There are adventurous travelers and there are travelers who really enjoy being pampered more than a great adventure. I have vacationed the complete spectrum, I have pinched pennies while vacationing in Gatlinburg Tennessee and stayed in a very expensive vacation home with a private maid in Saint Jean de Luz, France. I will admit that the vacation home with a private maid was a nice way to experience France.
But, I am an adventurer at heart probably born from my days as a kid where I grabbed a fishing pole or net and waded creeks and ponds to see what was there. My favorite type of travel is where you see things up close and personal with exposure to the people, culture and wildlife. This might require you to hop on a rubber landing raft and land on a beach where no one lives or it might require you to reach down and pet a whale. Adventurers run between 8 and 98 years old generally.
This is a great adventure with experts providing non stop information in a casual atmosphere. This company specializes in soft adventure cruises and therefore has zodiak launchings off the ship which are included in your cruise. During the day you will explore these beautiful areas with seasoned experts. In the evening you will enjoy great food in the company of others with the same interests in a casual atmosphere requiring only a collared shirt and pants (corporate casual).
This is a wonderful opportunity to explore five legitimate vacation destinations in one trip. What are the different locations famous for?
Chile: A very beautiful country, particularly in the north and south. In the north you will find Incaic architecture and beautiful lakes. In the south you will find Easter Island, probably Chile's biggest tourist attraction. There are also the incredible Chilean glacier Fjords which are a destination in their own.
Antarctica: Wildlife and the incredible glaciers. The Emperor Penguin, Adelie Penguin, Gentoo Penguin, Rockhopper Penguin, King Penguin and Chinstrap Penguin are all found in the Antarctic. You can walk right up to these penguins as they are not threated by your presence. In addition to the penguins you will find blue whales, fur seals and orcas here.
Argentina: You will not be cruising Argentina but you will be stopping in Buenos Aires a beautiful city with beautiful people. You can arrange for explorations here if you like.
South Georgia: South Georgia has many seabirds, King Penguins and other penguins. The one bird unique to the islands is called the South Georgia Pipit.
Falkland Islands: The main tourist attractions are scenery and wildlife. The wildlife includes penguins, seabirds, sea lions and seals.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart for Santiago, Chile
Day 2 - Arrive in Santiago and transfer to hotel. Relax and adjust to the time
Day 3 - Fly to Ushuaia for a Patagonian barbeque lunch. Board the ship in the afternoon
Day 4 - At sea for a wildlife watching journey to the Falkland Islands
Day 5 - Falkland Islands Take nature walks to penguin rookeries and other unspoiled locations or stroll through Stanley
Day 6 - 7 Cruising the South Pacific toward South Georgia
Day 8 - 10 Enjoy beautiful South Georgia. If weather permits you will visit Salisbury Plaine - home to a very large colony of King Penguins.
Day 11 - 12 Cruising the Scotia Sea as lectures discuss the time spent in South Georgia with you.
Day 13 - 16 If weather permits you will land on the Antarctic Peninsula and other islands such as the Shetlands. Sail through Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel.
Day 17 - 18 Cruise through Drake Passage
Day 19 - Ushuaia Disembark and explore Tierra del Fuego's wilderness before going to airport for flight to Santiago
Day 20 - Depart on flight home
I hope you have the time and money to enjoy this adventure. For more info click here.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
7 Day Snorkeling and Diving Trip from Nassau, Bahamas Aboard Aqua Cat
There are adventurous travelers and there are travelers who really enjoy being pampered more than a great adventure. I have vacationed the complete spectrum, I have pinched pennies while vacationing in Gatlinburg Tennessee and stayed in a very expensive vacation home with a private maid in Saint Jean de Luz, France. I will admit that the vacation home with a private maid was a nice way to experience France.
But, I am an adventurer at heart probably born from my days as a kid where I grabbed a fishing pole or net and waded creeks and ponds to see what was there. My favorite type of travel is where you see things up close and personal with exposure to the people, culture and wildlife. This might require you to hop on a rubber landing raft and land on a beach where no one lives or it might require you to reach down and pet a whale. Adventurers run between 8 and 98 years old generally.
7 Day Snorkeling and Diving Trip from Nassau, Bahamas Aboard Aqua Cat
Do you love the water? Do you like walking on beaches without footprints, and snorkeling protected waters where fishing isn't allowed?
If seven days of diving, snorkeling and hiking remote beaches sounds like your type of fun then this trip is for you. A 102' catamaran with a 35' beam, which accommodates 22 guests in 11 outside view cabins, will pamper you and take you exploring in the Caribbean. You will dive remote wrecks, reefs and walls of the Exumas, much of which has been protected from collecting, spearfishing and fishing for 30 years. You will be able to sit back when you want to or choose between fishing, sunbathing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking some of the most unspoiled reefs in the world. Plus you will have time to walk sugar sand beaches without footprints!
Nassau can be reached by plane or you could pick up a small shuttle cruise out of Miami, Florida.
It is recommended that you bring your own diving/snorkeling gear but rental gear is available. Full certification diving courses are available during the cruise. Beach walking and snorkeling excursions are available.
There aren't a lot of details to provide you on this trip until I personally make it myself.
Here is your itinerary:
Day 1 - Board ship about 6 p.m.
Day 2 - Cruise to Exuma Islands
Day 3 - 7 Dive, Snorkel and enjoy desolate Caribbean beaches and islands
Day 8 - Disembark at 9 am
What this itinerary description leaves out is that many hours each day will be spent exploring desolate beaches, reefs, walls & blue holes. Truly a great vacation for someone who loves the water and being around others who love the water.
For more information click here
But, I am an adventurer at heart probably born from my days as a kid where I grabbed a fishing pole or net and waded creeks and ponds to see what was there. My favorite type of travel is where you see things up close and personal with exposure to the people, culture and wildlife. This might require you to hop on a rubber landing raft and land on a beach where no one lives or it might require you to reach down and pet a whale. Adventurers run between 8 and 98 years old generally.
7 Day Snorkeling and Diving Trip from Nassau, Bahamas Aboard Aqua Cat
Do you love the water? Do you like walking on beaches without footprints, and snorkeling protected waters where fishing isn't allowed?
If seven days of diving, snorkeling and hiking remote beaches sounds like your type of fun then this trip is for you. A 102' catamaran with a 35' beam, which accommodates 22 guests in 11 outside view cabins, will pamper you and take you exploring in the Caribbean. You will dive remote wrecks, reefs and walls of the Exumas, much of which has been protected from collecting, spearfishing and fishing for 30 years. You will be able to sit back when you want to or choose between fishing, sunbathing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking some of the most unspoiled reefs in the world. Plus you will have time to walk sugar sand beaches without footprints!
Nassau can be reached by plane or you could pick up a small shuttle cruise out of Miami, Florida.
It is recommended that you bring your own diving/snorkeling gear but rental gear is available. Full certification diving courses are available during the cruise. Beach walking and snorkeling excursions are available.
There aren't a lot of details to provide you on this trip until I personally make it myself.
Here is your itinerary:
Day 1 - Board ship about 6 p.m.
Day 2 - Cruise to Exuma Islands
Day 3 - 7 Dive, Snorkel and enjoy desolate Caribbean beaches and islands
Day 8 - Disembark at 9 am
What this itinerary description leaves out is that many hours each day will be spent exploring desolate beaches, reefs, walls & blue holes. Truly a great vacation for someone who loves the water and being around others who love the water.
For more information click here
Monday, November 12, 2007
Christmas Exploration of the Danube River
Last week's trip was a riverboat exploration on the Amazon river. My definition of an adventure is when you take a trip which exposes you to new wildlife, cultures and/or people. Today I will be discussing a trip which does not expose you to new wildlife but is still a great adventure in my book.
Today we will take a small ship which holds approximately 150 guests and take a holiday (Christmas) cruise down the Danube River. You could say this isn't an exploratory cruise. But, you will be learning about cultures and celebrations that are older than the United States.
Trips closer to Christmas allow you to visit the Christmas markets and witness bonfires along the river. This is a great trip for the family to learn about festivities in other countries. Each Christmas market offers it's own specialties based upon the people that live in the area. The decorations of each market are also very unique.
Here is the itinerary:
1 - Flight to Czech Republic
2 - Prague transfer to hotel
3 - Prague City Tour
4 - Prague transfer to Nuremberg. Board ship with welcome cocktails and dinner
5 - Nuremberg city tour, visit Christmas market, cruise main Danube Canal
6 - Regensburg walking tour, visit Christmas market
7 - Passau city walk, optional Salzburg excursion, Linz christmas market
8 - Melk Benedictine Abbey Tour, Wachau Valley Cruise
9 - Vienna morning city tour, visit Christmas market
10 - Budapest city tour, farewell dinner, gypsy music
11 - Budapest disembark
Seeing the Christmas fires along the river with celebrations older than the US is quite an experience. The Christmas markets are open close to Christmas and also a wonderful learning experience for everyone. I hope you have the time and money to make this trip and explore a very wonderful set of customs.
For more info click here.
Today we will take a small ship which holds approximately 150 guests and take a holiday (Christmas) cruise down the Danube River. You could say this isn't an exploratory cruise. But, you will be learning about cultures and celebrations that are older than the United States.
Trips closer to Christmas allow you to visit the Christmas markets and witness bonfires along the river. This is a great trip for the family to learn about festivities in other countries. Each Christmas market offers it's own specialties based upon the people that live in the area. The decorations of each market are also very unique.
Here is the itinerary:
1 - Flight to Czech Republic
2 - Prague transfer to hotel
3 - Prague City Tour
4 - Prague transfer to Nuremberg. Board ship with welcome cocktails and dinner
5 - Nuremberg city tour, visit Christmas market, cruise main Danube Canal
6 - Regensburg walking tour, visit Christmas market
7 - Passau city walk, optional Salzburg excursion, Linz christmas market
8 - Melk Benedictine Abbey Tour, Wachau Valley Cruise
9 - Vienna morning city tour, visit Christmas market
10 - Budapest city tour, farewell dinner, gypsy music
11 - Budapest disembark
Seeing the Christmas fires along the river with celebrations older than the US is quite an experience. The Christmas markets are open close to Christmas and also a wonderful learning experience for everyone. I hope you have the time and money to make this trip and explore a very wonderful set of customs.
For more info click here.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
16 Day South America Cruise Aboard the Silver Wind
There are adventurous travelers and there are travelers who really enjoybeing pampered more than a great adventure. I have vacationed the complete spectrum, I have pinched pennies while vacationing in Gatlinburg Tennessee and stayed in a very expensive vacation home with a private maid in Saint Jean de Luz, France. I will admit that the vacation home with a private maid was a nice way to experience France.
But, I am an adventurer at heart probably born from my days as a kid where I grabbed a fishing pole or net and waded creeks and ponds to see what was there. My favorite type of travel is where you see things up close and personal with exposure to the people, culture and wildlife. This might require you to hop on a rubber landing raft and land on a beach where no one lives or it might require you to reach down and pet a whale. Adventurers run between 8 and 98 years old generally.
16 Day South America Cruise Aboard The Silver Wind
Today I will step out of the mainstream articles which I consider soft adventure trips to a posh adventure trip. Today's trip is a 16 day South American exploration aboard the Silver Wind (Silver Seas Line). There are some travelers who enjoy adventurous travel as long as they don't need to 'rough it'. So today's trip will be on a very nice cruise line which requires you to dress up for dinner and requires no 'roughing it' unless you take a shore excursion of this type. I'm not sure this will interest everyone who normally read the blog but I will take a chance. Next week's article will be on the Amazon River so I will be getting back to the normal type of trip.
But, you will be exploring the South America coast with wondrous ports and incredible scenery. I guess I would describe this as a trip for the pampered adventurer. There are seven dress up dinner nights on this cruise just to forewarn people who are only interested in casual trips.
You will be start your exploration from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Here is the itinerary:
Pre Cruise - Three Day Trip to Iguaza Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. Watch as this cascading waterfall drops 275 feet while stretching for more than 1.5 miles.
Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina. A South American city with a very large European Influence. There is great shopping here for leather goods, gems and clothing. Rose of the Inca is a stone which is found only in Argentina. There are several shore options including the Fiesta Gaucha which provides an Argentine Steak and guacho horsemanship. You can also take a tripe to the Tigre Delta to explore this lush area.
Day 2: Montevideo, Uruguay. Half of Uruguay's population lives here. There are many museums, beautiful beaches, cafes. Keep your eyes open for good buys on Amethyst, Topaz and Agate.
Day 3: Punta del Este, Uruguay. There are many water sports here to go with the beautiful beaches. There are also interesting forests to explore plus restaurants, boutiques, golf course, casinos and art galeries. This is a popular weekend resort area.
Day 4: You will be pampered during your day at sea
Day 5: Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Located at the edge of the Patagonia plains. Great diving and water sports. This is close to the Punta Tombo and Valdes Peninsula wildlife reserves. You can see Magellanic penguins, sea lions, whales and elephant seals here. You can purchase items made by the patagonian indians if you are a shopper.
Day 6: You will be pampered during your day at sea
Day 7: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. You will feel like you are in a British village. The Falkland Islands are home to many types of penguins. Southern Sea Lions and Giant See Elephants are also found here to breed and give birth to their young.
Day 8: Cruising the Strait of Magellan
Day 9 & 10: Punta Arenas, Chile You can explore the town or book an optional excursion to explore the beautiful nature and scenery of the interior or Costa Rica. You can visit the caves where the Magellan Penguins have their nests!
Day 11 & 12: Cruising the awesome and unspoiled Chilean fjords. This is one of the deepest fjords in the world.
Day 13: Laguna San Rafael, Chile: This is an arc shaped coastal lake which was formed by the San Rafael Glacier retreating in the northern Pantagonia region. The lagoon is connected to Moraleda Channel to the north. You can see glacier calving in this lagoon.
Day 14: Puerto Chacabuco, Chile. A chance to explore some of the area's beautiful fjords. It is not recommended to make private arrangements because there are few English speaking guides. There are hikes and reserves to explore here.
Day 15: Puerto Montt, Chile. There are waterfalls, rapids, Lahuen Nadi Park and even a volcano exploration. Some of these trips may be difficult to arrange with 9 hours of port time but there is plenty to explore.
Day 16: Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as your trip is coming to an end
Day 17: Santiago, Chile Disembark the ship and stay home unless you are taking an optional extension.
Post Cruise - Five Night Trip to Machu Pichu
Post Cruise - Four Night Trip to wonderful Easter Island.
So let's recap what you will see on this trip besides wonderful scenery and unspoiled beaches:
But, I am an adventurer at heart probably born from my days as a kid where I grabbed a fishing pole or net and waded creeks and ponds to see what was there. My favorite type of travel is where you see things up close and personal with exposure to the people, culture and wildlife. This might require you to hop on a rubber landing raft and land on a beach where no one lives or it might require you to reach down and pet a whale. Adventurers run between 8 and 98 years old generally.
16 Day South America Cruise Aboard The Silver Wind
Today I will step out of the mainstream articles which I consider soft adventure trips to a posh adventure trip. Today's trip is a 16 day South American exploration aboard the Silver Wind (Silver Seas Line). There are some travelers who enjoy adventurous travel as long as they don't need to 'rough it'. So today's trip will be on a very nice cruise line which requires you to dress up for dinner and requires no 'roughing it' unless you take a shore excursion of this type. I'm not sure this will interest everyone who normally read the blog but I will take a chance. Next week's article will be on the Amazon River so I will be getting back to the normal type of trip.
But, you will be exploring the South America coast with wondrous ports and incredible scenery. I guess I would describe this as a trip for the pampered adventurer. There are seven dress up dinner nights on this cruise just to forewarn people who are only interested in casual trips.
You will be start your exploration from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Here is the itinerary:
Pre Cruise - Three Day Trip to Iguaza Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. Watch as this cascading waterfall drops 275 feet while stretching for more than 1.5 miles.
Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina. A South American city with a very large European Influence. There is great shopping here for leather goods, gems and clothing. Rose of the Inca is a stone which is found only in Argentina. There are several shore options including the Fiesta Gaucha which provides an Argentine Steak and guacho horsemanship. You can also take a tripe to the Tigre Delta to explore this lush area.
Day 2: Montevideo, Uruguay. Half of Uruguay's population lives here. There are many museums, beautiful beaches, cafes. Keep your eyes open for good buys on Amethyst, Topaz and Agate.
Day 3: Punta del Este, Uruguay. There are many water sports here to go with the beautiful beaches. There are also interesting forests to explore plus restaurants, boutiques, golf course, casinos and art galeries. This is a popular weekend resort area.
Day 4: You will be pampered during your day at sea
Day 5: Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Located at the edge of the Patagonia plains. Great diving and water sports. This is close to the Punta Tombo and Valdes Peninsula wildlife reserves. You can see Magellanic penguins, sea lions, whales and elephant seals here. You can purchase items made by the patagonian indians if you are a shopper.
Day 6: You will be pampered during your day at sea
Day 7: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. You will feel like you are in a British village. The Falkland Islands are home to many types of penguins. Southern Sea Lions and Giant See Elephants are also found here to breed and give birth to their young.
Day 8: Cruising the Strait of Magellan
Day 9 & 10: Punta Arenas, Chile You can explore the town or book an optional excursion to explore the beautiful nature and scenery of the interior or Costa Rica. You can visit the caves where the Magellan Penguins have their nests!
Day 11 & 12: Cruising the awesome and unspoiled Chilean fjords. This is one of the deepest fjords in the world.
Day 13: Laguna San Rafael, Chile: This is an arc shaped coastal lake which was formed by the San Rafael Glacier retreating in the northern Pantagonia region. The lagoon is connected to Moraleda Channel to the north. You can see glacier calving in this lagoon.
Day 14: Puerto Chacabuco, Chile. A chance to explore some of the area's beautiful fjords. It is not recommended to make private arrangements because there are few English speaking guides. There are hikes and reserves to explore here.
Day 15: Puerto Montt, Chile. There are waterfalls, rapids, Lahuen Nadi Park and even a volcano exploration. Some of these trips may be difficult to arrange with 9 hours of port time but there is plenty to explore.
Day 16: Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as your trip is coming to an end
Day 17: Santiago, Chile Disembark the ship and stay home unless you are taking an optional extension.
Post Cruise - Five Night Trip to Machu Pichu
Post Cruise - Four Night Trip to wonderful Easter Island.
So let's recap what you will see on this trip besides wonderful scenery and unspoiled beaches:
- Iguaza Falls (Optional pre cruise trip)
- Buenos Aires
- Peninsula Valdez Nature Preserve
- Falkland Islands
- Magellan Penguins
- Strait of Magellan
- Chilean Fjords
- Machu Pichu post cruise
- Easter Island post cruise
Even though this trip doesn't feature rafts or Zodiaks being launched from the ship there is a lot of pampered exploring to do on this trip. For more info click here.
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