Globus Offers New Hands-On Experiences in Asia

Globus has launched its 2009 collection of Asian holidays, offering ancient wonders and hands-on experiences – from calligraphy lessons in Japan to spicy cooking classes in India.

With the same expertise and standards offered in its European and North American programs, the Globus Asia range features 14 different itineraries in India, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, China and Japan.

To celebrate, Globus has packaged airfares with a 10-day Chinese New Year tour to Hong Kong, Xi’an and Beijing.  To mark the Year of the Ox, Globus passengers enjoy reserved grandstand seating for Hong Kong’s spectacular street parade with dragon dancers and extravagant floats, then a dinner cruise on the harbour during the fireworks.  

Other highlights include the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an and a visit to Beijing’s historic hutong neighbourhoods to meet the locals.  The package is priced from $4416 per person twin share from Sydney, $4405 from Melbourne, $4423 from Brisbane, $4402 from Perth and $4418 from Adelaide.  Tour departs January 24, 2009.  Prices include taxes.

The 2009 Globus Asia collection is crammed with new features, designed to give travellers more inclusions and unforgettable first-hand encounters that they might not experience anywhere else.

Travellers to China can learn the art of noodle making over lunch, visit a giant panda research and breeding centre, slip backstage to meet the cast at the Peking Opera or visit a Tibetan hospital to learn the secrets of traditional medicines and therapies.

In Japan, take a class in the ancient art of calligraphy, discover the symbolism of exquisite silk kimonos or take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.  Or in India, watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, enjoy a hosted dinner at home with Indian nobility or master the fire and fragrance of Indian cuisine in a cooking class.

Priced from $1209 per person, the Globus Asia 2009 tours range from six to 22 days and can all be packaged with airfares to take advantage of the latest deals. 

Highlight tours include

** The 19-day Wonders of China with Yangtze River Cruise, priced from $5029 per person twin share, including Beijing and its Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an, the Tibetan Palace of Potala in the Himalayas and a three-night cruise down the Yangtze before concluding in Shanghai.

** The 10-day Discover Japan, priced from $3329 per person twin share, including the ancient landmarks and futuristic cityscape of Tokyo, the towering rooflines of the historic Matsumoto castle, the Gassho-Zukuri thatched houses of Shirakawa, the Inari Shrine at Fushimi and the city of Kyoto with its famed Nijo Castle and Temple of the Gold Pavilion.

** The 17-day Secrets of India with Southern India Extension, priced from $5859 per person twin share, including the monuments and bazaars of Delhi, the Ganges steps at Varanasi, the Taj Mahal at Agra, the ‘pink city’ Jaipur, the serene palaces and lakes of Udaipur, a cruise on the palm-fringed backwaters of Kerala and the pulsing metropolis of Mumbai.

Prices are per person, twin share and exclude airfares unless specified (except Chinese New Year package above). 

For details and conditions visit www.globus.com.au

A Report by The Mole