Luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent has released its new collection of journeys to India and the Orient. Sixteen countries are covered with a range of travel styles and focuses. In India, highlights include opulent palaces and desert forts, temples contrasting with colourful markets and rural villages, plus unique wildlife and flavoursome cuisine. The Orient portfolio includes China and its myriad attractions, the captivating countries of Southeast Asia plus Japan, Mongolia and Central Asia. Journeys are tailored for both individual travellers and those who prefer small groups, with the quintessential luxury expected from A&K standard across the portfolio.
New India experiences featured in the portfolio include Mumbai by dawn, mask painting in Sri Lanka, rhino tracking in Assam and the forgotten kingdom of Hampi. And in Asia, Cambodia’s Cardamom National Park, Indonesia’s Coral Triangle and a seaplane ride to Halong Bay.
With the upcoming Olympics, all eyes are on Japan as a must-visit destination in 2020. A&K’s new 12-day private journey covers Japan’s marvellous history and heritage from the modern era back through the feudal period of warlords and shogun to the culture of the 8th century, with the opportunity to experience a traditional tea ceremony, an exclusive performance with a maiko (apprentice geisha) and discovering Kanazawa, Japan’s emerging arts and culture capital. The new Arts and Traditions of Japan journey is priced from $21,400 per person.
For those looking to embark on a multi-country Southeast Asia journey, the new Indochina Adventure journey immerses travellers in the many wonders of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, experiencing the rich cultures and timeless traditions of these spectacular destinations. Absorb Vietnam’s poignant war history, its natural highlights, rich culture and spiced-up cuisine, discover why Luang Prabang has World Heritage status and an important textile tradition, and finish in Siem Reap where the ancient temples of Angkor and authentic artisan encounters await. This 13-day journey is priced from $12,790 per person.
Beachgoers and lovers of idyllic island life should consider the 12-day exploration of stunning Sri Lanka, showcasing the hidden wonders of this dreamy destination from lush jungles, to paddy fields, rolling green tea plantations and breath-taking rock temples. Travellers will discover the picturesque capital Colombo, climb the magnificent rock-top fortress of Sigiriya, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth and marvel at the spiritual caves of Dambulla. The journey highlights a whirl of local flavours, uncovers the secrets behind the region’s famous tea and offers wildlife encounters aplenty, seeking out leopards and sloth bears in the wilds of Wilpattu National Park. A&k’s Serendipitous Sri Lanka itinerary is priced from $6,725 per person.
India continues to grow in popularity, with its bustling northern regions and relaxed southern states offering an intriguing contrast for discerning travellers. A journey to India with A&K will see travellers discover the captivating history, colours and cultures synonymous with the subcontinent in unmatched luxury, with exclusive access to some of the most iconic sites, and expert-led explorations of lesser-known wonders. A&K’s in-depth Icons & Hidden Treasures of Northern India contrasts the wonders of northern India, showcasing Delhi’s colonial grandeur, providing exclusive access to Agra’s resplendent Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset, and shining a light on the hidden gem of Jodhpur, the Blue City listed in the New York Times’ ’52 Places to Go’ for 2020. For wildlife lovers, there is also the chance to spot the elusive endemic leopard on private jeep safaris. The 16-day journey is priced from $14,325 per person.
In addition to the ready-to-book journeys, A&K gives travellers the tools to customise their own made-to-measure journeys with lists of the foremost sights and locations in each area, exceptional activities and exclusive opportunities to consider, a wider range of hand-picked accommodation choices as well as ideas for extending a journey to gain a deeper appreciation of each place. These ideas are provided to inspire guests who wish to develop their own bespoke journey in close consultation with an A&K Travel Specialist, including hot air ballooning in Sri Lanka, cooking classes and street art tours in India and Vespa rides in Vietnam. There are plenty of opportunities to explore a destination from every angle, whether it be taking to the water and cruising the immense Yangtze River in China or soaring through the skies on a scenic flight over Mt Everest.
The Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) presence, first established in Africa, also extends to India and the Orient. There are three school projects in India which are supported by AKP – Deepalaya in Delhi, Kacherawala and Digantar in Jaipur – and in Sri Lanka, AKP supports Project Leopard which aims to protect the leopard population of Yala by reducing human-leopard conflict in nearby communities. In Cambodia, Sam’s Brothers Clean Water Project also receives AKP support and constructs wells providing villages with access to clean water, and Thailand’s Chiang Mai Mushroom House enhances the lives of local women by offering them opportunities to earn income for their families and provide nutritious food to a vulnerable population. All of these projects can be included for visiting A&K guests and a donation to AKP is made on behalf of every A&K guest travelling.
To book your A&K itinerary today or to enquire further please contact Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 590 317 or visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au
SOURCE: Abercrombie & Kent
