The world is filed with stories. Every culture has myths and legends to explain all facets of it’s history. From the ancient creation myths, to legends of founders and heroes, these stories shed valuable insight into the basic beliefs of each society.
As we move forward in our evolution, modern man finds many scientific explanations for past myths. Ancient texts and legends lead to exploration which unearths many answers yet always raises new questions. “New discoveries” require a review of the old stories for clarification or the need for the discovers to create new hypothesis, a never ending loop of answers and questions.
The past lives in the stories and traditions of every society. This month’s Tour Hosts help bring alive the spirit of the cultures they visit, and open traveler’s eyes to the world of mystery and imagination that make every destination unique.
This month's tour hosts review:
Tibetan Expeditions Pick of the Month
Location: Tibet, Bhutan
Specialty: Historic, religious and artistic traditions
Why We Like Them: A fabulous collection of scheduled and custom trips throughout Tibet’s various regions and the neighboring countries. These challenging “expedition” style journeys, introduce the traveler to the spectacular scenery, great monasteries and shrines as well as to the religious and artistic traditions of the local people. Their web site has an immense amount of information on all aspects of history and life in the region and is a must for any traveler planning to explore this remote and fabled land of myths and legends.
Andean Treks Inc.
Location: South America
Specialty: Small group adventures and treks
Why We Like Them: 25 years experience in South America and a great selection of over 30 different itineraries, Andean Treks can provide custom or scheduled trips to the wonders of the Incan Empire, the mysteries of the Nazca Lines and the natural beauty of the Galapagos and Amazon. With U. S. and local offices, the staff is expert in the region and will make sure your trip is memorable.
Cultural Romtour
Location: South America
Specialty:Andes, Amazon and Galapagos
Why We Like Them: Offering small group scheduled departures and customized itineraries, Whether your interests lie in the Saxon Culture in Transylvania, Dracula’s legend, the Byzantine traditions of the Romanian Orthodox Church or the magnificent Monasteries of Valachia, Cultural Romtour provides an in-depth selection of travel opportunities throughout Romania. Special care is directed toward the festivals and traditional celebrations of the seasons.
Article: The maiden's fair on the Hen Mountain
Scottish Clans and Castles Ltd.
Location: Scotland
Specialty: Custom designed independent itineraries
Why We Like Them: To explore the beauty of Scotland, discover the Clan Lands of your ancestors, or visit the Highland games, let Alastair Cunningham create a spectacular custom designed holiday for your needs. His knowledge of the Clans and legends that surround them as well as custom Clan research insures that your trip will be a spectacular journey into the past. Accommodations can be castles, inns, country houses or local B and B’s all chosen with your specific needs and interests in mind.
Article: Highland Myths and Highland Realities
Interhostel
Location: Worldwide
Specialty: Intellectual voyages and learning vacations
Why We Like Them: For over 25 years the University of New Hampshire’s Interhostel and Familyhostel programs have been providing journeys that offer exploration and educational experiences. From the Gardens of Florence, to the Wonder of Harry Potter, the Rogues, Rascals and Pirates of Rhode Island to the Ends of the Earth in Argentina, all trips are co-sponsored by local universities. Total immersion in the sights and sounds and highly skilled guides, make these trips as entertaining as they are educational.
Article: Mysteries of the Maya
Gecko Travel
Location: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam
Specialty: Very small group trips and tailor-made journeys
Why We Like Them: Dedicated to getting close to the land and people, Gecko Travel creates itineraries that cater to travelers looking for a real experience in the area visited. Enjoy local cuisine, family-run hotels and guesthouses along with a wide array of transportation; elephant rides, bamboo rafts, and river journeys for a thorough exploration of the region. Respect for the cultures, religions and traditions as well as responsible tourism are central to the Gecko Travel philosophy.
