MAY 2009 ISSUE

Report from the Road: Persia
Private Journey: Indian Summer
Our Classic Trips: Peru - Land of the Incas
Highlights of North India
Costa Rica - Nature's Tropical Treasure House
Galapagos - Darwin's Enchanted Islands
News: Spring 2009 Series

Lewie Gonsalves has just returned from his research trip to Iran and here are some of his thoughts:

Having grown up in India with tales of Persia, I had always wants to visit this mysterious country that exists on the crossroads of civilization. Iranians have an openness and charm that will surprise you and, contrary to popular belief and media reports, travellers are most welcome. Not once during my recent visit did I feel any cause for concern about my safety, and the hospitality extended to me was memorable.

As I travelled to Shiraz, Persepolis, Isfahan - the cities I had imagined in my youth - I marvelled at the exotic bazaars, Persian gardens, stunning mosques and ancient sites of these magical cities. History has left an indelible mark upon this land that is evident in the vibrant tapestry of modern life.



My journey took me from the capital of Tehran to Kerman at the edge of the desert. In Yazd I wandered through the winding lanes of the old mud-brick town, past a forest of badgirs (wind tunnels) and hiked up to the towers of silence on the edge of the city. Shiraz, the heartland of Persian culture, was once synonymous with education, poetry and wine and people today still aspire to the sophisticated and relaxed life. The silent ruins of Persepolis and the royal city of Isfahan exceeded my expectations and left me with a longing to return.

A journey to Iran is a chance to peel away the layers of a country that has a serious image problem and discover the priceless experiences that await you.

Lewie Gonsalves

It’s not often you get a travel deal that lets you live like a maharajah, at “chai wallah” prices. We’ve crafted a unique program that takes you to the most exclusive properties in exotic India.

Priced at just $3,495 USD pp, this 11-day trip includes 10 nights accommodation in India’s best hotels and your own private driver and guide to ease you out of those deluxe hotels in style as you explore vibrant Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal.



Lauded in numerous architectural magazines around the world, these remarkable hotels have raised the standards of accommodation to new heights. Stunning architecture, elegant furnishings, superb service and sumptuous dining combine to provide a truly memorable experience. And our summer pricing means these are available at less than half what these properties would cost in high season.

“There are so many great reasons to travel to India this summer,” says Lewie Gonsalves. “There are fantastic colourful festivals, and with fewer crowds, it’s easier to visit all monuments. And what better way to beat the midday heat, than by relaxing in your “lap of luxury” hotel – a hotel that may be unaffordable any other time of the year!”

You’ve seen it on screen and in music and books. Now, catch all the glamour and energy of India and make this an “Indian Summer” to remember. Part of Worldwide Quest’s “Private Journeys” program, this Indian Summer deal is available from May 15 through September 31, 2009.

There are some trips that we offer every year, rain or shine. We’ve offered them for the last 30 plus years and we plan to keep offering them for the next 30! These destinations offer everything we like: a well paced itinerary, fascinating sights and magnificent people. Every year we tinker with the accommodation and tweak the itinerary just a little to make the trip even better! Our leaders report back on the latest changes: one hotel that’s planning a renovation, a new “must try” restaurant, a new road that makes it easier for us to get to where we’re going. And so we continue – because it’s a classic!

“Like a walk through time.” Every trip we take seems to reveal another intriguing layer of the great civilizations that formed Peru. We’ve crafted our trip as the essential Peru; the lovely colonial city of Cuzco, the magnificent panorama of the Andes from the Sacred Valley and the incredible site of Machu Picchu. We have two fall departures available. This is a great eight-day getaway (with the benefit of no jet lag and easy flights), and it’s a destination we quite simply think everyone should experience in their lifetime.

By now most of you will know that a part of our hearts is always in India. We’re in touch every day with our Delhi office, bringing years of experience and in-country knowledge to every trip to India we create. We’re always adjusting the itinerary to create the “perfect” Highlights of North India trip, but this time, I think we’re as close as we can get. Our monthly trip includes the classic sites of the north in a well-paced trip at an exceptional price. The big difference on our trips is that we travel in our own vehicles with our own staff. The small group means you have time to soak it all in. Join us on one of our upcoming departures. And if we’ve got it wrong and there’s more you want to see...you’ll have to return!

We’ve been touring Costa Rica for more than 20 years and it continues to prove itself as one of the most satisfying vacation destinations for our travellers. Costa Rica truly deserves its reputation as the wildlife sanctuary of the Americas. For our trip, we’ve chosen our favourite “off the beaten track” locations to show you the best of this amazing tropical treasure house of birds, plants and mammals. We recommend this trip for a great winter get-away.

One of our all-time favourite destinations, the Galapagos Islands are just as amazing as everyone says. The highlights our travellers comment on: Wildlife that shows no fear or aggression in the presence of humans; the incredibly varied landscapes on the different islands; the distinctive touches of a custom charter on a private luxury yacht.
Our cruise is eight days – anything less just doesn’t give you the real experience. Our vessel is an exclusive charter with just 8 cabins – a whole different way to travel. Our guides are among the best in the business, complemented by our on-board naturalist trained at the Darwin Research Station.

Our spring series of get-togethers continues. Please join us at our King Street East office for a slide show and some informative chat about our upcoming trips. Save the date! Mark your calendars for this evening and please RSVP to us to let us know you’re coming: kerry@worldwidequest.com

Monday, May 25: GastroNomad India

Cookbook author Linda Stephen will share her tips on creating tasty Indian snacks. She’s getting ready to take our group to North India in February, 2010.