Holbrook Expeditions | 2018 Travel Planner by Holbrook Travel

Holbrook Expeditions 2018 TRAVEL planner

Enriching lives through travel since 1974 800-451-7111 | holbrooktravel.com | travel@holbrooktravel.com

Dear friends and travel leaders, I believe that meaningful travel starts with getting into the field and building relationships. Every year, I enjoy my travels to connect with our in-country experts to exchange ideas and build on our programs. On a recent guide training workshop, I met a number of young adults eager to share their growing expertise. It was encouraging to see a new generation realizing the importance of conservation and sustainability! Perhaps at no time in recent history has travel been so important to our fragile and fractionalized world.

At Holbrook, our programs are founded on indepth experiential exploration, life-long learning, and meaningful community interaction. From our many years in business, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve developed close working relationships with local academic and research institutions, industries, and community organizations. I am pleased to provide you with our most extensive Travel Planner in our history. In our 2018 edition, you will find tools for organizing a group as well as a comprehensive collection of tried-andtrue itineraries. In addition to many favorites from prior years, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve added programs further afield, including Colombia, Madagascar and Namibia. Plus there are many more itineraries on our website.

We hope you will join us in the field this coming year and beyond. Our passion is to bring your travel experience alive through education, immersion, and active engagement in our destinations throughout the world. With every good wish,

An d r ea H ol b r o o k Pre s i d e nt, H o lb r o o k Tr av el 2

GROUP TRAVEL PLANNER FOR: Alumni Associations Nature Organizations Museums and Zoos Birding Groups Garden Associations Professional Development

HOLBROOK EXPEDITIONS

2018 Travel Planner A resource to help you select and plan the ideal group travel program for your organization members or associates. In addition to our most popular itineraries featured on these pages, visit holbrooktravel.com for a complete selection from over 30 countries and 100 itineraries.

Your Passion, our expertise With hand-crafted itineraries and a deep, personal knowledge gained in the field, we love helping travelers explore their passions.

Signature Itineraries Travel provides a unique opportunity to engage with another culture, to explore another ecosystem, to observe fascinating biodiversity, and to expand perspectives on the world. Our programs have been developed and refined from our many years of experience. We’ve selected the best destinations for maximizing the experience, paced the programs to be comfortable, and incorporated opportunities for authentic cultural exchange. Together, we’ll create a tailored program for you and any companions — suited to your dates, your pace, and your budget.

Unparalleled Field Experience Holbrook Travel works only with expert, in-country birding and naturalist guides, and with experienced drivers, lodges, hotels, and other local providers worldwide. On all of our expeditions you can expect carefully selected local experts (whether for birding, photography, public gardens, or other interests) who bring forth a lifetime of experience and research in locations across the globe. Each Holbrook guide offers site knowledge that allows you to personally identify species with ease, accessibility, and most importantly, within environmental and cultural contexts that bring the travel experience to life.

A Wide Range of Special Interests We invite you to explore our world, offering: • Natural History • Birding • Adventure • Garden Tours • Photography • Culture • Professional Development To see all trips visit holbrooktravel.com 5

The Holbrook Travel Difference ENRICHMENT | COMMUNITY | CONSERVATION

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as you trek to Machu Picchu, or track the “Big Five” on safari in Tanzania. Add the world’s smallest bird to your life list in Cuba, or photograph the Resplendent Quetzal in Costa Rica. Ascend Table Mountain to examine South Africa’s unique fynbos vegetation, or rappel 300 feet into the bottom of a sinkhole in the Yucatán Peninsula. Learn about trolls in Iceland, tigers in India, or tortoises in the Galápagos. Wherever you go, whatever your interests, the one thing you will always do with Holbrook is learn. We are dedicated to facilitating a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations, and we do this by immersing you in the natural world, engaging you with hands-on activities, introducing you to local people, and supporting communities 6

as they work to preserve their cultural and natural heritage—always adhering to the best practices of ethical and sustainable tourism.

Since 1974, we’ve worked with experts around the world to bring you special insider access and behind-the-scenes experiences that ordinary tours cannot provide. And because we only hire residents of the region to guide you, you will gain a rich and authentic perspective that resonates long after the journey is over.

DID YOU KNOW? Aboard a retired navy vessel, Giovanna Holbrook set out to lead two University of Florida science professors and a group of naturalists to the Galápagos Islands in 1971, when tourism infrastructure there was virtually nonexistent.

What sets US apart Travel with a purpose At Holbrook, we pride ourselves on programs

that offer in-depth experiential exploration, lifelong learning, and meaningful exchanges with local communities. We bring the travel experience alive through education, immersion, and active engagement in over 30 countries worldwide.

Our resources within the destinations we serve

are vast. For over 40 years we’ve developed close working relationships with local, education, research, industry and community organizations.

Our network of NGOs, scholars, and distinguished experts uncovers deeper understanding.

Our itineraries follow our principles of field-based

learning and often include custom visits within local schools and villages, home-hosted meals, talks with local leaders, community service projects, citizen science, authentic cultural exchange, and more. We are adept at tailoring our itineraries to a particular theme or organization, aligning them to your goals and interests as the guidelines for the program.

rich content

custom-tailored trips

expert Resident guides

Our itineraries are designed to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations.

At no additional cost, you can tailor any itinerary to better suit your needs or build a brand new trip from scratch.

Carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity, and skill in the field, our guides are all residents of the region who will share an insider’s perspective.

Inclusive Value

knowledgeable staff

Unlike other travel providers, our pricing includes most meals, activities, and entrance fees so your group won’t have to travel with extra cash to cover surprise expenses.

With an average tenure of 15 years, our team is highly experienced at planning incredible travel experiences.

supporting local communities

sustainable travel

24/7/365 service

Flight Arrangements

We believe travel should have a positive impact on the world. We commit to maintaining responsible travel practices and partner with ClimateSafe to provide carbon offsetting.

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 and our safety protocols, $3 million liability policy, and group insurance options give you peace of mind.

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with arranging the flights for you and your group if desired.

We work with local guides and organizations so your trip includes authentic cultural experiences while supporting the economy of the region.

Organizations weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worked with Holbrook provides enriching travel programs for a variety of leading nature, educational, and conservation organizations and their members, including Audubon chapters, public gardens, museums, and more. Below is just a sampling of the partners weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had the pleasure of working with.

Operation RubyThroat TH E H UMMI NG B I R D PRO JECT

HOW WE SUPPORT OUR LEADERS Travel programs are a wonderful way to foster relationships and even raise funds for your organization. Whether you’re an educator, curator, birder or organization leader, Holbrook helps you accomplish your goals by matching you with the best itinerary and providing superior service and expertise. As a full-service travel provider we can assist

you with every detail.

Helping you at every step Planning a travel program with Holbrook is easy. We offer a full menu of services to support our group leaders, from the initial planning stages to the return home. We handle all the field operations like clockwork; we provide liability coverage, easy enrollment, optional travel insurance, a dedicated travel specialist, and 24-hour emergency answering service. Holbrook’s 7-step process makes it easy: 1. CHOOSE YOUR ITINERARY Based on your specific interests,

dates, and goals, your Holbrook Group Travel Specialist will help you decide which itinerary and level of customization are right for you.

2. REVIEW OUR PROPOSAL Your specialist will provide a detailed proposal with the final itinerary and pricing. Once you accept, we handle all the logistics for you!

3. GET THE WORD OUT! We provide you and your participants DID YOU KNOW? Our Specialty Travel Experts have traveled the globe from Alaska to Africa! Their own travel adventures range from being in the middle of a herd of wild elephants in Kenya to sailing throughout the Galápagos Islands. With an average tenure of 21 years, our team has the knowledge to plan incredible travel experiences for you and your group.

with an initial information packet, plus a brochure and dedicated webpage. Need anything else? We can supply posters, email copy, webinars, and presentations.

4. ENROLL YOUR PARTICIPANTS A common barrier to travel

is the expense. To ease this challenge and make it affordable for people from varying income levels, we offer payment plans and support for fundraising activities, grants, and scholarships.

5. SUBMIT FINAL PAYMENTS Final payments are usually due 95

days prior to departure, depending on your destination. My Holbrook Account keeps track of your group’s payment status for you.

6. REVIEW YOUR FINAL PACKET You’ll receive your final

information packet 2-3 weeks before you leave. You may want to host a bon voyage meeting with your group.

7. SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE RIDE! Head to the airport and get ready to experience the trip of a lifetime!

MEET THE HOLBROOK TEAM

Headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, Holbrook

Travel was founded in 1974 and has over 35 employees on staff. The Holbrook team is composed of lifelong learners and global adventurers from around the world who all share a love of travel.

Our Specialty Travel Experts |

A significant portion of our team has a long tenure

at Holbrook, a unique trait that translates into smooth communication, extensive knowledge, and deep relationships with our travel partners around the globe.

Let us help you craft the perfect expedition

CHRIS BENSLEY Vice President of Sales and Marketing Worked at Holbrook since: 2016 A newcomer by Holbrook standards, Chris has over 25 years of experience with leading companies including Overseas Adventure Travel, Vantage Travel, and Paul Gauguin Cruises. He has developed partnerships with numerous organizations, including Smithsonian, Harvard, and Audubon. Chris earned his BA from Dartmouth College and holds an MBA from UCLA. He caught the travel bug at an early age on a family sabbatical to Europe and now has ventured to over 40 countries on seven continents.

Sandy Doss Global Education Specialist Worked at Holbrook since: 1997 Sandy, a former classroom educator with a biology degree, Sandy has enjoyed a career working with both national and state associations, K-12 and higher education, and non-profit travel. Sandy specializes in partnership development, fostering organizationto-organization educational travel and faculty-led initiatives spanning the globe, with personal travels to all seven continents. Sandy returned to Holbrook in 2016 after a hiatus that included serving as Groups Regional Sales Manager for G-Adventures and Founder of The Eco-Infinity Group. 10

laura hare Specialty Travel Consultant Worked at Holbrook since: 2007 Laura has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a concentration in printmaking and art history from the University of Arizona. She also studied two years of Russian and Russian humanities. So far, her favorite travel memories are hiking the Inca Trail and walking on Viedma Glacier while trekking in Patagonia. She dreams of climbing Kilimanjaro and going on a safari. On the weekends she enjoys being outdoors, boating with her husband and dog in the springs and rivers of north Florida.

LISA PALMESE-GRAUBARD Education & Eco-Expedition Specialist Worked at Holbrook since: 1990 Lisa says she was drawn into the world of travel with Holbrook and there was no looking back. She has visited 17 countries, swum with sea lions, and been in the middle of a herd of wild elephants. She specializes in the education market with educators on all academic levels, as well as non-profit organizations. Not only does she love exposing students to authentic experiences, she also loves working with educators who have the passion to give their students learning opportunities they could not have in a traditional classroom. Her dedication to her clients is evident, with many of them returning year after year.

sandy schmidt Specialty Travel Consultant & Garden Tours Director Worked at Holbrook since: 1992 Sandy’s first career was as a professional musician, from high school through her early thirties. She graduated in 1991 from the University of Florida with a BS in horticulture. A year later she met Giovanna Holbrook and began her career at Holbrook. She has worked with all types of client organizations and enjoys planning travel for groups of friends and families as well. In 2006, she developed the International Garden Tours program at Holbrook Travel.

DEBBIE STURDIVANT JORDAN Specialty Travel Consultant Worked at Holbrook since: 1986 Debbie was initiated into the world of travel at an early age, living aboard a 36-foot sailboat from age 9 to 18 with her family. They sailed from California to Florida and spent a lot of time in Costa Rica, Panama, and the Galápagos. Since then, she have been all over Latin America and developed a passion for nature and birding. She has been to 49 U.S. states but has yet to visit Hawaii — a place she can’t wait to get to.

fran whitlock Specialty Travel Consultant & Air Specialist Worked at Holbrook since: 1992 Fran came to work at Holbrook Travel after having 14 years of retail travel under her belt. In 2001 she joined the group travel planning team, and she specializes in individual travel as well as group travel for Central and South America, Cuba, parts of Africa, and Iceland. At Holbrook, Fran not only provides personalized travel experiences for individuals and groups but also fulfills the role of Air Specialist. She has traveled to Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands and on her bucket list is Cuba, Chile, and Iceland! 11

our field staff and expert guides

At Holbrook, we understand that the caliber of your in-country guide can make a great trip truly extraordinary, which is why we carefully recruit and train only the best. Working as your partner in the field, all our resident guides have undergone intensive academic and field training. Knowledgeable, resourceful, passionate, and attentive, they are deeply committed to education and environmental stewardship. Allow us to introduce you to some of these dedicated professionals.

Hiram González Cuba Hiram is a three-time recipient of the Felipe Poey Award and the National Order of Merit Carlos J. Finlay, the Cuban Council of State’s highest distinction for lifetime scientific achievement. He received his PhD. in Biological Science in 1996 and has special expertise in ornithology, fauna conservation, monitoring, and zoological collections. Author of “Birds of Cuba” and the editor of numerous books such as “Biodiversity of Cuba,” he has also written more than 132 scientific papers. Hiram has 40 years of experience as a birdwatching guide in all provinces of Cuba, and was selected to lead President Jimmy Carter when he visited Cuba.

Edwin Ramírez Costa rica Edwin’s birding skills and leadership have earned him the title of “Master Guide.” He studied tropical biology at the Universidad de Costa Rica before graduating with a teaching degree in English, but soon found the classroom too confining and continued his career as an educator outdoors. For 18 years he has been a professional naturalist guide, fulfilling the calling that began in his childhood when his grandfather regaled him with an endless repertoire of stories about animals and birds. As one traveler said, “Edwin Ramirez was stupendous…. Pleasant, humorous, intelligent, easy-going, and an asset to the program. He is the program. Edwin knows, sees, hears, and finds all birds.” 12

Gilberth “Chito” Molina Costa rica Chito is a legend at Selva Verde Lodge and the Organization for Tropical Studies, where he worked his way up from gardener to resident naturalist. Over three years he received practical and theoretical training on the flora, fauna, and birds of Costa Rica, but his real education began many years prior, when his father would teach him about the rainforest as they walked the trails looking for telltale signs of poachers. Travel with this world-class birder (and plant expert and soccer enthusiast), and you will agree with one guest who said, “His expertise is responsible for the success of the program!”

lucas mhina tanzania Lucas was born and raised in Arusha, the safari gateway of Tanzania, and educated in Nairobi and London, where he received his BA in Hospitality and Tourism Management. While pursuing his post-secondary studies in 1999, he began working as a Ranger Guide and was quickly rated as one of the best in his field. He is fluent in English and Swahili, has completed additional certifications in South Africa, such as Advanced Field Guiding and First Aid, and has led groups through East Africa’s most important national parks. If you travel with Lucas you will gain a unique perspective on Tanzanian society. His parents are from two different tribes (Bondei from the coast of Tanzania and Chagga from the Mt. Kilimanjaro region), and he loves to share stories about local culture.

Victor Mendía Galápagos Victor was born in Puyo, Ecuador, where the Andes and the lowland forests of the Amazon meet. After high school he served eight years in the Ecuador Army Special Forces, where he learned skydiving and underwent rigorous Navy Seal commando training. Having served to protect his country, he decided it was time to “take care of nature,” so he became a certified Naturalist Guide and then a Marine Reserve Guide for the Galápagos Islands National Park. This entailed studies in the islands’ ecology, flora and fauna, geology, volcanology, conservation, and environmental education. Victor is a scuba instructor with almost 30 years of experience. He enjoys traveling and has visited the U.S., Japan, Colombia, Costa Rica, Malaysia, and Indonesia, among other destinations.

archie kirchman panama Archie received his engineering degree in Computer Programming and Software Development, but in 1987 switched his career to ecotourism, natural history, and environmental education. It was a formative high school experience with a nonprofit organization that revealed his true calling. Archie did research and field work in national parks to prevent erosion and assist in rainforest recovery, and at the end of this internship his group received funding from the World Wildlife Fund and the PA.NA.M.A. Foundation to build an interpretative viewpoint at Altos de Campana National Park. Today, this spot is still one of Archie’s favorite places and he loves to share it with family, friends, and guests. 13

commitment to conservation and sustainability Holbrook Travel is dedicated to fostering the best practices of ethical and eco-friendly travel, and we’ve spent decades developing partnerships with individuals and organizations that support our values.

Holbrook Travel + Selva Verde Lodge In 1984, Holbrook Travel became a pioneer in ecotourism when founder Giovanna Holbrook bought the forest that would become Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve, one of Costa Rica’s first ecolodges. Since then, Holbrook Travel and Selva Verde have been committed to protecting these precious habitats and the rich biodiversity found here.

Holbrook Travel + ClimateSafe Since 2007, Holbrook Travel has partnered with ClimateSafe, the first federally recognized certification mark for greenhouse gas neutral products and services in the U.S., allowing our clients to offset the carbon produced during their travels with us. The initiative reduces greenhouse emissions through a variety of investments in renewables, energy efficiency, and forestry projects, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Holbrook Travel + local communities Holbrook Travel takes active steps to minimize any negative impacts travel might have on a host country. By seeking in-country partners such as tour operators, hotel providers, and guides that adhere to the best practices in sustainable travel, we aim to protect the environment and improve the well-being of local people.

Holbrook Travel + birding ethics Holbrook’s resident guides have been trained to follow the code of birding ethics put forth by the American Birding Association (ABA). Holbrook uses clear guidelines to ethically conduct our birding tours, including how to promote the welfare of birds and their habitats and to respect the interests and skills of fellow birders and nature enthusiasts.

• Flyway Expeditions Holbrook supports National Audubon Society and its partners in advancing

conservation and sustainable development in bird hot-spots. Our Flyway Expeditions tours developed from this initiative are designed to help protect key target areas along the flyways for migratory and local species, with initial sites in Belize, Colombia, Guatemala, Paraguay and the Bahamas.

• ABA Birders’ Exchange Holbrook Travel is an official partner in the ABA’s extremely successful and

vital Birders’ Exchange program. The program donates optics and field equipment to researchers, local guides, park rangers and students in Latin America and the Caribbean who are working to protect birds and their habitats. 15

Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve In 1984, during the course of running an expedition in Costa Rica, Holbrook Travel’s founder, Giovanna Holbrook, came across a large, forested property in the Sarapiquí region that was in danger of being timbered. After buying the property, the once-endangered forest became a private, 500-acre rainforest reserve and one of the country’s first ecolodges, Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve. The lodge is recognized by Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program as a level three classification, a reflection of Selva Verde’s ongoing commitment to responsible practices and the preservation of natural resources for future generations. Selva Verde actively works with conservation partners, including the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center, to promote conservation and environmental education throughout the local community. 16

Experience Holbrook’s Costa Rican Ecolodge, Our Home Away from Home Selva Verde is your gateway into a magical world of towering Almendro trees, mantled howler monkeys, and Keel-billed Toucans. Located just two hours from San José in the heart of Costa Rica’s Sarapiquí canton, the lodge provides easy access to the wonders of the rainforest. The abundant biodiversity, comfortable rainforest lodge, and exciting activities are ideal for adventure seekers, bird and wildlife watchers, students, and families. The lodge’s beautiful, simple, and comfortable rooms are incorporated into the rainforest on elevated wooden platforms and covered walkways that blend in with the natural surroundings. Immerse yourself in tropical nature as you hike through deep green forest or reflect quietly in a comfortable hammock. Selva Verde is also fully equipped for presentations and lectures. The air conditioned conference room seats up to 200 people, with presentation equipment (two-screen projection), wireless internet, speaker and audience microphones, and drop down screens. Additional classrooms and meeting space is also available.

Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center DID YOU KNOW? Biological corridors are stretches of forest that allow wildlife to migrate freely and safely between areas. Selva Verde is a part of the Mesoamerican BioCorridor, an international initiative to link forested land between Mexico and Panama in order to protect the abundant biodiversity of species and habitats in the region.

The Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) was established in 1993 by Holbrook Travel and Selva Verde Lodge founder Giovanna Holbrook and her friend and fellow pioneer, Bertha Carter, to promote conservation and environmental education throughout the local community. Funded in part by its ecotourism activities, the SCLC is a nonprofit organization where visitors can meet local people for mutual exchange through cultural activities and service projects. The SCLC’s programs benefit local residents and include a semi-public library that is part of the National Library System, technology classes (as part of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Telecommunications), English classes, and many ad hoc programs. 17

WORLDWIDE Destinations At Holbrook, we do more than just plan travel; we help you really engage with the places you’re visiting. We’re adept at combining your interests with cultural, natural, and adventure-based activities to suit your needs, and you’ll benefit from the long-standing relationships we’ve cultivated in over 30 countries around the world. Having trouble deciding where to go? Our travel specialists can suggest a destination for you based on your interests and goals.

COSTA RICA

CUBA

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

ICELAND

SOUTH AFRICA

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA Alaska Alaska’s majestic mountain peaks, glaciers, tundra and temperate forests, and nearly 34,000 miles of protected coastal waters contain breathtaking scenery and wildlife such as grizzly bears, humpback whales, and Bald Eagles.

Mexico Visitors are intrigued by Mexico’s many charms, from the Baja Peninsula’s crystal-clear waters, to the Mayan sites of the Yucatán, to the annual migration of millions of monarch butterflies in southern Mexico — one of nature’s most amazing phenomena.

Belize Belize is home to many important and well-known pre-Columbian Maya ruins. Its remote cayes and barrier reef system (the second largest in the world) make it the perfect place to snorkel and study marine ecosystems.

guatemala With a landscape ranging from the volcano-ringed Lake Atitlán, to northern jungles and Pacific coast beaches, Guatemala is the perfect setting to explore natural beauty and archaeological wonders. Ancient Maya villages grace the area while exquisite birds, like the once-sacred Resplendent Quetzal, beckon. Costa Rica Cloud forests, rainforests, valleys of coffee, and volcanic mountain peaks fill the land between Caribbean and Pacific beaches. Approximately 25 percent of Costa Rica’s land is protected, making it an ecological Eden of natural treasures.

Panama Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Panama is home to extraordinary biodiversity. In addition to its famous canal, the country’s pristine rainforests, fertile highlands, and beautiful beaches are a passageway for migrating birds.

Cuba U.S.-Cuba relations are experiencing a unique moment in history. Opportunities abound for travelers interested in birding, public gardens, natural history, marine sciences, arts and culture, history, economics, healthcare, and more.

Ask us about our expeditions in: • Hawaii

• Honduras

• Nicaragua

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

ALASKA

kayaking in alaska

Hidden Treasures of the Last Frontier 9 DAYS from $2,497 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: JUN - SEP adventure | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, PHOTOGRAPHY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Discover the natural wonders and scenic beauty of the “Last Frontier” – Alaska! Perhaps no place fills the senses more than Cordova, Alaska’s hidden treasure. Cordova is a small, coastal town surrounded by glaciercarved mountains, and nestled at the head of Orca Inlet in Eastern Prince William Sound. The area will dazzle you with wildlife, rich wetlands, lush forests, and countless waterways. Explore the natural grandeur with exciting activities such as hiking, kayaking, wildlife photography, boating, flightseeing, and more. Each day you’ll enjoy hearty meals – home-cooked with local ingredients and plenty of fresh seafood – and stay in a cozy ecolodge.

Highlights •

•

itinerary DAY 1 | ANCHORAGE

•

DAYS 2-7 | CORDOVA DAY 8 | ANCHORAGE

ANCHORAGE CORDOVA

DAY 9 | DEPART

•

Price based on 16 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

• DID YOU KNOW? Alaska is home to 17 of the 20 highest mountains in the United States. Denali is the highest at 20,320 feet and Mt. Saint Elias is second at 18,008 feet.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/AKAF18

•

Hike through three complete ecosystems on the Heney Ridge Trail, where birds and wildlife can be spotted. Visit the massive Childs Glacier, the Copper River Delta, and the famous Million Dollar Bridge. Fly over the Bering Glacier and explore Egg Island, a barrier island hosting a variety of bird species. Take a boat trip to the panoramic Orca Inlet to see the world’s largest population of sea otters. Kayak the tranquil waters of Orca Inlet, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to sea otters and seals. Participate in a discussion on global warming before heading to the Sheridan Glacier for an ice trekking excursion.

MEXICO

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

gray whale

Baja Peninsula: Gray Whales and Desert Landscapes 9 DAYS from $3,145 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: FEB - MAR NATURAL HISTORY | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: PHOTOGRAPHY

Each year, gray whales travel thousands of miles from the Arctic Ocean to the warm waters of Baja California’s lagoons to court, mate, give birth, and care for their young. Join us for the best of Baja! Take part in one of the most unique natural wonders of the world. Visit the peninsula’s three whale sanctuaries for arm’s-length encounters with these giant mammals Plus, you can sample local foods in La Paz, look for birds among the mangroves, and explore the arid peninsula of Baja California, home to over 600 endemic plants including the unique Boojum tree, towering Cardon cactus, and the contorted Elephant tree.

Highlights •

SAN DIEGO ENSENADA

•

CATAVIÑA SAN IGNACIO MULEGÉ LORETO LA PAZ

DAY 9 | SAN DIEGO Price based on 15 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

“

The whale watching was outstanding.

•

See gray whales up close and personal! Enjoy thrilling opportunities to encounter these gentle giants from a small boat. Enjoy the crystal clear waters, pristine beach, hidden coves, and tropical marine life of the protected island of Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seek out birds among the mangroves, shore, and prickly desert vegetation of the highlands. Walk through the scenic desert garden landscapes of gigantic granite boulders, Boojum trees, Cardon cacti and Elephant trees.

- LOU HORTON

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/MXNB18

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

MEXICO

scarlet macaws

Birding the Ruins of the Yucatán 10 DAYS from $2,495 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: NOV - APR birding | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, PHOTOGRAPHY, CULTURE & HISTORY

Pack your binoculars and embark on an intense birding adventure to the environmentally diverse Yucatán. Witness native birds soar above the stunning ruins of Chichén Itzá and many other archaeological sites on this journey through the Maya world. Heads will turn at every point of this expedition as you look for magnificent bird species including Yucatán Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Euphonia, and many more. From trail hikes to boat rides, birding enthusiasts will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of outdoor activities while learning about the history of the Maya and the birds that call the Yucatán Peninsula home. SAN IGNACIO

Highlights •

itinerary LA PAZ CHICHÉN ITZÁ TULUM

DAY 1 | CANCÚN DAYS 2-3 | CHICHÉN ITZÁ DAY 4 | UXMAL DAYS 5-6 | XPUJIL

UXMAL XPUJIL

CANCUN

•

CHETUMAL

DAY 7 | CHETUMAL

•

DAYS 8-9 | TULUM DAY 10 | DEPART

•

Price based on 12 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

DID YOU KNOW? Found throughout the entire Yucatán Peninsula, the sought after Yucatán Woodpecker cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/MXBY18

• •

Enjoy exceptional birding while visiting the Maya ruins of Cobá, Chichén Itzá and Oxtankah. Go swimming in Cenote Yokdzonot and search for species in the surrounding woodlands. Look for waterfowl during a boat ride in Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Explore the walled cities of Becán and Tulum. Search for avifauna in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. Watch for target species like the Yellow-lored Parrot, Yucatán Jay, Yucatán Woodpecker, and King Vulture.

BELIZE

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

xunantunich

Best of Belize: Caves, Corals, and Mayan Wonders 8 DAYS from $2,600 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - JUL NATURAL HISTORY | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: PHOTOGRAPHY, CULTURE & hISTORY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Lush rainforests teeming with fauna, ancient and mysterious Maya ruins, and coral reefs rich with vibrant marine life — the tiny Central American country of Belize has it all. Discover the natural and archaeological highlights of this Central American jewel with visits to mountains, forest reserves, caves, Maya sites, and the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest reef system in the world. Have the opportunity to meet with local residents, including conservationists and artisans. Experience the best of Belize during this 8-day expedition.

itinerary

Highlights •

•

DAY 1 | BELIZE CITY

AMBERGRIS CAYE

DAYS 2-4 | ROARING RIVER DAYS 5-6 | AMBERGRIS CAYE

BELIZE CITY

DAY 7 | BELIZE CITY

•

DAY 8 | DEPART Price based on 20 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

ROARING RIVER

DID YOU KNOW? The Belize Barrier Reef, part of the world’s second-largest coral reef system, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/BZNB18

•

Observe tapirs, jaguars, and Harpy Eagles at the worldrenowned Belize Zoo. Delve into the Maya underworld as you descend into Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, a Maya ceremonial burial ground and site of the “Crystal Maiden” skeletal remains. Visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS), a small grassroots project committed to saving the habitat of the black howler monkey. Climb to the top of El Castillo pyramid, the second tallest man-made structure in Belize, at Xunantunich, Belize’s most accessible Maya site of significance. Look for colorful fish, sea sponges, stingrays and other marine life during snorkeling excursions at Ambergris Caye.

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

BELIZE

BELIZE BARRIER REEF

Exploring Belize: Rainforests, Reefs, and Ruins 8 DAYS from $3,400 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - JUN adventure | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, BIRDING, PHOTOGRAPHY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The eco-paradise of Belize offers something to arouse the imagination of every curious traveler: incredible biodiversity, the world’s second largest barrier reef, lush rainforests, and ruin-rich jungles and caves where the heritage of the Maya is ever-present. This 8-day learning expedition introduces you to it all, and makes the discovery even more memorable with some exhilarating adventure activities. At the end of each rewarding day you’ll enjoy the comfort and hospitality of some of Belize’s best ecolodges.

Highlights

itinerary

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DAY 1 | BELIZE CITY

DAYS 5-7 | HOPKINS

DAYS 2-4 | ROARING RIVER

DAY 8 | DEPART

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BELIZE CITY BELMOPAN ROARING RIVER

• HOPKINS

• Price based on 20 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/BZAR18

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Explore the Mayan underworld at Actun Tunichil Muknal, a cave with ceremonial artifacts, stunning natural formations and mysterious tombs. Swim and snorkel amidst the technicolor marine life of South Water Caye reserve on Belize’s Barrier Reef. Rappel through the rainforest canopy down into the “Mother of all Caves,” Actun Loch Tunich, set at the bottom of a 300-foot sinkhole. Learn about the Tropical Education Center at the Belize Zoo, where exotic rescued wildlife live in a natural environment that’s often “visited” by creatures from the neighboring forest. Discover the pre-Columbian ruins of Xunantunich, and take in 360° views from atop its El Castillo shrine. Seek out iguanas, crocodiles, toucans and other wildlife as you kayak the Sittee River. Learn about local life at Sittee River Village, one of Belize’s oldest communities.

BELIZE

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

aplomado falcon

Birding and Nature in the Tropics of Belize | A Flyway Expedition 8 DAYS from $2,800 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - APR birding | in partnership with national audubon society

On this exciting 8-day expedition to Belize, set your sights on hundreds of neotropical species with the help of our expert guides. Enjoy birding in the pine savannas and wetland habitats of Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, in the primary and secondary tropical moist broadleaf forest at Cockscomb Basin and Pook’s Hill, and in private reserves, a botanical garden, and along the Macal River Valley. This trip is a prime reflection of the birds the National Audubon Society hopes to protect through its ongoing conservation efforts. Participate in several talks with members of the local community about these efforts, the training programs, and other activities to promote birding as a viable economic alternative.

Highlights •

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itinerary DAYS 1-2 | CROOKED TREE

DAYS 6-7 | SAN IGNACIO

DAYS 3-5 | STANN CREEK

DAY 8 | DEPART

Price based on 12 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

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CROOKED TREE

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

BELIZE CITY ROARING RIVER BLUE HOLE

NATIONAL PARK

COCKSCOMB BASIN

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/BZBF18

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Meet representatives from the Hummingbird Environmental Tour Guide Association, who will discuss regional birding and conservation efforts. Explore the waterways of Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary to see herons, ibis, Northern Jacanas, Boat-billed Herons and more. Enjoy a talk by a Belize Audubon Society representative about local efforts to promote bird-based tourism as a conservation and development tool. Have dinner and discussion with members of the community-based project on Scarlet Macaw conservation. Set your sights on over 330 bird species in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, exploring open and forested habitats. Watch for forest species like Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Northern Royal Flycatcher, and tanagers in the reserve around Pook’s Hill. 27

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

BELIZE & GUATEMALA

ocellated turkey

Neotropical Birds and Mayan Ruins 8 DAYS from $2,235 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - JUL Birding | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, PHOTOGRAPHY, ADVENTURE

Within the Mayan ruins, fertile lagoons, and mountainous terrain throughout Belize and Guatemala, a combined number of more than 1,300 birds can be found in protected areas of these two neotropical countries. The ancient civilizations that once thrived here may no longer be present throughout this territory today, but an abundance of vibrant wildlife still remains. Besides being a haven for all kinds of flora and fauna, the forests and reserves of these historically and culturally rich nations are ideal for new and experienced birding enthusiasts alike.

Highlights itinerary

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DAYS 1-2 | CROOKED TREE DAYS 3-4 | ROARING RIVER

CROOKED TREE

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

DAYS 5-6 | TIKAL DAY 7 | BELIZE CITY DAY 8 | DEPART

BELIZE CITY TIKAL

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ROARING RIVER

•

Price based on 12 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

DID YOU KNOW? The name of Guatemala’s currency, the quetzal, comes from the country’s national bird, the Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno).

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/BGBN18

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Discover both concentrated flocks and rare sights of avifauna in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, including the common Northern Jacana and elusive Sungrebe. Look for highlight species, such as the Orange-breasted Falcon, Stygian Owl, Solitary Eagle, and King Vulture. Observe the present wildlife that live within the ancient structures of temples, altars, ball courts and residential buildings of the Cahal Pech Mayan ruins. Visit the Belize Zoo for upclose encounters with some of the country’s native fauna, including a pair of Harpy Eagles.

GUATEMALA

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

tikal

Exploring Maya Biosphere Reserve through Birding | A Flyway Expedition 9 DAYS from $2,995 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - APR birding | in partnership with national audubon society

This 9-day program combines some of Guatemala’s best birding sites with visits to archaeological ruins to examine how human history and natural resources have intersected throughout the centuries. We will be birding in famous and important Mayan archaeological sites, largely in the Petén and Tikal regions of the north. Under the leadership of expert local guides, you’ll have the chance to explore lowland tropical forest, savanna, tintal forest, a Ramsar wetland, river systems, and more, seeking out rare and endemic species while meeting with residents along the way. Birders who choose to take this tour will enjoy the Petén region’s vast, natural riches while supporting local communities and protecting diverse ecosystems. We will visit Mayan markets and experience the wonderful and colorful living culture of the Maya.

itinerary

Highlights •

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DAY 1 | GUATEMALA CITY

PASO CABALLOS TIKAL RUINS FLORES

DAYS 2-3 | PASOS CABALLOS

YAXHA

DAYS 4-5 | Laguna Yaxhá •

DAYs 6-7 | tikal DAY 8 | guatemala city DAY 9 | DEPART

GUATEMALA

Price based on 12 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/GUBM18

Climb pyramids and bird the jungle trails around Tikal, where possible species include the Orange-breasted Falcon, Ocellated Turkey, and Montezuma Oropendola. Learn about ancient Maya culture at the Yaxhá and Uaxactún archaeological sites. Bird the lowland tropical forest in Laguna del Tigre National Park, where migratory warblers, tropical flycatchers, trogons, motmots, and the Scarlet Macaw are target species. Learn about the work the Wildlife Conservation Society Guatemala is doing with local communities to balance the needs of conservation and local economies. Spend time with residents of Uaxactún, the first community to sign a conservation agreement, and discuss their community-based forestry concession where they sustainably harvest Xaté palm, gum, allspice, and wood. 29

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

COSTA RICA

keel-billed toucan

An Introduction to Neotropical Birding 7 DAYS from $1,595 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - JUL birding | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, PHOTOGRAPHY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

If you’ve always wanted to go birding in Costa Rica — or never taken a birding trip abroad at all — this program is a great introduction to the Neotropical birds of Central America. Holbrook’s local birding guides are experts at identification by both sight and sound, and they’ll help ensure your group spots as many species as possible. Despite its small size, more than 900 types of birds have been recorded in the country. Combine that with its accessibility and its friendly people, and Costa Rica is a perfect destination for beginners and more advanced birders alike. Plus, you’ll discover fascinating wildlife like frogs, monkeys, bats, and sloths.

Highlights •

itinerary DAY 1 | san josÉ

CHILAMATE

DAYS 2-4 | chilamate SAN JOSÉ

DAYS 5-6 | san gerardo de dota

SAN GERARDO DE DOTA

DAY 7 | depart

Price based on 12 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

“

First experience with Holbrook and they organized a memorable event. I would not hesitate to travel again in the near future.

•

- RICHARD STINEMAN

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/CRBI18

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Take guided hikes in the 500-acre rainforest reserve at Selva Verde Lodge, which provides habitat to more than 350 bird species, including the endangered Great Green Macaw. Get a different perspective of the rainforest from atop the 100-meter suspended walkway at Tirimbina Biological Reserve for the chance to see species that spend their time within the forest canopy. Watch for species like the Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Crested Guan, and Spectacled Owl at the world-renowned La Selva Biological Station. Search for the highly soughtafter Resplendent Quetzal in the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota.

COSTA RICA

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

resplendent quetzal

Birder’s Paradise: Savegre, Sarapiquí & Arenal 11 DAYS from $2,550 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - JUL birding | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, PHOTOGRAPHY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Embark on an excursion through vibrant forests, mountainous terrain and along rivers to spot some of the hundreds of bird species that call Costa Rica home. Accompanied by one of our expert birding guides, you’ll discover a variety of habitats with the aim of seeing as many species as possible. Begin in the Caribbean lowlands of the Sarapiquí Valley, then travel to the picturesque Arenal Volcano, continuing on to Carara National Park near the Pacific coast and ending up at Savegre Lodge, a birder’s paradise in the cloud forests of the Talamanca Mountain Range and one of the best spots in the country for observing the elusive Resplendent Quetzal.

Highlights •

itinerary DAY 1 | San José DAYS 2-4 | Sarapiquí DAYs 5-6 | arenal

ARENAL SARAPIQUĺ CARARA

DAYS 7-8 | carara

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SAN JOSÉ SAN GERARDO DE DOTA

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DAYs 9-10 | San Gerardo de Dota DAY 11 | DEPART • Price based on 10 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

“

The areas we were taken to for birding were wonderful. I enjoyed all of the different lodges and the schedule was thoughtful. - LINDA FIELD

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/CRBP18

Enjoy a stay at Selva Verde Lodge, home to a large assortment of avian life, including several types of herons, falcons, hawks and hummingbirds. Journey through La Selva Biological Station to spot some of the 400-plus bird species found here. Venture through a private ecological reserve to view some of the 150 types of birds that live in the area. Seek out the highly coveted Resplendent Quetzal, plus other species like the Redfronted Parrotlet and Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl that inhabit the temperate forest and páramo habitats of Cerro de la Muerte. 31

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

COSTA RICA

strawberry poison dart frog

Photographing the Jewels of Nature 11 DAYS from $2,795 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - JUL photography | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, ADVENTURE, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Whether a master photographer or enthusiastic amateur, the incredible biodiversity and natural beauty of Costa Rica is certain to inspire a portfolio full of treasures. Accompanied by both a photography guide and naturalist guide, receive personal instruction while capturing the wonder of tropical plants, insects, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Costa Rica’s lush environment is the perfect backdrop to practice macro photography with colorful poison dart frogs and discover how shutter speed impacts shots of fast moving objects at the hummingbird feeders. Enjoy the vibrant flora and fauna of Costa Rica while bringing your photography to the next level!

Highlights •

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itinerary DAY 1 | san josÉ DAYS 2-4 | tortuguero

TORTUGUERO SARAPIQUĺ

DAYS 5-7 | sarapiquÍ

SAN JOSÉ

DAys 8-9 | savegre

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SAVEGRE

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DAY 10 | san josÉ DAY 11 | depart Price based on 10 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

“

From booking, to travel, to destination, to departure – everything went smoothly. It was logistically perfect, and visually stunning, and culturally educational.

- MARTY GARDNER

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/CRPJ18

• •

Enjoy the opportunity to capture a variety of subjects, including wildlife, flora, and landscapes. Visit the beaches of Tortuguero and search for nesting sea turtles. Practice photographing fast moving objects and using flash set-ups at the hummingbird feeder Discover macro and light management techniques while photographing tropical flowers, insects, poison dart frogs, and other wildlife. Take nocturnal excursions and practice shooting in low light. Learn about local wildlife, traditions, and history from your naturalist guide to provide a story behind every photo.

COSTA RICA

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

COSTA RICA RAINFOREST

Preserving Paradise: Parks and Reserves of Costa Rica 10 DAYS from $2,375 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: NOV - APR NATURAL HISTORY | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: birding, PHOTOGRAPHY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Costa Rica has more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity, 801 miles of coastline, and the world’s highest percentage of protected areas. At the same time, it consistently ranks high in prestigious international quality of life studies. How does Costa Rica maintain its fragile balance, and what can we learn from it? Find out as we explore glorious national parks and private reserves, and learn from the naturalists and conservationists who are stewards of this remarkable realm. With rainforest hikes, horseback riding, birdwatching, river cruising, canopy walks and a relaxing spa stay, your 10-day learning expedition will be as exhilarating as it is enlightening. Experience abundant wildlife and stunning panoramic views unlike any other as you discover the natural gems that Costa Rica has to offer.

Highlights •

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itinerary DAY 1 | san josÉ

CHILAMATE

DAYS 2-3 | CHILAMATE DAYS 4-5 | JACÓ

JACÓ

DAYS 7-8 | SAN GERARDO DE DOTA

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SAN JOSÉ SAN GERARDO DE DOTA

DAY 9 | san josÉ

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DAY 10 | DEPART Price based on 10 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/CRNP18

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Explore some of Costa Rica’s most awe-inspiring national parks and reserves, including Manuel Antonio National Park, Carara Biological Reserve, and Los Quetzales. Hit the trails in search of rare tropical birds such as the beautiful resplendent quetzal. Witness the intersection of indigenous traditions and modern livelihoods during a hands-on experience at a chocolate farm. Seek out caiman, sloths and other wildlife on a Sarapiquí River cruise, and learn about important land use issues. Go horseback riding along the Savegre River and learn about the diverse bird species in the cloud forest reserve at Savegre.

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

COSTA RICA

arenal volcano

Riches of the Rainforest, Arenal Volcano, and the Pacific Coast 9 DAYS from $2,165 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - JUN natural history | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: BIRDING, ADVENTURE, PHOTOGRAPHY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Discover the treasures of Central America’s “rich coast” during this comprehensive introduction to Costa Rica. From the primary and secondary rainforest of the country’s lush Caribbean lowlands, to the volcanic landscapes and nearby hot springs of Arenal Volcano, to mangroves, beaches, and lagoons on the Pacific coast, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of its ecosystems and habitats, its high density of biodiversity, and the “pura vida” attitude for which the country is famous.

Highlights

itinerary DAY 1 | san josÉ

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ARENAL

DAYS 2-4 | SARAPIQUÍ

SARAPIQUĺ

DAY 5 | arenal

SAN JOSÉ

DAYS 6-7 | manuel antonio

SAN GERARDO DE DOTA

MANUEL ANTONIO

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DAY 8 | san josÉ DAY 9 | depart • Price based on 10 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

“

•

I love the passion every team member had for the environment, the animals and for learning. Everyone was so kind, insightful, and helpful.

- AMANDA RAMIREZ

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/CRNR18

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Learn about the history of chocolate in the tropics and experience a gourmet chocolate tasting. Discover unique flora and fauna during guided interpretive hikes through primary and secondary rainforest. Experience a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure on the Sarapiquí River. Take a dip in a system of hot springs naturally heated by Arenal Volcano. Explore the trail system, beaches, and coves of Manuel Antonio National Park.

COSTA RICA

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

hiking in arenal national park

Costa Rica Eco-Adventure: Tortuguero, La Selva, and Arenal 9 DAYS from $2,250 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: NOV - APR adventure | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, PHOTOGRAPHY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This adventure explores the Caribbean side of Costa Rica’s “rich coast,” including Tortuguero National Park; then takes you inland to discover the primary rainforests of Selva Verde, our private eco-reserve set on 500 protected acres within the San Juan-La Selva Biological Corridor. These distinct locations offer the perfect introduction to Costa Rica’s biodiversity, which you’ll also encounter at La Paz Waterfall Reserve, on a Rio Sarapiquí whitewater rafting excursion, and during a highland interlude near Arenal Volcano. Conclude with an overnight in the capital, San Jose, for a cultural dimension to your Costa Rica experience. Overall, this active exploration of Costa Rica’s rich habitats will enliven all your senses with a wide variety of excursions.

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itinerary DAY 1 | san josÉ DAYS 2-3 | tortuguero DAYS 4-6 | chilamate DAy 7 | arenal

Highlights

ARENAL

CHILAMATE TORTUGERO

SAN JOSÉ

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DAY 8 | san josÉ DAY 9 | depart Price based on 10 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

“

•

The trip offered an excellent balance between adventure and education.

- MARK NUSBAUM

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/CRAE18

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Go on a canal safari in Tortuguero National Park in search of reptiles, monkeys, butterflies, and birds. Ride a boat to Tortuguero Village and visit the museum of the Sea Turtle Conservancy. Get an overview of Costa Rica’s biodiversity at Selva Verde Ecolodge. Revel in the beauty of La Paz Waterfall Reserve and its aviary, serpentarium, hummingbird exhibit, ranarium (frog exhibit), orchid park and monkey rehabilitation center. Go whitewater rafting on Rio Sarapiquí’s Class II and III rapids. Relax in thermal hot springs in the shadow of Arenal Volcano.

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

PANAMA

silver-throated tanager

Birding from Valleys to Shores 8 DAYS from $3,500 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - JUL BIRDING | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, CULTURE & HISTORY, PHOTOGRAPHY

With more bird species than any other country in Central America and diverse ecosystems including rainforest, volcanic valleys, and dry Pacific forest, Panama is a perfect destination for bird and nature lovers. With assistance from an expert birding guide, your group can discover Panama’s tropical ecology and biological diversity while learning about the current conservation efforts to protect this country’s important habitats. The program includes visits to several well-known birding trails, a national park, woodland habitats, tropical rainforest, mountain foothills, and the iconic Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal.

itinerary

Highlights •

DAY 1 | panama city DAYS 2-4 | el valle de anton DAYS 5-6 | gamboa DAY 7 | panama city

GAMBOA PANAMA CITY

EL VALLE DE ANTON

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DAY 8 | DEPART • Price based on 10 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

DID YOU KNOW? Panama has set multiple world records in the areas of bird watching and fishing, as it shelters more birds than the United States and Canada combined.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/PABV18

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Explore the Soberanía National Park, home to an impressive list of 525 bird species, and hike the worldfamous Pipeline Road. Seek out target species such as the Blue Cotinga, Snowcap, endemic Stripe-cheeked Woodpecker, raptors, tanagers, and more. Ascend a 130-foot tower for an up-close look at species seldom seen below the rainforest’s canopy layer. Visit the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center and watch for the 14 species of hummingbirds that have been recorded in the feeders.

CUBA

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

rooftop view in trinidad

Connecting with People and Culture in Central Cuba 9 DAYS from $2,395 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: NOV - SEP culture & HISTORY | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: natural history, PHOTOGRAPHY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Over the course of centuries, Cuba has been shaped by a blend of indigenous, European, and African influences. This program examines different aspects of the country’s cultural heritage, from the 19th century sugar trade and its lasting impact, to the incorporation of various religious identities, to more recent history, like the 1959 revolution and Bay of Pigs invasion. Interact with Cuban people as you meet with modern day artists, take part in a community project with conservationists, and visit a school. Plus, explore natural areas like Zapata National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar wetland — and go snorkeling to experience Cuba’s marine biodiversity.

itinerary

Highlights •

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DAYS 1-3 | HAVANA DAYS 4-5 | ZAPATA PENINSULA DAYS 6-8 | CIENFUEGOS

HAVANA ZAPATA PENINSULA

DAY 9 | DEPART

CIENFUEGOS TRINIDAD

Price based on 20 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

DID YOU KNOW? In 1514 Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar founded Trinidad. The city prospered during the colonial era and for some time was Cuba’s wealthiest city due to sugar production.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/CUCC18

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Discover the many historical influences that have impacted Cuba during a tour of Old Havana’s colonial architecture. Learn about the country’s native inhabitants during a visit to a traditional Taína Village, where the indigenous way of life is depicted through life-sized statues. Visit the mountains of El Nicho, where you can hike through caves, swim under a waterfall, and look for native flora and fauna. Visit the Castillo de Jagua fortress, restored main square, and the Malecón promenade in Cienfuegos, the “Pearl of the South.” Stroll the cobbled streets and view the colorful houses of Trinidad, a colonial town.

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

CUBA

cuban emerald

Cuba’s Birding Hotspots 8 DAYS from $3,045 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - MAY BIRDING | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, CULTURE & HISTORY, GARDEN TOURS, PHOTOGRAPHY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Get to know the birds of Cuba during this introductory Caribbean birding program. Cuba’s geography makes it the perfect classroom to study island endemism and biodiversity while meeting with local residents for authentic cultural exchange. Together with your ornithologist guide, you’ll have the opportunity to seek out and identify highlights like the Cuban Trogon—Cuba’s national bird, known locally as the Tocororo—and the world’s smallest bird, the Bee Hummingbird.

Highlights •

itinerary DAYS 1-2 | HAVANA DAYS 3-4 | SAN DIEGO DE LOS BAÑOS

HAVANA SAN DIEGO DE LOS BAÑOS

• ZAPATA PENINSULA

DAYS 5-7 | ZAPATA PENINSULA DAY 8 | DEPART This trip can be customized with the addition of 3 nights in Cayo Coco.

Price based on 12 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

“

We had the most amazing birding trip in Cuba! Our guide was the best birding expert we could have ever imagined. He knew every bird and exactly where to find them all.

- KATE PEREZ

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/CUBH18

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Learn how an urban park in Havana is connecting locals with nature, and if possible, meet with “Birds of the City” project participants. Watch for target species like the Cuban Grassquit and Olive-capped Warbler and meet with residents at Las Terrazas, a community and reserve that is a model of sustainability and ecotourism. Go birding at several sites in Zapata Swamp, a Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar wetland, and meet with area conservationists. Visit the limestone cave that was Che Guevara’s headquarters during the Cuban Missile Crisis and an excellent place to spot Cuban Solitaire and Scaly-naped Pigeon.

CUBA

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

baracoa

Exploring the Natural Wonders and Historical Treasures of Eastern Cuba 12 DAYS from $4,900 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - JUL NATURAL HISTORY | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: ADVENTURE, CULTURE & HISTORY, GARDEN TOURS, PHOTOGRAPHY

Study a cross-section of Cuba’s fascinating history, vibrant culture, and natural wonders during this in-depth journey across the eastern end of the island. See the ecosystems of Alejandro de Humboldt National Park and Pinares de Mayarí before continuing to Santiago de Cuba, the country’s first capital and the birthplace of the Revolution. End your visit in Holguín, a town known for its music and arts scene. You’ll also have the chance to explore the region’s forests, beaches, waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights •

HOLGUÍN

PINARES MAGUANA DE MAYARÍ

BARACOA

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Price based on 10 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

•

SANTIAGO DE CUBA

DAY 11 | HOLGUÍN DAY 12 | DEPART

“

I felt like we didn’t have any stress, that Holbrook handled everything. It was the least stressful trip I’ve ever taken – a true learning vacation. - LAURA HUGHES

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/CUNE18

•

Look for some of the many endemic species at Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, also home to the brightly colored Cuban land snails known as polymitas or painted snails. Discover the mangrove ecosystem of Bahía de Taco aboard wooden boats and look for manatees, wading birds, and shorebirds. See San Juan Hill, where the Rough Riders led the charge in a decisive battle in the Spanish-American War. Visit the historical sites of Santiago, Cuba’s original capital and birthplace of the Revolution. 39

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

CUBA

viÑales

Ecological Riches and Cultural Exploration of Western Cuba 9 DAYS from $3,340 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - JUN natural history | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: BIRDING, CULTURE & HISTORY, photography, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Cuba is home to diverse ecosystems, fascinating wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage. On this 9 day expedition to Havana and Western Cuba, you’ll learn about ongoing conservation efforts from local experts as you explore wetlands, mangroves, and limestone caves. Visit Guanahacabibes Biosphere Reserve for an in-depth look at marine conservation programs. Experience Cuba’s many cultural offerings, including a musical performance and a walking tour of historical Old Havana, and meals in paladares (restaurants run in private homes).

Highlights •

itinerary DAYS 1-2 | HAVANA

HAVANA

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DAYS 3-4 | Viñales DAYS 5-7 | guanahacabibes peninsula DAY 8 | havana

VIÑALES GUANAHACABIBES PENINSULA

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DAY 9 | DEPART • Price based on 20 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

DID YOU KNOW? Cuban music is a combination of forceful African rhythms and Spanish poetic melody that ethnomusicologist Fernando Ortiz termed “a love affair between the African drum and the Spanish guitar.”

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/CUNW18

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Discover the unique wildlife of Cabo de San Antonio National Park. Take guided hikes in Viñales National Park, home to the distinctive limestone formations known as mogotes. Enjoy a snorkeling expedition by boat to reefs around the tip of the Guanahacabibes Peninsula. Visit the Soroa Waterfall & Orchidarium and Sierra del Rosario, home of Las Terrazas, a self-sustained community named after the reforestation project initiated in 1967. Uncover Cuba’s unique culture as you meet local farmers, artists, and musicians, and visit important historical sites in the Old Havana.

CUBA

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

Nymphaea capensis

Cuban Gardens, Culture, and Arts 9 DAYS from $3,565 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: NOV - JUN gardens | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, CULTURE & HISTORY, PHOTOGRAPHY

Explore Cuba’s unique indigenous species of flora and fauna on this 9-day itinerary. Discover the history and culture of Havana, with its many museums, churches, fortresses, and other buildings under restoration. Despite the revolution and economic hardships endured by the people of Cuba, its botanical gardens, organic farms, private gardens, and agriculture have thrived. Travel to Viñales Valley, one of the most beautiful regions of Cuba, and to Soroa, home to a stunning orchid garden. Evidence of the Cuban population’s passion is evident at every turn, from their music, dance, love of life, and appreciation of the natural beauty found on this small Caribbean Island.

Highlights •

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itinerary •

DAYS 1-3 | havana DAY 4 | soroa

HAVANA

DAYS 5-6 | Viñales DAYs 7-8 | havana

SOROA VIÑALES

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DAY 9 | DEPART Price based on 20 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

DID YOU KNOW? 90% of Havana’s fresh produce comes from gardens and urban farms. By 2002, 35,000 acres of urban gardens produced 3.4 million tons of food.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/CUGS18

•

Visit a selection of Cuba’s public and private gardens, including the National Botanical Garden of Cuba (home to hundreds of palm species), a family-owned garden in Viñales, and an urban cooperative garden in Havana, among others. Meet with a staff member and tour the Soroa Orchid Garden, which has more than 20,000 plants representing 700 orchid species. Take guided hikes in Viñales National Park, the valley of the limestone formations known as mogotes. Explore Old Havana on a walking tour and enjoy a private dance performance. Stroll through the butterfly house of Quinta de Los Molinos Garden, Cuba’s oldest botanical garden and also a breeding nursery of Polymita spp., a terrestrial and eastern endemic genus of a very colorful mollusk.

SOUTH AMERICA Colombia Rainforest-covered mountains, marshes, plains, cliffs, jungles, Caribbean and Pacific coastline, and other ecosystems make Colombia one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. In fact, the country is home to 10 percent of the world’s biodiversity, including an astonishing 1,900-plus bird species.

ECUADOR Man, animal, and plant share Ecuador’s mountains, rainforests, and shores in great harmony. The country has everything from indigenous communities to metropolitan cities, and boasts diverse ecosystems that can take you from the Andean highlands to the Amazon rainforest.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS The unique flora and fauna of Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands inspired Charles Darwin’s revolutionary studies on evolution during his visit to the archipelago in 1835 and continue to inspire travelers who visit these enchanting islands today.

peru From the world’s highest lake to its driest desert, Peru encompasses a range of climates and habitats. The remnants of the powerful Incan Empire still stand today in sites like Machu Picchu as a testimony to the country’s rich culture. Meanwhile, the Amazon rainforest shelters incredible biodiversity.

Argentina & Chile At the southernmost tip of South America lies Patagonia, a region shared by Argentina and Chile. Patagonia inspires the imagination of adventurous travelers with its “end of the Earth” mystique. Beyond Patagonia, both countries boast metropolitan capital cities, impressive wine-growing regions, exquisite gardens, and varied landscapes ranging from deserts to the snow-capped Andes Mountains.

Ask us about our expeditions in: • BRAZIL

• GUYANA

SOUTH AMERICA

COLOMBIA

Valle de Cocora

Exploring Colombia: Culture, Coffee, and the Caribbean 10 DAYS from $3,800 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: JAN - DEC CULTURE & HISTORY | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, BIRDING, ADVENTURE, PHOTOGRAPHY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Acquaint yourself with the many facets of Colombia, a biologically diverse and culturally rich gem at the gateway to South America, during this comprehensive 10-day exploration. Begin your journey in the bustling capital of Bogotá, high in the Andes Mountains, where you’ll immerse yourself in history, museums, and architecture. Next, head to the coffeegrowing region to learn about agriculture, the rural way of life, and the famed crop amid beautiful mountain scenery. Finally, experience the Caribbean flavor of the coastal city of Cartagena, whose colorful, jacaranda-draped buildings evoke another time in history.

Highlights •

itinerary DAYS 1-3 | Bogotá CARTAGENA

DAYS 4-6| pereira

•

DAYS 7-9 | CArtagena DAY 10 | DEPART PEREIRA

Price based on 14 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

“

BOGOTÁ

•

I have made referrals to others because the trips I have taken through Holbrook (4 to date) have been remarkable. Loved all the locations and variety.

- NANCY EDMONDSON

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/COCC18

•

Discover Bogotá on a walking tour, including the historical neighborhood of La Candelaria and the Botero Museum. Descend underground to the subterranean Salt Cathedral, a church carved from a stillfunctioning salt mine. Learn about Colombian coffee production, hear about the challenges facing farmers, and experience some fun “latte art.” Hear about the myths and legends of Cartagena on Colombia’s coast while exploring architecture, churches, and shady plazas. Paddle through a mangrove swamp and meet with residents of a fishing community.

COLOMBIA

SOUTH AMERICA

burrowing owl

Northern Colombia Birding Trail: A Birder’s Paradise | A Flyway Expedition 12 DAYS from $4,800 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: JAN - DEC birding | in partnership with national audubon society

With over 1,900 avian species — more than any other country in the world — Colombia is a birder’s paradise waiting to be discovered. This 12-day program focuses on the country’s northern highlights, including the Caribbean region and the Santa Marta Mountains, famed for their high level of endemic species. Explore high elevation mountains, dry forest, páramo and coastal habitats in search of an array of tropical avifauna, including flycatchers, hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, and more. Throughout your journey, meet members of the local community and learn about conservation efforts to use birding as a sustainable development resource.

itinerary

Highlights •

•

• RIOHACHA

DAY 1 | BOGOTÁ DAY 2 | VALLEDUPAR DAYS 3-5 | SERRANÍA DEL PERIJÁ

SANTA MARTA MOUNTAINS

VALLEDUPAR

•

SERRANÍA DEL PERIJÁ

DAYs 6-7 | RIOHACHA DAYs 8-10 | SANTA MARTA MOUNTAINS

• BOGOTÁ

DAY 11 | BOGOTÁ

•

DAY 12 | DEPART Price based on 8 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/COBF18

Be one of the few outsiders to explore birding-rich, remote regions of Northern Colombia led by expert local guides. Discover The Perijá Mountains, the Holy Grail for birders, one of the least explored areas in Colombia. Meet the indigenous Wayúu people in Riohacha and learn about their culture, represented in their weavings, ceramics, and gastronomy. Go owling in the dry forests of Los Besotes Reserve. Enjoy a presentation about conservation and training initiatives at El Dorado Reserve in the Santa Marta Mountains. Explore the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, home to more than a quarter of the country’s 73 endemic species. Seek out the rare Blue-billed Curassow and other tropical moist forest birds in Tayrona National Park. 45

SOUTH AMERICA

ECUADOR

cayambe-coca reserve

Birding Highlights of the Northern and Central Regions 10 DAYS from $2,550 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - JUL birding | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, culture & history, PHOTOGRAPHY

Per square mile, Ecuador has the highest biodiversity in the world, including some 1,640 species of birds, many of which are rare and endemic. Discover the amazing contrasts of cloud forest, the Amazon, and Andean landscapes on this 10-day birding adventure. With assistance from an expert guide, encounter a variety of birds, plants, and other wildlife while traversing a selection of Ecuador’s 50 different ecosystems. The program begins with a journey to El Pahuma Orchid Reserve and its lush forests, abundant in famed and rare birds followed by the breathtaking cloud forest and its captivating trails. Finally, continue birding in private reserves situated on Andean slopes at the edge of the Amazon.

Highlights •

MINDO

•

3,300 ft - 7,200 ft

QUITO ANTISANA RESERVE up to 18,900 ft

COSANGA

6,000 ft - 7,800 ft

DAY 10 | DEPART Price based on 12 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

DID YOU KNOW? Almost 40% of all the world’s hummingbirds—an astonishing 135 species—have been recorded in Ecuador.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/ECBN18

•

Explore diverse habitats at varying elevations at national and private reserves, including Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve, the subtropical rainforest at Milpe Bird Sanctuary, páramo ecosystem at Antisana Ecological Reserve, and more. Seek out some of Ecuador’s approximately 130 hummingbird species, including the Giant Hummingbird, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Tourmaline Sunangel, and Glowing Puffleg. Identify other target species like the Andean Condor, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Toucan Barbet, and dozens of tanagers.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

SOUTH AMERICA

marine iguanas

Adventure Galápagos: Active Exploration of the Islands by Land 12 DAYS from $4,500 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - AUG ADVENTURE | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, PHOTOGRAPHY, professional development

The Galápagos Islands were Charles Darwin’s “Living Laboratory of Evolution,” named for the tortoises that roam the lush landscapes of the small archipelago. This active learning adventure is an opportunity to experience the islands’ unique environments in a way that most visitors to the Galápagos seldom do, through fun activities like snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, biking and stand-up paddleboarding. The Galápagos have become world-renowned for vast wildlife, which includes sea lions, turtles, marine iguanas, and more. You’ll learn about the natural history of the Islands during visits to Tortuga Bay, El Chato Tortoise Reserve, Tintoreras Islets, the Wall of Tears, the Charles Darwin Research Station, and a host of other highlights of the Enchanted Islands.

itinerary

DAY 6 | floreana — isabela DAYs 7-8 | isabela DAY 9 | isabela — SANTA CRUZ

DAYS 1-2 | quito DAYS 3-5 | floreana

DAY 10 | SANTA CRUZ DAY 11 | SANTA CRUZ — QUITO DAY 12 | DEPART

Highlights •

•

QUITO ISLA BALTRA

ISLA ISABELA

ISLA BALTRA

SANTA CRUZ ISLA ISABELA

QUITO MAP NOT TO SCALE

SANTA CRUZ

•

ISLA FLOREANA ISLA FLOREANA

• Price based on 14 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include international airfare.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/GPAL18

Snorkel the archipelago’s turquoise waters for the chance to view sea lions, Galápagos penguins, marine iguanas, sea turtles, whitetipped reef sharks, and more. Hike, kayak, bike, and standup paddleboard your way through the islands. Discover the human history of the islands, from 17th century whalers and pirates to Charles Darwin’s 1835 voyage, 20th century settlers, and today’s inhabitants. Hike up to the edge of Sierra Negra, one of the Galápagos’ largest and most active volcanoes. See the iconic Galápagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, the densely forested areas of Santa Cruz.

SOUTH AMERICA

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

diving boobies

Biodiversity and Volcanic Terrain Aboard M/C Tip Top II or M/Y Tip Top III 11 DAYS from $4,895 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - AUG natural history | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: birding, PHOTOGRAPHY, professional development

The Galápagos Islands were Charles Darwin’s “Living Laboratory of Evolution” and this 11-day small-group cruise expedition offers a frontrow seat. After visiting Ecuador’s capital, Quito, you’ll explore the archipelago with an onboard naturalist-guide. Stunning formations like saw-toothed Pinnacle Rock, sandy beaches, teeming lagoons and volcanic craters play host to unique wildlife such as the Blue-footed Booby, Darwin’s finches, giant Galápagos tortoises, and more. With no fear of human predation, many creatures can be approached up-close; you can even swim with the sea lions. You’ll also learn about the islands’ sparse but dramatic human history, a tale of buccaneers, penal colonists, and hardy settlers.

Highlights •

•

itinerary DAYS 1-2 | quito DAY 3 | santa cruz DAY 4 | santiagoBartolomé

DAY 5 | genovesa DAY 6 | santiago DAYs 7-9 | isabelafernandina

DAY 10 | santa cruzguayaquil DAY 11 | depart

ISLA GENOVESA

•

ISLA

BALTRA ISLA HAT BALTRA CHINESE HAT SANTA CRUZ

ISLA FERNANDINA FERNANDINA ISLA ISABELA

SANTA CRUZ

MAP NOT TO SCALE

ISLA GENOVESA

ISLA ISLASANTIAGO SANTIAGO CHINESE

•

QUITO

• GUAYAQUIL

ISLA ISABELA

GUAYAQUIL

• Price based on 15 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include international airfare.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/GPNT18

Come face-to-face with iconic wildlife including blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and Galápagos penguins. Explore diverse islands by boat and small panga craft, making wet and dry landings and stopping to hike, swim and snorkel. Learn about important conservation efforts at the Darwin Research Station. Visit the historic Wall of Tears, site of a former penal colony where prisoners were forced to build a wall with lava blocks. See endangered tortoises at Isabela Island’s Tortoise Breeding Center. Hike on Bartolomé Island for spectacular views of Pinnacle Rock, the archipelago’s most recognizable feature.

GALÁPAGOS & PERU

SOUTH AMERICA

machu picchu

Mysteries of Machu Picchu and the Galápagos 13 DAYS from $5,575 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - JUL culture & history | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: natural history, PHOTOGRAPHY, professional development

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! This exciting itinerary combines two destinations at the top of every traveler’s “must-see” list: Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands. Begin your 13-day adventure exploring the highlights of Peru, including the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, the salt mines of Maras, the agricultural terraces at Moray, the colonial buildings of Cusco and Lima, and of course, Machu Picchu. Continue your journey with a 4-night cruise through the Galápagos Islands aboard the M/Y Tip Top IV to experience the iconic wildlife and landscapes of the archipelago. Plus, you’ll have time to explore Quito, Ecuador’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

itinerary

Highlights •

•

DAYS 1-2 | Lima

ISLA SANTIAGO

CHINESE HAT

DAYS 3-5 | cusco

QUITO

SANTA CRUZ ISLA ISABELA

DAYS 6-7 | quito DAYs 8-11 | Galápagos

ISLA BALTRA

ISLA BALTRASANTA CRUZ

ISLA ISABELA

ISLA FLOREANA

GALÁPAGOS ISLA FLOREANA

GALÁPAGOS

DAY 13 | DEPART Price based on 10 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include international airfare.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

DAY 12 | quito

• LIMA

MACHU PICCHU

CUSCO

•

DID YOU KNOW? The Galápagos Islands was the first site toLIMA be inscribed onMACHU PICCHU the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978.

CUSCO

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/PGCM18

Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas and explore the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu. Have a traditional lunch with members of a local family in the Sacred Valley, learn how to weave baskets from corn husks in Maras, and visit the community of Chincheros, famous for its colorful woven textiles. View the iconic wildlife of the Galápagos, like Blue-footed Boobies, marine iguanas, and Galápagos penguins. Sail, hike, and snorkel among the geological features of the Galápagos, including Pinnacle Rock, the Chinese Hat, lava flows, and caves. 49

SOUTH AMERICA

PERU

on the amazon

Ultimate Peru: The Amazon and Machu Picchu 13 DAYS from $5,297 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: SEP - JUL natural history | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: birding, ADVENTURE, CULTURE & HISTORY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Achieve two travel milestones on a single adventure that includes Peru’s Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu, the most famous Incan archaeological site. You’ll experience the vast biodiversity sheltered among the Amazon’s tributaries, lagoons, and forests, exploring by boat and foot. Then, discover the “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu, set in the Andean highlands atop a cluster of humped emerald peaks. Along the way you’ll meet the inheritors of Peru’s natural and cultural legacy: the native Amazonian and Quechua people who welcome us into their homes. From colorful rubber baron mansions to the mysterious Sacred Valley to the canopy of the world’s largest rainforest, this is the total Peru experience.

Highlights •

Equator

itinerary IQUITOS

DAYS 1-2 | lima DAY 3 | Iquitos - Amazon Cruise

•

LIMA

• MACHU PICCHU AGUAS CALIENTES

CUSCO

Price based on 10 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

DID YOU KNOW? The Amazon River, which starts in Peru, is the largest river in the world by volume. It flows 150,000 cubic meters per second.

•

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/PENU18

•

Experience two of South America’s most iconic destinations: the Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu. Discover colonial Cusco and Lima, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cruise the Amazon and its oxbow lakes, lagoons and tributaries by skiff. Enjoy a nighttime rainforest safari in search of nocturnal herons, bats, pauraques, spectacled owls, and more than a dozen frog species. Experience the many facets of native Peruvian life when you explore an Amazonian village and the Quechua towns of the Sacred Valley, visiting family homes and meeting shamans, farmers, and craftsmen where they live and work.

PERU

SOUTH AMERICA

hiking in peru

Pathways to Machu Picchu: a Lodge-to-Lodge Adventure 13 DAYS from $5,165 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: SEP-JUL

PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROGRAM HAS A STRENUOUS ACTIVITY LEVEL

adventure | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: culture & history

Walk the road less traveled to Machu Picchu through a breathtaking tableau of Andean peaks, rushing streams, glacial valleys, coffee plantations, and villages where Incan ways find vivid expression in today’s Quechua cultures. The intimacy of your small group makes the grandeur even more stirring as you hike lodge-to-lodge along Salkantay route, the less-travelled Royal Inca Road. At the end of each day, you’ll be rewarded with luxurious comforts, cuisine and hospitality at our fine mountain lodges, recent winners in Travel + Leisure’s 2016 World’s Best awards. Your adventure is complemented by exploration in the colonial gems of Cusco and Lima, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Highlights

Equator

•

•

LIMA MACHU PICCHU CRUZPATA

AGUAS CALIENTES

CUSCO

DAY 13 | DEPART

•

Price based on 20 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/PEAS18

•

Hike the Royal Incan Road to Machu Picchu, through glacial valleys, Andean peaks, roaring rivers, orchards and plantations. Spend a full day within the Machu Picchu archaeological site, with the option to hike to Huayna Picchu for commanding views. Behold the massive stone walls of Sacsayhuaman. Explore Inca-Quechua heritage of towns like Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Pamper yourself at awardwinning lodges with gourmet cuisine, luxurious bedding, and Jacuzzis in a setting that evokes the Inca aesthetic. See the world-renowned collection of pre-Columbian ceramics and jewels at Lima’s Larco Museum.

SOUTH AMERICA

ARGENTINA

japanese garden in buenos aires

Argentina: International Garden Series 14 DAYS from $6,600 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: SEP - NOV gardens | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, CULTURE & HISTORY

Stretching more than 2,200 miles from north to south, Argentina encompasses diverse landscapes and ecosystems, making for the perfect botanical exploration. Begin in the cosmopolitan capital of Buenos Aires to explore the parks and public gardens, some of which have been in operation for 100 years or more. Then explore the forests, dry Andean foothills, and wine-producing regions of Salta and Cafayate, before heading south to the mesmerizing Lake District of northern Patagonia, where the architecture and conifer-studded scenery are reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.

itinerary

Highlights •

•

• SALTA CAFAYATE

DAY 1 | DEPART USA DAYS 2-4 | BUENOS AIRES DAY 5 | SALTA

•

DAY 6 | CAFAYATE DAY 7 | SALTA

BUENOS AIRES

DAYS 8-9 | ESQUEL DAYS 10-12 | BARILOCHE DAY 13 | BUENOS AIRES

BARILOCHE

ESQUEL

DAY 14 | DEPART Price based on 20 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/ARGS18

•

Stroll through Buenos Aires’ many parks, plazas, and green spaces, including the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Carlos Thays Botanical Garden. Visit several wholesale nurseries on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, where you will meet with the owners and discuss the challenges facing their industry. Head to the northern province of Salta and explore the lush vegetation, streams, pools, and cliffs of the highly biodiverse Yungas ecosystem. Travel on foot and by boat through the mesmerizing Lake District of northern Patagonia, where you’ll have the chance to see the trees that characterize the region like Patagonian cypress, Chilean incense cedar, guaiteca cypress, and the rare arrayán trees (Luma apiculata), among others. Take in a tango show for a taste of the Buenos Aires nightlife.

CHILE & ARGENTINA

SOUTH AMERICA

torres del paine

Frontiers of Patagonia: Cape Horn, Tierra del Fuego and Beyond 11 DAYS from $6,800 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - MAR adventure | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, PHOTOGRAPHY

Knife-edged Andean peaks, electric blue fjords, teeming rookeries and vast steppes: Patagonia promises adventure on a grand scale, and you will experience it, by land and sea. Aboard the award-winning M/V Stella Australis, your small group will hug the coast at the bottom of the world, served by a multidisciplinary team who will explain the science and history behind the beauty. Discover the skyscraping splendor of Torres del Paine National Park, the roiling seas of Drake Passage and Cape Horn National Park, sparkling glacial lakes and old ports where whalers and adventurers sailed in the wake of Magellan and Darwin. A Chilean winery tour and time in sophisticated Buenos Aires and Santiago add color and contrast to your wilderness adventure.

itinerary DAY 1 | depart usa

VIÑA DEL MAR VALPARAÍSO

Highlights •

•

SANTIAGO BUENOS AIRES

DAY 2 | buenos aires DAY 3 | ushuaia

•

DAY 4 | tierra del fuego DAYS 5-6 | cruising •

DAYs 7-9 | torres del paine DAY 10 | santiago DAY 11 | DEPART

TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

PUNTA ARENAS

Price based on 20 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK

STRAIGHT OF MAGELLAN

USHUAIA CAPE HORN NATIONAL PARK

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/ACAF18

•

Stay in an eco-camp in spectacular Torres del Paine National Park. Hike through Tierra del Fuego National Park in search of rare wildlife. Cruise in comfort aboard M/V Stella Australis through the fjords, bays and open seas from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas. Sample the sophisticated pleasures of Buenos Aires, Santiago and the Chilean wine country. Learn about the native Yámana people and their interactions over the centuries with international missionaries, explorers and scientists. Visit Magdalena Island to view a colony of more than 120,000 Magellanic penguins.

AFRICA, ASIA, AND BEYOND ICELAND

Known as the “Land of Fire and Ice” for its active volcanoes and massive glaciers, Iceland’s fascinating cultural heritage is also worth noting. Plus, bringing warm ocean currents from the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf Stream creates a mild climate and a safe habitat for migrating birds.

NAMIBIA

One of the world’s youngest countries boasts some of its oldest and most exquisite treasures: desert, red dunes and bush countries, plus wildlife ranging from elephants and giraffes to bird and reptile species. Experience shipwreck sites, a fur seal colony, mystical rock etchings, and a legendary game park to fully immerse yourself in unique Namibia.

SOUTH AFRICA

Africa’s Big Five wildlife thrives in South Africa, as well as over 22,000 species of plants, making it a hub for ecological diversity and enriching adventure. Traverse the savannahs, skim the coastline for whales, immerse yourself in Cape Town, and learn about the complex history of apartheid.

TANZANIA

Tanzania is the inspiring setting for both the Great Migration and the origins of humanity: experience the annual 1,800-mile journey taken by millions of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and impala and descend into Olduvai Gorge, where the earliest known specimens of the human genus were discovered.

MADAGASCAR

With an estimated 80 to 90 percent of the country’s flora and fauna unique to the island, Madagascar’s forests, deserts, savannas, beaches and coral reefs are perfect for tracking playful lemurs, colorful chameleons, endemic birds, and the cat-like fossa.

INDIA

Witness religious traditions on the banks of the River Ganges, enjoy the bustle of India’s metropolitan areas, or simply wander the impressive grounds of the Taj Mahal. Natural wealth abounds in India too, with wild tigers, marsh crocodiles, river dolphins, and over 1,300 bird species.

AUSTRALIA

Explore the habitats of species including koalas, kangaroos, kookaburras, and platypuses, and snorkel the famous Great Barrier Reef as you learn more about wildlife populations, conservation, and preservation. A strong aboriginal culture that revolves around tradition complements the experience.

NEW ZEALAND

Owing to its remote location, New Zealand remained unsettled by humans for thousands of years, allowing distinct plant and animal life to flourish. The country’s unique geological features, beautiful landscapes, and native Maori culture also set the country apart.

Ask us about our expeditions in: • ANTARCTICA

• FIJI

• KENYA

• SCOTLAND

• CHINA

• JAPAN

• RWANDA

• UGANDA

POLAR REGIONS

ICELAND

goose at Reykjavík botanical gardens

Birding in the Land of Fire and Ice 9 DAYS from $5,570 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: MAY - JUN birding | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, PHOTOGRAPHY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Explore the birds of Iceland on a journey to the land of fire and ice. This 9 day birding adventure offers both expert and novice birding enthusiasts a comprehensive introduction to Icelandic breeding and non-breeding bird populations. From the waterfowl of Lake Myvátn to the iconic Atlantic Puffins, the program provides opportunities to observe a wide variety of species including auks, petrels, cormorants, gannets, gulls, terns, waders, stilts, and birds of prey. The program includes a mix of formal and informal talks, hikes, and boating adventures designed to enrich your understanding of the natural history and diverse birds of Iceland.

itinerary

Highlights •

•

DAY 1 | Reykjavík DAYS 2-3 | LAKE MYVÁTN DAY 4 | Húsavík

HÚSAVÍK LÁTRABJARG

LAKE MYVÁTN GAUKSMÝRI

FLATEY

DAY 5 | Gauksmýri DAY 6 | Látrabjarg DAY 7 | Flatey

GRUNDARFJÖRĐUR

•

REYKJAVIK

DAY 8 | GRUNDARFJÖRĐUR

•

DAY 9 | Depart Price based on 12 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

DID YOU KNOW? There are an estimated 8-10 million puffins in Iceland and over half the world’s population of Atlantic Puffin breed there.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/ICBL18

•

Visit the home of half of the world’s population of Atlantic Puffin. Discover how Iceland’s avifauna has adapted to environments including volcanic systems, freshwater systems, and marine environments. Follow the fjords of northwest Iceland and see the majestic cliffs iconic to Iceland’s rich seabird population. Observe Black-legged Kittiwake, Thick-billed Murre, Arctic Tern, and Red-throated Loons. Get up close and personal with migrating whales, Great Cormorants, European Shags, and Atlantic Puffins. Marvel at Dettifoss Waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in the world.

ICELAND

POLAR REGIONS

skÓgafoss

Expedition Iceland: Glaciers, Volcanoes, and the Midnight Sun 10 DAYS from $6,245 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: MAY - SEP adventure | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: natural history, CULTURE & HISTORY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Born of fire and ice, Iceland is unlike any place you’ve ever seen, and this learning expedition introduces you to its rugged landscape, rich cultural history, and dynamic earth forces. You’ll behold spectacular geologic formations in national parks on this complete island circuit. Seek out diverse avian and marine life along black sand beaches, glacial lakes and towering rookeries. Discover the trendy capital, Reykjavik, and fishing villages whose quirky and charming people will inspire you with their creativity. Walk across blue-white glaciers and undulating lava fields. Float past a glittering iceberg or soak in a geothermal pool. Explore the oral and written history of the Vikings, through Saga Storytelling and tales of the hidden huldufólk, whose tiny gnome houses dot the countryside. All the while you’ll enjoy maximum exploring time during the long, leisurely days of the Midnight Sun.

itinerary

•

DAY 1 | Reykjavík GOÐAFOSS FALLS

DAY 2 | vÍk

•

LÁTRABJARG CLIFFS

DAY 3 | Höfn DAY 4 | Egilsstaðir

GULLFOSS FALLS

REYKJAVIK

DAY 5 | Akureyri

VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER

GEYSIR

KEFLAVIK

DAY 6 | Siglufjörður DAY 7 | Borgarfjörður DAYs 8-9 | Reykjavík DAY 10 | depart

Highlights

BLUE LAGOON

EYJAFJALLAJÖKULL VOLCANO SKÓGAFOSS FALLS

Price based on 20 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/ICAE18

•

Explore Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set on the juncture between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates, where the ancient Icelandic AlÞingi parliament meets. Float among icebergs at the Jokulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Sample Iceland’s “New Nordic” cuisine which enhances traditional dishes with creative cooking techniques. Witness spouting hot springs and bubbling mudpools of Geysir, Goðafoss waterfall, VÍk’s black sand beaches, and the jagged coastline of the East Fjords. 57

AFRICA

NAMIBIA

Twyfelfontein petroglpyh

The Wild Namibia: Exploring the Natural Wonders 18 DAYS from $6,690 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: MAY - OCT natural history | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: ADVENTURE, CULTURE & HISTORY, PHOTOGRAPHY

Namibia, one of the world’s youngest countries, tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Kalahari Desert, is packed with potential. The oldest desert in the world, the Namib, dominates Namibia’s landscape. Take time to visit surrounding safari areas with exquisite flora, towering red dunes, bush country, and fascinating geological formations. Game drives in Etosha National Park include the “Big Five” — elephants, rhinos, buffalos, lions and leopards — plus giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, and more. Help with radio tracking cheetahs that have been rehabilitated and released by the AFRICAT refuge. You’ll also have the chance to learn about Namibia’s cultural history as you visit Twyfelfontein, home to one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in Africa, and learn about the San people who have inhabited the area for tens of thousands of years.

Highlights •

•

itinerary DAY 1 | DEPART USA DAYS 2-3 | WINDHOEK

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

DAYS 4-5 | Sossusvlei DAYS 6-7 | Swakopmund DAY 8 | Cape Cross Reserve DAY 9 | Damaraland

• OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE

CAPE CROSS SWAKOPMUND WALVIS BAY

WINDHOEK

SOSSUSVLEI

DAYS 10-13 | Etosha National Park

•

DAYs 14-16 | Okonjima Nature Reserve DAY 17 | windhoek - depart DAY 18 | arrive usa 58

Price based on 15 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/NANW18

•

See unique desert-adapted wildlife like geckos, beetles, chameleons, and the arachnid known as the “dancing white lady spider.” Discover the Skeleton Coast and the largest colony of Cape fur seals at Cape Cross Seal Reserve. Immerse yourself in the San culture, learning about signs and tracks of the veldt, firemaking with traditional San fire sticks, making bows and arrows, jewelry and craftmaking, and hunting in the traditional San way. Descend 100 feet into Sesrium Canyon for a visual history of Namibian geology. Float over the red dunes and white salt and clay pan of Sossusvlei on a hot air balloon safari.

SOUTH AFRICA & BOTSWANA

AFRICA

lion in south africa

The Jewels of Southern Africa 13 DAYS from $6,135 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: MAY - FEB NATURAL HISTORY | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: birding, PHOTOGRAPHY, professional development

Southern Africa is rich with culture, history, vast landscapes, and a host of diverse animals to match, and this 13-day itinerary embraces it all. Begin your exploration in South Africa, where you’ll visit national parks, nature reserves, botanical gardens, and the metropolitan cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg. At Sabi Sands Reserve you’ll have several days of game drives for encounters with big predators and other savannah wildlife. Continue to the famed Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River, considered the world’s largest waterfall, before heading to Chobe National Park in Botswana, home to one of the largest game concentrations in Africa and famous for its elephant and lion populations.

itinerary

Highlights •

VICTORIA FALLS

DAY 1 | depart usa

ZIMBABWE

•

BOTSWANA

DAYS 2-4 | cape town DAY 5 | Stellenbosch

SABI SAND

DAY 6 | hermanus

JOHANNESBURG

SOUTH AFRICA

DAYs 7-8 | sabi sand

SWAZILAND

•

LESOTHO

DAY 9 | johannesburg DAys 10-11 | victoria falls

CAPE TOWN

STELLENBOSCH HERMANUS

DAY 12 | depart DAY 13 | arrive usa

•

Price based on 20 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

DID YOU KNOW? The oldest remains of modern humans were found in South Africa and are well over 160,000 years old.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/SANJ18

•

Tour Cape Town to see the Company Gardens, Greenmarket Square, the SA Museum, the Bo-Kaap area, and the V&A Waterfront in the heart of Cape Town’s harbor. Enjoy up-close views of the African Penguin colony at the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Taste some of South Africa’s renowned wines and learn about the wine-making process at a vineyard near Stellenbosch. Go on game drives for a chance to see elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalos, zebras, wildebeests, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and more. Take a sunset cruise at magnificent Victoria Falls, considered the world’s largest waterfall.

AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA

aloe ferox plant

South Africa’s Majestic Flora and Fauna 13 DAYS | CALL FOR PRICING | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: AUG - APR gardens | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: NATURAL HISTORY, culture & history

Ten percent of the world’s flowering plants are found in South Africa, and the Cape Peninsula alone contains more plant species than the whole of Great Britain. With visits to a selection of the country’s nine national gardens, plus several privately owned collections, you’ll experience firsthand the country’s rich botanical heritage. The region’s flora is not only extreme in diversity, but also in form - see some of the world’s strangest plants such as the sugarbushes (Proteas) and the Karoo’s baseball plant (Euphorbia obesa). The fauna will also be spectacular with opportunities to observe rhinos, whales, penguins, lions, elephants, and much more in the country’s finest nature reserves. South Africa’s unique flora and landscapes will take your breath away.

Highlights •

•

itinerary DAY 1 | depart usa DAY 2 | johannesburg

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

DAYS 3-5 | cape town

JOHANNESBURG

SWAZILAND

DAYS 6-7 | stellenbosch SOUTH AFRICA

DAYS 8-9 | johannesburg DAYs 10-11 | kruger

• LESOTHO

national park DAY 12 | depart

CAPE TOWN

STELLENBOSCH

DAY 13 | arrive usa Price based on 12 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/SAGF18

•

Explore Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site home to the fynbos that boasts one of the highest concentrations of plant species in the world. View the collections at a variety of national, private, and public gardens, including the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens. Sample South Africa’s renowned wines as you tour the estate, winery, and gardens of Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in Franschhoek. Visit the Apartheid Museum and the Soweto township and gain a better understanding and appreciation of what apartheid-era South Africa was really like.

AFRICA

TANZANIA

MAASAI MAN

Tanzania Up Close: Culture, Safari and the Great Migration 14 DAYS from $5,600 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: MAY - OCT adventure | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: natural history, birding, PHOTOGRAPHY, professional development

This comprehensive adventure visits Tanzania’s most famous parks for unforgettable wildlife viewing, but also celebrates Africa’s humanity with authentic cultural encounters in Maasai, Kikuyu, and Hadzabe Bushmen communities. The culmination will be the legendary Serengeti, where you will see the vast migrating herds and many predators who follow them. Our camps are positioned right where the seasonal migrations are most prolific. You’ll also witness the near-perfect balance of predator and prey in the stunning Ngorongoro Crater. Of special note is the fact that your game viewing takes place on foot as well as safari vehicles, a rare approach that provides the most up-close and thrilling safari experience ever.

Highlights •

•

KILIMANJARO GAME RESERVE

SERENGETI NGORONGORO KARATU

•

KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK ARUSHA

LAKE EYASI TARANGIRE

•

GAME RESERVES

DAYs 8-10 | Central Serengeti

NATIONAL PARKS

DAYs 11-13 | karatu-DEPEART

CONSERVATION AREAS

•

DAY 14 | arrive usa • Price based on 10 participants and 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

• see more online at holbrooktravel.com/TZAS18

Follow the Serengeti herds during the Great Migration, the world’s largest terrestrial mammal movement. Celebrate African culture as you explore local communities, browse markets and visit a local school. Seek out the Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater with a rich concentration of wildlife. Walk trails on Mt. Meru in search of buffalo, colobus monkeys, and warthogs. Learn clues to the origins of mankind at Olduvai Gorge, where important fossil remains were discovered. Embark on a walking safari in the Serengeti. Stand in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro at Arusha National Park.

AFRICA

MADAGASCAR

RING-TAILED LEMUR

Exotic Madagascar: Wildlife & Culture of the Red Island 17 DAYS from $5,300 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: MAR - OCT natural history | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: adventure, garden tours, PHOTOGRAPHY

Madagascar inspires the imagination with its dancing lemurs, strangelooking baobab trees, and colorful reptiles and insects. On this exploration of the “eighth continent,” you’ll have the chance to observe the island’s endemic flora and fauna up-close, especially its many lemur species, from the giant Indri to the diminutive mouse lemurs. Along the way, you’ll delve into the spiny forests, canyons, red hills, and beaches that make Madagascar’s landscapes so distinct. Take guided hikes in national parks, learn about the Malagasy way of life, and explore an uninhabited island off the coast of the “Great Red Island.”

Highlights •

itinerary DAYS 1-2 | DEPART; IN TRANSIT

•

DAY 3 | Antananarivo

ANDASIBE

DAYs 4-5 | andasibe

ANTANANARIVO

DAY 6 | antsirabe

ANTSIRABE

RANOMAFANA

TOLIARA ANAKAO

DAY 17 | depart Price based on 20 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

•

ISALO

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/MGNE18

•

Come face-to-face with Madagascar’s unique and unusual wildlife, including geckos, chameleons, rare birds, and butterflies. Encounter the nine species of lemur that roam freely in Lemur’s Park, an urban botanical park that was established to increase public awareness of the importance of protecting these animals. Watch Malagasy craftsmen make the ubiquitous aluminum pots used for cooking over open fires. Discover natural and cultural history while taking in panoramic views on a trek over rice fields, incised rocks, gorges, the Canyon of the Makis and Canyon of the Rats, and the huge Ihorombe plateau in Isalo National Park.

INDIA

ASIA

taj mahal

Tigers, Taj Mahal, Culture, and History 15 DAYS from $5,400 | Choose your dates | Travel dates: OCT 1 - MAY 15 culture & history | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: natural history, adventure, PHOTOGRAPHY, professional development

India delights the imagination with layers of civilization that date back 7,000 years. Its deep spirituality finds expression in a riot of temples, palaces, bazaars and everyday devotion. It is saturated colors, entrancing music, rich cuisine and wild habitats of amazing biodiversity. Discover it all on our carefully-curated itinerary that blends the iconic cities of the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur), visits to rural villages, and an unforgettable safari in search of the elusive Bengal tiger. From its dynastic origins to the Mughal era to the British Raj, come experience India’s never-ending transformation on this diverse introduction to the subcontinent.

Highlights • •

•

DELHI JAIPUR

AGRA

KHAJURAHO BANDHAVGARH KANHA

DAys 8-10 | Bandhavgarh DAYs 11-13 | kanha DAY 14 | delhi-DEPART DAy 15 | arrive usa

Price based on 20 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

•

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/INCT18

Achieve a travel milestone when you see the Taj Mahal. Ride an elephant to Jaipur’s Amber Fort, then explore the Palace of the Winds, Johari Bazaar and other marvels of the “Pink City.” Go on safari in Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks in search of Bengal tigers, and learn the challenges of protecting this species. Experience rural life during a school visit and cooking demonstration. Admire the UNESCO monuments of Delhi, including Jama Masjid. Behold the 10th-century friezes of Khajuraho, which depict the intersection of eroticism and spirituality. 63

PACIFIC

AUSTRALIA

great barrier reef

Wild Australia: Reef, Rainforest and Cultural Exploration 12 DAYS from $4,700 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: SEP-JUN natural history | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: culture & history, ADVENTURE

Australia is a land of superlatives, and the best of it comes together in the North Queensland territory. This in-depth, small group expedition delves into aboriginal culture and also reveals rare wildlife and unique natural formations that exist only in Australia. You’ll swim and snorkel at Lodestone Reef, a more pristine section of the Great Barrier Reef with fewer visitors. Go bushwalking in ancient rainforests. Learn about aboriginal traditions and the dreamtime beliefs that offer a very different view of reality. Get close to koala, cassowary, kangaroos and platypus, the world’s only egg-laying mammal. And visit the dramatic Wallaman Falls, the country’s tallest single-drop waterfall.

Highlights •

•

• •

itinerary DAYs 1-2 | depart; in transit DAYS 3-5 | townsville DAYS 6-7 | paluma range area

PALUMA

MAGNETIC ISLAND

TOWNSVILLE

•

BRISBANE

•

DAYS 8-9 | magnetic island DAYs 10-11 | townsville DAY 12 | depart

Price based on 20 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

SYDNEY DID YOU KNOW? There are 45 Indigenous languages and over 200 other languages and dialects spoken in Australia. Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin are some of the most common non-English languages.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/AUNW18

•

Travel in a small group for an up-close wildlife experience with koala, cassowary, kangaroo, and other species unique to Australia. Snorkel and swim the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Magnetic Island, a refuge for an estimated 800 koalas. Practice snorkeling in the largest living reef pool in the world at Reef HQ, Australia’s National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef. Explore rainforests, waterfalls, mangroves and mountains within the UNESCO-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland. Immerse yourself in aboriginal culture at Mungalla Station, an Indigenous Protected Area where you’ll take an ethno-botany walk and toss boomerangs. Add an optional post-trip extension to the multicultural metropolis of Sydney, the birthplace of modern Australia.

NEW ZEALAND

PACIFIC

detail of maori carving

Exploring Treasures of the North and South Islands 15 DAYS from $5,550 | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: SEP - MAY adventure | ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR: natural history, garden tours, PHOTOGRAPHY, professional development

This comprehensive, 15-day adventure celebrates the cultural, geologic, and biological diversity of New Zealand, visiting both the North and South islands. The range of terrain and microclimates will astound you, from the volcanic peaks and geothermal springs of the north to the southern rainforests, alpine mountains and glacier fields. It’s all bounded by a stunning coastline where we’ll seek whales, orca, dolphin and other marine species. You’ll have the opportunity to hike, kayak, bungee jump, and go on a heli-tour and more in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World,” and everywhere, you’ll encounter the rich culture of the Maori, New Zealand’s original inhabitants.

Highlights •

itinerary •

DAYS 1-2 | depart; in transit

AUCKLAND

DAY 3 | auckland

ROTORUA

DAYS 4-5 | rotorua DAY 6 | wellington DAY 7 | kaikoura

NELSON HOKITIKA

•

WELLINGTON KAIKOURA

•

DAYs 8-9 | nelson DAY 10 | hokitika

MILFORD SOUND

•

DAY 11 | wanaka DAYs 12-13 | queenstown DAY 14 | milford sound DAY 15 | depart

Price based on 20 participants and 2 leaders traveling for free. Price does not include participant airfare.

see more online at holbrooktravel.com/NZAT18

•

Admire Rotorua’s Te Puia Geothermal Valley, with its steaming geysers, redwood forest, and a village buried beneath volcanic ash. Cruise overnight on scenic Milford Sound in Fjordland National Park. Experience Maori culture at Tamaki village, where you’ll enjoy a traditional hangi feast. Hike on Franz Josef Glacier and learn about the impact of climate change on this UNESCO-listed site. Board a catamaran in search of the immense sperm whales of the Hikurangi Trench. Explore the golden beaches and turquoise water of the Abel Tasman National Park via kayaking and hiking. 65

2018 Calendar of Expeditions by Interest Birding

holbrooktravel.com/birding

Program/Name

Destination

Neotropical Birds and Mayan Ruins

Belize & Guatemala

NEW

Birding and Nature in the Tropics of Belize | A Flyway Expedition

NEW

Northern Colombia Birding Trail | A Flyway Expedition An Introduction to Neotropical Birding Birder’s Paradise: Savegre, Sarapiquí and Arenal

NEW

Days

Price*

Page

$2,235

Belize

$2,800

Colombia

$4,800

Costa Rica

$1,595

Costa Rica

$2,550

Cuba’s Birding Hotspots

Cuba

$3,045

Birding Highlights of the Northern and Central Regions

Ecuador

$2,550

Exploring Maya Biosphere Reserve | A Flyway Expedition

Guatemala

$2,995

Birding in the Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland

$5,570

Birding the Ruins of the Yucatán

Mexico

$2,495

Birding from Valleys to Shores

Panama

$3,500

Days

Price*

Page

Natural History NEW

NEW

holbrooktravel.com/naturalhistory

Program/Name

Destination

Wild Australia: Reef, Rainforest & Cultural Exploration

Australia

$4,700

Best of Belize: Caves, Corals, and Mayan Wonders

Belize

$2,600

Preserving Paradise: National Parks and Private Reserves

Costa Rica

$2,375

Riches of the Rainforest, Arenal Volcano, and the Pacific Coast

Costa Rica

$2,165

Natural Wonders and Historical Treasures of Eastern Cuba

Cuba

$4,900

Ecological Riches and Cultural Exploration of Western Cuba

Cuba

$3,340

Biodiversity and Volcanic Terrain aboard Tip Top II or III

Galápagos Islands

$4,895

Exotic Madagascar: Wildlife & Culture of the Red Island

Madagascar

$5,300

Baja Peninsula: Gray Whales and Desert Landscapes

Mexico

$3,145

The Wild Namibia: Exploring the Natural Wonders

Namibia

$6,690

Ultimate Peru: The Amazon and Machu Picchu

Peru

$5,297

The Jewels of Southern Africa

S. Africa & Botswana

$6,135

Days

Price*

Page

$3,800

CULTURE & history

holbrooktravel.com/follow-your-interest/cultural-travel

Program/Name

Destination

NEW

Exploring Colombia: Culture, Coffee, and the Caribbean

Colombia

NEW

Connecting with People and Culture in Central Cuba

Cuba

$2,395

NEW

Mysteries of Machu Picchu and the Galápagos

Galápagos & Peru

$5,575

Tigers, Taj Mahal, Culture, and History

India

$5,400

Days

Price*

Page

$6,600

Garden Tours

holbrooktravel.com/gardentours

Program/Name

Destination

International Garden Series

Argentina

Cuban Gardens, Culture, and Arts

Cuba

$3,565

The Majestic Flora and Fauna of South Africa

South Africa

CALL

Days

Price*

Page

$2,795

Days

Price*

Page

$2,497

22 26

Photography

holbrooktravel.com/photography

Program/Name

Destination

Photographing the Jewels of Nature

Costa Rica

ADVENTURE

holbrooktravel.com/adventure-tours

Program/Name

Destination

Hidden Treasures of the Last Frontier

Alaska

Exploring Belize: Rainforests, Reefs, and Ruins

Belize

$3,400

Frontiers of Patagonia: Cape Horn, Tierra del Fuego, and Beyond

Chile & Argentina

$6,800

NEW

Costa Rica Eco-Adventure: Tortuguero, La Selva, and Arenal

Costa Rica

$2,250

NEW

Adventure Galápagos: Active Exploration of the Islands by Land

Galápagos Islands

$4,500

Expedition Iceland: Glaciers, Volcanoes, and the Midnight Sun

Iceland

$6,245

Exploring Treasures of the North and South Island

New Zealand

$5,550

NEW

Pathways to Machu Picchu: A Lodge-to-Lodge Adventure

Peru

$5,265

NEW

Tanzania Up Close: Culture, Safari, and the Great Migration

Tanzania

$5,600

*Note: starting price for land only

BEST MONTHS TO TRAVEL

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS ARE SAYING

“ “ “ “ “

Holbrook prepared us well. Enjoyed the park naturalists. All three were extremely knowledgeable. MARILYN MILLER Cuba, 2016

Holbrook took care of all the details — thank you. JOANNE BAUER Costa Rica, 2016

All aspects were rewarding. The tour guide and support staff were outstandingly good. LESTER BARBER Peru, 2016

I loved this tour. It was very well planned, the days were packed with exactly what was promised. SHARON FELTMAN Cuba, 2016

Holbrook is very professional and stands behind its leaders and participants from beginning to end. I have trust in this company 100 percent. BARRY ROSSHEIM Costa Rica, 2015

PHOTO CREDITS: Todd Gustafson | Gustafson Photo Safari, Laura Hare, Michelle Korczynski, Joanna Livingstone, Stephanie Kowacz, Pelin Karaca, Debbie Sturdivant Jordan, Greg Basco, Peter Sheik, Daniel Knieper, Jerry Goffe, NaturePhotoWorks.com, Tim Buss, J Craighill Photography, Christopher William Adach, Julian Londono, Guillaume Baviere, Jason and Kris Carter, Sam Beebe, Alexander Dzib, Ian McKenzie, Kjersti Holmang, Steffi Lopez, Jon Nelson, Francesco Veronesi, Karen Straus, Jennifer Shea Moses, Martin Garrido, Isaac Bardas, Joaquin Garcia, Dominic Sherony, Alex Proimos, Kate Perez, Laura Gooch, Francisco Puertas, Piviso, Alton Biggs, Graham Campbell, Prenn, Neil Orlando Diaz Martinez, Eli Duke, Robert and Pat Rogers, Stephen Velasco, Dave Wendelken, Steven Bedard, Cathy Turgeon, Lisa Palmese-Graubard, McKay Savage, Bruce Goodwin, Chris Gamel, Hery Zo Rakotondramanana, Ben Robinson, Axel Kristinsson, Progresschrome, Andrés Nieto Porras, Moyan Brenn, Hans Hillewaert, Kemal Kestelli, Erik Brits, freestock.ca, Henrik Palm, Ian Segebarth, Tourism Queensland

We offer you the world Since 1974, Holbrook Travel has taken thousands of travelers on expeditions across Latin America, Africa, and destinations beyond. Our mission is to facilitate a true connection between our travelers and our destinations.

800-451-7111 | holbrooktravel.com | travel@holbrooktravel.com