North and South India - Art and Cultural Highlights
November 2-21, 2009
A world of ancient, diverse and fascinating culture of India as well as its natural beauty will overwhelm your senses. North India contains some of the most well-known monuments and temples and is the original source of various painting styles, sculpture and textiles. South India is known for its exquisite beauty, a slower paced lifstyle and the Dravidian temples mostly found in Tamil Nadu. The journey includes: the ancient city Varanasi (Benares), a sampling of colorful Rajasthan (Jaipur and Udaipur), of course the Taj Mahal. You will relax in the exceptionally beautiful state of Kerala where you will also view wildlife and learn of life on the backwaters. Visit Tamil Nadu for the fabulous Meenakski Temple in Madurai as well as Dravidian temples in Chennai and Mahabalipuram/Kanchipuram. Traditions and rituals abound everywhere!  You will have ample time for intensive exploration of each city and due to our very small groups your individual special requests can be accommodated during the tour. You will enjoy a combination of Five Star and Boutique Hotels. Detailed Itinerary

Textiles and Crafts of India: Gujarat
November 29-December 14, 2009
No other land enjoys such a profusion of creative energies for the production of textiles as the subcontinent of India. The interaction of peoples-invaders, indigenous tribes, traders and explorers, has built a complex of designs legendary for their vitality and color. Our path will lead us north and west, exploring diverse cultures as we learn about the regional textiles.We will meet silk and cotton weavers, fabric print makers, traditional jewelry designers, bead-work and embroidery artisans, gem wholesalers and more. Learn how to tie-dye fabric Indian-style, create and manufacture your own designs if interested, find resources for importing, and anything else related to Indian textiles and fashions that you may have a special interest in discovering. Pre-tour to Rajasthan and Taj Mahal offered to first-timers. Highlights - Detailed Itinerary

Ellora and Ajanta Caves
November 26-29, 2009
Pre-tour extension to February South India tour and Feb/Nov Textiles tour, can join as a stand-alone tour
The most notable feature of these cave temples is that entire hillsides were cut away with the artisan’s chisel to produce these sculptures, which are some of the world’s most exquisite. Ellora’s 34 caves are over 10 centuries old and represent elaborate sculptures from the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths. The caves at Ajanta date back to the 5th century and contain paintings and sculptures of major events in the life of the Buddha. Detailed Itinerary

China - Sisters' Rice Festival of Guizhou:
April 8-23, 2009
The Miao minority Sisters' Rice Festival is a celebration of spring and of love. Dressed in finest embriodered and appliqued clothing, adorned in all their freshly shined silver jewelery, young girls set out to attract a mate. Festival days are filled with damcing, singing, eating and drinking lots of rice wine. The tour visits several other villages through Sichuan and Yunan as well. Highlights and Itinerary

Mongolia: Naadam Festival:
July 9-23, 2009
Celebrate Naadaam with the locals and learn about nomadic culture. The journey takes us to sacred mountains, monasteries, pristine lakes and the Gobi Desert. Opportunities to interface with nomadic families as well as monks. Detailed Itinerary

Mongolia: Golden Eagle Festival:
September 30-October 10, 2009
This tour travels through the unspoiled landscapes of Mongolia, exploring some of the most remarkable and untouched parts of the globe where sites are varied and unique. Take part in the Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia’s beautiful western province. This colorful event includes many of Kazakh’s great traditions and customs. Enjoy seeing the royal Golden Eagles flying over the sky in an unforgettable ballet. In order to maintain the event as a festival for the Kazakhs themselves, attendance is limited. You will interact with the Kazakhs and live with them for several days in order to watch the eagle training and discover the culture of Kazakh people. Detailed Itinerary

North India: Spiritual India, The Diverse Cultures of India
September 16-October 5, 2009
We visit pilgrimage sites of the diverse religions in India. This offers a wonderful and comprehensive cross-section of the country geographically, culturally and spiritually.As spiritual traditions are the fabric of the culture of India, there is no better way to "get into the culture" than to visit its sacred places. Traveling from Dharamsala thru Rajasthan, we learn about the histories and philosophies of Sikhs, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Jains. Yoga is offered (not required) as well as participation in meditation, dharma talks and other traditional rituals and practices. Coincides with Dusherra, celebrating victory of good over evil. Trip Highlights - Detailed Itinerary - Map

Bhutan Fall Festivals andTraditional Arts
September 25-October 8, 2009;
Tibet tour follows October 8-17, 2009 Tour
Experience the Thimphu Tsechu, one of the grandest festivals in Bhutan and get an insiders perspective of Bhutanese culture with exposure to the traditional arts at the famed School of Arts and Crafts in Thimphu. We will roam the countryside visiting monasteries, markets, shrines and small villages experiencing art, culture and spiritual practice in everyday life of Bhutanese people. The principles of Buddhism play an important role in the artistic tradition within the country. Art techniques are based on principles in the scriptures which have been handed down over the ages from master to student. Asha Kama, is an art master, and we were granted the rare opportunity to attend classes at School of Traditional Arts & Crafts. No art experience necessary. Just enjoy the hands-on process as well as a chance for genuine interaction with the people you encounter. This is an exciting opportunity to really become a part of the culture during your visit. 12 people max. Trip Highlights - Detailed Itinerary

Pushkar Camel Fair
October 26-November 11, 2009
We explore all the usual art, architecture and cultural treasures as well as the lifestyles and culture of the tribal and nomadic cattle herders on this in-depth journey through exotic Rajasthan. Contrary to its name, the trip is not about the camels--its the people!! Experience the ancient tradition of the colorful, exotic Camel Faire in the quaint village of Pushkar which surrounds Pushkar Lake. The fully escorted tour includes a camel ride at sunset in Jaiselmer and a visit to the exquisite 15th century Ranakpur Jain Temples. Of course we also visit the magnificient Taj Mahal. 16 people max Highlights - Detailed Itinerary

North and South India Cultural Highlights and Culinery Delights TBA
Savour curries and chutneys, relish the flavours, and breathe in the aroma of subtle spices, while you observe demonstrations by master chefs of Indian cookery and enjoy the delicious meals prepared for you. Highlights - Detailed Itinerary

Burma: Ananda Festival
December 27, 2009 to January 7, 2010
Explore ancient cities and tribal villages as well as attend the Ananada Festival including full moon, the most important day. We will see the ceremony of dried food offering to 1000 monks. We will have a special New Year's Eve dinner with traditional music at Mt. Popa. Highlights - Detailed Itinerary

Burma: Art, Culture and Tribals
2010 Dates TBA
Explore ancient cities and tribal villages on this adventurous journey escorted by Daw Khin Myo Lwin (Rosie). Rosie gives us an insiders view into Burma's hidden art and cultural treasures. Highlights - Detailed Itinerary

South India Cultural Journey - Highlights
February 3-17 2010; In-Depth: February 3-25, 2010
Explore the architecture and history of South India's temples and palaces, and enjoy immense natural beauty. Choice of highlights of in-depth longer tour. The extensive tour covers just about every nook & cranny of south India. Detailed Itinerary

Ellora and Ajanta Caves
February 25-27, 2010
Post tour of South India tour and Textiles tour, or join as a stand-alone tour. The most notable feature of these cave temples is that entire hillsides were cut away with the artisan’s chisel to produce these sculptures, which are some of the world’s most exquisite. Ellora’s 34 caves are over 10 centuries old and represent elaborate sculptures from the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths. The caves at Ajanta date back to the 5th century and contain paintings and sculptures of major events in the life of the Buddha. Detailed Itinerary

North India Art, Architecture and Cultural Highlights
February and November
Palace, heritage and 5 star hotels. Starting in Delhi we visit the most exquisite sites of ancient art and architecture of North India including the Chandella temples of Khajuraho and the lesser-known in Orchha, Agra (Taj Mahal), the deserted city Fatephur Sikri, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ellora/Ajanta Caves and Bombay. Highlights Detailed Itinerary

North India - Coinciding with Khajuraho Dance Festival
February 21-March 6
Visit the highlights of North India including the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan--Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Deogarah, Udaipur, Khajuraho & Varanasi. Exquisite Palaces, Forts, Temples. Enjoy the authentic dance festival of Khajuraho performed outside by the temple com plex and experience many cultural traditions of this ancient and exotic land. Detailed Itinerary