Experiential Travel by Design
Latin America 2011: Abercrombie & Kent Introduces More Flexibility and the Five-Minute FIT
While travelers are more independent and adventurous than ever, an increasing number are overwhelmed by the volume of information available on the internet and are looking for more authoritative recommendations from travel experts. In response to feedback from travel agents, Abercrombie & Kent has redesigned its brochures for 2011, beginning with Latin America, Mexico & the Galapagos, to make it easier for agents to research a destination, select the itinerary that's right for a client and choose from pre- or post-tour extensions to create a more personalized experience. In Latin America, there are six new itineraries for 2011 exploring undiscovered regions, including Signature Ecuador (nine days from $4,115) and Signature Amazon with Colca Canyon (ten days from $6,395).
"We redesigned our small group escorted itineraries from the ground up for 2011 and used the buying power of our five offices in Latin America to negotiate with hotels to keep prices down," explains Scott Wiseman, president of Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. "True experiential travel is about inherent value, a balance between authenticity, flexibility and a sense of well-being that comes from having an experienced A&K Tour Director, supported by expert local guides. Less-structured dining and more free time on travel days allow guests to experience the local flavor of each destination at their own pace."
To more clearly differentiate the range of travel experiences that Abercrombie & Kent offers, each itinerary is Color-Coded by Tour Type. The color captures the essence of the travel experience to assist Travel Agents in finding the right journey for each client. DISCOVERY SERIES tours offer exceptional value for up to 24 guests, with standard rooms (upgrades available) in five-star or the best available hotels and escorted sightseeing that provides an orientation to the destination. CONNOISSEURS SERIES programs have been reduced in size to just 16 guests, with premium rooms at five-star hotels and insider access experiences not available to most travellers. SIGNATURE SERIES are A&K's most-requested itineraries with a private guide, pre-planned and pre-priced for immediate confirmation – ideal for two to four people. TAILOR MADE programs are customized to a client's requirements by our destination experts.
All Abercrombie & Kent small group escorted departures for 2011 are guaranteed to operate with a Tour Director. Reserve with confidence, knowing the scheduled tour will operate and, thanks to A&K's Price Assurance, at the best price. If the eligible Abercrombie & Kent journey booked is ever offered at a lower price, A&K will refund the difference.
DISCOVERY SERIES – An expert Tour Director with a maximum of 24 guests, standard rooms (upgrades available) at five-star or the best available hotels, with escorted sightseeing to provide an orientation in each destination.
NEW ROUTING: Wonders of Chile, Argentina & Brazil – From Chile's volcano-studded south, to Argentina's "Little Switzerland" and thundering Iguassu Falls, ending in electrifying Rio de Janeiro. Privately tour the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art with a museum curator. Savor exquisite wine at one of Chile's most renowned boutique wineries. Gaze at the spectacular Iguassu Falls from the comfort of your room. Free time in Bariloche and Buenos Aires to explore on your own. Fourteen days from $7,995.
READERS CHOICE: Wonders of the Galápagos – Experience this archipelago on a seven-night adventure cruise on board 'Eclipse,' a 48-passenger yacht that is SmartVoyager-certified and recommended by readers of Condé Nast Traveler. Includes pre- and post-hotel nights in Quito, along with sightseeing in Quito's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eleven days from $7,160.
CONNOISSEURS SERIES – An expert Tour Director with no more than 16 guests, premium rooms in five-star hotels and insider access experiences not available to most travellers.
SMALLER GROUPS: Machu Picchu & Beyond – Experience one of the great railway journeys of the world. Overnight at Sanctuary Lodge, just outside the ruins, for time to explore and photograph on your own. Enjoy a gourmet dinner aboard the Hiram Bingham luxury train. See and hear Peru's Andean culture when you meet a master weaver, visit a lively market and enjoy a private concert. Nine days from $5,995.
SIGNATURE SERIES – Recommended itineraries with a private guide, pre-planned and pre-priced for immediate confirmation. Ideal for two to four people.
NEW FOR 2011: Signature Amazon with Colca Canyon – Explore Peru's Amazon and Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Float through the rainforest on a four-night cruise aboard the luxurious MV 'Aqua.' Villagers in Hatum Posa describe traditional farming methods. Learn to cook Peruvian cuisine with locally-grown ingredients. Ten days from $6,395.
REVISED ITINERARY: Signature Ecuador –This small Andean nation is an undiscovered gem, full of Indian relics, Spanish colonial architecture, pristine lakes and volcanic panoramas. Stroll the cobbled streets of Quito's Old Town and visualize the religious rituals of the Caranqui Indians at the pyramids of Cochasqui. Watch artisans at work in Otavalo and the original Panama hat factory, with free time to discover Cuenca's beauty. Nine days from $4,155.
TAILOR MADE – Customized to client requirements by our destination experts.
NEW FOR 2011: Peruvian Myths & Relics – Venture to Peru's northern coast, rich in archaeological sites such as the Moche city of Chan Chan and the tomb of the Lord of Sipan. Dig into Machu Picchu's history as you explore alongside its former resident archaeologist. Marvel at the remnants of ancient civilizations scattered throughout the Sacred Valley.
NEW FOR 2011: The Heart of Patagonia – Explore Torres del Paine National Park and journey across spectacular Andean landscapes to El Calafate, the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Glad in crampons, trek onto the glacier itself and contemplate one of the planet's most remote and starkly beautiful places.
RESPONSIBILITY & PHILANTHROPY
Abercrombie & Kent continues to build on its commitment to socially and ecologically responsible travel, helping guests make a personal connection to the places they visit. Many departures include visits to Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy projects to provide an opportunity to meet local people making a difference in their communities.
In the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy supports the work of Niños del Arco Iris (Children of the Rainbow). The organization runs a home for abandoned children and provides meals, medical care and education for extremely deprived children from the surrounding area. In the Occupational Education Centre, eighty young people have the opportunity to obtain a diploma in English as a Second Language and Tourism, or become a certified carpenter, electrician, tailor or seamstress.
In Chile, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy provided emergency funding to Un Techo para Chile (A Roof for Chile), to build temporary and permanent housing for those displaced by the 2010 earthquake. More than 2,000 students are still actively involved in building homes for those in need.
Travel in Latin America with Abercrombie & Kent combines the convenience, service and security of a U.S.-based company with a network of 62 on-site offices around the world including five offices in Latin America…Quito, Lima, Cusco, Santiago and Buenos Aires. Dates and prices are available at online at www.abercrombiekent.com or call 800 554 7094 to speak with a destination specialist.
Prices are per person, double occupancy
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