From Peru to St Petersburg
The International Travel Club has confirmed its travel calendar for 2006. Our first trip will be to Peru, and will take place from March 19th to March 27th. On this guided, nine-day trip, club members will visit the spectacular highlights of this fascinating country.
The itinerary will begin in Lima, with one day seeing the Peruvian capital and some of its historical highlights. From there, the trip continues with a flight into the Andes and two days exploring the beautiful SacredValley of the Incas. Next, the luxurious Hiram Bingham train will take travelers to Machu Picchu for two nights at the Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located right next to the ruins. For two days, we will explore Machu Picchu, one of the most renowned archeological sites in the world.
Afterwards, we will continue to Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire, where we will stay at the Monasterio Hotel, one of the most beautiful hotels in South America. On day nine, we will return to Lima to connect with our international flights home.
The price of $3210 includes hotels and all meals (with the exception of meals on the day of arrival in Lima). Also not included is local air travel in Peru (approximately $245). A deposit of $645 per person is due by February 10th. Final payment is due by February 20th.
For our fall trip the International Travel Club has arranged a canal barge cruise along Burgundy’s Cote d’Or with stops at inns and chateaux along the way to Lyon. We will leave from Paris on October 22nd, traveling by first class TGV to Dijon. Then we begin our week-long barge trip. During the cruise, club members will be able to sample more than two dozen different wines, representing many of France’s major wine growing districts. Also available will be shore excursions to chateaux and private cellars for tasting of fine wines.
The ITC has reserved the luxury barge Esprit. It has just nine cabins and a maximum capacity of 18 passengers. The charter cost of the barge based upon 18 passengers is $3645, including all meals and wines, gratuities, insurance and service fee.
For the final event of 2006, the ITC is considering New Year’s Eve at the Tsar’s New Year’s Eve Gala Ball. Travel back in time to the regal splendor of Imperial Russia for the black tie event of a lifetime at the Catherine Palace in St. Petersburg.
Club members can enjoy six days in St. Petersburg exploring the grand palaces, walking the halls of the Hermitage, touring the snow-blanketed gardens of Pavlovsk from a private troika sled, and discovering the serene tranquility of Palace Square after a performance at the Mariinsky (Kirov) Theater.
On December 31st members may enjoy the Ball, complete with a reserved seat, at Catherine Palace in Tsarskoe Selo - an unforgettable evening of gourmet dining, dancing and entertainment. Cost (land only) is $4490 per person based on double occupancy and is inclusive of insurance.
For further details and booking information about these trips, please go to the ITC page at For information regarding the trip to Peru, you may also call Jim Lutz at (800) 342-1796 or (212) 929-7420. For details of other trips, please call Julia Kostenko at (212) 784-0222. For information about how to join the NYAC International Travel Club, please contact Michael Rutella, Intra Club Coordinator, at (212) 767-7168 or . by Joe Townsend