From Traveloscopy travelblog: stories, tales and yarns from the world of travel |
Adventure travellers can book confidently knowing no currency surcharges will be added to any Peregrine trips worldwide, departing through until 31 August 2009, following Peregrine's recent announcement guaranteeing the current pricing of its new Cultural and Wildlife brochure.
The 10-day Vietnam Culinary Journey combines culinary and cultural experiences, tantalising the taste buds with diverse regional cuisine, under the tutelage of local experts. The trip starts in Hanoi with a cooking class at KOTO restaurant, a community project that supports underprivileged young people. There is a cruise among the 2000 limestone islands of World Heritage-listed Halong Bay aboard a traditional junk, and in Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam, a visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and the ruins of the Purple Forbidden City. There is a full-day cooking tour in Hoi An, meeting with local farmers in the fields and markets, gathering spices and other fresh ingredients to use in a cooking class at the Red Bridge cooking school. A highlight of the trip is a cooking lesson with the TV celebrity chef, author and restaurant owner, Ms Dzoan at her French villa in Saigon.
The Vietnam Culinary Journey costs $1885 per person, twin share, including a local flight, transport, accommodation and most meals. Departures are scheduled each month from January 2009 to July 2010.
The 15-day Galapagos with Cusco & the Sacred Valley adventure combines two of Latin America's most remarkable experiences. Ecuador's remote Galapagos Islands – explored from aboard the 16-berth Peregrine Endeavour - are home to one of the planet's most bizarre and prolific collections of wildlife, as well as dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush cloud forests. While science can explain the provenance of the Galapagos's uniqueness, mystery still surrounds the history of the Incan empire in Peru. The remains of the ancient civilisation radiate from Cusco, the one-time Incan capital, where meticulous Incan masonry forms the foundation of many public buildings. Further out, in the Sacred Valley, is the colourful market town of Pisac and the imposing fortress ruins of Ollantaytambo. The final highlight is a trip by train to the 'Lost City of Machu Picchu', perched on a mountain saddle overlooking the Urubamba River.
Prices for the Galapagos with Cusco & the Sacred Valley adventure start from $4515 per person, including local internal flight, experienced English-speaking naturalist on the three-night cruise; Peregrine tour leader in Peru, accommodation, most meals, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees. There are six departures from July to December 2009 and seven departures from March to July 2010.
For more information contact your travel agent or Peregrine Adventures on 1300 854 500 or visit www.peregrineadventures.com.