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Synopsis of each of our tours
(in chronological order)
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About the Serious Traveler
Travel Concepts International Inc. (TCI) was formed by League member Gwen Erwood in 1984, to organize tours, predominately for members of the League of Women Voters – both men and women, a nonprofit, nonpartisan political organization encouraging active and informed citizen participation in the American political system. In 1987, the company was incorporated in the State of New York. The destinations, programs, and dates of travel are determined exclusively by Travel Concepts International. The inspiration for the series is to bring members together to further the League’s position of promoting peace in an interdependent world. Although Travel with the League began exclusively as a League of Women Voters project, our travelers – thanks to word of mouth endorsements – extend beyond League of Women Voters to include AAUW, United Nations Association, Peace Links, Rotary International and friends of those who travel. We share experiences, good humor, and a love of history and culture which are unparalleled. Many of our trips feature optional cultural exchanges and embassy visits, and foster lasting friendships. We carefully plan these Cultural Tours to Better Understand the World and Its People. The greatest compliment is that many members travel again and again, encouraging their friends to join. We sincerely appreciate your trust, and we’ll do our very best to make sure your travel experience is full, rewarding, and great fun! In 2006 we trademarked the name “Serious Traveler,” which is the name of our domain: www.serioustraveler.com, as well as the name of our newsletter. Serious Traveler defines both us and the exceptional people who travel with us. There are many TCI’s but only one Serious Traveler.
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2013
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| Imperial Capitals & Retreats of Central Europe
Dates: May 4 - 18, 2013
Price: $4320 Airfare additional
Travel through Austria, the Czech Republic and East Germany. Spend three wonderful days in Vienna; stop in Cesky Krumlov enroute to Prague. Explore Kutna Hora and Karlovy Vary that are Czech treasures. On to Dresden, Berlin and Potsdam with its Sanssouci Palace.
 
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Historic Route of Ethiopia & Meskel Festival
with Omo Valley Extension
Dates: September 17 - 29/October 9, 2013
Price: $4990 including air from Washington, DC via Ethiopian Airlines
Experience the Meskel Festival at Lalibela in September that celebrates the Finding of the True Cross. Add ancient history, age-old culture, breathtaking highland scenery, waterfalls, castles, rock churches. The extension is a safari type exploration with tribal culture of the Hamer, Bena, Ari and Mursi plus game animals and a boat cruise on Lake Chamo.
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A New Look at the Balkans
Dates: October 6 - 31, 2013 • 26 days
Price: $6880 From Sofia, Bulgaria Airfare additional
For the experienced traveler (and we think you are), we’ll make an odyssey from Sofia and Melnik, Bulgaria south to Thessaloniki, Pella and Edessa, Greece. Turn west into Kalambaka (Meteora) and Ioannina and up through Butrint, Durres and Tirana, Albania and finally back east through Ohrid and Skopje, Macedonia ending in Sofia. Learn about the Romans, Goths, Huns and Avars, Byzantines, Turks, Slavs and Tatars who all left their marks.
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Central Asia's Silk Road - Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan with optional Taste of Persia, Iran Extension
Dates: October 13 - 27/31, 2013
Price: $5990 from New York via Turkish Airlines
Complete your Silk Road experience in a seldom-visited area. This tour connects Central Asia to the Near East. Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, Tashauz, Ashgabat, Merv (Mary). The Mashad and Tehran extension is optional.
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| The Caucasus - Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia
Dates: October 20 - 29, 2013
Price: $2990 beginning and ending in Tblisi
An in-depth tour with a taste of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
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| Albania with a Taste of Northern Greece and Macedonia
Dates: October 24 - November 3, 2013
Price: $TBA from Tirana, Albania (Airfare additional)
Charming and energetic are adjectives used to describe the emerging Albania. Travel with our experienced archaeologist/guide, who will introduce us to Tirana to explore the country influenced by Greeks, Roman, Italians and Turks, all of whom left their indelible marks. We’ll also get an excellent perspective of modern day Albania as it emerges as an unspoiled European destination.
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| Passage Through Persian History & Culture with Caspian Extension
Dates: October 29 - November 13/17, 2013
Price: $5990 from JFK via Turkish Airlines
Don’t let the naysayers diminish your enthusiasm. Experience Persian hospitality for yourself. Persepolis, a short drive from Shiraz, is one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. Isfahan is a unique city with exquisite mosaic-clad domes, bridges and Persian gardens. Travel in security with our experienced Iranian tour manager. Our perfect introductory tour also includes Kerman, the citadel of Rayen, Shiraz —the city of “Roses and Nightingales”; Pasargadae, the capital of Cyrus the Great, ancient Zoroastrian Yazd.
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| Architectural Wonders of the Emirates
Dates: November 22 - 29, 2013
Price: $2990 beginning and ending in Dubai
Stunning modern Dubai skyscrapers, the man-made Palm Island with its Atlantean adventure in The Lost Chambers, Mall of the Emirates, and Ski Dubai; a Desert Safari; Al Ain Palace Museum and Oasis; and finally Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace, Ferrari World & Saadiyat Island.
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| Splendors of Burma
Dates: December 3 - 13, 2013
Price: $4150 Airfare Additional
See Burma before the crowds arrive and the country is changed forever. With the positive political changes we are delighted to secure much-desired space to allow you to capture the mystery and romance of Mandalay. This classical tour to the mystical lands of Burma features bustling Yangon with its dazzling Golden Wat, the magnificent UNESCO site of Bagan, a sunset cruise on the legendary Irrawaddy River. Restore yourself during a sojourn at Lake Inle. Sign up early and confirm your space on a sunrise balloon ride the temples of Bagain. All our varied acccommodations are a treat. Combine this with North Thailand. See a short youtube video of our visit to a rural home. http://youtu.be/MytvjvqzAA4 Our excellent guide suggested these lovely ladies invite us in for a chat. What fun and a first for them. Hope we made a good impression!
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| North Thailand's Hill Tribes and Golden Triangle
Dates: December 13 - 20, 2013
Price: $2120 Airfare Additional
Markets, golden temples, and hill-tribe villagers make this trip a delight for craft lovers. Cruise down the Mekong.
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2014
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| Splendors of Burma
Dates: January 7 - 17, 2014
Price: $4320 Airfare Additional
With the positive political changes we are delighted to secure much-desired space to allow you to capture the mystery and romance of Mandalay. Classic tour to the mystical lands of Burma featuring bustling Yangon, the magnificent UNESCO site of Bagan, a cruise up the fascinating Irrawaddy River. Restore yourself during a sojourn at Lake Inle. Combine this with North Thailand and Laos.
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| North Thailand's Golden Triangle and Hill Tribes
Dates: January 17 - 24, 2014
Price: $TBA Airfare Additional
Markets, golden temples, and hill-tribe villagers make this trip a delight for craft lovers.
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| South India - Experience the Extraordinary
Dates: January 9 - 22, 2014
Price: $3990 Airfare Additional
From Chennai to Kanchipuram, Pondicherry to Thanjavur. Celebrate the Pongal Festival in Madurai. Get in touch with nature at Periyar and Cochin. Hassan, Mysore and Bangalore make this program extraordinary. May by combined with Sri Lanka.
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| Sri Lanka - Art and Culture
Dates: January 23 - February 4, 2014
Price: $3760 Airfare Additional
Visit six of Sri Lanka’s World Sites – Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, Galle, Ruhunu National Park in Yala plus the enchanting Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Dine elegantly and overnight at a Planters’ Club in Nuwara Eliya, and stay in a historic beach resort in Bentota designed by iconic Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.
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| The Queen's London
Dates: April 14 - 21, 2014
Price: TBA from London
Inspired by Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee and the Olympics? We are offering a cost-effective way to enjoy a week in London. This tour is really a way to gather our group together, enjoy the comeraderie of serious travelers, select from among daily options, or do whatever you please that is not mentioned in the optional program.
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| Albania with a Taste of Northern Greece and Macedonia
Dates: May 15 - 25, 2014
Price: $TBA from Tirana, Albania (Airfare additional)
Charming and energetic are adjectives used to describe the emerging Albania. Travel with our experienced archaeologist/guide, who will introduce us to Tirana to explore the country influenced by Greeks, Roman, Italians and Turks, all of whom left their indelible marks. We’ll also get an excellent perspective of modern day Albania as it emerges as an unspoiled European destination.
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| Seven Wonders of Bulgaria
Dates: May 25 - June 4, 2014
Price: $TBA from Sofia, Bulgaria (Airfare additional)
Treat yourself. Too many delightful features to mention here. From Sofia to the Black Sea with Kazanluk, Arbanassi, Varna, Plovdiv and Rila Monastery. Learn about the Thracians, Byzantines and medieval Bulgarian cultures from Bulgaria’s top guide.
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| Traditions & Legends of Romania
Dates: June 4 - 15, 2014
Price: $TBA from Bucharest, Romania
This out-of-the-ordinary tour visits South-East Saxon Transylvania, the peaceful rural communities of Maramures and the stunning “Painted Monasteries” of Bucovina. Get a taste of real Romania and its people.
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