent Garden -- Although I am not a shopper per say, I have to confess that a walk through Harrods is enough to get me to break out my wallet, even if it is only for something small.  Harrods is a must-see attraction for visitors to London.  This multi-storied department store is more like a museum than a shopping center.  It is loaded with high quality goods covering everything imaginable.  And the eateries in Harrods are to die for.  My wife's favorite shopping area, though, is Covent Garden, which has a long history as an old outdoor market that has now undergone a tremendous urban renewal and is one of the hippest parts of town.

6.  The Cabinet War Rooms - I have no idea why this museum isn't touted more prominently in guidebooks to London, but it is definitely one of the most incredible historical sites n the city.  Sir Winston Churchill and his Cabinet stayed in these underground rooms during World War II as the city was being bombed by the Nazis.  Churchill used to give his stirring BBC broadcasts from here, and lived, slept and drank in this claustrophobic setting for months on end.  You can listen to some of his actual telephone conversations with Stalin, visit the Map Room, and tour Churchill's private quarters, including his bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.  A visit to this museum is a moving walk through time that should not be missed by anyone even remotely interested in history.

7.  Take a Day Trip Outside of London - What makes London so terrific is not only its incredible tourist attractions, but also its close proximity to a whole host of other worthy sites located outside of the city.  Stonehenge, Bath, Windsor Castle, Warwick Castle, Oxford, Cambridge, Startford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare's birthplace), the Cotswolds and much more are within reasonable distances for half or full day excursions.  In fact, we will be offering an optional excursion to Stonehenge and Bath for anyone interested.  You may take public transportation to visit some of these places on your own, or you may sign up for a package tour with one of the many local companies that offer sightseeing excursions from London.

8.  Some Other Fun Stuff -- There is so much to do in London that I am overwhelmed just writing about it!  Here are some other miscellaneous activities that deserve honorable mention:  going on one of the many guided London walking tours (the Jack the Ripper Walking Tour for instance), taking a ride on the London Eye (ferris wheel), riding in a traditional double-decker red bus or black cab, listening to the mad rants of crazed fanatics in the Speaker's Corner of Hyde Park, visiting Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum (great for kids), watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (if you can time it right), or being lucky enough to attend the premier celebrations of a newly-released movie in Leicester Square (my wife and I got to see all the main actors of the new Star Trek movie when it premiered in 2009 at the Empire Theatre).  The list goes on and on and on….but I guess you get the point by now.  Come with us to London.  You will not be disappointed!

SUMMARY OF TOUR FEATURES: The Beatles London/Liverpool Tour 2012 features the following:  Round trip non-stop trans-Atlantic air transportation on Virgin Atlantic Airways;  private motor coach transfers for the group between the hotel and airport in London;  five total nights in London in the four stars Novotel London West Hotel with hot buffet breakfasts daily;  a half day guided panoramic sightseeing tour of London upon arrival;  long distance private motor coach service for three days between London and Liverpool (53 passenger vehicle);  two fabulous nights in Liverpool  in the hip Hard Days Night Hotel with breakfasts daily;  entrance to the Beatles Story Museum in Liverpool; a half day Beatles Magical Mystery Tour in our private motor coach with visits to the most famous Beatles sites in and around Liverpool; opportunity to participate in an optional excursion to Stonehenge and Bath from London;  a pre-departure orientation and the services of a full-time ArawjoTours tour leader (Kevin Arawjo). 

TOUR PRICE:  The price for this eight days, air-inclusive tour to London and Liverpool is only $1549.00 per person based on double occupancy.  This rate is especially good, because it already includes all Virgin fuel surcharges of $412.00, which Virgin has agreed to lock and not to increase.  Air taxes are extra.  The single room supplement is $439.00.  We are confident that you will LOVE both London and Liverpool while simultaneously celebrating the music of the Beatles.

 AVAILABILITY:  Four seats left.

Ferris wheel in the Prater Park in Vienna on NYE

11. New Year's Eve in Vienna, Austria (Dec. 29, 2012 - Jan. 4, 2013):

In 2001, Vienna, the seat of the Austrian Habsburg rulers from 1273-1918 was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site by the international community.  This status is well-deserved, as Vienna is a magnificent city with over 100 art museums, countless classical music venues, many of which are located in stunning settings like the Shonbrunn Palace, a proud but often tumultuous Imperial history dating from the 13th century, delicious multi-ethnic food and outstanding wines, and sightseeing second to none.  It is no wonder that nearly 8 million visitors enjoy Viennese culture every year, many of whom come over New Year's Eve, when the city's brilliance sparkles with holiday lights and when the Viennese literally waltz in the New Year with Johann Strauss's "Blue Danube."  Come celebrate with us in one of the most romantic cities in all of Europe.  Here are five reasons to go:

1.  Visiting the Hofburg and Schonbrunn Palaces - The Hofburg was the winter palace of the Habsburg rulers and is now a fantastic complex of buildings that includes the famous Spanish Riding School, where you can see a performance of the famous Lipizanner stallions, or where you can attend mass at the Hofburgkapelle to ear the ethereal voices of Viennese Boys' Choir (tickets should be purchased in advance).  The Schonbrunn  Palace was the summer palace of the Habsburgs and special care was given to it by Maria Theresa, who rules Austria for forty years.  Containing 1,141 rooms and splendid gardens, the Schonbrunn is a must-see for anyone visiting Vienna and interested in art and architecture.

2.  Food and Coffee - Home of the Wiener schnitzel, Vienna offers the tastiest breaded veal you will ever have.   Another local specialty worth trying is the Tafespitz, or "Emperor's Dish."  A favorite of Franz Joseph, Tafelspitz is a boiled beef infused with the flavors of juniper berries, celery root and onion and served with Apple-and-horseradish sauce and fried grated potatoes.  Slake it all down with potent Schwechater beer.  For dessert, you must try the chocolate cake with apricot jam, known as the Sachertorte.  Sachertorte can be enjoyed at one of the many wonderful coffee houses throughout the city, the first one of which was established in Vienna in 1683.  If you tire of Austrian food, you may enjoy the cuisine of many nationalities, including French, Slovakian, Hungarian, Slovenian, Italian, Russian and even Asian. 

3.  Kevin's Favorite Activity in Vienna:  Going to the Heurigen in Grinzig -- In 1784, Franz Joseph allowed each wine-producer in the suburbs of Vienna to sell his own wine.  Heurig in fact means "new wine."  In the district of Grinzig, you can visit one or several of these wine taverns and spend a very merry evening feasting on country buffets, listening to live folk music, and, of course, enjoying the tavern's homemade vintage.  It is about a thirty minute ride by public transportation to Grinzig, so don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the taverns. It will be a highlight of your tour, for sure!

4.  Museums, Cathedrals and Shopping -- Although there are many art museums in Vienna, one that you must visit is the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), which contains wonderful collections of Egyptian and Greek art as well as outstanding works of many Dutch masters.  St. Stephen's Cathedral, with its 450 ft. steeple, is one of Europe's greatest Gothic structures dating from the 12th century and is also a must-see.  You can also spend time shopping either in the Naschmarkt, which is the most famous open-air market in Vienna with Medieval roots, or window shopping along Vienna's Fifth Avenue, known at Kartnerstrasse.  Exhausted from your day of museums, cathedrals and shopping, hop on a tram and circumnavigate the grand boulevard known as the Ringstrasse, which Emperor Franz Joseph had constructed along the former medieval fortifications of the Old Town.

5.  Take a Day Trip to the Danube Valley -- The Wachau, part of the Danube Valley, is a beautiful region northwest of Vienna, where you can visit such places as Krems, Durnstein and Melk.  Located in the heart of vineyard country, Krems is a 1,000 year-old town with old churches, ancient houses and narrow streets.  Durnstein is another picturesque town along the Danube with a castle fortress and fortified walls.  And Melk is famous for its spectacular abbey which overlooks the Danube basin.  About Melk, Maria Theresa had this to say:  "If I had never come here, I would have regretted it."  I have been to Melk a number of years ago and can completely agree with the Maria Theresa's assessment.  ArawjoTours will offer an optional full day tour which will take you to all three of these towns.

SUMMARY OF TOUR INCLUSIONS:   Round trip trans-Atlantic air on either Austrian Air (non-stop) or Lufthansa Airlines  (connecting flights) from JFK and Newark respectively.  We will be using up the Austrian Airlines spaces first and then if necessary the remainder of the group will fly with Lufthansa.  Both carriers are outstanding.  The tour also includes:  private motor coach transfers for each group to/from the airport in Austria and the hotel;  a half day panoramic sightseeing tour of Vienna upon arrival with an English-speaking guide;  five nights in a near-center four star modern hotel (well-connected to city by U-Bahn) with buffet breakfasts daily; opportunity to participate in one or two optional excursions to either Salzburg and/or to the Danube Valley; a pre-departure pizza party orientation and the services of full-time ArawjoTours tour escorts. 

TOUR PRICE: The price for this tour is an incredibly low $999.00 per person, air-inclusive. Air taxes and fuel surcharges are extra. (Currently, Austrian Air taxes are $135.73 and their fuel surcharge is $476.00. Lufthansa’s fuel surcharges are slightly higher. Taxes and surcharges are subject to change until the time of ticketing.) The single supplement is $255.00 for the six days. There is no triple occupancy.

AVAILABILITY:  SOLD OUT. Waiting list only.