EastQuest escorted tours provide the security of traveling with others, the services of an American escort as well as the flexibility to do some individual exploring on your own. Many of our escorted trips focus on a particular theme as a shared interest is one way of bring like-minded individuals together as well and learn how the particular culture is expressed through one medium - whether it be textiles in Bhutan, yoga in India or cuisine in Japan or Myanmar. Family tours (offered during the spring, summer and winter breaks) offer kid-friendly activities, an opportunity for your children to mix with other children on the group as well as the local kids. In the evening, you can opt for a night out knowing that your kids will be safe and having fun with other kids on the group. The history and culture come alive with visits to temples and other historical sites while hand-on activities provide more educational opportunities. Some of our group tous are locally hosted, which means that a local guide will acccompany the group within the host country. These tours offer the companionship of fellow travelers as well as savings over a private tour.
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| Bali Family Tour July 2-15 ... $2,895 |
Explore the tiny Hindu island Bali with your family and share the experience with other families. Learn about Balinese culture and crafts in a relaxed setting. Escorted from the States, the trip involves only two hotels. After the long flight, we'll relax by the beach before we set out to explore Bali's fishing villages and the water temples. The next day we sail by luxurious yacht to a nearby island to explore the mangroves and marine life. The following day is free to relax on the beach, shop or visit the nearby water park. Then we head to the mountains to Ubud, center of Bali's traditional arts and culture. Classes in batik making and Balinese cooking are combined with visits to villages, markets and temples. Options include an elephant safari, jungle trek, and white water rafting. Choose to extend your stay in Bali or opt for a stopover in Amsterdam or Singapore on the return trip. Call or email for a detailed itinerary.
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| Litang Horse Festival Jul 26 - Aug 8 ... $2895 |
Explore Southwest China - where snowcapped mountains adjoin Tibet and Burma, home to 24 of China's 55 different ethnic groups and visit the Litang Horse Festival. Litang, is one of the highest towns in the world (4,000 m above sea level – Lhasa is 3,700 m) with the feel of a rough and tumble 'Wild West' town. Khampas, outfitted in yak skin coats, bedecked in colorful necklaces and hair ornaments, long daggers hanging from their belts - from the surrounding areas amble into town to stock up on food and supplies, play pool on the streets and hang out in the local teahouses. We’ll join them and thousands of other Tibetans to watch the horse racing, archery competition, horsemanship show, singing and dancing, and shop in the markets. Drive to Gyalthang (Zhongdian) and visit local Tibetan villages and the famous monastery. The story Lost Horizon was based on events that actually happened here. Head south through through rich Naxi farmlands growing tobacco, corn, beans and sorghum and numerous forested hills, passing the First Bend of Yangtze River and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Spend 2 nights in Lijiang, a charming old town, home to the Naxi People for thousands of years. Descended from Tibetan nomads, the Naxi are matriarchal. Here women run the market and control the purse strings. The men are traditionally gardeners, child-rearers and musicians. End with a night in Kunming before returning to the States.
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| Japan Family Tour August 11-21 ... $3,995 |
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| Mt Fuji |
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Begin in Kyoto, Japan’s capital for over 10 centuries, and the cradle of Japanese culture. Here ancient traditions continue, geishas entertain and elderly women wear kimonos. Visit the famous temples, participate in a tea ceremony and observe the traditional arts of koto music, flower arrangement, tea ceremony, dance and puppet drama. Enjoy a day of leisure in Kyoto to visit local temples, gardens and museums or take a trip to the Ninja Museum. Visit one of Japan’s most beautiful medieval castles, enroute to Hiroshima, where we'll stop at the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island. Ride the bullet train and cruise on Lake Ashi. Take a ropeway ride with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. Stop at Kamakura to see the giant Great Buddha and end in Tokyo with a ride to the top of the Tokyo Tower, a visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple and nearby Nakamise-dori, a street selling traditional Japanese toys, dolls, kimonos, and snacks. Early risers may visit sumo wrestling practice and Tokyo’s famous fish market and baseball fans may opt to see a game at Jingu Stadium.
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| punakha dzong |
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Explore Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom hidden in the Himalayas between India and Tibet, a magical land of magnificent mountains, delightful people, pure air, imposing architecture, exciting religion and beautiful textiles. Prayer flags dot the hills, fluttering in the wind, allowing Bhutanese to maintain constant communication with the heavens. Buddhism is everywhere, determining attitudes, molding thoughts. In October, annual tshechus throughout Bhutan honor the popular saint known as Guru Rimpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan around 800 AD. In addition to paro and Thimpu, this tour will expore Central and Eastern Bhutan to visit remote villages to learn about traditional textiles. Enjoy a leisurely three day trek. Call for detailed itinerary
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| Thailand & Angkor Wat Oct 15-29 ... $3395 |
Sanuk Siam! "Sanuk" (Thai "to enjoy") "Siam" (Thailand's ancient name) spending nine days, beginning in Bangkok and then heading north by air conditioned coach. Visit the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. The surviving ruins stand as testament to the former glory of the once magnificent city. Continue north to Sukhothai, Lampang, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, a beautiful region famed for its mountainous landscapes, exotic hilltribes, ancient ruins, superb handicrafts and friendly people. End with a 3 day tour of Angkor Wat in neighboring Cambodia. Price includes all meals, transportation, hotels, daily sightseeing by English speaking guide and roundtrip airfare from New York. Optional extension to Phuket is also available.
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| Indochina Dec 19 -Jan 01... $3595 |
Discover Vietnam and Cambodia, lands that were once part of the ancient civilizations that stretched from the South China Seas to the Indian Ocean, comprising parts of Thailand as well, lands that later became the crown jewel of the French colonial empire. These countries have only recently opened their doors to tourism. Enjoy their natural beauty, ancient ruins and wonderful architecture as well as their warm hospitality and rich spiritual heritage. This tour begins in Hanoi heading south to Saigon visiting Hue, Danang and Hoi An enroute before ending in Cambodia. Optional extension to Myanmar is available (January 1-09, 2005) Call for detailed itinerary (1-800-638-3449)
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