Collette Vacations Launches New Tour for 2008 Featuring India’s Architecture, Artisans and Unique Exchanges with Rural Families

Pawtucket, R.I. – January 3, 2008 – Collette Vacations, a U.S.-based tour operator with more than 140 vacations to all seven continents, will launch a 16-day tour exploring the northern and central regions of India starting in February 2008.  Collette’s “Mysteries of India” vacation takes travelers by rickshaw, jeep, train, horse carriage, elephant and boat through the heart of India’s cities and deep into its countryside to reveal India’s true culture.

As they explore ancient towns and villages, travelers will marvel at the architectural triumphs of India’s majestic palaces, temples, mosques, forts and even an astronomical observatory, all built in the 16th and 17th centuries.  Perhaps the most impressive architectural feat they will see is the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s modern wonders, which took 20,000 men, 1,000 elephants and 22 years to complete.  

This inclusive program provides travelers with several unique opportunities to experience the personal, spiritual and vocational perspectives of India’s people.  A visit to Bishnoi Village outside of Jodhpur will unveil a community of staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life.  A rural Indian family will demonstrate the art of making pottery – crafts are the second largest source of income for India’s remote population.  Finally, travelers will join a retired serviceman and his family at their farmhouse for a traditional dinner featuring popular native dishes.

“This is about as in-depth an experience you could have on any vacation,” said Nancy Davids, a senior product manager with Collette Vacations.  “Our goal is to provide travelers with a strong sense of India’s culture and the everyday life of its people; and we are confident that this new tour will accomplish just that.  And, of course, we want our guests to enjoy themselves.  

That’s why we are especially pleased to announce that this trip will feature 5-star accommodations at 4-star prices.”  

Other highlights of the Mysteries of India tour include:
-      A visit to Mother Teresa’s Charity Mission – a home for orphans – in Agra
-      Two game drives in Ranthambore National Park to discover India’s wildlife and “Project Tiger’s” conservation efforts, with insight provided by a naturalist
-      A visit with the Ranthambore School of Art, which recruits students from neighboring villages and towns to train traditional artisans in contemporary India
            
The tour features a two-night stay at the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Udaipur, as well as stays at 5-star Taj hotels in Jodhpur, Agra and Khajuraho.  Nearly 30 meals are also included for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  

“Collette is absolutely thrilled to launch its first vacation package to India, an exotic destination that continues to grow each year,” said Collette Vacations President & CEO Daniel J. Sullivan. “Americans, as well as travelers from many other areas around the globe, are expressing greater intrigue in exploring India, and our tour will be the first travel experience to India for many of them next year.  We believe our newest vacation will give these adventurous travelers a truly insightful and relaxing experience.”          

Collette will offer eight departures for Mysteries of India in 2008, and six departures from January to April in 2009. Pricing for Mysteries of India starts at (subject to change):

·      $3,099 - May to June 2008
·      $3,999 - October 2008 to April 2009
 
These rates are per person and based on double occupancy.  For more information or to make a reservation, call 1-800-340-5158 or visit
http://ColletteVacations.com.

About Collette Vacations:
Collette Vacations has 90 years of experience in the escorted travel industry and offers more than 140 quality tours to premier destinations on all 7 continents. Travelers can choose from cruises and land tours, educational and faith-based travel, exciting adventures and relaxing getaways.  Collette vacations feature enriching cultural experiences, many included meals, and centrally-located accommodations that reflect the flavor of each destination.  And with knowledgeable, professional tour managers and an industry-leading cancellation policy, Collette Vacations makes traveling the world simple and hassle-free.
 
 
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