Travelling to Delhi or Mumbai is a unique cultural experience, especially to first time travellers in India. However, if you scratch the surface you will discover some of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. Here are a few of our favourites! Delhi is a city that brings together two worlds, that of […]
I am captivated by the magic of India and this was my second trip to this fascinating country. As I stepped out of the airport at Chennai where we were to stay for the first couple of days, I put aside my Western values and allowed myself to be overwhelmed by the noise, the smells (aromatic and otherwise!), […]
In 1994, Wendy Wu, a petroleum chemistry graduate, approached Barry Alsop at American Express Travel, expressing her desire to lead a group to China. Despite initial skepticism, Wendy returned a few months later, ready to depart with her group. Barry seemed surprised but impressed. Looking back at this time, Wendy reflects; “When I led my […]
Day 1 MORNING Start the morning with a visit to the beautiful lakeside Summer Palace, described as the ‘masterpiece of Chinese garden landscape design’. Wander through the gardens and around the man-made lake, over arched bridges, and along the pretty promenades and pavilions. You’re likely to see groups of locals practising Tai Chi. For a […]
Samarkand is a truly remarkable place and its epicentre, Registan Square, is one of the most beautiful places in which you could spend time. It comprises a huge square surrounded by three medressas (religious learning centres) all built around 15th century but the ravages of time, lack of maintenance, war and earthquakes saw it badly neglected until […]
We stayed one night in Tashkent and return here before we head home. Little time to sightsee but the city appears modern and sophisticated. We flew Uzbekistan Air (another modern Boeing 757) to Urgench than drove to the historic city of Khiva. Our hotel was very comfortable and just outside one of the gates into the […]