ARMENIA

As one of the oldest and most culturally inspiring countries in the world, Armenia has much to celebrate and more reasons than ever for guests to visit in 2019. With a new government moving towards democracy thanks to this year’s “Velvet Revolution,” travelers will find a country of exciting contrasts as Armenia’s capital city of Yerevan prepares to celebrate its 2800^th anniversary (yes, it’s that old). They will also discover a blend of ancient culture, artisan traditions and modern architecture as well as new modern conveniences such as Yerevan’s newly upgraded public transportation system and three brand new metro stations. Looking to travel from northern Armenia to the south? Over the last two years, a major overhaul of the country’s roads has taken place, and by 2019 a new highway will be finalized, connecting Yerevan to Gyumri, the country’s second largest city. Go to Armenia now. It’s never been it easier or more exciting to explore this beautiful country undergoing its own renaissance.

Plan a Trip: Cox & Kings will debut a new private journey to Armenia & Georgia for the 2019/2020 travel season. Guests will spend 9 days & 8 nights discovering the regions superb scenery, friendly locals and amazing cultural sites.

EGYPT

In 2019, Egypt will ring in the New Year with the opening of the 5.2 million square foot Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), also known as the Giza Museum. At a cost of over $1billion, and home to over 100,000 artifacts, many of which will be displayed for the first time, the GEM will be the largest museum in the world dedicated to one civilization. In fact, King Tutankhamun’s complete collection – containing over 50,000 artifacts – is said to occupy over one third of the entire museum. A new cultural treasure, the museum has been designed and built so that it will line up directly with the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaure. What a sight that will be!

Plan a Trip: According to our bespoke DMC experts, Navigo360, book a trip with their Egypt specialists Nubio Tours, and partake in an exclusive visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, as well as an intimate meeting with the museum’s Director. Travelers can also spend their time exploring the grandeur of the ancient region through the lens of a local and experienced guide.

MATERA

While Italy and its vibrant cities of Rome, Milan, and Florence remain perennial tourism favorites, next year will be Matera’s time to shine as one of the EU’s 2019 European Capitals of Culture. Completely revitalized from its impoverished days of overcrowding in the 1950s, new life now pervades Matera’s well-known rocky landscape. Its unique complex of cave dwellings, otherwise known as the Sassi area, has been revitalized into museums, luxury boutique hotels, and even five-star restaurants. To commemorate its new status, the city will kick off the year with an opening ceremony on January 19^th featuring an extraordinary celebration in the streets. Festivities will continue throughout the 2019 with an ongoing schedule of cultural programs which can be found on the city’s dedicated website Matera Basilicata 2019.

Plan a Trip: Award-winning, boutique Italian tour operator Discover Your Italy, known for delivering the “Italian’s Italy,” launched a new itinerary this Fall that combines Matera and Puglia. Travelers will enjoy a guided walking tour of the city, an excursion to a typical cave-dwelling, tastings of traditional cuisine and more. Discover Your Italy can completely customize all itineraries, including activities and experiences to suit any traveler’s needs.

SINGAPORE

Given the recent box office success of Crazy Rich Asians, it’s no surprise that Singapore is a hot topic. Travel to this small, yet prosperous country, just became even easier with Singapore Air’s new non-stop service from New York (Newark), a first for these two cities since 2013. And speaking of air travel, Changi Airport, consistently ranked among the best in the world, plans to unveil its highly anticipated new lifestyle hub, JEWEL, which will be easily accessible from the main terminals. Designed by the famed Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie, the same architect who designed Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the new airport structure will be a world-class destination of shopping, dining, accommodations and aviation facilities, giving travelers yet another reason to visit in 2019.

Plan a Trip: Book Cox & Kings’ Inspiring Singapore journey to discover stories of the enchanting city past and present, with curated tours that fit your passions, from foodie, explorer or culture seeker.

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