Charming Journey around the World

Cultural tour of Argentina, Austria, Hungary, Türkiye (Turkey), Egypt, Kenya, India & China

With over 35 years of experience in tailoring and operating complex journeys, we have developed this unique around the world tour. On this tour we will explore the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, enjoy Vienna and Budapest, the Imperial Capitals of Central Europe, see magnificent Ottoman architecture and shop in exotic bazaars in Istanbul, take a Nile Cruise and see the Pyramids of Giza, enjoy an African Safari in the Masai Mara in Kenya, see the legendary Taj Mahal in exotic India and walk on the Great Wall of China. Circumnavigate the globe and see some of our world’s most remarkable places. Above all travel in style with private services at affordable prices.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites covered in this tour
1. Agra Fort, India 2. India Amber Palace, India
3. Budapest, Hungary 4. Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory, India
5. Fatehpur Sikri, India 6. Necropolis of Ancient Thebes, Egypt
7. Great Sphinx of Giza and the Great Pyramids, Egypt 8. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, India
9. Great Wall, China 10. Red Fort Complex, India
11. Historic Areas of Istanbul, Türkiye (Turkey) 12. Taj Mahal, India
13. Historic Cairo, Egypt 14. Temple of Philae, Egypt
15. Historic Centre of Vienna, Austria 16. Tombs of the Ming & Qing Dynasties, China
17. Humayun's Tomb, India 18. Wachau Cultural Landscape, Austria
Tour Information
Duration : 33 days
Minimum : 02 persons
Maximum : N/A
Price (From) :
Includes international air
Day 01: Depart Home City for Buenos Aires
Day 02: Arrive Buenos Aires (ARGENTINA)
(D)
Day 03: Buenos Aires
(B, D)
Day 04: Buenos Aires
(B)
Day 05: Buenos Aires/Vienna (Flight)
(B)
Day 06: Arrive Vienna (AUSTRIA)
Day 07: Vienna
(B)
Day 08: Danube Cruising
(B)
Day 09: Vienna/Budapest (Train) (HUNGARY)
(B)
Day 10: Budapest
(B)
Day 11: Budapest/Istanbul (Flight) (TÜRKIYE)
(B)
Day 12: Istanbul
(B)
Day 13: Istanbul
(B)
Day 14: Istanbul/Cairo (Flight) (EGYPT)
(B)
Day 15: Cairo
(B, D)
Day 16: Cairo
(B)
Day 17: Cairo/Aswan (Flight)
(B, L, D)
Day 18: Aswan/Esna (Cruise)
(B, L, D)
Day 19: Esna/Luxor (Cruise)
(B, L, D)
Day 20: Luxor/Cairo (Flight)
(B)
Day 21: Cairo/Nairobi (Flight) (KENYA)
(B)
Day 22: Nairobi/Masai Mara (Flight/Drive)
(L, D)
Day 23: Masai Mara
(B, L, D)
Day 24: Masai Mara
(B, L, D)
Day 25: Masai Mara/Nairobi/Delhi (Flight) (INDIA)
(B)
Day 26: Delhi
(B, D)
Day 27: Delhi/Agra (Train)
(B)
Day 28: Agra/Fatehpur Sikri/Jaipur (Train)
(B)
Day 29: Jaipur/Delhi/Beijing (Train/Flight)
(B)
Day 30: Arrive Beijing (CHINA)
Day 31: Beijing
(B)
Day 32: Beijing
(B)
Day 33: Depart Beijing
(B)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 01: Depart Home City for Buenos Aires

Our exciting Around the World Journey starts with our flight to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.

Day 02: Arrive Buenos Aires (ARGENTINA)

Arrival in Beunos Aires where we are warmly received and transferred to our hotel. Rest of the day is free . Evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 03: Buenos Aires

An exciting day as we start with a visit of the Plaza de Mayo, followed by the Casa Rosada (Pink H ouse), seat of the government, the Cabildo (town hall) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, home of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Our exploration will take us on to the district of San Telmo. Until 1888, this part of the city was a river port. Today San Telmo is one of the most modern and desired places to live in Buenos Aires. Next is the contrast of the worker district La Boca, famous for its colourful tin-houses and its history as a living district of Italian seamen and dock workers in the 19th century. The Barrio Norte, called Recoleta, is the quarter of the rich of Buenos Aires. I n the cemetery of Recoleta one will find the grave of Eva Duarte, who became famous as Evita Perón. Evening we enjoy dinner and Tango Show at El Viejo Almacén (www.viejoalmacen.com). Tango is on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. We return to our hotel around midnight. (B, D)

Day 04: Buenos Aires

Free day. Optional tour of the Tigre Delta or visit to the World Heritage Site of Colonia del Sarmiento in Uruguay. (B)

Day 05: Buenos Aires/Vienna (Flight)

Free day. Optional tour of the Tigre Delta or visit to the World Heritage Site of Colonia del Sarmiento in Uruguay. We bid farewell to South America as we are transferred to the airport for our overnight flight to the next continent on our itinerary, Europe. Our destination is the music capital of Vienna, Austria. (B)

Day 06: Arrive Vienna (AUSTRIA)

We arrive in Vienna and are met and transferred to our hotel. Vienna was the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and is packed with many historical buildings, while also featuring exciting contemporary museums, a lively restaurant scene and many quiet corners to explore. Vienna is k nown the world over as the city of music, cakes and fin de siècle architecture, and our three-night stay will also allow us time to enjoy an optional musical performance at one of the historical theatres.
Overnight: Hotel Beethoven, Vienna (3 nights)

Day 07: Vienna

Our morning tour of the Historic Centre of Vienna* includes a visit of the Hofburg Palace, once the seat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire , the Belvedere Palace, Prater Amusement Park, the UN buildings, St. Stephen's Cathedral and other vivid reminders of the city's imperial history. The afternoon is free to explore the city or enjoy an optional tour to the Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn*. (B)

Day 08: Danube Cruising

We take an excursion to lovely Wachau*. The Wachau is a beautiful stretch of the Danube Valley between Melk and Krems, filled with monasteries, castles, towns, villages and vineyards. We travel by coach through the gorgeous Austrian countryside dotted with imposing castles, abbeys, sloped forests and wine villages, and take a scenic cruise down the Danube River to the town of Melk to visit its impressive Benedictine abbey. (B)

Day 09: Vienna/Budapest (Train) (HUNGARY)

A train ride to Budapest, often called “Paris of the East”. Enroute we see the countryside of Central Europe before reaching the Hungarian capital, Budapest, where we are met and transferred to our hotel. Another Imperial Capital , Budapest* is the gem in Europe, known for its architecture, romantic views from the eight city bridges, trolley buses, cafes and restaurants. Budapest holds the title "City of Spas" since the year 1934, as it has more thermal and medicinal water springs than any other capital city in the world.
Overnight: Centrum Hotel, Budapest (2 nights) (B)

Day 10: Budapest

Our morning tour includes a walk through the Castle district, visiting the Gothic Matthias church and the Fisherman’s bastion, which offers beautiful panoramic views. We stop for photos on Gellért Hill before our panoramic drive through the city, where we see Vajdahunyad C astle, Széchenyi Spa, the Opera, the Synagogue of Dohány Street, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the decorative Parliament building. Our drive takes us along Andrássy Avenue* to Heroes' Square, where we will explore the Millennium Memorial, a 118 foot high Corinthian column dedicated to the Roman Catholic Church, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The tour ends in Vaci Utca, a pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants. Afternoon is free to enjoy Budapest's thermal waters in one of the 15 public thermal baths in Budapest, not counting the private thermal spas established in some luxury hotel. (B)

Day 11: Budapest/Istanbul (Flight) (TÜRKIYE)

Time free till we bid adieu to Central Europe and head for the city that borders Europe and Asia – the majestic and historical Istanbul. A warm welcome await us at this city, which is often rated as the most beautiful in the world. Istanbul is a city in Türkiye (Turkey) that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosporus Strait. Old Constantinople reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here.
Overnight: Ramada Old City Hotel, Istanbul (3 nights) (B)

Day 12: Istanbul

We explore the Historic Areas of Istanbul*, visiting the Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616 for Sultan Ahmet I. The inside is decorated with 21,043 tiles from Iznik in a dominant blue color. We also explore the Hippodrome where political, cultural and sports activities took place during Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman times. Next, we e mbark on a beautiful cruise on the Bosporus Strait that separates Asia from Europe and connects the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea. We will get the best views of the city and see from the comforts of our boat most of the historical monuments in Istanbul. Afternoon we visit the imposing Haghia Sophia, which marked the apogee of Byzantine Emperor Justinian's reign. (B)

Day 13: Istanbul

Our free day in Istanbul is a treat in itself.  Optional tour to visit the Topkapi Palace and the historical Grand Bazaar. (B)

Day 14: Istanbul/Cairo (Flight) (EGYPT)

From one marvel to the other! In a few hours we are in Cairo, Egypt’s sprawling capital. Upon arrival we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Cairo is set on the Nile River, and is one the oldest cities in the world.
Overnight: Novotel Cairo 6th of October, Cairo  (3 nights) (B)

Day 15: Cairo

Today we visit the Great Sphinx of Giza and the Great Pyramids*. Giza, the capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, has some extraordinary funerary monuments, including rock tombs, ornate mastabas, temples and pyramids. In ancient times, the pyramids were considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In the afternoon, we will be visiting the Egyptian Museum. Evening we are treated to a dinner at the Al Azhar Park and Gardens, developed in 2005 from a several centuries old garbage dump. (B, D)

Day 16: Cairo

We explore Historic Cairo*, including visits to the Citadel with the Mohammed Ali Mosque, the Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i m osques, the Ottoman Beit El Suhaymi House, the Old Gates of Cairo and Khan al-Khalili Bazaar. Tucked away amid the modern urban area of Cairo lies one of the world's oldest Islamic cities, with its famous mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains. The city of Cairo was founded by the Fatimid Emperor Al-Moez in the year 969 AD. (B)

Day 17: Cairo/Aswan (Flight)

Another exciting experience starts today after an early morning transfer for our short flight to Aswan. Upon arrival at Aswan we are welcomed and transferred to our deluxe Nile cruise to begin our four-day cruise on the longest river in the world, the Nile. Afterwards we tour the Aswan High Dam followed by the Granite Quarries with the Unfinished Obelisk, ending with the historical Temple of Philae*. In the afternoon, we sail around the islands of Aswan on a traditional felucca.
Overnight: M/S Mirage Nile Cruise (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 18: Aswan/Esna (Cruise)

We sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Temple of Sobek and continue our cruise to Edfu, where we take traditional horse carriages to visit the most complete and best-preserved temple in Egypt, the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus. We then continue sailing to Esna. (B, L, D)

Day 19: Esna/Luxor (Cruise)

Enjoying the cruise, we arrive in Luxor to explore the Necropolis of Ancient Thebes* on the West Bank of the Nile, with visits to the Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. (B, L, D)

Day 20: Luxor/Cairo (Flight)

We disembark after breakfast to visit the Karnak Temple Complex and the Temple of Luxor on the e ast side of the Nile. We are transferred to the airport for our flight to Cairo in the afternoon. We are met and transferred to our hotel near the airport.
Overnight:Novotel Cairo 6th of October Hotel, Cairo (1 night) (B)

Day 21: Cairo/Nairobi (Flight) (KENYA)

Day free till our departure flight – an ideal opportunity to go on an optional tour of Christian Cairo or simply relax. At the appropriate time we are transferred to the airport for our overnight flight to Nairobi. (B)

Day 22: Nairobi/Masai Mara (Flight/Drive)

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Nairobi, we are transferred to the Wilson Airport for our flight to the Mara Serena Airport. As we drive to our deluxe lodge we see the first of the wild game that Kenya, and more so Masai Mara, is so well known for. Mid-afternoon, we join other guests and get into our 4x4’s for the first of our game drives. The Masai Mara is one of the most well known game parks in the world, famous for the annual wildebeest migration, the density of game and the variety of wildlife.
Overnight: Mara Sopa Lodge (3 nights) (L, D)

Day 23: Masai Mara

Full day game safari! At the northern extremity of the unique Serengeti ecosystem, blessed with a permanent water supply, the Masai Mara has a thriving, permanent population of plains game, augmented in the dry season by the migration of two million gnus and zebras from the vast, parched Serengeti plains. Here the “B ig F ive” elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard are quite common, while even the much rarer rhino might come out of the thicket for us. Hyenas are plentiful and cheetahs, 100 kilometer per hour daytime hunters, are often seen too. Other animals at the Masai Mara include giraffe, elephant, red-tailed monkey and a variety of antelope . Our interpretive game-drives led by our highly trained and experienced rangers, as well as bird watching with resident guides and naturalists reveal the wonders of the Mara. (B, L, D)

Day 24: Masai Mara

Another exciting day game viewing and looking out for the Big Five. An early morning optional balloon safari is also a major attraction at the Masai Mara. (B, L, D)

Day 25: Masai Mara/Nairobi/Delhi (Flight) (INDIA)

Some fantastic game viewing is also available at Serengeti*, Manyara and Ngorongoro* national conservation parks in Tanzania by adding additional days. Today we fly to Nairobi’s Wilson A irport and are transferred to the Jomo Kenyatta Airport for our flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival, we are welcomed in the traditional way with clasped hands and are transferred to our hotel. The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new of India. We may substitute North India with a South India tour.
Overnight: Hotel Sheraton, New Delhi (2 nights) (B)

Day 26: Delhi

Our exploration of Delhi starts with the Red Fort Complex*. Named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone, the fort is considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which, under the Shah Jahan, was brought to a new level of refinement with a fusion of Persian, Timurid and Hindu traditions. Next we visit the majestic Jama Masjid followed by India Gate and the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and Humayun's Tomb*, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, built in 1570. We continue to the 13th Century Qutb Minar and its Monuments*. The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art and two mosques. Evening we are treated to a welcome dinner at a popular Tandoori restaurant. (B, D)

Day 27: Delhi/Agra (Train)

We start our day with an early train ride to the city that houses the most well known wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal. Upon arrival we tour Agra Fort*. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5 kilometer long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques. Afternoon is free to enjoy the town. If tonight is a full moon, we will have the opportunity to see the Taj by full moon, with the compliments of Bestway Tours & Safaris.
Overnight: Hotel ITC Mughal, Agra (1 night) (B)

Day 28: Agra/Fatehpur Sikri/Jaipur (Train)

Enjoy t he majesty of the Taj Mahal* with a sunrise tour when the light is truly magical. This immense mausoleum of white marble was built between 1631 and 1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and a universally admired masterpiece of world heritage. Situated on the right bank of the Yamuna in a vast Mogul garden, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. After breakfast at our hotel, we head for Fatehpur Sikri*, built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar. It was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only 10 years. We also visit the adjoining mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint Salim Chisty before proceeding to the Pink City of Jaipur, capital of the State of Rajasthan.
Overnight: Hotel ITC Rajputana, Jaipur (1 night) (B)

Day 29: Jaipur/Delhi/Beijing (Train/Flight)

We are treated today like the royalty of yesteryear with an elephant ride to Amber Fort*, located in a valley formed by the Aravalli range , also known as the Kalikho hills. The Palace and Fort are located on top of a hill with the city on its slopes . T he valley is protected by fort walls with four gates in the four cardinal directions. The fort comprises of a number of gardens, courtyards and palatial spaces all with a combination of Mughal and 17th Century Rajput architecture. We return to Jaipur to visit the majestic City Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art and the beautiful Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved façade, as well as the the Jantar Mantar*, an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century that includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye. In the evening we are transferred to the train station for a first class train ride to Delhi where we are met and transferred to the airport for our overnight flight to Beijing. (B)

Day 30: Arrive Beijing (CHINA)

Upon arrival at Beijing International Airport, we are warmly received and transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free.
Overnight: Hotel Beijing International (3 nights)

Day 31: Beijing

A full day excursion takes us to the Great Wall*, a united defense system against invasions from the north. Construction continued up to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), when the Great Wall became the world's largest military structure. Its historic and strategic importance is matched only by its architectural significance. We then head to Chang Ling, the largest of the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties*. Constructed for the founding emperors of the Qing Dynasty and their ancestors, the tombs follow the precepts of traditional Chinese geomancy and fengshui theory. They feature rich decorations of stone statues, carvings and tiles with dragon motifs, illustrating the development of the funerary architecture of the Qing Dynasty.  On the way back to the hotel, we visit a Jade stone workshop and have a photo stop at the Bird's Nest & Water Cube. (B)

Day 32: Beijing

Day free or take an optional tour of The Summer Palace, the Tiananmen Square and the many other historical sites in Beijing. (B)

Day 33: Depart Beijing

While still having the opportunity to extend our Round the World Tour to other cities in China, we are transferred to the airport for our flight back home. This will have been a unique journey circumnavigating the globe and visiting some of the leading attractions in the world, all in comfort and style! (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

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Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here

Notes

* Total tour price and airline taxes is dependent on the seasonality and routing.

Inclusions


Tour Price Includes
  • International/Domestic airfare as mentioned
  • Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
  • 44 Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All sightseeing and transfers by private transporation
  • Services of local English speaking guides cum drivers
  • Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary
  • Train ticket mentioned
Not Included
  • Airport taxes (currently US$ 1,585 subject to change without prior notice)
  • Insurance/visas
  • Tips/gratuities

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 participants.

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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