Itinerary - Northern Hemisphere
October 27th- November 25th, 2012
OUR JOURNEY BEGINS FROM YOUR CHOICE OF TORONTO or VANCOUVER
ALASKA
Saturday, October 27th - TORONTO » VANCOUVER » ANCHORAGE
Some of us will board our private jet in Toronto and others in Vancouver before we head off to Anchorage Alaska for our first
stop on our World Tour. This afternoon we will check into our hotel in the heart of Anchorage. There will be time to rest and
acquaint ourselves with our surroundings before our evening gathering for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Here we’ll be
formally introduced to our Tour Leaders and Flight Crew before sitting down to our first gourmet dinner. IFL,SD
Sunday, October 28th - ANCHORAGE
Today we’ll embark on an orientation tour of Anchorage, with an opportunity to browse the city centre and shopping areas. B,D
Monday, October 29th ANCHORAGE » TRANSPACIFIC FLIGHT to TIANJIN
This morning we depart on our private aircraft for Tianjin, China. On the way we cross the International Date Line and lose a day (which we’ll slowly make up day-by-day as we head westward around the globe). We will stop brief ly in Petropavlovsk- Kamchatka (Russia) for refueling. B,IFL,IFD
CHINA
Tuesday, October 30th - TIANJIN
Following our arrival at Tianjin Airport, we will be met by our local tour guides and transferred to our hotel. Tianjin lies 120 kilometers southeast of Beijing on the Bohai Sea. It is a historic city and the largest industrial base and trade centre in Northern China. We’ll check into our hotel, with the balance of the day at leisure to relax, acclimatize and enjoy the facilities of the hotel. Enjoy dinner this evening at our hotel. D
Wednesday, October 31st - TIANJIN by bullet train to BEIJING
This morning we transfer to the Tianj in Railway Station for a half hour bullet train ride to Beij ing. As the proud capital of modern China, Beijing is fast becoming a popular and fashionable tourist destination - holding the largest collection of ancient sites and relics in the nation.
We will visit Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and monument to the people and The Forbidden City (Imperial Palace), a fascinating display of Chinese history and probably the best-preserved site of Classical Chinese architecture. We’ll have a great lunch at the “Heaven and Earth Restaurant” and then proceed to see the Temple of Heaven, built in 1420 A.D. during the Ming Dynasty. Our last stop for the day will be at a Silk Factory. Dinner tonight at our hotel. B,SL,D
Thursday, November 1st - BEIJING
Full day tour to the Great Wall - once believed to be the only man-made object on earth that could be seen from the moon, but never-the-less a truly impressive sight and one of the “New7Wonders of the World” (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Before arriving at the Great Wall, we’ll stop for panda viewing. After having experienced a walk on the Great Wall, we will enjoy lunch at the Commune Restaurant and time for shopping at a “Friendship Store”, followed by sightseeing on the way back to our hotel. A delicious Peking Duck dinner and acrobatic show await us this evening. B,SL,SD
VIETNAM
Friday, November 2nd - BEIJING - TIANJIN » HO CHI MINH CITY
After breakfast, we depart by coach to Tianjin Airport for our early afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Upon arrival we will be met and welcomed by young Vietnamese girls in traditional dress. This evening we'll enjoy a private dinner cruise on the Saigon River. B,IFL,SD
Saturday, November 3rd - HO CHI MINH CITY
This morning we depart for the Mekong Delta by coach. Once there, we’ll have a boat trip to visit the Thoi Son Orchard Island to taste the fresh fruits of the season. We’ll then visit a farmer’s house, and enjoy a traditional music performance and see how the people make local products and prepare food. For lunch, we will be treated to elephant ear fish prepared by the area’s best chef. Dinner at our hotel tonight. B,SL,D
CAMBODIA 
Sunday, November 4th - HO CHI MINH CITY » SIEM REAP
Today we have a short flight, of just over an hour, to Siem Reap. We’ll have lunch, followed by a brief sightseeing tour on our way to Angkor Wat, the most important monument of the south-east Asian Khmer Empire and the world’s largest sacred temple complex. We’ll stay here to watch the sun set over this UNESCO World Heritage Site (and one of the Man-Made Wonders of the World). Tonight we have dinner at our hotel. B,L,D
Monday, November 5th - SIEM REAP
After breakfast this morning we will visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. This afternoon we’ll enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake. As the largest permanent fresh-water lake
in South East Asia, it flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh.We will see a fishermen's "floating village" with floating schools, police station, shops and homes. The "village" moves from place to place, following water levels and cur rents. B,L,D
Tuesday, November 6th - SIEM REAP
Siem Reap is a very interesting town and is only 5 minutes away from the hotel by Tuk Tuk ($2). Here you’ll find a main street of patio bars, restaurants and a market with items ranging from clothes to souvenirs. Today is at leisure – to take advantage of the on-site spa, beautiful pool and grounds of the hotel, relax or perhaps even re-visit Angkor Wat or visit the new Museum. Enjoy dinner tonight around the hotel pool with amazing Aspsara Dance entertainment. B,SD
NEPAL
Wednesday, November 7th - SIEM REAP » KATHMANDU
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Nepal. A visitor’s dream come true - a land of contrast with its impregnable snowy Himalayan Mountains, flat lowlands, jungle and beautiful variety of flora and fauna. Once settled in, we depart for an afternoon tour of Kathmandu City, were we’ll visit the Temple of the Living Goddess and the Kashtamandap, which is said to be made from the timber of a single tree. Next is a visit to Swayambhunath, this Buddhist Stupa is said to be 2,000 years old and is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth. This evening we will be entertained with a Nepalese dinner and dance at a local restaurant. B,IFL,SD
Thursday, November 8th - KATHMANDU
This morning we depart for a city tour of Patan, also known as Lalitpur (which means the “City of Beauty”) whose monuments and buildings are in the Kathmandhu Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. We’ll visit Durbar Square, an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. The former Royal Palace complex is the centre of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. We stop at the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Centre where we'll witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and pounding of metal into statues. Dinner at our hotel tonight. B,L,D
Early morning flight to Mount Everest - A one-hour flight to view the mighty Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Everest. This is the closest one can go to the
peaks without having to trek. After the flight, transfer back to the hotel for breakfast. Price: Approx. US $220
INDIA
Friday, November 9th - KATHMANDU » DELHI to AGRA
This morning we depart on a short flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, we will transfer by coach to Agra. We’ll have lunch en route and this evening, we’ll have dinner at our hotel. B,L,D
Saturday, November 10th - AGRA
Today we will be transferred by horse-drawn carts to visit another one of the New7Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum was built of pure white marble by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. After lunch at our hotel, we’ll depart to see Agra Fort which, together with the Taj Mahal, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A priceless example of craftsmanship of the Mughal period built by the Emperor Akbar in 1565. This evening we will enjoy a special Mughal theme gala dinner at our hotel. B,L,SD
Sunday, November 11th - AGRA to DELHI
Today we board our coaches and transfer back to Delhi. After lunch, we’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Our visit will include Qutb Minar, another UNESCO World Heritage Site - the tallest brick minaret tower in the world, with a height of 72.5 meters and 379 steps to reach the top. We will also visit India Gate, which was constructed as a memorial, built in memory of 90,000 soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I. The evening is at leisure with dinner at our hotel. B,L,D
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Monday, November 12th - DELHI » DUBAI
This morning we will depart for the airport and our late-morning flight to Dubai. Nestled between sand dunes and the shores of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is a city of beaches, markets and the famous 7* Burj al Arab Hotel and the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. This evening we will have dinner at our hotel. B,IFL,D
Tuesday, November 13th - DUBAI
Today we will sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai. We’ll start with a photo-stop at a famous landmark of Dubai, the Burj Al Arab, then proceed to Jumeirah, the picturesque palace and residential area of Dubai, also home to the famous Jumeirah Mosque. Our tour continues to Al Bastakiya, the old part of Dubai, to visit the museum located in Al Fahidi For t. All aboard the Abra (water taxi) to cross the Dubai “Creek” to the spice souk (market). On our return, we’ll have some time to shop in the most famous landmark of Dubai – the gold souk. Lunch will be at the Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant at the Hyatt Hotel. We end the day with a stop at the Dubai Mall and a visit to the observation deck (124th floor) of the Burj Khalifa Tower, the world’s tallest building. The balance of the day is at leisure. B,L
Wednesday, November 14th - DUBAI
Morning at leisure. Later this afternoon, we depart across the desert in 4x4 vehicles for an exciting dune drive, the perfect place to watch the sunset. We reach our campsite, where we’ll have the opportunity for camel riding, sand boarding and try out a henna design on hands or feet. After working-up an appetite, we enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and a shisha (the famous Arabic water pipe). Before returning, watch a belly dancer performing her show by starlight . B,SD
KENYA
Thursday, November 15th - DUBAI » MOMBASA
After breakfast we fly to Mombasa on the shores of the Indian Ocean. The rest of the day will be at leisure at the beautiful Whitesands Beach Resort. The next day we’ll travel by safari vehicles to our Lodge in Tsavo Park East. During our stay, we’ll partake in many game drives and be accommodated at one of Kenya’s finest Lodges. B,IFL,D
Friday, November 16th - MOMBASA to TSAVO PARK
Today we start our adventure into Tsavo Park East - At nearly 22,000km, Tsavo is the largest national park in Kenya and one of the largest in the world. On our game drives we may encounter the “Big Five”(lion, leopard, African elephant, black rhinoceros and Cape buffalo),in addition to the plethora of other animals that inhabit the area, including: giraffes; gazelles; zebras;wildebeests; cheetahs; hyenas; jackals; baboons; a multitude of bird species; 
and many, many more. Lunch at our Lodge and an afternoon game drive. B,L,D
Saturday, November 17th - TSAVO
Today you can enjoy the amenities of our Lodge and partake in morning and afternoon game drives. After a special Bush Dinner this evening you may want to visit the ‘water hole’ to observe the nocturnal animals coming to drink. B,L,SD
SAO TOME
Sunday, November 18th - TSAVO to MOMBASA » SAO TOME
This morning we bid farewell to the Kenya as we depart on our onward flight across Africa to the Gulf of Guinea and the Portuguese-speaking island of Sao Tome, the smallest country in Africa. As soon as we touch-down amidst the palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear water and barely explored jungles, we’ll begin to appreciate the pervasive national mood that translates to “slowly, slowly” (but not boring) and loosely means “it’s all good, take it easy”. We have dinner tonight at our hotel. B,IFL,D
Monday, November 19th - SAO TOME
Today, we may choose to simply relax, enjoy the beautiful outdoor pool or explore a little further with an island sightseeing tour. B,D
The Jewel of Africa - a fairy-tale island state on the equator in the Gulf of Guinea. The islands of São Tomé and Príncipe are situated about 300 and 250 kilometers (200 and 150 miles), respectively, off the northwest coast of Gabon. Discovered and claimed by Portugal in the late 15th century, the islands' sugar-based economy gave way to coffee and cocoa in the 19th century - all grown with plantation slave labour, a form of which lingered into the 20th century. While independence was achieved in 1975, democratic reforms were not instituted until the late 1980s. The recent discovery of oil in the Gulf of Guinea promises to attract increased attention to this small island nation.
MOROCCO
Tuesday, November 20th - SAO TOME » MARRAKECH
Today we fly north to Marrakech, one of the country's most visited oases. Marrakech is a city of warm colours, noise and scents. A magical city filled with dancers, fire-eaters and acrobats, snake charmers and story tellers. People still travel by donkey through the city and the bustling souks invi te passing strangers to buy silver jewelry and hand-woven carpets. Set against the snow-capped high Atlas Mountains, it is called the Red City due to the original clay colour of the houses. Upon arrival we will be met and taken to our hotel where we will be welcomed with tea and pastries. The afternoon is free to relax and dinner will be at our hotel tonight. B,IFL,D
Wednesday, November 21st - MARRAKECH
Today we embark on a guided morning tour of the major attractions of Marrakech, including: the Koutoubia Mosque; Menara Garden; Saadian Tombs; and Bahia Palace. We’ll return to the hotel for lunch and in the afternoon, we will travel by horse-drawn car riages to the Medina - the old, historic district of the city. Starting from the main square, Djemaa El-Fna, our walk will introduce us to the endless labyrinth of souks (bazaars) and alleyways throughout the expansive Medina. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner at La Kasbah Tassarout Restaurant. It Is the ideal place for a change of atmosphere and relaxation where exquisite, traditional Moroccan dishes will be savoured whilst listening to languishing, mysterious songs interpreted by folk groups from the Atlas Mountains and later watching the fantastic charging of the Berber Horsemen (Fantasia). B,L,SD
Thursday, November 22nd - MARRAKECH
This morning we’ll travel by 4x4 land cruisers on a trip to the Atlas Mountains. Our destination will be the Villa du Lac Guest House, where we will stay for lunch and some relaxation. The Villa du Lac lies in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, situated on a hill overlooking Lalla Takerkoust Lake - a small paradise in the heart of a magical and authentic country setting, surrounded by olive groves and eucalyptus. We return to our hotel mid-afternoon and the rest of the day and evening are at leisure. B,SL
ICELAND
Friday, November 23rd - MARRAKECH » KEFLAVIK - REYKJAVIK
As with all our departures, we like to get underway in the morning - but not too early. It will be cooler than we’ve been used to, but not as cold as the country’s name suggests. We’ll arrive at Keflavik Airport, then travel to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. On the way, our guides will share a little local lore and point out places of interest. Tonight we will have dinner at our hotel. B,IFL,D
Saturday, November 24th - REYKJAVIK
This morning, after a full breakfast at our hotel, we’ll depart on the Golden Circle tour of the island. We’ll stop for lunch at the Geyser Hotel which offers a view over the thermal area and gushing geysers - one of which spurts water and steam 20 metres into the air. We’ll also visit the Gullfoss waterfall and the 200 metre-wide Kerid crater - the remains of an ancient volcano caldera. We’ll be back at the hotel in time to do some shopping in the area. Tonight, we’ll celebrate our last evening together (at least on this Around the World adventure) with an unforgettable gala farewell banquet, with live music and dancing. B,SL,SD
CANADA
Sunday, November 25th - REYKJAVIK » via Ottawa to TORONTO » VANCOUVER
We will have seen many Wonders of the World, experienced cultures east to west, landscapes from deserts to jungles and made many new friends but, sadly, we’ll have to bear-down on our respective suitcases one-last-time on our World Tour - as we head back to the airport for our flight home.
But, it’s not over quite yet! After breakfast we board our coaches to Keflavik Airport, but on en route we will stop at the Svartsengi geothermal area known as the Blue Lagoon. Here, boiling thermal water is mixed with ocean water and pumped into the Lagoon where it’s a comfortable body temperature. A bath house and spa have been built there and for any of us who would like to experience floating around in this hot briny water, a towel will be provided. Afterwards, we continue on the short drive to the Airport to meet our aircraft and crew for our flight home. B,IFM
Our Flair Airlines flight will continue to Vancouver after stops in Ottawa (for Customs and Immigration clearance) and Toronto
Phone: 905-760-9229 Toll Free: 1-800-268-4284
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