Classic Journeys Unveils Exotic Morocco On Newest Family Adventure Tour

Multigenerational trip features camels, kasbahs & cultural discovery

La Jolla, CA – Careening across a barren desert in the back of a 4X4 may have the feel of a theme park ride, but for guests of Classic Journeys, it’s just one of many highlights on the new Morocco Family Journey making its debut this December.

“For an adventure tour company like ours, the operative question when scouting a new trip is ‘What’s going to give our guests a jolt of excitement that they’ll find nowhere else?’” observes Edward Piegza, president and co-founder of Classic Journeys. “It’s all about offering families a chance to take their vacation to the next level.”

Consider the “kid testers” on the company’s recent scouting trip. Ranging in age from seven to 15, the seven youngsters agreed that Day 4 of the Moroccan adventure was the best day they had spent. Ever.

The group’s warm-up walk is led by native guide, Ali, a 30-year-old Berber – dressed in traditional garb – who just happens to have a PhD in cultural anthropology and speaks six languages fluently. Guests are drawn into a typical morning in the medieval walled village of Rissani, where women walk hand-in-hand with their children on the way to school and men head off to work in the fields.

After lunch, kids and grown-ups shift into full Indiana Jones mode, trailing clouds of dust from their Land Rovers on the way to the highest sand dunes in Morocco. At Merzouga, a welcoming committee of indigenous Blue Men awaits beside their next “vehicles”…a formidable-looking flotilla of camels. Before swaying off into the dunes, the kids jump at the chance to don Berber headscarves. After a break along the way for some sand surfing on desert-style skimboards, guests are treated to a legendary sunset view from the top of the peaks. The return trip on camelback is just as magical as caravan members approach their lodgings for the night, a Berber tent encampment lit by lanterns in the twilight. Traditional tents made of camel and goat hair, decorated with colorful kilims, form a square around the campfire, where guests feast on lamb kabobs and couscous, and sing, dance and play whatever instrument is at hand well into the night.

During the nine-day, eight-night tour, guests also experience:

* Trekking through cedar forests in the Middle Atlas Mountains outside of Fes, where they keep an eye out for photo ops with the famed Barbary apes

* Hiking a riverside trail that snakes through the magnificent Todra Gorge between 900-foot-walls

* Mountain biking through a lush, green oasis in a 1500-foot-deep gorge near Ouarzazate (Who knew oases could be 20 to 30 miles long and 10 miles wide?)

* Riding on muleback through the farming villages of the Ourika Valley, ringed by mountains and surrounded by waterfalls

* Exploring the medina at Fes and the souks of Marrakesh, where kids gravitate instantly to the snake charmers, monkey tamers, henna painters and acrobats in Djemaa el-Fna square

All told, it takes a team of 29 different people – the company’s extended Morocco “family” – to bring this particular itinerary to life. From guides Jalil and Saida (who within hours become “Uncle” and “Aunt” to the kids on tour) to the Berber tribesmen, animal handlers, farmers, and craftsmen that guests encounter along the way, it’s the largest group of resident experts associated with any of the company’s Family Journeys.

A guest on the recent scouting trip, Cathy Maywood, a San Diego physician, found these personal connections invaluable. “For us – and especially our son, who’s in 9th grade – the Morocco trip was an incredible introduction to the Muslim world,” she observed. “The people we met, from guides to villagers to tribesmen, could not have been friendlier, inviting us into their homes and sharing their traditions and culture.”

Like all of the company’s family adventures, the new Morocco trip features special pricing for kids. The adult cost for the trip is $3,795 per person (double occupancy, land only). When sharing a room with two full-paying guests, kids up to age 16 receive discounts ranging from $500 to $1750 off the regular adult price, while kids sharing a room with one full-paying guest receive a discount of $250. Departure dates are timed to coincide with school breaks in December, March, June and November.

Readers who want to know more about logistics, agendas or activities may click on www.classicjourneys.com/moroccofamily or speak with one of the company’s Guest Services Coordinators at (800) 200-3887.

About Classic Journeys:

Classic Journeys offers cultural walking adventures, culinary tours and family journeys in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the South Pacific. Guests enjoy luxury accommodations and gourmet meals that reflect the best of each region, coupled with soft adventure activities, daily interactions with locals, and native guides who make countries and cultures come alive. Tours are six to 12 days long with two to four hours of easy-going walking per day. Land-only tour prices range from $2495 to $7995 per person (with discounts for small groups and children traveling with parents). Average tour size is 10, limited to a maximum of 18 guests per departure. Full details and links to itineraries are available at www.ClassicJourneys.com.

Plancius – new expedition vessel is now afloat

This is the start of a new Era in polar expedition cruising: The Dutch flagged expedition vessel “Plancius” , operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is finally ready to set sail to Antarctica this season.

“Plancius” is now freshly painted and alongside the dock in the Netherlands. While the ship is waiting for final sea trials a team of builders is giving the final touch to the interior of the vessel. The Crew will board end of October and bring life to the ship. Departure from the Netherlands is scheduled for early December in order to carry out the first Antarctic voyage on 08 January 2010.

Oceanwide Expeditions offers the free use of boots aboard the ship. Also, outdoor wind and waterproof North Face® expedition jackets can be ordered and bought for a discounted price prior to departure and will be given to the passengers on board the vessel.

Plancius is a base camp for various activities such as scuba diving, kayaking, near shore field camping and active hiking trips with snowshoes. Detailed information can be found on Oceanwide Expeditions website or can be requested per email.

Setting new standards in expedition cruising

“Plancius” will set new standards to the world of expedition cruising: spacious yet small ship character, comfort & style, modern technology and safety appliances. A base camp for active, adventure and wildlife minded modern explorers!

“Plancius” was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named “Hr. Ms. Tydeman”. The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was finally purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel was completely rebuilt and converted to a 110-passenger vessel which complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea) and is classed by Lloyd’s Register in London. The ship sails under the Dutch flag.

It’s a small ship operation: “Plancius” can accommodate 110 passengers in 53 passenger cabins with private toilet and shower in 4 triple private cabins, 39 twin private cabins (ca. 15 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters).

All cabins offer lower berths (either two single beds or one queen-size bed), except for the 4 triple cabins (bunk beds and 1 lower bed). The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. “Plancius” has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 3), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on starboard side, tht guarantee a swift zodiac operation.
“Plancius” is comfortable and nicely decorated, but the ship is not a luxurious vessel. It’s made for explorers ! Voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are and will still be primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible. This vessel will fully meet our demands to achieve this.

The vessel measures 89 meters in length (267 feet), has a breadth of 14,5 meters (43 feet) and a draft of 4,8 meters (15 feet) and is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the engines considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 – 12 knots. The vessel is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages.

“Plancius” is manned by 17 nautical crew, 18 hotel staff (6 chefs, 1 hotel manager, 1 steward-barman and 10 stewards / cabin cleaners), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 7 guides-lecturers) and 1 doctor.
“Plancius” was named after the Dutch astronomer, cartographer, geologist and vicar Petrus Plancius (1552 – 1622). Petrus Plancius theorised the existence of an accessible northern passage to Asia and his theory encouraged several northern discovery voyages at the end of the 16th century. A dutch expedition under the command Willem Brantsz discovered Spitsbergen, but got stuck in the pack ice of Novaya Semlya (now russian territory). Those discoveries gave rise of the 17th century whaling industry in Spitsbergen.

“Plancius” is furthermore a homage to the predecessor of Oceanwide Expeditions (Plancius Foundation, 1981-1996) , the first cruise operator on a yearly base in Spitsbergen, offering voyages with a small cruise vessel named Plancius. It certainly means “the return of Plancius”. Oceanwide continued with the activities of the Plancius Foundation in 1996.
Check our image gallery for real photo’s of the cabins and the comfortable lounge with stunning panoramic views, check all pictures here .
Unique opportunity for tour operators

All tour operators are invited to inspect the vessel in the Netherlands or during a voyage to Antarctica. Please contact the head office for further details.

Further information & Special offers Antarctica 2009-10 : Enquire now!
If you wish to request our image brochure, further details about the ship or simply like to find our more about our adventurous Arctic or Antarctic voyages and special Antarctic offers 2009-10, please contact our U.S. reservation department or European head office here.

Looking to Start the New Year on the Top of the World?

(Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on New Year’s Day)

Vancouver, B.C. – For many people, starting the new year off right demands more than just champagne and noisemakers. For those looking to ring in 2010 by doing something spectacular, BikeHike Adventures is offering a special adventure trip of a lifetime. Adventure travelers searching for a special trip to start off 2010 can start off the new year atop Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak on New Year’s Day.

This 7-day Kilimanjaro climb along the Lemosho Route includes an African Safari into the Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater and a bike ride through tribal Masaai villages. There’s also an option to hot air balloon over the Serengeti on the trip. At midnight on New Year’s Eve, the small group will gear up with headlights and warm clothing and trek from Barafu, the last high campsite, to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s summit at 19,340 feet. The goal is to reach the peak by sunrise on January 1, 2010 and usher in the new decade.

This special departure is from December 25 – January 8. The land cost is $4,199 USD starting from Arusha, Tanzania. The trip includes all internal transportation, accommodation (shared twin), most meals, and all equipment (camping gear, bicycles, veteran guides, porters and cooks).

Rated as one of the top adventure travel companies in the world by National Geographic Adventure, BikeHike Adventures Inc. was founded in 1994 by Trish Sare. The organization’s spirit of adventure mission is to bring together like-minded active individuals with a passion for cultural exploration and physically rewarding travel. BikeHike specializes in small or gender group multi-sport adventures in South and Central America, Canada, Europe, Oceania, Asia, and Africa. To review travel itineraries please visit www.bikehike.com or call 1-888-805-0061.

Into the Wild

Build your outdoor survival skills – and reconnect with nature – on an educational wilderness adventure.

By Laurel Kallenbach for Experience Life

Sheri Webb moves stealthily through northern California’s Mount Shasta Wilderness, taking care not to step on twigs or crackling leaves. She pauses every few minutes to pick miner’s lettuce for food or to scrutinize a print on the ground. Is it a deer trail? Will it lead to a spring where she can drink?

For 36 hours last spring, Webb and her boyfriend, Frank Sturniolo, made themselves at home in this pristine forest, with only a knife, a flint, a canteen and a cup. It was the culmination of a six-day outdoor survival course called The Edge — a course that the outfitter, Lifesong Wilderness Adventures, patterned after the TV series Man vs. Wild. Their goal: Survive without the trappings of civilization. No cell phone, no Starbucks, no running water.

“When I hike, I normally tromp mindlessly through the woods,” admits Webb, 32, a nurse from San Diego. “In the hospital ER, survival is about speed. The Edge course slowed me down and taught me details like finding where clean water trickles out of the ground.”

After four days in a primitive tent camp learning wilderness skills, their instructors left Webb and Sturniolo to fend for themselves. The night temperature became Webb’s nemesis. “Even with a roaring fire, one side of me always froze,” she recalls. “And we didn’t pile enough pine needles in our bed to insulate us from the ground, so we were ice cubes.”

At 2 a.m., a shivering Webb yelled for help. “The instructors didn’t come because they wanted me to feel cold, hunger and panic, so if I was really lost, I’d know this was discomfort, not life or death,” she says. In the end, she was grateful she stuck it out. “The experience was scary, but empowering. It boosted my self-confidence outdoors.”

Outside the Comfort Zone
Wilderness skills courses are more popular than ever, in part because of TV survival shows and films such as Into the Wild. While most people won’t be marooned on a deserted island, many want to develop the kinds of skills and courage needed to feel at home in the wild.

“People want to be more self-reliant and learn to find edible plants, read the weather, track animals, and make their own tools and shelters,” says Tony Nester, the director of Ancient Pathways, a desert survival school in Flagstaff, Ariz.

Embarking on a wilderness survival adventure is no laid-back vacation, though. These demanding getaways teach skills that will keep you alive in extreme conditions in the desert, the mountains or in 10 feet of snow. Courses range from one-day outdoor classes that cover emergency preparedness to 28-day simulations of a wilderness worst-case scenario. Some survival-trip outfitters offer tent camping and prepared meals; others teach you to forage and sleep in dirt-and-leaf beds. Some excursions involve moderate activity; others are so physically and mentally grueling that they require a doctor’s permission.

When selecting a trip, take stock of your personal appetite for adventure, and keep in mind that wilderness travel always carries a risk of injury or death, even when monitored by experienced instructors.

Touching Nature
Why bother with old-fashioned survival skills like making and using a bow-drill to start a fire when we have modern-day conveniences (lighters, high-tech matches) at our fingertips? Tom Brown Jr., founder of the legendary Tracker School, argues that discovering outdoor skills brings us closer to nature — and ourselves.

“Primitive wilderness training gives us the knowledge to survive in any place with what we find in nature, and it gets us in touch with our ancestral roots,” says Brown, who was taught by an Apache elder. He passes on the wisdom to students who learn stalking, nature observation, edible plant identification and Native American earth philosophy in his classes in the New Jersey Pine Barrens and in Boulder Creek, Calif.

“Tracking and awareness open people’s minds and hearts to the wilderness — even the one in your backyard,” Brown says. “People begin to read animal tracks like a book. They see more wildlife and biosystems than ever before. They develop a commitment to Mother Earth.”

Without wilderness knowledge, we are aliens on our own planet, Brown maintains. “If you’re lost, you’re like a scuba diver without oxygen,” he says. By contrast, those who complete his workshops feel at home in the bush, even without fancy gadgets. “Living off the land awakens the adventure in people and inspires them to seek new horizons.”

True Grit
At age 27, Jimmy Ngo, a tech-support manager from Firestone, Colo., was burned out. “I’d lose my temper when people complained their email didn’t work,” he says. “I didn’t so much need a survival school as some perspective.” He found both during the Boulder Outdoor Survival School’s (BOSS’s) seven-day, ultrarigorous Field Course.

During the two-day “impact” phase in the dry Utah backcountry, Ngo and his group had no food or water other than what they scavenged. They carried only a knife as they hiked 20 to 30 miles in the heat, and they shivered from cold at night. “We didn’t find water for a long time, and I was losing it,” he explains. “I silently cursed the instructors because I wanted to quit. Then I thought, ‘Why am I blaming them? I willingly put myself in this situation, and if I do quit, I’m still going to have to walk out of here.’ Eventually I convinced myself I’d be OK if I just kept pushing forward.”

Ngo made it to the spot where a backpack with food, water, a poncho and a wool blanket waited. The rest of the course involved rigorous hiking and twice-daily oatmeal or grain meals, but now Ngo concentrated on mastering skills that would ease the hardship he’d just experienced. Over the week, he lost 30 pounds from the physical effort (not an uncommon occurrence, according to BOSS instructors), but he gained a new appreciation for his tenacity.

“I was humbled by how little I knew about keeping myself alive in a survival situation,” Ngo admits. “Getting back to basics made me realize we don’t need a lot of stuff in the wilderness to survive. I learned to focus on staying warm and dry and on finding food and water.”

Now, Ngo thinks he’s more patient — especially with those pesky email problems. “The experience also taught me not to overdo things: not to overeat, not to overcompensate, not to get upset over little things,” he adds. In the years since, he’s enrolled in first-aid training and completed other BOSS courses, including star navigation.

Why endure an ordeal like Ngo’s? “Fear comes from not knowing,” says Jeff Sanders, BOSS’s Utah field director. “When you freak out, things go badly. However, if experience teaches you that you can live a long time without food — and some time without water — then you don’t have to panic.”

Loving the Wilderness
The more you know about your place in nature, the less gear you need to carry with you to be safe — and even comfortable — in the wild. During his winter courses in Montana, Wilderness Arts Institute educator David Cronenwett challenges students to start a fire in 10 minutes with just one match and foraged wood. They can warm their hands at the group “backup” fire between trial runs. “It’s good to practice outdoor skills in the field, not just in your yard where conditions are less extreme,” he says.

Ultimately, the goal of instructors like Cronenwett is to help students respect nature, not fear it. Though a wilderness survival course might seem to focus on lost-in-the-woods, “man vs. wild” scenarios, it actually enhances the outdoor experience by helping you connect with nature, rather than facing off against it.

“The more you realize how much we humans depend on the land and landscape around us, the more you come to see that people aren’t separate from the rest of nature,” says Ancient Pathways’ Tony Nester. “We’re all part of that whole.”

Laurel Kallenbach is a freelance writer and editor from Boulder, Colo. She is a regular contributor to Experience Life.

Experience Life magazine is an award-winning health and fitness publication that aims to empower people to live their best, most authentic lives, and challenges the conventions of hype, gimmicks and superficiality in favor of a discerning, whole-person perspective. Visit www.experiencelifemag.com to learn more, to subscribe, and to sign up for the Experience Life newsletter.

The Right Ride

Longing to slide into the stirrups on an equi-adventure? Answer these questions to help you pick the horse trip of your dreams.

By Laurel Kallenbach for Experience Life

1. What type of rider are you? Most outfitters distinguish between beginner, intermediate and advanced trips so that you’ll be riding with peers of similar ­abilities. Family trips welcome all abilities. To brush up your skills, try guest ranches, whose instructors help you practice on the trail.
2. Do you want to gallop around the globe? Choose from Highland ponies in Scotland, Arabians in Morocco or Tennessee Walking Horses in the Appalachians. Consider all types of terrain — mountains, savannahs, beaches — and don’t limit yourself to summer. Think snow riding or driving a horse-drawn sleigh.
3. What do you want to do when you’re not in the saddle? Some people want to ride all day. Others prefer blending horse adventures with fishing, cooking classes, wine tasting, cultural sight-seeing, hiking or kayaking.
4. Where will you rest your head? Sleep under the stars like a cowboy, travel from inn to inn on horseback, or pick a home base such as a ranch house or wilderness lodge and make day trips from there.
5. What’s your budget? Prices for equi-adventures range from less than $100 to thousands, depending on where you go, length of stay and accommodations (the cheapest options are half-day rides during a vacation). Keep in mind that most packages do not include airfare to your destination, or additional expenses such as on-your-own meals, gratuities or optional activities.

Laurel Kallenbach lives and writes in Boulder, Colo.

Experience Life magazine is an award-winning health and fitness publication that aims to empower people to live their best, most authentic lives, and challenges the conventions of hype, gimmicks and superficiality in favor of a discerning, whole-person perspective. Visit www.experiencelifemag.com to learn more, to subscribe, and to sign up for the Experience Lifenewsletter.

Ride Away

Looking for an exhilarating way your whole family can explore the great outdoors together? Consider an unforgettably fun horseback-riding adventure.

By Laurel Kallenbach, for Experience Life

Coyotes howl in the distance as Jeff Moore and his daughter, Jill, eat cowboy grub by the campfire in California’s eastern Sierras. Nearby, horses nicker and munch hay. The Moores’ annual father-daughter horseback adventure — a four-day camping trip driving more than 100 horses 100 miles across the valley — lets them get away from daily routines and enjoy the freedom of wide-open spaces.

“I love horses and being outside with my dad,” says Jill, 18. “It’s fun getting dirty and riding fast to round up riderless horses that try to break away.”

The horse drives give the Moores, who live in Coto de Caza, Calif., a chance to bond. “There are no cell phones, laptops or TVs on this trip,” says Jeff, 52, a managing director for a commercial-real-estate brokerage firm. “I’m in beautiful country, riding a horse next to my daughter, having genuine conversations because we’re not distracted or busy.”

The two have saddled up every summer for the past 10 years, through 100-degree heat, rain, lightning, hail and even snow. “I used to think Jill would outgrow these horse trips,” says Jeff, “but she’s always excited to go and even invites other friends and families.” Wranglers from the Bishop, Calif.–based outfitter Frontier Pack Train match riders with a horse suited to their ability, so all ages can enjoy riding together.

Although Jill is heading off to college this fall, she intends to return next summer for the horse drive. “It’s a family tradition,” she says, “and it keeps us close.”

Equestrian treks — a.k.a. equi-adventures — are attracting both seasoned riders and first-timers. Less touristy than other getaways, horseback adventures take you through quiet countryside and challenging wilderness trails that are often inaccessible by vehicle or by foot, and they let you explore breathtaking landscapes in a unique, intimate way.

“Horseback riding can be such a rush — or really peaceful,” says Darley Newman, the host and producer of Equitrekking, a PBS travel series that takes viewers on horseback adventures around the world. “You get the physical challenge of riding different kinds of horses in the style of the place you’re visiting.”

You can gallop in Guatemala, canter in Canada, amble in Alaska or trot in Turkey. And you can choose rustic camping or opt for luxurious accommodations at a lodge or at inns along the trail. Either way, you’ll get plenty of fresh air and exercise — horseback riding works the inner thighs, hamstrings, calves and core abdominal muscles. (For equi-adventure planning tips, see “The Right Ride,” below.)

Never been on a horse? Not a problem. On some trips, wranglers coach beginners so they can improve while they ride on their vacation. If you’re a novice — or ride infrequently — start small before committing to a full-scale horseback ­excursion. “Incorporate one short ride into your vacation and see how it goes,” Newman suggests. “If you’re in Hawaii, spend one morning exploring part of the island on horseback. In wine country, take a bike tour one day, then ride a horse through a vineyard the next.”

Equi-adventures let you slow down and relive an era when horses were our primary mode of transportation. That ­historical appeal drew Trudy Campbell, an office administrator in Mississauga, Ontario, to sign up for a six-day trip through Wyoming’s Grand Tetons in a covered wagon train, organized by Hidden Trails, an outfitter in Vancouver, B.C.

“I hadn’t been on a horse in years, so I was wary, but I was so intrigued by stories of the Old West that I thought I’d try this trip,” says Campbell, 59. “The first day, the wranglers gave us basic riding instruction, then we got on our horses and away we went! The first thing we did was cross a flooded stream where the water was fast; I learned to trust my horse very quickly.”

Campbell’s vacation suited her skills. For half the day she rode a horse; in the afternoons, she traveled by covered wagon, which was also her night’s lodging. (The seats folded into bunks.) “Every morning I got up, stepped out of the wagon and — wow! — there were those incredible mountains.”

Riding in the wagons let Campbell rest enough that she eventually was able to spend one full day in the saddle, a feat that left her spirits buoyed and her legs a bit rubbery. “I had to learn to walk again when I got off the horse,” she jokes.

Besides spotting bear, elk and beaver, and reveling in the scenery, Campbell relived a cushier version of pioneer life — complete with cowboy songs and poetry. “The food was awesome, so other than sore butt muscles, there was no suffering on this trip.”

There’s no more empowering adventure than one with a horse, says Bayard Fox, owner of Equitours, based in Dubois, Wyo. “Horses are dynamic; it’s exhilarating working in partnership with these animals,” he says. “They’re completely with you — even if you’re riding in Africa when the lions are giving chase or when a zebra challenges you to a race. And you can feel the horse’s excitement and pleasure when you’re taking an exhilarating gallop on a beach.”

Many animal lovers sign on to an equitrek to spend time exploring the horse-human relationship. Outfitters usually pair each rider with a single horse for the entire trip, so you can request the type of personality that makes you comfortable: spirited or steady. On some riding trips, Fox says, you feed, saddle and groom your horse, too.

It’s a good idea to practice your riding skills before joining a trek — especially one rated as intermediate or advanced, which often requires riders to be on the horse for at least six hours a day, every day. (Horse ranches often offer this kind of training.) “If you’re in shape, you shouldn’t be the least bit sore after covering 10 to 20 miles a day in the saddle,” says Fox.

For her 70th birthday, Sally Schoettgen of Columbia, Calif., invited three girlfriends on an eight-day Equitours trip in southern Spain, where they rode purebred Andalusian horses from inn to inn. “Don’t let my age scare you!” Schoettgen quipped on the company’s questionnaire, which assesses riders’ skill and endurance. At home, she rides in the mountains three times a week, so she was in great condition for a cultural horse trek through villages in the Spanish Sierra Nevadas.

Astride a white Andalusian named Adra, Schoettgen followed ancient bridle paths through fig and almond farms and explored spectacular gorges. “We trotted and cantered a lot,” she recalls, “but it was thrilling when Adra and I could really run fast through the beautiful meadows.”

At day’s end, she and her friends arrived at a small ­village inn (their luggage came by van). “Our Spanish hosts treated us like family and prepared lovely dinners featuring the region’s best foods and wines,” she recalls.

“Having a hotel room ­waiting is a touch of luxury at the end of the trail,” Schoettgen says of the tour’s inn-to-inn ­format. “We could clean up, relax and get a good night’s sleep, which made it possible for us to ride six days in a row.”

During the week, the group covered a lot of territory and visited villages whose cobblestone streets were so steep and narrow that the riders had to lead their horses. “It was the perfect physical adventure,” Schoettgen recalls. “Instead of being just a spectator, I was an actual participant.”

Laurel Kallenbach lives and writes in Boulder, Colo.

Experience Life magazine is an award-winning health and fitness publication that aims to empower people to live their best, most authentic lives, and challenges the conventions of hype, gimmicks and superficiality in favor of a discerning, whole-person perspective. Visit www.experiencelifemag.com to learn more, to subscribe, and to sign up for the Experience Life newsletter.

EMFF 2009 LOOKS SET TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS

Extreme climbers, global adventurers and inspiring films form best line up yet

The 7^th Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival runs 16-18 October 2009 at George Square Lecture Theatre in Edinburgh. As always, it promises to be a weekend packed full of inspiration and entertainment, with an impressive diversity of speakers and a selection of films delivering lots of high drama and painful wipeouts! The EMFF has built a reputation as a fun, lively and inspiring event and this year looks set to continue that trend.

Highlights will include a lecture by madcap American climber Timmy O’Neill – known for scaling towering cliffs and high rise buildings, often without the security of a rope. Top Scottish climbers Dave MacLeod and Gary Latter provide home-grown inspiration and the line up is completed by global adventurers Patrick Winterton (who recently sea kayaked from Scotland to the Faroe Islands) and Katie-Jane Cooper & Tarka L’Herpiniere (the first people to trek the entire 4,500km distance of the Great Wall of China).

Meanwhile, the standard of films is set to be higher than ever. Most mountain sports are represented, including climbing, snowsports, BASE-Jumping, mountain culture and epic journeys. Some of the more extreme action includes a solo ascent of the North Face of the Eiger, protected only by a base-jumping pack, paragliding stunts more wild than you can possibly imagine and seriously big drops in kayaks. Of course it’s not all about the extreme and there are also superb films about expeditions to Greenland by kayak, climbing in South America, living in Antarctica, and much more.

The festival will also include a number of events throughout October, many of which are free. These include a mountain photography exhibition and several ‘Adventure Taster Sessions’ which give you the chance to try kayaking, skiing, boarding and climbing. Social climbers, meanwhile, can enjoy the social gatherings at the Pear Tree and at the EMFF party on the Saturday night.

The festival, which is staged in association with Tiso & Wilderness Journeys, will again be held at the George Square Lecture Theatre at Edinburgh University. Over 2,500 outdoor enthusiasts are expected to attend this year’s event. These will include climbers, skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, walkers, as well many others who simply have an interest in travel and adventure.

Tickets and free programmes for the festival event will be available from Tiso stores and the Alien Rock climbing centres from 5th September.

For full details of the festival, see www.emff.co.uk

Event Details & Background:

• The 7th Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival takes place from 16-18 October 2009. The festival is staged in the George Square Lecture Theatre at Edinburgh University.

• Tickets cost from £5 – £10 and will be available from selected Tiso stores and the Alien Rock climbing centres from 5^th September 2009.

• The festival aims to promote mountain culture and provide a platform for adventure film-makers to showcase their work. In short, to entertain, enlighten and inspire. It also acts as a social gathering for Scotland’s vibrant outdoor scene.

• The festival features lectures by leading mountaineers, adventurers and explorers, many short films and various exhibitions. The full line-up of films will be released late August.

• Previous speakers include Sir Chris Bonington, Doug Scott, Simon Yates, Mark Beaumont and Jamie Andrew, the Edinburgh mountaineer who suffered a quadruple amputation following an accident in the Alps.

• The Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival was first held in 2003. Previous winners of the ‘Best Film Award’ are:
  • 2003: ‘Pushing Winter’ – a snowboarding film by Paul Raistrick of Aviemore
  • 2004: ‘Never Say Nevis Again’ – a kayaking film by Steve Rogers of Fort William
  • 2005: ‘Cano-Bagging’ – a ski mountaineering film by Blair Aitken of Edinburgh
  • 2006: ‘E11’ – a climbing film about Dave MacLeod’s landmark route, Rhapsody
  • 2007: ‘Scottish Extremities’ – a sea-kayaking adventure around Scotland
  • 2008: ‘Echo Wall’ – Bafta-winning film about Dave MacLeod’s climb on Ben Nevis
• The major sponsors of the Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival 2009 are:
  • Tiso – Scotland’s leading outdoor retail company (www.tiso.com )
  • Wilderness Journeys – Scotland’s leading adventure travel company – (www.wildernessjourneys.com)
  • Mountain Equipment – a leading manufacturer of mountain clothing and gear
  • Wm Gore Ltd – Manufacturers of the Gore-tex fabric
  • EICA Ratho – Edinburgh International Climbing Arena
• The festival is also sponsored by Wilderness Scotland, Chunky Monki, Alien Rock, Go Fast, Big Agnes, the John Muir Trust, Climb Magazine and Extreme DV. The festival is always keen to hear from companies or organisations who are interested in being a sponsor.

For further information, visuals, or to arrange interviews with any of the guest speakers, please contact Festival Director Stevie Christie:

Tel: 07919 818 901              Email: stevie@edinburghmountainff.com

Volcanoes Safaris Features Two Special Offers Through 2010; Free Mountain Gorilla Permit and Free Lodge Stay

To celebrate 2009 being named the UN “Year of the Gorilla”, Volcanoes Safaris, a unique great ape ecotourism business that specializes in mountain gorilla safaris to Uganda and Rwanda, has announced two special offers to encourage great ape tourism. These special offers have been extended through 2010. Please read on for additional information about these two offers:

Volcanoes Safaris Announces Special Offers a Free Mountain Gorilla Permit to Commemorate the “Year of the Gorilla”

Right now, Volcanoes Safaris is offering a free second gorilla permit (a $500 value) for travelers that book a safari that is 6 days or longer. Every gorilla permit that is purchased promotes the protection of the gorilla national parks and benefits the surrounding communities while supporting the conservation of the extremely threatened mountain gorilla. Sensitive tourism is central to the survival of the gorillas, and Volcanoes Safaris has created a comprehensive set of ecotourism practices that have both supported local communities and aided in the conservation of the gorillas through tourism. Because of this business ethos, Volcanoes Safaris believes that it is vital to encourage travelers to visit the area and go mountain gorilla tracking to support the conservation of this delicate ecosystem as each gorilla permit purchased directly promotes the protection of these animals.

This offer is valid on all Tailor-made and Scheduled safaris longer than 6 days and includes:

U1 & UGS 1 – Classic Uganda and Rwanda (12 days)
R2 & RWS 2 – Classic Rwanda and Uganda (12 days)
R 7 & RWS 7 – Discover Rwanda (9 days)
R1 & RWS 1 – Gorillas in the Virungas and Bwindi (8 days)
R3 – Gorillas in PNV and Southern Bwindi (6 days)
U2 and UGS2 Gorillas, Wildlife and Chimps (7 days) – one tracking only
U9 and UGS 9 Gorilla and wildlife in Lake Mburo, Bwindi – one tracking only

Volcanoes Safaris Offers Two Free Nights at Mount Gahinga Lodge to Commemorate the “Year of the Gorilla”

Right now, travelers who book any tailor-made gorilla safari to Rwanda or Bwindi from Kigali are offered two free nights at Mount Gahinga Lodge at Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. This offer, worth almost $1000 per person, entitles visitors to free nights at this stunning lodge that’s nestled in the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes on the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. The lodge is being newly renovated, with an added sunroom that faces the volcanoes and a terrace and lush gardens. Aside from mountain gorilla tracking, visitors can climb a volcano, go birding, or just take a hike in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Africa. Through Volcanoes Safaris integrated ecotourism business practices, each tourist plays a direct role in promoting the conservation of the great apes and this precious ecosystem. Through Volcanoes unique programs, local communities also benefit from sensitive tourism practices in this area.

For more information, visit the website at www.volcanoessafaris.com.

Book Now, Family Christmas Vacations with BikeHike Filling up Fast

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Taking a trip with your family during the winter break is a great way to bond without the distraction of everyday life, work, school, and long to-do lists.  Now is the time to be thinking about those holiday vacations because these trips fill up fast and you’ll want to take advantage of low airfare prices before they rise again.  BikeHike Adventures (www.bikehike.com) is offering four exciting and affordable itineraries over the holidays that are designed specifically for families looking to combine active pursuits with meaningful cultural immersion.  Whether you choose a customized trip with just your brood or a set itinerary with other families, these BikeHike family expeditions to Costa Rica, Ecuador, Vietnam, and New Zealand are guaranteed to create lasting memories with the people most important in your life.

BikeHike offers two types of family adventures.  You can opt for a fixed trip in which you would join other families with children of the same age and follow set itineraries at specified dates of departures.  BikeHike can also customize a trip for your family that addresses your needs and desired activities with flexible departure dates.  Each customized BikeHike family vacation is designed to ensure the entire family has a great time, regardless of age, skill level, or experience.

BikeHike leverages the smaller size of its operation and its in-country expertise to deliver award-winning personalized service at affordable rates to families of adventure enthusiasts interested in engaging with the local communities of the countries they visit.  Take advantage of the record low fares presently being offered by airlines and book your trip now.

The four itineraries that BikeHike is offering over the upcoming Christmas holidays are:

Costa Rica – Adventure Playground:  Enjoy 9 days of activity in the nature’s paradise of Costa Rica.  Raft class 2-3 rapids, hike the rainforest, explore a volcano, zip-line through the jungle, and relax on the white sand beaches.  Dates: Dec 19 – Dec 27; Cost $2199 USD per person.

Ecuador – Volcanoes and Jungles:  Experience the diverse topography and landscapes of Ecuador on this 10-day expedition.  Mountain bike, hike, and horseback ride down an active volcano, engage with the indigenous villages of the high Andes, raft class 2 whitewater, soak and swim in refreshing natural hot springs.  Dates: Dec 10 – Dec 20; Cost $2099 USD per person.

Vietnam – Family Fusion:  Enjoy 13 days of culture and outdoor adventure in one of Asia’s most-loved traveler destinations.   Explore Hanoi’s narrow streets and bustling markets, hike to and stay overnight in a hilltribe village, mountain bike the scenic Mai Chau valley; sail and seakayak amongst the caves and rock formations of Halong Bay.  Dates: Dec 19 – Dec 31; Cost $2299 USD per person.

New Zealand – Family Adventure: This 13 day trip offers opportunities for both family togetherness and time for parents to explore on their own.  Jetboat through the Rakaia Gorge, stargaze from New Zealand’s highest mountain, explore the areas around Queenstown by foot, bike, and whitewater raft.  Dates: Dec 15, 2009 – Dec 27, 2009; Dec 26, 2009 – Jan 3, 2010; Dec 29, 2009 – Jan 10, 2010; Cost $3150 USD Adult, $2250 USD children under 15 per person.

Visit www.bikehike.com , call 1-888-805-0061, or e-mail info@bikehike.com for more information.

About BikeHike Adventures
Recognized by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as one of “The Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”,  BikeHike (www.bikehike.com) specializes in small group Multi-sport Adventures in South and Central America, Canada, Europe, Oceania, Asia and Africa. BikeHike is committed to sustainable tourism practices that benefit the local communities and environment in the destinations they serve, and actively supports projects around the world to help raise cultural and social awareness.

Adventure Collection Companies Rise to the Challenge with Special Offers

The member companies of Adventure Collection www.adventurecollection.com are profoundly committed to providing transformative travel experiences around the globe. In a time of economic challenge, they are also committed to offering an assortment of special value trips that can enable travelers to continue to build bridges of discovery and connection around the world – and to infuse desperately needed cash into some of the most deeply affected sectors of the global economy.

AC Editor in Chief Don George asked Adventure Collection members to spotlight one special offer from their portfolio of adventures. These trips are highlighted below. According to George, “These great globe-girdling journeys represent just a few of the extraordinary values currently available from Adventure Collection companies. Whether you want to travel to South America or the South Pacific, Asia, Africa or North America, the Adventure Collection has a special-value trip for you.”

Natural Habitat Adventures: The Galapagos Islands — Blue-footed Boobies, Giant Tortoises, and More!

Special offer: Savings of $750 on select departures (travelers must book by Dec. 31)

One out of every five guests who travel with us go to the Galapagos. And we understand why: It is a place of magical beauty, where time stands still and humans can experience nature in its most unique and exceptional fashion. It is undeniably a special place, the likes of which are found nowhere else on earth.

There has never been — and there will likely never be — a better chance to participate in our unique brand of luxury, small-group exploration of the Galapagos than right now! In consideration of our exclusive Economic Climate Change Stimulus Plan, we have selected three special departures that will provide you with all the comforts of wonderful private yacht accommodations, top Expedition Leaders (hey, that’s what we’re known for!), a unique itinerary that exclusively takes our guests to remote areas, and the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the islands.

And here’s the added incentive: If you book by Dec. 31, 2009, you will receive a one-time-only $750 gift certificate on these three departures:

Dec. 11-21, 2009: Classic Galapagos Aboard the MY Letty
Jan. 21-31, 2010: Classic Galapagos Aboard the MC Nina
Feb. 25-March 7, 2010: Classic Galapagos Aboard the MC Nina

Without a doubt, the Galapagos are a nature traveler’s dream destination, and we are confident that you’ll have a truly amazing experience. You can also rest assured that by traveling with us, you’ll be supporting the continued conservation of these otherworldly and primordial islands. Call us at 1-800-543-8917 to find out all the details.

Lindblad Expeditions: Among the Great Whales

Special offer: Receive $500 off per person plus free round-trip airfare (Los Angeles/La Paz/Los Angeles) for select departures, Jan.-March, 2010

Few places flourish with marine life like Baja California and the Sea of Cortez, and we’re just as passionate about its wonders today as when we first started exploring in 1981. After so many years of experience, we have the proven ability to show you the wildlife, interpret it in a meaningful way, and remain spontaneous to make the most of every minute. During our days in the breeding lagoons of Bahia Magdalena, we venture among gray whales in Zodiac landing craft, one of our many tools for exploration. And, whenever the opportunity arises, our expert naturalists position us perfectly for the increasingly common friendly encounters.

As you swim, snorkel, hike and kayak with our expert Expedition Team, there will be sea lions playing on the shores, pelicans diving around you in search of a meal and sunsets of immeasurable shades of orange. This is perhaps the best place on earth to view whales and dolphins; in addition, sea lions, birds such as blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, huge cardon cacti, mangroves and sand dunes are among the wonders you’ll experience.

Backroads: Costa Rica Family Multisport

Special offer: Dec. 27 departure: Save $500 — $2,598 (usually $3,098)

With over a quarter of its land protected in parks and preserves, Costa Rica is paradise for anyone who loves wildlife and outdoor adventure. Howler monkeys scamper through the trees, and keel-billed toucans color the sky against a natural backdrop of an active volcano, a magnificent lake, flowing rivers and lush greenery. Jungle hikes, mountain biking and a kayaking adventure expose you to the region’s incredible biodiversity, from the Los Angeles Cloud Forest to Arenal Volcano National Park and the Pacific coast. Your family is sure to have fun, relax and learn the true meaning of pura vida!

[For a full list of Backroads special offers, click here.]

OARS: Highlands to Islands: Ultimate Fiji Explorer

Special offer: $500/person discount for groups of 4 or more

Dec. 26, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010
$3,495/person based on double occupancy (usually $3,995)

Looking for the ultimate Fiji adventure? Look no further!

Paradise from every angle! Our new Highlands-to-Islands getaway takes us to the top of rolling rainforest highlands, down two hidden Fijian rivers with narrow canyon walls and dozens of cascading waterfalls and through azure oceans and kaleidoscopic reefs. Fiji’s culture and tradition are also critical components of our Fiji adventure, all topped off with luxurious beachfront accommodations and ultra-friendly Fijian hospitality.

This trip of a lifetime features Class II-III whitewater rafting on the Upper Navua River, as well as inflatable kayaking on the Class II ‘luva River with a visit to the charming riverside village of Nakavika, where friendly locals enthusiastically welcome visitors. Sea kayak on Beqa Lagoon and feel the rush as you soar high through the forest on a thrilling zip line canopy tour. The conclusion of our adventure takes us to the pristine white sand beaches of Fiji’s Yasawa Islands for two days of snorkeling, diving or simply relaxing.

Geographic Expeditions: The Essence of Bhutan

Special offer: Save $1,000 per person on our Nov. 9, 2009 departure

Getting to know Bhutan has been a balm and a revelation to our many GeoEx travelers through the years. Brent Olson, a veteran of three score and more trips to the Dragon Kingdom since we started our program there more than 20 years ago, created The Essence of Bhutan as “a summary of all that draws us to Bhutan: its outstanding people, its sweet scenery, and its vibrant, proud culture.” Not to be immodest, but we’re confident that because of our long experience in the country, our deep affection for it, and the matchless know-how we bring to it, no company can showcase Bhutan like GeoEx.

Ranging through exquisite countrysides, staying in local guesthouses, making day hikes to remote villages and hidden valleys, we immerse ourselves in this unique island of sanity and peace. We’ll take close looks at the creation of Bhutanese art forms: thangka painting, textile weaving, and wood carving, art forms that are cherished and used by the Bhutanese. On this journey we’ll also attend one or two of the country’s festivals, where the kingdom’s vibrant culture kicks up its heels. And throughout we’ll rejoice in the essence of a country that seems to have gotten it right, and is determined to keep it that way.

This departure coincides with the colorful Jambay and Prakar festivals, which take place from Oct. 30–Nov. 12.

[For other GeoEx special offers, click here.]

Bushtracks: Legendary Rajasthan

Special offer: $8,350 (20% off original rate of $10,440)
Departure Date: Nov. 06, 2009

Explore northern India’s architectural splendor and ancient cultures on this extraordinary itinerary. Beginning in Delhi, we’ll traverse cities, villages and countryside to capture remarkable Rajasthan from every angle. You’ll be awed by elegant palaces and impressive forts one day, and enjoy elephant polo in the hills another. Spectacular accommodations range from a luxury tented camp to an exclusive lodge owned by Jodhpur’s royal family.

Some of our trip highlights include: viewing the majestic Taj Mahal at sunrise; delighting at the brightly painted elephants at an elephant polo match; staying at an exclusive 17th century property hosted by members of the Jodhpur Royal Family.

Note: Land price is $8,350 (per person, double occupancy); domestic Indian airfare of $360 (Delhi-Udaipur, economy class) is extra.

Micato Safaris: Stanley Wing Safari

Special offer: Retaining 2009 land prices of $8,765 (April and May) and $10,875 (balance of year) per person, based on double occupancy

Micato’s Stanley Wing Safari is a magnificent 16-day journey through Kenya and Tanzania, with luxuriously long visits to each country’s iconic game parks. Guests enjoy exhilarating game viewing at Amboseli National Park, the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and unparalleled, breathtaking views of Mount Kenya at the legendary Mount Kenya Safari Club. The breadth and scope of The Stanley Wing Safari encompasses everything for which East Africa is famous—the magnificent scenery, the breathtaking wildlife, the excitement and adventure. And all experienced at a leisurely pace, creating warm memories to relive for a lifetime.

Canadian Mountain Holidays: 2010 K2 Demo Weeks

Special offer: Receive a free pair of K2 skis (a $1,000 value)

K2 Skis want your feedback!
Join CMH Helicopter Skiing and K2 Skis this winter to test and provide feedback on K2′s upcoming line of 2011 skis. Try a variety of K2 test skis on a Heli-Ski week or a Helicopter Assisted Ski Touring week with CMH. K2 designers will be on-hand with prototype skis and will gather your feedback on the performance of each style of skis. They’ll take your comments back to the shop and fine-tune the skis with your experience in mind. Your reward? A free pair of K2′s once the line is released in the fall of 2010.

Helicopter Skiing at Monashees Lodge:
March 13 – 20 (7 days) – Price: $10,440 based on shared twin accommodation.

Helicopter Assisted Ski-Touring at Adamant Lodge:
April 10 – 17 (7 days) – Price: $3,700 based on shared twin accommodation.

All rates are exclusive of GST. Please inquire for details on other room types. Space on both trips is very limited.

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