PETTITTS ANNOUNCES PROGRAMME OF EXPERT-LED TOURS FOR 2011
Date:
14/07/2010
PETTITTS ANNOUNCES PROGRAMME OF EXPERT-LED TOURS FOR 2011
The hidden treasures of southern India, the marvels of ancient Egypt, the classical highlights of Libya and “a very personal view” of China all feature in a new programme of expert-led tours for 2011 from travel specialists Pettitts.
The south of India is often overlooked in favour of the more accessible charms of the north but in a 14-day trip the historian and broadcaster Charles Allen will provide expert guidance and insight into a part of the country where the pace is more relaxed, the landscapes more inviting and the culture and history more complex.
Born in India during the last years of the British Raj where five generations of his family had lived and served, Allen has published 21 books on the Indian sub-continent, has been recognised for his work by one of the highest honours bestowed by the Royal Society for Asian Affairs, and is a leading and internationally recognised authority on India under the British.
A cruise along the River Nile is nothing out of the ordinary for today’s seasoned traveller but one in the company of a senior Egyptologist from the British Museum is rather special.
Dr Richard Parkinson is generally regarded as a world authority and his work at the London venue has included the display of the Rosetta Stone and the acclaimed new gallery of wall paintings from the New Kingdom tomb-temple of Nebamun. The 13-day itinerary will combine the “must see” sights of Giza, Karnak and Abu Simbel with the less familiar monuments from the golden age of the Middle Kingdom.
Essentially closed to foreign tourists for years and cloaked in an atmosphere of secrecy and hostility, Libya has been open for business since 1999 and is providing visitors with an experience that is both fascinating and rewarding.
Classical archaeologist Dr Philip Kenrick will be the host for a 10-day tour designed to provide expert insight into a land where the vestiges of classical antiquity are everywhere, which boasts five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and where - with a history that was an important part of the Roman and Byzantine empires – the legacy is one of great cities from the classical world, stunning examples of town planning and impressive rural sights.
Completing the quartet of expert-led tours is a “very personal view” of China in the company of journalist and Lonely Planet guidebook writer Damian Harper. Another country that has embraced tourism but which can still present even the seasoned traveller with challenges, this 17-day trip will get under the skin of the vast country and, with his background as both traveller and resident, provide a fascinating look at its modern cities, charming water towns, history, traditions and culture that are not always available to tourists.
Pettitts’ managing director Steve Pettitt says: “We have brought together the leading experts and authorities in their fields to create tours that offer unique opportunities to scratch beneath the surface and provide a personal insight into the life, history and culture of the places they know so well.”
All four tours are limited to 16 participants and early booking is therefore recommended.
For full details and prices call Pettitts on 01892 515966. Detailed trip dossiers can be downloaded at www.pettitts.co.uk
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July 14, 2010
Issued on behalf of Pettitts by David Leck Associates. Press enquiries to David Leck on 01322 528580/07710 326256.
NOTES TO EDITORS The Pettitts’ 2011 expert-led tours are: "Hidden Treasures of South India" led by Charles Allen (January 31 to February 13, 2011; £4490 per person based on two people travelling). "Discover the Wonders of Ancient Egypt" led by Dr Richard Parkinson (February 27 to March 11, 2011; £3590 per person on two people travelling). "The Classical Highlights of Libya" led by Dr Philip Kernick (March 20 to 29, 2011; £2650 per person on two people travelling). "Into China: A Very Personal View" led by Damian Harper (May 7 to 23, 2011; £4550 per person on two people travelling).
