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Press Releases


CHAMPAGNE WISHES AND CHRISTIAN DIOR DREAMS

Travcoa Presents a Celebration of Luxury Travel and Designer Fashion in 2012

 

EL SEGUNDO, CA (January 17, 2012) –Travcoa, the world leader in luxury travel, is pleased to present the Tour d’Élégance, the definitive France experience for fashionistas, foodies, and luxury travel connoisseurs. As one of Travcoa’s Travel Director-inspired Invitational Journeys, the exclusive itinerary offers private entry to some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses – Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Hermès – complete with behind-the-scenes access to private art collections, insight into brand history and development, private salon viewing, fittings, and personalized shopping. A celebrity stylist will also accompany the entire journey.

 

In addition to fashion, the Tour d’Élégance also offers insights into France’s rich gastronomic traditions. Guests will not only dine at Michelin-star restaurants throughout France, but will also have the opportunity to participate in private culinary lessons in Paris at the Alain Ducasse Cooking School and in Lyon with instruction led by Philippe LeChat. The journey will also feature wine tastings and parings at notable wineries such as Ruinart, one of the oldest champagne houses in France.

 

“The Tour d’Élégance is an exceptional way to experience France,” stated Jerre Fuqua, President of Travcoa. “From exclusive fashion opportunities to the foremost in food and culture, this journey is filled with experiences perfect for the fashion aficionado or discerning traveler. Furthermore, many of the experiences on this itinerary are not accessible without Travcoa’s long-standing relationships with the premiere providers in France.”

 

The Tour d’Élégance is priced at $25,990 per person based on double occupancy, takes place June 22 – July 4, 2012, and is limited to just 14 guests. For more information about the Tour d’Élégance, to request a brochure, or to make a reservation, please contact Travoca at 1-800-992-2003 or go online at www.travcoa.com.

 

About Travcoa:

Travcoa has been leading luxury adventures and in-depth explorations of the world’s most interesting destinations since 1954. The company offers three types of travel experiences around the globe: small-group Escorted Journeys with comprehensive itineraries guided by professional Travel Directors; pre-designed and priced Independent Journeys for travelers who prefer private travel on a date of their choice; and Tailor-Made Journeys crafted to individual traveler specifications.

 

CONTACTS:

Kelsey Tomascheski

PR & Communications Manager

kelsey@tuinas.com

 

Richard Genovese

Vice President of Marketing

richardg@travcoa.com

1-800-992-2003

www.travcoa.com

 

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TRAVCOA ANNOUNCES 2012 EUROPE BROCHURE

New Line-up of Exclusive Escorted & Independent Journeys Proves Europe is Worth a Second Look

 

EL SEGUNDO, CA (January 9, 2012) –Travcoa, the world leader in luxury travel, has just released the company’s 2012 Europe Brochure, a digest-sized brochure filled with itineraries and insight into the best of luxury European travel in the upcoming year. From escorted small-group journeys that are limited to just 18 like-minded travelers, to independent travel itineraries for clients looking for a private experience, Travcoa has assembled a collection of intriguing European offerings to less traveled destinations. Eastern Europe highlights feature Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Macedonia while Western Europe favorites include Italy, Spain, France, Russia and Scotland.

 

As always, Travcoa’s Escorted and Independent Journeys feature luxury accommodations, rewarding cultural encounters and privileged behind-the-scenes access. Additionally, guests on Travcoa’s small-group Escorted Journeys to Europe enjoy all meals courtesy of Travcoa’s exclusive Dine-Around Program, while single travelers can save 50% off the Single Supplement on select departures.

 

“I would like to personally invite the travel trade community to rediscover Travcoa’s Europe in 2012,” stated Jerre Fuque, President of Travoca. “Our brochure includes distinctive Escorted and Independent Journeys that will give your clients a truly sophisticated and intimate European experience.”

 

Travcoa is hosting two upcoming webinars featuring Europe: on January 11, 2012 at 11:00AM PT Richard Genovese, Vice President of Marketing, will present an overview of the 2012 Europe brochure and an introduction to the recently announced ‘France: Tour D’Élégance’ and ‘Images of Ireland’ Invitational Journeys; on January 18, 2012 at 11:00 AM PT, renown Travel Director Jane Vermeulen will host a session on Eastern Europe, featuring Croatia and Slovenia. Agents can register for these webinars online at www.travcoa.com/travel-agents.

 

For more information, to request copies of the 2012 Europe brochure, or to make a reservation, please contact Travoca at 1-800-992-2003 or go online at www.travcoa.com.

 

About Travcoa: Travcoa has been leading luxury adventures and in-depth explorations of the world’s most interesting destinations since 1954. The company offers three types of travel experiences around the globe: small-group Escorted Journeys with comprehensive itineraries guided by professional Travel Directors; pre-designed and priced Independent Journeys for travelers who prefer private travel on a date of their choice; and Tailor-Made Journeys crafted to individual traveler specifications.

 

CONTACTS:

Kelsey Tomascheski

PR & Communications Manager

kelsey@tuinas.com

 

Richard Genovese

Vice President of Marketing

richardg@travcoa.com

1-800-992-2003

www.travcoa.com

 

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Tour Operator Travcoa Reports Improved Booking Trends for Luxury Travel 

June 2011

 

El Segundo, Calif. - Luxury adventure travel company Travcoa has announced the earlier-than-ever release of its coming-year product line in order to meet early traveler demand and improved interest in higher priced products compared to recent years, reflecting what company executives view as clear booking trends by luxury travel consumers. 

 

With an average sale of over $10,000 per person and operations ranging from luxury culinary journeys to explorations through Mongolia, Iran and remote Africa, Travcoa clientele purchase behavior provides encouraging insight into the affluent traveler’s current mindset and spending confidence. Clients of the of the 57 year-old travel company, a luxury unit of Britain’s TUI Travel PLC, have extended the typical advance travel planning timeline to almost 10 months, up from 6-8 months in prior years. 

 

“This is obviously a significant development for us and the luxury travel industry overall”, said Travcoa’s President, Jerre Fuqua, “we’ve not seen so many travelers asking to finalize travel plans so far out for many years. We really pushed hard for an early finalization of 2012 prices and we’re now in a great position to meet traveler needs and capitalize on the improved trends.” 

 

Travcoa’s Vice President of Marketing, Richard Genovese, added “While we may have seen hesitancy for consumers to spend and commit early for luxury travel over the past two to three years, that’s all definitely changed in recent months – our bookings from October through present are up almost 90% over the same period last year, and demand for our higher priced tours has markedly improved.” 

 

The California-based company’s currently available 2012 tours will include more than 38 small-group guided journeys worldwide, each with multiple departure dates, and over 50 ready-to-book packages designed for independent travelers. Details of the new product lineup and a digital version of the company's annual catalog, the World Traveler's Dream Book, can be found on the company’s website at www.travcoa.com . The print version of the 2012 World Traveler’s Dream Book will be available mid-June and can be ordered online. 

 

About Travcoa 

Travcoa has been leading luxury adventures and in-depth explorations of the world’s most interesting destinations since 1954. The company offers three types of travel experiences around the globe: small-group Escorted Journeys with comprehensive itineraries guided by professional Travel Directors; pre-designed and priced Independent Journeys for travelers who prefer an exclusive traveling party and their own departure date; and bespoke Tailor-Made Journeys that are crafted specifically to individual traveler specifications. For more information and to order a brochure visit http://www.travcoa.com or call (800) 992-2003.

 

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Media Contact: 

Perry Lungmus 

Travcoa 

206-508-3021

 


 

 

Tour Operator Travcoa Reports Improved Interest in Travel to China 

May 2011

 

El Segundo, Calif. – Luxury adventure travel company Travcoa reported this week that North American demand for travel to China has increased significantly for late 2011 and early 2012 departures, for both small-group and independent travel, compared to recent years. The company attributes the increase to the recent unrest in North Africa and the Middle East which has redirected travelers to other regions. As a result, Travcoa will increase capacity to China in early October to meet consumer demand. 

 

According to Travcoa’s President, Jerre Fuqua, travel to China had waned for a period following the 2008 summer Olympics but rebounded sharply earlier this year as unrest in popular tourist destinations such as Egypt escalated. “China has always been a strong part of our portfolio”, said Fuqua, “but it’s clearly picked up over the past few months.” 

 

The company operates three Escorted Journeys to China including 13- and 21-day itineraries which explore key highlights and feature a Yangtze River cruise, plus a 22-day Silk Road adventure through western China and Central Asia in September. Prices start at $5,475 per person based on double occupancy. Limited availability remains for the 2011 Escorted Journey departure dates except October 3, however, the company recently opened reservations for all 2012 dates. Demand for China in terms of private arrangements for independent travelers has also increased over the same period. 

 

Travcoa will conduct a live, online webinar highlighting its 2011 and 2012 journeys to China on Wednesday, June 1, 2011, hosted by Travcoa Travel Director, Sharon Zimmerman. Registration for the webinar and information about all of Travcoa’s China tours can be found at www.travcoa.com/chinaor by calling Travoca at 800-992-2003. 

 

About Travcoa 

Travcoa has been leading luxury adventures and in-depth explorations of the world’s most interesting destinations since 1954. The company offers three types of travel experiences around the globe: small-group Escorted Journeys with comprehensive itineraries guided by professional Travel Directors; pre-designed and priced Independent Journeys for travelers who prefer an exclusive traveling party and their own departure date; and bespoke Tailor-Made Journeys that are crafted to individual traveler specifications. For more information and to order a brochure visit http://www.travcoa.comor call 800-992-2003.

 

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Media Contact: 

Perry Lungmus 

Travcoa 

206-508-3021

 


 

Travcoa Announces New Culinary Journeys to Iberia and Southeast Asia 

March 2011

 

El Segundo, Calif. – Luxury tour operator Travcoa has announced the introduction of two new, small-group escorted journeys for autumn, 2011 focused on the culinary pleasures of the Iberian Peninsula and Southeast Asia. Travelers on each journey will explore local markets, learn the nuances of authentic regional dishes, and experience some of the world’s most celebrated cuisines through visits to small, local restaurants and well-known, fine-dining establishments. 

 

Culinary Asia is a 15-day journey beginning September 10, 2011 and delving deep into the culinary heritage of Singapore, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Hong Kong. Designed and led by veteran Travcoa Travel Director Amber Medkiff, this journey will uncover the unique spices, ancient secrets and modern techniques used in preparing each region’s distinctive delicacies through cooking classes at famous schools in each destination. The itinerary also includes comprehensive daily sightseeing and special events such as a private visit to the renowned Prasart Museum in Bangkok, an elephant trekking adventure to visit the indigenous tribes in Northern Thailand, and an outdoor Tai Chi class in Hong Kong. Hotels for Culinary Asia are some of the world’s top addresses including the famed Raffles Hotel Singapore, the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and The Peninsula Hong Kong. The all-inclusive land price for Culinary Asia is $9,995 per person, based on double occupancy. 

 

Flavors of Iberia is a 19-day adventure through Portugal and Spain to experience the diversity of excellent food and wines on the Iberian Peninsula. Departing on August 31, 2011 the journey will be guided by Travcoa’s popular Argentinean Travel Director Marta Luna. Flavors of Iberia first explores the history and culinary delicacies of Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, the famous Porto region and the Douro Valley sampling Portugal’s finest cheeses, olives and wines enroute. Guests will then venture into Northern Spain to discover the history and distinctive cuisines of the medieval Basque towns of Baiona, Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastian before concluding in vibrant Barcelona. Daily sightseeing highlights include wine tastings, a private cruise on the Douro River, privately guided tours of the pilgrimage sites and fishing villages along the route a plus a privately guided visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Accommodations are in a variety of the region’s top properties, from boutique luxury hotels such as Lisbon’s Lapa Palace and Barcelona’s El Palace, to the modern Gran Hotel Domine in Bilbao and three elegant, historic Spanish paradores. The all-inclusive land price for Flavors of Iberia is $15,995 per person based on double occupancy. 

 

Both Itineraries are for one date only and have been designed by the leaders of the journeys in order to make the most of personal contacts and insider knowledge. Each journey is limited to a maximum of 18 guests and include deluxe accommodations, daily sightseeing, all meals, cooking classes, excursions, tips and fees.

 

About Travcoa 

Travcoa has been leading culinary journeys and in-depth explorations of the world’s most interesting destinations since 1954, and offers three types of travel experiences around the globe: small-group “Escorted Journeys” with comprehensive itineraries and guided by professional Travel Directors; pre-designed and priced "Independent Journeys" for travelers who prefer an exclusive traveling party and departure date; and bespoke "Tailor-Made Journeys" crafted specifically to individual traveler specifications.

 

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Media Contact: 

Perry Lungmus 

Travcoa 

206-508-3021

 


 

Tour Operator Travcoa Announces Savings for Single Travelers 

February 2011

 

El Segundo, Calif. – Luxury tour operator Travoca has announced a 50 percent reduction in the supplements for single travelers on eight, small-group Escorted Journeys departing through September, 2011. The company further plans an ongoing campaign in 2011 and 2012 to reduce the supplements typically paid by single travelers. 

 

“Travcoa’s small-group Escorted Journeys have always been a popular choice for single travelers due to the services and attention of a Travcoa Travel Director and because we always ensure our singles get exactly the same room categories and benefits as other travelers.” said Travcoa president Jerre Fuqua, “We’re now doubling our efforts with hotel partners to reduce rates and make Travcoa journeys an even greater value for the single traveler in the coming years.” 

 

Eight select departure dates are being offered to single travelers at the 50 percent single supplement discount in 2011. The journeys include a balance of classic European destinations and more adventurous journeys in Asia and Africa. Savings on these departures range from approximately $500 to almost $1000: 

  • Ancient Crossroads of Turkey & Armenia departing May 12, 2011 features the unique cultural, historical and geological highlights of Turkey and Armenia. 
  • Undiscovered Italy departing June 24, 2011 voyages along the beautiful Italian east coast visiting historic and charming but less visited town and villages. 
  • Timeless Namibia by Private Plane departing June 18, 2011 explores the fascinating cultures, wildlife and landscapes of one of Africa’s most beautiful countries. 
  • Splendors of Sicily departing June 24, 2011 features a unique blend of history with the famous hospitality, food and wines of the legendary island. 
  • North Korea departing September 11, 2011 allows a first-hand, insider’s view of this complex, enigmatic nation. 
  • Resplendent Russia departing September 1, 2011 offers a luxurious and in-depth view of Russia’s rich history and artistic treasures. 
  • Albania, Macedonia & Beyond departing September 16, 2011 explores the fascinating cultures and historic sites of a rarely visited region. 
  • The Nile Revealed departing September 4, 2011 provides an insider’s view on a classic journey through 5000 years of history. 

 

Due to limited room availability at many of the smaller properties used on Travcoa’s journeys, single traveler offers are subject to availability and may be capacity controlled. For more information about current and future single travel offers see http://www.travcoa.com/single-traveler or contact Travcoa reservations at 800-992-2003. 

 

About Travcoa 

Travcoa has been leading in-depth explorations of the world’s most interesting destinations since 1954, and offers three types of travel experiences around the globe: small-group “Escorted Journeys” with comprehensive itineraries and guided by professional Travel Directors; “Private Journeys” for independent travelers who prefer an exclusive traveling party and departure date; and “Expeditions” to remote destinations and events around the world using specially configured Boeing 757s, expedition cruise ships or classic airliners.

 

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Media Contact: 

Perry Lungmus 

Travcoa 

206-508-3021

 


 

Travcoa Unveils Unique European Travel Options for 2011 

February 2011

 

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - Luxury tour operator Travcoa unveiled their 2011 Europe brochure this week revealing a variety of off-the-beaten-path explorations into Western, Central and Eastern Europe. The company expects Europe to once again be a top selling destination among its North American travelers in the coming year with strong demand for its unusual small-group Escorted Journeys in the region. 

 

“As a result of research and traveler feedback, we’re focused on more remote European regions than in recent years.” said Travcoa President, Jerre Fuqua. “We’re venturing into areas that travelers understand are best experienced by joining escorted journeys. This operating philosophy is very consistent with Travcoa’s pioneering travel legacy”. 

 

The new 2011 catalog features nine Escorted Journeys for a maximum of 18 guests including a 13-day Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro itinerary that includes three UNESCO World Heritage sites plus exploration into small, less visited villages and sites. Also featured are a 16-day journey into Albania, Macedonia and northern Greece; a 17-day adventure through Turkey and Armenia; a 12-day exploration into less-traveled Italy and a 15-day Lapland Reindeer Safari operating in March, 2012 with an overnight at the famous Ice Hotel in Sweden. 

 

“Even in classic destinations such as Sicily, our small group operates very flexibly to take advantage of those serendipitous opportunities that arise on every journey.” added Richard Genovese, Travcoa’s Vice President of Marketing “It’s not unusual for a Travcoa Travel Director to buy last-minute tickets for the group to an evening performance at one of the ancient Roman theaters or to organize impromptu events and parties that would be impossible with larger groups. Those are the things that guests often remember most fondly.” 

 

The company continues to offer their trademark Dine-Around option in 2011, whereby guests may dine out at any restaurant they wish and be fully reimbursed by Travcoa for the total cost of the meal, excepting alcohol and caviar. The company is now the only major US tour operator to offer this independent dining feature, especially popular with travelers on European journeys. The 2011 catalog includes detailed dining recommendations for each journey provided by the respected monthly publication, Passport Newsletter

 

A separate sampling of Travcoa’s 2011 European Independent Journeys, pre-packaged and pre-priced itineraries that are designed for couples, families or friends who prefer to travel privately, have been included into the new brochure and also feature many unusual destinations. The 10 Independent Journey selections include explorations of Bulgaria, Poland and Corsica. These Independent Journeys can also be booked by travelers to complement an Escorted Journey. 

 

Also newly-added for 2011 are four, small-ship expeditions offered in partnership with Travcoa’s sister-company, Zegrahm Expeditions. Journeys include explorations into remote areas of the Mediterranean and Black Sea aboard the 110-guest Clipper Odyssey along with suggested independent pre- or post-cruise Travcoa land arrangements. 

 

In addition to the focus on more unusual European destinations, the offerings also emphasize traveler value in these regions and the advantages of a stronger dollar compared to 2009 and 2010. Based on preliminary response to the unique European journeys that have been advertised on the company’s website since early September, Travcoa executives anticipate especially robust demand for Europe in the coming year. 

 

About Travcoa 

Travcoa has been leading in-depth explorations of the world’s most interesting destinations since 1954, and offers three types of travel experiences around the globe: small-group “Escorted Journeys” with comprehensive itineraries and regular departures guided by professional Travel Directors; “Private Journeys” for independent travelers who prefer an exclusive traveling party and departure date; and “Expeditions” to remote destinations and events around the world using specially configured Boeing 757s expedition cruise ships and classic airliners. Travcoa is part of TUI Travel PLC, the world’s leading international leisure travel group which operates in approximately 180 countries worldwide and serves more than 30 million customers in over 27 source markets.

 

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Media Contact: 

Perry Lungmus 

Travcoa 

206-508-3021

 


 

Travcoa Luxury Safari with Elephant Orphanage Visit 

January 2011

 

El Segundo, Calif.-- November 16, 2010 Luxury safari operator Travcoa announced a new, 15-day, small-group luxury Safari to Kenya and Tanzania featuring a memorable elephant encounter at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a sanctuary for endangered elephants and rhinos. Travcoa guests on the 2011 Grand Safari with Kenya & Tanzania itinerary will have a private visit to the Elephant and Rhino Nursery at the Trust’s compound near Nairobi, Kenya in order to interact with the youngest orphaned elephants and their family of keepers.

 

In addition to the Nursery visit, each traveler on the Travcoa luxury safari will receive a one-year elephant sponsorship of their own, compliments of Travcoa, complete with a monthly progress report and current photographs from the Trust. Travcoa’s staff recently fostered an orphaned infant elephant named Shukuru, whose story and photographs can be found on Travcoa’s website at http://www.travcoa.com/SheldrickTrust

 

Travcoa’s Grand Safari with Kenya & Tanzania is a classic luxury safari featuring the region’s renowned wildlife reserves along with many of the top lodges and luxury safari camps in East Africa. Accommodations include Governor’s Il Moran Camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve, Tortilis Camp in Amboseli National Park as well as The Manor at Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti Migration Camp in Tanzania. Also included in the 2011 luxury safari are a sunrise hot air balloon ride and an elaborate picnic lunch set deep within spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. 

 

Travcoa’s small-group luxury safaris are limited to 18 guests and are led by an experienced Travcoa Travel Director along with select safari guides. Departures are scheduled in June, August, September and October, 2011 when climate and game viewing are ideal. Prices for the all-inclusive Grand Safari with Kenya & Tanzania begin at $10,990. A full day-to-day itinerary of the Travcoa luxury safari can be found at http://www.travcoa.com/grandsafari or by calling Travcoa at 800-992-2003. 

 

For more information about Travcoa, the 2011 Grand Safari with Kenya & Tanzania itinerary or the work of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and to learn about sponsoring a young, orphaned elephant and rhino in need, visit http://www.travcoa.com/SheldrickTrust

 

About Travcoa 

Travcoa has been leading luxury safaris and in-depth explorations of the world’s most interesting destinations since 1954, and offers three types of travel experiences around the globe: small-group “Escorted Journeys” with comprehensive itineraries and guided by professional Travel Directors; “Private Journeys” for independent travelers who prefer an exclusive traveling party and departure date; and “Expeditions” to remote destinations and events around the world using specially configured Boeing 757s, expedition cruise ships or classic airliners.

 

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Media Contact: 

Perry Lungmus 

Travcoa 

206-508-3021

 


 

Travcoa Builds on Success of Independent Journeys 

Dedicated New Brochure Available in July 

December 2010

 

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - Based on the highly successful 2010 launch of an Independent Journeys portfolio, luxury adventure tour operator Travcoa announced an expansion of the product line for 2011 and the publication of a dedicated Independent Journeys brochure available in July. 

 

“Although we’re still best known for our small-group, Escorted Journeys, the popularity of Independent Journeys continues to grow very rapidly and we’re dedicating more resources and attention to this market,” reports Travcoa president, Jerre Fuqua. “It’s a natural extension for Travcoa that makes excellent use of our travel planning expertise and worldwide contacts.” 

 

Travcoa’s Independent Journeys are a collection of more than 50 pre-packaged and pre-priced itineraries for couples, families and small groups of friends that prefer to travel privately. “They’re essentially custom-built packages that combine Travcoa’s key advance arrangements including privately-guided touring, private car and airport transfers, select meals and luxury hotels with flexibility for independent traveler choices,” added Fuqua. 

 

Most Independent Journeys can be booked for any departure date that suits the traveling party best, even with short notice. Travelers can easily book a Travcoa Independent Journey travel experience around special events, family vacation dates or anniversary and birthday celebrations. Because of the flexible start dates, many of these itineraries can also serve as extensions to Travcoa Escorted Journeys or as easy pre- and post-cruise add-ons around the world. 

 

“All our Independent Journeys are very well-priced and are full of value,” says Fuqua. Journeys range from a compact, 5-day Hong Kong experience starting at $2,950 per person to 8-day highlights of Egypt; Peru and Machu Picchu; India or Russia to a 13-day, in-depth exploration of Southeast Asia’s history and culture starting at $3,345 per person.

 

About Travcoa 

Travcoa has been leading in-depth explorations of the world's most interesting destinations since 1954, and offers three types of experiences in more than 90 countries around the globe: small group "Escorted Journeys" with comprehensive itineraries and regular departures guided by professional Travel Directors; "Private Journeys" for independent-minded travelers who prefer an exclusive traveling party and departure date; and "Expeditions” to remote destinations and events around the world using specially configured Boeing 757s or classic airliners.

 

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Media Contact: 

Perry Lungmus 

Travcoa 

206-508-3021

 


 

Travcoa Expands Small Ship Cruising Category 

December 2010

 

El Segundo, Calif. - Luxury tour operator Travcoa today announced the expansion of its luxury and adventure small ship cruising portfolio as traveler demand for cruise-tour combinations continues to grow. The 2011 Travcoa offerings now include 18 journeys with either river cruising or small, expedition-style ships operating in combination with land arrangements. 

 

“Small, high-quality vessels allow us to explore deeper into many regions and deliver a Travcoa-style experience,” said Travcoa President Jerre Fuqua, “With our expertise in land arrangements, we’re in a great position to blend the best of both cruise and land travel.” 

 

Travcoa’s river cruising category includes classic, small-group Escorted Journeys that have been Travcoa’s top sellers for several years, such as Egypt’s Nile and China’s Yangtze, as well as the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea. Entirely new for 2011 is the Escorted Journey Livingston’s Zambia and Botswana that includes four days on the Chobe River in Botswana aboard the newly launched Zambezi Queen, a 20-guest luxury cruiser, in combination with Victoria Falls and Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. 

 

Also new in river cruising for 2011 are three pre-packaged and pre-priced Independent Journeys using small, luxury ships on Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River, the Peruvian Amazon and Egypt’s Nile River. 

 

Travcoa has similarly expanded the small ship expedition-style offerings for 2011. In addition to a Peru-Galapagos journey aboard the 100-guest Galapagos Explorer II, the company has partnered with its sister company, Zegrahm Expeditions, to offer Travcoa guests off-the-beaten-path options aboard the 110-guest Clipper Odyssey in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Indian Ocean. “The Clipper Odyssey is the perfect vessel for exploration into more remote parts of Europe and the Mediterranean” said Fuqua, “it’s small enough to get into tiny, remote ports, or deploy Zodiacs where no port facilities exist, but large enough to be stable, spacious and very comfortable.” 

 

Travcoa continues a longstanding partnership with another sister company, Quark Expeditions, to offer 2011 small ship journeys into the polar regions aboard three of Quark’s vessels, including a 21-day expedition to the North Pole aboard a nuclear powered icebreaker, a classic 11-day Antarctic journey on the 122-guest Clipper Adventurer sailing round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina and a unique eight-day, Fly-and-Cruise journey using charter aircraft to fly guests to Antarctica and board the 73-guest Ocean Nova, thereby saving transit days at sea and completely avoiding the rough waters of the Drake Passage. 

 

Each of the Zegrahm and Quark Expedition sailings offered by Travcoa can be paired with a variety of regional Travcoa Independent Journeys as pre- and post-cruise travel options. 

 

A live, online webinar presentation for travel agents about Travcoa small ship experiences will be jointly conducted by Travcoa and Zegrahm Expeditions on Wednesday, October 13 at 11 a.m. Pacific Time. Registration is available in the Travel Agent section of Travcoa.com.

 

About Travcoa 

Travcoa has been leading in-depth explorations of the world’s most interesting destinations since 1954, and offers three types of travel experiences around the globe: small-group “Escorted Journeys” with comprehensive itineraries and regular departures guided by professional Travel Directors; “Private Journeys” for independent travelers who prefer an exclusive traveling party and departure date; and “Expeditions” to remote destinations and events around the world using specially configured Boeing 757s. Travcoa is part of TUI Travel PLC, the world’s leading international leisure travel group which operates in approximately 180 countries worldwide and serves more than 30 million customers in over 27 source markets.

 

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Media Contact: 

Perry Lungmus 

Travcoa 

206-508-3021