Providing more than 400 inspiring small-group adventures to 130 destinations, the NEW Active and Discovery programs include new tours to destinations such as Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, El Salvador, Lebanon, Palestine, Mozambique, Sudan and Zimbabwe.
The Active program focuses on walking, trekking, cycling and multi-activity tours worldwide with 44 new itineraries including the groundbreaking Aconcagua Trek in Argentina, scaling South America’s highest peak (22,835ft), and the Toubkal Ascent, conquering Morocco’s mightiest mountain of Jebel Toubkal (13,661ft), both suited for the intrepid adventurer. For cycling enthusiasts the new medium-paced Cycling Basque Country cycle tour winds its way through France and Spain’s little known Basque region of sandy bays and pastoral green valleys, visiting the spa town once home to Edmond Rostand (author of Cyrano de Bergerac).
In contrast, the separate Discovery program provides pioneering cultural, wilderness and wildlife adventure tours to off-the-beaten-track destinations. Among the 29 new tours featured are the Angola Expedition to the country’s remote southern region; the South East Africa Overland tour encompassing Zimbabwe’s stunning ruins of the Bantu civilization; and a Holy Land tour providing a unique insight into Israel and Palestine, past and present.
Says Explore! – North America, President, Trevor Saxty: “Our new Active and Discovery programs aim to make it easier for travelers to find their ideal adventure, whether it’s an expedition in Angola or hiking the Mont Blanc circuit in Switzerland. We are proud to continue to push the boundaries in adventure travel, with more innovative itineraries than ever before that enable travelers to get closer to the people and places that make the world such a thrilling place to explore. ”
SOLO TRAVELLER TOURS
Explore has also introduced new Solo Traveller Tours in response to the fact that over 50% of Explore’s customers travel alone. The new tours enable individual travellers to join a group made up only of solo travellers in destinations including Egypt, India (Kerala) and Thailand.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW PROGRAMS:
ACTIVE – walking, trekking, cycling & more
NEW tours for 2011 & 2012 include:
FRANCE/SPAIN: The new Cycling Basque Country tour follows rocky coastline, pastoral valleys and the spa town of Cambo Les Bains. 8 days from $1,020.
LEBANON: Snow-shoeing in Lebanon’s 9,800ft peaks you’ll pass monasteries and the Qadisha Valley, then samples Beirut’s chic nightlife. 5 days from $900.
MOROCCO: The Winter Toubkal ascends North Africa’s highest peak with views of the High Atlas, Anti-Atlas and Sahara plus a night in evocative Marrakech. Eight days from $850.
FRANCE/SWITZERLAND: Walking parts of the Tour du Mont Blanc returning each evening to a comfortable alpine chalet with a hot tub and breath-taking views. 8 days from $1,240.
NEPAL: The Manaslu Circuit circuits the world’s little-known 8th highest mountain, descending through pine and bamboo meadows. The new Annapurna circuit? 23 days from $2,550.
PORTUGAL: Rambling in Portugal is an easy-paced tour in the country’s rugged northern corner, visiting Porto, the Douro Valley and the Baroque-style Mateus Palace. 8 days from $930.
VIETNAM: Cycle Vietnam explores Vietnam’s fascinating back-roads and villages by bicycle. Fantastic interaction with local people and a chance to discover the country’s cultural heart first-hand. 14 days from $1,760.
DISCOVERY – a selection of cultural, wilderness and wildlife adventures
NEW tours for 2011 & 2012 include:
ANGOLA: The Angola Expedition focuses on the country’s remote south, home to the Himba people and includes a visit to Etosha NP, Namibia. 15 days from $3,370.
CROATIA/MONTENEGRO/SERBIA/BOSNIA: Explore’s Journey through the Balkans tour covers four countries and their turbulent history, visiting UNESCO heritage sites, national parks, coastal ports and historic towns. 12 days from $1,870.
EL SALVADOR/GUATEMALA/HONDURAS/NICARAGUA/COSTA RICA: This two-week adventure takes in five countries including El Salvador, plus volcano hikes, surfing, perfect beaches and beautiful old colonial centers. That’s why it’s called Central American Highlights. 16 days from $1,700.
ISRAEL/PALESTINE: Discover the religious and cultural highlights on the Holy Land tour of Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, Bethlehem and the sky fortress of Masada. 8 days from $1,400.
SCOTLAND: The Discover Orkney walking tour combines breathtaking landscapes, birdlife, famous archaeological sites, unusual fauna and dramatic seascapes. 7 days from $1,130.
SUDAN: the Ancient Nubia Explorer visits the Pyramids, temples and Nubian culture of Sudan’s Nile Valley with two nights’ wild camping. 12 days from $3,390.
ZIMBABWE/MOZAMBIQUE/SOUTH AFRICA: Journey by safari truck to Zimbabwe’s Bantu ruins, visit Victoria Falls and the Zambezi river, Mozambique’s archipelago and South Africa’s Kruger NP on the new South East Africa Overland tour. 17 days from $3,400.
NEW SOLO TRAVELLERS TOURS – a selection of Active and Discovery tours for solo travellers to join a group of like-minded individuals on new tours to Egypt, India (Kerala), Morocco and Thailand. Some existing tours are also now including special Solo Traveller Departures.
INDIA: Journey by houseboat, canoe and bike on the Keralan Solo Adventure, which includes Indian cooking lessons and (one departure only) a snake boat-racing festival. 11 days from $2,000.
All prices quoted above are land only not including international flights.
About Explore
Based in the United Kingdom, Explore is Europe’s leading small group adventure company offering 400 trips to 130 countries around the world with participants joining trips from various English speaking countries. Explore staff are hand-picked for their expertise and love of travel, and Explore trips provide unique encounters with local people, original itineraries, breathtaking sights and life-enhancing experiences.
Explore’s new US-based team provides North American travelers and travel agents with real time availability and trip information. Plus, travelers can now confirm their trips online anytime at www.exploreworldwide.com .
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