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| Private trips
| The basics |
Get the Ball Rolling... |
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Private trips are the perfect way to share and celebrate special occasions with friends and family. They are equally ideally suited for special interest organizations as well as corporate training and reward programs. You can schedule your own dates on one of our regular trips or let us create a unique trip tailored to your specific needs and wishes. We've arranged private trips for more than 44 years, and are experts at planning complex itineraries anywhere in the world. If you can imagine it, we can make it happen - all you need to do is get the group together.
Please download and fill out the Private Trip Application Form to start the process of creating your very own Private Trip with Horizon.
Alternatively, you can send us an email at private@horizon-co.com or call us at 1-800-387-2977 to discuss the next steps. |
| What is a Private trip? |
Whatever You Want It To Be... |
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A private trip is any Horizon trip that is not open to the general public. There are two forms of private trips:
- Block Trips - a block trip is a private trip based on any of our existing itineraries (which have already been researched, planned and priced). The easiest way to build a block trip is to simply to take over an existing departure date with your group.
- Custom trips - a custom trip is a private trip built from scratch to reflect the unique needs and interests of your group. Since creating a custom trip and confirming availability takes longer than taking over a block trip, we recommend that you contact us as soon as you have an idea of when and where you want to travel.
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| What s in it for you? |
Personal Satisfaction, the Joy of Helping Others...the Trip of a Lifetime! |
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The process is simple and the rewards can be huge whether it s a free trip for the organizers, raising money for your favourite charity, or simply receiving kudos for organizing the trip of a life-time for friends, family or colleagues. While most group leaders tend to have their own specific ambitions in terms of what they hope to get out of organizing the trip, they all share the same goal on behalf of those for whom they are doing the organizing - they want them to be amazed and delighted by the experience. |
| Where can I go? |
Anywhere |
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Anywhere your heart desires. A block trip is based on existing or previous itineraries (surf this site or call us for ideas), while a custom trip starts where your dreams end. Check out the sample "thought-starter" trips below or look through our Past Trips Archive for more ideas. We've planned trips on every continent for every occasion, so feel free to give us a call to speak with one of our travel experts. |
| Who takes private trips? |
People Like You... |

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Anyone who likes to travel with people they know to a place where they want to visit in a style that is uniquely their own. In our experience, there are four different categories of people who take private trips.
- Individuals - Many private travellers are simply individuals who want to spend time together with friends and family. We generally recommend a group size of 6 or more in order to build a private trip (to keep the costs reasonable), but we also run private journeys for individuals and couples who want to travel on their own.
- Group Leaders - There is a growing community of people who organize private trips as a business. Some are already professionals in the travel field (i.e. travel agents), while others are inspired amateurs who happen to have an ability to influence peoples' travel decisions. These group leaders tend to already have access to a network of potential travellers, and look to us to help market, plan and execute the trip itself. We are happy to support the ambitions of these group leaders by providing a marketing and planning platform from which to grow their business.
- Organizations - Many special interest groups, nonprofits and affinity organizations have developed travel programs as a means of building loyalty with their community, extending their brand to new markets, and generating additional revenue. We have put together programs on both a co-branded (both brands share profile) or a private label (their brand, our organization and planning) basis, and have worked with everyone from Queen's University to World Wildlife Fund Canada.
- Corporations - Companies have been using travel for years as either an incentive for driving performance or a tool for developing teamwork and corporate strategy. We work closely with companies to build a travel program that achieves the desired objective in a measurable fashion, whether it be rewarding top performers, building integrated business teams or creating breakthrough thinking.
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| How does it work? |
It's as Easy as 1,2,3... |
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Rather than being forced to live within someone else's choices, building a private trip allows you to make your own decisions that reflect the unique interests of your group. We have developed a private trip timeline and a private group application form for the purposes of simplifying the process and refining the questions that we need to have answered in advance. Please review the timeline, fill out the Private Trip Application Form and send it along with any questions to: private@horizon-co.com in order to start the private trip planning process. |
| How much will it cost? |
As Little or as Much as You Want... |
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Private custom trips are priced based upon the specific itinerary and planning choices, and thus the price range is entirely up to you. Private block trips, on the other hand, tend to have a tiered pricing structure based on the brochure price of the specific itinerary. If you have enough people in your group, the members will receive a discount from the brochure price. Likewise, if the group is smaller than the same number, each member will pay a premium over the brochure price to keep the trip private. A custom tiered pricing sheet will be created depending on the trip selected and the size of the group. |
| A Sampling of "Thought Starter" Private Trip Itineraries |
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| Dream Car Driving: Australia |
| Australia by Mercedes: From the spectacular view on the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the rolling hills of the fragrant vineyards in Hunter Valley, Australia provides the perfect playground for any high-octane loving traveller who wishes to experience the rare excitement of driving some of the world's premier cars. Join us as we cruise at top speeds through the Blue Mountains and climb to dizzying heights in the open-cockpit of the famed aircraft, the Tiger Moth. After this adventure the outback will seem like a walk in the park. |
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| Epicurean Journeys: Spain |
| From the first steps off the plane to the final departure, this epicurean expedition leads its adventurers from the mountainous terrain of the Iberian pigs, home of the most succulent ham in the world to the depths of the La Cuadrada Cellar with its award winning wines aging to perfection in ancient oak casks. Journey across the sun drenched landscape participating in the traditions of the Spanish culture while learning new and exciting techniques of culinary preparation and presentation from our specially selected master Chefs. |
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| Epicurean Journeys: Tuscany |
| Explore open-air markets, private farms and olive groves with some of Tuscany’s most colourful locals on a journey of discovery deep into the heart of Chianti, where culinary tradition is the meaning of life. Taste nature’s bounty, absorb the timeless lifestyle and embrace a vibrant culture. |
| Dates: May - Oct, 2008 |
Prices from: $4,995 | |
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| Family Expeditions: Belize |
| From the lush humid jungles to its rugged sandy shorelines, Belize is the ultimate playground for nature lovers. Explore these varied landscapes, from world class reefs to sprawling jungles, observe exotic animals in their natural habitat and discover the ancient remains of the once mighty Mayan civilization. |
| Dates: Nov-Apr |
Prices from: $5,995 | |
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| Family Expeditions: Bhutan |
| Imagine an ancient Buddhist kingdom, nestled in the heart of the sacred Himalayan Mountains, which for centuries has remained insulated from the world. Tradition and Buddhism infuse every facet of life here, from the jingling sounds of prayer wheels to ornate monasteries perched high above terraced fields. |
| Dates: Oct - Apr |
Prices from: $3,495 | |
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| Family Expeditions: Costa Rica |
| This land of tropical forests, exotic wildlife and ancient volcanoes has long been a magnet for idealists and adventurers. Whether it’s slipping into a hot thermal bath or watching a hummingbird hover in position, this journey will leave you exhilarated by the diversity and charm of this peaceful nation. |
| Dates: Nov-Apr, 2008 |
Prices from: $3,995 | |
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| Family Expeditions: Galapagos Islands |
| Off the coast of Ecuador lies the beguiling destination of the Galapagos, a collection of magical islands characterized by desolate volcanic landscapes and enchanting and unique wildlife. Join us as we move from the restored haciendas near Quito to the endless wonders of the UNESCO-protected marine reserve. |
| Dates: Year-round |
Prices from: $6,350 | |
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| Family Expeditions: Guatemala & Belize |
Guatemala is a magical, cultural, colourful and inspiring country. Rich in Mayan history you begin your journey in colonial Antigua followed by a couple of days on stunning Lake Atitlan. Visit the colourful market at Chichicastenango before flying to Flores to witness the incredible ruins at Tikal located deep in the Peten jungle. Continue across the border to Belize and the highlands around San Ignacio – a nature lover’s paradise - then to the southern beaches around Placencia for some r & r to unwind.
| Dates: Nov - Apr |
Prices from: $4,750 | |
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| Family Expeditions: Peru |
| Explore the exotic wilderness and ancient mysticism of Peru; from the remote stone temples of Machu Picchu to the lush rainforests of the Amazon. Stroll the cobblestone alleys of Cusco, tap into the cosmopolitan hub of Lima, and discover the rich layers of history and culture that make Peru unique. |
| Dates: Year round |
Prices from: $5,450 | |
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| Family Expeditions: South Africa |
| Experience Africa in comfort, safety and style. From the cosmopolitan chic of Cape Town to the lush vineyards of the wine district; from the breaching whales of Plettenberg along the Garden Route to cheetahstalking at the malaria-free Eastern Cape game reserves, this trip promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for the whole family. |
| Dates: Year round |
Prices from: $4,950 | |
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| Family Expeditions: Western Canada |
| Explore the vast open landscapes of Caribou country while riding horseback in the foothills across open rolling plains. Discover “glamping” at our luxury resort in Clayoquot, view a myriad of wildlife including bear, whales and eagles and walk the infinite stretch of sand down Long Beach. |
| Dates: May - Sep |
Prices: from $5,995 | |
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| Foreluxury Golf: The British Open |
| Join us in Lancashire for the 137th playing of the British Open at the Royal Birkdale. Watch two days of championship golf, then play golf yourself at the Royal Lytham & St Annes, the Royal Liverpool and the Hillside Golf Club (widely regarded as the best links course never to have hosted the Open). |
| Dates: Jul 17-24 |
Prices: from $5,995 | |
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| Wildlife & Wild Places: Arctic |
WWF-Canada: Arctic Ecosystems in the North West Territories & the Yukon. Glide north along the magnificent Mackenzie River on your private cruise to explore the complex ecosystems of this vast Arctic delta. Breathe the crisp air atop a pristine mountain peak in Kluane Park and observe a fascinating array of wildlife in their natural habitat. |
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| Wildlife & Wild Places: Cuba |
WWF-Canada: Protecting the Pearl of the Antilles. Cuba is a place of extraordinary ecological diversity, a rich and abundant landscape of mountains, flatlands, wetlands and offshore reefs. Cuba boasts 350 bird species (including 24 found nowhere else in the world), is home to almost 40% of the terrestrial vertebrates in the Greater Antilles (including the endangered Cuban crocodile), and provides refuge for some of the smallest species in the world (including the butterfly bat, the bee hummingbird, the pygmy jutia and the dwarf scorpion). |
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| Wildlife & Wild Places: India |
| Imagine the moment when you catch your first glimpse of a tiger in the wild. The pulse quickens as adrenaline surges into your bloodstream; 10 feet away lies the largest and most powerful cat on earth; a super predator of extraordinary grace and ferocity. Tragically, it is also at risk of becoming extinct due to excessive poaching and habitat encroachment. |
| Dates: Year-round |
Prices: $6,495 | |
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| Wildlife & Wild Places: Mexico |
WWF-Canada: The Epic Monarch Migration. Stand in silence and watch as the sky slowly turns orange with the delicate hovering wings of the monarch. Explore the tropical mountain range where these intrepid creatures arrive after journeying thousands of miles to escape the northern winter. Journey south to the Yucatan and stay on a sustainable Biosphere reserve to examine the migratory marine birds and the extraordinary coral reefs. Immerse yourself in the local conservation and wildlife interests with regional scholars and your own WWF Canada expert guide. |
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