Recommend November 2013 - (Page 31)

tour operator intel SITA world tours general tours Mary Barnett, concierge sales for SITA World Tours, says Bhutan is an exceptional destination. "It is a land of mystery and wonder. From time immemorial to the present-day philosophers, mystics and those seeking spirituality, solitude and inspiration have traveled to this ancient land. Its isolation in the Himalayas has created one of the world's last unspoiled civilizations that draws today's travelers. No sooner than you set foot in this mountain aerie, you are transported back in time. Despite the modern comforts and technology that have now invaded this kingdom, you are still overwhelmed with a sense of tranquility and well-being. The populace is quaint and gentle, and the sights are wondrous. In short, the entire Kingdom of Bhutan is a quintessential nature retreat, unlike any on earth," she says. Next year, SITA is expanding its present 7-day Bhutan menu by offering either ﬁrst-class or deluxe classes. First-class ($2,595 pp dbl) accommodations are at the Tenzinling Resort in Paro or at the Hotel Migmar in Thimphu. Deluxe travelers (from $5,840 pp dbl) are housed at the Zhiwa Ling Hotel in Paro, a 45-room, ﬁve-star Bhutanese-style property with a tea-house cottage with library, a full spa and a meditation house. (800) 421-5643; sitatours.com/AgentServices/index.php Scott Avera, v.p. of product development for General Tours, which has been conducting tours to the country for more than 20 years, says that Bhutan is "mainly purchased as an extension to our India and Nepal programs. But upon return, clients realize that Bhutan was the highlight of the trip. They fall in love with the people, the Himalayan views and, of course, with climbing the Tiger's Nest Monastery." He says that he recommends Bhutan as a destination because of its "authenticity. Every country has its own unique sense of place, but in Bhutan it's the land's overall spirituality, the charm of its people and the fact that there is a postcard Himalayan view around every corner." General Tours offers two 6-day tours. Its Visions of Bhutan (starting at $4,299 pp dbl) unwinds through the most familiar sites of the country, while its Spirit of Bhutan (from approximately $3,899 pp dbl) allows travelers to spend an evening enjoying a home-cooked meal at a Thimphu private family home where one can get a ﬁrst-hand experience of what daily life in the kingdom is all about. (800) 221-2216; generaltours.com/Rewards/Login.aspx  ...fantastic service and attention to detail - the guides, drivers, hotels & sights were all first class. cox & kings While there is an almost unanimous agreement between operators that Bhutan is a destination unlike any other, Seema Prakash, destination manager for the Indian subcontinent at Cox & Kings, says that "when it comes to tourism, sustainable development, preservation, promotion of its culture, core traditional values and protection of its environment lie at the forefront of its government's policy. Every decision is carefully weighed for the beneﬁt of its people." Cox & Kings tenders an impressive 2014 menu for those with Bhutan in their crosshairs. A series of 6-day trips (from approximately $4,995 pp dbl) will take travelers to the country's most signiﬁcant sites with stops in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. Wildlife lovers will delight in excursions designed to view the taki-a cattle chamois that is Bhutan's national symbol-and an outing to the Rinpung Dzong, the country's oldest and most celebrated fortress. (800) 999-1758; coxandkingsusa.com/content/travel-advisorportal-login  Barri R., NY     VIETNAM CAMBODIA THAILAND BURMA LAOS CHINA INDIA JAPAN BHUTAN MONGOLIA SRI LANKA                 2014-15 Brochures  CST #2001136-50 Small Group Journeys | Tailor-Made Itineraries | Boutique Asia River Cruises | Custom Groups november 2013 31 28-31 AS Bhutan.indd 31 10/22/13 12:16 PM http://www.generaltours.com/Rewards/Login.aspx http://www.sitatours.com/AgentServices/index.php http://www.travelindochina.com http://www.coxandkingsusa.com/content/travel-advisor-portal-login http://www.travelindochina.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend November 2013

Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Generator
Tour Talk: Vistas by IsramWorld
Sailing the Danube With Viking (and a Teeneger in Tow)
AmaPrima
Bhutan: The Eternal Kingdom Beckons
The Greening of the Caribbean
The Saint Lucia Travel Agent Specialist Program
Merida: Gateway to the Yucatan Experience
Nicaragua Now
Las Vegas Embraces the Future
Tasmania: A Devilish Destination
Zimbabwe: Southern Africa's Comeback Kid
Georgia: Off the Radar

Recommend November 2013