India, Orient and Europe with Abercrombie and Kent

 

India, Orient and Europe with Abercrombie and Kent

 

Abercrombie & Kent is excited to announce the release of its India, Orient & Europe brochure for 2011.

The brochure provides personally customised bespoke programmes, each one designed to reflect the individual's interest and needs.

 

India is a sensory adventure, its colours dazzling and its sights many. From the high mountains of the Himalaya to the palm-lined backwaters of Kerala, the opulent palaces of Rajasthan to its incredible wildlife, A&K delivers the best of India. Coinciding with Visit Nepal 2011, Abercrombie & Kent has reintroduced a private journey to that beautiful mountainous country.

 

'After a hiatus of seven years, we have reintroduced a luxury itinerary to Nepal", says Sujata Raman, Managing Director Abercrombie & Kent. 'The country offers much more than trekking, its wildlife is unique and as seen in the recent Tiger Summit in St Petersburg Nepal's tiger numbers have increased by 25% since the 2008-09 census."

 

Mysterious and exotic, the countries of the Far East hold great allure and fascination. From China, the world's most populous nation with its myriad ancient monuments, to the charming delights of Myanmar, the culinary appeal of Vietnam to the unspoiled attractions of Laos and fast-paced Japan, there is an itinerary to suit all travellers looking to experience the Orient with A&K.

 

'China is undergoing renewed interest for Australian travellers", says Sujata Raman, Managing Director Abercrombie & Kent. 'Thanks to the current exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW, -The First Emperor', we are privileged to have the chance to see a small sample of the 2000 year old awe-inspiring life size Terracotta Warriors from Xian which is an important part of our private journeys there."

 

Europe has a constant allure for the traveller combining culinary experiences with art and historical wonders. Accommodation options are many – iconic establishments vie with charming country inns, and seductive contemporary hotels rival the intimacy of river cruise vessels. Ensuring the perfect blend of elements for each individual is what A&K does best.

 

Sujata Raman, Managing Director Abercrombie & Kent says, 'It was pleasing to see so many European inclusions in the recent UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list which tie into our favourite destinations and key experiences such as the Mediterranean food of Greece and Italy, festivals in the Czech Republic, France's gastronomy and Spain's flamenco. Each captures an important element of the country which we aim to deliver to our guests when they visit."

 

What's New in India & Beyond?

 

Hotels

New Delhi plays host to the Leela Group's latest offering. Reflecting the grandeur of Lutyens' Delhi, The Leela Palace New Delhi is an elegant example of reproduction Victorian architectural splendour. Situated near the Diplomatic Enclave, the hotel blends the style of a stately mansion with palace touches. There's a beautiful Espa and a rooftop pool. A&K's 7 day Princes & Palaces priced from $3695 includes 3 nights at the Leela Palace New Delhi.

 

Taj Hotel & Resort's flagship property and Mumbai icon, the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, reopened its ultra luxurious Palace wing in August after a US $100 million refurbishment. Guests on A&K's 4 day/3 night Mumbai Extension, priced from $1545, stay in the Palace Wing with associated privileges (24 hour Butler Service, Palace Lounge access, tea & coffee all day, soft drinks, cookies, evening cocktails and complimentary internet use in lounge).

 

Private Journeys

 

For accessible tiger viewing, A&K introduces a new private journey to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. It's India's best-known wildlife reserve where guests enjoy morning and afternoon gamedrives by jeep with naturalist guides. A&K's 4 day/3 night Ranthambore Extension includes 3 nights at award-winning Oberoi Vanyavilas where luxury tents provide elegant accommodation. Prices from $2660.

For a journey steeped in the spiritual, A&K presents the 4 day/3 night Varanasi Extension priced from $1190. This is Hinduism's most holy city and an important place of pilgrimage where devotees are drawn to the holy waters of the Ganges River. The glorious and intimate Nadesar Palace, built for the East India Company, is A&K's preferred lodging here and guests cruise the river at dawn and witness an aarti prayer ceremony.

 

Wildlife enthusiasts will be tempted by A&K's new 6 day/5 night In Search of Tiger, priced from $2945, which is a delightful combination of two of Central India's most recognised national parks and the best for viewing tiger. Pench and Kanha National Parks both have remote locations, which ensure fewer visitors and good chances of seeing the elusive big cats and other fascinating wildlife. Guests bed down in a luxury jungle lodge and heavenly-tented camp.

 

As a quiet finish to a cultural sojourn in India, Goa is high on the list. It offers historic colonial attractions and the white sand and palm tree lined beaches of the Arabian Sea. It's relaxed and laid back and the Leela Kempinski is A&K's number one recommendation for a resort stay. A&K's 4 day/3 night Goa Extension is priced from $1175.

 

Guests stay in the original palace of a local Nizam on A&K's 4 day/3 night Hyderabad Extension priced from $1385. Restored with meticulous detail, the Taj Falaknuma Palace has undergone 10 years of restoration and refurbishment to deliver an experience fit for a king. Hyderabad has a 400 year old history and is home to some of India's best cuisine, a rich history, exquisite Moghul architecture, ancient Golconda fort and vibrant bazaar life.

 

Coinciding with Visit Nepal 2011, Abercrombie & Kent has reintroduced a private journey to the country. A&K's 11 day Images of Nepal priced from $4,625 per person includes four nights in Kathmandu, a three night private trek in the Annapurna region, one night in Pokhara and two nights on safari in Chitwan National Park in search of tiger. Accommodation is a combination of heritage hotel, mountain retreat and game lodge with fully attended tents on trek.

 

What's New in the Orient?

Hotels

On a pristine hillside overlooking the Songzangling Monastery at Shangri-La is Yunnan's latest luxury hotel, Songtsam Retreat. Designed out of local stone with strong Tibetan influences there's handcrafted furniture, timber floors, oak wall panelling, Tibetan rugs and wooden bath tubs. It's a perfect base for discovering the delights of this rich cultural and scenic destination. A&K guests on the 6 day/5 night Yunnan Extension priced from $3825 spends 3 nights at Songtsam Retreat at Shangri-La.

 

Amanresorts' second hotel in China, Amanfayun, has opened in a charming rural setting 20 minutes from Hangzhou city and in a former village of tea growers. Its 47 dwellings are decorated with sophistication and style. It's the best choice for guests seeking an intimate and tranquil base for exploring the nearby scenic attractions. A&K's 4 day/3 night Hangzhou Extension priced from $2,380 is based at Amanfayun.

 

A new take on luxury cruising in Halong Bay, Vietnam is the brand new Life Heritage junks which are intimate private vessels to suit a couple or small family. With all the expected mod cons there's an onboard chef who produces meals from the freshest local ingredients plus a host of different activities from kayaking and snorkelling to fishing and excursions around the bay to caves, islands and secluded beaches. A&K's 12 day Highlights of Vietnam priced from $5105 includes one night onboard a Life Heritage junk.

 

Private Journeys

 

Lovers of dreamy Oriental landscapes will be inspired by A&K's new 3 day/2 night Guilin Extension which gives guests a leisurely cruise experience on the picturesque Li River. There are rugged mountains; limestone pinnacles and cliffs lining the river and guests stay at the brand new Shangri-La Guilin overlooking the famous waterway. Prices from $995.

 

Cruise the Mekong River from Vietnam to Cambodia onboard the new boutique river cruiser, The Jayavarman. Carrying 54 passengers, staterooms are decorated with French flair with floor to ceiling panoramic glass doors and private French balconies. Highlights of the Mekong Delta region are the lively riverside scenes, typical villages, floating fish farms and temples. 3, 4 and 7 night cruises are available. Prices from $1545.

 

Head off the beaten track from Hanoi to the Mai Chau Valley where the scenery and surrounds are idyllic. Visit local villages on foot or by bike and take in the spectacular natural attractions. A&K's 3 day/2 night Mai Chau Valley Extension is priced from $700.

 

What's New in Europe?

Hotels

In the central Turkish region of Cappadocia the beautiful Argos in Cappadocia is built on the site of an old monastery. It has beautiful stone rooms with open fireplaces, Turkish rugs and timber floorboards and elegant living spaces with breathtaking views over the valley. A&K's 10 day/9 night Treasures of Turkey priced from $9335 includes 2 nights here.

 

Private Journeys

 

On the upper and after decades of disrepair, Poland is fast becoming the jewel in Eastern Europe's crown. Its restored monuments are some of the most impressive around and travellers can enjoy them without the crowds. A&K's 6 day Poland Extension priced from $4010 takes in the delights of Warsaw from a base at Hotel Le Regina, well positioned on the edge of the Old Town. Krakow too is a highlight, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities with a poignant history.

 

During their stay in the Russian capital, guests travelling on A&K's 9 day/8 night Jewels of Russia priced from $8175 will be privately escorted around the newly opened Moscow Space Museum by a Russian cosmonaut and in St. Petersburg take tea with a local family.

 

www.abercrombiekent.com.au