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Mongolia, China, Japan, Nepal, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Kingdom of Bhutan
September 5–25, 2009
Lands of the Great Buddha by Private Jet
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| This sublime journey throughout Asia explores the cultural treasures of one of the world’s great religions. Board a private Fokker 100 jet, configured for just 34 travelers, and embark on a 21-day expedition to fabled cities and sacred sites. Discover the Famen Temple and life-sized funerary army of Emperor Qin’s Tomb in Xi’an, China, and the 12th-century Sanjusangendo Temple and Nara’s Toadai-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan. Soar over the breathtaking spires of the Himalayan Mountians to Kathmandu, Nepal, and visit sacred Buddhist sites in India, including the Great Stupa of Sanchi, the Mahabodhi Temple and sacred Bodhi Tree, and the epicenter of Buddhism at Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Explore ancient Wat Xieng Thong Monastery and Royal Palce in Luang Prabang, Laos and the soaring towers and ghostly temples of Angkor Wat. Compelling art historian Barry Till enhances this diverse artistic and cultural experience. |
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Daibutsu Buddha of the Todai-Ji Temple, Nara, Japan. |
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England and Italy
September 30–October 9, 2009
Celebrating Palladio: London to the Veneto aboard the Orient-Express
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| Join Bruce Boucher, director of the University of Virginia Art Museum, on this architectural odyssey celebrating the incomparable legacy of architect Andrea Palladio, whose influence dates back to the late 16th century. In London, spend three nights at the Capital Hotel, and discover English Palladianism at Spencer House, Lord Burlington’s villa at Chiswick, and at Osterley, one of Robert Adam’s most successful and best-preserved country seats. Travel on a glamorous overnight train journey on the Orient-Express to Verona, and drive north to the Hotel Michaelangelo, an 18th-century villa built in Palladian style, where we will spend four nights. Spend time in Vicenza, the city where Palladio lived and prospered. Conclude with visits to some of the most spectacular Palladio villas in the Veneto and his two great Venetian churches, San Giorgio Maggiore and the church of Redentore. |
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Andrea Palladio’s San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice, Italy. |
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