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| Exploratory Series
| The Exploratory Series |
Sensory Stimulation & Cultural Immersion Around the World |
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Themes - Our Exploratory Series of trips are built around a narrative arc that varies depending on the specific place and theme (culinary adventures in Tuscany, literary explorations in Paris, luxury adventures in the Yukon, mobile safaris in Tanzania, expedition cruising in the Antarctic, etc), and the style of travel is sophisticated without being snobby, luxurious without being nouveau, stimulating without being irritating, stylish without being slavish. These trips are essentially high-end soft adventures for the mind and body designed for seasoned travellers in search of authentic experiences and spontaneous moments.
Trips -The accommodation tends to be small, intimate and upscale (small yachts vs. big cruise ships, boutique hotels vs. international chains, Relais & Chateaux vs. Leading Hotels of the World), with a focus on charm and character over modern amenities. The meals are designed to showcase regional specialties, local experts take us behind the scenes to the real action, events are designed to be intimate and exclusive, and the transportation is designed for maximum comfort and flexibility. The architecture of the trip is designed with personal freedom in mind to allow you to savour experiences, haggle in the marketplace, linger over meals, lounge around the pool, curl up with a book, and imbibe wine with the locals at the cafe. The Horizon guides are masters of discrete service, know all the best local watering holes, and understand how to cater to almost every interest and whim.
Travellers - The typical Exploratory traveller was born in the post-war boom of endless opportunity (i.e. 35+); likes light to moderate activity; enjoys personal moments of serendipity; prefers splurging on experiences over saving for retirement; values style and substance, and seeks to combine spiritual fulfillment with sensory stimulation.
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| Welcome to the "Spirit of Discovery" | |
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| Championship Series: French Open |
| See the best tennis players in the world as they try to conquer the legendary red clay courts of Paris in pursuit of a coveted Grand Slam title. Watch match play on Centre Court, spend the weekend in a stylish boutique hotel in Paris and hang out in the City of Light’s hottest bars. |
| Dates: May 25 - Jun 8, 2008 |
Prices from: $3,995 | |
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| Championship Series: Kentucky Derby |
| Experience the most electric two minutes in sport at the Kentucky Derby. Sip mint juleps in the privileged environs of the clubhouse, attend the hottest parties in town, enjoy behind-the-scenes access to Churchill Downs and watch the winner cross the finish line at the most famous horse race in the world. |
| Dates: May 1-4, 2008 |
Prices from: $4,995 | |
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| Championship Series: Wimbledon |
| Surrender to pomp and circumstances as the world’s best players serve & volley on the emerald grass of Wimbledon, the oldest and most prestigious championship in tennis. Watch the action on Centre Court, enjoy access to the Debenture Lounge and spend the weekend at one of London’s hippest hotels |
| Dates: Jun 23 - Jul 6, 2008 |
Prices from: $4,995 | |
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| Dream Car Driving - Germany by Porsche |
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Discover the versatility of the Porsche 911 on a thrilling weekend drive through the relaxing countryside of the Black Forest with its winding roads and long open straights. Sit back and enjoy the splendid atmosphere of hand-picked destinations, such as the Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa or the Restaurant Traube Tonbach, where both opulent surroundings and first-class cuisine await your arrival. |
| Dates: May-Oct |
Prices from: $2,995 | |
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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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| Dream Car Driving: Europe by BMW |
| Conquer Europe in a sleek BMW as you circumnavigate the spectacular roads around the Alps. Stroll through the magnificent Dolomites, admire the beauty of the Italian Lakes, unwind at a chic Swiss resort, ride bikes through the vineyards of Burgundy and relax in the healing waters of Baden Baden. |
| Dates: May-Oct |
Prices from: $6,450 | |
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| Dream Car Driving: Italy by Ferrari |
| Put your driving skills to the ultimate test following a guide through the medieval hill towns of Tuscany, then unwind in the famed thermal pools of Fonteverde. Sample the subtle Italian blend of art, fashion and gastronomy from behind the wheel of one of the world’s most exotic automobiles. |
| Dates: May-Oct, 2008 |
Prices from: $6,995 | |
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| Dream Car Driving: Rockies Summer |
| Take in the vast panorama of the Canadian Rockies as you drive on winding mountain roads. Cruise along the famed Ice fields Parkway, take in the picturesque Alpine lakes and grassy meadows, hike among snow-capped peaks, enjoy superb meals and finish each day at legendary hotels. |
| Dates: Year round |
Prices from: $1,995 | |
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| Dream Car Driving: Rockies Winter |
| Take in the vast panorama of the Canadian Rockies as you drive along spectacular winding mountain roads. Cruise along the famed Icefields Parkway behind the wheel of a high performance BMW, take in the picturesque Alpine lakes and grassy meadows, hike among snow-capped peaks, enjoy superb meals and finish each day at legendary hotels |
| Dates: Oct-May |
Prices from: $1,995 | |
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| Dream Car Driving: Switzerland by Porsche |
| Switzerland has so much more to offer than just chocolate and cuckoo clocks. Explore the heart of the country with its fjord-like lakes and Alpine scenery in a mid-engined Porsche, from the winding country roads around Lake Zurich to the spectacular scenery around Vitznau on the Lucerne Riviera. |
| Dates: May-Oct |
Prices from: $2,995 | |
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| Epicurean Journeys: India |
| Journey from Tamil Nadu (home to vegetarianism) to Chettinad (with the most aromatic dishes), from South Kerala (with its tropical fruits) to North Kerala (with its unique Moplah cuisine), from Jaipur (with its delicate Rajasthani dishes) to Agra (with its magnificent biryanis) and finish in vibrant Delhi. |
Dates: Sep-May, 2008 |
Prices from: $8,450 | |
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| Epicurean Journeys: Indochina |
| The supernal flavours of the Asian palate are as brilliant as the landscapes in which they are savoured. Explore the markets of Luang Prabang, shop with a famous Vietnamese chef in Saigon, float down the Mekong river past lush rice paddies and take in the sunset over the sprawling ruins of Angkor Wat. |
| Dates: Sep - Apr |
Prices from: $4,650 | |
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| Epicurean Journeys: Morocco |
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| Inhale the peregrine scents of the Marrakech spice market as you weave through intricately woven alleys in the company of an accomplished chef. Emerge from the colourful maze into the Place Djemaa el Fna, a hive of local bounty and culinary fervour just as the haunting call to prayer fills the air. |
| Dates: Oct - May, 2008 |
Prices from: $4,995 |
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| Epicurean Journeys: Normandy |
| The gastronomic traditions of Northern France. Our culinary adventures will include a visit to a dairy farm in Camembert, shucking Oysters on the pier with a Cancale fisherman, a Calvados tasting in an ancient orchard, negotiating for truffles in open air markets and invitations into the homes of local food stylists, wine makers and chefs. Slow down the daily pace to merge with that of the local villagers, share the joy of an unhurried dinner over a vintage wine, and return home with a healthy portion of joie de vivre clinging to your spirit. |
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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: Argentina & Brazil - Jewish Heritage |
| Spend Hanukkah in Buenos Aires as we explore the magnificent parks and plazas as well as the neighbourhoods where the heart of the historic Jewish communities are found. Continue north and visit the majestic Iguazu Falls, then finish your adventure in colorful Rio, where we will visit the Grand Temple and Jewish Museum and spend a relaxing afternoon admiring the view from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. |
| Dates: Dec 21-29, 2008 |
Prices from: $5,750 | |
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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: Chilean Extremes |
| From cosmopolitan Santiago, explore the ends of Chile's sinewy geographical makeup, from the arid landscapes of the northern Atacama desert - reputed to be the dryest in the world - to the southern shimmering lakes, mountains and jagged peaks of Patagonia where you spend a few days in luxury Yurts on the edge of the incomparable Torres del Paine national Park. The journey will leave you floundering for superlatives. |
| Dates: Nov-Apr |
Prices from: $5,350 | |
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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: Darwin's Cruise |
| If someone deserves credit for changing the modern views of what happens around us, it must be given to Charles Darwin. With his theory of evolution by means of natural selection, Darwin was able to explain the dilemma about where species come from, and how they interact with their surrounding environment. In this journey, explore the lands that gave him the same inspiration, onboard the expedition vessel M/V Santa Cruz and the Finch Bay Ecohotel. Come with us and rediscover Galapagos....in Darwin's Footsteps. |
| Dates: Mar 26 - Apr 02, 2009 |
Prices: $4,245 | |
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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: Honduras Explorer |
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Honduras is diverse enough to comprise three different worlds: the Caribbean, the Mayan, and Tropical Nature. Soak in the sun off the Bay Islands in the Caribbean, home to the world's second-largest coral reef; tour the famous artistic Mayan ruins at Copán, located in the interior of the country; and journey through the rich wetlands lining the north and south coasts, including a stop at the sprawling Lancetilla Botanical Gardens in Tela. |
| Dates: Nov-Apr, 2008 |
Prices from: $3,250 | |
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| Family Expeditions: Panama Explorer |
| Discover the charms that Panama has to offer from its stunning coastline of palm-fringed beaches, its astounding wildlife - boasting an incredible diversity of tropical birds - and its proud, vibrant indigenous peoples. While there, you'll find it hard to shake the inescapable feeling that you're in on a secret the rest of the traveling world has yet to discover. |
| Dates: Nov-Apr, 2008 |
Prices from: $4,650 |
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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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