From Erotica to Exotica: USTOA Members Offer a Range of Vacation Options

 

Rongbuk Monastery

There is no limit to the types of vacations that your clients can experience with members of the U.S. Tour Operators Associaton (USTOA), from exploring Mt. Everest base camp and the world’s highest monastery and viewing gorillas in the wild to learning about erotic pre-Columbian pottery or going on an eastern European scavenger hunt.

Below are four selections from USTOA members ranging from one- to 10 nights in duration with prices and itineraries:

One-Night Pre-Columbian Erotica in Lima, Peru

If your clients plan to visit Machu Picchu or the Amazon, they may choose to start out with an overnight pre-trip to Lima, including a guided morning visit to the Larco Herrera Museum to view the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian art. Representing 3,000 years of pre-Columbian history, the museum’s artifacts include a huge collection of erotic pottery and statuary crafted by ancient Peruvian cultures. This excursion from International Expeditions is available as part of a custom itinerary or a pre-extension in combination with a longer tour. The $178 per person price includes private airport transfer, overnight hotel accommodations, local guide and museum tour, and is available with Thursday departures throughout the year. For more information phone 205-633-4734 or visit www.ietravel.com.

Three-Night Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

Take a once-in-a-lifetime guided trek from Kilgali to Volcanoes National Park to view gorillas in their natural habitat. Recommended for those in good health, the 4 day/3 night package from Great Safaris includes accommodations and all meals. The package, which can be added on to a longer Africa itinerary, is available for booking through November 1 with travel through December 15. Per person cost is $2,655, which the company estimates saves travelers approximately 10 to 15 percent over making the same arrangements on their own. For more information phone 800-409-7755 or visit www.greatsafaris.com.

Seven-Night Family Scavenger Hunt in Bratislava, Slovakia

Compete in a fast-paced scavenger hunt with the whole family in Bratislava, Slovakia, as part of Tauck Bridges’ “Blue Danube: Riverboat Adventure.” The eight-day/seven-night river cruise, is priced from $2,990 per person, including virtually everything. Beginning in Budapest, Hungary the cruise ends in Regensburg, Germany. Tauck estimates that travelers save 30 – 40 percent over arranging the same itinerary on their own. Air fare is additional. For more information, phone 800-468-2825 or visit www.tauck.com.

Nine-Day Travel Tibet to Katmandu

Join experienced mountain guides on a small-group journey across the "Roof of the World," from Tibet to Katmandu. En route travelers see spectacular high-mountain passes, visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest, and the Mt. Everest Base Camp. General Tours World Traveler’s 10-day/nine-night “Across the Himalayas” tour spends two nights each in Lhasa, and Tingri, Tibet, with an overnight in Shigatse, and a final three nights in Nepal at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Hotel. The overland adventure takes travelers along the Kanabala Pass and the 17,000 ft. Gyatsola Pass, and includes 20 meals, small group sightseeing, services of mountain guides and drivers, and all on-tour transportation. Priced from $2,699 per person, the tour is available for booking until April 13, 2012, for travel valid through May 15, 2012. International air fare is additional. For details phone 800-221-2216 or visit www.generaltours.com.

All prices are based on double occupancy. International airfare is additional. Restrictions and additional security fees, departure and local taxes and fees may apply. Prices may vary based on departure date.

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