Sorry for my lack of posts, we had an electrical meltdown that destroyed the computer, modem, three tvs and more items. I plan on being back on schedule Monday with two updates coming this week.
Bhutan Adventure
Today I am going to talk about an inshore adventure that is made for active hikers and ground explorers. Today the trip will be to Bhutan where you can take optional hikes that range from one to five miles. Many of the excursions involve steeper climbing and slippery footing, so you must be physically fit.
You will be staying at comfortable hotels most of your trip with two nights spent in a comfortable tented camp in the Punakha Valley.
On this trip you will see beautiful temples and villages which have not changed for a very long time. You will attend a prayer ceremony and make hikes to ancient dzongs situated on a cliffside.
You will visit Gangtey Gonpa which is one of the wealthiest monasteries in Bhutan. You will see traditional homes and visit an arts school. This is a wonderful trip to explore ancient cultures.
Your itinerary on this trip is shown below:
Day 1: Depart the US and arrive at Bangkok on the following day
Day 3: You will fly to Calcutt's Paro Valley in Bhutan. Enjoy a welcome lunch and see the national museum near the Paro Dzong fortress. Explore the Kyichu Lhakhang.
Day 4: Explore the Thimphu Valley and see Simtokha Dzone, Bhutan's first dzong. Continue to the Dochu La at 10,000 feet and view incredible Himalayan summits if the weather permits. Take a short hike in the forest and then descend into Wangdiphodrang valley and find your hotel.
Day 5: In the morning there will be a drive to the valley of Phobjika considered to be one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. You will be able to visit the Crane Center to learn about black-necked cranes then visit a rural farmhouse.
Day 6: Phobjika. You will visit the Gangtey Gonpa monastery which is located in the center of the Phobjika valley. The restoration of this monastery is scheduled for completion in early 2008, haven't heard if it is completed. After exploring the monastery you can set off on a great half day hike in the valley.
Day 7: Phobjika/Punakha After breakfast you will go to Punakha the ancient capital. You will visit the Punakha Dzong fortress a the junction of the Pho and Mo rivers. You will enjoy an afternoon tea and a festive dinner around the campfire in the evening.
Day 8: There will be a hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten with awesome views of the valley.
Day 9: Punakha/Thimphu Go to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan. Enjoy the weekend open market. Enjoy a visit to the school of painting and arts. In the evening you will be able to enjoy the company of high level officials at a Bhutanese banquet.
Day 10: Thimphu/Paro After exploring Thimphu you will visit the new National Textile Museum. Bhutan's weavings are world famous for their sophistication.
Day 11: Paro Hike to Tiger's Nest Temple which is 2000 feet above the valley floor. In the evening you will enjoy an active farewell dinner.
Day 12: Paro/Bangkok Fly to Bangkok where you will stay overnight in a motel
Day 13: Fly from Bangkok to the US (or your return destination).
This is a great high energy trip that hikers would find difficult to top. If this is a trip you make please drop me a line, I would enjoy adding some comments.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
19 Day Grand Asia Adventure
This trip is for anyone with a strong desire to explore the secrets of Asia. Cruise West is known for up close and personal cruising and exploration. You will be exposed to the cultures of these people, not just seeing the sights.
Start in Japan, then enjoy Korea, China and Vietnam. It is possible to add an additional exploration before your cruise (The Heart Of Japan, 3 days) or an additional exploration after the cruise (Angkor Wat and Cambodia 6 days).
Here is what your amazing itinerary would look like:
Day 1: Arrive in Japan and stay in a Deluxe Hotel in Kobe.
Day 2: Enjoy a relaxing morning then visit the White Egret Castle. Board the spirit of Oceanus and set sail
Day 3): Miyajima/Hiroshima Enjoy the Island Of The Shrines a tour of the famous Itsukushima Shinto shrine. You will also have the opportunity to meet a Shinto priest.
Day 3: Tour the Peak Park at Hiroshima.
Day 4: Nagasaki Tour the Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover Garden
Day 5: Juju Island, S Korea. Enjoy South Korea's highest peak the the Juju Folk Village Museum.
Day 6: Shanghai, China This is probably China's leading commercial center. You will enjoy the Shanghai Museum and the wonderful Chinese art. You can also see the Children's Palace and French Concession District.
Day 7: Shanghai Enjoy some free time to explore Shanghai or optional tours
Day 8: A Relaxing Day At Sea with time to learn about your next ports
Day 9: A Relaxing Day At Sea with time to learn about your next ports
Day 10: Explore the incredible port of Xiamen. See the Buddhist Nanputao Temple at the Mountain of Five Old Men. You will also visit the Heavenly Kings Hall
Day 11: Hong Kong. Visit the top of Victoria Peak to see a wonderful view of the city. You can shop the open market and later you will have a chance to take an optional Chinese cuisine cooking class.
Day 12: A relaxing day at sea with time to learn about your upcoming ports.
Day 13: Visit Danang (Hoi An) Vietnam. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 14: Chan May (Hue Chan May) This is a new port giving access to an important trading center.
Day 15: A relaxing day at sea with time to learn about your upcoming ports
Day 16: Ha Long Bay, Vietnam The Bay of the Descending Drag has approximately 1600 islands
Day 17: Haiphong (Hanoi) Vietnam. Explore Hanoi which show French and Chinese influences.
Day 18: Haiphong (Hanoi) Enjoy Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Enjoy a great farewell dinner at Co Loa Citadel
Day 19: Have breakfast and then transfer to the Hanoi airport.
It would be difficult to find a better trip to explore Asia, although I will work on it. This trip gives you expert information on the culture, cooking and more. Each of these destinations would normally require their own trip but with this cruise you can explore four great destinations in one trip with minimal flights.
If you are interested in Asia I hope you have the time and money to take this trip. For more information on this great click here
Start in Japan, then enjoy Korea, China and Vietnam. It is possible to add an additional exploration before your cruise (The Heart Of Japan, 3 days) or an additional exploration after the cruise (Angkor Wat and Cambodia 6 days).
Here is what your amazing itinerary would look like:
Day 1: Arrive in Japan and stay in a Deluxe Hotel in Kobe.
Day 2: Enjoy a relaxing morning then visit the White Egret Castle. Board the spirit of Oceanus and set sail
Day 3): Miyajima/Hiroshima Enjoy the Island Of The Shrines a tour of the famous Itsukushima Shinto shrine. You will also have the opportunity to meet a Shinto priest.
Day 3: Tour the Peak Park at Hiroshima.
Day 4: Nagasaki Tour the Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover Garden
Day 5: Juju Island, S Korea. Enjoy South Korea's highest peak the the Juju Folk Village Museum.
Day 6: Shanghai, China This is probably China's leading commercial center. You will enjoy the Shanghai Museum and the wonderful Chinese art. You can also see the Children's Palace and French Concession District.
Day 7: Shanghai Enjoy some free time to explore Shanghai or optional tours
Day 8: A Relaxing Day At Sea with time to learn about your next ports
Day 9: A Relaxing Day At Sea with time to learn about your next ports
Day 10: Explore the incredible port of Xiamen. See the Buddhist Nanputao Temple at the Mountain of Five Old Men. You will also visit the Heavenly Kings Hall
Day 11: Hong Kong. Visit the top of Victoria Peak to see a wonderful view of the city. You can shop the open market and later you will have a chance to take an optional Chinese cuisine cooking class.
Day 12: A relaxing day at sea with time to learn about your upcoming ports.
Day 13: Visit Danang (Hoi An) Vietnam. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 14: Chan May (Hue Chan May) This is a new port giving access to an important trading center.
Day 15: A relaxing day at sea with time to learn about your upcoming ports
Day 16: Ha Long Bay, Vietnam The Bay of the Descending Drag has approximately 1600 islands
Day 17: Haiphong (Hanoi) Vietnam. Explore Hanoi which show French and Chinese influences.
Day 18: Haiphong (Hanoi) Enjoy Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Enjoy a great farewell dinner at Co Loa Citadel
Day 19: Have breakfast and then transfer to the Hanoi airport.
It would be difficult to find a better trip to explore Asia, although I will work on it. This trip gives you expert information on the culture, cooking and more. Each of these destinations would normally require their own trip but with this cruise you can explore four great destinations in one trip with minimal flights.
If you are interested in Asia I hope you have the time and money to take this trip. For more information on this great click here
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Transatlantic Sailing Aboard A Clipper Ship
This is a sailor's dream come true or possibly an ocean lover's dream come true. Take a five masted ship with full crew from Lisbon, Portugal to Bridgetown, Barbados. You can help and learn about sailing from experts or you can sit on the deck and enjoy the wonderful ocean surrounding the ship.This is a medium sized ship, 439 feet long which accommodates only 229 passengers.
Day 1: If you are traveling east bound your incredible voyage would start from Lisbon, Portugal. Lisbon is a wonderful city rich in history. There are many monuments to see including the Castle of Sao Jorge, Rossio Square and Elevador de Santa Justa (a Gothic lift style elevator). There are many different architecture variations to see here including Roman, Gothic, Broque, Manueline, Modern and Post Modern.
The main attractions are:
Belem. The construction of the grand Mosteiro dos Jeronimos in this area took 70 years to complete. This is a great example of Manueline architecture.
Bairro Alto. This is a shopping and entertainment area. There will be a mix of about any type of person you could imagine here.
Gare do Oriente. This is a beautiful designed area which is also a transportation center for Lisbon.Lisbon Trams and Funiculars. Lisbon was built on seven hills and the Lisbon tram gives you a way to visually see the entire city. The funiculars/elevadors of da Gloria, da Bica and Da Lavra should be seen here if possible.
This is a great way to start a wonderful vacation. There will be many vivid memories from this city.
After enjoying Lisbon you will board your five mast clipper ship and head out to sea.
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3: Casablanca, Morrocco.Casablanca is Morocco's largest city. This large African city has a huge French influence. Some of the major items to see besides the port of Calablanca are the Catholic Cathedreal, The Technopark, Twin Center and the Hassan Mosque.
Day 4: Safi Morocco.
Day 5: At Sea
Day 6: Canary Islands, Spain The Canary Islands are a favorite wildlife destination with many species of birds, lizards, fish and sea turtles. If you are interested in wildlife take a tour if there is time.
Day 7 - Day 15: At Sea.
You will enjoy your time crossing the Atlantic in a very similar way to the original sailors.
Day 16: Bridgetown, Barbados Enjoy the beautiful coast and beaches of Barbados as you cruise into their deep water harbor. Trafalgar Square definitely has a lot of British influence where you can enjoy cricket and High Tea.
Day 17: Disembark your clipper ship
I hope you can enjoy this trip. If you do drop me a line. If you want more information on this trip click here
Day 1: If you are traveling east bound your incredible voyage would start from Lisbon, Portugal. Lisbon is a wonderful city rich in history. There are many monuments to see including the Castle of Sao Jorge, Rossio Square and Elevador de Santa Justa (a Gothic lift style elevator). There are many different architecture variations to see here including Roman, Gothic, Broque, Manueline, Modern and Post Modern.
The main attractions are:
Belem. The construction of the grand Mosteiro dos Jeronimos in this area took 70 years to complete. This is a great example of Manueline architecture.
Bairro Alto. This is a shopping and entertainment area. There will be a mix of about any type of person you could imagine here.
Gare do Oriente. This is a beautiful designed area which is also a transportation center for Lisbon.Lisbon Trams and Funiculars. Lisbon was built on seven hills and the Lisbon tram gives you a way to visually see the entire city. The funiculars/elevadors of da Gloria, da Bica and Da Lavra should be seen here if possible.
This is a great way to start a wonderful vacation. There will be many vivid memories from this city.
After enjoying Lisbon you will board your five mast clipper ship and head out to sea.
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3: Casablanca, Morrocco.Casablanca is Morocco's largest city. This large African city has a huge French influence. Some of the major items to see besides the port of Calablanca are the Catholic Cathedreal, The Technopark, Twin Center and the Hassan Mosque.
Day 4: Safi Morocco.
Day 5: At Sea
Day 6: Canary Islands, Spain The Canary Islands are a favorite wildlife destination with many species of birds, lizards, fish and sea turtles. If you are interested in wildlife take a tour if there is time.
Day 7 - Day 15: At Sea.
You will enjoy your time crossing the Atlantic in a very similar way to the original sailors.
Day 16: Bridgetown, Barbados Enjoy the beautiful coast and beaches of Barbados as you cruise into their deep water harbor. Trafalgar Square definitely has a lot of British influence where you can enjoy cricket and High Tea.
Day 17: Disembark your clipper ship
I hope you can enjoy this trip. If you do drop me a line. If you want more information on this trip click here
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Tropical Adventure In The Fijis
For people who enjoyed unspoiled beaches, reefs and native people this is a fantastic adventure. This adventure is aboard a small ship which holds approximately 120 people, the Reef Escape.
You will begin your cruising adventure with a welcome at Tivua Island. Enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner in the evening and a visit to a private island. Enjoy some snorkeling or the pristine beach.
The following is a possible itinerary as changes can occur.
Day 2: Enjoy a day of relaxation as you visit the north coast of Viti Levu and also enjoy some stops for beaching and snorkeling. Enjoy pre dinner cocktails in the Lounge.
Day 3: Arrive at the port of Levuka on Ovalua. This was the first European settlement in Fiji and was a huge destination for sailors and had a wild reputation. There is an optional tour available and in the afternoon you will visit a Convent school.
Day 4: Today you will enjoy Savusavu which is located on Vanua Levu, the 2nd largest island in Fiji. You can enjoy visits to a pearl farm, hot springs and open markets. You can enjoy beaching and snorkeling later in the afternoon.
Day 5: Today you will visit Tavenuni Island. You can enjoy an optional bus tour to Bourna Waterfall which is in a picturesque setting. Afterwards you can visit the markets and a feast of fresh local seafood and incredible tropical fruits. Enjoy dancing to the native music in the evening.
Day 6: Enjoy an unforgettable choral church service on the west side of Taveuni. This island is located on the 180th Meridian which is the Dateline Meridian, the line between today and tomorrow. After visiting the dateline you will enjoy a cruise along the coast of Vanua Levu.
Day 7: Enjoy Sali Sali Island which is found on the north side of Viti Levu. Here you will enjoy your last snorkeling and beachcombing. If there is time you will stop at a mystery island after this. There will be celebrations, cocktails and appetizers served before the gala farewell dinner. There will be South Pacific music played for you to dance to.
Day 8: You will enjoy breakfast and disembark at Denarau Marina.
So what makes this a special trip?
1) Taking a small trip to these locations give you the ability to see things few people in the world will be fortunate enough to see.
2) The beaches are pristine, you will not find more unspoiled locations anywhere in your travels.
3) There is a great mix of enjoying wildlife, culture and relaxation.
For more information please go here
You will begin your cruising adventure with a welcome at Tivua Island. Enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner in the evening and a visit to a private island. Enjoy some snorkeling or the pristine beach.
The following is a possible itinerary as changes can occur.
Day 2: Enjoy a day of relaxation as you visit the north coast of Viti Levu and also enjoy some stops for beaching and snorkeling. Enjoy pre dinner cocktails in the Lounge.
Day 3: Arrive at the port of Levuka on Ovalua. This was the first European settlement in Fiji and was a huge destination for sailors and had a wild reputation. There is an optional tour available and in the afternoon you will visit a Convent school.
Day 4: Today you will enjoy Savusavu which is located on Vanua Levu, the 2nd largest island in Fiji. You can enjoy visits to a pearl farm, hot springs and open markets. You can enjoy beaching and snorkeling later in the afternoon.
Day 5: Today you will visit Tavenuni Island. You can enjoy an optional bus tour to Bourna Waterfall which is in a picturesque setting. Afterwards you can visit the markets and a feast of fresh local seafood and incredible tropical fruits. Enjoy dancing to the native music in the evening.
Day 6: Enjoy an unforgettable choral church service on the west side of Taveuni. This island is located on the 180th Meridian which is the Dateline Meridian, the line between today and tomorrow. After visiting the dateline you will enjoy a cruise along the coast of Vanua Levu.
Day 7: Enjoy Sali Sali Island which is found on the north side of Viti Levu. Here you will enjoy your last snorkeling and beachcombing. If there is time you will stop at a mystery island after this. There will be celebrations, cocktails and appetizers served before the gala farewell dinner. There will be South Pacific music played for you to dance to.
Day 8: You will enjoy breakfast and disembark at Denarau Marina.
So what makes this a special trip?
1) Taking a small trip to these locations give you the ability to see things few people in the world will be fortunate enough to see.
2) The beaches are pristine, you will not find more unspoiled locations anywhere in your travels.
3) There is a great mix of enjoying wildlife, culture and relaxation.
For more information please go here
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