Boutique tours offer intimate experience
INTOXICATING and exotic the Middle East beckons those who seek adventure and there is now a new player in the Australian tour group market, Gypsian Boutique Tours which is opening the doors to Middle Eastern travel with the launch of small group tours to Egypt and Jordan, Morocco and Southern Spain and Turkey.
Founded by Middle Eastern travel specialists Susan, Libby and Candace Warner, who have been visiting the region as tourists and professional tour guides for over a decade, Gypsian Boutique Tours was born out of a demand for intimate cultural experiences.
"The scenario of the tour leader with a red umbrella rushing a huge group through the sights is far too common. We were constantly asked about intimate and slower paced tours and realised that there weren't any available, so we developed tours based on what our tour groups enjoyed," Susan Warner said.
The Gypsian Boutique Tours are capped at 12 passengers.
"Local restaurants, markets and attractions are all best enjoyed as part of a small group tour.
"Our destinations are a little off the beaten track, but the Middle East is steeped in history, culture and adventure and we want to showcase this as best we can without having to rush our guests from one destination to another."
Pyramids to Petra
Discover Egyptian history with a 21-night travel package.
With all accommodation and most meals included, you will enjoy the vast culture and adventure of the Egyptian Pyramids through to the magnificent sites of the ancient city of Petra.
This getaway includes relaxing by the Red Sea waters and a mud mask from the minerals of the Dead Sea.
Tour dates: March 17 - April 7, November 3 - 24 2013.
Priced from $5539 (pp).
Tapas and Tangines
Indulge with the gypsies during a 17-night getaway.
You will discover the sites of Marrakech through to final days spent unwinding in Madrid.
Enjoy the culinary delights of Southern Spanish tapas and Moroccan tangines, while sightseeing along golden sands of Casablanca to embracing the breathtaking architecture of the Alhambra.
Tour dates: April 13 - 30, October 12 - 29, 2013.
Priced from $5995(pp)
Turkish Odyssey
Book now for a 20-night package that includes accommodation in boutique hotels and a traditional Turkish Gulet, with your days spent sightseeing the cultural delights of Istanbul through to cruising the pristine waters of the Mediterranean.
Shop the renowned silk markets, as history is brought to life.
Tour dates: May 3 - 23, August 23 - September 12, 2013.
Priced from $5479 (pp)
For more information visit www.gypsiantours.com.au or phone 07 3372 4833.
>> To read more travel stories
