Leading the Way: February Update

February Update

Today there seems greater need than ever before to be both up-to-the-minute with news and mindful of things that have real lasting value. This week: Once-in-a-Lifetime Egypt, Little Palm Island, Venice Biennale and Just Back from Brazil.

Where to Go Next: Egypt

Some trips live up to their billing and many don’t. Last summer, I finally traveled to Egypt and found it exceeded even my long-fostered expectations. With one third of all of the world’s antiquities and the only remaining of the seven wonders of the ancient world (the pyramids at Giza), Egypt offers a bewildering amount of treasures, all concentrated near Cairo and up the Nile along the east and west banks between Luxor and Aswan (read about a special boating trip along the Nile). It is impossible for me to pick which sight was the most awe-inspiring—the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut’s temple, Karnak Temple, the pyramids—but the trip with its mix of ancient monuments and Biblical landscapes was truly a must-in-a-lifetime visit. Read Melissa’s Why Go Now: Egypt and our new report on Cairo. Plus: a member postcard on her 50th birthday in Egypt and Jordan, another member’s account of traveling off the tourist path in Egypt and a family trip to Israel and Egypt.

Renowned travel operator Abercrombie & Kent is also celebrating the uniqueness of this destination in its Once in a Lifetime trips, on sale at a steep discount tomorrow. And, exclusive for Indagare members, the company is offering remarkable savings on its independent journeys to Morocco, including expert-led tours of Casablanca, Marrakech and Fez. Read about the details of the special A&K offer.

For more information on how to book, contact our advisory and bookings department at info@indagare.com or call 212-988-2611.

Weekend Escape: Little Palm Island

Two weeks ago, we shared our Indagare Best list of favorite romantic getaways and now members are beginning to add their own. One recent favorite is Little Palm Island, discovered by a New York-based member. She writes: “In the weekend getaway department, Little Palm Island off the coast of Key West is a sure, if extravagant, thing. We chose it partly because neither Monsieur nor I had been, so there were no memories for either of us rustling among those particular palm fronds. No mean feat at our respective and well-traveled certain ages. Beyond that we just wanted to become better acquainted and to do a bit of Nothing. Little Palm is a good place for it.” Send us stories about your favorite romantic retreats to info@indagare.com.

Indagare Access: Venice Biennale

With its challenging themes and cutting-edge works, the Venice Biennale is best visited in the company of experts who can put it into context. Opus Travels, the New York-based company that focuses on contemporary art, design and architecture tours, is hosting a behind-the-scenes trip—and two of the six spots are being held exclusively for Indagare members. Organized with the assistance of a prominent art collector, the Opus trip (June 1-8) to Venice will include curator-led tours of the exhibitions, access to the opening celebration and meetings with artists who are creating new works for the national pavilions. The small size of the group will allow in-depth interactions with artists, curators, art dealers and art collectors. This week on Indagare Bests: smaller, up-and-coming art fairs, selected by art experts and insiders.

Just Back From: Brazil

Angra dos Reis, a glorious stretch of coastline, beaches and azure water south of Rio de Janeiro, is a relatively well-kept secret, except among Brazilians. One of our editors just returned from a trip during which she stayed at a fabulous pousada, run by a local family and located on a private four-acre island. Reached via a thirty-minute boat ride from scenic Santa Luzia port, the hidden gem came with pristine beaches, a main house with a glorious patio and six airy bungalows. She says: “The whole experience felt as if I was staying in the home of a chic laid-back Brazilian friend. There was no restaurant or set menus; rather the chef prepared ultra-fresh meals using local ingredients, and the lovely staff was quick at hand with perfectly mixed caipirinhas.” Read about Brazil’s beach getaways to Angra, Buzios and Bahia.