2018 INDIA TOUR...Tata Theatre, NCPA NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400021 Gala...

Australian World Orchestra | India Tour 2018 | Supporter Package 28 June 2018

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!!!!! ! ! ! 2018 INDIA TOUR!

Travel with us and be part of the magic with the Australian World Orchestra when we rediscover mystical India this September. Choose from one of our 5 star luxury packages, staying 7 or 10 nights, travelling with one of the world’s great orchestras on a tour of music and culture you will never forget. We have chosen beautiful and luxurious hotels with private transfers and all internal flights included for peace of mind, so you can relax and enjoy a unique view of India that not many people get to experience. Visiting India is an adventure through timeless beauty, vibrant colours and mesmerizing culture. Add that to a tour with the Australian World Orchestra and you’ll be writing an unforgettable chapter to the story of your life. The orchestra will be conducted by AWO founder and internationally renowned maestro Alexander Briger AO. The repertoire will include works such as the Don Giovanni overture by Mozart and Beethoven’s 7th Symphony with a virtuoso performance of Saint- Saens: Rondo Capriccioso by the incredible Daniel Dodds on his Stradivarius (circa 1717).

This year the AWO is excited to introduce and welcome

Mezzo-soprano Caroline Meng, performing your favourite arias

from Carmen. !


AWO INDIA TOUR 20 – 29 SEPTEMBER 2018 | SUPPORTER TOUR

20 – 24 SEPTEMBER 2018 | CHENNAI – PONDICHERRY – CHENNAI Includes 4 nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast, a two-day trip to Pondicherry,

transfers, and concert ticket THURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER (10 NIGHT TOUR) Arrive in Chennai Private airport transfer to hotel Accommodation: Taj Club House Hotel 5 star luxury property. No. 2, Club House Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002 +91 44 66313131 FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER Early morning journey to Pondicherry (3.5 hrs by road) Check-in to hotel Accommodation: Palais De Mahe (or similar | TBC) #4, Rue Bussy (Lal Bahadur Shastri Street), White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Afternoon tour of Pondicherry town (tour description attached) Free evening SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER Free day in Pondicherry to enjoy beaches, shopping, and city. (7 NIGHT TOUR COMMENCES) Arrive in Chennai Private airport transfer to hotel SUNDAY 23 SEPTEMBER Early morning transfer back to Chennai (3.5 hrs by road) Evening transfer to concert Concert 1: Mozart, Saint-Saens and Beethoven Subba Rao Concert Hall 7, Shenstone Park, # 13/1 Harrington Road Chetput, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600031 Post concert function Transfer back to hotel


24 – 27 SEPTEMBER 2018 | COCHIN

Includes 3 nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast, full day backwaters tour, transfers, concert ticket, pre-concert canapés & drinks and gala dinner

MONDAY 24 SEPTEMBER Transfer to airport Flight from Chennai to Cochin with orchestra Transfer to hotel Accommodation: Taj Malabar Resort & Spa Willington Island, Kochi, Kerala 682009 +91 484 6643000 5 Star Heritage Hotel – with a view of Cochin Harbour the hotel is a fine balance between yesterday and tomorrow. Free afternoon to enjoy spa, pool, bar, or explore the city. To pre-book Jiva spa packages please call the hotel on +91 484 6643000 TUESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER Optional half day tour of Cochin (tour description attached) Evening cocktails and canapes in garden of hotel Boat transfer to concert venue Concert 2: Program as before including arias from Bizet’s Carmen. Grand Hyatt Auditorium Bolgatty Island, Kochi, Kerala, 682504 Gala dinner Boat transfer back to hotel WEDNESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER Full day backwaters cruise including lunch and a 1 hour stop at the most renowned island on the backwaters, Pathiramanal (full description attached) Or Experience AWO players engaging with children with disabilities, through an Education Programme in collaboration with the Centre for Autism India – 2 hours outside Cochin. Numbers limited. Free evening !!


27 – 29 SEPTEMBER 2018 | MUMBAI

Includes 2 nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast, a dinner with the orchestra, transfers, concert ticket and gala dinner

THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER Transfer to airport Flight from Cochin to Mumbai with orchestra Transfer to hotel Accommodation: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel Apollo Bunder, Mumbai, Ph +91 22 6665 3366 Iconic 5 Star Luxury Hotel – one of the original grand hotels of the world at the Gateway to India. Free afternoon to enjoy spa, pool, bar or explore the city. To pre-book Jiva spa packages please call the hotel on +91 22 6665 3366 Dinner with the orchestra and team. FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER Optional half day tour of Mumbai (tour description attached) Evening transfer to concert Concert 3: Performance as per Cochin plus performance by the students of the Melhi Mehta Music Foundation Tata Theatre, NCPA NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400021 Gala dinner Transfer back to hotel SATURDAY 29 SEPTEMBER Return to Australia | Transfer to airport will be arranged Or opt to take up one of Mimansa’s tour packages including a trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Packages to follow. To book/inquire about a post tour package please contact Ashwani from Mimansa directly on +91 9829056661 | [email protected]

Note: An additional nights’ accommodation can be arranged upon request !

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!AWO INDIA TOUR 2018 | SUPPORTER PACKAGE FEE

(All fees noted below are exclusive of international airfares, visa and travel insurance)

Full Tour Package from 20-29 September 2018 | Chennai – Pondicherry - Cochin – Mumbai Includes 9 nights’ accommodation, transfers, concert tickets, functions, internal airfares and tours

•!Single Traveller | $5,865 •!Couples/Twin Share | $8,520

Inc. 28% luxury GST 7-Night Tour Package from 22-29 September 2018 | Chennai – Cochin – Mumbai (excludes Pondicherry) Includes 7 nights’ accommodation, transfers, concert tickets, functions, internal airfares and tours

•!Single Traveller | $5,215 •!Couples/Twin Share | $7220

Inc. 28% luxury GST Chennai – Pondicherry Leg only 20-24 September


Chennai Leg only 22-24 September (excluding Pondicherry)


Cochin Leg only 24-27 September


Mumbai Leg only 27-29 September


Optional:

•!Half Day Tour Cochin | $100 per person – add to above prices. •!Half Day Tour Mumbai | $100 per person – add to above prices.

Note: If you decide to take up two cities, there will be an additional charge for the internal airfare.

Inc. 28% luxury GST To confirm your booking a $500 non-refundable deposit per person is required by 10 July 2018. Please submit your details and payment via the link below.

https://www.trybooking.com/VYJH

Note: If you would like assistance with processing the deposit, or would prefer to do a bank transfer kindly email Lucy at [email protected] Passport number for all travellers should be submitted at the time of deposit. Please read the below terms and conditions carefully. You will be asked to accept these conditions upon the processing of your deposit. We greatly look forward to having you with us for what will be an incredible tour in India. For any inquiries please contact our India coordinator Lucy Peters – [email protected] | +91 9818788718 Regards, The Australian World Orchestra

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that the Australian World Orchestra is not a travel agency and is working in collaboration with Mimansa Journeys, WanderNow, and Taj Hotels. Individual safety, health, visas, international flights, insurance, and any additional travel is the sole responsibility of the traveler and the Australian World Orchestra (AWO) is not liable for any loss. While we use our best endeavors to minimize any changes to the tour, it may prove necessary or advisable to vary or modify the tour or its contents due to prevailing local conditions. We reserve the right at any time to cancel or change any of the facilities, or services described in the itinerary and to substitute alternative arrangements of comparable monetary value without compensation. If a service or facility becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond our control (‘force majeure’) and no alternative arrangement of comparable monetary value is available, we will substitute the best alternative available and will refund the traveler for any cost saving. Your place on the tour will only be confirmed once a $500 non-refundable deposit is processed. Remaining payment will be due 45 days prior to the tour, 07 August 2018. Cancelation charges will be applied as shown below, calculated from the day written notification is received by the AWO. In addition to the charges shown below, airlines and hotels may impose up to 100% cancellation charges. 60-45 days 25% of tour cost 45-30 days 50% of tour cost 30-15 days 75% of tour cost Less than 15 days 100% of tour cost If AWO needs to cancel the tour for any reason, except force majeure (as outlined above), we will return all monies paid. No compensation will be paid in the event of cancellation by AWO. A full refund of monies paid for tour costs will be the full extent of our liability. Airlines and hotels may impose up to 100% cancellation charges. All bookings are accepted on the understanding that the client appreciates that travel does involve some risk and that they undertake the tour at their own volition.


TOUR DESCRIPTIONS

PONDICHERRY (HALF DAY TOUR)

Post lunch, leave for sightseeing of Pondicherry town. Pondicherry itself is divided into two sectors, the French quarters and the Tamil quarters, once again each with their own distinctive architecture and cultures. With the sea front and the whitewashed residences and ornamental gardens it has a distinct Mediterranean feel about it. Most of the cultural and architectural heritage that Pondicherry has inherited is predominantly French and distinctly different from other parts of India. Today, Pondicherry is most famous for its nearby towns like

Auroville and its international residents; a utopian experiment-in-living based on the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo. Auroville was developed as a centre for universal religion around the Indian yogi and spiritual leader, Sri Aurobindo. The Ashram which combines the spiritual tenets of yoga and modern science, is one of the most popular and affluent ashrams in India. Note: Included in two-night Pondicherry trip


!BACKWATERS TOUR | KERALA (FULL DAY)

Wake up with an overwhelming sense of excitement, as the day is reserved for an ever-memorable journey through the palm-fringed canals of Alleppey. After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Alleppey for a day cruise in the traditional Kettuvallam of God’s Own Country. These traditional Kettuvallams, commonly known as houseboats undoubtedly form one of the most abiding images of the backwaters in Kerala. Kettuvallams were large rice barges used to carry goods in ancient times. On arrival at Alleppey, embark into India’s largest

houseboat, where you will be warmly welcomed in a traditional Kerala style and refresh yourself with tender coconut water served onboard. Alleppey is a small town crisscrossed with innumerable canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons; here nature has spent up on the land her richest bounties. After check in, our guide will give the briefing and rest of the hours will be free for leisure inside the houseboat. A trip without its local cuisines will be incomplete. You can experience the mouth-watering mashed tapioca with fish curry and explore the beautiful backwaters. What is truly magical about a houseboat ride is the breath-taking view of the beautiful villages. One can skim past lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples, churches, coconut groves and above all the pure essence of village life. Halt at the most renowned island on the backwaters, Pathiramanal, for an hour to experience its scenic beauty. In the afternoon, enjoy the meals that would be cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish and prawns. Before checkout, tea and coffee will be served along with banana fritters, another finger licking food of Kerala. In the evening you will be transferred to your hotel in Cochin with everlasting memories. Note: Included in Cochin leg


COCHIN (HALF DAY TOUR)

After breakfast you will visit Cochin, one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer than 30 people. The community is still centered around JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portuguese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that

hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jew town. Proceed for a sightseeing tour of FORT COCHIN. A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Jewish Synagogue and the Mattancherry Palace. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles, which work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. Return to your hotel by lunch time. About Kochi Kochi, better known as Cochin, is Kerala’s most cosmopolitan city. It was the main trading center for spices and seafood, the town is in fact a collection of narrow islands. Whilst the more modern Ernakulam boasts restaurants, new built modern shopping smalls and commercial complexes, the Mattancherri and Fort Cochin area is still traditional and retains much of its original architecture and old world charm. The area is a blend of Butch, Portuguese and British architecture, narrow streets crowded with spice shops, galleries and cafes’ and the Jewish synagogue, the oldest in India. The architecture and cuisine reflects the influences of the many traders who came and visited and ultimately settled. Note: Optional


!MUMBAI (HALF DAY TOUR)

You will visit the Dharavi slum Tour - of the impoverished Mumbai neighbourhood that’s considered one of the World’s largest slums. Get personal insight into daily life of Dharavi by exploring with the locals, and see how slum residents use innovation and creativity to survive in a challenging environment. History has it, Dharavi was a fishing village with the Kolis or the fisher folk, as its main inhabitants. Owing to the construction of a dam, the Dharavi creek dried up, making the fisher folk move to greener pastures and paving the way for new settlements. Today Dharavi attracts thousands of people every day and nurtures their dreams of a better life, making it possibly

the only slum in the world where people come in vast numbers to make a living. It is precisely this migration that has over the years resulted in making this settlement a significant contributor to Mumbai’s productivity with thousands of small scale industries thriving in the area. Dharavi as a whole generates estimated revenues of about US$ 500 million annually. Exploring this part of Mumbai throws up constant surprises not typically associated with a slum – the industrious nature of the people, the secular harmony, a zeal for life and the hope of a better future. Later you continue your tour and arrive at Churchgate Station to watch a very typical Mumbai trade – the Dabbawallahs. These are the men who are key to keeping the white collared work force of Mumbai fed, delivering over 200,000 thousand home cooked meals collected from homes in the distant suburbs and always delivered right on time to the right person. Using a system of colors and codes, the Dabbawallahs meet in front of Churchgate station, rapidly segregate the steel Tiffin carriers (which all look exactly the same) into areas and depart with their load. Their time management and operations is impeccable, resulting in a Six Sigma rating by Forbes Global and study done by Harvard. Return to your hotel in time for Lunch. Note: Optional

2018 INDIA TOUR...Tata Theatre, NCPA NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400021 Gala...

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