Tour operator Battered Suitcase has launched a series of bespoke journeys for independent travellers to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historic cultural destinations in the Americas taking in the Deep South; Argentina; Alaska and Ecuador with the Galapagos. Since each trip is tailored to suit the individual’s interests, the itineraries are for suggestion only, so every experience is different and travellers can ‘do it their way’ selecting sites, activities and experiences to suit their interests. Tours are either self-drive, with a private driver/guide or, in the case of Alaska, on the railroad.
Battered Suitcase is a fully bonded tour operator with all flights and flight-inclusive holidays financially protected by the ATOL scheme (where applicable) through its membership with the Travel Trust Association.
America’s Deep South – 14-day self-drive heritage journey
Discover the culture and heritage of America’s Deep South on this bespoke, 14-day self-drive heritage journey with tour operator Battered Suitcase exploring the three states along the ‘cotton belt’ where cultural ‘Southern’ elements exist in their most concentrated form – Louisiana, Alabama and Tennessee. Immerse yourself in history and learn about the tragic lives of those who suffered whilst working on wealthy family plantations. Follow in the footsteps of Civil Rights leader, Martin Luther King; see spectacular scenery in the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site Great Smoky Mountains National Park; hear classics in the home of country music and taste renowned southern cuisine. Options include a private tasting at the Jack Daniels Distillery and a visit to the Tabasco factory, while music enthusiasts will relish a tour of the Historic RCA Studio B, once the recording home of Elvis Presley.
Argentina – 14-day cultural and natural heritage tours
Battered Suitcase is offering a choice of two 14-day bespoke holidays exploring the cultural and natural heritage of Argentina. Both tours start and end in Buenos Aires and also include a visit to Iguazu with its panoramic falls and San Antonio de Areco but that’s where most of the similarities end. The Cultural Heritage Tour has been designed for travellers who wish to discover more about the country’s native and Jesuit legacy. It includes some traditional touches such as a visit to a ranch in the Pampas and the Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tour then moves to the northern area of Argentina and includes a circuit of the Quebrada de Humahuaca ending in Cordoba, important to the Spanish due to its location on the old route to the region of Alto Perú (Upper Peru, now in Bolivia) conquered in the 16th century. Travellers on the Natural Heritage Tour visit the World Heritage city of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay reached by boat in around an hour from Buenos Aires. Next it’s a flight to Puerto Madryn on the coast where a couple of days are spent observing the huge variety of marine fauna and flora including sea birds, small dolphins and whales as well as a visit to the penguin reserve. A further flight goes to El Calafate with its stunning glaciers and an exciting river trip amongst the icebergs on board a catamaran. The Argentinian cultural or natural heritage tours are priced from around £4,125 per person including return flights from London, internal flights, private driver/guide and accommodation.
Alaska – glaciers, northern lights & wildlife – 12-day railroad journey
The Battered Suitcase 12-day adventure through Alaska takes travellers through spectacular scenery on the Alaska State Railroad using the famous trains: Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery and Denali Star. Travellers can choose from a vast range of sites, experiences and activities for their bespoke itinerary including a chance to experience the Northern Lights as well as glacier visits; wildlife cruises in Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park, visit to Whittier; a riverboat discovery tour into inner Alaska and the city of Fairbanks or discover the tundra on a wilderness tour in Denali National Park before relaxing at a cabin dinner and theatre night. Other options include a Talkeetna jet boat safari; museum visits in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city; a tour through the Arctic to cross the mighty Yukon River and the thrill of a dog sled ride with an Iditarod musher. For those looking for a more immersive experience, there is also the option to stay with a local Alaskan family to learn more about how they live; what they learnt from their ancestors to survive in the unique climate using local resources and other traditions passed through the generations. The Alaska journey is priced from around £3,137 per person including return flights from London, railroad tickets, accommodation, tours, activities and museum visits of choice.
Spirit of Ecuador and Galapagos – 15-day cultural journey
Experience the true spirit, culture and natural splendour of Ecuador and the Galapagos islands with this 15-day private tour from UNESCO World Heritage Site tour specialist Battered Suitcase. Although small, Ecuador has a rich history, fascinating wildlife and beautiful natural wonders. Tours take in the World Heritage
Site cities of Cuenca and Quito, which were part of the Inca Empire, visits to traditional Indian villages in the Andes, the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano and a four-day, full-board cruise landing and exploring the Galapagos.
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