Small Group Tours
Our group tour itineraries are extensively researched and infused with
personal contacts and resources.
Our escorts are experts in the field of interest and region of the tour.
These are travel experiences you would not be able to create on your own.
Besides all that, you will be well taken care of and can leave all your stress at home!
ASIA - click for index of all Asia tours
Bhutan
Tsechus are religious festivals that depict Buddhist teachings. Masked dances are performed to instruct the onlookers in the
ways of dharma. All festivals are manifestations of the Buddhist teachings. The festival performances are in the mornings, leaving afternoons for
sightseeing. We visit monasteries, sacred sites, bazaars, and small villages; enjoying the breath-taking Himalayas and local culture.
Paro Festival: March 25-April 8; Tibet Extension April 8-17 Starting in Calcutta, we travel overland to Gangtok, Sikkim and Darjeeling, arriving in Paro to experience the Paro Festival -- music and masked dances. Visit monasteries, markets, sacred sites as we travel the country; easy walks; enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the himalayas. Detailed Itinerary
Thimphu and Bumthang Festivals: September 17-30 We attend Thimphu Drupchen,
Thimphu Tsechu and Tangbi Mani. Thimphu Tsechu, which follows the Drukpa Kayugpa lineage, is one of the grandest tsechus in Bhutan. During the Drupchen,
the deities are prayed to and dances are performed only by monks in costume, while in the tsechu, the dances are performed by monks and secular
people. Tangbi Mani in Bumthang follows the Nyingmapa lineage. 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. Our
group participants may elect to attend a special art class at the famed School of Traditional Arts & Crafts in Thimphu led by art master
Asha Kama. This is an exciting opportunity to really become a part of the culture during your visit.
Detailed Itinerary
Burma
We are committed to the Burmese people and their struggle for democracy. We work with an independent company owned by two Burmese
women whom you will be delighted to meet. We feel that informed travelers can have a positive impact on the future of this beautiful country.
Art , Culture & Tribal Life of Burma: January 19-30 Extension Tribal Burma Jan 31-Feb 4
Explore art, architecture and culture of ancient cities and tribal villages on this insightful journey. Our escort Daw Khin Myo Lwin (we call her
Rosie) gives us an insiders view into Burma's hidden art and cultural treasures. Includes: Bagan, Mandalay, Mt. Poppa; triabl villages: Inle Lake,
Mrauk U, Wethali, Sittwe. Detailed Itinerary
Buddhist Pilgrimage (Phaung Daw U Festival): September-October TBA
Includes the ceremonial Phaung Daw U Festival (Pagoda Festival) in Inle Lake. Visit monasteries, pagodas, ancient cities
and tribal villages. Yangon, Kyaikhto, Bagan, Mandalay. Escorted by Daw Khin Myo Lwin. Detailed
Itinerary
China, Tibet & Mongolia
China and Tibet: April 3-22 and August 28-Sep 16 Join us for a one week
highlights tour of mainland China including Beijing, Xian, Guilin and the Long Shend County rie terrace villages followed by in-depth exploration
of Tibet, ending in Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, you can fly home, add more days to visit Nepal or add an extension to Bhutan. Our
Aug-Sep tour preceeds our Fall Bhutan Tour
Detailed Itinerary
Sisters' Rice Festival of Guizhou: April 10-24 The Miao minority Sisters' Rice Festival is a celebration of spring and of love. Dressed in finest embroidered and appliqued clothing, adorned in all their freshly shined silver jewelry, young women set out to attract a suitable mate. That's the traditional goal, but fun is the name of the game! Festival days are filled with dancing, singing, eating, and drinking lots of rice wine. Detailed Itinerary
Lusheng Festival of Guizhou: Fall Dates TBA The lusheng, a reed-type
wind instrument, is played by Miao or Dong ethnic people to celebrate their harvest or to worship ancestors. Lusheng Festival is an important courtship
festival held annually on a designated site called Flower Ground"that is translated as choosing a lover." A Lusheng team composed of five people
play the lusheng rhythmically while dancing in ritualized forms. Miao girls in silvery ornaments watch from amongst the crowd. When they find the
man of their choice, the girls enter the lusheng team hand in hand and dance to the rhythms. When the climax is reached, it is a spectacular sight
with thousands of lusheng performing together.
Detailed Itinerary
Mongolia: Naadam Festival: July 9-23 We begin with a visit to the Great
Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing before arrival in Ulaanbaatar where we celebrate Naadam with the locals -- horsemanship, marksmanship and all
skills necessary for nomadic people. The journey takes us to sacred mountains, monasteries, pristine lakes and hot springs. Opportunities to interface
with nomadic families as well as monks. Continue onward with us to join the Litang Horse Festival tour or depart for home from Beijing.
Detailed Itinerary
Litang Horse Festival: July 23-August 7 Arriving in Chengdu, we journey across mountains, along rivers and thru small villages to the high plains of Litang. We will visit local Tibetan and Qiang communities as well as monasteries on our way to the festival. Litang offers a colorful mix of yellow hat Tibetan monks, crimson robed Buddhist monks, striking Khampa (Tibetan cowboys), men decked out in their finest yak-skin jackets and smiling sparkle-eyed Tibetan women. Celebrating with the locals, we enjoy traditional music, dance and awesome horse-racing. Detailed Itinerary
INDIA - click for index of all India tours
North India
Palace Life: January 5-19 & November* Palace, heritage & 5 star hotels. Travels through colorful Rajasthan. Includes: Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaiselmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra; optional extensions to Varanasi & Khajuraho. Detailed Itinerary
Art, Architecture & Cultural Highlights of North India: Feb 1-16 * Palace, heritage & 5 star hotels. We visit the most exquisite ancient art and architecture sites of North India including the palaces in the main cities of Rajasthan-Jaipur and Udaipur, the deserted city Fatephur Sikri,; Chandella temples of Khajuraho and the lesser-known in Orchha; Agra (Taj Mahal); Bombay, and the Buddhist, Jain and Brahmanical caves at Ellora and Ajanta. Detailed Itinerary
North India & Nepal: February 21-March 6*
Extension: Pokhara & Chitwan Wildlife Resort March 6-15
Classical highlights of North India includes: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi; and the three ancient cities of Kathmandu Valley. India
tour coincides with Khajuraho dance festival. Can elect to join India tour only. Detailed
Itinerary
Footsteps of Buddha: May 10-22 Saga Dawa (Tibetan) or Vesak (Pali), also known as Buddha Purnima (Buddha's full moon) in India, is one of the most significant dharma events observed worldwide by the entire Buddhist community. Three of the most important events in Buddha's life took place on the full moon day of the same month: his birth, enlightenment and passing into Parinirvana. We will travel the route of Buddha's life, celebrating Buddha Purnima in Bodh Gaya where monks engage in intensive prayer and rituals and devotees engage in various dharma activities such as veneration of the representations of the Buddha as well as the Sangha and taking vows. Detailed Itinerary
Ancient Cultures of Indian Himalayas: June 12-30 and Sep 2-20 Explore the remote districts of Kinnaur and Spiti Valley, bordering Tibet -- traditional villages, ancient monasteries and a chance for genuine interaction with the local people and lamas. Breath-taking beauty and non-touristic. Five star hotel in Delhi, rest a mix of comfortable mountain resorts one deluxe base camp, best hotels elsewhere. www.spirit-of-india.com/group/IndianHimalayas/index.html Ladakh Hemis Festival: July 2-16 Sacred masked dances, performed by resident lamas of Hemis Monastery are a re-enactment of the magical feats of Padmasambhava in his eight manifestations, as devotion to the cause of Buddhism. Detailed Itinerary
Ladakh: Hemis Festival July 2-16 Detailed
Itinerary
This 200 year-old tradition was introduced by a member of LadakhÕs ruling family who was reincarnated in the 18th century as the monasteryÕs Head
Lama, ÒSras RimpocheÓ. Sacred masked dances, performed by resident lamas of Hemis Monastery, are a re-enactment of the magical feasts of Padmasambhava,
in his services to the cause of Buddhism in his eight different manifestations.
Spiritual India A Yoga Journey North India: October 10-30* Visit the pilgrimage sites of the diverse religions of India. An excellent cross-section of North India geographically, culturally & spiritually. Coincides with Diwali (festival of lights). Yoga is offered (not required) as well as participation in mediation, dharma talks and other traditional rituals. Includes: Delhi, Amritsar, Dharamsala, Varanasi, Agra, Mathura & Vrindavan, Jaipur, Pushkar, Ajmer. Highlights Detailed Itinerary
Rajasthan & the Exotic Pushkar Camel Fair: October 26-November 11* 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!! (although its fun to see the camels close-up and decorated). Pushkar, a small holy village surrounding a lake, is an important Hindu pilgrimage and devotees visit throughout the year. During the fair, hundreds of pilgrims descend on the town to pay homage at the temple dedicated to Lord Brahma (the creator) -- the only such temple in all of Asia. The fair features trading of animals, folk shows and music. In addition to the main cities of Rajasthan, we have an opportunity to visit a family in Nimraj, a rural village near the home of the Seeri tribe. And yes, we also visit the exquisite Taj Mahal. An extension can be added to Varanasi. Detailed Itinerary
*great first-timer trip to India covering the highlights of Rajasthan and a visit to Taj Mahal.
Textiles & Crafts of India: February 7-24 and October 28-November 13, 2008 Our path leads us through Rajasthan and Gujarat, exploring diverse cultures as we learn about the regional textiles. In Rajasthan we visit the block printers of Jaipur, tie dye masters of Jodhpur and observe the carving of Kundankari jewelry. To the tribal belt of Gujarat. Detailed Itinerary
South India
South India Cultural Journey: January 10-26 (2008 dates TBA) Visit the highlights of South India as well as smaller villages as we witness two authentic celebrations - the Pongal & Poosam Festivals. Includes: Madras, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Madurai, Palani, Kerala backwaters, Cochin, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Trivandrum, Kanyakumari. Detailed Itinerary
South India Cultural Journey: 11 Day Highlights: February 3-13; 21 Day In Depth: Feb 3-22 Explore the architecture and history of South India's temples and palaces; the friendly local culture and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of its abundant natural beauty. The highlights tour arrives in Madras and includes: Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Madurai, Cochin, Kerala Backwaters, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mysore; the extensive tour adds Hampi, Hospet, Hyderabad; departure from Bombay. Detailed Itinerary
South India Cultural Journey: November 4-18 Explore the architecture and history of South India's temples and palaces; the friendly local culture and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of its abundant natural beauty. We travel through Kerala and Tamil nadu including: Madras, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Trichy, Madurai, Cochin, Kerala Backwaters, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mysore. Detailed Itinerary
North East India - Tribal & Wildlife Region
Temples and Tribes of Orissa: February 17-March 8 Coincides with the Konark Dance Festival & local market days. Explore the tropical state of Orissa during this adventurous journey to tribal villages and ancient temples. Includes a visit to Chattsigarh, the new adjoining state to Orissa, now open to visitors. The state has three National Parks, a dozen wild life sanctuaries and the largest concentration of the oldest tribes in India. Their unique handicraft has become a subject of study for leading international design schools. Detailed Itinerary
Arunachal Pradesh and Assam Tribal Tour: April 8-21 & November 7-20
Explore tribal villages and experience ancient culture untouched
by westernization. One of the most remote regions in India, Arunachal Pradesh borders Bhutan, China and Burma. The state is comprised of valleys
separated by the ridges of eastern Himalaya. There are approximately 66 different tribes and 80% of the land is still forested. We cross the Brahmaputra
River by ferry to enter the state of Assam where we experience the colorful tribal cultures of this region --each with different customs, dress,
language and habitat. The journey includes the magnificent Kaziranga Wildlife Reserve. Detailed
Itinerary
Sri Lanka
Kandy Festival: August 3-11; Optional Beach Extension Aug 10-13
Sri Lanka is a land
of pageants and processions, dating back over 2,500 years. Every year, in the lunar month of August, the scenic hill capital of Kandy comes alive
with the grand spectacle of the Kandy Perahera. The Buddhist festival is famous throughout South Asia for its dancers and elephants adorned with
embroidered cloths. The Perehera celebrates the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, said to have been brought to the island more than 2,000 years
ago in the hair of a princess. The Kandy Perahera is a unique ritual, a grand pageant, a scintillating spectacle and a deeply felt religious event.
It is the public expression of the culture and faith of the Sinhala people. We will journey through history first to Anuradhapura, the first capital
of ancient Sri Lanka, then Polonnaruwa - the medieval capital to see the great white rock sculptural monuments and temples before arriving in Kandy
where we explore for three days while attending festivities. Detailed Itinerary
Yoga, Sacred Sites and Time to Reflect May 6-17 & November 27-December 8
A 4 day yoga intensive and full moon poya, excursions to temples and sacred sites, plenty of independent time to enjoy
sun, ocean and precious time with yourself. May tour coincides with Vesak.
Detailed Itineraries for all Sri Lanka Journeys
Tibet
Pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash for Saga Dawa May 13-June 10 Celebrate Saga Dawa in one of the most important places in Tibet: holy Mt Kailash. This is an adventurous journey through Tibet which includes a 3 day optional trek (kora) to circumambulate the sacred mountain with the pilgrims. Detailed Itinerary
Everest Base Camp - Guaranteed group departures March-December
The classic route across the roof of the world. Trip Grade: Moderate; Trip Style: Guest House
From the tiny monastery at Rhongphu the view of Qomolangma (Mt Everest) is absolutely magnificent as it stands alone at the head of the valley - a walk or drive to Base Camp brings you even closer. Detailed Itinerary
- Dates
Litang Horse Festival - Kham: July 22-August 6
Journey across mountains, along rivers and thru small villages to the high plains of Litang. We visit local Tibetan and Qiang communities as well as monasteries on our way to the festival. Celebrating with the locals, we enjoy traditional music, dance and awesome horse-racing.
Detailed Itinerary
Viêt Nam
North to South: Cultural & Historic Highlights: March 11-25 & October
28-November 12
From north of Hanoi to Saigon, explore tribal villages, historic monuments, art, architecture, ancient ruins and life on the Mekong Delta. This
comfortable journey covers all the highlights of an extensive tour in only 15 days. If you have more time, add a tour to Cambodia and or Laos. Please
inquire for details! Tour Highlights - Detailed Itinerary
Arabian Peninsula: United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Oman
February 3-18, November 30-December 16
We start with arrival in United Arab Emirates (UAE) where we spend two days touring and enjoying the natural beauty of
the coast and beaches. From here we fly to Oman and then to Yemen. You may join us for Oman or Yemen separately. If time and interest allow, continue
on with us to Ethiopia.
Detailed Itinerary
AFRICA - click for index
Egypt and Jordan: October 15-November 2 Retrace
the footsteps of the ancent civilizations of Egypt, Nabatean, the Greeks and the Romans. The two week tour of Egypt includes Cairo, St. CatherineÕs
Monastery in the Sinai and a cruise on the Nile from Aswan to Luxor. One week extension to Jordan includes Amman, Jerash and Petra. Escorted by
veteran 25 year tour leader Marc Kupper.
Trip Highlights - Detailed Itinerary
Morocco: October 30-November 12 Journey through this unique cultural portal with former peace corp volunteer Paula Jeane, and truly meet the people. There will be an interactive forum in Rabat between our group and the local muslims, facilitated by Paula Jeane and Farah Cherif/director of Center for Cross-cultural Learning. Includes Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakesh, visits to several Berber villages and a closing retreat at Essaouira, a coastal town. Detailed Itinerary
South Africa: Culture & Wildlife: November 16-30 Enjoy spectacular game viewing, rich cultures, and unsurpassed scenery. Winelands, the Garden route, Victoria Falls, small villages and townships offer diverse experiences. Choose active outdoor activities or relax in the natural beauty. Detailed Itinerary
South Africa: Sea-fari: December 14-January 3 Experience spectacular game viewing, remote white sand beaches, rich cultures, and unsurpassed scenery. Includes the Wild Coast, Mozambique and Swaziland. Detailed Itinerary
Ethiopia: December 17-January 4 North, East and South - an in-depth journey traveling through the ancient lands of Koka, Sodore and Nazereth, the historic route and exploring tribal cultures of Omo Valley. Spectacular scenery, mosques and monasteries, colorful markets, abundant wildlife. Detailed Itinerary
Sudan: January 5-14; March 9-18 Follows Ethiopia tour. An adenturesome journey of ancient historical sites and nomadic/tribal cultures; vast desert and the grand Nile River. Once we leave Khartoum, accommodation is tents. Detailed Itinerary
EUROPE- click for index
Czech Republic: May 10-19 and Sept 9-18
The gateway cities Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Berlin are easy for people to navigate independently with good hotel rates available on the internet
and great public transport for seeing the sights. We are developing short excursions outside each of these cities which take you into the countryside,
away from the hordes of tourists. Guaranteed departures with min 2 people. Detailed Itinerary
Renaissance Towns and Jewish Heritage of South & Southeast Bohemia (3 days) Visit Prague on your own or join our one or two day comprehensive city tours, then venture with us into the countryside, away from the hordes of tourists to renaissance towns, medieval fortresses, and Jewish heritage. This three day excursion overnights in small classic period pensiones. Eight people maximum. You may elect to choose your own dates and go privately, min 2 people. Detailed Itinerary
Medieval Towns and Traditional Spas of Western Bohemia (6 days) Choose your own dates and go privately with our escort Petr Z’dek. Explore the beautiful countryside, palaces and sleepy charming towns steeped in baroque and medieval history. These are places you would not be able to get to without a car and possibly not be able to find easily without a guide. Highlights include: the cosmopolitan spa town Karlovy Vary, Cheb - one of the oldest towns in central Europe, Lazne Kynzvart and Marianske Lazne and culminating with Cesky Krumlov. Accommodations are small period pensiones. Detailed Itinerary
Bulgaria: Guaranteed departures April-June and Sep-Oct
Nestling at the heart of Central Europe, Bulgaria is a land of unspoilt natural beauty, where time has been known
to stand still. Experience Bulgarian traditions and culture in the unique rhythm, melody and harmony of the Bulgarian folk songs and chants; in
the merry and healthy joye-de-vivre atmosphere of the rites and celebrations; the beauty of the handicrafts, finely woven in the ceramic vignettes
and wood carvings, colorful rugs and hammered copper-ware; in the exquisite taste of Bulgarian cuisine and in the fine aroma of Bulgarian wines.
The tour visits nine Bulgarian wonders - seven cultural and two natural sites - included on the UNESCO List of World
Heritage. Detailed Itinerary
Romania: Myths & Magic: April-June and September-November (follows Bulgaria tour)
This journey features all the richness and diversity Romania has to offer:painted monasteries,
wooden churches,palaces and castles, village life,folklore,
crafts, UNESCO sites. Detailed Itinerary
Jewish Heritage of Poland: September 8-18
Jewish communities have existed in Poland since the tenth century. At the beginning of the 20th century, Poland's Jews were 3.3 million strong and
the center of Eastern European Jewish culture. The Holocaust brought the annihilation of nearly 90% of Polish Jews. Today Poland is alive with an
explosion of Polish-Jewish culture everywhere. Jewish records and books are in every store, Jewish lectures, music concerts and Yiddish theater
are common. Join us on this tour rediscovering Polish-Jewish history. From Warsaw we venture on day excursions to Tykocin and Lodz and then head
out for Kracow visiting Kazimierz Dohny, Lublin and Lancut enroute. Detailed
Itinerary
Albania April 23-May 4, 2007
Historic and cultural sites, gorgeous landscape. This is a relaxing vacation infused with art, archecture, archaeology
and fun! Follows our Romania April tour and preceeds our May Turkey tour.
Detailed Itinerary
Turkey Cultural Journey May 4-8
Turkish baths, swirling dervishes, natural hot springs, pristine beaches and natural bauty intertwine with our
exploration of ancient art, culture and history on this in-depth tpur. Includes: Istanbul and boat cruise up the Bosphorus Strait, Troy, Pergamon,
Izmir, Ephesus, Sardis, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, Ankara and Bursa. Detailed
Itinerary
Turkey: Rumi Celebration December 6-18, 2007
Tour Highlights - Detailed
Itinerary
Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi was born on September 30, 1207 in Balkh in present day Afghanistan. He died on December 17, 1273 in Konya in present day
Turkey. The celebration of RumiÕs life, called: "Commemoration Day for Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi," is December 14 and the week of December 10-17 is
considered " Mevlana Week". The tour includes: Istanbul, Bursa, Pergamon, Izmir, Ephesus, Kusadas? Aphrodisias,
Pamukkale, Konya and Cappadocia
Please visit the site often as the site continues to build with new programs and valuable travel information added almost daily.
Also visit Spirit of India for travel to India and Spirit of Asia Travel for the rest of Asia.
check back often as we continue to add additional unique journeys.
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(888) 367-6147 - Intl (415) 381-5861
P.O. Box 446 Mill Valley, CA 94941all text & photos © 1997-05, Barbara Sansone
escept where otherwise noted