Travel Morocco. Let the sights, sounds and tastes of Morocco envelop you. Morocco is becoming a hotspot for travellers as of late. Having just returned, I understand why. I was pleasantly surprised and my expectations were completely exceeded.

The country boasts a variety of terrains, culture and history. From 2000 year old roman ruins to Kasbahs to the Sahara sand dunes to bustling modern cities. It has been one of the most politically stable countries in North Africa,

Morocco is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among them the Fez Medina, with over 9000 alleyways and considered one of the world’s largest pedestrian only zones. Fez also has the world’s oldest university.

Marrakesh, the fourth largest city, is one of the busiest cities in Africa and serves as a major economic centre and tourist destination. The Marrakesh Medina is over 1100 acres in size and is also a UNESCO site. The city boasts beautiful gardens and investments in real estate have allowed the city to flourish as well as attract over 2 million tourists a year.

Ait Benhaddou is a fortified kasbah, using typical clay architecture, and is also a UNESCO site. It is situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara desert and Marrakesh. Many films have been made here using Ait Benhaddou in their sets.

Casablanca is Morocco’s chief port city and boasts the 5^th largest mosque in the world, Hassan II Mosque. A portion of the mosque projects out into the Atlantic Ocean and it has a retractable roof. It is a work of architectural genius and holds 25,000 worshippers.

A trip to Morocco is not complete without a camel ride into the desert, and a night in a Berber tent for a taste of Berber culture.

I have just completed this tour in November 2018, an 8 day fast paced spicy intro to a beautiful country. 8 days from $971 CAD On sale Jan 8 departure. https://benefactours.com/tour-detail/?tour=morocco-kasbahs-&-desert&id=22843

For a more upscale experience taking in more sites, here is Sahara and Beyond for 15 days from $3259 CAD.  https://benefactours.com/tour-detail/?tour=morocco:-sahara-&-beyond&id=23741

Discover the fresh cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains, meander the winding lanes of old Marrakech, and ride into the desert on a camel or a 4×4. Meet musicians, Berbers, and artisans, and soak up the exotic beauty of Morocco.

Contact us for more information on these or any tours in Morocco.

Where to go in Colombia? From snowy peaks to deserts, jungles and beaches, not to mention history and culture, Colombia is a jewel. You can learn history, watch humpback give birth, take cooking classes, relax in a spa, or take some epic hikes in their national parks. The good news is citizens of many countries do not require a visa to visit Colombia. Find out which countries require a visa here.

The country is divided into regions, most notably The Andes, The Caribbean, The Pacific, and the Amazon Region part of The Amazon Rainforest. The Insular region is comprised of islands in both the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans, and Orinoquia Region borders Venezuela.

Here are some highlights:

The Andean Region

The Andes mountains form the most populous region of Colombia and contain the majority of the country’s urban centres. The region is divided into three branches known as “cordilleras” and include the cities of Bogota and Medellín. Colombian coffee is among the world’s best so visiting a coffee farm or staying on a hacienda will immerse you in the trade.

Bogota – is the capital and largest city, and the third highest capital in South America. It is a city known for its many museums, especially the Gold Museum, with over 55,000 pieces. The mountain Monserrate dominates the city center of Bogotá, so you cannot miss it. Rising to 3,152 metres above the sea level. Take the cable car to relish in the views of the city or visit the church and shrine at the top.

The city is close to the stunning Salt Cathedral, Zipaquirá. It is bizarre and amazing, with vast halls, crosses and altars carved out of an old salt mine. Zipaquira is near Bogota and can be visited on a day trip.

Medellin – Cable cars traverse the slopes of this fashionable Andean city, home to illuminating museums, enticing restaurants and legendary artist Fernando Botero. Medellin is situated in a narrow valley, and the moderate temperatures give the city its nickname – the City of Eternal Spring.

Parque Nacional Natural los Nevados – The national park boasts high mountains and beautiful scenery. There are many high altitude lakes, deep gorges, rainforest, glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls. There are five main volcanoes, and many smaller volcanic cones, so hiking and climbing is varied. Travel time is 11 – 12 hours by vehicle from Bogota or 9 hours from Medellin.

Caribbean Region

The region is traversed by a number of rivers from the Andean highlands to the sea, including the Magdalena, Colombia’s principal river. The Caribbean region is also the location of the historic port cities of Santa Marta and Cartagena.

Cartagena – Latin America’s colonial queen of cities, Cartagena is a city of Baroque churches, elegant mansions, shady plazas and giant Spanish walls. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a maze of cobbled alleys, balconies covered in bougainvillea, and massive churches. Outside the walled city, Bocagrande is a place to sip coffee in trendy cafes and dine in upscale restaurants.

Ciudad Perdida – The name means ‘Lost City’ as it was lost around the time of the Spanish conquest and only ‘discovered’ again in the 1970s. Deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, it remains only accessible on foot by doing what is easily one of Colombia’s most exciting and breathtaking hikes.

Tayrona National Park – The park is a large protected area covering the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains as they meet the Caribbean coast. It’s known for its coastal coves and lagoons, rainforest and rich biodiversity. The region was once the territory of the Tayrona people, and some archeological remains have been found in the park. One of Colombia’s most popular national parks, Tayrona scenery varies from sandy beaches along the coast in the north to rainforest at an altitude of 900 m on the southern limits of the park. Accommodations vary from hostels to upscale spas.

Amazon Region

The Amazon Region is a region in southern Colombia over the Amazon Basin. The region is mostly covered by tropical jungle, which is a part of the massive Amazon rainforest. You can stay in Leticia and do day activities in the jungle, or alternatively go to Leticia then take a speed boat and stay in a lodge deep in the Amazon. Note that it is compulsory to have yellow fever vaccination taken at least 10 days prior to your arrival date.

There’s no shortage of things to do in the Amazon, so for the adventurous it’s a great place to visit. Activities include the following:

• Observe pink dolphins, exotic birds, alligators and other indigenous fauna and flora
• Visit indigenous communities
• Fishing and traditional craftsmanship
• Walks in the forest or to nearby lakes with native guides
• Swimming in natural pools

Pacific Region

This region is distinguished by its high humidity. Precipitation is among the highest in the world, with an average of 4,000 mm (160 in) per year and some areas that receive as much as 12,000 mm (470 in) per year.

Whale watching at Colombia’s lush Pacific coast is one of the world’s best places to see humpbacks and their new-born calves. Between July and November, humpbacks arrive from Antarctica to mate and give birth to their young. Whale watching programs are offered in places like Bahia Solano and Nuquí (both in Chocó) and Gorgona Island (Cauca).

Orinoco (Orinoquia) Region

This less-visited region borders Venezuela and covers the departments of Meta, Arauca, Casanare and Vichada. The region is rich in oil and suitable for extensive ranching but sparsely populated.

Insular Region

The Insular Region is considered by some as a sixth region, comprising those areas outside continental Colombia, including the department of San Andrés y Providencia in the Caribbean Sea and the islands of Malpelo and Gorgona in the Pacific Ocean.

So, again where to go in Colombia? I say stick to The Andes, Caribbean, Pacific or Amazon for the best bang for your buck adventure.  Here are a few tours to inspire you:

Colombia Express 9 days from $1889 CAD ($1495 US). Check out the resurgence of culture, art, and food in Bogotá and Medellín, dive deep into the Caribbean vibe in Cartagena, and enjoy the Latin-Caribbean fusion of flavours in local cuisine.

Caribbean Coast and Lost City  14 days from $2459 CAD ($1947 US). Trek through Tayrona National Park’s picturesque trails and have some downtime on the beach. Later, head to deep into the jungle to Teyuna – the fabled Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) older than Machu Picchu.

For these or any other tours in Colombia, contact us.

This month we are featuring tours that include UNESCO World Heritage cities or sites to visit. We will start off with Scotland, recently voted the world’s most beautiful country.

Scotland and Norway Expedition Cruise – Discover UNESCO-protected wonders like the Standing Stones of Stennes and the mystical Ring of Brodgar, visit archaeological sites, witness the curious clash of cultures in the Shetland Islands, and marvel at the stunning forests and waterfalls that line the fjords. 14 days from $5699 CAD ($4572 US).

Travel Deals
Borneo – Trek Mt Kinabalu –  This tour includes some beautiful treks, and the sunrise from Mt Kinabalu’s summit might make you question every other sunrise you’ve witnessed before it. 5 days from $967 CAD ($776 US), was $1209 CAD ($970 US). Select departures Nov 7 – Feb 17. Book by Oct 25.

Colombia – Cartagena to Santa Marta. Get the best of beach relaxation and wilderness exploration. 8 days from $1583 CAD ($1270 US) for select departures Dec 2 – Feb 4.

Cuba Land and Water –  This unique combo adventure on land and water will take you places most people don’t know even exist. Meander through the lush, laid back communities of Cuba’s “Garden Province” and dive into local culture. 15 days from $2799 CAD ($2245 US), for select departures Dec 2 – Jan 20, book by Oct 25.

India by Rail – Take the train from Goa to Kochi via Karnataka and have the chance to see the breathtaking ruins of Hampi. 10 days from $1079 CAD ($866 US) for select departures Nov 18 – Jan 31, book by Oct 25

Madagascar – This adventure introduces you to Africa’s remote island paradise by way of Bekopaka’s famed Baobab Alley, the stunning weathered rock formations of the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, a canoe ride to caves along the Manambolo River, and maybe even encounters with the odd lemur. 8 days from $1799 CAD ($1443 US) for select departures from Nov 24 – March 17. Book by Oct 25.

Peru Inca Empire – from ruins high in the Andes to wildlife deep in the Amazon. Inca Empire 10 day tour, was $2799 CAD($2245 US), save $400 + if booked by Oct 15. 10 – 15% off other tours as well.

Tanzania safari – Search for the “big five” in scenic Lake Manyara, the wildlife-teeming Ngorongoro Crater, and the plains of the Serengeti. This is a National Geographic Journey and from Dr Jane Goodall Collection. From $3959 CAD ($3176 US). Select departures Nov 27 – March 6. Book by Oct 25.

Zanzibar – Explore historical Stone Town, Prison Island, Maruhubi Palace, and Mangapwani village on this Zanzibar holiday. 4 days from $709 US, save $100 book by Oct 25.

Contact us for more details on these destinations or any other tours. Currency conversions are current as of today on Oanda.com.

Laos travel is, in many ways, typical of other Southeast Asian countries. We have found that renting a motorcycle is a great way to see a city or town, and Johnny has begun to drive like a local. Yikes! That means making turns without even looking to see if there is another car coming. Usually they drive quite slowly and people just yield for each other all the time. It seems to work.

Laos is a typical South East Asian Country in many ways – open air food stalls on every street with vendors selling barbequed meat on a skewer, fruit or other cooked foods, leaving your shoes at the door of not only temples, but homes, stores and restaurants, showers with no curtains so the water goes all over and soaks everything in the bathroom, hot water a luxury, squat toilets or western style but with no seat, and tuktuk (motorcycle taxi) drivers aplenty.

The food has, thankfully, been quite good here, as in Thailand. There are many Indian restaurants, as well as vegetarian Asian dishes everywhere, and yummy baguettes. Our typical bill for a meal for the two of us is around $3.00. I don’t think a day has passed that we have not eaten rice.

After a number of days in Vientiane, we flew to Luang Prabang, a lovely little city set in the mountains, about halfway between Veintiane and the Chinese border. It is a magical setting, with Wats everywhere. The town is a Unesco World Heritage site.

Young novice monks are a common sight, clad in orange robes, usually barefoot, and often carrying umbrellas to guard against the sun. Most Lao boys will temporarily ordain as monks for anywhere from a number of weeks to several years, with many choosing to remain for the rest of their lives.

In the mornings at around 6:30, the monks walk in silence through the streets to receive food from the locals and tourists alike. It is quite a sight to see, hundreds of monks, some look as young as 7, parading barefoot, single file, carrying baskets slung over their shoulders to receive their alms. Vendors sell bundles of cooked rice, wrapped in banana leaves, to the tourists, so that we have something to give to the monks. The locals just use their hands and toss handfuls of cooked rice into the baskets. The only source of food for the monks is donated and it appears that it is mostly rice. I wonder how a person could survive just eating rice.

The guesthouse where we have been staying is right next to a Wat, so we can hear the morning and evening gongs, which is the call to prayer. 4 times a month the drum is also sounded, and that is what we woke to this morning.

Johnny and I visited a Wat and a young monk struck up a conversation with Johnny. I stood back until the monk spoke to me, as I was not sure if it was allowed for a woman to converse with one. I know that it is not allowed for a woman to touch a monk. This young man, Nordiaw (pronounced Nodio), is 19 and has been at that temple for 5 years. He enjoyed speaking English with us and he opened up the Wat for us and answered all our questions. He was very sweet and we spent about an hour with him. He laughed when I answered that I had no children, because in this country that is almost unheard of. We read some of his English homework and I wrote some things in his book to help with pronunciation. Th and sh sounds are foreign to the Lao tongue. Nordiaw then exchanged email addresses with Johnny!

He mentioned that foreigners are welcome to the Wat during prayertime and invited us to attend that evening. I was incredulous and knew I had to grab this opportunity. I felt intimidated about just strolling into a Wat at prayer time, although I knew I would not be judged and it was the right thing for me to do. I also knew it would likely be the chance of a lifetime, so I took it. As soon as the prayer gong was sounded I entered the temple and I was all alone, so I knelt and meditated for about 15 minutes before about 14 monks came in together. After their initial prayer, they reverted to chanting. The one old monk, kneeling at the front, would sing one line, then the rest of the group would respond with a very long verse. Their voices filled my body and my spirit, as I knelt with my eyes closed and got lost in the sensation.

This was such an uplifting experience, I only wish I could have sung along with them. I left the temple at exactly the right moment, I believe, because as soon as I walked out, they stopped chanting. The sun had just set and the pathway was lit with lanterns. This was an hour in my life that I will never forget. I have come away from this experience with more questions than answers, and I know how lucky I am.

Here are a few tours in Laos, currently on sale (expires Sept 28, 2017).

Thailand and Laos Adventure – 14 days, from $1432 CAD ($1178 US). Visit temples in Chiang Mai then spend the evening exploring the night market. Sail the Mekong into the heart and soul of Laos.

Cambodia and Laos Mekong Adventure – 15 days, from $1963 CAD ($1615 US). From Angkor Wat to remote river towns, journey down the Mekong and into the heart and soul of Southeast Asia. This adventure offers an intriguing blend of included activities and free time for personal discovery.

What Is Angkor Wat? UNESCO World Heritage Angkor, near Siem Riep, Cambodia, is a site you don’t want to miss.

Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings.

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. The initial design and construction of the temple took place in the first half of the 12th century, during the reign of Suryavarman II (ruled 1113 – c. 1150). It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple of god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. The site covers 162.6 hectares (402 acres).

Be sure to visit Angkor while in Cambodia. Here are a few tours to keep you hopping.

River Cruise – here is an 8 day tour aboard a classic riverboat sailing from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. Get a true taste of river cruising while visiting the Cai Be floating market, the fishing port of Kampong Chhnang, and stilt villages like Chnok Tru. From $1954 CAD ($1533 US), book by August 29, for select dates to Dec 31.

Cambodia Experience – 9 days Ho Chi Minh to Bangkok. Soak up the colours, culture, and history of this incredible region. Its natural beauty coupled with tumultuous history make Cambodia a truly fascinating destination from $1062 CAD ($833 US) departures August and Sept.

Cycle Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok – 12 days from $2422 CAD ($1900 US). Roll past the temples of stunning Angkor Wat, cruise around Phnom Penh, and enjoy the villages and rural life around Siem Reap. Book by Aug 23, for select departures Sept 1 – Dec 16.

 

Do you wonder where to go in Greece? Everyone knows about the beaches, and what about the food, history, archaeology, scenery and the unparalleled joie de vivre that is Greece? As the country was already inhabited from prehistoric times, traces of human civilization can be found everywhere, in all corners of the country. Athens is the historical capital of Greece. The country offers over 100 outstanding archaeological sites; the best known being The Acropolis in Athens. The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is one of the most important museums in the world.

Around 6,000 islands and islets are scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Sea, most of them grouped in clusters, that constitute the unique Greek archipelago. Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, the Dodecanese and the Cyclades are some of the famous and popular islands and island clusters in Greece.

Santorini seems to be made for romantics and is immensely popular. But even well-known tourist attractions can actually live up to their reputation—and a sunset over the caldera is hard to beat. During the day, visit a winery, relax on some of the world’s most colorful beaches, or venture offshore for a tour of the volcano.

Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese, has been famous since antiquity for its Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today, it’s most known for its Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the 14th-century Palace of the Grand Masters, which was once a Turkish prison.

Mykonos’ reputation precedes it, and for good reason. While most of the Greek islands are laid-back enclaves, this cosmopolitan Cycladic island can satisfy any and all of your nightlife needs, from surfside lounge bars to wild clubs. Mykonos also has a burgeoning art scene.

Kefalonia will more than satisfy beach lovers. Greece has more than 8,500 miles of coastline, so sand-and-surf fiends have no shortage of places to put their towel. Still, of the Greek islands, Kefalonia is one of its beach meccas, and Myrtos Beach, which sits between two mountains, is its most famous. Cinephiles will recognize the island from its onscreen time in 2001’s Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which was filmed here.

Ikaria is perfect for adventure-seekers and the lovers of the outdoors. Deriving its name from Icarus, who in Greek mythology fell into the sea nearby, Ikaria is primarily mountainous, which makes it an excellent island for walking and hiking. (The island’s network of paths, known as monopatia, will take hikers from coast to coast, through oak and pine forests, and from one mountaintop to another.) Post-hike, relax in the mineral bath houses at Therma, whose waters reputedly have curative properties.

Hydra, a mere two hours from Athens by hydrofoil, remains blissfully free of wheeled vehicles. That’s right, no cars or scooters here. Instead, you’ll find cobblestoned streets traversed by mules and donkeys, immaculate stone mansions, and picturesque, harbor-side cafes.

Whether you’re looking for culture and nightlife, fresh seafood, or some of the best in the world, you’ll be able to find it in one idyllic trip. Here are some sample tours to answer the question where to go in Greece.

Best of Greece – 15 days from $2899 CAD ($2226 US). The must-see historical sites of Athens and Delphi, the rugged plateaus of the Samariá Gorge, isolated Cretan villages and the sway of Santorini.

Adriatic Adventure – for 18 – 30 somethings. Dubrovnik to Athens 9 days from $1299 CAD ($1000 US).

Sailing – Santorini to Mykonos (or reverse) 8 days on 15 m yachts from $1399 CAD ($1074 US).

Sailing – Athens to Santorini 15 days from $2399 CAD ($1847 US). Select departures Sept and Oct.

Cycling – 8 days from $1895 CAD ($1455 US).

Walking – Discover the 3 islands of Paros, Naxos and Santorini. 8 days from $1675 CAD ($1286 US).

For more information on these or any tours, contact us.