Category: Small Group Discoveries

Kenya & Tanzania Safari
AfricaSmall Group DiscoveriesTravel Tips

Virtual Travel Day 3: Kenya & Tanzania Safari

on June 11, 2020

Virtual Travel Day 3: Kenya & Tanzania Safari

This was my first time on an African Safari and it remains one of the most memorable trips that I have been on. To see these animals in the wild is an experience that’s indescribable. I’d be filming a lion and have to keep reminding myself, ‘This isn’t a zoo- you are filming a real lion in the wild!’ What an absolute thrill!  

And then to film and hang out with the people in the Masaai tribe in Kenya was such a cool experience. After I interviewed one of the tribe leaders, we sat and talked off-camera for about an hour. We shared stories about our culture and laughed together and it reminded me how much more alike we are than different. These personal connections that I make with people all over the world are what I like most about my work.  

The people in Kenya and Tanzania are some of the kindest you will ever meet. If you are the type of person who doesn’t smile much, that will change when you go to Africa. Because their smiles are infectious and they will fill your heart with joy.

– Larry

Post-script Safari Camera Tips: 

  • For most people, an inexpensive point and shoot camera and with a zoom lens will get you great results. Some people get great shots with their phone cameras. 
  • If you have a DSLR and are interested in taking great photos on a Safari, but you don’t have a good telephoto lens- I would recommend RENTING A LENS vs BUYING A LENS. You can rent a lens online for the duration of the trip and save hundreds or thousands of dollars. You can even rent a camera and a lens. For most people, the type of telephoto lens that you’d use on a Safari is not one you would use on your other travels- better to save money so you can travel more.   
  • For camera stabilization on the side of the vehicle, I pack an empty bag (that won’t break or leak). When I get to the destination, I buy inexpensive dry rice or beans to make a bean-bag that I lay on the side of the safari vehicle to stabilize the camera. This is much quicker than a monopod. 
Lake Bled
EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Croatia & Slovenia: Spellbinding Panoramas

on February 19, 2020

Imagine the perfect trip that provides a breathtaking snapshot of Europe’s natural splendors. One day, you explore one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities with sweeping views of the glittering sea. Later, you ferry along a rugged shore dotted with more than 1,000 islands. A forested, mountainside wonderland is next, fed by a lush and soothing network of lakes and rivers. These mountains are just a prelude to the soaring Alps that you’ll soon encounter, a snow-capped ring overlooking a pristine, picture-perfect lake. And it’s all a sublime setting for some of the continent’s most enchanting and historic cultures.

There are few places in Europe that encompass such a wide range of natural beauty in such a compact area. But Croatia and Slovenia do—huddled along the Adriatic Sea and brimming with magnificent vistas that have long lured emperors and kings. Discovery Tours is eager to introduce you this spellbinding corner of Europe.

Dalmatia’s Dreamy Seascapes

The red-roofed medieval city of Dubrovnik is a wonder to behold. But half of its beauty can be credited to its spectacular setting on the blue Adriatic. The remarkably preserved enclave juts into the sea on a limestone promontory; temperamental waves lash at its rocky coast and ancient walls. Just 2,000 feet offshore, the long, green island of Lokrum rests like an apostrophe. Its one-third-square-mile expanse hides a lovely Botanical Garden that’s home to a lush gathering of Mediterranean flora.

North of Dubrovnik, the stunning island of Korcula lies off Croatia’s coast. Once you lay your eyes on its lovely medieval town and its stunning Adriatic setting, you have to wonder why Marco Polo wanted to leave his home island to embark upon a quarter-century of globe-trotting. But leave it he did.

There is a lot to savor on Korcula, including Renaissance palaces and the resplendent St. Mark’s Cathedral. Stonemasons, shipbuilders, and sea merchants all helped put this island on the map, injecting money and glory into its buildings and institutions. Aside from its rich culture of architecture and maritime endeavors, Korcula and its surrounding islands also boast a proud musical heritage. Its Klape singers, who indulge in a style of a cappella singing, carry tunes that date back to the 1800s.

Hvar is another enchanting island outpost. The island once served as a crossroads for trade between the Adriatic and Mediterranean. Its Old Town and cozy marina are a delight to explore, and its striking beauty of karst landscape, fertile plains, vast vineyards and sprawling fields of lavender has helped earn it a place as one of the world’s most gorgeous islands.

One of Hvar’s neighboring archipelagos, the Pakleni Islands, offers crystalline waters ideal for snorkeling. The islands’ name is typically translated as “Hell’s Islands.” But they are more likely named for “paklina,” the pine-resin tar that was once harvested from their shores to seal the hulls of ships. No matter what you might call them, don’t be fooled: this is a stunningly beautiful series of heaven-sent islets.

Croatia’s Mainland Marvels

Another spectacular locale lies inland. The Plitvice Lakes are among the world’s most magnificent natural wonders. Sixteen lakes terrace their way down a hillside high in the Dinaric Mountains, each one connected to the last via cascading waterfalls, caves, springs and chutes. The highest falls tumble some 230 feet. The string of lakes is almost five miles long, and over their lush course the waters fall a total of 430 feet. They vary in color from one terrace to the next—waters might flow from a turquoise lake into a green-hued pool, then into a gray basin. This phenomenon—created by the angle of the sun and the minerals and organisms in the water—lends a magical air to any visit. Raised wooden footpaths lead you through this astonishing wonderland.

Speaking of magical, Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula is one of Europe’s most delightful secrets. To be sure, the main draw of this wedge-shaped chunk of land is its magnificent coastline, hugged by cities whose architecture seems to speak more Venetian than Croatian. Here and there, a classic campanile – or bell tower – pierces the briny sea air, calling to mind Venice’s St. Mark’s Square. Even inland, amidst rolling vineyards and villages perched on hilltops, you would be forgiven if you suddenly believed you had unknowingly stumbled upon Tuscany.

Remnants of past civilizations are everywhere here, from Pula’s incredible 2,000-year-old amphitheater to Rovinj’s Venetian-style cityscape. And in Opatija, lavishly reclining along Adriatic shores near the tip of the Gulf of Kvarner, a seaside promenade tempts you into long strolls with spectacular views.

Slovenia’s Spectacles

Beyond the Tuscan-like landscapes of the Istrian Peninsula, Croatia’s terrain rises into Slovenia and the dramatic heights of the magnificent, snow-capped Julian Alps. Here lies what is perhaps Slovenia’s most splendid vista: Lake Bled. This alpine lake with a glass-like, azure surface enchants. A tiny island rests at its center, crowned by the lovely Assumption of Mary church with its wonderful collection of frescoes. A belfry tower houses the 16th-century “wishing bell,” often rung by freshly-wed couples after the groom has carried his bride up the stairs.

On the lake’s shores, the 11th-century Bled Castle overlooks the waters from a dramatic rocky perch, as moody and stunning as any fairytale abode. Nearby, the resort town of Bohinj serves as a launching pad for alpine treks and other outdoor activities. It is said that when invading Turks arrived at Bohinj, the region looked so primeval that they turned around for fear that they had reached the edge of the world. Not to worry—the dense woodlands and stunning landscapes are endlessly inviting and its farm-fresh cheeses are sublime.

Europe’s most beautiful vistas and most tantalizing medieval cities seem encapsulated in Croatia and Slovenia. And our Discovery Tours small group lets you experience them to their fullest.  We invite you join us and discover them for yourself!

Click here to learn more about our Dalmatian Isles, Croatia & Slovenia trip!

Opatija Croatia
EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Croatia’s Surprising Vintages and Earthy, Fresh Cuisine

on February 17, 2020

Raise your glass and raise your fork to Croatia’s fertile and prolific vineyards and farms.

Raise Your Glass!

Many travelers think of Croatia as a smaller version of Italy, right across the Adriatic. To be sure, this makes for similarly dreamy landscapes. It also means that the climate and earth of Croatia produce similarly dreamy vintages. Not to be left behind its vinicultural neighbor across the sea, Croatia boasts more than 300 demarcated wine districts.

Central and South Dalmatia. The hugely popular Zinfandel is descended from a grape grown here, the Plavac Mali.

North Dalmatia. This region is famous for the Babić grape, a native Croatian varietal that produces inky red wine of considerable tannin and strength. The grape is also found on the island of Korcula.

Istria. In the hillsides and valleys of Istria, Moscato, Trebbiano and Verduzzo grapes flourish.

Slavonia. This is the epicenter of Croatia’s most widely planted vine, the native Grasevina. This fresh, lightly aromatic white wine – sometimes aged in oak casks carved from native oak forests – is reminiscent of a Chardonnay.

Plesivica.  On the steep, rocky slopes of this area, native vines produce Riesling and Chardonnay grapes.

Raise Your Fork!

We said earlier that Italy lies west across the Adriatic Sea from Croatia. Indeed, they share a lot in common, including a homegrown mix of agriculture, mari-culture, and viniculture that combine into a fresh farm-to-table cuisine. On land, fertile farms never stop yielding their bounty … by sea, the country’s fishing villages have long hauled in a generous and delicious catch. Here are some of our favorite Croatian dishes.

Gridele. The “straight off the gridele” preparation of oily Adriatic fish is simply divine. The fish is grilled with olive oil and fresh Mediterranean herbs over the wood from old grapevines or olive trees, for a deeply flavored dish.

Brodet. This light Croatian fish soup imparts the flavors of whichever catch of the day is used to make it – perhaps a whitefish like flounder, John Dory or red scorpionfish, or crab and shrimp. Polenta is often served on the side.

Pasticada. This Dalmatian specialty beef stew is seasoned with bacon and a sauce of herbs and vegetables. Potatoes, gnocchi, pasta, or rice and Swiss chard are often served on the side.

Fuži. Truffles are native to the Istrian peninsula, a luxurious addition to many Croatian dishes. They add a deep earthy flavor to pasta dishes and are wonderfully complemented by local parmigiano cheese.

Zganci. This polenta-like side dish is made from maize, wheat or buckwheat flour. Cooked zganci is crumbled on a plate and served with milk, yogurt, honey, or even the cracklings from bacon.

Scampi Buzara. This common dish from the north Adriatic is simple to cook and messy to eat. Unshelled shrimps are tossed in a light tomato sauce with shallots, garlic, wine and parsley. Grilled bread sops up any leftover sauce.

Prsut. This air-cured ham in Croatia is similar to Italian prosciutto. It makes for a light appetizer or a flavorful enhancement to main dishes.

Istarska Jota. Also known as Istrian stew, this dish gets its heartiness from beans and sauerkraut and showcases the surprising influence of Austria on Croatia’s cuisine.

Pod Pekom. Sometimes referred to as “under the bell” cooking, this traditional method of slow-roasting meat is used in many homes. Poultry, lamb, veal, or octopus is placed atop chopped potatoes and drizzled with various Mediterranean spices and olive oil. Then a sacz, or steel dome lid, is placed over it all so that the ingredients cook in their own juices. It makes for an incredibly tender and flavorful meal.

Zelena Menestra. Dubrovnik’s traditional green stew is mentioned in writings as far back as 1480. This rich and hearty dish is prepared with lots of bacon, sausage, ham hock, potatoes, cabbage and other vegetables.

Palacinke. These thin pancakes are stuffed with different sweet fillings.

Fritule. These donut-like fried pastries are a popular sweet, flavored with brandy, raisins, and citrus zest, and dusted with powdered sugar.

Dubrovnik
EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Take a Walk Around Dubrovnik, Literally

on February 14, 2020

To understand the civilized nature of those who governed the Republic of Ragusa—as the city of Dubrovnik was known from 1358 to 1808—look no further than the city’s motto. In Latin, it read, “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro.” Liberty is not well sold for all the gold.

But the liberty and freedom of Dubrovnik required more than these simple high ideals to protect it from outside influence. It also needed a fortified wall. And so in the 14th century the early founders of the city, fresh off a strained allegiance to the Venetian Republic and recovering from the Black Death of 1348, began work on a barricade that would grow and evolve over hundreds of years. Today, it stands as one of the largest and most complete medieval walls in all of Europe. So solid was its construction that it was never breached. And so perfectly did it help preserve Dubrovnik that George Bernard Shaw, upon visiting in 1929, wrote, “If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik.”

It’s easy to understand Shaw’s enchantment. His sentiment was likely an appraisal of the city’s narrow byways and incredibly preserved buildings. But perhaps he also should have written a love poem to the wall; after all, it was the skill of its builders that brought Dubrovnik into the modern age virtually unscathed. Even after the walls were complete, city dwellers rebuilt or maintained it as it aged. It didn’t take long for word to spread of the mighty fortification surrounding Dubrovnik; the city soon gained a reputation as unconquerable throughout Europe and—more importantly—in the land-grabbing Ottoman Empire.

History, however, had other plans. Dubrovnik fell to the army of Napoleon in 1806 and later to Austria in 1814. The city remained part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until that kingdom’s dissolution with the 1919 Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I.

The region’s next major conflict, though devastating to the Old Town, tested the strength of the walls like never before. Tragically, almost 70% of the 824 red-roofed buildings within the fortifications were damaged by the Yugoslav People’s Army during the 1991 Siege of Dubrovnik. In retrospect, historians have said that the ancient walls held up better against modern weaponry than the more contemporary fortifications around the modern city. Were it not for the strength of those ancient ramparts, much more of the city would have been lost. Since those dark days, Dubrovnik’s Old Town has been lovingly restored.

Today, visitors can walk the entire perimeter of Dubrovnik’s walls—with magnificent views of the red-roofed, stone-cut city below and the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea beyond. The walls stretch for 6,360 feet, just over a mile, boast a maximum height of 82 feet, and feature several towers and bulwarks.

Gazing over the rooftops of Dubrovnik provides a remarkable and enlightening perspective. You’ll have bird’s-eye views of the Franciscan Monastery, the Placa main thoroughfare, the charming Old Harbor, the island of Lokrum just off the coast and of course the rocky shore lashed by Adriatic waves. The smaller details you’ll observe bring the city to life, too: children kicking a soccer ball around a schoolyard, laundry draped high above an alleyway or the clatter of kitchen plates through an open window.

It’s a stroll that gives immeasurable insight into this protective and unconquerable wall. Still today, life goes on within its sheltering embrace as it has for centuries.

Walk along Dubrovnik’s medieval ramparts during our Dalmatian Isles, Croatia & Slovenia trip!

Plitvice Lakes
EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Plitvice Lakes: Gift of a Magic Queen

on February 10, 2020

Legend has it that some time long ago, the people who inhabited a dense forest in the Dinaric Mountains craved water. Their crops were drying up and they lived their days in thirst. And so one day under yet another cloudless, rainless sky, they called upon their magic queen for help. Hearing their plea, the merciful queen summoned the spirits to fill an earthen reservoir with water. The spirits answered with an abundant offering that filled the woodland basin to overflowing, causing water to spill over to form another lake down the hill … then another … and another … until a five-mile network of terraced lakes threaded its way through the forest like a glittering necklace.

Strolling through this spellbinding paradise of stepped lakes, you cannot help but feel as if you’ve found the key to an enchanted forest. More than a dozen lakes are linked by mossy waterfalls. The highest cascades are 230 feet and by the time the waters have made their journey from the first lake to the last, they have fallen 430 feet. One lake might shimmer a milky turquoise blue while another glimmers a green hue or a sludgy gray. It’s easy to imagine that tiny nymphs—or even the magic queen herself—reside in these woods. 

You will visit Plitvice Lakes during our Dalmatian Isles, Croatia & Slovenia small-group journey. Like many visitors, you’re sure to be smitten with their fairytale atmosphere. And you might be quite satisfied by the notion that this watery wonderland was conjured into being by a magic queen. But you might also like to know that each lake’s distinctive color is created by minerals, microorganisms, and the angle of the sun. And that UNESCO added them to its World Natural Heritage List in 1979 for their “outstanding natural beauty and the undisturbed production of travertine (tufa) through chemical and biological action.”

These magnificent lakes, you see—if you believe the geologists over the storytellers—were formed with the passing of millennia rather than with just one incantation. As waters flowed over limestone and chalk, they deposited rocky barriers along their pathway, creating a series of mossy natural dams. Behind the dams, water built up to create lake after beautiful lake. A rich and rare ecosystem evolved around this astonishing string of azure and aqua-green pearls. The European brown bear, lynx, golden eagle, wolf, lizard, and turtle call the lakes home. More than 50 mammal species, 320 types of butterfly, 157 bird species, and numerous fish make this a hugely diverse corner of Croatia.

You’re sure to fall under the spell of Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes, the enduring gift of a magic queen.

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Oh My, Myanmar!

on January 22, 2020

Myanmar is entirely unique. Not only can the country be identified as two different names but it also has some of the oldest and best-preserved sites in all of Asia. Not to mention they are extraordinary.

This incredible country is known as Myanmar officially but it is often referred to informally as Burma, it’s former name. The reason for the change was both to rid the country of its colonial British influence as well as to distance itself from some of its unsavory historical moments. Names of the cities were changed as well, Rangoon became Yangon, Maymyo became Pyin Oo Lwin, Ayeyarwady became Irrawaddy and Moulmein became Mawlamyine. People now typically use the names interchangeably with Myanmar being slightly more formal than Burma, the colloquial version.

After arriving, you may start asking yourself, “Where are all the travelers?” Myanmar may not be as popular as some of its neighbors like Thailand, China and India, but that is part of the beauty and draw to this country; The travelers have not discovered its enchanting beauty yet. Modern Myanmar is a melting pot of over 100 ethnic groups including British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian. It is sure to impress you right from the start with a friendly and helpful culture, incredibly beautiful sites to explore and plenty of charm. Come explore Myanmar with Discovery Tours today.

First, fly to the incredible melting pot that is Yangon and discover the mix of cultures and astonishing panoramas as you transfer to your hotel. Yangon is the most populous city in the country and was the capital until 2006 before it was moved to Naypyidaw in the center of Myanmar. Shwedagon Pagoda is the true highlight of this city with its spiritual atmosphere, array of golden accents, serene Buddhas and mythical creature statues. This gilded gem truly shines in a city full of incredible sites. Bogyoke Aung San Museum is the former home of the father of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and a fascinating look into the history of the country. In the downtown area of Yangon, view the octagon-shaped Sule Pagoda that is 2500 years old and the Independent Monument in Mahabandoola Gardens with its striking obelisk honoring freedom of Burma from Great Britain in 1948. In the Bogyoke Aung San Market take a stroll through this shopping area with its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Find handicrafts, jewelry, clothing stores and other shops while weaving through the aisles of this covered market.

Next, visit Amarapura, a former capital of the country and now township of Mandalay city. An exclusive bronze casting lesson allows you to learn about a traditional art form that has been used for hundreds of years in this country. The 200-year-old U-Pein Bridge is the oldest and longest teak bridge in the entire world and a massive part of the community with hundreds of locals walking across it daily. Take a glimpse into the monastic way of life at the massive Mahagandayone Monastery where more than 1,000 monks study and live together.

Your next stop is Mandalay, Myanmar’s center of culture and the last Royal capital. A morning cruise on the Ayeyarwaddy River introduces you first to the ancient city of Mingun where you will visit the Mingun Temple, Mingun Bell and Myatheindan Pagoda. Mandalay Hill introduces you to the golden Kuthodaw Pagoda, or the “world’s largest book,” because of its 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. The nearby town of Pyin Oo Lwin, founded by the British, offers an escape from the Mandalay summer heat and is famous for its local fruits, jams and wines. Be sure to wander through the Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens that include beautiful views of 480 species of flowers, plants and trees. The Kandawgyi’s bridges, gilded pagodas or a leisurely cart ride are all excellent options for exploring this area.  

Travel to Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country’s spiritual center with over 2,000 pagodas, stupas and temples dotting the city. Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta, is one of the oldest and most impressive monuments in the city and is plated in gold and glimmers in the sunlight. The cave temple of Gubyaukgyi is covered in religious murals while the Ananda Temple houses 4 standing Buddhas. The buzzing shops of Nyaung-U Morning Market allow you to immerse yourself completely in the life of the local people where you can shop, bargain and sample the wares. An exclusive Discovery Tours experience brings you to the home of a local family where you will have a home-hosted lunch and learn about the country’s customs, traditions and history. A remarkable Sunset Cruise on the Irrawaddy River closes out this amazing day full of new experiences and unforgettable travel memories.

Next, traveling East, arrive in the Inle Lake area to Pindaya, famous for its limestone caves containing over 8,000 images of Buddha dating back to as far as 1750. The stunning Shan mountains loom in the background of this area while the placid lake intensifies the landscape. Board a ship that takes you on a cruise of the serene Inle Lake with its stilt-house villages and floating gardens. Make note of the legendary leg rowers here because this is the only place to see them in the world. Native Burmese fisherman grip a single bamboo oar with one leg and paddle long flat-bottomed boats around the lake dressed in their traditional Shan attire. Paung-Daw-oo Pagoda is the lake’s main building and the Nga-Phe-Chaung Monastery decorates the surrounding area. Participate in an exclusive Discovery Tours cooking class with a chef at the Thahara Inle Heritage. You will prepare local Burmese specialties before a delicious lunch.

The amazing thing about this new-to-tourism country is its authenticity. Myanmar has long been isolated and Burmese culture has progressed seamlessly without outside influence. Very few countries today can provide such an untarnished experience. You will meet locals who are truly in love with their country and enjoy a way of life that sways along at an easy pace, even in the large cities. Buddhism is actively practiced by 89% of the Burmese, making for a peaceful and religious place. Even through struggles, the Burmese have clung to traditions that generations have held dear. The country has also recently turned a political corner toward a more democratic government. Experience an unaffected culture, explore magnificent temples, stupas and pagodas, step back in time and do so with the ease, flexibility, and access that only a Discovery Tours small group allows. We urge you to reserve soon because once word gets out about its breathtaking wonders, Myanmar may never be quite the same again.

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Bagan: City of 2,000 Temples, Pagodas & Stupas

on January 20, 2020

The ancient city of Bagan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the true spiritual hub of the country with over 2,000 pagodas, stupas & temples. The city sits in the center of the country, southwest of the Mandalay region and bordering the Irrawaddy River. The incredible preservation of sites here is said to rival that of Machu Picchu or Angkor Wat but with only a percentage of the visitors, for now. We have compiled a list of some of the famous landmarks of Bagan.

Ananda Temple– One of the most beautiful and best preserved in Bagan, Ananda Temple can be found near the Tharabar gate. The pagoda is a single-story structure that was built from 1090 – 1105 during the early Bagan age. The architectural style of Ananda shows Mon and Northern Indian influences. The highlight of the temple is the golden sikhara, or tower-like spire on top of the pagoda. The golden reflection is visible from miles away over the plains of the city and after dark the pagoda is lit up creating an ethereal glow.

Shwezigon Pagoda – The gold-plated pagodawas built around the year 1090 and is one of the oldest monuments in Bagan. This incredible structure glitters in the sun and is an extremely important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The stupa sits in the center of a large area where several other shrines and temples were built later on. The pagoda’s design has been copied over and over again for temples and pagodas all over the city but Shwezigonis the original.

Dhammayangyi Temple – The Dhammayangyi Temple is the largest temple located in Bagan and is visible from almost all parts of the city. This massive temple was never completed and consists of a massive square base topped by six terraces. The temple does hold an interesting back story as it was started by King Narathu in 1170 as a way of atoning himself after he murdered his father and brother who were next in line to become king! King Narathu himself was later murdered under uncertain circumstances.

Shwesandaw Pagoda – One of the taller pagodas in Bagan, the Shwesandaw Pagoda is quite the imposing structure with 5 receding terraces topped by a cylindrical stupa. The pagoda tops out at 328 feet and is visible from far across the Bagan plains.The structure was built by King Anawrahta to further Buddhism in his empire and to enshrine hair relics of the Buddha that he had brought back from the town of Thaton.

Gubyaukgyi Cave Temple – This fascinating cave temple draws visitors to see the well-preserved, richly colored murals and carvings inside. The temple was originally constructed in 1113 in an Indian-influenced style that contains a large entrance attached to a smaller antechamber.  The interior of the temple is lit by natural light that comes in from large stone windows giving plenty of light to see all the beauty inside.

Manuha Temple – The Manuha Temple was built by the Mon King Manuha after having spent a decade in captivity in the city of Bagan. It is thought that the temple is meant to represent the stresses of living in captivity for so long, as the images of the Buddha are large and crammed into their assigned spaces, much like a King in captivity. Four large gold painted images of Buddha are contained in separate rooms and each in a seated image. The temple is still an active place of worship for Buddhists in Burma to this day.

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Mandalay: A Buddha’s City, A Writer’s Inspiration

on January 13, 2020

It doesn’t take long to realize that Kuthodaw Pagoda is much greater than the sum of its parts. The revered fortress-like complex rests at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Its stupas gleam white in the Myanmar sunlight. Though each of these spirit houses are modest in scale and scope, they come together to tell an epic story.

Remarkably, there are 729 of these stupas, plus one central, gilded pagoda, spread over a vast area adjacent to the old royal palace. Within each of them a stone tablet measuring 3×5 feet and 13 centimeters thick rests on an altar. Scripture is written on both sides of each tablet. The 729 tablets tell the story of Theravada Buddhism, a total of 1460 pages, and have collectively become known as the largest book in the world. When this astounding complex was created, as recently as the 1860s, this was surely the most expensive book in the world, too, as its Pali scripture was originally etched in gold.

It is a sacred setting for a sacred text, and it begs for long and ancient legends to be written. Which of Buddha’s followers wrote the tablets? How far and over which storm-whipped mountain ranges did they carry them to reach this spot? The city of Mandalay, where we find the Kuthodaw Pagoda, has similarly taken on an air of legend and mystery. Its name evokes a romance akin to that stirred by lost Southeast Asian cities.

Mandalay is actually younger than the United States, an infant compared to other Asian cultural capitals. How did such a young city become enshrouded in such mystery and nostalgia? One answer might rest with a Buddha, the other with a writer.

Even though the physical city of Mandalay is just over 150 years old, built by King Mingdon in 1857, the spiritual city is centuries older. Mingdon knew when he ordered stones to be laid that he was fulfilling the prophecy of Buddha. Centuries before, the god-like figure had visited the hill that we now know as Mandalay Hill. From its summit, he proclaimed that a great city would rise at his feet in the year 2400 of the Buddhist Era. In this grand metropolis, his teachings would blossom. The prophetic year fell on Mingdon’s watch, and so he created a splendid urban oasis of finely crafted wooden structures. Over the next couple of decades hundreds of pagodas dotted the cityscape and, true to the Buddha’s premonition, monks converged to teach the ways of Theravada.

King Mingdon proclaimed Mandalay the royal capital of the kingdom. Even after the British colonized Burma in the 1880s, a pure Burmese culture thrived in the city by the hill as the colonizers moved the capital to Yangon. Despite occupation, Mandalay continued to grow as a major center of Buddhist teaching. Today, the Mahamuni Pagoda, with its huge gilded Buddha, and the magnificent teak Shwenandaw Monastery, stand as testament to the city’s role as religious center.

It was around the late 1880s that Rudyard Kipling, after serving as part of the British Raj of India, stopped in Burma on a circuitous route home. Its landscape and its people charmed him. His poem “Mandalay” is not about the city per se, but about a British soldier’s longing and nostalgia for the warm exoticism of Asia upon his return to an overcast England. Though the city was only 35 years old when the poem was published, it was etched into the minds of literature lovers as an ever-distant, ever-ancient Shangri La.

Most of Mandalay was destroyed during World War II bombing. You can almost see the Buddha weeping atop Mandalay Hill. The city’s destruction added even more depth to Kipling’s nostalgic poem of yearning. Some of its gems survive, including the largest book in the world, which would no doubt please both the Buddha and the writer.

Learn more about this fascinating city while on our 12 Day Discover Myanmar (Burma) tour.

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

The Rich and Remarkable Culture of Inle Lake

on December 11, 2019

The freshwater Inle Lake is Myanmar’s second largest lake and famous for its scenic beauty. Throughout the seasons, its depth varies wildly, from five feet in the dry season to 12 in the rainy season and sometimes up to 17 when monsoon season hits. The local Intha people live in houses on stilts, made from wood and woven bamboo, and live simple, self-sufficient farming lives here. Discovery Tours visits this fascinating locale, taking in a lakeside culture the likes of which you’ve never encountered before. Here are some highlights of the Inle Lake area:

Buddha To Go. At the Phaungdaw U Pagoda, five Buddha figurines have been ritually covered by followers in gold leaf so often that they’ve been rendered unrecognizable. Think gold papier-mâché snowmen and you get an idea of what they look like. Pilgrims and other devotees drape a small robe around the figures, thus anointing the cloth, then place the blessed fabric on their home altar.

Buddha Overboard. Each year during the 18-day Thadingyut Festival, four of these golden Buddhas are placed on an elaborate barge for a village-by-village tour around the lake. One year in the 1960s, heavy winds capsized the barge, toppling its occupants, and the Buddhas, into the water. Rescuers failed to retrieve one of the Buddhas, and all were stunned when they returned to its altar to see that it had found its way back on its own!

Row Your Boat. Fishermen stand to row their boats so they can see over the tall reeds of Inle Lake. Standing at the stern, they wrap one leg around the oar and guide the paddle through the water with one hand. It’s a method that requires incredible balance and can only be seen in this part of the world.

Floating Veggies. One way to protect gardens from flooding water is by making them float too. This is exactly how the local Intha people have adapted to the rising and falling water levels of Inle Lake. They create a bed from the sturdy reeds that grow under the lake’s surface, then plant vegetable gardens on top of the floating beds, securing them all with bamboo poles.

Fabric from Earth and Lake.  The lotus plant that thrives around Inle Lake is used to weave a unique material. This process, known as ikat, creates scarves and special robes for Buddha images. Silk is also woven here into a distinct design known as Inle longyi, and it’s among the highest quality you can find.

Just a Cigar. When you think of the stereotypical cigar-smoking person, you might not think of Myanmar. Here at Inle Lake, the occupying Englishmen grew fond of the tobacco that is rolled in cheroot leaves and adapted the habit. Some believed that smoking protected one from contracting malaria, but it is more likely that it was the scent of the tobacco that kept mosquitoes away.

Ring Around the Collar. The Padaung are part of the Kayan tribe that migrated to the Inle Lake region from Tibet. Women of the tribe wear brass coils around their necks, from as early as the age of five. As the girls grow, more coils are added. The tradition behind this fashion statement is a point of debate: some believe it enhances feminine beauty while others say it make the women undesirable so they are not entered into the slave trade.

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

England & Scotland: Unrivaled History & Enriching Culture

on November 20, 2019

Welcome to historic lands where royalty, pageantry, tradition and culture reign supreme; England & Scotland. If visiting a country to get a feel for their culture and historic background is something you value, you will love the United Kingdom. With Brexit in the headlines, both countries are looking inward and re-cementing their identities and incredible histories. Not to mention, the currency exchange is working in the favor of the United states. If you want to go easy on your travel budget, the dollar will now take you considerably farther than it used to. Now is just about the best time to visit this area.

This proud island clings to tradition and ceremony no matter what is in the news, from the world-famous landmarks of London to the lochs and highlands of Scotland. Something that will never change in England and Scotland, our company’s extensive presence here means you’ll gain an understanding of the past, present, and future of these countries from our local Tour Managers. 

England: Legacies of Empire

The architecture of London spans from Westminster Abbey, whose origins date to the 10th century, to the 19th-century Gothic Revival splendor of the Houses of Parliament to the modern bustling squares of Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. London, and much of England, opens windows to the Norman, Tudor, Victorian and Edwardian styles like few other places accomplish. During your leisure time, perhaps explore some of the famous museums and sites of London including the British Museum, the Tate Modern or the amazing Tower of London. An exclusive Discovery Small Groups dinner allows you to savor a home-cooked dinner with an accomplished chef and author.

Explore Chartwell, the magnificent family home of Winston Churchill that is now a museum and memorial to the beloved WWII hero. The 13th century Hever Castle is the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. An award-winning garden and splendid rooms containing Tudor paintings, furniture and tapestries adorn this romantic castle. There is ample beauty in the Cotswold countryside. The quaint villages of the Cotswolds are among the most beautiful in the nation; clusters of stone houses topped by thatched roofs.

There is no shortage of beauty and grace in England, as the nation’s renowned Bard of Avon, William Shakespeare, reminds you during a visit to his birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. View the thatched cottage where Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife, lived before visiting his birthplace on Henley Street, the schoolroom where he was educated and the Guildhall with its outstanding timber-framed architecture. Plays of the famous playwright are still performed here by the Royal Shakespeare Company. If touring the playwright’s home has you yearning for additional academic knowledge, then a stop in Oxford is just what you need. The university is made up of several contingent colleges and is renowned for housing some of the grandest architecture in Europe. Visit the Bodlein Library and Christ Church college and explore the school that has educated so many geniuses.

Set on the River Dee, the medieval town of Chester is home to recently excavated Roman sites including an amphitheater and cathedral. Visit both Chester’s racetrack, the oldest racecourse still in use in the UK and Levens Hall, a grand manor house dating back to 1350 with an Elizabethan interior and exceptional garden with topiary characters surrounded by flowers.

Be inspired by the Lake District, a dreamy expanse of gently rolling hills, charming farm villages and shimmering lakes. High Yewdale farm is located in this delightful setting and is a farmhouse built in 1690 that was later owned by Beatrix Potter and still contains many of her furnishings. Continuing north towards the England-Scotland border, visit Grasmere, a quaint and serene village made famous by Lake Poet William Wordsworth. He deemed Grasmere as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found” and is laid to rest at the country church.

Land of Tartans, Bagpipes and Whisky

Cross into Scotland, a nation that stretches north and contains a dramatic landscape of rivers, lakes, and sophisticated cities threaded among the infamous highlands. We know you’ll be impressed by Scotland’s fascinating and alluring sites.

The parish of Gretna Green is located on the Scottish side of the England-Scotland border. It is a perfect spot for pictures and one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world. On the road from Gretna Green to Edinburgh, the 15th century Rosslyn Chapel is an architectural beauty containing beautiful stonework, intricate carvings and lovely architecture. The chapel was made famous by the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and its association with the Knights Templar.

The Scottish capital, Edinburgh, provides insight into the heart and soul of the nation. Edinburgh Castle overlooks the city from a rugged perch as the Royal Mile stretches out below leading to the country’s most treasured buildings: the Scottish Parliament, Museum of Scotland, and Holyrood Palace, the queen’s residence when she is in town. The palace contains incredible historic State Apartments, ruins of the 12th Century Abbey and the immaculate royal gardens that inspire. Admire the elegant mansions of the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town” on your way through the city. An afternoon tea allows for a cultural sampling of savory teas served in fine china and alongside sweet and savory pastries and scones.

Discover one of the most historically important sites in the country and favored residence of Stewart kings, queens, ambassadors, knights and nobles; Stirling Castle. Sculptures and gardens make the grandeur of this palace hard to ignore and you will see why it was favored among the royals.

The Trossachs are known as the mini Scottish Highlands and serve as the boundary between the highlands and lowlands of the country. This area is draped in history and legend and contains some of the most glorious landscapes around with lochs, glens and mountains aplenty. A special visit to the Glengoyne Distillery, one of the oldest and finest suppliers of single malt Scotch Whisky, will win you over with a side bonus of award-winning handmade chocolates. A picturesque cruise on Loch Lomond gives you an excellent view of the surrounding Trossachs park and a perfect image for your lasting memory of Scotland.

Uncover the Cultural and Natural Wonders of England & Scotland with Discovery Small Groups!

There is no more rewarding a way to explore Great Britain than with Discovery Tours, whether you’re planning your first or your fifth trip here. We’ve been showing travelers this island of unrivaled history and enriching culture for as long as we’ve been in business, so we’re well suited to point you to the very best of the country. Our long experience here also translates into unmatched value for you. No one can provide such a quality experience at such an affordable price. Join us!

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