Below is our much-anticipated 2013 tour schedule.  As in previous years, we have attempted to combine successful ATC's (ArawjoTours Classics) with exciting, new destinations geared toward those who are seeking something different or perhaps more adventurous.  Highlights of the 2013 program include a trip to Chile (with an Easter Island Option), a beautiful package to sunny and friendly Portugal, which includes a three night visit to magnificent Madeira Island, an amazing ten day odyssey throughout the incredible island of Crete with Georgos Spiridakis and even a Kenyan Safari in September!  For newcomers, we recommend that you take a look at our Ireland, Romantic Italy, Tuscany (with Tina Dyer) and NYE in Paris tours.  They are all serious WINNERS and loads of fun.  For something different over Thanksgiving, why not join us on our trip to Ukriane and Poland?  Central and Eastern Europe represent great value for the traveler who has already been to many Western European destinations.  Our mission is to provide affordable, high quality tour packages for all budgets.  We believe the list below represents well our desire to continue to serve the travel interests of our growing Global Nomads Travel Family.

In the coming months (as in previous years), each tour below will be fleshed out with a narrative descriptions and with projected prices.  We can begin taking advance courtesy reservations immediately without any financial commitment.  We do not ask for deposits until the final tour price is established eleven months prior to departure, at which time you will then be given an opportunity to confirm your reservation with a deposit or cancel.  We hope to have all tours fully described by January, 2012.

I am often asked which tours I am most excited about, so this year I thought I'd introduce what I am calling DIRECTOR'S CHOICE tours.  Out of the many packages listed below, I have noted four Directors Choice tours which I believe will be quite extraordinary and which I feel you should take a close look at. 

We look forward to receiving your reservations and feedback on our exciting schedule.  We can't wait to travel with you again in 2013! 

Kevin Arawjo (Owner, ArawjoTours)

2.  Amsterdam for All (March 7-14, 2013)

3.  Chile with Easter Island Option (March, 2013) - DIRECTOR'S CHOICE- Postponed until March, 2014

4.  Springtime in Provence and the French Riviera with Penn State Lehigh Valley (open to Global Nomads - April 11-20, 2013)

5.  Ireland:  Pubs, People and Pasture (May 16-26, 2013) - ATC

6.  Best of Portugal:  Lisbon, Madeira Island and the Costa do Sol (June 27 - July 8, 2013) - DIRECTOR'S CHOICE

7.  Romantic Italy:  Venice, Florence, Rome and Sorrento with Pompeii and Capri (July 24 - Aug. 4, 2013) - ATC

8.  Insider's Crete:  A Journey Through the Land of Zeus with Georgos Spiridakis (July 10-22, 2013) - DIRECTOR'S CHOICE

9.  Five Star Burgundy and Provence River Cruise with Uniworld (Aug. 4-11, 2013)

10.  Kenyan Safari (Sept. 12-21, 2013) - Fully booked.  We are no longer taking reservations for this tour.

11.  Autumn in Tuscany andCinque Terre, Italy with Tina Dyer (Oct. 15-27, 2013) - ATC

12.  Autumn in New England:  Newport RI (Bus Trip - Oct. 3-6, 2013)

13.  Thanksgiving in Lviv,Ukraine and Christmas Market Krakow, Poland (Nov. 26 - Dec. 5, 2013) - DIRECTOR'S CHOICE

14.  New Year's Eve in Barcelona, Spain (Dec. 28, 2013 - Jan. 3, 2014)

15. New Year's Eve in Paris, France (Dec. 28 - Jan. 3, 2014) - ATC

CONTACT US TO MAKE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ON ANY OF THE ABOVE. MANY OF OUR TOURS SELL OUT FAR IN ADVANCE, SO SIGN UP EARLY.

Snowfall in NYC - Magical!!!

1. Winter Weekend in New York City (Feb. 8-10, 2013):

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 $249.00 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:Accepting advance courtesy reservations and auto-enroll clients.

"Coffee" Shop in Central Amsterdam

Amsterdam is city whose very name is synonymous with toleration.  Whether it be legalized prostitution or the decriminalization of "soft" drugs such as marijuana, Amsterdam has a reputation for accepting what others believe should be forbidden.  A visit to this remarkable city will never leave you indifferent;  rather, it is likely to cause you to re-think your own prejudices and axioms of truth and to ground them on a new foundation of education and experience. As I have come to appreciate, however, the  Amsterdam of shocks is only one part of the city's story.  While it is entirely possible to stroll the Red Light District and interact with countless unionized prostitutes or to order hash and marijuana from a menu in a "coffee shop" (contrary to rumor, coffee shops are still open to foreigners in Amsterdam),  it is equally possible to explore the countless institutions of high culture that enrich the city--the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum being among two of the greatest artistic storehouses in all of Europe.  The opposite of "seedy" might also include a visit to the moving Anne Frank House or to the Royal Palace or to the beautiful Vondelpark.  A canal cruise is also a nice way to take in the 17th century town houses, which line the canals and are considered to be architectural masterpieces.  Or, of course, you can seek out one of the many great restaurants or cafes that dot the city and enjoy a delicious glass of Jenever gin with some delicious Dutch cuisine.  The important point is that Amsterdam really does have something for everyone; you are truly FREE to create the kind of experience that you believe will be most memorable.  Amsterdam is worth not just one visit, but several.  So if you have never been to Amsterdam or even if you have, join us on this wonderful and very affordable almost-spring getaway "Amsterdam for All 2013."  Sign up now to guarantee your seats!

AMSTERDAM FOR ALL TOUR FEATURES:  Round trip air transportation from EWR or JFK to Amsterdam; all transfers to/from the airport and hotel in Amsterdam; SIX nights in a four star hotel with breakfasts daily; a half day guided sightseeing tour of Amsterdam; opportunity for participation in optional excursions, such as the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum; a pre-departure orientation and pizza party; and the services of a full-time tour escort (Kevin Arawjo).

TOUR PRICE:  To be established in April, 2012.  Approximate cost will be $899.00 - $999.00 per person.

AVAILABILITY:  Accepting advance reservations.

View from the Cliffs of Monaco

4.  Penn State Lehigh Valley in Provence and the French Riviera (April 11-20, 2013):

  "Kevin, since you have traveled so much and to so many places, where would you go to live if you could--even if only for a short period of time?"  This is a question, in one form or another, that I often receive from friends and clients.  Invariably, among the select locations I mention, Provence and the Cote d' Azur (French Riviera) recur high on the list. A long time ago, Van Gogh's paintings were animated by the colors he experienced in southern France--the poppy  and sunflower fields and magical starry nights enjoyed from places like the Cafe Nuit in Arles.  With a backdrop of Roman and Medieval ruins, the many walled hill towns of Provence evoke a spirit of beauty and serenity that touch the soul with a calming, peaceful air.  The smell of fresh herbs, the taste of local wine with freshly baked bread and homemade cheese and the dramatically picturesque surroundings all combine to provide a sensory blast of the sort that leaves one thinking, "yeah, I could live here."  Travel further south and the landscape eventually opens wide to the splendid Azur Coast (Cote d' Azur), whose emerald deep blue waters form part of the Mediterranean basin.  The stretch of coastline from Marseille to Nice is one of the richest and most beautiful in the world, with jaw-dropping vistas at every turn.  In Nice, you can see or be seen as you stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais,  dine in the charming Old Quarter or shop in the outdoor vegetable and fruit market.  And from Nice, you are just a stone's throw away from the Monaco of Grace Kelly and the Casino of Monte Carlo.  Arguably one of the most romantic combinations in global travel, the Penn State Lehigh Valley Provence and French Riviera tour is one of the hottest packages in our 2013 schedule.  We hope you will take a close look at the description below and consider joining us on this paradisiacal escape. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• Round trip air from the USA to Avignon, France, with a return from Nice

• Four nights in a four star hotel with breakfasts in the beautiful walled town of Avignon, which is one of the most important cities in Provence and once the seat of the Papacy during the 14th century. 

• A half day guided tour of Avignorn, including a visit to the Palais des Papes, a magnificent palace overlooking the city from a nearby hill. This was, for a time, the Vatican of the north. 

• Two outstanding half day optional excursions, one to the town of Arles, with a visit to its well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and the other to Les Baux, which was once referred to as the "nesting place for eagles" because of its dramatic location on a windswept plateau overlooking the southern Alpilles.  In both towns, you will have time for shopping, dining and individual exploration.

• All private motor coach transportation to/from the airports and hotels and long distance motor coach transportation from Avignon to Nice on the Cote d' Azur

• Four nights in a four star hotel with breakfasts on the French Riviera (We will be staying in Nice.)

• A half day guided tour of the city of Nice with an optional afternoon visit to Monaco and Monte Carlo

• A full day tour to the gorgeous towns of St. Paul de Vence and Eze.  Free time in both locations.

• A pre-departure orientation conducted by Kevin Arawjo

• Free transportation to/from the Newark Airport for all Penn Staters and their families (Transportation to the airport for Global Nomads will be provided as usual at a small charge.)

TOUR PRICE: To be established in June of 2012.

AVAILABILITY:  Accepting advance courtesy reservations.  Space is limited ot 18 Global Nomads and 30 Penn Staters.  Reserve early to be guaranteed seats.

ArawjoTours Ireland Group at the Guinness Brewery in Dublin

5.  Ireland:  Pubs, People and Pasture (May 16-26, 2013):

The popularity of Ireland as a tourist destination for North Americans is truly astounding.  Few countries command such widespread interest.  The mystery behind this fascination, however, is easily understood with one visit.  The countless well-preserved medieval castles, the world famous literary tradition, the luscious green rolling hills and striking coastal scenery, the extensive history extending from the Neolithic period to the present, the joviality of the Irish, who seem to welcome Americans with open arms, and, of course, the pubs--ah, yes, the pubs!  For beer drinkers the world over, Ireland is THE pilgrimage site for the purest frothy mug of Guinness.  Thus, there is much to admire about this humble nation whose citizens truly know the meaning of hospitality.  The Ireland Pubs, People and Pasture tour is designed to give you a wonderful introduction to the Irish culture and heritage.  But even if you've been to Ireland before, you may find this package appealing as well for its combination of organized activities and free time.  Read on for complete details.

IRELAND:  PUBS, PEOPLE AND PASTURE TOUR FEATURES::  Round trip air transportation from to Shannon with a return from Dublin;  three nights in a first class hotel with full Irish breakfasts daily in the beautiful coastal city of Galway;  a half day guided sightseeing tour of Galway;  a full day tour to the Aran Islands; an optional evening dinner and show at Bunratty Castle;  visits to the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and St. John's Castle en route to Killarney;  two nights in first class hotel with full Irish breakfasts in Killarney;  a guided tour of the famous Ring of Kerry;  visits to Blarney Castle and the Woolen Mills Shop en route to Kilkenney;  two nights in a first class hotel with full Irish breakfasts in Kilkenney; a half day guided tour of Kilkenney;  an optional full day tour to Glendalough;  two nights in a first class hotel in Dublin;  a half day guided tour of Dublin, including a visit to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells;  an optional full day guided tour of Belfast in Northern Ireland;  a pre-departure orientation and the services of a full time driver/guide and ArawjoTours tour leader.

 

TOUR PRICE:  To be announced in the summer in the spring of 2012.

AVAILABILITY:  Currently accepting advance courtesy reservations.  This tour is filling up quickly.  Make your reservations early.

Tom and Karen Flad having lunch on the Coast of Madeira Island with ArawjoTours in 2009

6.  Best of Portugal:  Lisbon, Madeira Island and the Costa do Sol (June 27 - July 8, 2013)

From the moment I discovered that our hotel in Lisbon was located near Araujo Street (the correct spelling of my last name is Araujo), I knew I was going to have a fantastic experience in Portugal.  And I was not disappointed!  Portugal is a land where Americans, whether they are of Portuguese descent or not, can truly feel at home in the hospitality of a people marked by their openness and eagerness to distinguish themselves from the much more temperamental Spaniards.  All too often, foreigners visit Spain as their primary travel destination and either treat Portugal as an afterthought or ignore it altogether.  What a mistake!  In Portugal you will experience remarkable monuments to the Age of Discovery, spectacular coastal and inland scenery, impressive historical architecture, a coffee culture that puts Starbucks forever to shame (coffee shops in Lisbon are hundreds of years old), the BEST fish in the world, delicious Porto wine,  expressive Faro dancing and an economy that still presents itself as a bargain to the beleaguered American greenback.  In short, Portugal has everything that makes for an amazing European vacation--often without the crowds of other parts of the Continent.  

The Best of Portugal tour is a package designed to appeal BOTH to first-time visitors of Portugal and to those who visited Portugal in the past and want to see a different part of the country this time around.  We will begin our tour with three nights in Lisbon, the historic capital of Portugal, where we will explore the city and enjoy some of the nightlife in the form of a Faro show.   Next,  we will board a plane and take the two hour flight to the magical island of Madeira off the coast of the Atlantic, where we will continue our tour with three more  nights of rest and relaxation in an atmosphere of lush beauty.  Our accommodations will be in Funchal, the capital of Madeira Island, which we will use as our base to explore this fertile volcanic mass.  Perhaps along the way, we will run into some Britons, who for a long time now have understood and appreciated this "secret" of the Atlantic.  Lastly, we will travel to the south of Portugal to stay along the beach on the Costa do Sol (Coast of the Sun) for four final nights.  Also known as the Algarve, this gorgeous region of Portugal is famous for its many top-notch resorts and its proximity to such lovely towns as Sagres and Lagos. If you are tired of the typical Paris, London or Rome tours (not to discredit them, for these locations have their own merits), then I highly recommend that you join us on this rather special early summer vacation.  I am confident that like me and many others, you will come to be impressed by the loveliness of the Portuguese way of life.

BEST OF PORTUGAL TOUR FEATURES:  Round trip trans-Atlantic air from Newark to Lisbon of TP (Air Portugal);  all transfers to/from the airports and hotels in Portugal ; three nights in a first class hotel in Lisbon with breakfasts daily;   a half day guided tour of Lisbon;  an optional Faro dinner and show performance and an optional full day tour to Sintra (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Cape Roca and Obidos; domestic air transportation on TP from Lisbon to Funchal, Madeira Island;  three nights in superior first class hotel in Funchal with breakfasts daily;  a half day tour of Funchal and its environs;  an optional full day island tour of Madeira;  domestic air transportation from Funchal to southern Portugal on TP; four nights in a  superior first class hotel in the Algarve with breakfasts daily;  a full day guided tour to Sagres andLagos with lunch;   a pre-departure orientation and dinner;  and the services of a full-time ArawjoTours escort/tour leader. 

TOUR PRICE:  To be established in July, 2012.  Expected range between $2399.00 -$2599.00 all air-inclusive.

AVAILABILITY: Accepting advance courtesy reservations.  We expect this tour to sell out early, so sign up soon if interested!

ArawjoTours group near Phaistos Palace with beautiful Mt. Ida in the background. George is second from right.

8.  Insider's Crete:  A Journey Through the Land of Zeus with George Spiridakis (July 10-22, 2013):

Did you know that the first European civilization was centered on the island of Crete over four thousand years ago?  Known as the Minoans--a term given to them by the great archaeologist Arthur Evans--the people who inhabited Crete between 2000-1400 B.C. were a highly sophisticated people who had developed a system of writing known as Linear A (still un-deciphered), who had commanded an extensive maritime trading network that extended throughout much of the eastern Mediterranean, who had a highly productive system of developed agriculture and metallurgy, and whose elaborate palace culture was so advanced that it is thought to have inspired the Myth of Atlantis. Thought to be the birthplace of Zeus, Crete is a magnificent mountainous island located south of mainland Greece where the Aegean and Mediterranean converge.  The waters south of the island form part of the Libyan Sea which stretches to the coastline of North Africa.  Long a crossroads of various civilizations--the Minoans, Mycenaeans, Dorians and other Greeks, Romans, Venetians and Ottoman Turks--Crete is an island of fiercely independent people who have suffered much but who have succeeded in creating a unique culture of kind, albeit sometimes suspicious, survivors.  Gaining independence from the Turks in the 1890's, Crete soon after became part of an independent Greece, retaining however, its distinctive identity as a world apart (Cretan first, Greek second).  Today, Crete is one of the great breadbaskets of the Mediterranean, producing olives, olive oil, wine, oranges, lemons and some fantastic cheeses in abundance.  Tourism, however, has now become the major service industry of the island, largely because of its stunning natural beauty, top quality beaches, deliciously healthy cuisine and ancient Minoan  ruins that continue to be excavated by various archaeological schools from around the world.  

The most qualified person to take you on an eleven day tour of this huge island is my good friend and teacher, George Spiridakis.  George is a Cretan tour guide with decades of experience educating foreigners about all aspects of his homeland, from the process of manufacturing the finest organic olive oil to discussing the latest research in Minoan archaeology to sharing his thoughts on the best Kazantzakis novels to read in order to understand the Cretan soul.  Insider's Crete:  A Journey Through the Land of Zeus with George Spiridakis is a special, ArawjoTours Director's Choice tour that will introduce you to the natural, cultural, culinary and historical delights of my favorite island in the Mediterranean.  George will take you to places that are off-the-beaten path of mainstream tours, which often just stop at Heraklion to visit the Palace of Knossos.  We will explore small villages, dine on the best local food, interact with locals, visit extraordinary archaeological sites, drink lots of wine and Raki (the favorite Cretan distilled spirit), enjoy Cretan music and get to know each other and our knowledgeable guide in a loving and caring way.  This tour is for people who want to enjoy the pulse of life in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.  You will walk away from this experience with a passion for Crete and its people that far exceeds anything you could have imagined before embarking on the journey.  Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity--sign up today!  Below is a copy of our daily itinerary and if you scroll to the bottom of the page, you see a section that summarizes the tour features. 

Day 1:

Depart from USA for Heraklion, Crete.

Day 2:

Upon our arrival in the Land of Zeus, we will be met by our teacher, guide and full-time tour escort, George Spiridakis, who will brief us on our Cretan agenda and then take us on a short orientation walk to a local taverna, where we will enjoy our first Cretan dinner.  Our accommodation for the next two nights is the centrally located Lato boutique hotel.  (dinner included)

Day 3:

After breakfast at the hotel,  George will give the first of a series of lectures on many aspects of Crete.  This morning's lecture will be about the geography, climate and the early history of Crete.  Our lunch will be in a 300 year-old house in the village of Asites, where we will dine on lamb or chicken cooked in an olive wood-fired oven and meet with a local women's association for a walk through this country settlement.  In the afternoon,  we will visit the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos and an excellent local winery. Overnight at the Lato hotel.  (breakfast and lunch included)

Day 4:

After  a hearty breakfast, we will visit the Heraklion Museum and then the workshop of a local potter.  The potter is George's good friend and is the only one in Crete who has studied the ancient techniques of the Minoans.  He does not normally receive groups, but George has secured a special presentation just for us.  After our morning sightseeing, we will proceed to Chania, stopping in the local village of Kournas, near the only fresh water lake in Crete. Our lunch will be in the small square of the village at the "Kali Kardia" taverna ("good heart" tavern"). The specialty of the taverna is salad with the freshest ingredients from its gardens along with pork sausages with mountain herbs and some of the tastiest grilled lamb chops that you will have on Crete.  Overnight at the Hotel Porto Venezianno or similar.  (breakfast and lunch included)

Day 5:

Following breakfast at the hotel, George will deliver a presentation on Greek history of the last few centuries, including Crete's involvement in World War II.  We will visit the very emotionally moving World War II cemetery, the tomb of Venizelos and the Agia Triada Monastery.  The evening is free for leisure.  Overnight at the Hotel Porto Venezianno or similar.  (breakfast included)

Day 6:

After breakfast, the morning is free to shop or to relax.  In the afternoon, we will drive to the beautiful university town of Rethymnon, where we will spend two lovely nights.  Upon arrival in Rethymnon, George will give a brief orientation tour of this delightful seaside paradise.  Overnight at the Hotel Ideon or similar. (breakfast included)

Day 7:

After breakfast, we will visit the Arkadi Monastery, which is one of the most beloved of all Cretan Monasteries--if not the most beloved--because of the famous 1866 battle between the locals and the occupying Turks.  This visit will give us an important historical appreciation for the centuries-long conflict between the Cretans and the Turks and especially for the sacrifices of the local population against the Ottoman Sultanate.  We will then continue to Margarites traditional village, famous for its pottery, and dine at "Kosta's Place," a family taverna located near the shade of mulberry trees.  The afternoon is free for leisure. Overnight in Rethymnon at the Hotel Ideon or similar.  (breakfast and lunch included)

Day 8:

 After breakfast,  we will visit the Fortress of Rethymnon, the Museum and the most impressive Minoan cemetery of Crete in the Armeni village.  We will stop at Spili to taste the famous spring water and after lunch we will proceed to the village of Zaros, where we will spend the next two nights.  We will meet the locals and have a group dinner at Vivi's taverna, where we will also have the opportunity for a brief cooking lesson.  Overnight at the Hotel Keramos or similar.  (breakfast and dinner included) 

Day 9:

 After a special breakfast in Zaros, we will visit the ancient Minoan palace of Phaistos and the Beach and Caves of Matala.  Free time for lunch and swimming.  In the evening, we will dine again at Vivi's and enjoy some real Cretan music.  Overnight at the Hotel Keramos in Zaros.  (breakfast and dinner included)

Day 10. 

After breakfast, we will visit the local artisans of Zaros.  We will then drive to eastern Crete.  Along the way, we will have lunch at Kyria Eleni's taverna in the Vrahasi village.  Kyria Eleni's has received an award for its food by the Cretan Academy of Taste.    We will arrive in Agios Nicholas, where we will spend the next three nights at the Hotel Hermes or similar.  (breakfast, lunch and dinner included). 

Day 11. 

 After breakfast, we will visit the Byzantine church, Panayia Kera, and the village of Kritsa, known for its handicrafts.  We will then visit the spectacular Minoan city of Gournia, which was excavated by the American archaeologist Harriet Boyd-Hawes.  The evening is free for leisure.  Hotel Hermes or similar. (breakfast and dinner included) 

Day 12:

After breakfast, we will enjoy a unique experience in the blue Aegean.   We will have a privately chartered boat for a trip to the Spinalonga Venetian Fort, known to be the most powerful of all Venetian fortresses in Crete.  Afterwards, we will enjoy a BBQ and swimming in a wonderfully secluded bay. Hotel Hermes or similar.  (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 13:

Early Breakfast. Morning departure for airport of Heraklion for flight to Athens and then to the USA.

TOUR FEATURES:  Round trip trans-Atlantic air  to/from Crete; 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners (22 meals!) as outlined above; 2 nights in Heraklion, 2 nights in Chania, 2 nights in Rethymnon, 2 nights in Zaros and 3 nights in Agios Nicholas--all in first class hotels;  a full-time private motor coach, driver and tour escort (George Spiridakis) throughout the journey; all lectures, sightseeing and entrance fees as per above-described program;  a pre-departure slide presentation on Minoan Civilization by Kevin Arawjo; and a pre-departure orientation and dinner. With all the meals that are included in this trip, you will need little money apart from a few independent dining experiences and any incidental items and/or souvenirs that you purchase.

TOUR PRICE:  To be established in the summer of 2012. 

AVAILABILITY:  Accepting advance courtesy reservations. Space is limited.

The French Countryside

ArawjoTours in conjunction with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is proud to announce a spectacular 2013 seven night cruise on the Rhone River on the gorgeous River Royale cruise ship.  With spectacular rooms, exquisite service, stimulating sightseeing tours, gourmet meals with wine and beer and significant ArawjoTours group discounts, this quality package is a fabulous high-end opportunity for the discerning traveler.  Book now to ensure your first choice of deck and cabin.  Complete information on the tour follows below. 

Please note that your meals and beer, wine and soft drinks during the dinner meal are all covered in this cruise.  Because you will not have to be spending money on food, you will save quite a bit during your trip.  It is important to remember this when considering the pricing and itinerary below.

Burgundy and Provence will capture your heart and delight your senses

Sail through the heart of Burgundy and Provence on a magical journey where sumptuous cuisine, fine wine, world-class art, awe-inspiring scenery, and legendary history provide a treat for all of the senses. Here you will discover that joie de vivre is not just a phrase, but a wonderful way of life!

You will sail past quaint hilltop cities and lively towns, as well as lush vineyards, fields of flowers, and sun drenched vistas made famous by great painters such as Van Gogh and Cézanne. Visit regions filled with UNESCO World Heritage sites—Arles, immortalized by Van Gogh’s paintings; the well-preserved medieval city of Avignon, with its spectacular Palace of the Popes; and Lyon, center of Gallo-Roman history and the gastronomic capital of France.

And Uniworld’s special Epicurean Adventurer Program highlights the culinary diversity of these lovely areas, with a Côtes du Rhône wine tasting while in Tournon and a special wine and food pairing dinner onboard.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Travelers wishing to walk through the countryside and villages that inspired the art of Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin. History buffs, movie fans, gastronomes, and wine connoisseurs.

Cruise Highlights include:

• 7-night cruise in a river view stateroom on the breathtaking River Royale
• All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
• 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
• Complimentary fine European wines, choice of beer, and soft drinks during dinner onboard; bottled water in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar
• 8 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
• Travelers wishing to walk through the countryside and villages that inspired the art of Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin. History buffs, movie fans, gastronomes, and wine connoisseurs.
• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
• Use of bicycles
• Signature Lecture: “Vincent van Gogh’s Troubled Destiny"
• Captivating onboard local entertainment
• Exclusive Epicurean Adventurer Program
  Program includes: Route to Beaune or Arles with shopping at an open-air food market | Côtes du Rhône wine tasting in Tournon | Crêpes Suzette-making demonstration and tasting | Special wine and food pairing dinner
• Captain’s Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinners
• An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
• All transfers on arrival and departure days

Please note:  Highlights are subject to change.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1: Marseille airport, transfer to Arles (embark) Arrive at Marseille International Airport where you will be transferred to your ship docked in Arles. (D)

Day 2: Arles
Featured Excursion: Arles walking tour. Vincent van Gogh found inspiration in the charming town of Arles and you will, too. Inspired by the unique Provençal light, he spent a period of intense and impassioned work under these bright sunny skies. In fact, he produced more than 300 paintings and drawings in 15 months, including Starry Night. During your walking tour, discover Van Gogh’s Arles as well as a fascinating wealth of Romanesque monuments, such as the Roman Amphitheater and Constantine’s Roman baths. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Gala)

Day 3: Avignon
Featured Excursion: Avignon walking tour and Palace of the Popes Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of history, culture, art, and life, and you will capture all of that on your walking tour of the “City of the Popes.” Your tour starts at the fortification walls and continues to Clock tower Square. In truly Provençal style, under the shadows of the sycamores, the colorful café terraces face the magnificent architecture of City Hall, the Opera Theatre, and the classic mansions. Next, it’s on to Popes’ Palace Square for an inside view of the maze of galleries, chambers, and chapels that make up the grand Palace of the Popes. During the afternoon, you will have leisure time to enjoy this magical city. (BB, L, D)

Day 4: Viviers
Featured Excursion: Viviers walking tour and organ concert. Lovely Viviers, developed around its Romanesque cathedral, has retained much of its historic charm. Your tour of Viviers starts in Old Town with an introduction to the city. You will take the Rue Chévrerie to Porte Riquot, then climb Rue du Château to reach St. Vincent Cathedral, where you will enjoy an organ concert. Finally, you will walk through the Medieval streets of this delightful town on your way back to the ship. (BB, L, D)

Day 5: Tournon, Tain l'Hermitage
Featured Excursion: Wine tasting and Tournon walking tour. Nestled among famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage provide the perfect setting for those who are true connoisseurs of wine. Celebrate the region by indulging in some Côtes du Rhône mid-valley wines. Then cross the Marc Seguin suspension bridge and visit Tournon and its historic castle. (BB, L, D)

Day 6: Lyon
Featured Excursion: Lyon city tourLyon, France’s second-largest city after Paris, is the country’s lively and creative capital of gastronomy. Your tour starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hallmark church, for a dramatic view of the town, which was built at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. From the motor coach, you will view Terreaux Square, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Opera House. During the afternoon, you will have leisure time to further explore this city on your own. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)

Day 7: Chalon sur Saône (Beaune)
Featured Excursion: Beaune, Hospices de Beaune, and open-air food market visit. Located in the heart of Burgundy, Chalon sur Saône is an important center for France’s wine trade. From here, you will journey to nearby Beaune to visit the famous Hospices de Beaune, a charitable hospital founded by the Chancellor of Beaune in 1443. Marvel at the multicolored roofs of this architectural jewel, which has become one of the symbols of Burgundy. The Hospice monks were given some vineyards in the 15th century so they could make wine to auction in order to help support charities, and to this day, the tradition continues. (BB, L, D)
_{Note: The open-air food market visit will take place in Arles on reverse direction cruise (Chalon sur Saône to Arles).}

Day 8: Chalon sur Saône (disembark), transfer to Lyon Airport Disembark the ship in Chalon sur Saône and transfer to the Lyon airport for your return flight home, or extend your stay in Paris, the “City of Light.” (CB or BB)

TOUR/CRUISE PRICE:  The prices below are for the cruise only and do not include air transportation to/from Europe.  ArawjoTours will offer round trip air for those who choose not to make their own air arrangements.  Prices are based on the selected deck category.  Please click on the following link to view the beautiful River Beatrice cruise ship and to choose a cabin: http://www.uniworld.com/Destinations/Ships/Europe/River_Royale/Deck_Plan.  Cabins are based upon availability at the time of booking.  The lowest price cabins in Category 3 are very limited in number. 

This tour is being offered at special group rates for ArawjoTours.  The below prices reflect a group discount of $200.00 per person.  Additional discounts include an Early Booking Discount of $150.00 per person if booked and deposited by November 30, 2012. A special $50.00 per person ship board credit will also be given to each passenger based on a group of at least 10 participants.  The below rates are cruise rates only.  Discounted group air fare to/from Europe is available through ArawjoTours.

Category 3 - $2912.00 per person based on double occupancy (reflecting group and early booking discount) plus $50.00 ship board credit
Category 2 - $3442.00 per person based on double occupancy (reflecting group and early booking discount) plus $50.00 ship board credit
Category 1 - $4206.00 per person based on double occupancy (reflecting group and early booking discounts) plus $50.00 ship board credit
Suites - Contact ArawjoTours for info on suites.

PAY IN FULL AND SAVE MORE!!!! If you pay in full by September 28, 2012, the rates would be as follows:

Category 3 - $2762.00 per person based on double occupancy plus $100.00 ship board credit
Category 2 - $3292.00 per person based on double occupancy plus $100.00 ship board credit
Category 1 - $3956.00 per person based on double occupancy plus $100.00 ship board credit

Not included in the above pricing breakdown are port charges of approximately $140.00 per person and any tips and gratuities for the cruise staff and sightseeing guides.

AVAILABILITY:  Accepting Reservations.

Kenyan Giraffe

10.  Kenyan Safari (Sept. 12-21, 2013):

Day 1   Nairobi
Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta Airport met and assisted by LOCAL GUIDE. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight at Hotel Intercontinental Nairobi (BB) 

Day 2   Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, drive to Amboseli National Park lying below the most famous symbol of Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro.  Arrive for lunch at your lodge.  Afternoon game drive until sunset.   Meals and overnight at Ol Tukai Lodge (LDBB)

Day 3   Amboseli National Park
Whole day in Amboseli with early morning and afternoon game drives.  The 392 sq km Amboseli National Park lies due south of Nairobi, within clear sight of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5896 metres.  The waters of the mountain feed the seasonal swamps and marshes on which the game and birds, which live in the park, rely. It is here that photographers will hope to shoot the classic picture of the elephant or giraffe standing against the dramatic backdrop of the snow capped mountain.   Meals and overnight at Ol Tukai Lodge (LDBB) 
 
Day 4   Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi for Lunch at Intercontinental Hotel. Afternoon drive to the Rift Valley Floor and into Lake Nakuru National Park. Afternoon game drive.  Dinner and Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge (LDBB)

Day 5 Mount Kenya
Breakfast at the Lodge. Drive to Mount Kenya region. Afternoon at Leisure to enjoy the club facilities. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club (LDBB)

Day 6 Mount Kenya
Day spent in Mount Kenya at Leisure. All meals and overnight at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club (LDBB)

Day 7 Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Breakfast at the Club. Later transfer to the Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Masai Mara. Upon arrival in Mara you will be met and transferred in clubs vehicle to your club. Afternoon game drive. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Fairmont Mara Safari Club (LDBB)

Day 8 Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Full day spent in Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. All meals and Overnight at Fairmont Mara Safari Club (LDBB)

Day 9 Depart
Breakfast at the club. Later transfer to airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival you will have lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant. Afternoon excursion to include visit to the Karen Blixen Museum and the Giraffe Center. Later transfer to Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your international departure flight back home. LOCAL GUIDE representative will re-confirm your onward flight, and assist you at check-in. 

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

 Day             Location                        Accommodation                               Board                   Activity
1                 Nairobi                            Intercontinental Hotel                          BB                        Trsf in,
2                 Amboseli National Park     Oltukai Lodge                                     LDBB                     P
3                 Amboseli National Park     Oltukai Lodge                                     LDBB                     A, P
4                 Lake Nakuru National Park                                                         Lake Nakuru Lodge LDBB       P
5                 Mount Kenya                   Fairmont Mt. Kenya Safari Club            LDBB                     leisure
6                 Mount Kenya                   Fairmont Mt. Kenya Safari Club            LDBB                     leisure
7                 Maasai Mara G.R              Fairmont Mara Safari Club                    LDBB                     P
8                 Maasai Mara G.R              Fairmont Mara Safari Club                    LDBB                     A, P
9                 Depart                                                                                     L                           Karen Blixen museum/
                                                                                                                                              Giraffe Centre; Trsf out

Hotel Inter-continental Nairobi:
The popular Inter-continental is an ideal business cum leisure hotel offering high international standards of service and accommodation that are the hallmark of all Inter-continental hotels worldwide. Overlooking the city, the Nairobi Uhuru Gardens and the Kenyan Parliament, it is only 10 minutes walk from the city centre and 20 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The hotel offers tastefully decorated rooms, excellent restaurants, conference and meeting rooms, shops, swimming pool, casino and a host of other facilities.
 

Ol Tukai Lodge:
Deep in the heart of the world famous Amboseli National Park is the magnificent Ol Tukai Lodge with amazing views of Mt.  Kilimanjaro. Ol Tukai is surrounded by yellow barked acacia trees and blends effortlessly into this celebrated African wilderness.  This is an exceptional location for the naturalist - elephant, lion, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, wildebeeste, gazelle are all found here in this haven dominated by acacias, phoenix palms and a partially dry lakebed of evaporated salts, all under the shadows of Africa's highest mountain.  Speakers from the elephant research centre stay within the sizeable grounds of the lodge and give fascinating lectures daily.  Bird-walks offer the professional or amateur ornithologist a wide variety of bird species.  At Ol Tukai, each of the 80 twin rooms, furnished in African woods and fabrics, is extremely comfortable and contain en-suite bathroom facilities.  All have breathtaking views of the mountain and the wetlands where elephant and buffalo wallow in the afternoon when it is hotter.  For the guests there is a superb swimming pool and a bar to relax at. The open-air Elephant Bar is the ideal place to enjoy drinks or sundowners as you watch the wildlife wander past. A well-stocked library is available to those who wish to learn more about Amboseli. With wildlife right on your doorstep day and night combined with the gorgeous views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Ol Tukai offers a perfect stay inside Amboseli National Park, one of Africa's greatest wildlife reserves.  Facilities:  Swimming pool, 2 bars, 24-hour telephone service, radio call service for fax and telex messages, bureau de Change, gift shop 80 twin rooms with private bathrooms
 

Lake Nakuru Lodge:
Lake Nakuru Lodge is situated in a wonderland which lies in the heart of one of Kenya's most densely animal populated wetland National Parks (Ramsar site) only two leisurely hours' drive from Nairobi, through beautiful forested uplands and passing a series of lakes. On the outskirts of the bustling market town of Nakuru lies a truly remarkable national park, which has achieved international fame. Both black and white rhino are being given a new lease of life in this 188 sq km, fully fenced park and they are carefully protected. The present rhino population is 53 and continuing to multiply. The Rothschild giraffe is another rarity and the park has its fair share of buffalo, leopard, wild dog, zebra, eland, waterbuck and lion. Lake Nakuru Lodge is in the southeast ecological niche of the park, with commanding views of the lake and both the lesser and greater flamingos for which it is justly famous. Lush gardens surround the lodge and cottages. There is a good programme of activities and evening entertainment. The Mama Nikki Bar, the shimmering blue pool and the cocktail bar are particularly inviting after a day's game viewing!

 Swimming pool
 Bar and cocktail bar
 Cuisine includes outside catering, bush barbecue, African night and Sundowner
 Picnics at the hippo pool at Baharini Springs
 Evening entertainment and slide shows
 National Park - black and white rhino and many other animals
 Accommodation for 120 people in family rooms, cottages or   suites

The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club:
The sacred peak of a long-extinct volcano, Mount Kenya has drawn visitors for decades. Nestled in the lush foothills of this spectacular mountain, straddling the equator and with a history as rich and evocative as the surrounding landscape, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club offers a snapshot of Africa from a bygone era. Under the watchful eye of the mountain, guests can stroll throughout the hotel’s tranquil grounds and relax in the refined elegance of the club-like interior. And, of course, our enviable location adjacent to Mount Kenya National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as close to Aberdare National Park, ensures that an unforgettable African safari experience is at your doorstep. Guest Rooms and Suites: Each of the hotel’s 120 guest rooms, suites and cottages is imbued with tradition and charm, and equipped with modern-day amenities.  Room and Suite Selections: Fairmont Room, Deluxe Room, Deluxe View Room, Garden Suite, William Holden Room, William Holden Suite, Manor Junior Suite, Signature Suite. Guest room amenities and features: Wood-burning fireplace, En suite bathroom with separate rain shower,marble vanity, hair dryer, electric razor plugs and separate water-closet, 220v electrical sockets (adapters available), Safe-deposit boxes and minibar, Tea and coffee making facilities, Magnificent views of Mount Kenya and the surrounding landscape. Guest room facilities and services: Transfer service, Newspaper delivery, Laundry service, Shoe cleaning. Restaurants & Lounges: Tusks Restaurant and Terrace - Facing snow-capped Mount Kenya and overlooking the property’s beautifully manicured grounds,the signature restaurant boasts a menu abounding with the incredible variety of foods that are farmed in Central Kenya. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this elegant setting features terrace and indoor dining around the original grand fireplace. Zebar - In addition to offering a relaxed lounge atmosphere, Zebar, resting on the equator, is one of the few places in the world where your server will have to cross from the southern to the northern hemisphere to retrieve your order. Savour stunning views of Mount Kenya from the lawn terrace, while surrounded by lovely manicured grounds. Zebar also serves afternoon tea. Duma's Corner: Set around a wood-burning fireplace, this cozy TV/cigar lounge is accented with a collection of photographs that feature actors and movie casts from yesteryear.  The Pool Bar - No need to go inside for refreshment—The Pool Bar offers beverage service as well as light snacks and outdoor lunches. In-Room Dining - Menu service in the privacy of your own room is also available. Dining in the great outdoors - From breakfast on the slopes of Mount Kenya to a romantic dinner along the River Likii, our culinary team is happy to arrange a dining experience that is a truly unforgettable expression of our spectacular region.

Recreation:
Outdoor heated swimming pool
Nine-hole golf course
Maze
Mountain biking and hiking
Horseback riding 
Lawn bowling and croquet
William Holden Animal Orphanage 
Sweetwaters and Aberdares game drives
Camel trek safaris
Fishing excursions
Whitewater rafting excursions
Bird walks and nature walks
Guest Conference and Event Services
Business Services
E-mail, Internet, photocopying and general secretarial services are available through our Business Center.

The Fairmont Mara Safari Club:
Your base for the adventure is the Mara Safari Club, which lies in the north west of the Masai Mara, at the foot of the Aitong Hills. The camp is positioned on an ox-bow of the Mara River, so that all en-suite tents have a view of the hippo-filled river. The lodge is surrounded by well-cultivated gardens dotted among indigenous trees. Amenities & Services: The well-appointed Mara Safari Club is set by the Mara River at the foot of the Aitong Hills in the Ol-Choro Oiroua Conservation Area that borders the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The Mara region of Kenya is not readily accessible by private car. We recommend that International travelers speak to our knowledgeable Reservations specialists about booking professional ground transfer or, preferably, a flight transfer to the Ngerende airstrip, located only 10 minutes from the Club.  All tents have their own private viewing deck from where hippo and crocodile are regularly seen! Each room has four-poster beds with pillow-top mattresses and fine linens, 3-piece en-suite facilities with solar-heated hot, and cold running water, a refreshment centre, in-room safe and wireless telephone that allows you to set up dining on your deck or ensures no request is left unfulfilled. Our main Lodge houses a warm reception area, retail shop, our library equipped with Internet access, a beautifully decorated lounge area and our lovely dining room. A large deck is cantilevered over the river and seats go quickly here as the joy of watching the hippos play or gazing up at the stars after a day of wonder is unmatched.  Game drives, guided by our experienced 'driver-naturalists', are by four-wheel-drive Land Cruiser.  At the Club, the pool, al fresco buffet lunches and nightly activities of Maasai dancing, presentations and discussion on the Mara's ecosystem and Maasai culture, all add up to create a truly unique experience.  Dining at The Mara Safari Club is a safari in itself, made from the abundance of fresh Kenyan produce our menus are tantalizing to the mot discerning of palates. Both breakfast and lunch are often served buffet-style, while dinner is Table D'Hôte, with a choice of main course.

Restaurants & Lounges:

The Dining Room
Located in the main building, the dining room is hewn out of wood beams and glass, allowing natural light to filter in to the high-ceilinged, spacious room. Evenings are cosy in the softly lit area. The menu is a cosmopolitan combination of European, African and Asian dishes, made from the abundance of fresh Kenyan produce. Both breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, while dinner is Table D'Hôte, with a choice of main course. Seating Capacity is 90 people.


The Lounge and Main Bar
The lounge is in the heart of the main building. Arranged to create 'private' seating areas, the decor is reminiscent of the hunting lodges of yesteryear – comfy leather furniture, carved side tables and artifacts from the region. In the evening, the already warm furnishings are complimented by the gentle glow of our fireplace. An extended veranda adjoins the lounge to afford superb views of the Mara River in the day and the expansive African sky by night.

Room Service
We have always provided a modest style of room service that offers morning tea/coffee/hot-chocolate with your wake-up call each morning. This popular service will continue and we are truly excited about the enhancements: Moving forward, the introduction of wireless telephones to each room will allow you to order meals and services for in-tent dining, or to select a private night-cap as you scroll through the photo’s and memories of the days’ adventures

The Pool Bar
Located adjacent to the main building, the Pool Bar provides snack and beverage service to our heated pool area. Weather permitting; we also serve our lunches in this lovely al-fresco setting.

Swimming Pool
The free-form swimming pool is manned by an attendant from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Sun-beds and mattresses are available and towels are provided for you. Changing rooms, both male and female, are available adjacent the pool and we have an outdoor shower to rinse off with.
Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The swimming pool surrounds are also ideal for private cocktail parties!

Library
Our library, located in the main building, provides terminals to access your e-mail, for Internet browsing, picture upload and general bragging to friends back home. The Library is available 24 hours. Photocopying and general secretarial services are available through our Guest Services team.

AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK:

Arid looking as Amboseli is it has, historically, supported both game and the Maasai that kept their herds of cattle here. It is thanks to the waters that run off Africa's greatest mountain that the apparently dry Amboseli, Kenya's first game sanctuary is able to support its wildlife. Mount Kilimanjaro broods high over Amboseli, generally cloaked by clouds but appearing in all its snow-shrouded magnificence from time to time. Kilimanjaro was once part of Kenya, but on the marriage of Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany Queen Victoria gifted it to her beloved grand son, whose colony Tanzania then was, as the perfect wedding present. The mountain now provides water for the park, wonderful views and, of course, the most glorious background for animal photography.  There has been serious erosion in the park. Elephant feeding habits combined with light soil have made serious inroads in the Amboseli vegetation. Nonetheless, there are still high numbers of the elephant for which the park is famous, and it is here that much research has been done on the largest land mammal. Indeed, a cursory examination will show that humankind is not the only animal to destroy its own environment.  The grasslands in the park can be undeniably lovely when made verdant by the rains and the three major swamps could star in a dinosaur movie. The swamps on the east of the park attract wildebeest, zebra and antelope with the predators that live off them, chiefly lion which tend to be easy to view here. In the south, Enkongo Narok swamp attracts hippos to the larger pools and plenty of buffalo, buck and teeming birdlife including the jacanas that pick their way elegantly and carefully. Giraffe are here and in areas still sufficiently treed there are leopard. Cheetah, caracal and civet may be seen.  In the west of the park lies Lake Amboseli, a seasonal soda lake, sometimes with flamingos. Amboseli is a fabulous place to visit. The overwhelmingly lovely views and good wildlife sightings are too good to miss.
 

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK:

Originally declared a national park because of a superbly diverse bird population, which includes many migrants, the park is also a favourite place for travellers to seek the rare black rhino. However, it is for the flamingos that the lake is best known, and it was for their protection that the park was originally created. The level of the blue-green alkaline waters here varies and this, with other accompanying environmental changes, causes considerable variation in the flamingo population, but when they are present, en masse, the whole lake turns a gorgeous rosy pink. Although protection of the flamingo population on the lake was the original rationale for the inception of the national park, further land was included in the early seventies and it is now about 190 sq m. This expansion, which took in a large grassland area, has allowed the park to protect further species. Buffalo, zebra, antelope and both lion and leopard are to be found. The rather less ubiquitous reedbuck and waterbuck are also here as is the glamorously leggy Rothschild giraffe. Temptingly, the black rhino-breeding programme, started in the late eighties, has proved successful and this is an excellent place to view them.
 Lake Nakuru is a small national park. There is no need to stay in the area in order to see all that is to be seen. A good day trip may be enough and these can easily be organised from the Lake Naivasha area.

MASAI MARA NATIONAL GAME RESERVE:

Probably the most famous of the reserves, the Masai Mara, in Kenya's southwestern corner, boasts an astonishing amount of game. Unfenced, the Mara is bounded in the east by the Ngama Hills and in the west by the Oloololo or Siria Escarpment. Gazelle, wildebeest and zebra graze in large numbers and where prey is found so are predators. Not only is this a great place in which to find game, but also the wide greeny-gold savannahs spotted with thorn trees make it ideal for photography. The Mara, as it is known in Kenya, is ravishingly beautiful and also offers long, undisturbed views and utterly dramatic panoramas. The weather really means something here. The sun may beat down unforgiving, huge clouds in fabulous shapes may sweep across the widest of skies; the wind ripples the grasses as though a giant hand strokes them. The landscape is stunning. The famously black-manned Mara lions are possibly the stars of the Mara show, but cheetah, elephant, kongoni, topi, Thompson's gazelle, waterbuck, hyena, and primates are all here too. As with the rest of Kenya, the birding is good. There is no settlement within the reserve however, the Mara is in theory owned by the Masai, pastoralists and, in earlier times, renowned lion-killers. Lodges and hotels offer the opportunity to buy their beadwork, checked cloths and copies of their spears. It is said that if lions scent approaching Masai on the breeze they move swiftly in the opposite direction. Famously, the Mara is the northerly end of the Great Migration, that great primeval surge of wildebeest, zebra and antelope that sweeps in from Tanzania's Serengeti to Kenya's Masai Mara as the Tanzanian grass starts to fail. The large predators who pick off the weak, the stragglers and the young track them. The great herds, nearing their destination by July, mass along the Mara River, pushing, shoving and fantastically noisy, just waiting for the first animal to cross so that they can all follow, lemming-like, on the final leg of the journey. However, crocodiles lie in wait, sluggishly cruising the waters, fully prepared for their best meal of the year. Many fail in the life-and-death struggle - drowned, eaten by the crocodiles or, made careless or weak by their stressful swim, brought down by lions. The Masai Mara is terrible yet wonderful, and not to be missed.
 

 PRICE:  To be established in the autumn of 2012.

AVAILABILITY:  Tour is fully booked.  We are no longer taking reservations for this trip.

Montepulciano in Tuscany, Italy

11. Autumn in Tuscany and Cinque Terre with Tina Dyer (Oct. 15-27, 2013):

If you've fallen in love with the images of Tuscany portrayed in the outstanding films Under the Tuscan Sun and The English Patient, then this tour is for you.  Tuscany is known for its quaint hill towns, its remarkable wine and its rich history and architecture dating back to the Etruscan period.  Autumn in Tuscany and Cinque Terre is an ArawjoTours adventure designed to give you a more-than-passing understanding of this region and is perfect for travelers who wish to dig deeper and to go beyond the traditional tour of Italy.  With a concentration on Tuscany and Umbria, we will use the towns of Montepulciano, Siena and Montecatine Terme and Assisi as bases from which to explore the surrounding countryside. Below is a sketch of the tour itinerary, which I hope you find attractive.  Much time, energy and thought has gone into the creation of this tour, which I first designed and operated with great success in 2007.

Autumn in Tuscany and Cinque Terre will begin in Rome, where we will spend the first night of our arrival on the Italian peninsula in the four star Beverly Hills Hotel (or similar).  After a good night's rest, we will begin our trip to Tuscany by private long distance motor coach.  Our first stop outside of Rome will be in the hill town of Orvieto, which is perched over 1000 feet of volcanic tufa.  In Orvieto we will sample one of the finest white wines in Italy, Orvieto Classico.  After lunch, we will visit Grotte della Rupe, which is a series of Etruscan-built underground tunnels.  Following our visit to Orvieto, we will proceed to the three star Al Brunello Hotel (or similar) in the medieval town of Montalcino, where we will stay for two nights.  You can spend the evening relaxing and/or sampling some of the ruby wine called Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, or simply Vino Nobile.  

Our morning sightseeing will begin with a visit to the walled town of Montalcino with a stop at the Romanesque abbey Sant'Antimo.  We will also sample the famous wine known as Brunello di Montalcino at a local winery or within the city itself.  After lunch, we will continue our journey to Pienza, which is considered to be the ideal Renaissance city, commissioned by Pope Pius II in the 15th century.  Its central piazza is a grand testament to Renaissance architecture.  Franco Zeffirelli was so amazed by the town that he filmed Romeo and Juliet here.  (The English Patient was also filmed here.)  After our visits to Montalcino and Pienza we will return to Montalcino where you can have dinner and perhaps participate in the very Italian passeggiata (evening stroll). 

Our next travel base will be great historical rival of Florence, Siena.  Located in central Tuscany, Siena is perfectly situated for the exploration of the surrounding countryside, including the wine-producing Chianti region.  Siena itself is a gem, offering a medieval atmosphere unsurpassed in all of Italy.  The brick buildings and labyrinthine alleyways coupled with the Gothic palaces make staying in Siena truly a step back in time.  Upon our arrival in Siena, where we will spend three nights in the Jolly Excelsior Hotel (or similar) we will be taken on a half day city tour followed by an afternoon free for leisure. (Satisfy your sweet tooth by visiting one of the many fantastic pastry shops in the town.)  On our second day in Siena, we will go on a half day wine-tasting excursion to Greve in Chianti, where you can sample the exquisite Chianti Classico while appreciating the beauty of the local landscape and the charm of the local village.  Upon our return to Siena, the remainder of the day is free.  On our last day in Siena we will go on a full day tour of the towns of San Gimignano and Volterra. San Gimignano has been referred to as the medieval Manhattan due to its fourteen medieval towers that loom over the town below.  Volterra was an ancient Etruscan center notable for the beautiful white alabaster funerary urns that were produced there.  Artisan workshops can be found throughout the town, making it possible to purchase some of the alabaster from local masters.  Following this rather full and exciting day, we will return to Siena and enjoy the rest of the evening free.

The next three nights of our Tuscan journey will be spent in the Tuscany Inn Hotel (or similar) in the spa town of Montecatini Termi, known for its thermal baths.  En route to Montecatini Termi we will stop at the town of Lucca, where you can stroll along the famous walls of the city, which form the nucleus of a spectacular park.  From Montecatini Terme, we will embark on a full day tour of magnificent Cinque Terre, where you can visit the colorful villages of the "five lands" along the Ligurian coastline.  This day will undoubtedly be a highlight of the tour.  The last day in Montecatini Terme is free.  You may spend it as you wish or take advantage of an optional tour to Florence. The last part of our Tuscan adventure will take us to the religious site of Assisi where we will stay for one night at the beautiful three star Hotel Dei Priori (or similar). After a morning sightseeing tour of Assisi, we will conclude our journey back in Rome, where we will spend our final night prior to our departure. 

Upon completion of this remarkable ArawjoTours Classic, you will truly be able to say that you've BEEN Tuscany, much more so than the average tourist. 

AUTUMN IN TUSCANY AND CINQUE TERRE TOUR FEATURES:  Round trip trans-Atlantic air from Newark to Rome;  all transfers to/from airports and hotels in Italy;  comprehensive sightseeing and wine tasting as per the above itinerary; two nights in Rome, two nights in Montalcino, three nights in Siena, three nights in Montecatini Terme and one night in Assisi with breakfasts daily;  the services of an ArawjoTours tour leader (Kevin Arawjo), a full time motor coach and driver and a full time tour escort/manager (Tina Dyer); and a pre-departure orientation and dinner.

AVAILABILITY: Limited to 35 passengers.  Accepting advance courtesy reservations. 

PRICE:  To be established in the autumn of 2012. Estimated range for twelve days (air-inclusive) is $2499.00 - $2799.00 per person.     

Newport, Rhode Island

14.  Autumn in New England:  Newport, Rhode Island (Oct. 3-6, 2013):

Over the last six autumns, ArawjoTours has operated some very special fall foliage tours to various parts of eastern Canada, including cities in English-speaking Ontario and francophone Quebec.  These getaways have proven to be very attractive due to their brevity, affordability and great comrade ride among the participants.  In 2013, we. Would like to take the same formula of success which has made our Canadian tours so popular and begin to apply it to New England on the United States.   Our plan is to periodically intersperse our Canadian agenda with a visit to one of the great cities of the American northeast.  Our first stop will be to the beautiful coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island, which is snugly nestled between Connecticut and Massachusetts on the southern tip of Aquidneck Island in Narraganssett Bay.  This "City by the Sea" was settled by wealthy industrialists in the 19th century and has become famous for the magnificent "cottages" (mansions) they erected, many of which can now be visited on sightseeing tours.  The rich and famous entertained themselves with their extravagant yachts and eventually became connected with the America's Cup, and Newport to this day is a major center of world sailing.  Over four million visitors per year flock to Newport to appreciate its beauty, especially in the autumn, and to shop, stroll, dine and people-watch along its waterfront.  

THE AUTUMN IN NEW ENGLAND:  NEWPORT, RI TOUR FEATURES: round trip private motor coach transportation from the Lehigh Valley to Newport; three or four nights in a centrally-located first or superior first class hotel with continental breakfasts daily: all hotel service charges and taxes; and a guided sightseeing tour of the mansions by motor coach.  In your free time, you may visit any number of the local museums, or enter a few of the cottages to explore their rooms, or even go for a cruise or vintage train ride that running along the bay.  In short, we know that you will not be bored in Newport.  Rather, you will enjoy the city for some of the same reasons you've enjoyed Canada in the past, although this time we will not be leaving our national borders.

TOUR PRICE: To be. Established in November, 2012, but like all of our autumn getaways, this trip will be highly affordable.

AVAILABILITY:  Contact us for current information regarding availability. 

Lviv, Ukraine

13.  Thanksgiving in Lviv, Ukraine and Christmas Market Krakow, Poland (Nov. 26 - Dec. 5, 2013):

 ArawjoTours is delighted to offer a very special Thanksgiving getaway to central Europe.  We are happy to present a combination of cities that is attractive because it is somewhat different and offers the exciting prospect of getting to know two distinct cultures, Ukrainian and Polish.  For a brief summary of the importance of Lviv and Krakow, please read the description below.  We hope you find the allure of this package as compelling as we do.  

 The word Lviv is derived from the Slavic word for lion and is the name of one of the most beautiful cities in western Ukraine and central Europe.  Situated in the heart the region known as Galicia, Lviv--or Lvov, Lwow or Lemburg depending on your historical perspective--has been a crossroads of cultures for centuries.  Originally part of Kievan Rus, Lviv fell under the influence of a multitude of people's, including, among others, the Poles, Germans, Austro-Hungarians and Russians.  Since the collapse of the former Soviet Union and the emergence of an independent Ukraine, Lviv has become a cultural and artistic center of a rightfully proud nation.  Having survived World War II relatively unscathed, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 for its assemblage of beautifully preserved buildings.  Heavily influenced by the Italian Renaissance, the architecture and craftsmanship of Lviv' countless historical structures are a feast for the eyes.  And one of the great things about Lviv is that it has also benefited from modernity without being blighted by crass commercialism.  In the words of Michael Palin (Bradt guidebook to Ukraine), "...people should feel a sense of urgency to see Lviv in its natural state before the city gets covered in billboards and neon...."  Our four day visit to Lviv will enable us to celebrate the best of Ukraine and Ukrainians in a multi-lingual, multi-cultural city, whose roots span hundreds of years and whose location near the border of Poland will make for an ideal transition to Krakow.  As an added plus, we will also get to visit the Ukrainian countryside on a full day "Golden Hoseshoe" tour of three magnificent Galician castles (Olesko, Pidhirtsi and Zolochiv).  

Krakow is a city dating 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 Lviv, 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.  Similar in population to Lviv, Krakow is a very manageable, comfortable, tourist-friendly city that is rapidly gaining the attention it deserves.  A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is among the most charming cities in all of Europe.  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--all of these things will greet you in Krakow.  Optional excursions possibilities also abound, including half and full day trips to the Wieliczka Salt Mine (another UNESCO Site), to the resort town of Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, and, for those interested in World War II, to Auschwitz-Birkenau.  We are also attempting to coordinate our arrival in Krakow with the opening of the city's annual Christmas Market in the Old Town Square.  The Krakow Christmas Market is one of the most delightful such markets in Europe and will offer ample opportunity to shop, eat, drink and take in the holiday spirit in a magical environment.  Don't pass up this chance to jump on board this affordable DIRECTOR'S CHOICE getaway.

THANKSGIVING IN LVIV AND KRAKOW TOUR FEATURES:  Round trip tran-Atlantic air from Newark or JFK to Lviv with a return from Krakow;  all private motor coach transfers between the airports and hotels in Ukraine and Poland;  four nights in a centrally-located first class hotel in Lviv with breakfasts daily;  a half day guided sightseeing tour of the highlights of Lviv;  a full day "Golden Horseshoe" tour of the Ukrainian countryside;  a one-way transfer by private motor coach from Lviv to Krakow (only 185 miles);  three nights in Krakow in a first class hotel with breakfasts daily;  a half day guided sightseeing tour of the city;  the opportunity to participate in one of the optional excursions noted above;  and a pre-departure orientation with snacks.

TOUR PRICE: To be established in the autumn of 2012.

AVAILABILITY:  Accepting advance courtesy reservations.

What would Paris be without their delicious Crepes?

15.  New Year's Eve in Paris (Dec. 28, 2013 - Jan. 3, 2014):

On  the evening of December 31, 2006, ArawjoTours Global Nomads rung in the New Year in grand style at the spectacular Les Noces de Jeannette restaurant in central Paris.  Spirits were high as we danced the night away while sipping champagne and enjoying each other's company with plenty of party favors, confetti and streamers.  Meanwhile a crowd of thousands gathered near the Eiffel Tower to watch one of the most magnificent fireworks displays in all of Europe.  For many in our group the  party continued after hours at the Frog Brew Pub in the beautiful Bercy Village, just a short walk from our hotel.  After seven long years, we have decided that it is time once again to return to the City of Lights for another memorable winter celebration.  It doesn't matter how many times you've visited Paris (if ever);  the city is other-worldly during the Holidays and its artistic treasures are virtually infinite.

Must sees include the Louvre (perhaps the greatest museum in the world), the newer Musee  D'Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triumphe and the Cathedral of Notre Dame.  A walk in the neighborhood of the Ile St.-Louis is also a nice way to spend an afternoon.  Exciting districts to visit include the Latin Quarter and the artistic center, Montmartre. If you enjoy musical and theatrical performances, don't forget to book a show at the world famous Moulin Rouge, an entertaining experience that everyone ought to do at least once while in Paris.  One of my favorite activities is simply to find a café, order an espresso, and just sit for an hour or two watching the fashionable people. Lovers kiss, friends laugh, business people ply their trades, and tourists gaze in awe at the treasures that abound.  Paris is a visual dream that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.  Don't miss out on this ATC (ArawjoTours Classic).  Sign up now and prepare for a fantastic experience.

NEW YEAR'S EVE IN PARIS TOUR FEATURES:  Round trip non-stop trans-Atlantic air from Newark to Paris;  private motor coach transfers between the airport and hotel in Paris;  five nights at the beautiful four stars Pullman Bercy hotel, located near the exciting Bercy Village and just a short walk to the Metro Line #14;  buffet breakfasts daily;  a half day guided sightseeing tour of the city, including a visit to the Eiffel Tower;  opportunity to participate in optional excursions to Versailles and Normandy;  the opportunity to sign up for our NYE dinner and bash;  and a pre-departure orientation and pizza party, courtesy of ArawjoTours. 

TOUR PRICE:  To be established in January, 2013.  Rate should come in line with our regular NYE celebrations.

AVAILABILITY:  Accepting advance courtesy reservations.