Itinerary
October 15th - November 11th, 2011
OUR JOURNEY BEGINS IN TORONTO or VANCOUVER
ALASKA
Saturday October 15th – TORONTO – VANCOUVER » ANCHORAGE
Welcome to 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 yourself with your surroundings, take a refreshing dip in the pool or do some shopping in the adjacent shopping area. Later in the afternoon we will gather for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Here you will be formally introduced to your tour leaders and aircraft crew before sitting down to our first gourmet dinner. The evening is at leisure to enjoy the amenities of the hotel. IFL,SD
Sunday October 16th – ANCHORAGE » TRANSPACIFIC FLIGHT to BEIJING
This morning we depart on our private aircraft for Beijing, China. On the way we cross the International Date Line and lose a day which we slowly make up as we head west around the globe. We will stop briefly in Petropavlovsk–Kamchatka for refueling. B,IFL,IFD
CHINA
Monday October 17th – BEIJING
As the proud capital of modern China, Beijing is fast becoming a popular and fashionable tourist destination, and holds the largest collection of ancient sites and relics in the nation. We’ll check into our hotel with the balance of the day at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel. B,IFL,IFM
Tuesday October 18th – BEIJING
Today we will have a late start to our sightseeing tour of the city. We will visit Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and monument to the people. 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. Enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel. B,SL,D
Wednesday October 19th – BEIJING
Full day tour to the Great Wall, supposedly the only man made object on earth that can be seen from the moon, a truly impressive sight. Before arriving at the Great Wall we will stop for panda viewing. After having experienced a walk on the Great Wall, we will enjoy a BBQ lunch followed by sightseeing on our way back to our hotel. A delicious Peking Duck dinner and acrobatic show await us this evening. B,L,D
VIETNAM
Thursday October 20th – BEIJING » HO CHI MINH CITY
After breakfast we depart for the airport for our morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Upon arrival we will be met and welcomed by young Vietnamese girls in traditional dress. This afternoon we will have a city tour to China Town, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Binh Tay Market, the Thien Hau Pagoda and Dong Khoi Street, the most famous in Ho Chi Minh. This evening we will enjoy a dinner cruise on the Saigon River. B,IFL,SD
CAMBODIA
Saturday October 22nd – HO CHI MINH CITY » SIEM REAP
Today we have a short flight of just over an hour to Siem Reap. We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant and do a brief sightseeing tour ending up at Angkor Wat, the most important monument of the south–east Asian Khmer Empire and the world’s largest sacred temple complex. We will stay here to watch the sun set over this seventh wonder of the world. Tonight we have dinner at our hotel. B,L,D
Sunday October 23rd – 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 will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap lake. This is 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 currents. B,L,D
Monday October 24th – SIEM REAP
Siem Reap is a very interesting town and is only 5 minutes away from the hotel by Tuk Tuk ($1). 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, take advantage of the on site spa, the beautiful pool and grounds of the hotel, relax or maybe re–visit Ankor Wat or the new Museum. Enjoy dinner tonight around the hotel pool with amazing Aspsara Dance entertainment. B,SD
NEPAL
Tuesday October 25th – 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; the impregnable snowy Himalayan Mountains, flat lowlands, jungle and it’’s beautiful variety of flora and fauna. Once settled in, we depart for an afternoon tour of Kathmandu city, here we will 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 2000 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
Wednesday October 26th – KATHMANDU
This morning we depart for a city tour of Patan, also known as Lalitpur which means the “city of beauty”. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. We will visit Durbar Square, an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, 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 will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and mounding of metal 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. Then transfer to the hotel for breakfast. Price: Approx. US $200
INDIA
Thursday October 27th – KATHMANDU » AGRA
This morning we depart on a short flight to Agra. With an early arrival, we will have time this afternoon to visit another one of the seven wonders 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. This evening we’ll have dinner at our hotel. B,IFL,D
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Friday October 28th – AGRA » DUBAI
This morning we will see more of the sights of Agra before arriving at the airport for our 1:30 pm 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 worlds tallest building. This evening we will have dinner at our hotel. B,IFL,D
Saturday October 29th – DUBAI
Today we will sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai. We’ll start with a photo–stop at the famous landmark of Dubai, Burj Al Arab. 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 Creek to the spice souk (market). On our return, there is 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. The balance of the day is at leisure. B,L
Sunday October 30th – 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 to do camel riding, sand boarding and try out a henna design on hands or feet. After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and a shisha (the famous Arabic water pipe). Before returning, watch a belly dancer performing her show around the campfire by starlight. B,SD
KENYA
Monday October 31st – DUBAI » NAIROBI – MASAI MARA
After breakfast we fly to Nairobi where we transfer by light aircraft to Masai Mara. During our 3 night stay here we will experience the best a safari can offer. We’ll partake in many gamedrives and be accommodated at one of Kenya’sbest lodges in the heart of the Mara. B,L,D
Tuesday November 1st – MASAI MARA
Today we start our adventure into the Masai Mara – the extension of the Serengeti from Tanzania. It’s in the Mara that we will encounter the “Big Five”; lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, not to mention the many other animals that habitat the area such as giraffe and gazelle plus many species of birds. B,L,D
Wednesday November 2nd – MASAI MARA
Today you can enjoy the amenities of the lodge and partake in morning and afternoon game drives. This evening you may want to watch the ‘water hole’ to see the animals come up at night to drink. B,L,D
SAO TOME
Thursday November 3rd – MASAI MARA-NAIROBI » SAO TOME
This morning we bid farewell to the Mara as we fly back to Nairobi for 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 you touch down amid the palmfringed beaches, crystal–clear water and barely explored jungles, you will find that 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
SENEGAL
Friday November 4th – SAO TOME » DAKAR
This morning we continue our journey to Dakar, the Senegalese capital and one ofAfrica’s most exciting cities. With a French flair that is a legacy from its colonial days, it may be dirty, noisy and crowded, but Dakar has plenty to offer with a vibrant music scene, buzzing street markets, andinteresting attractions. Well known for the ending point of the Dakar Rally. We’ll enjoy dinner tonight at our hotel. B,IFL,D
Saturday November 5th – DAKAR
This morning we leave for a 20–minute ferry ride for a half day tour to Goree Island. No cars here! Strolling along the narrow streets lined with colourful colonial houses, we’ll visit the House of Slaves, St. Charles Church, the Historical Museum and painters’ studios. This afternoon is free to pursue personal interests. B
MOROCCO
Sunday November 6th – DAKAR » MARRAKECH
Today we fly north to Marrakech, one of the country’s most visited oasis. 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 and welcomed with tea and pastries. The afternoon is free to relax and dinner will be at our hotel tonight. B,IFL,D
Monday November 7th – 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 will return to the hotel for a break and in the afternoon we will visit the Medina, the old, historic district of the city by horse drawn carriages. Starting from the main square, Djemaa El–Fna, we will take part in an organized “Treasure Hunt” within the endless labyrinths of souks (bazaars) and alley ways covering all of the 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 when listening to languishing, mysterious songs interpretedby folk groups from the Atlas Mountains, or watching thefantastic chargingof the Berber horse riders(Fantasia) and some demonstrations of local arts and crafts. B,SD
Tuesday November 8th – MARRAKECH
We’ll start a little later this morning and travel by 4x4 land cruisers on a 2 hour 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. It is a small paradise in the heart of a magical and authentic country setting surrounded by olive groves and eucalyptus. We will return to our hotel about 2:30 and the rest of the day and evening are at leisure. B,L
ICELAND
Wednesday November 9th – MARRAKECH » REYKJAVIK
As with all our departures we like to get underway but not too early. It will be cooler than we’ve been used to but not as cold as it’s name suggests.We’ll arrive at Keflavik Airport and travel for 40 minutes to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. On the way our guides will point out places of interest. Tonight we will have dinner at our hotel and beentertained by a performance ofChristmas carols sung by the Karsneskor children’s choirand a short presentation of Icelandic history of Christmas by Terry Gunnel.This will be a wonderful introduction to Icelandic heritage and culture. B,IFL,SD
Thursday November 10th – REYKJAVIK
This morning after a full breakfast at our hotel, we’ll depart on the Golden Circle tour. During this tour we’ll stop for lunch at the Geyser Hotel with a view over the thermal area and gushing geysers.
Our tour will include a stop at Hveragerdi village where the main industry is growing plants and vegetables in greenhouses heated from boiling water from under the ground. We will see geysers that spurt water and steam 20 metres in the air, the Gullfoss waterfall and the 200 metre wide Kerid crater.
We’ll be back at the hotel in time to do some shopping.
Tonight we will have an unforgettable gala farewell banquet with live music and dancing. B,SL,SD
CANADA
Friday November 11th – REYKJAVIK » 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 get our suitcase closed for the last time on our World Tour as we head back to the airport for our flight home.
But, it’s not over yet! After breakfast we board our coaches to Keflavik Airport.
En route to the airport, we will stop at the Svartsengi geothermal area known as the Blue Lagoon. Here boiling thermal water is pumped into a lake where it cools to about body temperature. A bath house and spa have been built there and everyone will be given a towel if they would like to experience floating around in this briny hot water.
Afterwards we will continue on a fifteen minute drive to the airport to meet our aircraft and crew for our flight home. B,IFD
(Our Flair Airlines flight will continue to Vancouver after a stop in Toronto)
Phone: 905-760-9229 Toll Free: 1-800-268-4284
Fax: 905-760-8550
e-mail: tgimail@idirect.ca