conxGuide: Coda International Tours

Cultural adventures for the curious gay traveller

Who Goes On Coda Trips?	Coda’s travelers are intellectually curious gay men and women who like the idea of traveling together for the relaxed atmosphere and sense of camaraderie it generates. Ages are as diverse as backgrounds. Some are in their 30s, while others are 70 or more. Some of travel with partners while others travel solo.
Types of Trips Offered	Tours that emphasize history, scenery and off-the-beaten-track spots. Accommodation tends to be luxurious and group sizes small.
Destinations	While Coda offers trips around the world, most are in Africa, Asia, and South America.
Best Known For	Meticulous planning and small group sizes.
Travelling Solo	Most people on Coda trips are travelling with a partner or a friend. Those traveling on their own are most likely to choose to pay a single supplement. As a result Code doesn't formally offer to match travellers looking to share with other solo guests.
Price Range	Prices range widely - from $2,195 (for Central American trips) to $8,795 (for the Antarctica trip). Generally prices are higher for trips to less-travelled parts of the world. All prices are in US dollars and include all taxes.

For the World-wide Explorer

The goal of every Coda program is to learn and discover. Each itinerary is customized to strike a balance between unforgettable scenery and historic treasures with wonderful out-of-the-way sites that most travelers miss.

Traveling in style has become a cliché, but Coda works hard to deliver on the cliché. The yachts are small and elegant and offer most of the amenities of larger cruise ships. Hotels reflect the sophistication and demanding standards of their typical travellers. Meals are designed to be an experience, and often include local specialties and wines. Specially arranged behind-the-scenes visits, dinners in private homes or meetings with museum curators, politicians or activists are part of some programs.

Coda tries to go the extra mile and will frequently add elements to a trip while on tour should a unique opportunity arise – at no additional cost to you.

Africa & The Indian Ocean

	The Best of Southern Africa November 17 - 30, 2008 The 4-night expedition into the wilds of Botswana is nothing less than luxurious. You’ll have splendid accommodations at Stanley's Camp and Chief's Camp. From here you’ll enjoy private game drives to see elephants, hippos, antelope, and massive concentrations of African birds. Then it’s on to Zambia and the secluded River Club Hotel.

	South Africa at Christmas & New Year's December 21, 2008 - January 3, 2009 Your 3-night expedition into Greater Kruger National Park is nothing less than luxurious. You’ll enjoy private game drives to see elephants, hippos, antelope, and massive concentrations of African birds. Explore the Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. Celebrate New Year's Eve over dinner and drinks with new found friends.

	Mali & The Road to Timbuktu February 13 - 23, 2009 Mali is one of the most fascinating countries in West Africa, if not the world. You will witness traditional ways of life that one normally gets to see only between the pages of National Geographic magazine. Mostly untouched by today's global problems, the people of the Dogon Country are welcoming and appreciative of your interest in visiting them.

Egypt & The Middle East

	Egypt and The Nile October 30 - November 8 , 2008 On this journey, you’ll visit some of the most renowned sites of the ancient world. You’ll discover the awe-inspiring Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza, the temples and tombs of the Pharaohs in Luxor, ancient Thebes, and the nearly lost Abu Simbel temples. This 10 day tour of Egypt is simply the best way to discover this ancient land.

	The Sultanate Of Oman & Dubai, U.A.E. December 5 - 15, 2008 Witness an engineering odyssey to create an island paradise of sea, sand and sky, Dubai's "The World". See the world's first 7-star hotel, Burj Al Arab and an indoor ski resort. Travel across the desert is 4 wheel drive vehicles and learn about the Bedouin life.

China & The Orient

	China October 21 - November 2 , 2008 China is on the minds of nearly everyone these days as we move closer and closer to a world economy where our dependence on the Chinese is indelible. China is full of contrasts. It is a vast nation where the old is juxtaposed to the new, and they seemingly coexist in harmony.

Southeast Asia

	Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur & Borneo August 10 - 22, 2008 The Island of Borneo is the world’s 3rd largest island, yet it remains veiled in mystery to the American traveler. Cannibals, rainforests and the “wild man of Borneo” are often the only images we have of this fascinating destination. Actually Borneo is home to much more than indigenous tribes and orangutans.

	Indonesia August 20 - September 1, 2008 The arts and culture of Indonesia are almost unparalled in the world. Whether you are admiring handmade batik cloth from Yogya, oil paintings and wood carvings from Bali or the incredible architecture that is known as "Balinese style", you know you are admiring something special.

	Splendors Of Myanmar Aboard The Road to Mandalay October 11 - 19, 2008 Myanmar — known formerly as Burma — is an enigma to most Western travelers. Until very recently this relatively large, politically socialist and profoundly Buddhist country had voluntarily shut itself off from the rest of the world. Through its arts, crafts, history, cuisine, and amazing sights, you’ll come to appreciate much about this beautiful and mysterious land. This is a special opportunity to visit an extraordinary place.

	Vietnam & Cambodia November 10 - 24, 2008 January 17 - 31, 2009 Twenty-five years of isolation from the West have enabled Vietnam and Cambodia to preserve their ancient culture and traditional folkways better than any of their neighbors in Southeast Asia. This deluxe journey lets you experience these unique countries for yourself. November January

	Visions Of Indochina: Thailand, Cambodia & Laos March 19 - April 1, 2009 This journey begins in Bangkok at the deluxe Peninsula Hotel where balcony rooms overlook the busy Chao Phraya river. Specially selected hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang provide the touch of luxury that sophisticated travellers have come to expect when traveling in Southeast Asia.

India & South Asia

	Northern India, Featuring The Taj Hotels October 10 - 21 , 2008 India is all about colors, smells, sounds and sights. It is a veritable kaleidoscope for the senses. As one of the world's great civilizations, ranking up there with China & Egypt, India is an absolute must for anyone who considers themselves well-traveled. It is an amazing destination that should not be missed.

	India: The Quintessential Trip November 14 - 27 , 2008 Quintessential India is for both the first-time traveler and the repeater to India. Come to India and indulge in the richness of its history and religion, the expertness of the Indian craftsmen and the intricacy of its cuisine. It is an amazing destination that should not be missed.

	Treasures of Sri Lanka November 26 - December 9 , 2008 Sri Lanka is a tourist's paradise. Marco Polo described it as "the finest island of its size in the world". Wonderful pristine beaches, lush-green hills, majestic waterfalls, corals, wild life, heritage sites, pilgrimage sites, exotic cuisine-Sri Lanka has everything that a tourist can imagine.

Europe, Russia & Turkey

	Spain November 1 - 11, 2008 Your itinerary for Spain is designed to provide you with an overview of the best of Spain: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville. One of the leading tourist destinations in Europe, Spain is particularly relevant and interesting to the gay traveler because full marriage rights are recognized for same sex couples.

South America

	The Art & Nature of Argentina: Buenos Aires, Calafate, Bariloche September 5 - 17, 2008 There are many reasons to visit Argentina. You might travel there for the superb world-famous beef or in search of high quality leather goods or just simply for the infamous nightlife where being surrounded by beautiful Argentines is well worth the trip.