Discovery Tours by Gate 1

Highlights

• Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals. Visit the magnificent Larco Herrera Museum in Lima with its pre-Columbian masterpieces and stunning exhibition of gold and priceless jewels Stroll the cobbled streets of Arequipa and marvel at the superb examples of Spanish colonial architecture Travel to the dramatic Colca Canyon, thought to be twice as deep as the Grand Canyon -- view the flight of rare Andean condors Meet a humble Aymara family and learn about their farming methods, local customs, daily struggles and share a specially-prepared farm lunch Boat excursion to the fascinating floating Uros Islands where the indigenous people of the area - the Uros - live on tiny islands that dot the lake Stand in awe at the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, the last stand of the Incas in their defense against the Spanish conquistadors Discover the crowning achievement of Inca ingenuity at the astonishing ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas" Join a traditional Peruvian family for a delectable home-cooked dinner in their home along with an informative cultural exchange

Highlights

• Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals. Your Sossusvlei adventure is marked by towering dunes, surreal landscapes and dazzling colors Rise before dawn to visit the Sesriem Canyon, carved into the rock by the mighty Tsauchab River Travel through a dunes corridor to Deadvlei, a "dead" marsh that sits eerily in a forest frozen in time Drive to Swakopmund on the Atlantic, known as the adventure sports capital of Namibia Catamaran Cruise on Walvis Bay, a wetland area at the Southern end of the Skeleton Coast Ride in a 4x4 through desert dunes in a barren landscape populated by geckos and chameleons Zoom through the "singing" dunes traveling from the eastern side through to the Atlantic on the west A scenic drive takes you to Damaraland, one of the most dramatic and picturesque areas in Namibia Discover the world-famous rock engravings at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein Visit a Himba tribe dwelling and learn first-hand about their history, culture and unique traditions Spend three days exploring Etosha National Park, the most important wildlife sanctuary in Africa Meet with staff at the AfriCat Foundation dedicated to conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores

Highlights

• Our most complete tour of Alaska featuring its most popular attractions, ample wildlife viewing opportunities and rarely visited sites including remote, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. This tour is designed for guests who want to spend part of their time far from the crowds in a small-group setting. Walk with frolicking reindeer through the beautiful boreal forest of the Goldstream Valley Celebrate interior Alaska's people, land, and culture at the Morris Thompson Cultural Center Travel in deluxe Dome Rail to Denali National Park Meet an Iditarod musher and his sled dog team who enlighten you about this legendary race Enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful day in Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour Rafting on the Nenana River reveals picture perfect views and serenity of the wilderness A spectacular flight through Wrangell-St. Elias National Park will take your breath away Hike on the Root Glacier with a professional mountain guide - a unique adventure! Visit the Kennecott Mines abandoned copper mining camp named a National Historic Landmark Travel to Valdez through Thompson Pass, considered the 'snowiest' place in Alaska Cruise on majestic Prince William Sound Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see some of Alaska's famous wildlife up-close! Ascend 2,300 feet by tram to the peak of Mt. Alyeska for stunning panoramic views In Anchorage, meet with a local organization that rescues wild birds and provides medical care At the Alaska Native Heritage Center see authentic dwellings from the regional tribes

Highlights

• Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals. Experience the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world with its astounding vistas. Walking safari through the exquisite rainforest at Victoria Falls, stopping to see the statue of David Livingstone, the missionary explorer who discovered the Falls. At Chobe National Park in Botswana, board a motorized boat for a magnificent sunset safari cruise. Watch the game up-close at the source of the Savute in Chobe with its plentiful wildlife and over 460 different species of birds. Travel to the lush, green Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta with its huge concentration of animals and birds, designated a World Heritage Site. Twice-daily game activities in the untouched freshwater wetland of the Okavango Delta, at the heart of Botswana’s arid Kalahari desert. Ascend to the top of legendary Table Mountain to see the astonishing panoramic views of the city and beaches below. Enjoy a unique interaction and experience the cultural diversity of the Cape Malay community. Travel through the fertile valleys of South Africa's picturesque wine country, with its magnificent Cape Dutch architecture, stopping for tastings at major vineyards by Wine Tram.

Highlights

• Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals. Tour dazzling Tokyo, a city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology Culinary demonstration led by a professional chef -- learn the art of creating sushi and sashimi Visit the serene Meiji Shrine honoring the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress A day of breathtaking natural scenery as you drive to the National Park of Hakone and Mt. Fuji Board the famous Shinkansen, or "bullet train" that takes you to Kanazawa on the Noto Peninsula Travel to the UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go, known for its village of gassho-zukuri farmhouses In Kagaonsen, stay at a traditional Ryokan (inn) A walking tour of Takayama’s historic district reveals its traditions dating back to the 9th century Discover enchanting Kyoto, founded in the 7th century, one of the early capitals of Japan Visit Kyoto’s Nijo Castle, residence of Shoguns, and the magnificent gilded Golden Pavilion Experience the cultural heritage of Kyoto at a traditional Tea Ceremony at the Gesshin-in Temple Dinner and traditional Maiko (Geisha) dance performance reflects the core of Japanese culture Travel to the Imperial capital of Nara, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Highlights

• Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals
• View the impressive Silver Pagoda on the grounds of the Royal Palace complex in Phnom Penh with its floor of over 5000 shimmering silver tiles and its crystal Emerald Buddha.
• Meet a Cultural Historian for a discussion on Cambodia's heritage and resilient population.
• Stand in awe at the architectural masterpieces of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, designated as one of the "Seven Wonders of the World".
• See the mysterious Bayon Temple, replete with over 172 giant smiling stone faces.

Highlights

• Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals. Tour of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, the sophisticated "Paris of South America" Enjoy Tango lessons with professional Argentine Tango Dancers Travel to the Perito Moreno Glacier at Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Visit Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most impressive sights in the Southern Hemisphere Tour Puerto Natales, center of Chilean Patagonia, on the shores of the Senoret Channel Join on board naturalists for daily sightings of wildlife from the ship's observation deck Traverse the Strait of Magellan named for the Portuguese seafarer who discovered this passage Enter the narrow Garibaldi Fjord - view the awesome splendor of the stark Garibaldi Glacier Stop in Puerto Williams on the tiny island of Navarino, capital of the Chilean Antarctic Go ashore on Cape Horn (conditions permitting) southernmost point of Chile and South America An exciting journey takes you along the Drake Passage where the Atlantic and Pacific converge Go ashore in Zodiacs to encounter colonies of Magellanic Penguins, birds, dolphins and sea lions Explore crescent-shaped Half Moon Island, a jewel of diversity in the polar landscape On Deception Island, discover Whalers Bay known for its warm springs and black volcanic sand You’ll be welcomed by colonies of waddling Gentoo penguins on your visit to Neko Harbor A stunning cruise to Lemaire Channel where sheer cliffs rise above iceberg filled passage Tour Santiago, the energetic capital city of Chile

Highlights

• Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed International flights Los Angeles-Beijing, Shanghai-Los Angeles Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices Airline taxes & fuel surcharges All intra-flights: Xian-Chengdu, Chengdu-Lhasa, Lhasa-Chongqing & Yichang-Shanghai 15 nights in First Class accommodations