Austin-Lehman Adventures’ “Sensational Seven” Cycling Routes of Europe Great for a Do-It-Yourself Weekend Escape or As Part of a Weeklong Escorted Tour

Billings, MT – Award-winning tour operator Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA-http://www.austinlehman.com/), the active travel company setting adventure vacations standards in The Americas, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, shares its favorite pedal routes through Europe gleaned from over 38 years of operating small group cycle tours. ALA’s European expert and cycling director, Ron Van Dijk represents a legacy dating back to 1974 as the first European tour operator to offer cycling tours to American travelers. “It was a fun challenge for me to go back through nearly four decades of cycling to pick my all time favorite pedal routes of Europe. I call them my Sensational Seven,” explains Van Dijk. “I hope to inspire others to slow down, get on a bike and enjoy a Europe adventure on two wheels either on their own or with a small group tour such as those offered by ALA.” Austin-Lehman Adventure’s European bike tour season begins in April of each year and runs through October. An advantage... Read More →

International Singer Diego Torres Visits Iguazu Grand

Last December Iguazu Grand had the honor of welcoming international singer, Diego Torres. Upon arrival, Mr. Torres held a press conference in the foyer of the newly opened Grand Salon, where he was met by the local media. The conference went well; Mr. Torres answered all questions and even added comments about his fond memories of Puerto Iguazu, the Falls and El Dorado, where he filmed the movie The Fury. He also said he was traveling to New York to welcome the New Year in Times Square, a very important event for the singer’s career. After a restful night in a suite at the Panoramic Hotel, he enjoyed the pool and hotel bar. He held a celebrity book signing, took pictures and thanked the hotel staff. The Iguazu Grand food and beverage department catered the meals for Diego Torres and his staffduring his stay. The two hour concert, sponsored by the Duty Free Shop, consisted of guest appearances by musicians, singer and dancers.  Read More →

Join Richard Bangs for a First-of-its-Kind Adventure in North Korea

Join me on perhaps the most momentous trip in Mountain Travel Sobek‘s 43 year history—the first adventure tour of North Korea, September 21-29th, 2012. With a special permit, MTS has been awarded exclusive space for 24 friends to participate in this historic passage. We’re conducting the trip with my long-time friend C. J. Wheeler, who is one of the very few who has led trips to North Korea before. I was fortunate and proud to lead the first American tour to Libya in 2004, as well the first tour to the People’s Republic of China back in 1977, before rapprochement, as well as some 30 first descents of the world’s great rivers. But nothing has fired my enthusiasm more than this upcoming adventure to North Korea. A rare glimpse into another world. Space is limited and spots are sure to go fast, so be sure to book your spot now! Land cost for this very special journey is $8,995. A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required to secure your reservation. For details or to book... Read More →

Exotissimo Travel Launches Walking Tour of Kyoto Designed By Lonely Planet Writer Chris Rowthorn

Embark on a revealing walking tour of Kyoto led by Lonely Planet writer Chris Rowthorn’s team of personally trained guides. The tour named ‘Kyoto Walking Tour’ provides in-depth exploration of the Higashiyama (Eastern Mountain) district and enters into areas off the tourist trail. Exotissimo Travel, one of the longest established inbound tour operators in Indochina, Myanmar and Thailand are renowned for providing experiences that go beyond your average expectations of a Destination Management Company. Their history of delivering experiential, one-of-a-kind encounters into unchartered territory to thrill, excite and inspire travelers is unfailing and their latest addition continues this tradition. Leading travel writer Chris Rowthorn from the Lonely Planet has designed an enthralling walking plan that explores Kyoto’s richest areas, including visits to temples, shrines, gardens and museums, approaching them via backstreets and little-know alleys, taking in many hidden gems most tourists... Read More →

Spring Break Vacations With Thomson Family Adventures Offer Opportunities To Explore, Engage, and Educate

Make Spring Break a time for exploration and personal enrichment WATERTOWN, Mass.—Spring Break is right around the corner, and 2012 brings unique travel options for families who are looking for more than just a resort getaway. Thomson Family Adventures, the original family adventure travel company, offers families hands-on, informative, and fun Spring Break vacations to fascinating destinations around the world. With an emphasis on personal engagement and cultural immersion, these trips can make Spring Break a time for personal enrichment and family togetherness. These family tours, ideal for families with children ages 6 and up, offer more than just cookie-cutter, resort-style vacationing: They give children and their parents a chance to spend quality time together while enjoying enhanced learning and cultural experiences in the countries they visit on their family vacation. The tours are designed with children of all ages in mind with itineraries that are perfect for both younger children... Read More →

ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours Engages Cycling Guests This May In Seven-Day VIP Tour Encompassing Giro d’Italia Race Highlights

FORT COLLINS, CO – ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours that in 1972 was the first North American company to offer bicycle tours in Europe announces a six-night / seven-day cycling tour from May 8 to May 14 that includes witnessing three stages of the 2012 Giro with additional riding through the regions of Marche, Umbria and Emilia Romagna, among the most beautiful corners of rural Italy. The per person double occupancy rate of $3,550 ($500 single supplement) includes six nights of accommodations, use of a quality 27-30 speed bicycle, van support, bilingual tour leaders, some meals (4 dinners, 1 lunch and 6 breakfasts), and three stages of the famed Giro d’Italia, one of the original “grand tours” of cycling (along with the Tour de France and the Spanish Vuelta). See: http://www.experienceplus.com/tours/tours.html?tid=2775 “The Giro is a must for any cycling enthusiast. It’s far less crowded than the Tour de France so you can ride the routes better and get closer to the action,... Read More →

Quitus Shopping Centre Opens in Quito to Showcase Ecuador’s Artisans

New York/Quito – Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, named Cultural Capital of the Americas in 2011, is now home to one of the newest and most important artisan malls in the country. Centro Comercial Quitus, or the Quitus Comercial Center, is a 118,403 square feet building with over 520 stores in Quito’s north. The artisan-led project has been in the works for the past eight years and will house a combination of commercial spaces as well as business centers where artisans can conduct businesses. Visitors will find regional costumes, native jewelry, footwear and clothing from the four different regions of Ecuador as well as 12 regional restaurants and soon a museum and cultural center. Since the opening of Quitus this last November, the shopping center has received a great amount of visitors, locals and international, and looks to be one of the city’s premiere tourism attractions, similar to those found in other international cities in surrounding countries. For further information... Read More →

Cartago, “The Old Metropolis” of Costa Rica

Written by Alberto Molina, Cofounder of Green World Adventures Cartago is the newest destination in Costa Rica which is capturing the attention of adventure travelers. In this area you can find active volcanoes, the most beautiful valley in Costa Rica, lakes, astonishing landscapes, beautiful rivers, historical buildings, gorgeous churches, magnificent national parks, natural hot springs and very lovely and kindly people. Come and discover “the old metropolis” of Costa Rica. Irazú Volcano Costa Rica has been a great destination for adventure and nature lovers for many years, and some regions of the country have been developed more recently to receive visitors. Many hotels and activities have been created to satisfy the tourism that comes to Costa Rica. Some of these places have become more crowded and some travelers don´t want to visit the most visited regions of Costa Rica for this reason. Now, travelers that that like to get off the beaten path have the perfect option in... Read More →

The Lodge at Big Falls Announces 2012 New Mayan Dawn Tour

SEATTLE, WA & BIG FALLS, BELIZE – The Lodge at Big Falls, in Belize’s southern Toledo District announced today a new 4-day/3-night Mayan cultural tour for 2012. The New Mayan Dawn Tour celebrates the rich history and culture of the Kek’chi Maya of Toledo, and marks the end of Baktun 13 and the Mayan long cycle calendar of 5,125 years. “Toledo is the Mayan heartland of Belize with more than 50 Kek’chi and Mopan Maya villages. While the district still remains largely undiscovered by mass tourism, it is changing rapidly and social customs and traditions are threatened along with the forests and natural environment,” said Rob Hirons, owner of the Lodge at Big Falls. “This trip makes a difference because it provides income for the families involved and reinforces the notion that their culture and music are valuable and worth preserving.” The New Mayan Dawn Tour is a unique blend of culture and adventure that includes visits to ancient Maya sites, authentic interactions with... Read More →

Take the trip of a lifetime on the Via Francigena

If you are looking for a trip with a point of difference then walking the ancient pilgrimage route of The Via Francigena, which links Canterbury to Rome, could be for you. This famous route was first recorded by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sigeric, who walked to and from Rome to be consecrated by the Pope, writing his itinerary in the middle of the 10th century. More than 2000 kilometres long, the Via Francigena offers many outstanding highlights. The route has become popular among Irish tourists and throughout the years, people such as Brendan Behan, Patrick Kavanagh and Brian O’Nolan (Myles na Gopaleen), have travelled to France on their way to Rome. As it passes through England, France, Switzerland and Italy, this journey has some beautiful places of interest, such as the famous Canterbury Cathedral, Lake Geneva, the Great St. Bernards Pass and the Swiss Alps. The highlight of the trip is the last 100 kilometres, the most famous and the most walked section, which takes you from... Read More →

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