Led by one of Australia’s best-known journalists, George Negus, Travelrite International is pleased to announce George Negus’ India Aboard the Maharajas’ Express and George Negus’s Bhutan, separate tours of India and Bhutan, can now be booked for March/ April 2020.
The first tour runs for 13 days from March 26 – April 7, 2020 and explores India’s unique, diverse landscape, culture and society aboard the world’s “Leading Luxury Train” the Maharaja Express. Following this, the post-tour runs for 9 days from April 7 – 15, 2020 in the peaceful Buddhist country of Bhutan which features incredible natural scenery and ancient traditions.
Both tours are led by George Negus AM, one of Australia’s best-known media professionals who has written, produced, directed and presented both Australian commercial and public television current affairs for several decades. Who better to lead this tour of India, than the man who has met and interviewed the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Mother Teresa.
Negus hopes that travellers will return home “with not only plenty of impressive photos to show off, but heaps of experiences, new friends, memories and maybe a greater awareness of one of the world’s simultaneously most exciting, intriguing, occasionally even challenging nations!”
Jaipur in India
The tour of India will allow guests to explore its rich culture through the various styles of architecture in its royal palaces and forts, wildlife, folklore, arts and crafts, taking them to some of the most scenic, interesting and unusual places in India including Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra and Delhi.
Highlights of this tour include:
– Visiting the world’s greatest monument of love – Taj Mahal
– A jeep safari at the Ranthambore National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary including Bengal Tigers in their natural jungle habitat
– Seeing the spectacular regal heritage of Rajasthan through its magnificent forts, vibrant bazaars and royal cuisine
Taj Mahal in India
Throughout the tour, Negus will give talks on his intriguing experiences as a journalist and answer any questions guests may have. “I’m to give a talk – which I hope will actually turn into both serious and fun audience participation, a free-flowing chat about my crazy journalistic life and adventures in the media.”
The Maharajas’ Express is a luxurious first-class train that recreates the lifestyle of an Indian princely era and provides lavish living. To ensure passengers are relaxed and comfortable on board, there are two thematic fine dining restaurants, televisions, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and ensuite bathrooms.
On the post-tour of Bhutan, guests will see natural scenery like nowhere else in the world as at least 60 per cent of the forests have to remain as forests and development is restricted. Bhutan is a place where ancient traditions are coming to grips with the modern world and the tour will take in exceptional places like Thimpu, Punakha, Gangtey Valley and Paro to learn about their unique history.
“I am especially looking forward to understanding why Bhutan regards happiness as more important than anything else — their priority differentiates it from most countries of the world,” said Negus. “Bhutan is not to be missed.”
Highlights of this tour include:
– Visiting Thimpu’s Folk Heritage Museum housed in a traditional three-story Bhutanese House
– See the dramatic Punakha Dzong fortress
– Visit the fascinating U-shaped glacial Gangtey Valley whose meadows become the winter home to the endangered Black Necked Cranes
In Paro, guests will delve deeper into Bhutanese culture with a visit to the National Museum of Bhutanese cultural and religious treasures as well as a walk to a nearby teahouse overlooking a spectacular monastery temple known as the ‘Tigers Nest’ that clings to a 1000 metre sheer rock face! The final full day in Bhutan takes in a visit to a stunning 7th-Century Buddhist temple, Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest in Bhutan.
“To say the least, Bhutan is definitely no ordinary place!” said Negus. “And the Bhutanese are no ordinary people! They are clearIy striving to maintain their centuries-old uniqueness. Let’s hope that so-called modern progress doesn’t get in their peaceful ways!”
Both tours will allow guests to learn more about India and Bhutan’s unique culture, heritage and natural surroundings. George Negus will provide a wealth of insightful knowledge into each country’s society, history, folklore and wildlife, leaving everlasting memories.
Travelrite International has over 30 years of experience organising unique special interest tours to exciting, exotic places all over the world, such as this tour led by George Negus.
Prices for the India tour start at $12,850 per person twin-share, including airfares, accommodation, all meals and service charges on Maharaja Express,and all included sightseeing tours.
The Bhutan tour is $6,250 per person twin-share, including return flights to/from Delhi to Bhutan, accommodation, meals in Bhutan and included sightseeing tours in the itinerary.
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