PHOTO: Balloonists greet the rising sun in Bagan, Myanmar.

Tauck is continuing to expand its “Exotics” portfolio of journeys to non-North American/non-European destinations in 2015, with the company’s first-ever guided trips to Myanmar and the eastern Arabian Peninsula on tap for the coming year.  The two new all-inclusive, fully-guided trips bring the total number of itineraries in Tauck’s Exotics portfolio to 31 for 2015, with land journeys and/or cruises in Africa, the South Pacific, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.

According to Tauck CEO Dan Mahar, the two new itineraries – like the  rest of Tauck’s Exotics collection – showcase what the company does best. 

“Myanmar and the Arabian Peninsula are intriguing, ‘bucket-list’ destinations, but what makes them so enticing and unique can also make planning a trip there rather daunting for an independent traveler,” said Mahar.  “We do all the research and advance planning – and we remove all the worry and hassle during the trip – so our guests can simply relax and immerse themselves in the local culture. 

“What’s more, both new trips feature authentic, exclusive cultural experiences, and each is accompanied by a trained, professional Tauck Director who serves as a local expert and on-tour concierge.  It’s the same complete destination experience we provide on every Tauck journey, but in more exotic destinations, the benefits of everything we do seem to shine even brighter.”

Myanmar: A Road Less Traveled

PHOTO: Clear waters in Inle lake, Shan state, Myanmar.

Tauck’s new 13-day “Myanmar: A Road Less Traveled” itinerary begins in Thailand with two nights at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, where guests spend a full day exploring the city.  After flying to Yangon, Myanmar and spending two nights at the Belmond Governor’s Residence, guests then fly to Mandalay where they’ll board the Belmond Road to Mandalay riverboat for a three-night cruise southward along the Ayeyarwady River. 

Following their cruise, guests next enjoy two-night stays in Bagan and Inle Lake (at the Bagan Lodge and Villa Inle Resort & Spa, respectively) before returning for a final overnight in Bangkok at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok and flying home.  (Selected departures will sail northward along the Ayeyarwady, with the two-night stay at the Bagan Lodge featured on Nights five and six, rather than on nights eight and nine as described above).

Throughout the 13-day journey, Tauck guests will experience local history and culture first-hand at temples, palaces, pagodas and monasteries, and in visits to local markets, traditional artisans’ studios, rural villages, museums and a nursery school.  Guests will also view the local landscapes from a variety of perspectives, including those provided by a traditional long-tail boat, tuk tuk, train and hot air balloon. 

“Myanmar: A Road Less Traveled” is priced from $9,240 (per person, double-occupancy) plus international and on-tour airfare.  Included in the price are 32 meals, all sightseeing and other featured activities, gratuities to all local guides, hotel and restaurant staff, airport transfers, luggage handling and much more.  Tauck will operate departures in January, February, March, October and December of next year.

Tauck’s 12-Day “Dubai & The Arabian Peninsula”

PHOTO: Dubai marina's dazzling cityscape belies the rich history of the region. 

Tauck’s new “Dubai & the Arabian Peninsula” journey travels to Doha (Qatar), Muscat (Oman) and Abu Dhabi and Dubai (UAE), with multiple-night stays throughout in luxurious hotels including The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal and the Fairmont The Palm, Dubai.  The 12-day journey juxtaposes images of stunning modernity with the region’s rich history, as a progressive “zero-carbon” village and communities built entirely on man-made islands contrast dramatically with visits to centuries-old forts, traditional souks and ornate mosques.

Tauck guests will also be immersed in the Arabian Peninsula’s history during museum visits in Doha, Dubai and Muscat, and they’ll discover its religious and cultural traditions as they participate in an enlightening discussion at a center for cultural understanding. 

Other cultural experiences will include dinner with a local Omani family, the opportunity to meet Arabian horses during a private tour of an equestrian center, and the chance to learn about the Middle East’s 2,000-year-old history of falconry at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. 

Guests will also be treated to a Tauck-exclusive dinner and evening at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where they’ll enjoy local music and dancing and have the opportunity to ride aboard a camel, get a henna tattoo, and smoke a traditional, aromatic shisha pipe.

“Dubai & The Arabian Peninsula” is priced from $7,420 (per person, double-occupancy) plus international and on-tour airfare. Included in the price are 26 meals, all sightseeing and other featured activities, gratuities to all local guides, hotel and restaurant staff, airport transfers, luggage handling and much more.  Tauck will operate departures from January through April, and in September, October and December of 2015.

Those interested in more information may contact their local travel professional, visit www.tauck.com, or call 800 468 2825.

SOURCE: Tauck press release