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GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL SPARKLES
WITH THE JEWELS OF THAILAND

Extended-Stay Vacation Available from 17 U.S. Cities for $80 Per Day

For mature Americans who want to experience gilded palaces and teak forests at their own leisurely pace, Grand Circle Travel offers its popular 15-day Jewels of Thailand extended-stay vacation.

“Thailand is a country alive with art, music, and dance; rich with spirituality; and characterized by the warmth and friendliness of its people,” said Mark Frevert, executive vice president of Grand Circle Corporation. “The pacing of our Jewels of Thailand program allows travelers plenty of time to explore this beautiful country. With Grand Circle’s exclusive Discovery Series events and included tours lead by Thai nationals, we give our travelers the rare opportunity to really get to know the culture of this unique country. Also remarkable is the exceptionally low price Grand Circle offers – a result of our local expertise and experience offering quality vacations at extraordinary value.”

The Jewels of Thailand journey begins with five days in Bangkok, including a city tour featuring the sprawling Grand Palace and legendary Emerald Buddha. Next is a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to Thonburi City. Then a Discovery Series visit to a local restaurant for a “Taste of Thai” cooking class, and a Discovery Series visit to Lupini Park for an authentic Tai Chi session. Two days in Bangkok are at leisure, with optional excursions available to the famous floating market or a tour of the Bridge on the River Kwai.   

The discovery continues with six days in Chiang Mai, including a tour of the Old City, home to more than 300 temples; an excursion to a working elephant camp to learn how these revered animals are used for forestry and a ride on one of these gentle giants; a Discovery Series lecture about the role of Buddhism in everyday Thai life; and a visit to the area’s most holy temple – Wat Prathat Doi Suthep.  Optional excursions include a tour of the city’s Craft Street, a tour of Lampang, and a visit to remote hill tribes. The tour concludes with a farewell dinner in a private Thai home.

Essential Information:

Grand Circle’s Jewels of Thailand program includes round-trip transpacific airfare (domestic airfare from 17 U.S. cities); first-class and superior first class accommodations; 23 meals – 13 breakfasts, two lunches, and eight dinners; comprehensive sightseeing; exclusive Discovery Series events; services of a Thai national Program Director for greater insight into the local culture; airport transfers; and baggage handling. Optional excursions are available at rates from $5 to $25 per person. The 15-day Jewels of Thailand program is available for rates starting at $1,195, or $80 per person from 17 U.S. cities – including New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami.

Travelers may also choose to extend their stay in Thailand with additional weeks in Chiang Mai for only $295 per person, per week. This trip extension includes seven nights accommodations; daily breakfast and dinner; sightseeing, including tours of the Botanical Gardens and Baan Taiwa Arts and Crafts Center and a river cruise featuring a home-hosted dinner; and all transfers.

For travelers who want to arrive in Bangkok more refreshed, Grand Circle also offers a pre-trip extension to Hong Kong. This extension includes accommodations, daily breakfast, a city tour, all transfers, and air transportation to Thailand. This four-night stay in available for $495 per person.

For more information on Jewels of Thailand, please call Grand Circle’s catalog and information hotline at (800) 248-3737.

Edited by Kerry Cohen

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