conxGuide: Hermes Tours
Tours for the curious gay and lesbian traveller	| conxGuide Directory |

Who Goes On Hermes Trips? While most travellers are gay men between the ages of 45 and 65 the Hermes traveller is starting to shift to include more thirtysomethings as well as lesbians. Trips typically have a 50/50 split between couples and singles. Types of Trips Offered Small group touring vacations Destinations Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America Best Known For Trips to Egypt, Israel, Eastern Europe and China Travelling Solo Hermes will match solo travellers to avoid the single supplement. However if a share is not available you will have to pay the supplement. Avoid this by booking early (more than three months prior to the departure date) to allow more time for Hermes to find a travelling partner. Price Range Prices vary by trip; however most trips fall in the $1,995 to $2,795 range. All prices are in US dollars and include all taxes.

For Travellers Who Happen To Be Gay or Lesbian

Hermes has built a solid reputation of delivering small group vacations for those looking to travel with other gay men or lesbians, not necessarily on a "gay" trip. "Most of our participants are a certian type of traveller, more interested in the destinaton than in hooking up or partying," says Christine Harrison of Hermes. Most trips have no more than 12 participants (although the very popular Egypt tour is capped at 18), so you get the unique opportunity to travel with like-minded individuals in a more intimate environment.

Hermes works hard to keep prices down so that their trips are affordable - which probably accounts for the increasing numbers of younger gay men and lesbians on Hermes vacations. They also like stretching the envelope by adding new destinations for you to explore. In the past they've offered a trip to Mongolia and in 2009 will be adding Ireland, Croatia and Switzerland.

Hermes is a great choice for travellers looking for a traditional touring vacation with a queer twist.

Africa & Middle East

	Wonders of Isreal & Jordan March 6 - 16, 2008 March 5 - 15, 2009 The crossroads to some of the greatest civilizations and home to biblical legends, a trip to Israel and Jordan will bring timeless inspriration. Highlights include Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Galilee, Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum and Amman. 2008 2009

	Egyptian Discovery in Style March 20 - 29, 2008 September 26 - October 5, 2008 October 31 - November 9, 2008 March 20 - 29, 2009 October 16 - 25, 2009 November 20 - 29, 2009 This very affordable luxury tour features the best the country has to offer; Monuments, temples, a Nile cruise and 5 star accommodations will complete your journey back in time to the land of the Pharaohs and ancient gods. Highlights include Cairo, Pyramids of Sphinx, Sakkara, Luxor's East & West Banks, Edfu & Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple of Sobek & Haroeris, Aswan, Abu Simbel and a Nile Cruise. Mar 15 - 24, 2008 Sept 26 - Oct 5, 2008 Oct 31 - Nov 9, 2008 Mar 20 - 29, 2009 Oct 16 - 25, 2009 Nov 20 - 29, 2009

	Luxurious South Africa October 17 - 26, 2008 Eembark on safaris in the bush tracking a pride of lions returning from the night's hunt, sip internationally renowned wines in Stellenbosch, and explore the gay Mecca knows as Cape Town. Spend your nights relaxing in 4 and 5 star accommodations for a vacation that will truly be memorable.

	Exotic Morocco November 14 - 24, 2008 Visit the exotic imperial cities of Morocco in the land of the Sultans. Highlights include Rabat, Volubulis, Meknes, Fes, Marrakech as well as a 4x4 desert safari.

Asia/South Pacific

	Wonders of China in Style April 11 - 21, 2008 April 17 - 27, 2009 Travel through the Chinese dynasties. This tour starts in Beijing in grandiose style where you walk along the Great Wall of China, visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square and then go inland to see the famous Ming tombs. Highlights include: Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou. 2008 2009

	Treasure of Thailand November 22 - 30, 2008 Experience a true Thai synergy - from the temples in Bangkok, to an elephant safari in Chiang Mai, to the beautiful beaches of Phuket.

Europe

	Best of Greece May 17 - 25, 2008 Spend a full week exploring the power and beauty of the ancient Greek empire. From the Parthenon in Athens to the Cyclades Islands of Mykonos and Santorini, this tour gives you plenty of time to relax and enjoy this unique destination.

	Italian Masterpieces May 24 - June 1, 2008 Experience the unique beauty of Italy by exploring the most famous Italian cities. Start your journey in Rome, replete with ancient monuments, reminiscent of its glorious past. Explore Florence, home of Michelangelo's David.

	Venice Extension June 1 - 3, 2008 Enjoy the mystique and charm of Venice as an extension to the Italian Masterpieces tour.

	Eastern Europe Gems - Prague & Berlin June 20 - 29, 2008 Spend 8 nights in Prague, Dresden & Berlin, on this unconventional tour of these eastern European gems. Highlights include Berlin's famous Christopher Street Pride, a Trabi safari of Berlin, a gay treasure hunt, and Dresden.

	Splendors of Central Europe August 29 - September 7, 2008 Welcome to the long shrouded jewels of Central Europe. Travel and experience the culture, traditions and history of this region. Walk down ancient streets, and tread the same paths of warriors and kings. Highlights include Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna and Budapest

	Spanish Seductions September 13 - 21, 2008 Fast becoming a Mecca for the gay market, Sitges along with Barcelona and Madrid offer an ideal combination of fun in the sun along with the best of Spain's cultural masterpeices.

North America

	Alaska's Wilds July 6 - 13, 2008 Let Alaska reveal itself in this incredible adventure. With its bountiful wildlife, pristine nature and adventure, Alaska will delight you.

	French Canada Sampler + Montreal Pride July 26 - August 3, 2008 Bienvenue à la Belle Province! Culture, heritage and Pride. Highlights of this trip include Montreal, Quebec City, Tadoussac, Montmorency Falls, Saguenay Fjord, a whale watching cruise on the Saint Lawrence, and Mont Tremblant.

	Fall Foliage Tour - Montreal & The Laurentians October 11 - 18, 2008 October is one of the best times to visit Montreal. This fall foliage tour into the Laurentian Mountains also includes stops in Canada’s capital, Ottawa, and five fun-filled nights in Montreal, one of the friendliest gay destinations around.

South America

	Peruvian Exploration August 9 - 17, 2008 Marvel at the awesome accomplishment of Machu Picchu as you witness the area were an ancient civilization once stood. Visit this ancient land filled with natural beauty, inspiring architecture and its welcoming people. Highlights include Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas and Lima..