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FANTASTIC TURKEY with Merritt!
Merritt Howerton is your Mid-West U.S. & Eastern Canada Sales Director
I always knew I wanted to visit Turkey. I had considered it for my honeymoon but then was lured by the pictures of Tahiti. The opportunity came up for me to experience one of the new Cox & Kings Discovery Group Journeys last month to Turkey and I jumped at the chance. In a word... FANTASTIC!
The Discovery Group Journeys are our programs that continue to take travelers to the remote corners of the globe that Cox & Kings is known for, however these are small groups and more cost conscious programs including accommodations, breakfast daily and sightseeing. I knew the selling points of our programs going into them but have to say, was delighted with our group size of just 25 travelers. My traveling companions were just as wonderful, several from the UK that booked with the Cox & Kings London office and a handful from Australia through our Melbourne office. It was a good humored bunch that were all quite well traveled and fun to be with.
 The trip began in Istanbul. The hotel was comfortable with an outstanding location, one block from the Grand Bazaar. I had two hours in the Bazaar and being a seasoned shopper, I knew just wasn’t enough time. I can't begin to describe the rows and alleys of pashmina, shoes, lamps, jewelry, art, books, pottery and lots of Turkish delight! Our hotel, overlooked a mosque, each morning to sit outside having breakfast listening to the call to prayer was something I will never forget. Istanbul was a vibrant city, I felt like I needed at least three or four days there to really take it all in. I was impressed by the fact that some of the most iconic sites are all located together, the Haghia Sofia, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome all within walking distance to one another. Our journey took us on a lovely drive to Canakkale, the drive reminded me of the Italian countryside, rolling hills covered with the last few days of sunflowers, olive trees and views of the sea in the distance. Canakkale was the  site of the Battle of Gallipoli and a great stop to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Troy. Our travels took us to the ruins of Hierapolis and the thermal springs of Pamukkale, and one of the most beautiful sites in all of Turkey, Aphrodisias. The Temple of Aphrodite and the stadium is one of the most complete ruins to have survived from the ancient world. The last couple of days of the itinerary included a stop in Kusadasi, staying a lovely little hotel overlooking the Aegean Sea and picture-perfect sunsets. Ephesus was a highlight having witnessed one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, the Temple of Artemis.
I wanted to see all that I could in Turkey, so I took the optional extension to Cappadocia. Now that I have seen it, I couldn’t imagine sending people over to Turkey without including 3 nights in this breathtaking city. Cappadocia is like nowhere else in the world. It has almost a moon landscape with these amazing “fairy chimneys” from centuries of wind and water forming a soft volcanic terrain. We visited an underground city, trekked up to see the cave dwellings, visited an open air museum and the many cathedrals carved from rock. The true highlight was hot air ballooning very early one morning over unspoiled terrain of rural Turkey. Another little gem was my lovely hotel, The Argos. My room was in an actual cave, complete with my own private swimming pool and amazing views of vineyards, mountains and the friendly, hospitable people of Turkey. I can't wait to go back! |
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 TAKE THE SURVEY — WIN AN iPAD2!
As part of our continuous efforts to improve our products and services, Cox & Kings, The Americas asks you to take a few moments to share feedback in our online survey.
In return for your completed survey, you will be entered to win a new iPad2.
Prize winners will be announced December 1, 2011!
Click here to take the survey! |
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 Lurdes is back from NORTHERN INDIA!
Lurdes Munoz is your Caribbean & Latin America Sales Director
What an incredible trip I had to the Northern part of India! I visited Mumbai, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi. All the cities were marvelous but I guess the city that calls to me the most is Jaipur. Jaipur is very colorful and the people are great! I stayed at the Oberoi Rajvilas, where we were greeted with rose petals falling on top of us and a welcome garland made out of marigold. We were also welcomed with a special blessing from the Hotel Staff as they placed a red Tikka on our forehead. The rooms at the hotel are beautiful very spacious with a sunken bathtub and shower that overlooks a private garden. Most all rooms have Queen size beds, and wireless internet is available at a cost. Butler service is also available in all the rooms. The grounds at the hotel are spectacular they have a great pool area, spa and a hindu temple. They even offer tent accommodation if your clients really want to be close to nature. |
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We started our morning with an Elephant Safari which was great! We rode around for about a half an hour and got to see a small village while doing this! We then proceeded on by car to a private fort up in the hills this was the vacation home to Mr. Oberoi Family. What an experience that was, walking around the gardens of this beautiful fort. After breakfast we continued on to see the Amber Fort. The fort is amazing! It dates back to 1592 and was created out of sandstone and marble. Later on, we took a walk around the Pink City and got to see all the street vendors selling all of their goods. In the late afternoon we were invited to have tea with the Feudal Family — a very prominent family in Jaipur.
Overall my trip was great and I cannot wait to go back to see other cities I did not cover on this trip. |
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 PAPUA NEW GUINEA
CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS ABOARD THE ORION
12 DAYS & 11 NIGHTS - CRUISE FROM CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA
Retrace the adventurous footsteps of those first explorers to the lost paradise of Papua New Guinea. Explore remote coastal villages surrounded by rainforests and towering volcanoes. Swim and snorkel in some of the clearest, most unspoilt waters in the world. The joy of this expedition is to experience this deeply satisfying life first-hand and see the skills and knowledge that create a sustainable culture.
BOOK BY NOVEMBER 30TH AND SAVE 25%!1
Click here to learn more about this exciting journey. |
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COX & KINGS MAILBAG
Thanks for letting us know how we're doing!
Hi Denise,
Just wanted to let you know we had a wonderful visit to China! We loved the places we went, the local guides and the smooth coordination of the trip. Best of all was our guide, Allan Liu. I can't say enough nice things about him. He was extremely well informed, very organized and had a great sense of humor. He managed to get seven crazy women through an ambitious itinerary with ease, and also made it fun and interesting for all of us. I would recommend him highly for any group.
Thanks a lot for putting the trip together.
All the best,
Chris Cowperthwait
We love hearing from you! Please write us at: tours@coxandkingsusa.com. |
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NEW EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: YVONNE WHITCOMB your Africa Destination Specialist
Yvonne Whitcomb has lived in Africa (Tanzania) and worked for a small overland tour operator [having traveled ALL OVER sub-Saharan Africa]. She's been gorilla trekking in Rwanda and used to drive clients from Nairobi to Cape Town — so is well versed in Afrca. She has also been to Zanzibar 4 or 5 times. Yvonne lived in Brazil for a year, so she brings a great knowledge of both Africa and Latin America to Cox & Kings.
Yvonne just got back from Ethiopia (see September's Enewsletter). If you've ever been interested in traveling to Africa, give Yvonne Whitcomb a call — or email her at: yvonne.whitcomb@coxandkingsusa.com. |
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Places Lived: Upstate New York, Brazil, California
(traveled to 38 countries)
Favorite Travel Spot: wherever I am
Best Vacation: the upcoming one —
I
haven’t planned it yet |
Favorite Drink/Food: Hard Cider
Always wanted to try: Horseback riding in Africa
If I were stuck on an island, I would bring (3 things):
desalination filter (to be practical), kindle (full of books), satellite phone (so I can leave when I’m ready) |
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 We've Got Some BIG News!
Our 2012 Asia & The Pacific and
India & The Subcontinent brochures are
HOT OFF THE PRESS!
...and Africa & the Indian Ocean, Arabia & North Africa, Europe, Latin America & Antarctica, and Discovery Escorted Journeys will be ready to ship by mid-November. Each of our brand-new brochures contains innovative adventures to some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Order your 2012 Cox & Kings brochure today!
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Contact your travel consultant or call Cox & Kings, The Americas
at
1-800-999-1758 or visit us at coxandkingsusa.com. |
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| © 2011 Cox & Kings. All rights reserved. 'Exquisite Cultural & Wildlife Adventures' is a service mark of Cox & Kings. CST–2105853-50 |
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| Privacy Statement |
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| *Fares are in U.S. dollars and are per person based on double occupancy. Offers are subject to availability, and may be higher for desired travel dates. Promotions are not combinable with any other discounts. Please visit our website for further restrictions that may apply to your booking. |
| 1Save 25% off brochure fares. Call for details. |
| 2Book by November 30, 2011 and save $1,000 off per couple offer is based on $500 off per person, double occupancy. |
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You have received this advertisement because you are registered to receive special offers or discounts from Cox & Kings The Americas, or one of our affiliates or partners.
If you wish to make changes to your email or postal address, name, destination preferences, etc., please contact us. |
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