A Tasmanian Resort Complete with Private Island

	Saffire Freycinet Lately, when you head to the shore, it seems like you're encountering more people than beach. If it keeps up, you may have to get a private island of your own. Or at least rent one. Welcome to Saffire Freycinet, a gloriously secluded new Tasmanian resort by the shore, taking reservations now. You'll arrive and find just 20 rooms perched on a sandy peninsula, all with floor-to-ceiling views of the bay... so private there's no need for curtains. Outside, you'll have a few hundred miles of beach to yourself (okay, and your 19 neighbors). But if you need even more distance from humanity, hop a ferry and putter around a nearby private island—it's a national park whose only visitors are resort guests (that'd be you) and the passing whales. Once you're hungry, you can wade over to their marine farm and scoop oysters straight out of the water and into your mouth, with a splash of Saffire's housemade champagne vinegar sauce from your pocket. After the appetizers, take the house helicopter to the Highland Lakes region—a huge network of streams, ponds and rivers with some of the Southern Hemisphere's best fly-fishing—or just head back to your room, where a chef will be at the stoves prepping a private 12-course feast of king crab and wild clover lamb paired with a dozen Tasmanian wines. In case you've decided you'd like some company after all. resource: urbandaddy.com

Cathay Pacific, Air France Embrace Airbags Ahead of Tighter Safety Rules

Cathay, Air France Add Airbags as Crash Rules Tighten 

June 9 (Bloomberg) -- Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. and Air France-KLM Group have begun introducing seatbelt-mounted airbags in their economy-class cabins as authorities tighten regulations aimed at reducing the risk of fatalities in plane crashes. 

All aircraft built in the U.S. since October must conform to standards designed to keep passengers conscious through an impact involving deceleration at 16 times the force of gravity so that they can escape any subsequent fire. The same rules will be introduced in Europe by the end of next year, European Aviation Safety Agency spokesman Jeremie Teahan said. 

While many seats comply with the so-called 16g rule without needing airbags, which are installed in about 2 percent of seats, manufacturer AmSafe Inc. predicts they’ll become standard by 2020 amid heightened awareness of safety issues. The devices cost about $1,200 apiece, versus $25 for a regular seatbelt. 

“The problem with our economy seats is that they have rigid shells and a head impact is more difficult to handle,” Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Tony Tyler said in an interview in Berlin. “Therefore we need airbags.” 

About 80 percent of plane crashes are survivable, and a study of 25 impact-related accidents by the U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in 2005 concluded that stronger seats and better restraints could have averted 62 fatalities. 

The world’s airlines have a total capacity of 2.8 million seats, according to Dunstable, England-based OAG, which gathers statistics on the global aviation industry. 

Jumbo Exempt 

Safety rules for seats introduced in the U.S. in 1988 and Europe in 1992 applied only to new models, exempting planes including the Boeing Co. 747 jumbo jet and Airbus SAS A320 that were introduced earlier but are still in production today. Under the stricter rules, all new-build planes must be 16g compliant. 

AmSafe’s airbags are stored in the seatbelt and inflate within 90 milliseconds of a crash, expanding up and away from the passenger to accommodate head movement in all directions. 

The Phoenix-based company, which also makes 95 percent of all aircraft seatbelts, introduced the technology in 2001 and says it has been sold to more than 50 carriers including Singapore Airlines Ltd., US Airways Group Inc., Emirates, Japan Airlines Corp. and Swiss International Air Lines AG. 

Airbags are required for standard berths where there is no seat in front to cushion against an impact, such as those facing bulkheads, galleys and lavatories, and for premium-class layouts where seats are angled to face into the aisle, Bill Hagan, the president of AmSafe’s aviation unit, said in an interview. 

Fixed Back 

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific became the first carrier to equip whole planes -- Airbus A340s and Boeing 777s -- with airbags, allowing it to use a “shell seat” design from BE Aerospace Inc. that didn’t otherwise comply with regulations, Hagan said. The berth, introduced in coach class in July 2008, has a fixed back that doesn’t move even when reclined, helping to protect personal space, according to the Cathay website. 

Air France-KLM, Europe’s biggest airline, has fitted airbags after installing the same seats in the premium-economy cabins of its 777 jetliners, spokeswoman Brigitte Barrand said by telephone. About 2,200 berths are involved, Hagan said. 

Disadvantages 

Air France considered using airbags in the past but concluded that the potential disadvantages of accidental inflation outweighed the benefit of greater cushioning, according to CEO Pierre-Henri Gourgeon. 

Cathay Pacific closed down 2.8 percent at HK$15.40 in Hong Kong, reducing the stock’s gain this year to 6.4 percent. 

Air France-KLM was trading 0.6 percent lower at 9.50 euros as of 10:48 a.m. in Paris and has declined 14 percent this year. 

Swiss International was also required to fit airbags in the business-class seats of its A330-300s, which entered service in April last year, spokeswoman Sonja Ptassek said. The unit of Deutsche Lufthansa AG will have 10 of the planes by March. 

Hagan says the client base for AmSafe’s airbags has almost doubled from a year ago and that the company is in talks with “major North American carriers” on equipping entire planes with the product, with deals likely to close in 2011. 

“The real driver until now has been the premium segment,” Hagan said. “But at a certain point you gain a critical footprint where airlines consider extending airbag use across the plane. I believe this point will be reached next year.” 

Still, the International Air Transport Association, which represents airlines worldwide, says it isn’t sure about the wider application of the technology beyond specific cases. 

“We’re investigating whether airbags make sense,” Guenther Matschnigg, IATA’s senior vice president for safety, operations and infrastructure, said in an interview. “We need to have numbers before we take any stance.” 

IATA will probably make recommendations to the European Aviation Safety Agency later this year, Matschnigg said in Berlin where, like Tyler and Gourgeon, he was attending the group’s annual meeting. 

“If anyone can prove that airbags make a difference, we’ll be the first to recommend them,” he said.

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Innovation-Creation-Activation

Google getting into the Travel Industry??

A low-profile software company in Cambridge may be worth $1 billion to Internet search giant Google. Well, ITA claims to handle more than 65 percent of the sales transactions on airline websites, including six of the 10 largest US airlines’ sites.

A Google purchase of ITA would help the dominant search engine compete with Microsoft’s upstart Bing search service, which has a prominent travel area that uses ITA software and features tools like ticket price predictors.
PhoCusWright’s Philip Wolf said: “What this rumored deal signals is that you can’t be serious in search without doing a better job with airlines to search, shop, and buy travel. . . . A combination of Google and ITA would be positioned to create a whole new standard for online travel sites.’’
Google could use ITA Software’s tools, which help users find online flight information, to compete with travel-search features offered by Microsoft. The companies are tussling for share in the U.S. market for online travel, which generated $88.4 billion in sales last year, according to Sherman, Connecticut, travel consulting firm PhoCusWright Inc.
“Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information, and ITA does that for travel,” said Henry Harteveldt, an analyst at Forrester Research Inc. in San Francisco.

Resource: Boston Globe

Innovation-Creation-Activation

Get Away to Tahiti

All tickets must be issued on or before December 31st 2010. Fare is subject to availability at the time of booking. Valid for new bookings only.
Departing from	Fare Basis	To Papeete (Tahiti)	To Moorea	To Huahine or Raiatea	To Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau or Fakarava
Low Season Travel dates: January 7th 2010 to May 31st 2010 and November1st 2010 to December10th 2010
LAX	VLA5D	$891*	$1001*	$1101*	$1186*
LAX	LLA5D	$991*	$1101*	$1201*	$1286*
High Season Travel dates: January 1st 2010 to January 6th 2010, June 1st 2010 to October 31st 2010 and December 11th 2010 to January 4th 2011
LAX	VHA5D	$987*	$1097*	$1197*	$1312*
LAX	LHA5D	$1096*	$1206*	$1306*	$1421*

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE: Sydney, Blue Mountains, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs & Cairns

Length: 10 Days

Discover the vast Outback of South Australia, learn about Aboriginal culture, travel through unique and breathtaking scenery and experience life on an Outback Station. Also visit Ayers Rock, Coober Pedy, Death Rock and the Tunnel of Time.

Accommodations include camping, hotels and and underground motel! This is a true adventure in the Outback in a private 4 wheel drive vehicle driven by an expert local guide. If you are looking to experience the true outback this is the trip for you!


ITINERARY:

Day 1 ARRIVE SYDNEY

Arrive at Sydney Airport and meet your limousine driver who will transfer you to your hotel.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
Accomm: Travelodge Wynyard


Day 2 SYDNEY TO BLUE MOUNTAINS

This morning join a 4WD Wildlife Discovery day tour.
Depart your city hotel this morning and travel across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games site before enjoying morning tea with wild kangaroos deep in the Australian bush. See kangaroos up close plus friendly parrots and cockatoos. In the high Blue Mountains today you'll see waterfalls, magnificent canyons and Australia's most famous sight - the remarkable 3 Sisters.

Travel on backcountry 4WD tracks leading to amazing lookouts that only our modified, small group vehicles can access.

Lunch today is at a gorgeous historic mountain hotel with fantastic views, great food and friendly Aussie hospitality.

This afternoon, visit the thrilling Scenic Railway in Katoomba. Ride the steepest passenger railway in the world (entry is at own expense) or enjoy a short walk to nearby Katoomba waterfalls & gallery.
Mid afternoon arrive at your hotel in Katoomba. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the Blue Mountains under your own arrangements. Stay overnight in Katoomba village area.

Accommodation: Mountain Heritage (Can Upgrade to Lilianfels at additional cost)
Breakfast and Lunch included


Day 3 BLUE MOUNTAINS TO SYDNEY

Breakfast is included at your hotel this morning. You can relax and take it easy today or get active and walk to magnificent lookouts and explore the villages of Katoomba/Leura.

Then depart from your hotel at 2pm and return to Sydney city, stopping enroute at Sydney's premier wildlife park. Your tour vehicle will return you to your Sydney hotel with a drop-off at the front door.

Accommodation: Travelodge Wynyard
Breakfast & Lunch included


Day 4 SYDNEY TO AYERS ROCK

This morning, you will be transferred to Sydney airport to joint your flight to Ayers Rock Airport (Yulara) in central Australia. Fly Sydney to Ayers Rock (cost of flight not included) On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport, you will be transferred to the Desert Gardens Hotel located in Yulara Village.

Magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs are the setting for this hotel. Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel is centrally located to all resort and touring facilities and offers a range of accommodation, from shaded poolside rooms to deluxe rooms overlooking the desert. You can relax in the comfort of your own private balcony or courtyard, or unwind in the hotel's pool, sipping cocktails from the Bunya bar.

It's only a short stroll to the Resorts' numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably Australia's best sunset, with the spectacular play of colours across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert.

The National Park Entry Fee of AUD $25.00 per person has been included in your tour cost. Later this afternoon you will be collected by Discovery Ecotours from the Desert Gardens Hotel for the Kata Tjuta and Dunes tour.

This tour introduces you to the desert. Our expert guide will explain the nature of the desert and its development. A short walk to the dune lookout puts one in touch with your environment and lets you delight in the spectacular panoramic view of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) – a very sacred place to the Aboriginal people. Arriving at Walpa (Olga) Gorge, we walk into this mystic place, to hear how it has evolved over millions of years.

The scale of the walls and the wind far above, add a sense of mystery here, which profoundly affects all that participate. The sky blue deepens and the great domes of Kata Tjuta (Olgas) flush red as the tour retires to the sunset viewing area to celebrate the fantastic colour changes wrought by sunset with complimentary sparkling wine. Sit back and absorb the desert solitude or relax and chat to your guide about Australia’s Red centre. The spectacle fades as you return to Yulara beneath a sky of brilliant stars.

Accommodation: Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel
Breakfast included


Day 5 YULARA TO ALICE SPRINGS

This tour to Uluru provides the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunrise At Ayers Rock without rushing, all the while absorbing an exposition of Uluru's natural history and deep significance to the Anangu people.

Short walks will bring you close to this wonderful and powerful place, viewing rock art, waterholes and appreciating the unique flora and fauna of Uluru. A special feature is the appreciation of the exquisite as well as the dramatic sculpturing of Uluru. This tour provides time to amble, to absorb images and to gain an insight into Uluru's remarkable presence. The final step is to the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

The 4 hour tour includes sunrise viewing, picnic breakfast short walks at Uluru and visit to the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre

Small group touring with a knowledgeable guide is the best way to appreciate this World Heritage area. Discovery Ecotours is a small group tour operator dedicated to providing clients with an educational yet fun touring experience in the unique Central Australian environment.

You will then be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport to join your flight to Alice Springs.

Fly Ayers Rock to Alice Springs (airfare not included in cost)

On arrival at Alice Springs Airport you will be transferred to your hotel.

This afternoon’s tour is a Town Tour of Alice Springs.

Situated close to the very centre of Australia, Alice Springs is the country's best known Outback town. Originally settled as a post along the Overland Telegraph route, today it is a lively town full of things to see and do.

Commence the afternoon with panoramic views from Anzac Hill overlooking the town and the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges - These ranges are thought to be the oldest in Australia. See the generally dry Todd River before visiting the Royal Flying Doctor Base and School of the Air - two unique Australian organizations that provide medical care and education to people in remote areas. Visit the Old Telegraph Station, and behold the harsh pioneering life of first settlement. See the development of communication via morse code, and find where Alice Springs 'originally' got its name from.

Your tour will conclude with the famous Mbantua (Aboriginal Cultural Museum and Gallery) a home to a private collection of rare Aboriginal artifacts, bush tucker and art......... Highlights Include: Anzac Hill, Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, Alice Springs Telegraph Station and Mbantua.

Accommodation: Voyages Alice Springs Resort
Light Breakfast included


Day 6 FULL DAY 4WD PALM VALLEY TOUR

Commence your Outback 4WD experience through the West MacDonnell Ranges and Owen Springs Cattle Station to the Finke River - one of the oldest watercourses in the World! En route you will see much of the natural landscape that has inspired many artists afar.

Arrive at Palm Valley where you can enjoy a leisurely walk through time with your guide, viewing unique Livistonia Mariae Palms and ancient cycads, remnants of times gone by.

Travel through the Finke Gorge National Park, an oasis in the Desert where you can take a short walk to Kalarranga Lookout for majestic views of the Amphitheatre and the surrounding red sandstone formations; continue to Historic Hermannsburg founded by the Lutheran Missionaries where a delicious two course meal is served including delicious hot apple strudel or scones for dessert.

Take a walk through the art gallery and learn about the history of some of our world renowned artists.
On the return journey, relax and enjoy watching the changing colours of the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges in the afternoon light.

Highlights Include: Palm Valley, Finke River Gorge National Park, Kalarranga Lookout, Ampitheatre, Cycad Gorge, and Historic Hermannsburg Precinct.

Accommodation: Voyages Alice Springs Resort
Breakfast and lunch included


Day 7 ALICE SPRINGS TO CAIRNS

You will be transferred from your hotel to Alice Springs Airport for your flight to Cairns.

Fly Alice Springs to Cairns (Flight cost not included)

On arrival at Cairns Airport you will be transferred to your hotel.

Accommodation: The Hotel Cairns
Breakfast included


Day 8 CAIRNS

This morning you will be collected from your hotel by the Ocean Spirit coach and transferred to Cairns Marina where you will join the Ocean Spirit for a full day cruise to Michaelmas Cay, on the Great Barrier Reef.

Michaelmas Cay is a picturesque reef sand island surrounded by magical coral gardens teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life. The Cay is a protected seabird sanctuary playing host to over 20,000 migratory seabirds. The day cruise includes snorkelling equipment and snorkelling demonstrations and tuition, informative tour on the semisubmersible, four hours on the reef, ecological presentations by qualified marine biologists, guided bird tour, delicious lunch and live musical entertainment on the homeward sail to Cairns.
On return to Cairns Marina you will be transferred to your hotel.

Accommodation: The Hotel Cairns
Breakfast and Light Lunch included


Day 9 CAIRNS – DAINTREE & CAPE TRIBULATION TOUR

Our Cairns tours and Port Douglas tours visit beautiful Cape Tribulation - Enjoy the ultimate rainforest tours experience - explore both the rainforest floor and make an easy ascent into the rainforest canopy to view World Heritage Listed Rainforests at their best at the Daintree Discovery Centre!

Discover the unique wilderness area of the World Heritage listed rainforests of Cape Tribulation & Mossman Gorge. Our experienced naturalist guide will provide interpretation of this ancient rainforest area and also included is an exclusive, private rainforest walk along allweather boardwalks, and also at canopy, level where unsurpassable rainforest viewing may be experienced - a naturalist's paradise and photographer's dream!

Our Tours also cruise the mighty Daintree River where an experienced river guide will reveal the special wildlife of the Daintree River, the domain of the estuarine crocodile. Tree snakes, pythons, water birds and butterflies are also inhabitants of the mangrove-lined riverbanks. So have your camera ready!

The award-winning Daintree Rainforest Aerial Walkway and Canopy Tower allows people of all ages easy access to every part of the rainforest. Our tours go up amongst the Daintree rainforest canopy and allows you to observe the diversity of plants and wildlife living in this unique environment.

A sumptuous buffet lunch awaits you at the luxurious Cape Restaurant and Bar at Cape Tribulation Resort and Spa. Swim in the resorts pool and explore the beach at the doorstep of the resort.

Stroll along idyllic Cape Tribulation Beach to the lookout and observe where two of the world's natural wonders converge - the rainforest gives way to white sand and fringing coral reef!

Accommodation: The Hotel Cairns
Breakfast and lunch included


Day 10 DEPART CAIRNS

This morning, check out from your hotel and you will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your departure flight.
Breakfast included



COSTS:
AUD $3,186.00 per person, twin share (US $2,880.30)
Single Supp: AUD $1,318.00 (US $1,192.00)
Single Travel Alone: AUD $4,815.00 (US $4,353.00)


*Prices subject to government taxes/levies or prices beyond our control. Prices and programs are subject to change without notice.

7 Day Dubai Vacation

Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.

Dubai City Tour 1:30 PM Day #3 01 Sep 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $37
Your Dubai city tour begins with a view of the magnificent Jumeirah Mosque, continuing toward the Dubai World Trade Center, one of the tallest buildings in the Middle East. Then, proceed on a walking tour of the oldest part of the city, Bastakia, where old, wind-swept houses of wealthy merchants can be seen. In the same area, visit the Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort, which has survived for two centuries. Continue through the cloth markets until arriving at the abras, local water taxis that will ferry you across the Creek to the area of the spice and gold souks. Walk through the bustling alleys of these souks, with their tantalizing aromas and breathtaking amounts of dazzling gold. The jewelry on sale here varies from the traditional to the latest designs.

Details to be advised locally.

Sharjah Tour 8:00 AM Day #4 01 Sep 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $38
This tour takes you to Sharjah, the "Pearl of the Gulf." Visit of the renovated Fort of Sharjah, built in 1820, that once served as the residence of the ruling family. Continue to the Heritage Museum. A visit to Sharjah is not complete without a stroll in the souks, where you can bargain for jewelry, handicrafts, and carpets, among other specialty items. Visit the Souk Al Arsah and the Souk Al Markazai, the largest souk in Sharjah with 600 shops. Afterward, return to Dubai.

Details to be advised locally.

Dhow Dinner Cruise 8:00 PM Day #4 01 Sep 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $64
Enjoy a chance to see the impressive, ultramodern skyline of Dubai from the Creek. Dhows have been the traditional ships of the Arab Emirates for many centuries and tonight you have the opportunity to board one of these vessels and dine at a sumptuous buffet with unlimited soft drinks while you quietly cruise by the landmarks of the city.

Details to be advised locally.

Desert Safari Day #5 01 Sep 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $70
This amazing tour may be the highlight of your visit to Dubai. Board your 4X4 vehicle in Dubai and head out towards the desert. You will feel the thrill of "dune bashing" as your professional driver takes you up and down the golden dunes. A beautiful desert sunset stop is included before continuing to the Bedouin Camp. You will be greeted with a traditional cup of Arabic coffee and have the opportunity to try riding a camel before settling down for your barbeque dinner, prepared on open fires in front of you. Later in the evening, a belly dancer will enchant you with her dances.

Departs at 3:30 p.m. Returns approximately 9:30 p.m. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.

Abu-Dhabi Tour Day #6 01 Sep 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $60
This tour takes you to the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, also known as the Arabian Jewel. En route, pass Jebel Ali Port, the largest man-made port in the world. Upon arrival, visit the Women's Handicraft Center, where you can admire the skill and dexterity of local women making traditional handicrafts. Continue to the city's oldest building, Al Husn Palace, built in the 18th century. Drive along the Corniche to the Breakwater, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city's skyline. Lastly, visit the Dhow Yard, where wooden ships are still being built using the same simple tools that have been used for countless generations.

Details to be advised locally.

Rates & Hotels

Step 1: Select Your Choice of Hotel Plans Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR:Click here to create your own flexible vacation
Hotel Choices
Ibis World Trade Centre - details (included)
Novotel World Trade Centre - details Upgrade from +$70
Metropolitan Palace Dubai Hotel - details Upgrade from +$20
Dates & Prices Air & Land
2010
Feb 10 $1169*
Feb 17 $1249*
Feb 24 $1179*
Mar 3 $1169*
Mar 10; 17 $1149*
Mar 24 $1199*
Mar 31 $1379*
Apr 7; 14; 21; 28; May 5; 12; 19; 26 $1269*
Jun 2; 9 $1429*
Jun 16 $1299*
Jun 23 $1489*
Jun 30; Jul 7; 14; 21; 28; Aug 4 $1579*
Aug 11 $1489*
Aug 18 $1469*
Aug 25 $1299*
Sep 1 $1279*
Sep 8; 15; 22; 29 $1429*
Create Your Own Flexible Vacation
*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, transfers, optional tours, and gratuities.

Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.

NEPAL: KHUMBU EXPLORATORY TREK

	TOUR CODE EAI-N17	Length: 6 DAYS
	HIGHLIGHTS: Magnificent views of the towering peaks of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse Shar, Tamserku, Kwangde, Khumbi-ila, Kangteiga, Ama Dablam, Tawoche, Cho Oyu, and Pumori. Low Budget Adventure Treks (LBAT) are designed to use lodge and resort accommodations along the trails. We have designed these LBAT treks to serve clients with various budgets. These treks are perfect for students or anyone with low budget, but hardy backpackers. Our shorter tea house treks in the Everest Region begin and end in Syangboche and Lukla airports while a long range trek begin in Jiri and end in Lukla. Now with the development of the Syangboche Panorama Hotel, we organize and lead camping and tea house treks throughout the Everest Region. This trek is operated from our resort hotel in Syangboche, where a one way or two way helicopter ride is required. SYANGBOCHE PANORAMA HOTEL (P) LTD. is a spectacular resort, 13,025 ft. above sea level. The hotel is merely a ten minute walk from Syangboche Airport. It is our newest quality tourism establishment in the Everest region. This 22 room hotel is built to provide the most out of a Nepal visit! The architecture and the interior decorations reflect a perfect Sherpa theme. Huge glass windows allow guests to enjoy magnificent views of towering peaks. View Mt. Everest, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kangteiga, Thamserku and Thyangboche Monastery from the dinner table or your bedroom! Syangboche Panorama Hotel stands atop a hill, above the famous Namche Bazaar, enroute to the Khumjung and Khunde villages. Its location makes you feel as if you are above the clouds, which often is the case! Unique flora and fauna are among the attraction here. One can easily spot Musk deer, Himalayan Tahrs, or Impeyan pheasants (the national bird of Nepal) and other faunas in the vicinity. High altitude junipers, rhododendrons, firs, and alpine plant communities are indigenous to the area. The monsoon is somewhat wet and cloudy, but this is when the entire region unfolds in full blossom with thousands of species of colorful flowers, such as Edelweiss, Blue Poppy, and Snow Rhododendron are among the seasonal blanket of vivid colors draped across the hills. More than four hundred species of beautiful butterflies come to life, making the colors of Khumbu even more flamboyant. To operate treks during the monsoon is difficult because of the cloudy weather and rain, but perfect time for butterfly and flower lovers. We have all modern amenities and a well trained local staff at your service, serving delicious cuisine including Sherpa-Nepali and international. We provide special summer rates for student and research groups and offer spectacular meeting facilities for conferences, incentives, wedding parties and honeymooners. Inquire for details. Best Season: October to November and February to May. Trek Grade: Moderate to strenuous
	COSTS 1 pax $620 pp/dbl US MINIMUM 5 PEOPLE Cost includes: Monument and national park entrance fees, all ground transportation within Nepal to and from start and end points of treks, trekking staff all meals during the trek, Nepalese staff insurance, transfers to and from airport to hotel. Cost excludes: Visa fees, international and domestic airfares, airport departure tax, lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu, personal clothing, personal insurance, alcoholic beverages, telephone, laundry, special permit fees for restricted areas, charges for delays caused by situations beyond our control such as bad weather, natural disasters, civil unrest, and emergencies. Prices subject to government taxes/levies or prices beyond our control. Prices and programs are subject to change without notice. All prices quoted in US dollars. For booking information, liability waiver, and terms and conditions contact Eco-Adventure International, LLC.
	ITINERARY Day 01: Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding Kathmandu (KTM) to Lukla by helicopter, and trek to Phakding. Day 02: Namche Bazaar Trekking to Namche Bazaar. Day 03: Khumbu Valley-Gongla Peak Trekking to Khumbu Valley-Gongla Peak and overnight at Syangboche Panorama Hotel. Syangboche Panorama Hotel is a spectacular resort, 13,025 ft. above sea level. It is the newest quality tourism establishment in the Everest region. This 22 room hotel is built to provide the most out of a Nepal visit! The architecture and intricate interior design resemble that of a typical Sherpa home. Huge glass windows allow guests to enjoy magnificent views of towering peaks in all directions including Mt. Everest. Day 04: Tyangboche Monastery Trek to Tyangboche Monastery. Tyangboche Monastery is the biggest monastery in the Everest Region and is surrounded by towering icy peaks. From here, we can see the sun set and sun rise over Everest if the weather is clear. Day 05: Syangboche Trekking to and overnight at Syangboche Panorama Hotel. Day 06: Kathmandu by Helicopter After breakfast, Syangboche to Kathmandu by helicopter.

JAPAN: Tokyo - Old Castle Town of Kanazawa

	TOUR CODE OTA-JA06	Length: 4 DAYS
	Through over 2,000 years of unbroken civilization, Japan’s magnificent UNESCO World Heritage stems from its deep rooted culture, born and nurtured in its countless temples, shrines & castles. From these ancient sites, the modern day Japanese people still draw their strength to continue their traditional culture. Please let us take you to explore the charming beauty of Japan. Tokyo is a dynamically modern metropole of 12 million people. With this package, explore the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower’s panoramic view of the city and Tokyo Bay, and Asakusa Kannon Temple with its bustling Nakamise Shopping arcade. In Kanazawa, stop at Kutaniyaki Klin to enjoy the Kutani Pottery Museum with a collection of masterwork of Kutani ware. At KenKenochin over looking the Kanazawa Castle, we will visit Kenroku garden, one of the three Japan’s top gardens. Its tea house and vistas are the epitome of Edo period, we also can enjoy beautiful Kutani ceramic and Yuzen Kimono fabric at Art and Craft Exhibition Hall.
	COSTS STANDARD Shiba Park/New Takananwa, Kanazawa Holiday Inn 1 pax. Twin Room US$ 739 pp 1 pax. Single Room US$ 874 pp Package includes: All hotel accommodations are on the basis of two persons sharing a twin-bedded room. For persons requiring a single room, the supplement cost is shown. We reserve the rights to substitute hotels of equal quality whenever necessary. If domestic air is used in the itinerary it is offered in economy class. All fares and fare rules are subject to change by the airlines. Any increase in fare will be added to the tour price and borne by the passenger.  Cost excludes: Meals not specified in the itinerary, optional tours, airport taxes, charges for passports, visas, laundry, liquor, excess baggage charges, telephone or communication charges, health or baggage insurance, items of a personal nature and any items not specifically listed as included. Local airport departure taxes and any additional city development/construction fees imposed by the local government are not included in the tour price. Tips to restaurant and hotel waiters, porters are not included. Gratuity is recommended and customary. All rates, are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing of this brochure. Adjusted prices will be advised if air fares, land prices, or currency exchange rates are revised. In the event of a marked increase in foreign exchange, fuel costs or tariff rates, tour prices are subject to revision without notice. Prices subject to government taxes/levies or prices beyond our control. Prices and programs are subject to change without notice. All prices quoted in US dollars. For booking information, liability waiver, and terms and conditions contact us.
	ITINERARY Day 01: Tokyo Arrival Transfer to hotel by airport limousine bus. . Day 02: Tokyo Morning city tour. Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace Plaza, Asakusa Kannon Temple. Day 03: Tokyo - Kanazawa Travel by bullet train to the historical town of Kanazawa. Escorted tour to visit the Kanazawa Castle; Kenrokuen Garden (one of Japan’s three finest traditional gardens), its Tea House and Vistas are the epitome of Edo period taste; Kutaniyaki Pottery Kiln and Saihitsuan Yuzen Silk Centre. Day 04: Tokyo Transfer to airport by limousine bus.