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Spring 2017Newsletter
Cathedral of St George, Zvarnots, Armenia - Caucasus Horizons
A happy Mississippi Horizons group returned a short time ago from a fascinating tour through seven states of the USA. Cruising up the ‘mighty Miss’ from New Orleans to Memphis was just one of the many highlights. Others included the native Indian archaeological sites of Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde, the Spanish history of New Mexico and the stunning scenery of Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Parks. Join our Kamchatka to Alaska tour in 2019 and cruise the Inside Passage.
Descriptive tour brochures, Newsletters, and important information can be found on our website. Due to an ever increasing demand we will soon include ideas for individual and private group travel arrangements with our overseas tourism partners around the world.
See https://farhorizons.com.au/
Caucasus Horizons - departing 30 September 2018The former Soviet states of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia are situated south of the Caucasus Mountains and lie between the Black Sea and the Caspian. The region offers a fascinating mix of unique cultural activites, superb examples of Christian and Islamic architecture, and dramatic scenery of mountains and lakes - from the largest lake in the world, the Caspian, to one of the highest, Lake Sevan.
Of the many sights encountered on tour the ruins of the Cathedral of St George at Zvarnots and the hill-top monastery at Khor Virap - both in Armenia and with Mount Ararat as a backdrop - are stand outs.
Our 22-day Caucasus Horizons tour departs 30th September with 9 participants. There is still time to book but time is short so act now to avoid disappointment.
North East India RecceWe were pleasantly surprised at the show of hands from people wishing to join us on our forthcoming ‘scouting’ tour through North East India.
We have reached capacity and bookings are closed on this 29-day journey through Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura and Manipur.
A report on this trip will appear in a future Newsletter.
VisitingCasablanca (Morocco) 2 nightsEssaouira 2 nightMarrakech, Ouirgane 1 nightOuarzazate 1 nightErfoud 1 nightFes 2 nightsRabat 1 nightTangier 1 nightFerry to Tarifa (Spain)Gibraltar 1 nightSeville (Spain) 1 nightFaro, Algarve (Portugal) 2 nightsCape St VincentEvora 1 nightCastelo de Vide, BelmonteViseu 1 nightVila Real, GuimaraesPorto 2 nightsCoimbra, ConmbrigaTomar 1 nightFatima, Nazare, AlcobacaLisbon 2 nightsBadajoz (Spain)Cordoba 1 nightRonda, Granada 2 nightsAlicante 2 nightsValencia 1 nightBarcelona 2 nights
Gateway to the Mediterranean32 days departing 7 April 2018
Morocco is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. Marrakesh’s medina, a mazelike medieval quarter, offers entertainment in its Djemaa el-Fna square and souks (marketplaces) selling ceramics, jewelry and metal lanterns. The capital Rabat’s Kasbah of the Udayas is a 12th-century royal fort overlooking the water. We visit the ancient sea-side town of Essaouira, the ‘southern capital’ of Ouarzazate and Fez, one of the oldest and largest medieval cities in the world.
From Tangier we take the ferry across the Pillars of Hercules (Strait of Gibraltar) to Tarifa and continue to Gibraltar.
Portugal’s location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes, the Algarve’s beaches are a major destination and much of the nation’s
For further details request a copy of our descriptive brochure which is under development and will be available soon.
architecture dates to the 1500s–1800s, the height of Portugal’s maritime empire.
The Mediterranean Sea spreads its calm waters over 1660km of Spain’s coast from Tarifa, the southernmost European point, to the rocky cliffs of Cabo de Creus, on the border between France and Spain. This vast distance allows for a wide variety of landscapes, towns and cultures that are a far cry from the general perception of the Mediterranean as a Costa del Sol-type tourist trap.
Shangrila to Tibet29 days departing 9 June 2018
VisitingKunming (Yunnan) 2 nightsYuanthongLufeng Dinosaur MuseumDali 2 nightsWeishanXizhouShaxi 2 nightsLijiang 2 nightsYuhu, Mt WenbiSheguTacheng 2 nightsGolden Monkey ReserveMeili 2 nightsDechenMt Kawakarpo pilgrimage routeGyalthang (Shangrila) 3 nightsGanden, Ringha ValleyZethang (Tibet) 1 nightSamye MonasteryLhasa 3 nightsSera MonasteryLhasa/Xian train 1 nightXian (Shaanxi) 3 nightsTerracotta WarriorsHiuShaanxi MuseumChengdu (Sichuan) 3 nightsPanda Breeding Sanctuary
From time immemorial the idea of ‘Shangrila’ has evoked visions of mystical wealth and spiritiual well-being, immense treasure and scenic splendour. But no one has ever truly found ‘Shangrila’ - until recently...
Shangrila (also known as Gyalthang) does exist. In the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan, which lies at the far eastern edge of the Himalayan uplift, is a culturally rich, stunninngly scenic and diverse geological region that we will explore in great detail over the course of our journey from Kunming to Lhasa (which has also been referred to as the mystical ‘Shangrila’).
Yunnan is one of the most biologically and ethnically diverse provinces of China, with ethnic minorities accounting for about 34 percent of its
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Myanmar Horizons25 days departing 18 January 2018
VisitingThailandBangkok 1 nightsMyanmarYangon 1 nightMandalay Irawaddy River Cruise 7 nightsMingunAmarapuraYandaboPakokkuTan Chi TaungMin Nan ThuSalayPakhanngeBagan 2 nightsHeho Lake Inle 3 nightsYangon 4 nightsMergui Archipelago Cruise 6 nightsKawthaungNyaung Wee IslandLampi Marine National ParkKyun Pila IslandNga Man IslandsCockscomb IslandThailand RanongBangkok 1 night
Burma’s history can be traced back to the 2nd century AD, when the Rakhine ruled the west coast and the Pyu civilization flourished in the central regions. Great kingdoms came and went until 1885 when the Third Empire fell to the colonial British, who held power until independence in 1948. In 1989 the ruling military junta renamed the country Myanmar.
Our journey begins with an 8-day cruise on the Irawaddy River from Mandalay to Bagan
and culminates with a 7-day cruise through the Mergui Archipelago on the southern Myanmar coast. In between we visit the major attractions of the capital Yangon where we stay at the historic Strand Hotel; Mandalay; Bagan; Heho and Lake Inle, where we stay three nights at the classic Inle Princess Hotel.
Launched in 2008, the Irawaddy river boat Orient Pandaw carries 56 passengers in comfortable air-conditioned cabins with ensuite facilities.
Andaman Explorer has 11 generous suites and much of the flooring is marble. The ship is the sort of plaything associated with more glamorous times, and an ideal vessel for exploring Myanmar’s islands.
Cabins can only be reserved on payment of deposit. With several passengers already booked this tour will definitely operate.
total population. Major ethnic groups include the Yi, Bai, Naxi, Hani, Zhuang, Dai and Miao. The province contains snow-capped mountains, m e a d o w s , g r a s s l a n d s and tropical environments supporting a full spectrum of an imal spec ies and vegetation types.
From Shangrila we fly to Lhasa for several days then
cross the remote grasslands of Qinghai by the highest train in the world to Xian for three nights before reaching Chengdu for a final three nights on tour.
Interest in this tour has been strong. We recommend early booking as rooms are limited and applications for Tibet permits need to be lodged well in advance.
From $29,590 per person [share twin] ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth. For further details request our descriptive brochure.
From $30,435 per person [share twin] ex Sydney. For further details request our descriptive brochure.
Windhoek to Zanzibar34 days departing 25 May 2019
VisitingNamibia Windhoek 2 nightsSossusvlei 2 nightsWalvis Bay 2 nightsSwakopmund Skeleton Coast 1 nightDamaraland 2 nightsEtosha Pan 2 nightsNamutoni 1 nightCaprivi (Taranga & Chobe) 2 nightsZambia Livingstone (Victoria Falls) 2 nightsLusakaLuangwa Valley 3 nightsMalawiLikoma Island 2 nightsKarongaTanzania Utengule/Mbeya 1 nightRuaha Park 3 nightsSerengeti Park 3 nightsZanzibar 2 nights
Namibia is distinguished by the beautiful sand dunes of the Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean shoreline, known as the skeleton coast. The country is home to diverse wildlife including a significant cheetah population. The capital Windhoek and coastal town Swakopmund contain German colonial-era buildings. In the north, Etosha National Park’s salt pan draws rhinos and giraffes.
Known as “The Real Africa”, Zambia still maintains it old world charm. From the
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Central America Horizons32 days departing 20 October 2018
VisitingPanama City (Panama) 3 nightsPanama CanalSantiagoDavid 1 night
San Isidro (Costa Rica)Cartago 3 nightsSan Jose, Orosi, Irazu VolcanoTortuguero National Park 2 nightsSarchiArenal Volcano 2 nights
Granada (Nicaragua) 2 nightsLake NicaraguaMasaya VolcanoManagua 2 nights
Antigua (Guatemala) 2 nightsPanajachel 1 nightLake Atitlan, SantiagoChichicastenango 1 nightGuatemala City 2 nights
Copan (Honduras) 1 night
Quirigua (Guatemala)Puerto Barrios 1 nightRio DulceLake IzabelTikal 2 nights
Xunantunich (Belize)Belize City 2 nightsAltun Ha
Mexico City (Mexico) 1 night
First operated by Far Horizons in 1991, this fascinating journey explores in depth the little known regions of Central America from Panama to Mexico, in part following the historic Mayan Route (“La Ruta Maya”).
La Ruta Maya is the name given to the regions of Southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras, which were populated by the ancient Mayans from 2000 BC to AD 900. These remarkable people built 21-storey stone palaces without tools or the benefit of the wheel, and developed a calendar which is more precise than the one we use today.
The first stage of our journey through Central America includes a visit to the Panama Canal and the ‘Bridge of the Americas’, then takes us along the Pan American Highway (which links southern Chile with Alaska) through Panama and Costa Rica into Nicaragua.
The second stage of our journey is through the highlands of Western Guatemala then neighbouring Honduras to the Mayan city of Copan.
From here we follow La Ruta Maya via Quirigua, Puerto Barrios and a cruise on the Rio Dulce to the impressive ruins at Tikal.
We cross the border into Belize (formerly British Honduras) to visit the Mayan sites of Xunantunich and Altun Ha, and tour Belize City then fly via Cancun to Mexico City for an overnight stop before returning to Australia.
thundering cascades of Victoria Falls to the low-lying wetlands of Bengweulu Swamps, the raw wilderness of this country can be found throughout.
Malawi is defined by its topography of highlands split by the Great Rift Valley and enormous Lake Malawi. The lake’s southern end falls within Lake Malawi National Park – sheltering diverse wildlife from colorful fish to baboons.
Tanzania is known for its vast wilderness areas. They include the plains of Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca populated by the “big five” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), where our visit coincides with the annual wildebeest migration. Offshore lie the tropical islands of Zanzibar, with Arabic influences, where we explore Stone Town and the ancient streets of this remarkable island.
Our journey across Africa incorporates stays at several world class game lodges and camps from where we go on safari in search of the incredible wildlife that Africa is famous for.
From $33,310 per person [share twin] ex Sydney or Melbourne. For further details request our descriptive brochure.
For further details request a copy of our descriptive brochure which is under development and will be available soon.
Please call or write for a brochure or to register your interest in a future tour, a particular destination, or to organise a private group or individual travel program.
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Far Horizons Tours Pty LtdPO Box 555, CammerayNew South Wales 2062
Tel : (02) 9955 0444 Email : [email protected]
Website : farhorizons.com.au
Myanmar Horizons25 days departing 18 Jan 2018
Bookings open25 day escorted tour departing 18 January 2018
Myanmar Horizons
Gateway to the Mediterranean32 days departing 7 April 2018
Brochure available soon32 day escorted tour departing 7 April 2018
Gateway to the Mediterranean
Central America Horizons32 days departing 20 Oct 2018
Bookings open32 day escorted tour departing 20 October 2018
Central America Horizons
Caucasus Horizons22 days departing 30 Sept 2017
Hurry! Last chance to book!22 day escorted tour departing 30 September 2017
Caucasus Horizons
Kamchatka to Alaska37 days departing 18 August 2019
VisitingSouth KoreaSeoul 1 nightRussian Far East Vladivostok 2 nightsPetropavlovsk Kamchatsky 5 nightsValley of the GeysersUzon Caldera, Itelman camp Alaska USA Anchorage 2 nightsKnik Glacier 1 nightGlenallen Fairbanks 2 nightsBarrow (Utqiagvik)Deadhorse 1 nightBrooks Mountain RangeColdfootFairbanks 1 nightDenali NP 2 nightsAlaska RailroadAnchorage 1 night Inside Passage Cruise 14 nightsJuneau, Skagway, Haines, Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm, Petersburg, Wrangell, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, Misty Fjords, Friday Harbour, Anacortes, Seattle
Someone once said they could see Russia from their kitchen...
From Vladivostok we fly to Petropavlovsk on the remote Kamchatka Peninsula and stay five nights at the comfortable Belkamtur Hotel, from where we undertake excursions to a community of indigenous Itelman natives, take a full day helicopter tour to the Valley of the Geysers and Uzon Cladera, and enjoy the scenic beauty of this less visited region of the Russian Far East
We fly from Petropavlovsk to Anchorage, travel by road to Knik and Fairbanks, by light aircraft north of the Arctic Circle to Utqiaġvik (commonly known as Barrow) and Deadhorse, and drive south via Coldfoot to Fairbanks and Denali National Park.
Shangrila to Tibet29 days departing 9 June 2018
Bookings open29 day escorted tour departing 9 June 2018
Shangrila to Tibet
Windhoek to Zanzibar34 days departing 25 May 2019
Brochure available soon34 day escorted tour departing 25 May 2019
Windhoek to Zanzibar
Kamchatka to Alaska37 days departing 18 August 2019
Brochure available soon37 day escorted tour departing 18 August 2019
Kamchatka to Alaska
For further details request a copy of our descriptive brochure which is currently under development and will be available soon.
From Denali we take the Alaska Railroad to Anchorage and fly to Juneau to board American Constellation for a 15-day cruise through the Inside Passage to Seattle.
During our recent Mississippi Horizons tour six people paid advance deposits to secure cabins on this cruise. Additional cabins are available - but sell fast and can only be secured on payment of a deposit.
