grand tour frost edition

15°06’ North 17°41’ East

GRAND TOURItinerary for Susan, Charles, Alexia & Michael

January - August 2013

© Copyright Brown + Hudson 2012

tional rite of passage that will sow the seeds of cultural curiosity with your children for years to come.

With these objectives in mind, we propose to take you on a journey involving a variety of destinations, providing you with a broad range of experiences. We also realise that security, safety and stability of your family is important to you. The balance between time on the road gaining rich travel expe-riences and quality time together is also crucial.

We considered a number of options to achieve this balance. We looked at the

When you approached Brown + Hudson to develop a concept for your family trip, you asked us to provide you with recommenda-tions and a clear rationale behind each of our choices. The brief was clear; to create a family discovery that is both, enjoyable for adults and children alike. It was also to be rich in learning and insight. You imagined a journey that would allow you to truly im-merse yourself in the local culture of each country, as well as its curiosities and quirks.

We couldn’t imagine a better way for your family to learn and grow together. A modern day equivalent of the 18th or 19th century Grand Tour. This will be an educa-

possibility of basing you at just one prop-erty in South America, another in Australia and Asia, from which you could explore the each region. While this remains a possibility, dividing your time in this way would reduce the breadth of your experience.

Instead we propose that you begin your ex-perience by spending just over a month ex-ploring different countries in South Amer-ica, then spending a significant amount of time based in Australia before rounding off your journey with a month or so in Asia tak-ing you the very best corners of this diverse continent.

THE THINKING BEHIND YOUR GRAND TOUR


Rest assured that Brown + Hudson will be fully invested in selecting and setting up your Australian home away from home. We’ll spend time in advance of your arrival, fully preparing all aspects of your 3 month expatriation, sourcing leisure activities, clubs and associa-tions chosen to fit your diverse interests, ensuring that when you arrive, your family fits effortlessly into its new neighbourhood.

Your Australian home will be perfectly located to allow you to trav-el to the rich cultures of New Zealand and neighbouring countries and islands of South East Asia and the Pacific. We have provided a number of ideas of where you might go and what you might do and these could evolve as we begin to learn more about you.

Whether your Grand Tour is a once in a lifetime experience or the first of several great journeys, your time together will allow you to grow together as a family. Along the way you will make last-ing friendships, learn new things, see incredible places and discover new experiences. Whatever you do, we want to ensure that when you get home you feel that your experience has been the very best it could have been. Multi faceted, rich and textured and perfect for everyone involved.

The journey that follows here is a draft concept that we think you might like based on what we know about you so far. Destinations have been carefully chosen to complement each other perfectly. We aim for a seamless flow of your experience and give you the flexibility to make it your own. If you choose to retain our services, we will invest time in getting to know you and your family then refine these ideas into your ultimate journey.

As you would expect, the travel logistics we propose will allow you to travel together with ease and flexibility. We have incorporated plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten track and for your children we have captured much of the excitement that the discov-ery a new country brings. Central to all our thinking is your family’s security, safety and the soft and hard educational component.

Proximity to transport hubs has been another consideration, and in Australia all our recommendations are within a 3 hour drive of an airport. Weather and seasons also affected our choices. You will be travelling through South America and Australia in their Sum-mer & Autumn, the perfect time. In Asia, we have chosen coun-tries that are not only fascinating but that also have great weather conditions.

The types of accommodation we select in each destination are also key. Luxury hotels, chic apartments, rustic lodges, comfort-able canvas tents, private islands, ranches and research stations are all possible. With everything we have tried to ensure that the property provides opportunities and facilities for both formal and informal education. In Borneo for example, we have suggested a


particular marine park because we know of a property that comes complete with its own marine laboratory. In Mongolia the class-room is outdoors, working with palaeontologists in the famous fos-sil fields. Many of the properties that we might choose to work with are privately owned and all are family-friendly giving a sense of place and home.

Learning and growing as a family was our guiding light. Whether experiencing life on an outback sheep station, witnessing evolu-tion firsthand in the Galapagos or conservation of the rainforests in Borneo, our intention was that the whole family returns home with deep and rich travel stories. While we have used learning as the focus for our trip planning we can dial the learning aspect up, or down dependent on your family needs. We will also facilitate sourcing a tutor for your journey working with a partner with proven track record in this field. We’ll work together to ensure that your daughters’ curriculum is as synchronised to your travel experiences as possible. We’ll offer support in the se-lection process, ensuring that the candidate not only has the right experience and family values, but also the relevant travel skills and experience to be involved in such a trip.

It goes without saying that we’ll organise for local drivers, and local specialist guides where relevant in each destination. Each will be fully briefed about your journey, your interest and needs as well as the part they play your journey, ensuring that there is little repeti-tion and duplication along the way. Their knowledge and expertise about specific sites will add an invaluable dimension to your under-standing of each destination

Throughout, you are free to do as much or as little as you like. Nat-urally, we have some ideas and recommendations for you but in the end this is your rather wonderful Grand Tour.


SOUTH AMERICAFrost Grand Tour

Ecuador - January 2013: 14 days

Learning opportunities• PADIcertification,horsebackriding

skills,kayaking,zip-lining• Developmentandhowitimpactslocal

species,andconservationeffortsbeingutilizedtoalleviatethisimpact.

• Theuseofarttoenhancethelivesoflocalteenagersandhomelessyouth.

• BiodiversityintheAndeanCloudForestsandtheGalapgosArchipelago.

• DairyfarmingfromanEcuadorianAndesperspective.

Quito• Though one of the smaller Latin American capital cities, Quito offers a plethora of

activities, and is an easy starting point for your journey from Aspen (10-13 hour sched-uled flight).

• In Quito you can meet teenagers and the homeless children of the city learning differ-ent colonial artistic techniques at the Quito Art School. Learn about the importance of water as a resource, taken in the stunning Volcanic landscape and zip line through the Andean Cloud forests to witness the areas incredible biodiversity.

Galapagos Archipelago• The Galapagos Islands provide a rare opportunity to come nose to nose with indig-

enous wild animals, as they have no instinctive fear of man. • From your yacht, you can visit many of the islands, which played an important role in

Darwin’s evolutionary findings. These warm, gentle waters are also ideal for PADI cer-tification training for the family, as well as day time kayaking excursions.

• There will be opportunities to witness the impact of human development on the wild-life, and learn about conservation from organizations working to alleviate the impact.

Andes• Heartland of an important pre-Incan civilization with dozens of Caranqui Pyramids still

standing in the valley, it is also one of the few places in the world where you are virtually guaranteed to see wild Andean Condors.

• As horses feature quite heavily in Latin American culture, learning and developing rid-ing and care skills early will be an asset for the road ahead.

• For a connection to home and your business, the local dairy farmers are also happy to swap stories of the trade.



Argentina - January 2013: 14 days

Learning opportunities• Glaciologyandthechangingclimatein

theThirdPole.• PenguinlifecyclesinPatagoniaand

theirrelationshipswithhumans.• Theimportanceofchildreninculture.• EvaPeronandthewomen’smovement

inArgentinepolitics.• TheintroductionoffootballtoArgen-

tinaanditsroletoday.• FishingandgastronomyinPatagonia.• Paddling,biking,horsebackriding,

whitewaterrafting,andhiking.• OutwardBoundskillsandexperience.

Buenos Aires• An amazing progressive city with European history and Latin style, Buenos Aires truly

welcomes young visitors. Countless museums and activities cater their programs spe-cifically to children, allowing families to visit the city and learn together at a pace that works for all ages.

• Here, the girls can also enjoy an education in the life of Eva Peron – a pioneer for women in Argentine politics.

• You can also get a taste of Argentina’s love of sport, particularly football, which was introduced in the 19th century by British immigrants.

Patagonia • Based in the lake district, Bariloche is a fantastic base for exploring Patagonia. We’d

suggest settling into a home for a week and getting to know the neighbors, while also taking excursions into the Patagonian wilderness.

• Bariloche’s location is ideal for simply enjoying local adventures. Here, we’d take you to discover deserts, forests, glaciers and lakes. Paddling, biking, horseback riding, white-water rafting, hiking, fishing, and learning to cook traditional foods are all within arm’s reach.

• Discovering deeper Patagonia, visiting El Calafate, and the Patagonian Ice field also known as the third pole. Here you can experience Perito Moreno Glacier, an ice mass as large as Buenos Aires and mountains that are a mecca for climbers from all over the world.

• Nearby Puerto Deseado is also home to abundant wildlife, including the seldom vis-ited penguin island where, with an expert you can get within inches of these elusive creatures.



Chile & Easter Island- January/February 2013: 10-12 days

Learning opportunities• Developmentandhowitimpactson

theenvironment,indigenousminorityculturesandlocalspecies.

• Ancientmythologythatinfluencedthelandanditspeoplethroughouthistoryanditsrelevancetoday.

• Chileanart,music,danceandgas-tronomy.

• ThemysteryandstoriesofthestonecarvingsandpetroglyphsonRapaNui(EasterIsland)

• Conservationeffortstorectifytheen-vironmentalimpactsofnon-indigenousspeciesintroductiononlocalplant,animalandhumanlifeonEasterIsland.

• Ancientarcheologicalfindsincludingsomeoftheoldestmummifiedremainsintheworld.

• Thelocalfarmingandagriculturalprac-ticesofIndigenousAndeanvillagers.

Santiago• In addition to being a hub for Chilean art, culture and dance, Santiago is the perfect

place to learn about Chilean gastronomy. With roots in Spanish cuisine, Chilean culi-nary traditions and recipes are enhanced by the country’s long coastline, international influences and the country’s immense geographical diversity.

The Arica Region• The Arica region is home to the Aymara people, an indigenous ethnic group with a rich

and tumultuous history in the South American Andes. This population of agriculturists and herders has fought to keep their traditional ways of life alive, and will provide insight into their culture and share their legends and myths. The Aymara shamen might even include you in their mystical traditional ceremonies.

• Explore a Biosphere Reserve (a terrestrial and coastal ecosystem promoting solutions for conversation of biodiversity), as well as a hummingbird sanctuary created by a local resident who noticed the dwindling populations of these birds as native plants were replaced by farming crops.

• A bit of digging also reveals one of the most interesting Chilean archaelogical sites, including examples of Chinchorro mummies – some of the oldest in the world.

Easter Island• One of the most isolated land masses in the world, Easter Island’s history changes

depending on the person you ask, making it an endless mystery to be discovered a rich source of fascinating stories.


Chile & Easter Island- January/February 2013: 10-12 days

• On this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will take you deep into the ecological, geo-logical and social journey that is Rapa Nui. From the mysteries of the 887 Moai statues to the environmental and social impact of foreign visits to the island, locals and experts can be on hand to guide you through the journey, and share the ancient mythology that influenced the land and its people throughout history.

• Bringing the connection home, you can also learn about the ways in which the Royal Botanical Gardens are working to reintroduce indigenous plant life to the island.



A HOME FROM HOME IN SYDNEYFrost Grand Tour

February - June 2013

Learning opportunities• Discovericonicarchitecture• Outdoorlifestyleopportunitiestojoin

sportsandafterschoolactivitiesasnetball&hockey.

• Fortheactive:learnnewskills,swim-ming,snorkeling,scubadiving,kayaking,standuppaddleboardandmountainbiking

• History–TheBritishEmpire’sroleinshapingtheworld

• AculturalandculinarymeltingpotofEastmeetsWest

We know that finding a base for your family is critical to the success of this trip. You require a base that will provide a sense of security, stability and community. A place, and the time and freedom to truly live the Australian dream and to put down some roots. Possibilities are endless, from mountains lodges, outback ranches, island hideaways and city apartments, but we think that the eastern suburbs of Sydney might be the perfect place for you. As the oldest, largest and (some say) most beautiful city in Australia, Sydney is the best of Australia in concentrated form. The city is vibrant and alive, with world class restaurants, sparkling beaches, great shopping, clubs and pubs, art galleries and theatre.

Sydney also offers the girls plenty of opportunities to mix with other children, and with its renowned outdoors and active lifestyle, they are bound to make friends easily. The eastern suburbs of Rose Bay, Bondi, Bondi Junction, Bronte & Coogee offer a great lifestyle and easy access to services such as shopping centres, supermarkets and medical services. They are also within close proximity to the City Centre and the airport. With the coastal beaches on the doorstep, the area makes for a great base for families to settle and get a sense of what it means to be Australian.


AUSTRALIAN SHORT BREAKSFrost Grand Tour

The Interior, Western Australia & The Northern Territories: 14 days

Uluru• The Red Centre is the spiritual heartbeat of the Australian Outback where iconic sym-

bols like Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) rise from the endless red sand dunes. This is the most spiritual of all Aboriginal sites and so a great place to start your exploration of this vast continent.

• Learn about the ancient cultures of the traditional owners of the land, told through dream-time story experiences, didgeridoo lessons, aboriginal language lessons, dot painting or survival techniques.

Mary River Wetlands• An abundance of bird and wildlife makes this one of Australia’s most exciting wildlife

destinations - Australia’s answer to the Okavango Delta. • Fishing trips, camping under canvas, crocodile safaris by air and sea, and tours to the

rock art galleries of Arnhem Land are all possible in this magical landscape.

Broome• Fly across King Sound by seaplane to discover Talbot Bay and hundreds of islands

in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Keep an eye out for whales, sea turtles, dugongs, crocodiles and sharks.

Ningaloo Reef• Fly further south to Exmouth and beautiful Ningaloo Reef - one of Australia’s best kept

secrets.• Arriving just in time, for the Whale Shark migration you might get the chance to swim

with these gentle giants. • From the beautiful beach side camp we can arrange game, reef and bone fishing.

Learning opportunities• Aboriginalfolklore,legends,introduc-

tiontotheAboriginallanguage,hunter/gathererandmedicinalaspectsaswellastheirconnectionwiththeland.

• BiologyandecologyandconservationattheMaryRiverWetlands&NingalooReef.

• AboriginalhistoryandarchaeologyatManduManduGorge.

• Learningtosnorkel&dive(ifnotdoneintheGalapagos).

• SwimmingwithWhaleSharksatNingalooReef.



The Interior, Western Australia & The Northern Territories: 14 days

• If you fancy some terrestrial time, nearby Mandu Mandu Gorge, is teeming with wild-life including Red Kangaroos, wallaroos, rock wallabies. Archaeologists can lead you to one of over 100 aboriginal sites dotted around which date over 30,000 years of human habitation.



Southern Australia: 7 days

Flinders Ranges• Flinders Ranges offers some of Australia’s most spectacular outback scenery. • We can think of no better place to get a true understanding of this region than at a

beautiful classic outback sheep station. • Tackle the foothills of the Elder Range on miles of footpaths or take the family moun-

tain biking. • Gain an insight to outback Australia’s early settler history over a pub lunch in a historic

local town.• The girls will enjoy getting involved in life at the station, feeding and shearing sheep.• Wildlife spotting with expert naturalists, if you are lucky you might see both Red and

Grey Kangaroos, Emus and the rare Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby. • With leading astronomers learn about the constellations in the never ending southern

sky.

Kangaroo Island• Stay at a stunning property overlooking the crashing waves of Kangaroo Island, for

many Australia’s very own Galapagos. • The island’s National Parks are a haven for wildlife and a great place to get close to

Australian nature. Greet sea lions lolling around Admiral’s Arch, and explore the vast labyrinth of nearby Kelly Hill Caves.

• The islands conservationists will be on hand to ensure the girls understand the impor-tance of protecting this fragile ecosystem and perhaps to learn from their Galapagos experiences.

Learning opportunities• GeologyandminingintheFlinders

Ranges• Lifeonaworkingfarm,sheepshearing

andexperiencingtherurallifestyle• Stargazingandastronomy• Settlerhistory• Conservation,biologyandecology

attheFlindersRangesandKangarooIsland



New South Wales & Tasmania: 7 days

Blue Mountains• The stunning World Heritage Greater Blue Mountains are an area of breathtaking

views, rugged tablelands, sheer cliffs, deep valleys and swamps teeming with life. • Just 3 hours drive from Sydney; the Blue Mountains are easily accessible by car, or via

wonderfully quick and dramatic helicopter flight. • Staying at a private conservation and wildlife reserve, this is a perfect weekend retreat.

It is ideal for nature walks, wildlife spotting, horse riding and getting involved in the reintroduction of rare flora and fauna.

Tasmania • There are fewer more enchanting spots in Tasmania than Freycinet Peninsula and the

pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay.• There’s a world of deserted islands, wild bush land and secluded beaches to explore:

From bush walks and gourmet picnics in remote locations to quad and mountain biking through the national park.

• Slip on waders and take a walk into the secret life of oysters and mussels at Freycinet Marine Farm. Don a jacket and spend an hour or so with one of Tasmania’s most renowned chefs to discover the techniques behind some really innovative culinary de-lights.

Image Headline

Learning opportunities• Conservationoftheendangered

EchidnaandreintroductionofrarefloraandfaunainTheBlueMountain.

• EvolutionofAustralia’suniquewildlifewhilestayingatatraditionalhomestead,visitedbyCharlesDarwinin1836.

• BushcampbuildingandbushartsintheBlueMountains.

• LearnaboutAustralia’ssportingprow-esswhilepassingthroughMelbourne.

• Victoria’shistory,artandarchitecture.• Theimportanceofwinegrowingto

Australia’seconomy.



Queensland & The Great Barrier Reef: 7 - 10 days

The Whitsundays & The Great Barrier Reef• Hayman & Hamilton Islands are surrounded by the unsurpassed beauty of the Great

Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s most remarkable natural gifts.• Charter a yacht to sail the Whitsunday Islands, unwind on the pristine sands of White-

haven Beach, or take a bird’s eye view on a private, scenic helicopter flight. • Head further out to sea for some of the best big game fishing in the world. • You might be lucky enough to see Green Sea Turtles feeding along the beaches at low

tide, while in June Humpback Whales begin their northern migration.• A multitude of activities is available: paddle-boarding, snorkelling, diving, bush walking

and meeting cute koalas.

Learning opportunities• Ecology&conservationofPlatypus,

SeaTurtles&HumpbackWhaleintheWhitsundays.

• Exploringthemarinebiologyandecosystemsoftheworld’sgreatestreef–TheGreatBarrierReef.

• Honingyourdivingskills.• LearningtosailintheWhitsundays.


INTERNATIONAL SHORT BREAKS Frost Grand Tour

New Zealand: 18 days

North Island• Learn about New Zealand’s indigenous culture at a Kohanga Reo (Maori pre-school)

and Kura Kaupapa (full immersion primary school). • Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands, to explore British colonisation

and its impact on Maori culture. • Sail Waitemata Harbour on an America’s Cup yacht.• Walk amongst steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers and bath in the

soothing thermal waters of Rotarua.

South Island• Walk on a glacier and understand how climate change is affecting New Zealand’s eco-

systems.• Uncover conservation efforts to protect New Zealand’s treasured bird, the Kiwi. Visit

Gannet & Albatross colonies and learn about the impressive migration of the wader birds that fly from Alaska to New Zealand each year. Swim with dolphins and seals, see whales and spy on the little blue penguins as they go about their business.

• Visit the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch.• New Zealand is all about adventure and the great outdoors: tree adventures (rope /

tree climbing experience), skiing or snowboarding, zip lining and luging, abseiling, jet boating, black water tubing and horse riding, rafting and bungee jumping...

• Cruise the length of stunning Millford Sound, with shorelines dotted with waterfalls, mountains and rainforest.

• April is a great time for alpine hunting – trophy stags, thar and chamois to name a few. • Discover delectable wine and food in the Marlborough region.

Learning opportunities• NewZealand’sindigenouscultureand

theimpactofBritishcolonization.• Geologyandtectonicplates.• HowclimatechangeisaffectingNew

Zealand’secosystems.• ConservationeffortstoprotectNew

Zealand’snationalbird,theKiwi.• Learnadventuresportsskiingor

snowboarding,zipliningandluging,abseiling,jetboating,raftingandbungeejumping.


INTERNATIONAL SHORT BREAKSFrost Grand Tour

Bali and Komodo: 10-14 days

Menjangan• As one of the island’s most protected areas it combines world class, snorkelling, diving

fishing, horse riding and beautiful treks, making it the perfect family escape.

Ubud• Verdant Ubud is a creative Mecca. Here the girls can learn Balinese music and dance

with some of the islands skilled teachers, providing the story and history to each of the dances.

• At Bali’s pioneering Green School the girls can take part in hands-on innovative envi-ronmental initiatives, including reintroduction of endangered bird species.

• If you are feeling a little more active then Ubud also has a host of adrenalin fuelled ac-tivities including white water rafting and canyoning, there are also plenty of great spas if you just want to relax and pamper yourself.

Komodo• Take a short plane ride from Bali or a 7 day private yacht to Komodo National park.• Here you will find the prehistoric Komodo dragon living wild, along with incredible Blue

Whales, Dolphins, Manta rays and a spectacular collection of tropical reef fish. • Explore the coastline by kayak, fish for tuna, and enjoy sunsets on your own deserted

island.

Learning opportunities• Activitieslikesnorkeling,diving,horse

riding.• UnderstandBalineseculturethrough

music,danceandcrafts.• EnvironmentaleducationatBali’s

GreenSchoolandevolutionandconservationonKomodoIsland.

• Insightintorituals&traditionsofBalineseHinduism.



Borneo: 10 days

Kota Kinabalu• Explore Sabah’s capital through the city’s pre-war, post-war and post-independence

eras. • Take a short drive to Kinabalu Park Malaysia’s First World Heritage Site for a canopy

walk, 60m above the forest floor, before cooling off in soothing natural springs.

Kinabatangan,• Fly to Sandakan and Turtle Island where scores of Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles

crawl onto the sands to lay their eggs each evening. Meet with conservationists to learn what measures are being taken to protect these enigmatic creatures.

• Visit the largest cave system in Sabah, home to over one million swiftlets, whose nests are collected for the famous Chinese Delicacy, bird’s nest soup.

• Continue to Bilit-Kinabatangan, exploring the virgin mangrove backwaters by boat in search of rare proboscis monkeys, Borneo pygmy elephants, orang-utans, and hornbill. At the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, spend the day feeding orphaned orang-utans.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park• Set on pristine beach, amongst mangrove groves, a rainforest backdrop, replete with its

own Marine Ecology Research centre, this is the perfect place for the family to unwind. • Home to sea turtles, clown fish, giant groupers, whale sharks, this is the perfect spot to

hone your diving or snorkelling skills. If the girls have ever wondered what it is like to be a marine biologist they can help the experts look for marine critters, replant coral fragments, test water quality and culture phytoplankton.

Learning opportunities• ExploringBritain’scoloniallegacyin

KotaKinabalu.• Conservationoftherainforests&how

thetradeinwildanimalsthreatensrainforestenvironments.

• Theimportanceofpreservingtheworld’srainforests,logging&carbonsinks.

• ReefprotectionandmarinebiologyatTunkuAbdulRahmanMarinePark.

• Experiencetribalcultures.



Philippines: 10 days

Palawan• From your own private island, yacht charter or another secluded island property, undis-

covered Palawan is the perfect family playground.• Explore rarely-visited villages where the girls can take part in basket ball matches with

local children or attend school for an afternoon. Trek through the jungle to the remains of a 17th century Spanish fort.

• Drop anchor in El Nido’s enchantingly beautiful Bacuit Bay. With its white sandy beach-es and crystal clear water, it’s not hard to see why it was the inspiration for Alex Gar-land’s novel the “The Beach”. With a renowned marine biologist, kayak to enchanting lagoons teeming with life.

• Use your diving skills in search of WWII Japanese and US wrecks at the Calamian Islands, which offer some of the most pristine diving in the world.

• Join leading researchers in search of the critically endangered Dugong in Tay Tay.

Learning opportunities• Sailing&kayaking.• Culturalinteractionwithotherchildren.• Europeancolonization.• WorldWarIIhistory.• Geology.• Marinebiology.• Conservation.• Diving&snorkelling.


ASIAFrost Grand Tour

Thailand - July 2013: 7 - 10 days

Bangkok• Alongside Bangkok’s world class zoo, countless theme parks and state of the art cinema

complexes, lies a hidden world of tradition, history and culture. • The girls can spend a few hours with young Thai artists to find out about each other

lives and learn some basic moves to a typical Khon (story of the Ramakien). Perhaps get messy making their own papier-mâché moulds with Bangkok’s last traditional mask maker.

• Backstage at a Thai puppet theatre meet the puppeteers and learn how the puppets work.

• A great way for children to learn about the Buddhist culture is by joining local people in offering alms to the neighbourhood monks. It’s an early start but well worth it, children will get a unique insight into the centuries old ritual.

• We’ll also show you some of the classic sights, the Grand Palace, the Royal Barge Mu-seum, Wat Arun, and the magnificent Temple of Dawn as well as some of the rarer sights.

Northern Thailand• Explore Chiang Mai, a dynamic and modern city, through its rich history and traditions.• Head further north to Chiang Rai, stopping along the way at the Elephant Nature Park.

Help to feed and bathe rescued elephants and learn about Thailand’s human elephant conflict from the parks owner.

• In Chiang Rai, trek elephants through lush jungle and spectacular mountain trails to Hill Tribes and magnificent ancient ruins. Unwind by swimming in waterfalls and enjoy the stunning mountain views across Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.

Learning opportunities• Discoveringtraditionalarts,crafts,

dance,musicandstorytellinginBangkok.

• MeetingyoungmonksandgainanunderstandingoftheimportanceofBuddhisminthelivesofmillionsofyoungpeoplearoundtheworld.

• Thaihistory,architecture&culinaryheritageinBangkok&ChiangMai.

• Conservation&rehabilitationofrescuedElephantsinChiangMai.

• Meetingethnicminoritiesandunder-standingthechallengestheyfaceinmodernThailand.



Cambodia - July 2013: 10 -12 days

Siem Reap• While Angkor Wat is the most famous of the temple complexes, the girls will more

likely recognise Ta Prohm temple from the Lara Croft - Tomb Raider movie. Over-grown by jungle trees and vines, it is the perfect place for a history themed treasure hunt or perhaps viewed by air from a helicopter.

• We suggest keeping temple visiting to mornings, allowing flexibility to include activities and time for the children’s study with their tutor in the afternoon. Siem Reap also has a rather good “ranch” (owned by an American Khmer) with western instructors.

• Khmer culture is rich in creativity and the Khmer Ceramics centre has been expanding its hands-on craft sessions to include carving and jewellery design.

• There are plenty of opportunities for walks out to villages, perhaps for a impromptu cooking lesson with a local family or a visit to a school.

• A boat trip across the Tonle Sap Lake and up the Stung Sangke past the stilted villages of the Khmer and Vietnamese communities.

Phnom Penh.• Explore the capital by cyclo, visiting The Royal Palace, Khmer Rouge sites to gain an

understanding of the events leading up to the Khmer Rouge taking power, and the subsequent fall.

• We would suggest combining this with a visit to the Cambodia Living Arts - an exam-ple of the emerging recovery from these events, and the reconnection with Cambo-dia’s rich cultural history.

• We can arrange (subject to health) a meeting with a Tuol Sleng survivor, while of course keeping in mind the girls ages in the recounting of his stories.

• At Ta Mao bear sanctuary, the girls can become a ’keeper for the day’, washing and feeding the bears and learning about their activities there.

Learning opportunities• Developmentandhowthisimpactson

theenvironment,indigenousminoritycultures,andlocaleconomies.

• Modernhistoryandpolitics-colonial-ism,thecoldwarandhowitaffectedtheIndochinawars,theKhmerRouge.

• Livesofthepeopleinadevelopingeconomy-lake-dwellers,mountaintribes,subsistencefarmers,moderncitylife.

• Khmerart,crafts,music&dance.• Ancienthistory-Angkor’sriseandfall

andhowthatfitsinwiththemoderndaycountriesandpolitics.



Cambodia - July 2013: 10 -12 days

• There are also possibilities to fish on the river for the Giant Mekong Catfish, one of the largest fresh water fish in the world.

Cambodia’s Islands• Unwind for a few days on Cambodia’s first private island.• Here you can cruise around off the coast of Sikhanouville onboard a beautifully fitted

long tail boat to discover Cambodia’s unspoiled shores. Take a private speedboat at night to see the natural phenomenon known as bioluminescence.

• Join your personal guide for a nature visit of Koh Rong’s mangrove forest. The twisting roots of the mangroves provide ideal shelter for fish and other marine creatures, while the branches offer the perfect lookout for birds such as resident kingfishers.

• Explore the local reefs around the islands and get to know some of the marine life.



Vietnam - July/August 2013: 10 - 12 days

Saigon• Wander through timeless alleys to ancient pagodas or explore a more recent, yet

equally fascinating history at the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, and the classic, French-colonial General Post Office.

• Venture out of Saigon into the verdant green countryside to the Chu Chi tunnels, and discover what life was like for the guerrilla fighters in the American Vietnamese war.

Nha Trang• Fly north to Nha Trang. Bordered by mountains, Nha Trang’s golden beach traces an

impressive swoop along a bay dotted with islands, reefs, a great aquarium and water park all waiting to be explored.

Hoi An• Head to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An, seemingly a million

miles and a three centuries from Saigon. Along the way we’ll stop off at the Buddhist, and formerly Viet Cong, sanctuary of Marble Mountain where the kids will enjoy ex-ploring this fascinating maze of caves.

• Learn how to source the freshest fish at the wholesale market before breakfast and have a fish-focused cooking class. Rest assured that we’ll reserve time for you to wan-der around the back streets of Hoi An to admire its delightfully eclectic architecture infused by Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese influences.

• Spend the afternoon whipping up a catwalk-inspired creation with one of the town’s renowned tailors.

• The girls might enjoy a lantern making class before meeting the chefs at Streets – a restaurant the helps train local kids employable skills.

Learning opportunities• Vietnam’sFrenchcoloniallegacy.• TheAmericanVietnamesewar• Vietnam’srecenteconomicboom&its

modernperceptionintheworld.• Buddhistcultureanditsfunctionina

communistcountry.• Vietnam’sculinaryheritage.• Architecture,arts,craftsandtheImpe-

riallegacy.



Vietnam - July/August 2013: 10 - 12 days

Hue• A dragon boat cruise down the wonderfully named Perfume River.• Uncover a city packed with temples, tombs, palaces and pagodas. • Kite flying is still an interesting game for all generations in this former Imperial city and

you can meet a traditional kite craftsman to learn how to create a kite yourself.

Hanoi• Discover Hanoi’s old quarter taking in some of the key sites including; Ho Chi Minh’s

Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Hanoi Hilton Pris-on.

• Hanoi Children Palace summer school scheme offers the prefect places for the girls to spend a morning meeting some of the children who live in the city, playing sports, games, painting martial arts and dance.

• Visit the serene Museum of Ethnology which offers a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups.



Mongolia - August 2013: 10 days

Ulanbator• The capital of Mongolia is where the contrast between ancient traditions and a 21st

century democracy is most visible. Here traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries sit side by side with modern high-rises.

• Ulanbator’s Natural History Museum, showcases the spectacular fossils unearthed in the Gobi.

• Monasteries across the country are again opening their doors to worshippers and the few lamas who survived the Stalinist purges are training a new generation of monks.

Hovsgol National Park• Hovsgol National Park offers some of the most pristine forests, mountains, and mead-

ows in the world. • Ride horses through alpine forests, hike, fish, kayak and visit meet with local shamen. • While staying with a local family at a ger camp you might also be lucky enough to see

rare animals such as moose, beaver, elk, and ibex.

The Gobi Desert• Accompany nomads to track the Northern Hemisphere’s most rare and elusive mam-

mals, such as the dhole, snow leopard, and Gobi bear.• Take a helicopter to the legendary Flaming Cliffs, where in 1923 the first nest of dino-

saur egg was discovered. The ancient formations are still rich with fossils, and palaeon-tologists continue to make significant discoveries.

• Spend afternoons playing traditional Mongolian games, camel trekking in the dunes, sand surfing, biking, and visiting nomadic families.

• Study 30,0000 year old petroglyphs.• Camp overnight in the desert and learn traditional dancing and singing.

Learning opportunities• Discoveracenturies-oldbutfast

disappearingnomadicwayoflifeandhowlocalsarebeingempoweredtopreservetheirtraditions.

• ThelegacyofGenghisKhanandthelargestcontiguousempireintheworld’shistory.

• JoinpaleontologistsattheFlamingCliffsintheGobidesert–siteofthefirstdinosaureggtobediscovered.

• Geologyanddesertification–howclimatechangeisaffectingtheshiftingsands.

• StalinistruleanditsaffectonBuddhism.• Conservationeffortsinprotectingthe

fragileGobiecology.• Experiencingtraditionalnomadiclifein

theGobithroughmedicines,customssonganddance.

• Archaeologicaldiscoveriesand30,0000yearsofhabitation.



Bhutan - August 2013: 10 days

Thimphu• The opportunity to be surrounded by some of the most influential people in the

country. From the King’s personal teacher guiding you through the history of the lands to philanthropic opportunities with the Queen Mothers.

• As the tiny Kingdoms capital, Thimphu provides access to the National Textile Mu-seum, Folk Heritage Museum and the bustling Changlingmethang Market.

Gangtey• The Black Mountains National Park in the Gantey Valley are one of Bhutan’s most im-

portant wildlife sanctuaries, mainly inhabited by shepherds and nomadic yak-herders.• Visiting the ancient altars and ramparts of the massive Goemba. • Numerous nature walks and trek.

Bumthang • Across the valley lie many of the Kingdom’s most auspicious and highly revered hous-

es of worship and ancient monasteries, many decorated with still vibrant ancient wall paintings and richly adorned altars, all with colourful, mystical histories.

Paro • Pristine landscapes, ancient dzongs secluded villages and fantastic cycling routes be-

neath the peaceful presence of Himalayan peaks.• Paro is believed to be one of the first valleys to have welcomed Buddhism in the East-

ern Himalayas. Two 7th century temples bear splendid witness to that arrival — Kyichu Lhakhang and Taktsang Goemba.

• The National Museum displays an intriguing collection of artefacts that illustrate the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.

Learning opportunities• Buddhistculture,history&tradition.• TheroleoftheroyalfamilyinBhuta-

neselife-GrossNationalHappiness.• Theeffectofglobalisedworldonthe

smallmountainkingdom.• Localcustoms,traditions&festivals.• BhutanesearchitectureandMythology.


Afghanistan, Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Bhutan, Bolivia, Borneo, Botswana, Cambodia, Chile & Easter Island,

China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Dubai, Ecuador, France, Galapagos Islands, Greenland, Iceland, India, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Java & Bali, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Madagascar, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand,

Oman, Papua New Guinea, Patagonia, Philippines, Rwanda, Seychelles, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri LankaSwitzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, Vietnam, Zambia

FOLLOW US.Europe, Middle East, South America,

Asia, Africa, Australasia

grand tour frost edition

Documents