Two Upscale Adventures to Old Mexico in Late December

Austin-Lehman Adventures Suggests Two Gifting ‘Wows’ This Holiday Season

A staple of a comprehensive, active and culturally authentic vacation with Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) is the wow factor that its guests experience. When combined with insider’s access to the end of year festivals of Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico, ALA guests stand to give and receive more than the usual holiday gifts.

“What better time than the Christmas and New Year holidays to break with old traditions and create a new set of stories to be told and cherished for years to come,” says Dan Austin, director and co-founder of Austin-Lehman Adventures.

While Austin points out it might spoil the surprise if all were revealed in advance, two of the many ‘wows’ guests can expect on ALA’s Oaxaca itinerary include a rare glimpse of secret recipes and techniques during an exclusive cooking class at Oaxaca’s Instituto de Cultura y Cocinar and a visit to the village of San Martin Tilcajete where master carver Jacobo Mendoza treats guests to a private demonstration and showing.

On the Chiapas itinerary, the ‘wows’ include shopping for one-of-a-kind indigenous handmade treasures along the cobblestone streets of San Cristobal de Las Casas and a private visit to the home of a traditional back-strap weaver in the Maya highland town of SanLorenzo Zinacantan.

While limited to just 12 guests, ALA reports that space is still available on their two upcoming holiday trips:

Oaxaca - Authentic Mexico: Food & Festivals Dec. 20, 2008 - Dec. 27, 2008

Experience Noche Buena, the Holy Night, with vibrant processions punctuated with fireworks, decorated floats and costumed revelers. Trip activities include hiking, biking, and traditional cooking classes. All seven nights are spent at the historic Hostal de la Noria, a 4-star beautifully restored colonial mansion nestled 2 blocks from the main square in the heart of historic Oaxaca. Per person price: $2998 ($580 single supplement).

Chiapas: Rainforest to Ruins Dec. 27, 2008 - Jan. 03, 2009

On this trip guests boat through deep canyons and hike a rain forest in search of Mayan ruins while exploring Chiapas’ past with a professional archaeological guide. Included are the remnants of Yaxchitlan and an up-close view of the excavation at Palenque. Guests lodge in a series of deluxe accommodations including a luxury hotel, jungle resort, and an historic hacienda. Per person price: $3,298 ($580 single supplement).

“Our programs are all about the excitement of exploring a new land, the fun of learning, stimulating activities and knowing that you’ll be completely taken care of from the minute your guide greets you with a warm handshake,” says Austin. “Our aim is to give guests a comprehensive and authentic insider’s view of the regions we visit.”

Austin-Lehman Adventures manages all of the arrangements for its selected destinations that include iconic regions of North, Central and South America as well as southern Africa. ALA offers a 6 guests to one guide ratio that has set a high industry standard. Rates include first-class accommodations, most meals and beverages, expert guides, park entry fees, a daily mix of activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding and more, ground transportation and luggage service. Not included is round trip travel to the host city.

For a copy of the 2009 catalog as well as information on ALA’s 66 unique itineraries for active adult and family travel, please call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail info@austinlehman.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries you can log onto its award-winning website: www.austinlehman.com.

Source: Widness & Wiggins