A&K Launches New Limited Edition Tours
From the remote wetlands of Brazil’s Pantanal to the desert oasis of Oman’s Wahiba Sands or joining in the revelry of Independence Day celebrations in Papua New Guinea, Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has developed new limited-edition journeys that deliver the luxury of access with the thrill of discovery. One of the newest tours is also a little closer to home — discovering the coastal wilderness of Canada.
“We’ve selected destinations and experiences that may not be on many travellers’ radars yet, but that offer the kind of authentic encounters seasoned travellers are in search of,” explains Abercrombie & Kent President Keith Baron. “For the culturally-curious traveler, luxury is as easily found in the depths of Brazil’s Pantanal as it is on the gleaming skydeck of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.”
Marco Polo Journeys are limited to no more than 18 guests, allowing for insider-access opportunities for small groups such as private museum openings or visits with local people in their homes. All journeys feature exclusive moments designed like the opportunity to Ride Like a Local and explore a neighbourhood by rickshaw, or enjoy a Scenic Sundowner, a refreshing cocktail in an unforgettable location as the sun sets.
The new tours for 2019 are:
Brazil: The Amazon, Pantanal & Iguazu Falls – Explore the Amazon by canoe, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins and other exotic species, before embarking on a nighttime safari in search of nocturnal wildlife. Visit an isolated village on the Rio Negro to learn about their traditional lifestyle. Explore the wild Pantanal, a vast wetland teeming with ocelots, anteaters and jaguars. Stay at the only hotel inside Iguazu National Park, gaining privileged access to the falls themselves and visiting both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. Eleven days from $8,995; two departures: May 25-June 4, Sept. 14-24, 2019.
Wild Canada: Belugas & Bears – A summer wildlife adventure in Canada’s northern reaches includes a coastal tour of Hudson Bay to observe wildlife in their summer habitat. Find beluga whales as they gather at the mouth of the Churchill River. Savour a private cooking class with a local chef. Step back in time at Fort Whyte, where you see American bison up close, paddle a canoe once used by fur trappers and witness the daily routines of early prairie settlers. Hike to the beached shipwreck of the ‘Ithaca.’ Eight days from $6,495; three departures: July 22-29, July 30-Aug. 6, Aug. 7-14, 2019.
Papua New Guinea & the Goroka Festival – Immerse yourself in cultural traditions that have remained unchanged for centuries when you join a gathering of more than 100 local tribes for the Goroka Festival, a dazzling, two-day spectacle celebrating Papua New Guinea’s independence. Take a three-night cruise on the Karawari River, winding past unspoiled villages and pristine rainforests. Relish intimate interactions with the distinctive cultures from the Huli Highlands, and Sepik River and Mount Hagen regions. Thirteen days from $10,995; one departure: Sept. 5-17, 2019.
Oman & the Emirates: The Sands of Time – Traverse the desert landscape on camelback and enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality in an overnight camp beneath the stars. Marvel at Nizwa Fort and Jabrin Castle, testaments to the enduring legacy of trade. Take in Abu Dhabi’s crowning architectural jewel, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and its newest cultural beacon, the Louvre Museum. Gain insight into Emirati culture with lunch in a local home, and learn about its heritage at a Falcon Hospital and Museum. Enjoy 360-degree views of Dubai’s skyline from the observation deck of the world’s tallest skyscraper. Eleven days from $9,995; four departures: Feb. 10-20, March 3-13, Nov. 10-20, Dec. 1-11, 2019.
(https://www.abercrombiekent.com)
