Hottest Adventures 2008
Backroads: Biking from Venice to Ljubljana
This never-before-offered trip reveals Europe less traveled as you journey from Italy's northern Adriatic to the rocky heights of Slovenia's Julian Alps. You begin in the green Friuli-Venezia Giulia area, a hidden gem whose Celtic and Roman histories have been meticulously preserved, then pedal through the vine-draped hills of the Collio wine region, famed for producing some of Italy's finest white wines. From there you head into Slovenia to ride amid the alpine valleys, jewel-like lakes and limestone peaks of Triglav National Park. Relish the challenge of two mountain passes -- or take advantage of Backroads’ van support -- before toasting your grand finale in the postcard-perfect Bled, a historic thermal spa town set in stunning natural surroundings. Accommodations on the trip include Castello di Spessa, a historic castle and working winery; Dobra Vila Bovec, a new 12-room Art Deco-style hotel; and Vila Bled, Josep Tito’s lakeside former private villa.
Biking from Venice to Ljubljana: 6 days, 5 nights; departures in May, June, Sept. and Oct.; from $3,698.
Bushtracks: Africa by Air and the Great Rift Valley
This grand expedition by private air encompasses almost the entire Great Rift Valley of Africa and includes seven of its most famous wildlife countries -- Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. Flying low aboard your private airliner also offers magnificent aerial views of unspoiled Lake Tanganyika, Luangwa River's ox-bow lagoons, Victoria Falls, pristine savannas, and diverse African landscapes. This expedition showcases destinations that are truly places of the heart and the imagination, and offers the promise of authentic experiences only a few fortunate travelers ever encounter. Each day in the bush experience superb game viewing, a variety of small group pursuits, and flexible options. With our study leader, examine the ways of ancient peoples, unlock the doors to what makes the continent tick today, and learn how we can collaborate to ensure a vibrant future for Africa's people and resources.
Africa by Air and the Great Rift Valley: September 1-19; $27,985.
Canadian Mountain Holidays: High-Flying Heli-Adventure in the Bobbie Burns Range
For this summer we have set aside two special trips designed exclusively for those seeking a major adrenaline rush. The first afternoon will provide a chance for guests to test their mountain legs and gain some personal insight into how this heli-hiking adventure will unfold. But don’t get too comfortable because we are going to shake it up every day! Each morning, your guides and awaiting helicopter will transport you out into the field for a full day of mountaineering thrills. You may find yourself summiting a craggy peak you never before believed accessible, roped up with your team of fellow travelers traversing a massive snow-covered glacier, or rappelling over a sheer rock-face. No matter what, you will find yourself pushed beyond your comfort zone to a place where you will discover a deep sense of pride and achievement. This is your chance to gulp -- and experience life to the fullest.
High-Flying Heli-Adventure in the Bobbie Burns Range: July 30-August 2 and August 26-29: $2,318 (Canadian) plus GST.
Geographic Expeditions: The Other Machu Picchu -- Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
How many places have you ever visited and asked: “I wonder what it was like here before they built the road?” This May Geographic Expeditions is offering an extraordinary opportunity to answer that question with a trip to the “other Machu Picchu” – Choquequirao. Located in the same region as Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is an even larger Incan archeological site, in an even more dramatic location -- but it is only partly excavated and the only way to reach it is on foot. Our mule-supported trek will cross the entire Vilcabamba Range from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu in eight days, including one entire day to explore Choquequirao in all its isolated splendor, passing through remote indigenous villages and over a 15,900-foot pass between sacred glaciated peaks before finally descending into the lush, orchid-profuse cloud forest surrounding Machu Picchu. The remainder of the trip will be based out of luxurious accommodations with time to explore Machu Picchu and the Incan capital of Cusco. For adventurers, “Choquequirao to Machu Picchu” offers the opportunity of a lifetime: to visit a prime archaeological site in a spectacular and pristine setting while its treasures are still being uncovered.
The Other Machu Picchu -- Choquequirao to Machu Picchu: May 19-June 2; from $5300.
Lindblad Expeditions: Exploring the Baltic’s Historic Waterways
The National Geographic Explorer, the newest addition to Lindblad Expeditions’ fleet, debuts in the city of St. Petersburg, Russia, docked near the famed Hermitage Museum -- an illustrious beginning to what is sure to be a grand voyage. Experience the culture of eight countries spread out along the Baltic Sea: Russia, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Germany and Denmark. Explore the Scandinavian capitals of Stockholm and Copenhagen, old Hanseatic towns like Lubeck, medieval Visby known for its Viking past, and the Baltic cities of Tallinn and Riga, flourishing in the 21st century. One of the trip’s many highlights is a three-day sojourn in St. Petersburg, staying at the elegant Grand Hotel Europe. The 148-guest expedition ship casts off with a stellar Expedition Team, joined by three National Geographic speakers: Marcin Jamkowski, deputy editor of National Geographic Polska; Luda Mkertycheva, expert on all things Russian; and Estonian photojournalist Priit Vesilind. Art historian Mariana Carpinisan adds to the richness. Plus, in Gdansk, Poland, former President of Poland and Nobel Prize Winner Lech Walesa will welcome guests to his hometown and share his insights on the Baltics’ future.
Exploring the Baltic’s Historic Waterways: June 10-25, 2008; from $10,390.
Micato Safaris: The Hemingway Wing Safari
Big game, unabashed luxury and the enthralling vistas of Africa are sure to dazzle even the most avid traveler on the Hemingway Wing Safari. This 14-day adventure takes the road less traveled, journeying to the remote and dramatic Samburu region. You’ll also visit the legendary game parks of Kenya and Tanzania, including the fabled Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and the Maasai Mara. Spend your days in pursuit of elephant, lion, giraffe, leopard and cheetah. At night, relax in cozy comfort at two luxurious tented camps. Micato’s Hemingway Wing Safari is consistently voted “the perfect classic African safari” by our travelers.
The Hemingway Wing Safari: Departs Tuesday, returns Monday throughout 2008; from $10,210.
Natural Habitat Adventures: Classic Polar Bear Expedition
Our "flagship" polar bear expedition features polar bear watching in the polar bear capital of the world! See the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears, just outside Churchill, Manitoba. Experience the frozen wilderness on Hudson Bay from the comfort of warm tundra vehicles. Discover the challenges and joys of life in the far north in the outpost town of Churchill . Alternately regal and whimsical and always awe-inspiring, polar bears in the wild offer a natural encounter charged with drama and magic. Yet a warming climate and melting ice sheet are affecting Arctic ecosystems, threatening the future of all polar bears. Natural Habitat Adventures is responding with measures like our carbon offset program, and we have faith that humanity will rally to protect the frozen home of these engaging beasts. There’s no better time than now to see these kings of the north in their natural habitat.
Classic Polar Bear Expedition: Six-day and seven-day trips; departures in Oct. and Nov; from $4,195 and $4,495.
NOLS: Patagonia Backpacking & Fly Fishing
For the backcountry fly fishing expedition of a lifetime, come to NOLS Patagonia. You will find the fabled wild brown and rainbow trout of Patagonia’s Aisen region swimming in the pristine rivers and freestone streams that rush through these beautiful valleys. The fundamental travel and expedition skills that are the hallmark of a NOLS experience are coupled with a tailored fly fishing progression based on students’ individual knowledge and experience. Whether you are picking up a fly rod for the first time or have been fishing for years, this is the course for you. NOLS provides a remote, self-sufficient, educational expedition in what is quickly becoming one of the hottest fly fishing destinations on the planet.
Patagonia Backpacking & Fly Fishing: Feb. 23-March 7; $3,005.
OARS: Mystical Peru: From the Source of the Amazon to the Heights of Machu Picchu
Join us on an all new, one-of-a-kind lodge-to-lodge trekking trip on a seldom-traveled Inca trail that traverses the high Andes en route to Machu Picchu. Combining an epic four-day rafting trip through the Black Canyon of the Apurimac River at the source of the Amazon and a groundbreaking six-day trek from Salkantay to the incomparable Machu Picchu, this is a trip that defines the possibilities of Peru.
From the Source of the Amazon to the Heights of Machu Picchu: Departures June 21 (includes Inti Raymi Festival) and August 10; from $4295.
Off the Beaten Path: New Zealand’s South Island -- Mountains, Beaches, Rain Foresta and Fjords
Experience New Zealand’s wonderful diversity, from calm, turquoise waters, to high peaks and dramatic fjords, to an authentic sheep station on the high southern plains. Join us on fully supported backcountry hikes and walk-in lodging in Abel Tasman National Park and on the Hollyford Track, plus an overnight cruise on Milford Sound. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track, with its magnificent coast, sandy bays, and secluded beaches, is the jewel of New Zealand’s “Great Walks.” The Hollyford Track, in Fiordland National Park, is primal wilderness at its most awesome. On your three-day excursion on the Hollyford Track, travel by foot, boat, and plane (while all your gear is transported ahead of you). Milford Sound is one of the wettest places on earth, where waterfalls cascade down cliff s through lush rain forest vegetation, and seals, penguins and dolphins ply the waters. The overnight cruise in Milford Sound allows you to experience this beautiful place in the especially magic hours of dusk and dawn. Along the way, visit Queenstown, the adventure capital of the Southern Hemisphere, and Christchurch, the robust, colonial, internationally famed “Garden City” set on the coast with a metropolitan twist.
New Zealand’s South Island -- Mountains, Beaches, Rain Foresta and Fjords: Oct. 18-30, Nov. 8-20, and Dec. 9-21; $6,795.
For more information on the Adventure Collection's wide world of tours, visit AdventureCollection.com.
