Incredible Journeys
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEY’S
SMALL GROUP ESCORTED TOURS- MAXIMUM 16 TO A TOUR
ACTC’s “Incredible Journeys” program is for people who view travel as an integral element of their lives. These tours deliver unique travel opportunities and experiences – precisely for you, the world explorer.
The “Incredible Journeys” are specially designed by Mark Madhukar Sood & Debika Sen, who utilize their more than 32 years of experience to tailor make special tours for the travelers longing for tours out of the ordinary, off the beaten path with extraordinary experiences, every step of the way.
ACTC’s “Incredible Journeys” offers travel with personal service, innovative journeys and unique insider’s opportunities not available anywhere else in the travel community.
“Happy Thanksgiving Debika and Mark. Your tours and villas have added a depth of meaning to our lives that is hard to put into words. In brief, you’ve guided Sally and me to see and to learn the breadth of human capabilities across time and across the world. Take care- R. Roberts
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“Let us make your dream of travel a reality.”
The Exotic travel destinations “Incredible Journeys” offers are infused with a kaleidoscopic blend of enchantment and sensual indulgence. Unique local events and festivals create unforgettable moments- not typically seen by outsiders ensuring an experience that no previous travel compares. The possibilities of intoxicating experiences are diverse that have been hand crafted for your pleasure.
*Our portfolio includes new journeys to India, Mongolia, Bhutan, Peru, Chile, Indonesia, Cambodia-Laos & Vietnam, Uganda , South Africa & more details.
ABOUT YOUR TOUR HOSTS/MANAGER’s: Mark Madhukar Sood & Debika Sen
Tour Managers are responsible for organizing, planning and conducting long distance expeditions, travel, and tours. They make sure that the tour runs smoothly from one place to other without any issue. In an ideal world, a tour manager has one job: “Making sure you don’t have to worry about anything else”. Mark & Debika understand it well. They have over 35 years’ experience leading tours to exotic destinations. “It’s all about knowing the destination, the culture, history of the countries visited and having good communication- says Mark, who has led many successful tours to Asia, Africa, South America and more.
“I like to say that being a Tour Manager is a bit like being a mom because I take care of my guests like they are my family. I take them to new beginnings and show them that they can change their point of view by experiencing new things. I make them laugh, give advice, share helpful tips with them, teach them about the world, tell them stories, share hugs and appreciation. My biggest reward is seeing dreams come true–just like a mom. Being able to show people the world is the best part of being a Tour Manager and it’s what keeps me on the road” – Debika
We are in part diplomat, part guardian, and part logistics guru: We understand, If the road goes on forever, then it’s the tour managers who keep the wheels turning”. Mark & Debika will be with you each step of the way to help you make the most of the opportunities. We invite you to join us and experience our tours and destinations as we see it and know it.
2021 – APRIL 4 to 18
The allure of Southeast Asia is in the unexpected blend of stunning pagodas and romantic colonial architecture; the colorful cacophony of market streets where silks and silver are sold next to cilantro and roasted fish; the terraced rice fields and timeless villages. Walk the historic streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Board a traditional-style junk for a cruise on Vietnam’s magnificent Ha Long Bay. Explore caves and waterfalls in the jungles surrounding Laos’ beautiful Luang Prabang. In Cambodia Phnom Penh offers then chance to understand the country’s culture and history. No trip would be complete without visiting Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex – it really is one of the wonders of the world.
2020, 2021 & 2022 – Nov. 26 to Dec. 9
Dominated by the mighty Himalayas, bordering Tibet, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Bhutan, North East India is a fascinating tapestry of culture. Unparalleled in the diversity and isolation of its tribes, the people here continue an authentic, traditional way of life in one of the world`s bio-diversity hot-spots. Join tribal celebrations at Manipur’s Sangai Festival and at Nagaland`s Hornbill Festival. Meet the ancient and little known tribes of Nagaland & Manipur & search for the unicorn rhino on elephant back in Kaziranga. North East India offers the ultimate off-the-beaten-track cultural experiences.
2020– Oct. 15 to 29, 2021– Oct. 5 to 19, 2022 – Sep. 25 to Oct. 9
There are certain places that have the ability to capture the romance and magnificence of an era that once was. Hampi (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 -1565 is one of them. A walk through the ruins in the area is more than just a sightseeing expedition as the monuments and ruins present contrasting imagery. Next witness the cradle of Indian temple architecture at Aihole, Badami & Pattadakal that are steeped in history. Begin tour with the Old City of Hyderabad, one of India’s most evocative ancient quarters. Looming over the old city are some of Islamic India’s most impressive architecture. Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi and left their impressions on the town. The Chinese fishing nets swaying in the breeze over the backwaters, the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, the Bolghatty Palace and Portuguese architecture in Kochi enrich the heritage of Kerala.
Experience the magic of India’s longest festival- Navratri – 9 nights of dancing, Durga Puja culminating with famous: MYSORE DASARA FESTIVAL
2020 – Oct. 13 to 26, 2021- Oct. 3 to 16
India is a land of festivals. The harmony of different cultures and traditions is best experienced during festivals in the country. During Navratri for 9 nights people gather in open spaces to celebrate and perform Ras Garba. One can experience ‘Unity in diversity’ during Dussehra celebrations that take place in every state of the country. Whichever part of the country you are in you will experience a different Dussehra altogether. Join ACTC to see the three distinctly different celebrations of same festival beginning in Gujarat , Western India, Bengal in the East and Karnataka in the South– Architecture, Ancient History, Tribal’s, Handicrafts, Royalty & MORE.
2021(Price and Tours dates – TBA)
East Africa’s largest country remains one of the continent’s most definitive and stirringly original safari destinations. Blessed with a string of superlatives unmatched on the continent: Africa’s highest mountain, its largest game reserve, its biggest volcanic caldera, its oldest human settlement; and – towering above all other safari experiences – the awe-inspiring spectacle of 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and antelopes crossing the Serengeti plains, in what naturalists the world over consistently rate as “the greatest wildlife show on Earth. Sauti za Busara (Swahili for “Sounds of Wisdom”) Zanzibar music festival brings an explosion of African music and culture to the shores of Zanzibar. The Zanzibar music festival takes place across the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stone Town, Venue of Old Fort: is a stunning piece of Omani colonial architecture which has stood for over 200 years and remains the oldest surviving building in town. The Zanzibar music festival kicks off with a blazing carnival and street parade through town.
2020- Nov. 13 to 28
The Pushkar Camel Fair is unique and special in the entire world. During the fair, people from rural India flock to Pushkar, along with camel and cattle, for several days of livestock trading, horse dealing, pilgrimage, and religious festivals. This small town becomes a cultural phenomenon when colorfully dressed devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders, comedians, ‘sadhus’ gather during Pushkar Fair. The open-air festival is filled with camel races, acrobats, fortune tellers, dancing. shopping and feasting. Diwali, the “Festival of Lights”, is the most important & biggest festivals celebrated in India. Every year on the nights of Diwali, countless candles and diya lamps are lit, firecrackers are set, homes are decorated, gifts are given, sweets are shared. Happiness is everywhere. If there is a time to experience India at its sweetest, it’s during Diwali.
We’ve combined this authentic cultural experience with UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
2021 – Mar. 21 to Apr. 4, 2022 – Mar. 10 to 24, 2023 – Feb. 28 to Mar. 14
Glamorous and beguiling, North India crackles with energy and color. North India is certainly the most visited region of India. Enchanting Rajasthan represents India at its most vibrant and colorful, stay at the impossibly glamorous palaces, many of them have been converted into Hotels. CELEBRATE INDIA’S FESTIVAL OF COLORS & GANGAUR FESTIVAL
DISCOVER NEPAL
2021– Aug. 19 to 28
10 days visiting: Kathmandu, Patan, Bhadgaon. Mt Everest flightseeing, Chitwan National Park, Pokhara & Indra Jatra Festival
2022– Aug. 29 to Sep. 13, 2023– Sep. 17 to 29, 2024– Sep. 5 to 18 (14 days)
13 Days visiting: Kathmandu, Patan, Bhadgaon. Mt Everest flightseeing, Chitwan National Park, Lumbini, Pokhara, Haritalika Teej & Indra Jatra Festivals
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: Experience two of the best festivals of Nepal
INDRA JATRA is the largest and most significant of Nepal’s festivals, as it is several festivals rolled into one. The 8-day spectacle is held to propitiate Indra, the god of rain and heaven, and Bhairab, another form of Lord Shiva, as also to hail Kumari, the living goddess. Kumari Jatra, the procession of the resplendent, garland bedecked young girl seated atop a rope drawn chariot, which is truly a mesmerizing sight to behold. Watch the exciting festival of chariot processions, masked dances, religious enactments, lights, color & Living Goddess Kumari as the center of celebrations.
HARITALIKA TEEJ FESTIVAL is observed over 3 days and is an occasion for Hindu women decked up in red sarees and red tika, bangles, singing and dancing to traditional folk songs for days. It is a sight to behold at the Pashupatinath temple, where thousands of women throng the premises of the temple. Witness women of all age group, young and old, dance for hours.
2021- Mar. 8 to 21
Indonesia is an archipelago in Southeast Asia consisting of 17,000 islands that straddles the Equator. The 6,000 inhabited islands that make up Indonesia are home to a diversity of cultures and indigenous beliefs. Bali is the festive face of Indonesia, the jewel in its crown. “Island of the Gods” and “Morning of the World” Profoundly influenced by its rich Hindu culture, Bali has 20,000 temples, 60 annual religious holidays, and 2,000 dance troupes. Hardly a day goes by without a celebration, a procession, or some other festivity. Witness ODALAN RELIGIOUS & MELASTI FESTIVAL– A precursor to Nyepi (New Years day) held in every town and village. OGOH OGOH the most interesting event among the series of Nyepi Ceremonies. Torajaland: the land that time forgot-Humans in every culture throughout history have had questions about life after death. Few cultures, however, invest so much emotionally, spiritually, physically and socially in such metaphysical questions as do the Toraja. Toraja land is a place unlike any other, both for its unique culture and its stunning landscapes.
The results, as you’ll see in our own traveler’s words, speak for themselves.
In Their Own Words:
