2006 Exploratory Brochure - Horizon & Co.

StyleSTYLE IS ONE OF THOSE RAREATTRIBUTES THAT YOU EITHER POSSESSOR YOU DON’T, AND THE MORE YOUTRY TO POSSESS IT, THE MORE IT WILLELUDE YOU. AT HORIZON, WE BELIEVETHAT STYLE IS ABOUT AN ATTITUDETO LIFE RATHER THAN RIGID RULES OFCONDUCT. WE DON’T HAVE A FORMULATHAT WE USE TO DESIGN AND RUN EVERY TRIP,BUT WE DO HAVE A CONSISTENT SENSIBILITYTHAT INFORMS EVERYTHING WE DO. WE BELIEVETHAT LIFE IS TO BE ENJOYED AND TO BEDISCOVERED, AND WE TAKE OUR GREATESTPLEASURE IN SHARING OUR DISCOVERIESWITH OUR TRAVELLERS.PERSONAL JOURNEYSWe believe that exceptional service is about providing choices, notimposing them. Instead of constructing a rigid program of activitiesthat everyone must follow, we offer flexibility and encourage ourtravellers to pursue their personal agendas. From our perspective,the group format is simply the envelope for the experience,and rather than restricting you, it should liberate you to focuson the things that really matter. Travelling in a group allowsyou to gain access to unique experiences not available to individualtravellers; provides a congenial community of like-minded adventurousspirits to share memorable moments; and cocoons you in the comfortand convenience of knowing that someone is always watching outfor you.TRANQUIL SOJOURNSWe believe that the rejuvenating power of travel lives in the momentsof quiet contemplation, when the cares of the world fall away and thespirit has an opportunity to replenish itself. We create the conditionsin which those moments can occur by removing all distractions. Tips forthe bellhop? Already done. A night at the opera? Be our guest. Breakfastin bed? Indulge yourself. Rather than cramming the grand tour into aweek long frenzy of checklists, we slow things down in order tosavour the nuances and flavours of local traditions. We stayfor extended periods in one place, moving into our rooms rather thanjust moving through them, learning to navigate the neighbouring environsby memory rather than by map, getting to know the true characterof our local innkeeper rather than just the name on his jacket.POWERFUL MEMORIESWe believe that the most powerful memories are formed throughthe alchemy of participation in the moment and immersion in theexperience. Rather than passively skimming the surface of a cultureand a place, we seek to understand it by drawing aside the curtainof artifice and getting to know the players behind the scenes. Ourapproach to travel offers the opportunity to slow down,go deep, and take part in something that is authentic,meaningful and real. We avoid the contrivance of modern tourismand instead seek out experiences that resonate with authentic locallife carried on according to its own natural rhythm. We skip the jadedboredom of the tourist guides and focus instead on the genuine passionof local characters who bring alive their world through their stories.PEACE OF MINDWe believe that true peace of mind comes from knowing that someoneelse has sweated the small stuff so that you can focus on the big picture.In our opinion, no detail is so trivial that it doesn’t meritattention, from the colour of the napkins to the sequence of the menu.While our planners are meticulous in anticipating every eventuality,we also give our guides the authority to make decisions on the flybased on their superior understanding of the context and needs of ourtravellers. Every individual within the company, from thefront line to the back office, has a stake in the outcomeof each departure.