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Come follow us: argentina and uruguay with kensington tours.

Posted by David Porter on Monday, August 18, 2014 · Leave a Comment  

Our fabulous private tour itinerary from Kensington Tours.

Carol and I are very excited to soon be exploring parts of Argentina and Uruguay expertly guided by our friends at Kensington Tours.

Kensington Tours is an award-winning custom private guided tour company that we’ve grown to love in our  travel agency business , and we simply can’t wait to explore parts of South America with their expert private guides.

And when I say award-winning, here’s a few examples of their awards: 2014 National Geographic Traveler “50 Tours of a Lifetime”, Travel + Leisure “World’s Best Awards”, Travel + Leisure “Best Luxury Adventure Company”, National Geographic Adventure “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”

You know, one of the reasons we’ve partnered with Kensington Tours in our travel agency business is that we’ve learned that given a choice, many of our clients would prefer a private, customized experience over a group travel experience.

Punta del Este in Uruguay

Now, don’t get me wrong, Carol and I have enjoyed a number of fabulous group travel experiences, but the nice thing about private customized travel experiences is that you are never required to make compromises in your travel to a group of people.

With group travel, you are always on the group’s schedule (and that of the slowest person), where with private customized travel, every tour comes with your own private guide, driver, and each moment is coordinated to suit your travel desires.  If you want to sleep in one morning, for example, your private guide is completely at your disposal.  Want to linger over a nice glass of wine?  That’s no problem with private customized travel.

So, we’ve learned that whether our clients are traveling as a couple, with their family or a group of friends, customized private guided travel is just the ticket for many of them. And, we have many glowing reviews from our clients testifying to that very fact.

Almost a year ago, Kensington Tours learned that Carol and I would be traveling to South America as the result of me winning a trip to Uruguay in a photography contest with the Virtuoso Travel Network.  And very kindly, they offered to dovetail a private customized travel experience for us that would include not only parts of Uruguay, but also a hop across the bay into Buenos Aires.  How cool is that!

We’ve now got our customized private tour in print (see photo above), and we’re raring to go!  So, keep an eye on our social media channels as we share photographs of our experiences, and we’ll recap the whole experience when we get home. Yabba Dabba Dooo!

To follow us on Facebook ( go here ), and to follow us on Twitter ( go here ).

Category: Blog , Travel Services · Tags: Argentina , Luxury Tours , Uruguay

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Kensington Tours shares its top destinations for 2024

• Tour operator
•   11-13-2023  8:25 pm

What are next year’s top-trending destinations for bespoke travel experiences?

Kensington Tours ’ destination experts have shared their picks for 2024, revealing a range of experiences for travellers seeking adventure, luxury and access to insider experiences.

“While 2023 was a huge year for travel, there is no sign that demand is declining in 2024,” said Helen Giontsis, president of Kensington Tours, in a statement. “If anything, we are seeing more requests from clients to help them explore new destinations or revisit favorite places but with fresh perspective.”

“The destinations our team has selected encapsulate the diverse array of trips our clients are seeking, from evergreen European cities to bucket list adventures in Africa, South America, Australia, and Antarctica."

All eyes are set on Paris as it gears up to host the 2024 Olympics, which has “sparked a surge in interest to travel to France,” Kensington says.

The city is working hard to put its best foot forward for what is expected to be the most significant spectator event in its history.

However, those considering a visit to the City of Light this summer should prepare early. Hotel prices have already skyrocketed, and finding accommodation during the games will be extremely challenging.

"If you're planning a trip to France in 2024, it's wise to finalize your plans now," said Jason Susinski , director of product at Kensington. "It will be very challenging to get around Paris in July and August as there will be larger than usual crowds, potential unexpected road closures, and possible attraction shutdowns. While the main events are in Paris, other cities like Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Nice will also host events. They might not face the same level of congestion and price surge as Paris, but disruptions are still possible. For a smoother experience, consider visiting in the first half of the year."

For those keen to explore the best of the country, an itinerary to Paris, Provence and the Riviera includes opportunities to see the highlights from private guided tours in Paris to food walks in Nice and countryside exploration in Avignon.

“Turkey is somewhat of a trifecta and a perfect choice for curious travellers as it hovers the border of both Europe and Asia with a culture that is heavily influenced by the Middle East,” said Briana Klaudrat , lead product consultant, Europe.

As Turkey has heavily invested in their tourism infrastructure and transportation network, travellers are realizing that they can very cost-effectively explore this country with fantastic accommodations from a luxurious resort on the Turquoise Coast, a trendy boutique property in Istanbul or a unique cave hotel in the heart of Cappadocia.

For a full exploration of the country, the Grand Turkey Journey offers a multifaceted travel experience that will appeal to a wide range of interests with historical sites, buzzling bazaars, breathtaking views from a hot air balloon over trendy Cappadocia, and diverse landscapes with stunning coastlines starting and ending in Istanbul for the best flight options.

Portugal offers history, excellent food and wine, a warm climate, friendly people, and rich culture, all at exceptional value compared to other European destinations.

Lisbon is ranked as Europe's top city break destination for affordability and is a popular choice for repeat visits, Kensington says. 

For adventurous travellers, the Azores Islands are gaining recognition as an affordable alternative to Iceland, offering dramatic landscapes and thermal waters.

“For those looking for a trip that covers the must-sees of Portugal, the Lisbon & Porto Explorer offers experiences from learning to understand peak Portuguese culture and music at a sultry Fado night, or settling in for a tasting at a local, family-owned winery tucked into the stunning Douro Valley,” said Klaudrat.  “For more adventure, the Azores Adventure encompasses four of the nine archipelago islands boasting insanely dramatic landscapes and activities for everyone from watching a blue whale crest on the surface of the Atlantic right in front of you with the dramatic coast of Faial Island in the backdrop.”

Greece is a must for both couples seeking romance and families looking for a friendly setting. It offers ancient history, beautiful beaches with clear waters, a rich culture, and delicious cuisine and wine.

“While Santorini and Mykonos are popular, there's a growing trend of travelers seeking a more authentic Greek experience on quieter, better-value islands,” said Klaudrat.  “Our Hidden Gems of the Greek Cyclades itinerary highlights islands like Naxos and Milos. You can explore Naxos Town's whitewashed streets and nightlife one day, and the next, enjoy a farm visit with a local to learn about the island's agriculture through a culinary tour. Milos, on the other hand, offers a unique landscape with moon-like beaches. The smaller Cyclades islands are brimming with proud locals eager to showcase their culture, making them a perfect choice for an authentic Greek experience without compromising on quality boutique hotels.”

"The ultimate destination for adventure seekers, Costa Rica offers something for everyone: rafting, volcano hiking, hanging bridges, birdwatching, and abundant wildlife, alongside miles of beaches," said Erika Linares, destination lead, Latin America.

For first-time visitors, the Costa Rica Signature itinerary covers it all from rafting in Arenal, cloud forest experience and zip-lining and birdwatching in Monteverde. For those seeking an ultra-luxe experience, consider the Costa Rica Luxury Villa Retreat.

Set on the Papagayo Peninsula, Villa Belvedere, spanning 11,800 square feet, is perfect for multiple families. The experience includes guided jungle and volcano hikes in Rincon de la Vieja National Park and an exclusive catamaran sailing adventure along the Papagayo Coast.

One of the best ways to witness the beauty of Antarctica is combining the best of a luxury cruise and private guided landed tours from Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Buenos Aires and Santiago, Kensington says.

A 17-day trip to  Antarctica and Iguazu Falls, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World – allows travellers to experience all four seasons. 

“One day you’re in awe of a magnificent waterfall, the next you’re watching humpback whales breach polar waters," said Noraly Barillas,  South America destination expert. 

For those seeking luxury and adventure, a Journey to the White Continent includes crossing the Drake Passage in style with options to take the path less travelled in a hike through the White Continent, or to kayak with expert guides to soak in the beauty and wildlife.

The Last Frontier remains a popular destination for adventure seekers. 

In addition to traditional itineraries to Alaska, Kensington Yachts – the sister company to Kensington Yachts dedicated exclusively to yacht charter trips – offers a luxe option featuring. 

Guests will enjoy a week aboard their luxury yacht with fully staffed crew that will serve as the base from which they will be able to experience activities such as whale watching, kayaking, salmon or halibut fishing, glacier hiking, helicopter glacier flights, zip lining and floatplane sightseeing trips.

Another bucket list destination that is trending from pent-up demand, Australia’s vibrant cities, Great Barrier Reef and Outback are always popular and for many travellers, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip so they want to soak it all up in one epic trip. 

Kensington’s Signature Australia itinerary does just that hitting all of the major points of interest from Sydney’s Harbour and Bondi Beach to aboriginal culture in Ayers Rock to snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef and penguin spotting on Phillip Island.

In 2023, Japan saw a surge in tourism as it was one of the last nations to fully reopen post-pandemic.

This trend is expected to continue into 2024.

"Japan is a great destination throughout the year, but the Cherry Blossom season is particularly popular due to its stunning beauty,” said David Crimi, product manager.

Kensington’s Cherry Blossom itinerary includes private-guided visits to Tokyo and Kyoto's temples, shrines, and landmarks; trips to Hakone, the entrance to Mt. Fuji and its national park; and a visit to a sake museum with a tasting session.

There's a growing trend of travellers revisiting Africa for another safari adventure, Kensington says.  

Andrew Drummond, manager of product, explained: "Many first-timers, after just a few game drives, become enamored with the safari experience they've long dreamed of. On subsequent visits, we provide them with deeper, more immersive experiences."

These adventures extend beyond the usual 'Big 5' safaris, offering explorations on foot, canoe, boat, and even helicopter to give varied perspectives.

Recognizing this trend, Kensington has launched several luxury itineraries.

One includes a South Africa Luxe trip where visitors can ride a cable car up Table Mountain and then bike down, visit the penguins at Cape Point Peninsula, go whale watching, and track the Big Five in Sabi Sands. Another itinerary offers a tour of Namibia, where travelers can wander the desert dunes of Sossusvlei, see ancient rock art at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein, track desert-adapted elephants, enjoy game drives in Etosha National Park, and stay in top-notch Namibian lodges. Additionally, there's an itinerary featuring the Seychelles, allowing guests to hike, scuba dive, and more.

Other trends that Kensington Tours’ experts are seeing:

Insider Access & Exclusivity

Kensington Tours has several exclusive new products, including Black Book  by Kensington Tours, which presents exclusive experiences that were once only accessible to a select few insiders.

 These experiences encompass attending a prestigious Hollywood event celebrating the year’s best in film called "The Party," viewing the world’s greatest car race in Las Vegas from above the team's pit, and journeying to Europe's premier cities on a private jet, complete with exclusive shopping and dining experiences.

Privacy, more space & ultra-luxe accommodation

As the trend of multi-generational travel expands, travellers are seeking spacious luxury villas that offer exclusivity and concierge services.

To meet this demand, Kensington Tours introduced Beyond Villas by Kensington Tours featuring private villas for those desiring ultimate privacy, complemented with custom-made travel plans.

Luxury on the high seas

Just as private air travel has surged among luxury travellers, so, too has the interest in yacht charters. 

This month, Kensington Yachts launched as a sister company to Kensington Tours as a full service yacht brokerage that matches the perfect vessel with unique land experiences, luxury transfers, hotel and villa stays, and private jet and helicopter transfers. 

For those who prefer more traditional river and cruise options,  Voyages by Kensington Tours seamlessly pairs the client’s cruise of choice with pre- and post-cruise experiences that are privately guided and fully customized to destinations throughout Europe as well as other popular and trending destinations such as Alaska, Antarctica, Asia, Galapagos, Egypt and the Arctic. 

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Africa, Arabia & Indian Ocean Ports

Egypt: Alexandria

India: Mumbai, Kochi

Israel: Ashdod, Haifa

Morocco: Agadir, Casablanca, Tangier

South Africa: Cape Town

Japan: Hiroshima, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Tokyo (Yokohama)

Sri Lanka: Colombo

South Korea: Busan, Incheon, Jeju City

Thailand: Klong Toey (Bangkok), Phuket

Vietnam: Cai Lan (Ha Long), Chan May (Hue), Dinh Vu (Hai Phong), Nha Rhong (Ho Chi Minh City), Tien Sa (Da Nang)

South America Ports

Argentina: Buenos Aires, Ushuaia

Brazil: Paraty, Rio de Janeiro

Chile: Punta Arenas, Puerto Montt, Valparaiso

Colombia: Cartagena

Peru: Callao (Lima)

Uruguay: Montevideo

Central America Ports

Guatemala: Puerto Quetzal

Panama: Colon, Panama City

Australia & New Zealand Ports

Australia: Sydney, Hobart, Melbourne, Adeliade, Perth,

New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington

Europe Ports

Austria: Vienna, Linz

Croatia: Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korcula, Opatija, Split, Zdar,

Denmark: Copenhagen, Aarhus

England: Dover, Southampton, London (Tower Bridge)

Estonia: Tallinn

Finland: Helsinki

France: Bordeaux, Nice, Cannes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Marseille, Macon, Medoc-Margaux, Toulon, Arles, Blaye, Bourg, Cadillac, Chalon-sur-Saone, Cussac-Fort Medoc, Lyon, Libourne, Paris, Strasbourg, Vienne, Viviers, Avignon, Tournon, Tournus

Germany: Kehl, Breisach, Passau, Vilshofen, Nuremberg, Rudesheim, Wurzburg, Cologne, Mainz, Koblenz, Frankfurt, Hamburg

Greece: Corfu, Heraklion, Milos, Mykonos, Napflio, Piraeus (Athens), Rhodes, Santorini, Zakynthos, Patmos, Thessaloniki, Chania, Skiathos, Skopelos

Hungary: Budapest

Iceland: Akureyri, Reykjavik

Ireland: Dublin, Cobh (Cork),

Italy: Civitavecchia, Venice, Naples, La Spezia, Livorno, Taormina, Positano, Ravenna, Trieste, Portofino, Portovenere,

Latvia: Riga, Klaipeda,

Malta: Valletta

Monaco: Monaco

Montenegro: Kotor

Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam

Northern Ireland: Belfast

Norway: Bergen, Oslo, Tromso, Flam, Trondheim, Stravanger, Geiranger, Alta, Longyearbyen, Alesund,

Poland: Gdansk

Portugal: Funchal (Madeira), Porto Leixoes, Lisbon, Porto, Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel)

Scotland: Queensferry (Edinburgh), Greenock (Glasgow)

Slovak Republic:  Bratislava

Spain: Barcelona, Cadiz, Ibiza Town (Ibiza), Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Gilbraltar, Bilbao, Vigo, Marbella

Sweden: Gothenburg, Stockholm

Switzerland: Basel

Turkey: Antalya, Bodrum, Canakkale, Istanbul, Izmir, Kusadasi

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6 Day Argentina Explorer (trip)

6 day argentina explorer.

• Buenos Aires Airport, Argentine
• Active & Adventure

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Argentina, South America

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3 testimonials about the provider, kensington tours :.

"Just wanted to thank you. We are back from Costa Rica and had a wonderful trip. Everything worked really well, on time and we had really good time. Also, I wanted to comment on your contacts in Costa Rica- they were very responsive, helped solve problems on the spot and it was very reassuring to have them there."

"For any single traveling woman - no fear! I, a single 61 year old female, traveled through Egypt & Jordan with absolutely no fear or concern for my safety. Not because I am brave but because there was no external cause for fear. The representatives who met me at the airports, the guides (especially Sam), and the drivers were all wonderful and very informative. The tour was first class and I would love to take another with Kinsington Tours and will recommend them to all my friends."

"We are back and we had a wonderful trip. Everything was perfectly organized, with the right balance between time with a guide and free time. We were very lucky with the weather, no rain at all except for a 20 minutes thunderstorm in Dalat. Halong Bay was very clear all the time although it is supposed to be foggy during the day. The Metropole was perfect, the best breakfasts ever, the boat, Jasmine, wonderful and we were only 14 people instead of 44…,the Palm Garden in Hoi An very nice, the Ana Mandara in Nha Trang, pure Heaven, the Sofitel in Dalat beautiful, almost empty and a very friendly staff."

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• This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.

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Voyages by Kensington Tours expands cruise/land itineraries

•   08-02-2023  11:42 am
•   Pax Global Media

Pax Global Media

Kensington To urs   has expanded Voyages by Kensington Tours with new itineraries and an expanded team of new Cruise Experts who are dedicated to planning Voyages trips.

The new itineraries include ocean cruises with partners such as Atlas Ocean Voyages, Celebrity, Explora Journeys, Seabourn and Silversea to European destinations including England, Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, the Netherlands and France.

“Cruising has not only made its revival, but it has truly surged in popularity as the industry has introduced so many new options for every kind of traveler,” said Joelle Davis , VP of cruise at Kensington Tours. “The expansion of Voyages by Kensington is in direct response the requests we have had from so many clients to extend their vacation in the port cities or nearby regions to have more immersive land excursions than they might have with a brief port stop.”

Among the new itineraries include:

• London and Dublin Highlights & Sailing the Emerald Isles on Atlas Ocean Voyages
• Dutch Delights & Sailing the British Isles with Celebrity
• London and Hamburg Discovery & Sailing the Kiel Canal  
• London Exclusive & Cruising the British Isles with Silversea  
• Best of Lisbon & London – Cruising from Western to Northern Europe

Pairing the cruise portion of the trip with more immersive land experiences are several customizable options in or near the port cities including:

London   – A Destination Expert will curate pre or post experiences in London that include everything from a walking tour of Shakespeare’s London to a trip up the London Eye.  For those interested in the Monarchy, there are options to explore the royal palaces of Hampton Court and Windsor, Elizabeth II’s favourite haunt, as well as tours of St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and other world-renown landmarks.

Ireland and Scotland – With options to visit cities such as Edinburg, Dublin, Killarney and Glasgow with a private guide, travelers can choose from admiring Scotland's most formidable castles and ruins to a cruise on the Loch Ness, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, and a private guided tour of Ireland's most awe-inspiring and iconic views at the Cliffs of Moher.

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Private Guided Europe With Kensington Tours

Posted by Leah Walker | Jul 9, 2014 | Destinations , Featured , Travel , Wine & Spirits |

Sitting in the back of a glistening Mercedes, I watched as Vienna’s regal Ringstraße morphed into green, grape-filled fields. I closely listened as Ulli, my private guide, recounted the history of Austrian wine. It was summer, and I’d asked Kensington Tours to design an itinerary focused on heurigen and the rest of the Viennese wine culture.

As the car snaked higher into the hills, the roads narrowed. I felt like I’d found quintessential Austria and half expected to see people in lederhosen and dirndls walking the landscaped, cobblestone paths. Technically in the 21st District of Vienna, the small village of Stammersdorf felt a million miles from the heart of the city.

I followed Fritz Wieninger down the dimly lit stairs into his family’s wine cellar, not just any ordinary wine cellar. Wieninger Winery was founded in the 18th century by Fritz’s great, great grandfather and is one of Vienna’s top producers. Once a former monastery, Fritz and his father converted the space that now houses barrels filled with the fruits of their labor.

All was quiet on this Saturday afternoon at Wieninger, already closed to the public. I had the winery to myself. In the tasting room, Fritz had seven wines ready for me to sample—five whites and two reds. Although there was a spittoon, it wouldn’t be used on this day, at least by me.

Hungry in Hungary

Budapest’s Great Market Hall is normally bustling, according to my private guide, Sándor. However, it was only 9:00 am, and this historical hall was quiet. The first floor was bursting with booths selling colorful fruits and vegetables. Stands chock-full of sausages and countless cuts of meat would make any carnivore weak in the knees. On the second floor, locals sat around drinking coffee and eating lango, while souvenir vendors readied their booths for the impending onslaught of summer tourists.

The purpose of my market visit wasn’t for shopping or sightseeing. No, for my time in Budapest, I requested a culinary-focused itinerary from Kensington, and as a result, I was learning how to make traditional Hungarian goulash. Certainly no expert in the kitchen, my cooking instructor, Erik, would have his hands full with me.

In the back of the empty Fakanál Restaurant, my cooking stage was set. Washed vegetables filled glass bowls, dry ingredients were pre-measured and empty pots patiently waited on the stove. Not content with simply teaching me to make goulash, Erik wanted me to know its origins. Meaning “herdsman” in Hungarian, the spicy stew gets its vermilion color from the Hungarian paprika brought to the country by the invading Turks. The history lesson was far more difficult to follow than the cooking process. That felt effortless, chop, mix, brown, pour, simmer. Certainly, I could even replicate that at home.

Palatial Pomp

I pulled the curtains back and peeked out the lobby window of my Saint-Germain-des-Prés hotel. A light rain fell, covering the small side street, and I watched Parisians scurrying around under the shield of umbrellas. It was a Wednesday morning, and they were going to work. I, on the other hand, was on the lookout for Wafaa, my private guide. For my January trip to the City of Light, Paris like an Heiress was my requested Kensington theme, and Wafaa would lead me to the Palace of Versailles.

With the crush of the morning commute, the metro was chaotic, and without the help of Wafaa, I likely would have never located the RER Line. We climbed aboard and found two seats, which was quite fortunate. Had it been summer, the train would’ve been packed with tourists with our same agenda. For the next thirty minutes, I hummed along to the gypsy’s lively accordion and watched a grittier part of Paris pass by.

Initially, I was struck by the palace’s undeniable grandeur. Priceless Baroque furnishings fill the grand rooms, and massive oil paintings encased in gold leaf frames hang from walls swathed in gorgeous silks. Versailles is the very definition of extravagance, but the palace is so much more.

What I learned from Wafaa wasn’t taught in my European history classes, shouted to the multiple tour groups or piped through the rented audio tour at Versailles. Beyond the priceless objects d’art is a rich and convoluted history, filled with tales of betrayal, adultery, gluttony and greed.

As I’ve become a more seasoned traveler, I’ve moved beyond merely checking sites like the Mona Lisa and the Roman Forum off my to-do list. It’s not satisfying enough just drinking wine in Bordeaux; I want to take a class from a sommelier. Shopping the Chanel store is lovely, but show me Paris’ vintage shops that can double as fashion museums. Take me to the Great Synagogue, but teach me about Judaism in Budapest. I want to dive deeper, and I don’t think I’m alone.

Europe is a historically and culturally dense place. As a result, some travelers simply throw up their hands and book generic, one-size-fits-all tours. These will not yield the sort of exclusive experiences Kensington has given me and will likely leave a sophisticated traveler feeling unfulfilled. It’s like expecting a Michelin-starred meal from your grocer’s freezer, and I’m not a Marie Callender’s kind of girl.

To read the Luxe Beat Magazine version of this article click on the title Private Guided Europe with Kensington Tours .

About the author.

Leah Walker

As Editor-at-Large for Luxe Beat, Leah Walker is a luxury travel and culinary writer who also has contributor and editor roles with The Daily Meal, Bonjour Paris, The Daily Basics, Forbes Travel Guide, as well as her award-winning site, LeahTravels.com. A devout Francophile, she's also a travel ambassador for Atout France. Having split time between Texas and the rest of the world, Leah is now living in Paris after being awarded the three-year Compétences et Talents visa, though her talents don't extend to speaking French. Yet.

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