Saturday, September 21, 2013

GAUCHOS, PENGUINS & GLACIERS; PATAGONIA FULL CIRCLE

SANTIAGO, Chile (09/2013) – Meet gauchos in estancias… See an entire penguin colony upclose… Take in looming glaciers and step foot on legendary Cape Horn… These experiences are the keys to a Patagonian adventure, one reflected in Australis’ newest itinerary: 
“Gauchos, Penguins & Glaciers.” This is a roundtrip land and sea experience from Punta Arenas, Chile; see everything Tierra del Fuego has to offer with daily lectures given by experts in the field.

With multiple departures this season, passengers have the option of two itineraries; the onlydifference is the addition of Pia glacier, one of the tallest in South America, for that extra day. From October 2013 to April 2014, the Stella Australis will be part of a five-night program. From November 2013 to March 2014, the Via Australis will be part of a six-night 
program.

After a night in Punta Arenas, cross the Strait of Magellan to debark at Porvenir, capital of the Chilean Province of Tierra del Fuego, near the world’s most accessible colony of king penguins. It is here you will be able to see these penguins up close; they are the second largest species of penguins and one of the most beautiful to capture on film.

Drive on to an estancia (a rural estate) where passengers are able to interact with gauchos, Patagonian cowboys, and see how the locals live. Observe how they handle their dogs for herding sheep, and see what a Patagonian barbeque is like. Usually, the barbeque would consist of lamb, Patagonia’s meat of choice, with a very serious cooking process. The result is a very sweet and tender meal. While with the gauchos, everyone will have the opportunity
to horseback ride with the pros.

Before the journey comes full circle, go ashore at mystical Cape Horn, also known as the “End of the Earth;” and take in the mesmerizing beauty of the Magellan forest, looming glaciers and the Magellan Penguins at Madgalena Island. Many of these places are only accessible using Australis’ small expedition ships.

And finally, end back in charming Punta Arenas, and reflect on your Patagonian adventure.

Rates start at $3,536 per person sharing, depending on the season and itinerary (the larger the group, the lower the rate). This includes accommodation, all meals, an open bar, shore excursions and on board entertainment. For more information, visit www.australis.com/site/en-us/routes-itineraries/punta-arenas-punta-arenas-2.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

CATHARINA'S RESTAURANT AT STEENBERG HOTEL REIMAGINED WITH LIGHTER & BRIGHTER LOOK

CONSTANTIA, South Africa (09/2013) - Award-winning Steenberg Hotel and Winery outsideof Cape Town, continues the transformation of its dining experiences with the updating of Catharina’s Restaurant, a celebrated culinary destination. 

Studio Botes was brought in to reimagine a formal fine dining room into a space that is light, bright and airy and to bring to life the story of Catharina Ras, the Cape’s first female landowner, a feisty, outrageous, but beguiling historical figure. 

“While steeped in history, the design and décor juxtapose the traditional and the modern, creating a visual overview of the eclectic nature of the Cape as a trading outpost in 1682, as well as Steenberg’s past and present,” says Brandt Botes, founder of the studio that bears his name. To achieve this, the studio used a mix of vintage, eclectic and contemporary elements including a copy of the actual 17th century deed granting Catharina the right to the land as well as a modern diorama and light boxes customized for the space. In the book-like menus, Catharina's life is portrayed by six different illustrators through six illustrations united by design and color. 

The huge windows of the dining room allow light to flood the room that is finished out in shades of steel, gray, blue and white. Heavy barnwood tables inspired by farm-style harvest tables further impart an informal, family-style feel to the space. The restaurant’s acclaimed chef, Garth Almazan says: “The new dining room is reflective of the inviting and unimposing elegance of Steenberg. We look forward to welcoming diners to our new home. Our Summer Menu [November – February] is very much inspired by the dining 
room’s fresh feel,” says Almazan. 

As guests enter the dining room, they are likely to see the multitude of origami swans suspended from the ceiling. These figures serve a symbolic purpose – Steenberg’s original name was “Swaaneweide” – The Feeding Place of Swans. Back in 1682, Catharina had mistaken the spur-winged geese of the Steenberg region for swans!

A single black swan also hangs from the ceiling, acknowledging Steenberg’s past and future. “The black swan represents Catharina Ras who truly stood out, in her time and in ours. Furthermore, the black swan nods to Steenberg’s logo, unique offerings and indomitable spirit, inspired by Catharina herself,” says Anetha Homan, Marketing Manager of Steenberg.

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME ALONG THE FABLED SILK ROAD: WITH IAIN SHEARER AND STEPPES DISCOVERY

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (09 / 13) Just hearing the phrase Silk Road conjures up images of mystical sights, intrigue, and romance. For centuries the Silk Road held great global economic significance, and today travelers can go with Steppes Discovery and famed archaeologist Iain Shearer along part of this fabled route in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The trip’s superb 16-day itinerary includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and begins in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. While in Turkmenistan travelers can step back in time and see spectacular ruins in places like Nisa, which is believed to have been one of the first capitals of the Parthian empire, and Merv, one of the most well-preserved cities from the early days of the Silk Route. Iain will also take adventurers to see Kunya-Ugrench, another UNESCO site, and the former capital of Khorezmshah Empire.

After spending the first half of the trip soaking in these beautiful ancient sites in Turkmenistan, travelers will cross the border and enter Uzbekistan. The first few days will be spent basking in the splendor of Khiva’s many grand palaces and mosques, and even relaxing in a traditional hammam. Next Iain will lead the group to Bukhara, the former capital that boasts more than 300 mosques, with superb features like the Kalon Minaret. From there the group travels to Samarkand where they will explore the region’s highlights like the remains of the ‘White Palace,’ the ancient city of Afrosiab, Registan Square, and the Mausoleum of the Prophet Daniel. The trip concludes in the 2,000 year old city of Tashkent, which is also the nation’s capital. The city boasts stunning historical quarters from the 16th century and an excellent art museum.

The Silk Road’s name was initially derived from the lucrative silk trade that was the genesis for this ‘Road’ during the Han Dynasty. However other goods as well as ideas, religions, and even diseases, like the Black Plague, traveled along this fabled route. This trail also was responsible for economic and cultural development throughout China, the Indian subcontinent, Persia, Europe, and Arabia.

Shearer’s critically acclaimed work focuses on development and conflict archaeology, and he has overseen excavations in Nishapur, Iran and in the Ferghana Valley in Uzbekistan. He currently holds a Research Affiliate Position at the Centre for Applied Archaeology at University College London and is the British Museum’s Sackler Scholar for Iran and Afghanistan. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society.

The trip is from May 1-16, 2014 and September 11-26, 2014 and costs $5,592 including international flights, and $4,072 excluding international flights.
For more information please contact http://www.steppesdiscovery.co.uk/ or call 1 855 2527606 (toll free)

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

SHUTTERBUGS CAN GO WILD WITH STEVE BLOOM ON STEPPES' MIGRATION AND GORILLA TREKKING CIRCUIT IN AFRICA

ARUSHA, Tanzania (9/13) The African continent is a veritable cornucopia of nature, and Steppes Discovery can take you on the tour of a lifetime to discover two of the continent’s most spectacular sights with the inimitable Steve Bloom: The Great Migration and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. The trip consists of eight exhilarating days beginning in the northern Serengeti and ends with a trip to see gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Visitors will obviously want to document this once in a lifetime experiences, and attempting to capture the teeming masses of wildlife as they race through the Serengeti can seem daunting. Capturing the elusive gorillas on film is no easy feat either. Luckily legendary photographer Steve Bloom will be on hand to teach the group some of his best tricks and techniques. Bloom has had a storied career as a wildlife photographer. He has published several compilations of his images and has even produced eleven critically acclaimed outdoor exhibitions, entitled Spirit of the Wild, all aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues.

The adventure starts at the Serengeti Wilderness Camp, located in the epicenter of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The camp is mobile, and only exists during the Great Migration so it can follow the animals’ migratory patterns, ensuring that travelers are constantly in a prime gameviewing area. Serengeti Wilderness Camp is comprised of ten tents, all outfitted with ensuite bathrooms and luxurious verandahs that are highly conducive to appreciating the stellar views. The camp offers a variety of activities like balloon safaris, bird watching, game drives, and walking safaris.

Thanks to new flights between the Serengeti and Entebbe, travelers can easily jet off to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the ultimate day trip. Bloom will travel with the group as they track and photograph the elusive gorillas.
The trip costs $7,392.60 excluding international flights, and $8,532.20 including international flights. The trip is from June 12-19, 2014 and available for a maximum of ten people.

For more information please contact http://www.steppesdiscovery.co.uk/ or call 1 855 2527606 (toll free)

Monday, September 16, 2013

GO BEYOND MACHU PICHU WITH STEPPES TRAVEL AND HUGH THOMSON

LIMA, Peru (09/2013) Peru is a veritable treasure trove of archaeological sites, ancient temples, pyramids, and stunning vistas; Machu Pichu is just one of the gems in this South American crown. Discover some of Peru’s finest sites that are off the beaten path with The Traveller, part of the Steppes Travel Group and filmmaker Hugh Thomson on an exhilarating 14 day trip. 

The trip begins in picturesque Lima, where visitors will explore the town’s sights, including the Museo Larco which houses a stunning collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts. The adventure continues in the Moche Valley, which is full of ancient edifices like the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, built in 450 AD and Chan Chan, an adobe town built in 850 AD that is the largest pre-Columbian city in South America. While in the Moche Valley, travelers will visit towns like Trujillo, which is considered Peru’s cultural capital as it is the center marinera dance, boasts haute cuisine, and is the birthplace of many famous writers.

The region contains even more gems, like El Brujo; an archaeological site that dates from 1-600 AD and contains colonial remains and ancient monuments built by the Moche. Visitors can also see the temple of Huaca Cao Viejo that houses the incredibly preserved mummified remains of Lady of Cao.

The journey continues as the group tours Cajamarca, where the Incan emperor Ataheulpa was once held hostage.Upon leaving Cajamarca the group will drive along Rio Maranon Canyon to Kuelap, a massive fortified city in the cloud forest that’s regarded as Machu Pichu of the north.

The adventures ends the trip in Chicalayo, where highlights include the pre-Hispanic site of Tucume,  which boasts 26 major pyramids and mounds, and Ventarron, a 4,000 year old temple. Many believe this site offers the first evidence of civilization in northern Peru.

Renowned filmmaker Hugh Thomson will take the group through Peru. He spent more than two decades in Peru, which he chronicles in The White Rock: An Exploration of the Inca Heartland. He has also led many expeditions throughout Peru, including the one that discovered Cota Coca, an Incan site.
The trip is from September 23-October 5, 2014 and costs $4,792.

For more information please contact www.the-traveller.com or call 1 855 2527606 (toll free).

Friday, September 13, 2013

STEPPES TRAVEL ANNOUNCES TOUR WITH INDIA EXPERT LOUISE NICHOLSON

NEW YORK, NY (09/2013) Travelers looking for an aesthetic, hands-on experience of India will find it in a new tour, North India Uncovered, from Steppes Travel, pioneers in sustainable tourism and creators of exceptional explorations and experiences in all corners of the globe.

The curated North India Uncovered tour will be led by art historian and India expert Louise Nicholson, who is steeped in India’s culture, having visited the sub-continent no fewer than 200 times.  Rates (inclusive of virtually everything except international airfare) are $6356 per person for the 13-night excursion which begins in Mumbai on February 2, 2014 and ends in New Delhi on February 15.

The group will visit two of the most important art/architecture sites of ancient India – the Ellora and the Ajanta caves.  They will take in fabled Fatepur Sikri, built by Mughal emperor Akbar and arguably the most beautiful uninhabited city in the world. They will travel to the great sites of Rajasthan – Jodhpur and its famous fort; the pink city of Jaipur, heart of India’s gemstone trade; the mirage-like Lake Palace in Udaipur and the utterly exotic cattle market in Naguar with its fancifully bedizened camels and colorful and chaotic marketplace.

Louise Nicholson is a journalist and author of 26 books including National Geographic Traveler’s Guide to India. She produced the very successful BBC series on the Great Mughals and, though a generalist, she has in-depth knowledge of Indian textiles, art, architecture and history. Those accompanying her don’t just go to a shop for textiles, they meet the weavers and learn about the manifold kinds of fabrics and stitches India is renowned for.  They don’t just glide past mustard or barley fields – they meet the farmers. And they don’t just do the compulsory visit to the Taj Mahal – they go twice, at sunrise and at sunset to view the world’s most beautiful tomb in the light of dawn and the light of dusk.

For more information contact: enquiry@steppestravel.com and visit www.steppestravel.com

Thursday, September 12, 2013

ANCIENT ERBIL: THE ARAB CAPITAL OF TOURISM IN 2014 Steppes Traveler Offers a Unique and Fascinating Journey in Iraqi Kurdistan

ERBIL, Iraq (09/2013) Off limits for so long, Erbil in Kurdistan, the land of the Kurds in northern Iraq, has been named the Arab Capital of Tourism in 2014.  Even though it is a non-Arab city, Erbil received this honor from the Arab Council of Tourism and it promises a new era for this stable and welcoming region.

Steppes Traveller, part of Steppes Travel Group, intrigued with the fascinating culture and history of this ancient land, is offering a nine-day tour to Iraqi Kurdistan September 26 to October 4, 2014.  It will trace the golden ages of the Assyrians and the Medes as well as discover Northern Iraq and its spectacular mountain scenery.
     
What a fabulous opportunity to go to a little-visited place that offers so much in terms of heritage and beautiful landscapes.  Led by expert William Taylor, who has traveled extensively in this part of the world, participants are promised a rich experience through his expertise and enthusiasm for the area.

Erbil, the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth, was the religious capital of the Assyrian kingdom.  Its Citadel, standing since the sixth century, is being currently restored. Other highlights in Erbil include the Civilization Museum, Choli Minaret and Dwin Castle.  In Dohuk, there are visits to St. Mathew’s Monastery; the site of the Battle of Gaugamela where Alexander the Great defeated Darius III; the world’s oldest aqueduct; the Khanis site with Assyrian sculptures; and the Rabban Hormizd Monastery, once home to 600 cave-dwelling monks.


There will be visits to the revered pilgrimage site for Kurdish Yezidis, descendants of the Zoroastrians; the ruins of one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces; Shanidar Cave, the site of a remarkable array of Neanderthal remains and tool technologies; Suleimaniyah’s bustling bazaar; the old Jewish city of Koisinjak; and more.


The rate, including internal flights, tour lecturer, accommodation, meals, and gratuities is $5,288 for the nine days per person.  If the dates of the tour are inconvenient, Steppes Traveler will tailor-make the trip on another date.


For more information, call toll free 1-855-352-7606 or visit www.thetraveller.com

Email is enquiry@steppestravel.com

ITINERARY
Day 1 – Fly to Erbil
Day 2 – Visit Erbil
Day 3 and 4– Visit Dohuk and Lalesh
Day 5 – Visit mountain town of Amadiya and Rawanduz
Day 6 and 7– Visit Suleimaniyah and the memorial site at Halabja
Day 8 – Visit Qizqapan and Koisinjak
Day 9 – Morning to explore Erbil.  Afternoon flight home

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

JOURNEY TO THE GOLDEN EARTH: TOUR BURMA WITH STEPPES TRAVEL

YANGON, Burma (09 / 2013) There has never been a better time to go to Burma. The Steppes Travel group, The Traveller and author Rory Maclean will take travelers on a whirlwind tour of Burma and ensure they have a ‘unique experience.’

The 14 day trip begins in Yangon (Rangoon), the former Burmese capital. Yangon offers a multitude of sights, smells, and sounds; it’s a veritable buffet for the senses. The city boasts many wonderful sites like the National Museum and the old colonial center. These amazing days in Yangon are capped off with a sunset visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda. Imagine the dazzling sight of the setting sun catching the dazzling gold of the towering, glittering  2,500 year old gilded edifice.

After thoroughly enjoying all that Yangon has to offer, travelers fly to Bagan to explore many of its 13,000 stunning temples, including the Shwezigon, Ananda Temple, and Abeyanda Temples. Travelers can also take advantage of many fun excursions like ballooning over Bagan, visiting a lacquer making workshop, and a trip to Mount Popa, an ancient pilgrimage site.

Upon leaving Bagan, travelers will step back in time as they drift up Burma’s largest river, the Irrawaddy, to Mandalay. During this leisurely four day cruise, travelers can enjoy the myriad endemic species, like the Irrawaddy Dolphin, that call this river home. Rory will take you to visit a bygone era at places like Yandabo, a picturesque village famous in Burmese history as the place where the Treaty of Yandabo was signed in 1815, or the religiously significant Sagaing, a town known for its major monasteries and silversmiths.

The journey ends at Inle Lake. Another unique feature of the lake is the Intha fishermen’s unique one-legged rowing style.

Rory Maclean is a critically acclaimed travel writer. He is known for creating his own unique writing style that is best described as surrealist travelogues, through books like Golden Earth, Stalin’s Nose, Falling for Icarus, and The Oatmeal Ark.

The trip runs from March 13-27, 2014 and costs $6,384 including international flights and $4,792 excluding flights.

For more information please contact www.the-traveller.com or call 1 855 2527606 (toll free).

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

GO TWO BY TWO TO KENYA AND HONEYMOON ON THE HIGH PLAINS

NAIROBI, Kenya (09/2013) Once the wedding is over, the adventures never have to stop: newlyweds can enjoy romance, adventure, and luxury through Marasa’s honeymoon package at the Aberdare Country Club (ACC) and The Ark. Enjoy four nights at the ACC, followed by one at the Ark.

Set on a stunning 1,300 acre wildlife preserve outside of Nairobi, the Aberdare Country Club (booking automatically enrolls one in the club) is located in the Aberdare Highlands, part of the Great Rift Valley. It has retained the charm of a private home with the simple comforts of a country inn as highlighted in Monty Brown's book, Haven Under the Hill: "Today, despite the fast-changing tempo of the outside world, the old home still retains that comfortable, solid feeling based on traditions from a time when life proceeded at a far more leisurely and gentle pace."

Newlyweds can indulge in that gentle pace during a day that is luxurious and relaxing from start to finish; beginning with a champagne breakfast in bed, followed by an afternoon at the spa with a steam and a couples massage. Then, lovebirds can soak in their beautiful surroundings with a sundowner on the Kamatongu hill, capped off with a private dinner for two either on their balcony overlooking the preserve, or in the bushveld.

Days at the ACC can be filled with a variety of activities like horseback riding, nature walks in the sanctuary that culminate in picnic lunches at the top of the hill, or trips to the Solio Ranch to view the white rhino in its natural habitat. Honeymooners share the club’s well-appointed amenities, such as a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a pool, with the animal kingdom. 

Imagine tee-ing off as a pack of wild dogs chase an impala across the course!
After four sybaritic nights at the ACC, newlyweds will be taken on a game drive en route to The Ark. The Ark is situated in the Aberdare National Park, near Mt. Kenya, which is the highest in the eponymous nation. The lodge is whimsically modeled after Noah’s Ark, and its multitude of windows and four levels of decks allow for unparalleled views of the elephants, rhinos, buffalos, impalas, leopards, giraffes, and other animals that flock to the nearby watering hole and salt lick. Couples can also enjoy game drives through the park, guided walks, and hikes to the stunning Gura Falls waterfalls.

Rates start at and include full use of the Club’s facilities, one champagne breakfast, one sundowner, one private dinner, one couples massage, and a welcome drink.

 For more information or reservations, contact Corne Schalkwyk: corne@marasa.net or visit Aberdare Country Club or The Ark